The Book of Common Dread

Interesting & unconventional vampire story.

The book is structured such that roughly half is from the point of view of Vincent DeVilbiss (a vampire) & roughly half Simon Penn (a librarian). I tended to prefer the parts that focused on Vincent - partly because I found the vampire lore interesting, partly because I did not like Simon. While Simon's actions did help drive the story along, I found the way that he treated Frederika (a woman caught between the two men) to be quite creepy, so much so that I considered giving up on reading the book at certain points. That's not to say that Vincent was perfect, but I found it very hard to root for Simon (despite it seeming that I was supposed to)

The ending got very exciting. However I thought show more that some of its details came out of nowhere, & felt like a cheap way for the author to get to his desired ending.

Overall, not bad, but I don't plan on seeking out the sequel. show less

A private library of ancient books and scrolls is donated to Princeton University. One of these scrolls contain the true story of creation and the war between good and evil. All copies of these scrolls and their translations have been destroyed though out the years. But by whom and why? (A vampire!)
This was not your normal vampire story or gothic tale. These vampires feel pain and can be wounded, but are not effected by holywater, garlic or crosses, and they dont't burst into flames in the sunlight. The pace and the way the stories unfold is more like a fine mystery book.

I enjoyed this book and have ordered its sequal "The Blood of the Covenant". I'm surprised that Brent Monahan isn't read by more people.

When an ancient scroll is given to the Princeton University Library, the evil powers who wish it's secrets to remain hidden plot to have it destroyed as they have every copy discovered. This is a non-traditional vampire story. Brent Monahan brings a fresh look at vampires and their origins and powers. I found the plot well thought out and the characters were well developed for the story. I would recommend this to all fans of horror/vampire novels.

Vampire story with a twist. Enjoyable read by a favorite author.