Bloomsbury, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-59990-140-4
Available: Hardcover
Victorian London…the poisonous fog so dense you can barely make out the shapes of people around you or see your way safely. Darker still, an influential, exclusive society known as the Damnation Club meets in ancient caverns deep underneath Westminster. Membership requires an invitation… and the loss of your mortal soul. The head of the order is a mysterious, skeletal, coachman who collects orphaned boys to serve as undead minions; his followers are Vampire. They await the awakening of their all-powerful master, one who will bring them out of the darkness to rule over humanity.
George Archer works for the Department of Unclassified Artefacts at the British Museum. His dear friend, the lovely Liz, and his spirited young charge, Eddie, become entangled in the gruesome mystery as their friends and associates succumb to the club and become blood-drinking immortals. It’s up to them to save themselves and the rest of the world.
The Parliament of Blood is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Richards’ plot is complex and riveting. He sustains palpable suspense throughout, and manages to scare the reader just enough to make it fun. Best of all, his characters are masterfully developed, investing the reader completely in his story. He creates just the right amount of sympathy for those who are lost, but leaves our heroes intact.
This is an enjoyable read for fans of any horror or mystery genre, but it’s also a great example of adventure writing. Eddie is an Artful Dodger figure whose confidence and spunk make him a fearless and attractive hero; he plays well against the steady, mild-mannered George. Richards’ prose is elegant and modern, a timeless story that reanimates the original, demonic legends of vampires, relieving us of the romantic, kinder, gentler bloodsucker and bringing back the monster. Highly recommended.
Contains: nothing overtly objectionable.
Reviewed by: Sheila Shedd