Vampire of God [Paperback]

Javan Shepard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2008

Simone Tarry always wanted to see the world. When that day finally came, it was not a dream vacation or romantic getaway- it was on a quest to save her soul. She travels alone through an hidden society that was ancient when man was still young to find the creator of the vampire who destroyed her life. All the while, she is pursued by the American police and immortal assassins who have marked her for death. To stay alive she violates many of the Christian beliefs she considered sacred her entire life: Thou shalt not lie; thou shalt not steal and most importantly, thou shalt not kill.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A fan of horror, fantasy and sci-fi; Javan Shepard grew up admiring Octavia Butler and Stephen King. Just like these authors, Javan's passion is to pen stories that stretch the imagination and take the reader to worlds far from their own. Writing for six years, Javan took writing courses at the Writer's Center in Bethesda, Maryland and at the University of California at San Diego. However, he is a science and tech guy by trade, having received a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Howard University and a Masters of Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University. He works as a Hyperion Financial Systems Consultant in San Diego, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Parker Publishing, LLC; 1st edition (March 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600430252
• ISBN-13: 978-1600430251
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,457,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's Different and I Like It!, March 2, 2008

By 

Chantay W. "BookLover4Life" (South Carolina) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Vampire of God (Paperback)

When Vampire of God by Javan Shepard begins, we meet Simone Tarry. Over the last few weeks, she has dealt with hell but she maintains her faith as best she can. In Africa, Simone is searching for a lead on information of the woman, Shadia, who made her a vampire. Simone met Shadia after she was robbed by homeless men. Shadia called the police, thus, appearing as Simone's rescuer. Once Simone recovered from injuries, inflicted during the robbery, Shadia phones her and the two go to dinner. After dinner at Simone's house, Shadia attacks her. Now in Africa, where Shadia lived before her death, Simone is literally on the warpath because she intends to kill Shadia's creator, in hopes that she will free herself from being a vampire. The problem is that she knows almost nothing about Shadia. The only thing Simone has is a key that Shadia always wore.

As the story continues, Simone travels from Africa to the city of Lisbon in Portugal to Aegina, Greece and so on. What keeps her moving from city to city, are leads obtained from those who want to assassinate her. In each of the locations she stops in, Simone learns something new about herself, Shadia and all vampires. But what she learns confuses her; the things she moderately knows about vampires seem completely different from her newfound reality. With so many determined to kill her, will Simone be able to stay alive long enough to learn the full truth about all vampires and Shadia, her maker?

Usually, when a reader picks up a vampire novel, certain aspects and characteristics are expected. Well, new author, Javan Shepard, completely throws all those old tried and possibly tired views out the window with Vampire of God. This book offers readers a different perspective on how vampires were created and a slightly different concept of vampires, as a whole. Hopefully, the views of the author will not be misconstrued in any way, shape, or form, given this is a very enjoyable fictional story. As a fan of vampire novels, I truly respect the vision that Mr. Shepard offers based on his personal views. He presents readers with something new and appealing. I recommend this novel to paranormal fans looking for something less traditional but vastly engaging to read.

Reviewed by Chantay,
APOOO BookClub

4.0 out of 5 stars Cursed For Eternity, August 14, 2008

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vampire of God (Paperback)

Simone Tarry is knocked unconscious and mugged in a dark park one evening; when she comes to, she finds the muggers have fled and only the woman who ran them off is there. Her savior, Shadia Tepes, has an agenda of her own. She has been stalking Simone for a while just waiting for the right opportunity - the opportunity presents itself when Simone invites her to dinner to repay her for saving her life. Shadia's true intent is revealed when she attacks Simone and changes her life in the most deceitful way.

A few days after Shadia attacks her, Simone learns the truth about what she has become. Subtle changes in her eye color, her sensitivity to light and her elongated canine teeth is all the proof she needs to know. According to legend, she must find who made Shadia a vampire in order to break the curse on her life. Her journey across continents and different time periods proves to her that all she knows about vampires is just myths and old wives tales. And she has to learn their true nature in order to survive.

VAMPIRE OF GODS is a quick tale that encompasses the natural and spiritual realms. Shepard is a masterful storyteller, painting vivid pictures and an intriguing plot. The protagonist struggles with her new existence, yet she is eager to learn and is excited about her newfound powers. He also handles various time periods well. Lovers of vampire lore will embrace this new twist on an old tale.

Reviewed by Paula Henderson
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story, June 3, 2008

By 

kimimac "Howardalumni92" (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vampire of God (Paperback)

I think this book is excellent. I have never been a big fan of vampire stories, they are pretty much all the same. However, this author put a totally new spin on the old myths and legends. I actually came away liking the vampires in the story and not thinking of them as evil night stalkers. The story is so well developed that you aren't left thinking the author didn't know their own story.