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The Monster Librarian Presents:

Reviews of Vampire Fiction 

The vampire novel first sank its fangs into the mainstream reading public with Bram Stoker's Dracula. Vampire fiction has caught the horror reader's imagination as a seductive and destructive supernatural force.  I will include books that include vampiric entities as well, with the criteria that they live off a substance from human beings, that can include blood, "life force", or "humanity". This section contains both reviews  of vampire books and a list of various titles of vampires books that are out there. 

 

Additional resources for vampire fiction can be found at:

 

Fans of vampire fiction will also want to check out the zombie/vampire book Roses of Blood on Barbwire Vines by D. L. Snell reviewed here

 

Vampyrrhic by Simon Clark*New Review

Cemetery Dance, 2008

ISBN: 9781587670763

Available: New

    The strange little town of Leppington is about to get stranger with the arrival of Dr. Leppington, who has returned to his hometown to visit his uncle and revisit his roots. The relaxing visit becomes a tense nightmare as Dr. Leppington’s uncle tries to get him to remember instances from his childhood, with the expectation that he will fulfill a bizarre prophecy handed down by the gods. Vampyrrhic isn’t quite a vampire novel. The monsters in this story have much in common with vampires, but also share a few qualities with zombies. The characters are wildly varied and completely believable. Electra, owner of the bed-and-breakfast where Dr.Leppington stays, is almost motherly, Bernice is disturbingly morbid, and Jack at times plays the villain and at times fills the role of a hero. Vampyrrhic is a great book to add to any horror collection, and almost a necessity for those who collect vampire stories.

Contains: Adult scenes

Review by Bret Jordan

 

Vampyrrhic Rites by Simon Clark*New Review

Cemetery Dance, 2008

ISBN: 1587670899

Available: New 

    The Vampyrrhic are back and closer to fulfilling their goals than ever. This time they have risen up in Lazarus Deep, an aptly titled lake near Leppington. The story begins when Electra receives strange emails from a man who can’t remember where he is or even who he is, but feels he is being haunted and preyed upon while living like a prisoner in an old house. It isn’t long before Electra realizes that the Vampyrrhic are back and she needs help dealing with them. Turning to the only person who would understand and be able to help she calls the reluctant David Leppington, who is dealing with a crisis of his own as he struggles to find Katrina, his schizophrenic college girlfriend. As the threads of fate weave together, David and Bernice go to Leppington to help Electra stop the apocalypse that the Vampyrrhic threaten to unleash upon the world.

 

    Once again Simon Clark tells a story of terror with his vampyrrhic monsters as the focus. At first glance the monsters come across as straight vampires, but they are more diverse than that. Some are reminiscent of savage versions of Anne Rice’s blood drinkers, but most of them fall more in line with the vampires of Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend - almost a zombie/vampire crossbreed. The plot is full of action, and the plot twists will keep the reader wondering where the story is going and who will survive the Ragnarok that is fast approaching. Vampyrrhic Rites is a fine fit for either a vampire or zombie collection and a must have for anyone who has the first book.

Contains: Sex

Review by Bret Jordan

 

 

 

Blood Red by James A Moore
Berkley, September 2007
9780425217597

Available: New
    Black Stone Bay is a quiet college town, which finds itself stuck with a major vampire outbreak. Maggie, a student and high-class prostitute, is the main character. Eventually she gets mixed up with a modern-day Dracula. The narrative is pushed along by two bumbling, foul-mouthed policemen who provide the exposition. Moore’s other characters include a dirty cop, a helpful neighbor, and a nasty pimp, who are all woven into the story in interesting ways. The story finally comes together on a foggy Halloween night, when the town suffers a great loss of population. The story has some gaps and requires some suspension of disbelief, and readers may find the ending unsatisfactory, but most will still enjoy it.

