Rulers of Darkness. [Paperback]

Steven G. Spruill (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: St Martins Pr (1995)
• ASIN: B000OTHSAW
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

More About the Author

1968: Andrews University. Graduated with B.A. in biology.
1969: Married Nancy Lyon

1969-1974: Hazleton Laboratories. Laboratory technician, technical writer.

1974-1981: The Catholic University.
While studying for a doctorate in clinical psychology, Spruill sold his first novel, Keepers of the Gate, to Doubleday in 1976. Five more of his novels were published while he completed graduate school. During this period, Spruill also served as an adjunct professor at Catholic University, teaching creative writing to students in the drama program at Catholic U. In 1980, Spruill completed his doctoral dissertation on Creativity, and was awarded the Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1981.

1981-present: After completing a year's internship at Mount Vernon Hospital in Virginia, Spruill turned to writing, full time. Fifteen of his novels, two novellas, and one non-fiction book have been published by Doubleday, Playboy Press, St. Martin's Press, TOR, Berkley, and Dell. His pseudonyms include Steve Morgan (UK), Steve Lyon, and Steven Harriman (Berkley). His work has sold in over twenty foreign countries. Several of his novels were selections of The Literary Guild and the Doubleday Book Club. Three of his medical thrillers were condensed in Good Housekeeping Magazine and one in Reader's Digest Books. Both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly have awarded starred reviews to his novels. Spruill's novel Rulers of Darkness was nominated for the British Fantasy Award. It was this novel that, in 1995, coined the term "Hemophage" to describe the "reality" behind the vampire myth. In 1995, the Catholic University of America conferred upon Spruill its award for "Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Literature." Other recipients of this award in the arts include Susan Sarandon and Jon Voight.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Story Telling at it's BEST, July 14, 2001

By 

Sheila (Macedon, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rulers of Darkness (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was one of the best told books that I have ever read. The medical-murder-mystery-love story is most complelling. The way Spruill told the story and descibed all the events and characters was amazing. It felt as if I was sitting right there with the charachters watching everything happen. Merrick, Katie, and Zane were described so well it was as if I personally knew them. Being a PREVIOUS non - reading type of person Spruill change my outlook completely on reading and now I would rather read than watch a movie. This is without a doubt an author that should be recognized for all his work becase it is absoulutly amazing. I am looking forward to reading Daughters of Darkness (the follow up) and I have read Painkiller which was also a GREAT book! And I plan on reading all or most of Spruill's other books! ~Sheila

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Excellent Book!, November 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Rulers of Darkness (Mass Market Paperback)

Steven Spruill has a knack for creating not only livable worlds, but breathing characters who live _in_ them. Vampires are an old theme, but I'm always pleased when someone -- like Spruill -- comes up with a new logic to support the vampiric realm. RULERS OF DARKNESS is followed by DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS, an excellent follow-up. Rumors abound of a third in the series called LORDS OF LIGHT. I can't wait!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterly Written, July 13, 2001

By 

Sheila (Macedon, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rulers of Darkness (Mass Market Paperback)

I picked this book up at the library barley reading the discription and just picking it up for something to read. When I got home and started to read I couldn't put it down. It's compelling in it's mysterious mixture of a scientifical, medical, murder mystery love story. The way Spruill describes all the characters and situations, you can paint the most vivid discription in your mind that's better than watching a movie. If your not a book person (as I was not) this book will quickly change your views and you won't put it down untill the end! You will IMEDIATELY fall in love with this author and want to read more of his works.