Review: Fresh, Frightening Vampire Horror Novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 19, 2014
“Blooded” falls within the vampire genre in that it is a book about vampires—but it doesn’t rehash familiar territory or fall into using stereotypes to create its action and suspense. Instead, “Blooded” gives a few nods to its predecessors (Bram Stoker, Anne Rice) and creates a wholly new story with a totally different kind of vampire.At the beginning of the action Steve is a successful professional, a reporter at the Dallas Times—he loves his city, seems pleased with his life, and is only bothered by the weird premonitions he occasionally experiences and the terrifying dreams that sometimes haunt his sleep. After a minor car accident, Steve is attacked and “awakened,” and thus begins his transformation into an ageless immortal who may bring about Armageddon in a twisted plot of revenge against God. Katherine, the Chief of Staff in a New York hospital, is among the few who grasps what he is becoming—but her strength may not be enough to turn the tides and safe humanity from the end (or the beginning, as the narrator in the prologue points out).“Blooded” is a complex novel, and sometimes I had a little trouble following it, to be honest (especially the last chapter). However, that doesn’t mean it ever failed to be entertaining or suspenseful, and at times downright frightening. Steve Cross is a uniquely terrifying creation, with the scenes where his humanity slips from him being some of the most disturbing—for instance, when he coolly murders Bonnie and April and then awakens to terror and confusion, knowing he is a killer but not understanding the why or how. When he fully transforms into his immortal self, he is almost irresistible to others—even those who try to oppose him—which is just as horrific in its own way. The backstory of the Anunnaki and their ancient role in history is compelling and creative, and I especially liked the character of Katherine in this novel. She’s standing up against almost unbeatable odds, especially the more she understands about Steve and then his friendship with Ryan, but she doesn’t give up or fall apart with fear; she stands strong and tries to do what she thinks is right. It’s nice to have a strong female character in a horror novel who doesn’t just serve as a character to need protection.I would recommend “Blooded” to readers who enjoy horror novels, especially those dealing with vampires, and who are looking for a new and fresh spin on the genre.