Contains: violence, minor gore, sex, but not graphic, adult language.
Reviewed by Larry Oathout
 

 

Cold Light of Day by Paul Cave

Apex Publishing, 2006

ISBN: 1904444822

Available New

            Cold Light of Day is the second novel for British author Paul Cave .Mr.Cave does a good job of creating dynamic characters. The main character, Josh Sawyer, is a promising young track star sidelined by events outside his control. He struggles to create a new life with Anna, a beautiful Russian woman with a secret. Although the word is never actually said, it is clear that she is a vampire. Josh and Anna, accused of murder, are being chased by the FBI as well as another vampire, Jonas.

              In spite of a good beginning and interesting characters, Cold Light of Day lost me early on, when Josh and Anna escaped from an airport in a painfully far-fetched way. The novel could have bounced back, but the airport episode was followed by a flashback, which, although important to the story, interrupted the pacing and changed the tone drastically. After fifty or so pages in the flashback I had lost interest in Josh's story. Weaving the background information in might have improved the story’s flow. Cave also has a habit of using over-the-top exposition that disrupts the reader’s suspension of disbelief.

            While I didn't enjoy this book, I think Cave is a talented writer, and this novel could have been improved with another serious edit and perhaps another draft.  Even with its flaws, Cave’s writing is enjoyable enough for me to seek out his first book, Something of the Night, and fans of all things vampire may want to Cave’s work a look.

Contains: Adult Language and Violence Review

by David Agranoff

 

 

 

Something of the Night by Paul Cave
Apex Publishing, 2006
ISBN: 1904444725
Available: New
    I had my doubts going in, but Something of the Night by Paul Cave won me over. In a nutshell, this is the story of mankind on the very brink of extinction at the hands of a Vampire Army that lords over a ravaged Earth. Hiding underground, humans rarely strike back for fear of giving away their nesting place, but when there’s an infiltrator discovered among them the story becomes an edge of your seat page turner. Paul Cave has managed to breath some new life into a tired old horror trope, conjuring up a sense of impending dread and urgency that is refreshing and commendable. From the terrific characterization of the major players (especially Vampire Slayer Jacob Cain) to the plot-driven roller coaster ride, Something of the Night is a meaty tome that will leave you wanting for more.
This book is for fans of vampire fiction in general, as well as those who enjoy Apocalyptic and Men’s Adventure stories.
Contains: Adult language, Violence

Review by Bob Freeman
 

 

Saint-Germain: Memoirs, by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Elder Signs Press, October 2007

ISBN: 9781934501016

Available: New

    Saint-Germain: Memoirs collects two short stories, two novelettes and a novella, each focused on different slice of the remarkable life

of the immortal Count Saint Germain. Yarbro's vampire is a good guy, a soul tempered by the passing of time, who tries to improve the lives of those around him. Saint-Germain: Memoirs is an excellent testing ground for new readers curious about Yarbro’s unique writing style, and gives collectors and current fans a chance to fill in a few more pieces of the Count’s expansive life. This title also gives libraries an opportunity to add horror stories set in historical times that are largely blood, violence, and sex free, to their collections.

Review by Michele Lee

 

 

Sundays with Vlad: From Pennsylvania to Transylvania, One Man’s Quest to Live in the World of the Undead by Paul Bibeau

Three Rivers Press, October 2007

ISBN: 9780307352781

Available: New

    Paul Bibeau starts Sundays with Vlad with a description of his honeymoon- a trip to the original home of Vlad the Impaler in Romania. Frankly, I’m surprised his wife didn’t divorce him. It’s clear that Bibeau is a fan- personally invested in exploring the many facets of Dracula in literature, history, politics, and popular culture. Each chapter examines a different take on the Dracula theme. Bibeau’s writing is lively and conversational, and readers will be drawn in by his enthusiasm. Although Bibeau just touches the surface with some of the subcultures he describes, most people will be surprised to know they even exist. The author doesn’t shy away from the darker side of his topic, either. Sundays with Vlad is a fascinating, addictive book. Readers should be prepared to be entertained, educated, and, in some places, deeply disturbed. Highly recommended for general nonfiction collections in public libraries.

