Derek Gunn, Vampire Apocalypse

Vampire Apocalypse

Derek Gunn

Black Death, October 2006, $14.99, 215

ISBN: 097679148X

With the depletion of fossil fuels, technology came to a grinding halt, the war in the mid-east making the oil reserves radioactive for years to come. The United States quickly developed into a new feudal society, with those with nuclear power plants charging enormous rates for limited power. Without communication, each community was left to survive or persist, depending on their strength and supplies. It is then that the vampires came out of the night and began the enslavement of the human race.

They were helped by thralls, humans bitten by vampires who were stronger and in league with their masters. The humans were penned up in walled cities to give blood once a week, and take the serum that makes them zombies, once a month, so they have no will to fight or even think. However, there is hope because the resistance is alive and well, and living on a military installation they call the Cave. On a raid to get medical supplies, another group simultaneously was sent for food, and the third group was sent to kill the head vampire Nero. They didn't kill him, but they came back with the serum, a live sample of vampire blood, and they have a scientist analyzing them to see what the serum does, and if they can learn to make a weapon that will kill vampires at long range. They discover if they don't find a way to kill them and soon, the serum will destroy what is left of the human race.

Horror fans, especially those who love to read vampire thrillers are going to thoroughly enjoy this paranormal apocalypse tale. Although the humans are overpowered by vampires, Derek Gunn's take on the mythos is fascinating, portraying them as sentient, long range planning beings who look upon humans as cattle. The audience will enjoy watching David take on Goliath.

For those who like their horror fast-paced and relentless, Derek Gunn's new novel delivers in spades.

Vampire Apocalypse is an action horror story set in an apocalyptic world. It begins in a world already taken over and controlled by Vampires, where humans are bred like cattle in walled cities, and drugged to ensure their compliance. The Vampires maintain control by day through the use of Thralls - humans who have been bitten but have not yet crossed over.

The few surviving rebels have spent the last year hiding within the population, safe in their anonymity. But their survival is threatened by the Vampire's new scanning procedures. Forced into the open, the survivors must take the fight to their vicious masters or loose everything.

My one complaint about the book is that Gunn introduces various characters in the book that seem interesting but need to be a little fleshed out more. However, this means that as the book ends, there are still plenty of interesting characters left, and potential for another book.