Zen in the art of Slaying Vampires [Hardcover]

Steven-Elliot Altman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 1997

No vampire has ever refused to partake in the ritual...until now. Death deals no mercy to one man who rises in a SoHo alleyway to find his lover dead and his own body ghastly transformed...

Straining to overcome his murderous instincts through zen meditation and blood deprivation he is reclaimed by The Ministry, an underground society waging war with the undead. Again and again he will find his will to resist tested by the killers who demand his allegiance and the zen masters who will burn him down at his first missed step as he strives to walk a tightrope between the living and the dead... to master himself and the way of the wooden stake.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 169 pages
• Publisher: Hell's Kitchen Books; 1 edition (October 10, 1997)
• ISBN-10: 1889830003
• ISBN-13: 978-1889830001
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,022,221 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A true masterpiece July 24, 2002

By F. Roscoe

This book really defies description. It is one of the most serious, philosophical, mystical and scientific books ever written on the topic of vampires. Interestingly enough, the whole topic of "vampire slaying" really just serves as a vessel for introducing a deeper, more meaning look into human nature and Zen philosophy. This book would be interesting and meaningful for anyone interested in mysticism, Zen, biology, meditation, martial arts, sensory exploration, cultism, and last-but-not-least, vampires.

Although the book takes a serious, meditative look at vampire slaying, it actually builds to an incredible crescendo that rivals any book of fantasy or fiction. I have actually purchased this book for about 15 of my closest friends and family, and they have all been deeply touched by it. It's one of those brilliant books that forces you to examine your own life and to re-evaluate your goals and perspective. I know that all who read this will enjoy it tremendously.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Justice of the Underground Variety November 20, 2002

By A Customer

"Zen"...is an elegantly written, well researched, voyeuristic peek into the underground esoteric life of a vampire who realizes his higher purpose...to slay vampires.to meditate. to fast. to live a compassionate existence.to trancend his thirst for warm blood. A team of slayers called 'The Ministry' teams up with protaganist 'to clean house'by free-ing residents of the eerie,bloodless un-dead that reside among them. ~Masterpiece~

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read September 11, 2010

By L. Aizenshtat

Great book. It's a thriller with deep dive into human and 'non-human' psychology. From beginning to the end keeps the reader glued to the story line. Have many delicious discussions on meaning of life and death. Great style, enjoyable metaphors, true Zen spirit.