Note:  Sundays with Vlad is a non-fiction title.

Contains: descriptions of arson, violence and murder, suggestions of impalement, blood drinking, and vampirism.

Review by Francesca the Librarian

 

Trailer Trash by Scott T. Goudsward *New Review

Dark Hart Press, 2007

ISBN: 097731832

Available: New

            Teen Elvis Taggard’s world is turned upside down when a vampire in his trailer park home kills his mother and father.  After killing the vampire, Elvis hooks up with a vampire investigator/slayer to hunt down other blood suckers.  Trailer Trash is a fun vampire read.  Elvis is an entertaining character and the author has enough twists and turns in the story to keep his reader guessing in a good way. Trailer Trash, with its teen protagonist, has the potential to expand into a young adult vampire series, and should appeal to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer crowd. Since it was written for an adult audience, Trailer Trash is a good transitional title from teen to adult vampire fiction. Recommended.

Contains: Gore

 

 

Salem's Lot by Stephen King

Pocket Books, 1999

ISBN: 0671039741

Availability: New or Used

      Some would say that Salem's Lot, Stephen King’s second novel, published in 1975, is really the book that introduced him to the world.  Ostensibly, it offers itself as a vampire tale about a writer named Ben Mears who returns to a small town in Maine called Jerusalem's Lot,  The town soon becomes infected by vampires, and Mears leads a varied group who must battle them.  King has called this take on vampires his way of updating Dracula, but it reads as more than just a subgenre stab in Bram Stoker's direction.  The book actually feels less like a vampire tale than a whirlwind description of a small town that becomes the victim of a European antique dealer living in a house that overlooks the town.  Setting is important here, for the panorama of a small town permeates the entire work.  Stylistically, Salem’s Lot is set apart from other vampire tales. The story flashes from one character to another and the reader gets to know the individual inhabitants of the town. Readers advisory note: Salem’s Lot may especially appeal to readers of vampire tales who are looking for more than the typical straightforward approach, since setting becomes a character in its own right. Highly recommended for public library collections.

Media connections:

Salem’s Lot, 1979 television miniseries

Salem’s Lot , 2004 television miniseries

Contains: violence.

Review by William Simmons     

 

 

 

Vampire Twilight by Phillip Henry

Coral Moon, 2007

ISBN: 9780955655609

Available: New

    Vampire Twilight is a fast-paced sequel to Vampire Dawn, with return appearances of most of the characters from the first book. In this continuation, Lucinda, an agent of the Ministry, helps Kaaliz, a vampire made by former vampires Claire and Xavier, escape from the Ministry. In return, Kaaliz makes Lucinda into the vampire Sin. Together they plan and seek vengeance on Claire, Xavier, the Ministry, and the world, creating as much chaos and death as they can. Kaaliz and Sin are pursued by Ministry agents Nichole and Rek, vampire slayer Chloe, and Xavier’s daughter, half-vampire/half-human Lynda, Although the story is an entertaining read, Henry misses out on character development. Readers expecting to see members of the large ensemble cast of Vampire Dawn fleshed out will be disappointed.  However, although it may be difficult to connect with some characters, Henry engages the reader and captures the imagination .  Recommended for public libraries. Reader’s advisory note:  Readers of Karen Koehler’s books, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, and of Henry’s first book, Vampire Dawn, will appreciate this book.  

Contains: violence, gore.

 

 

Pale Immortal by Anne Frasier

Onyx, 2006

ISBN:  0451412249

Available: New

    Anne Frasier seems unsure of whether Pale Immortal is a thriller or a horror novel, and her writing bounces between the two genres, jarringly at times. The novel does have a certain appeal, however. Frasier has a fine command of language and the prose simply drips with atmosphere. Her characters are three-dimensional, if not altogether likeable or compelling, and she certainly knows the Midwest. The dialogue suffers at times, particularly near the story’s climax, but where the book fails is in its own awareness. Pale Immortal meanders about trying to find its direction; never sure of what it wants to be. It’s possible that this was by design, and, if so, the Frasier should be applauded for the attempt, though she receives low marks for the actual execution.

