5.0 out of 5 stars
"They didn't believe the stories....", April 16, 2008
This review is from: Vampire Dawn (Paperback)
For all intents and purposes, Claire and Xavier appear to be your typical married couple. They bicker, they get on each other's nerves, and they love having company around for dinner. Their pallets are very specific; they like their meat bloody. They have been married for so long that they know each other fully and completely. How long have they been married you may ask? Oh, about a century, give or take a decade or two. Did I mention that they were vampires...?
Vampire Dawn is a treat for all fans of this vamp genre. Philip Henry's book is a vampire tale much in the tradition of Buffy, only with more swearing. Like Joss Whedon, Philip Henry employs a flippant style, which is full-to-the-brim with gothic kitsch. Philip Henry's style of storytelling alone would make this book a must-read. But, this novel has other dimensions that make Vampire Dawn stand apart from the myriad of generic vampire stories invading this genre on a weekly basis. Vampire Dawn turns the traditional role of vampire/vampire-slayer on its head. Customarily, the heroes in vampire novels are the slayers. In Vampire Dawn, these vampire slayers are a bit more mean and, at times, completely callous, whereas the vampires are just trying to survive in a world prejudiced against them. According to Vampire Dawn, vampires are not soulless killers, and they seem quite civilized. They do have to kill someone every now and again (every night!), but these acts are never malicious. However, you do come across the odd, homicidal maniac among the vamps. So, in Vampire Dawn, more often than not, you find yourself rooting for the vampires, and you certainly forgive them the odd murder, here and there.
Vampire Dawn is a thrilling read that superbly marries some elements of Buffy, Near Dark, and Lost Boys - all the kitschy classics. However, having said this, fans of gothic lore will not be disappointed by Vampire Dawn, as it also pays homage to classic vampire tales of old. In short, Vampire Dawn is a gothic vampire story with a distinctly modern twist. And, if it has a lesson to teach us, perhaps it is to remind us all that vampires were humans once, too - well maybe not, but you get the idea!
Vampire Dawn is a tantalizing first-taste into Philip Henry's dark and witty world. And, after you read it, I guarantee that you will be thirsty for more..!
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent and highly original!, March 17, 2006
This review is from: Vampire Dawn (Paperback)
Excellent!
I'm not usually into horror or vampires - or should I say, I wasn't! I read this book on the recommendation of a friend and loved it!
At the end of the day, this is a REALLY great story, with engaging characters and some VERY comic moments. I couldn't put it down!
It's one of those books I felt I had to rave about, and everyone I lent it to felt the same. They've all bought their own and now we're all eagerly awaiting the follow- up!
I would highly recommend this debut novel!
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4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fresh look at the vampire-human relationship, June 30, 2004
This review is from: Vampire Dawn (Paperback)
For a hundred and six years vampires Claire and Xavier have been together. However, Claire has had recent doubts about being a predator as she is sick of the killings that have led to depression setting in her soul. Xavier also ails when neither has felt sick in over a century or so. A shrink would help, but how do you explain to a psychiatrist that you feel depressed because you get nourishment by drinking the blood of your former species. The duo concludes the shortage of vampires in the dawning of the twenty-first century has caused an imbalance between good vs. bad, which has caused a psychosomatic reaction that leaves them feeling feeble. They need to create new vampires.
For two decades Christian Warke has searched for the monster that killed his wife. He does not care one iota about some inane imbalance between good and evil or that he might save someone. All that matters is revenge by destroying vampires. Christian, Claire, and Xavier meet as good and evil confront, but who has right on their side when friends become foes and your enemy shares your blood?
VAMPIRE DAWN is a terrific tale that provides a fresh look at the vampire-human "relationship". The story line is told from the varying perspectives of Claire, Xavier, and Christine without regard to who is the real hero as none of the three are totally saints or sinners. Fans will appreciate this superb action-packed horror drama in which author Philip Henry leads his audience into a one sitting read that ends with the reader wondering who is the good guy for the means is as important as the ends.
Harriet Klausner
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