Reader’s advisory note: Pale Immortal may appeal to multiple audiences. Readers of thrillers, horror, and paranormal romance may all find something to enjoy.

Contains: Adult language, Adult situations, Violence

Review by Bob Freeman 

 

Garden of Darkness by Anne Frasier

Onyx, 2007

ISBN:  0451412478

Available: New 

    In Garden of Darkness, Anne Frasier returns to the setting of her novel Pale Immortal, and it’s clear that she has learned from the experience of writing the previous book. In this compelling, tighter, and more realized novel, Fraiser again blends genres, combining thriller and horror, with just a splash of romance and police procedural. Suspenseful and deftly crafted, Garden of Darkness keeps the reader guessing. The characters again steal the show, as her depiction of Midwesterners is spot on. Although Garden of Darkness can stand alone, readers who want to embrace the complete tale in this two-part series will benefit from reading the first book. It is this reviewer’s understanding that Garden of Darkness is the final book in the series, but it does end on a cliffhanger, which may frustrate some readers, but for others may add to the experience. Reader’s advisory note: Garden of Darkness may appeal to multiple audiences. Readers of thrillers, horror, and paranormal romance may all find something to enjoy. Readers of Pale Immortal will also appreciate being introduced to this book.

Contains: Adult language, Adult situations, Violence

Review by Bob Freeman 

 

 

 

The Oval Portrait by Michael Smolanoff

Publish America, 2007

ISBN: 1424142180

Available: New

    Michael Smolanoff is obviously an educated man with a command of the English language, a strong vocabulary, and a knowledge of art and literature rarely found in novels such as this. He sets his scenes with care and attempts to paint a vivid, if somewhat grim picture of the world of the vampire. Trouble is, it’s not all that interesting or innovative. His characters are cardboard and unfathomable, and the plot is a convoluted mess. The book’s greatest failing, however, lies in its pretentiousness, and, unfortunately, the vast majority of literary references used throughout will sail over the heads of most readers. It’s really too bad, as there is a lot to commend about The Oval Portrait. The author has considerable talents at his disposal, and a more legitimate publisher and editorial staff could have done wonders with this novel. As a reader, I think his work is worth a second chance, but only if it has passed through a respected publishing house first. Readers advisory note: Readers of Anne Rice and Laurell K. Hamilton may find this book appealing, although Whitley Strieber’s The Hunger deals with a similar theme and would be a better initial recommendation.

Contains: adult language; adult situations; graphic violence; and graphic sexual content, including bondage, rape, and homosexuality.

Review by Bob Freeman.

 

 

They Hunger by Scott Nicholson Pinnacle, 2007

ISBN: 0786017139

Available: New

 In They Hunger, Scott Nicholson gives us a new type of vampire- a half bat, half human creature whose condition is readily transferable to its victims.   A publicity stunt by a outdoor outfitting company sends a group of people to the Unegama River in the Appalachian Mountains.  There they run into Ace Goodall, an antiabortion activist who bombs clinics and is on the run from the FBI.   When one of Ace’s bombs go off, the vampires are released and everyone must struggle to survive. Although populated by stock characters, the overall story is well written with a good pace and plenty of action. However, those looking for a vampire tale with a handsome charming undead looking to sweep some pretty young thing off her feet will be horribly disappointed. Contains: violence, gore, sex

 

 

Blood Coven by Christopher Fulbright and Angeline Hawkes

Dead Letters Press, 2007

ISBN: 0979633508

Available: New

            During the late 1800s a secret religious organization known as the Ordine works to protect society from vampires. Walter’s job, as Catcher for the Ordine, is to track down and kill vampires. In Blood Coven he faces his most dangerous job ever. He must locate and destroy an ancient vampire who wants to propagate her kind in a way that has never been seen before. Walter questions the morality of what he has to do, making him a more believable character that the reader can really relate to. Blood Coven is a fast paced story full of action and plot twists that are sure to catch the reader by surprise. This chapbook, limited to 100 copies, would make a fine addition to large public or private libraries looking to strengthen their vampire story collection or add to their horror section.

Contains: Violence, Gore Review by Bret Jordan

 

 

 

Rebirth by Scott McKenzie.

 Lulu.com, 2007

ISBN: 1847534120
Available: New
    In this action novel, Detective Tom Ryder investigates the bombing of a lab run by renowned researcher Dr. Andrew Owen. Ryder teams up with Jane Simpson, an operative of the World Health Organziation, who is also interested in the destruction of the lab. Before either can speak to Owen they discover that he has disappeared, probably kidnapped. Enter the Brotherhood, a mysterious group founded to fight an evil that threatens the very existence of mankind. Little by little Ryder pieces together the connection between Owen, the Brotherhood, and the bloodthirsty creatures who menace humanity. They are vampires, of course, still small in numbers, but beginning to build their forces and planning to wrest control of the world from the human race. Ryder soon discovers that Jane is an agent of the Brotherhood, and it is through her that he learns about the threat the world faces. But things are more complicated than they first seem, and at times the good guys aren't nice at all. Although McKenzie’s story has potential, many of the complications seem contrived, his writing is turgid, and his dialogue is stilted. Having said that, I did want to know what happened and skipped through to the end to find out. There is a good novel in there somewhere- a talented editor might have saved this self-published book. Rebirth is book one in a series featuring Tom Ryder. Published at rebirthnovel.blogspot.com
 Contains violence and some gore review by Patricia
 

Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite

Dell Publishing, 1993

ISBN: 0440212812

Available: New
    In Lost Souls, Brite tells the intertwined stories of people, some human, some vampire, all looking to find themselves in a variety of ways- on stage with a microphone in hand, in the arms of a beloved betrayer, or in the bewitching, electric green eyes of a vampire. She paints a dark picture in blood of back streets and vampire nature with her hypnotic, brutal storytelling. Coarse and gritty in its core, Lost Souls is a truly original vampire tale. It is deep and boundless, sensual and enthralling. Brite’s combination of hope, despair, love, hate, guilt, fear, alcohol, and blood make for an intoxicating tale. Lost Souls will draw readers in and leave them wanting more. Recommended for public library collections. A readers’ advisory note: Brite’s novel lacks a moral center, which may not appeal to some readers.   
Contains: Language, drug abuse, intense violence, gore, and extreme sex.

Readers’ advisory note: Brite’s novel lacks a moral center, and may not appeal to some readers for that reason.
review by Rose Gordon

 

 

The Amulet of Vichalace by Zoe Stead

Olympia Publishers, 2007

ISBN: 190551316X

Available: New

    On her twenty-first birthday Celeste's beloved, adoptive father decides that it is time for her to know what happened twenty years ago to her birth parents. As an infant she accompanied her archeologist parents to the excavation of an ancient burial site beneath an abandoned house know as Wyregreen Manor. Soon after the tomb's inner chamber was opened all those within died save the infant Celeste. Across her chest lay a piece of jewelry known as the Amulet of Vichalace. Who or what killed everyone still remains a mystery. Nearby villagers believe an evil spirit had been released, but Celeste's father, Septimus Laughlin, assures her that all such stuff about the supernatural is nonsense.
 

    As it turns out he isn't exactly telling her the truth. Instead what he wishes to do is protect her from an evil that seeks the amulet and the power that Celeste carries because of it. When Celeste joins a new expedition to Wyregreen she slowly begins to understand the dangers she faces, but along the way she encounters members of the paranormal world who also want to protect her. Elias is one such being. Centuries ago his encounter with the Amulet left him with his caring soul trapped in a demonic body. Only with great will can he show his human self. When Celeste first encounters him she instinctively knows him to be completely trustworthy, and she does not find his appearance at all repellant.
Later in the story, as all the characters become known to one another, those creatures of the night - vampires, of course - make them selves known. For the most part, these are the good guys.
 

    The author has created a compelling plot with interesting twists and turns, although some judicious editing might have tightened it up and made it a better read. Still readers who like paranormal novels with a touch of romance will enjoy this story. The ending makes it obvious that a sequel will follow.  Contains: Minor violence. Review by Patricia
 

 

X-Rated Blood Suckers by Mario Acevedo

Rayo, 2007
ISBN: 0060833270
Available: New
    Let me start by saying that while I really enjoyed this book, it wasn’t all what I was expecting.  From the title, which reminded me a
lot of books by Christopher Moore and Sharyn McCrumb, I was expecting something humorous, satirical even. This more had moments that I thought
might be funny if I weren’t so sure they could be true (the “jumping for Jesus” aerobics class at the megachurch, for instance). But it was an
interesting and unpredictable mystery and also includes a nice, unique vampire mythos. I’ve read other vampire books where the humans were
considered way more scary than the vampires, but this is the first time I’ve seen a good reason for it; in this case, the narrator is a combat vet and
he’s seen first hand the damage humans can do even to other humans. My only complaint is probably one that won’t be shared by the majority of
readers, namely that I was a little put off by the very male perspective of this story. I don’t read a lot of books by male authors, and was caught off
guard by moments where the hero was pretty much congratulating himself for not taking advantage of vulnerable women after sucking their blood. Even
the romantic relationship in the book is tainted by this, although, to be fair, that was deliberate on the part of the author. This is a good read
for people who enjoy both vampires and mysteries. This is a sequel, and I enjoyed it enough that I think I may look for the first book. Although the
first book won’t have Coyote, the vampiric bastard son of Cortes’ mistress and a Jewish Conquistador, and that will be a crying shame, because he was
one of the best parts of this book.  Contains:  sexual situations  Entry by Havoc.
 

 

 

Vampire Dawn by Philip Henry

KHP Publisher April, 2004
ISBN: 0974768022

Available: New

    Claire and Xavier, a vampire couple, find that they are losing their blood lust.  They decide that the balance between good and evil is off, and that to right it they must sire more vampires  and unleash a wave of evil to bring out the best in humanity.   Christian Warke blames Xavier for the death of his wife  and has been hunting him for years, willing to go to any lengths to get revenge. The two sides  meet with deadly consequences.   Set in a world  that includes an organization dedicated to fighting the vampires, superhuman Slayers, and vampire/human crossbreeds,  Vampire Dawn may have a familiar feel to avid readers in this genre,  but Henry's storytelling lends a unique twist.    Henry also introduces his readers to some interesting characters that will hopefully be developed further in the sequel, Vampire Twilight.  Fans of both Karen Koehler's vampire works and the Buffyverse will enjoy Vampire Dawn.   Recommended for public libraries. Contains: violence, some gore, mention of rape,  language.

 

 

 

Vamped: A Novel by David Sosnowski

Free Press, 2004
ISBN: 0743262530

Available: New and Used

    Vamped is set in an alternate world where vampires have taken over and what is left of humanity are confined to small farms.  Vampire Martin Kowalski  teams up with a six year old child named Isuzu, who is on the run from a pack of vampires who have just killed her mother.  Martin decides to take in Isuzu and quickly finds he has become very attached to her.  This leaves Martin challenged to figure out how to raise a human child in a society that no longer has the items that humans need generally available (a humorous example is that since vampires don't defecate that all of the toilets have been turned into planters). Vamped is a well rounded and well written look at the concept of raising a child in a world where vampires rule.  Sosnowski provides all sorts of wonderful tangents about vampires, vampire life, and vampire society in his story. While  the book does have passages of gore and violence, there is also plenty of humor and even some father-daughter  style warm fuzzies added for good measure.   Vamped is an entertaining read that is appropriate for both  regular vampire fiction readers and non-horror readers, Sosnowski has put elements in this book that everyone will enjoy.  Recommended.   Contains: Language, gore, murder, description of an eating disorder.

 

 

 

Weep Not for the Vampire by William A. Veselik

Mundania Press, 2006

ISBN: 1594263434

Available: New

    When Cullen Roark is turned into a vampire, he leaves his young wife and his hometown, McMullin.  Fifty years latter, tired of his vampiric existence, Roark returns to McMullin to kill himself, and finds his wife. Although she has remarried, she still loves him, and he learns that he has a child and grandchild.    In the midst of this family reunion, Roark discovers another vampire hunting in McMullin, who has targeted Roark's granddaughter as its next victim.   Weep Not for the Vampire isn't as much of a vampire horror as more of a journey of discovery for Cullen Roark as a vampire who comes back to his hometown and sees what has happened to the life he has lost.   While there is some action in the book as Roark clashes with the other vampire in McMullin, the tale is more about Roark finding what has happened in the lives of those he cares about since he left town.    Although Veselik gifts his vampires with superhuman strength and abilities, he doesn't cast them in a particularly romantic light. He does a good job of casting Roark as a sympathetic soul looking from release from what he considers a horrid existence.    For those looking a slightly different take on the vampire, Weep Not for the Vampire makes for a good read.   Veselik is able to produce his tale without excessive gore or sexual references and the book is of appropriate length and content that it could also be recommended to young adults.

 

 

Everdead by Rio Youers

Rio Youers,

ISBN: N/A

Available: New

    Luca, a nomadic vampire pursued by the ancient original vampires, finds himself on the beach front resort island of San Antonio,  where youths around the world come to drink, dance, and party.   Two vacationing partiers, Toby and Cas, come across Lucas as he kills a young girl.  Furious at the interruption, Lucas hunts down the couple to exact revenge.  Everdead is a competently written vampire tale. While Youers goes into the origin tale of Luca, he doesn't try to paint him as a sympathetic victim but rather shows him as a man who hounds another vampire to turn him knowing full well that he will have to kill people to survive.   Youers does a good job of fleshing out the character of Toby, who has finally overcome his insecurities in approaching girls to finally meet Cas.   Everdead is currently not available in print format but is available in electronic format from the author's website for $2.50.  For $2.50 Everdead is a good inexpensive fix for those who enjoy vampire  fiction.   

 

Cast in Dark Waters by Edward Gorman and  Tom Piccirilli

Cemetery Dance, February, 2002
ISBN:1587670135

Available: New

    Part of Cemetery Dance's "Novella Series," Cast in Dark Waters follows the lady pirate Crimson, a beautiful and capable privateer who is hired to search for and retrieve a young girl who has eloped with another pirate.  Crimson's search takes her to a remote and cursed island, where the waters are said to bring the dead who are in search of the blood of the living.  It is in these same waters that Crimson's lover died when his ship sank, and it is that same lover who haunts her dreams.   In100 pages, veteran authors Edward Gorman and Tom Piccirilli have produced a captivating story with a compelling  protagonist.  There is much more to explore in Crimson's character and in the setting of the sixteenth century Caribbean, filled with pirates and the supernatural. This novella presents a great opportunity for these gifted authors to pen more tales.   Recommended.  Contains: violence and some bloodletting.

 

 

Vampire Apocalypse: The World Torn Asunder by Derek Gunn

KHP Publishers, September, 2006
ISBN: 097679148X

Available: New

    In Vampire Apocalypse: The World Torn Asunder, the civilized world is decaying . War and conflict have exhausted a great deal of the world's energy sources.   In America, states are pitted against each other, competing for precious resources. As oil and gas become scarce, rural communities become more isolated.  This environment allows vampires, who have been hiding for centuries,  and their once-human thralls, to come forth and conquer the world.   Derek Gunn's tale revolves around a small town where a resistance movement comprised of members of the human population tries to find a way to defeat the vampires.    Vampire Apocalypse, while not breaking new ground in its premise,  makes for an enjoyable afternoon of reading.  The action starts fast and is consistent throughout the book, keeping the reader's attention.     My one complaint is that Gunn introduces various characters in the book that seem interesting but need to be more fleshed out.  However, this does mean that as the book ends, there are still plenty of interesting characters left, so there is potential for another book, and further character development.  For those who like the setting of Gunn's book and are thirsty for more then check out Under The Fang edited by Robert R. McCammon.    Recommended for library collections and those readers looking for a little more action in their vampire books. Contains: violence and gore.

 

Live Girls by Ray Garton

Leisure Books; Reprint,August 2006
ISBN: 0843956747

Available: New and used

    Live Girls has become one of the core books for any vampire collection. With this reprint by Leisure Books, a new group of readers will have the opportunity to enjoy it.   The book initially follows two different stories. The first story introduces Davey Owen, who seeks solace in a peep show club called Live Girls, where he meets the seductive Anya.    The other story involves reporter Walter Benedek who is trying to determine why his sister Doris and her daughter were savagely torn apart by her husband, Vernon.  Walter finds that Vernon had also been to Live Girls.  When Davey and Walter finally meet, it is up to them to try to stop the vampiric horror going on at Live Girls.   Live Girls is a solid vampire story. Originally written in the late 80's, the story is still strong and works today.  The book moves quickly and a reader can quickly get lost in the story.  If your library didn't manage to get a copy of Live Girls in its first release, take the opportunity to add it to the collection now: it belongs up there with Stephen King's Salem's Lot or Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire.  Followed by the sequel Night Life. Contains: gore, violence, and sexual situations.

 

Night Life by Ray Garton

Subterranean Press, October, 2005
ISBN: 159606014X

Available: New and Used

    Night Life is the sequel to Ray Garton's Live Girls.   Martin Burgess is a famous horror author who hires two private eyes to find out whether vampires really exist.  In Garton's world there are different types of vampires: the civilized types, who live off of bottled blood and integrate into society, and brutals, vampires who prey on and kill humans.  The brutals discover that Burgess is trying to uncover their existence and seek to stop the investigators and anyone who has spoken with them. Unfortunately, Garton stops midway to describe gratuitous sexual violence and degradation to sympathetic female characters. This does not seem to advance the story, making Night Life a flawed novel from this very talented writer.  The ending of the book is left open: another book in the series could be written.  Librarians and readers should be aware that there is considerable sexual violence in this book. Not recommended for young adult readers. Contains: violence, rape, degradation, and explicit sexual passages.

 

The New Neighbor by Ray Garton

Cemetery Dance Publications, July,  2004
ISBN: 1587670445

    Ray Garton's The New Neighbor is a story about a different type of vampiric creature, the succubus, who feeds off the humanity and goodness of people.  The creature in this tale takes the form of Lorelle Dupree, an incredibly attractive lady who moves into the neighborhood of  George and Karen Prichard.   Lorelle begins to seduce members of the Prichard household and other families in the neighborhood, leaving her victims drained of energy, irritable, and irrational.  Garton  paints the Prichards as a everyday family and does a good job in bringing the family and the neighborhood to life and examining their relationships,   Once the plot gets going, the story moves quickly.  Garton has created well-written supernatural take on the internal human struggle. The New Neighbor does contain graphic (but not gratuitous) sexual scenes throughout. Contains: Violence and explicit sexual passages,