Vampyrrhic

A surprisingly unique vampire romp. I expected a cheesy horror offering based on the cover, but the story was more involved than random neck nibbling, beheadings and demented evil creatures luring young maidens into their evil lairs. These vamps are tied into ancient Norse Lore, old magic, old family ties, apocalyptic past bargains made, not to mention sewer systems. Leppington has gone back to his hometown with little memory of it. Once there he finds his family line has certain family ties into the old town and legend. Staying at a hotel, he meets a group of intriguing characters who become wrapped up the weird town's history.

Simon Clark used a slow pace to entrance me. There are some genuinely creepy parts to keep the blood freezing show more or pumping (whatever the occasion), especially a bathroom attack and elevator trip. The vampire child helps keep the creep vibe flowing.

It's not particularly gory but it doesn't shy away - there's even a vampire blow-job scene that may make some men squeamish!

A book for any horror fan to try, but be warned a star was shaved since sometimes the 'slow, enchanting pace' became sluggish. I liked the characterization and how they tied into the story, but it wouldn't have hurt to add another dimension or two to the main players. show less

The story involves a group of people, seemingly from different backgrounds, who are drawn to the backwater town of Leppington. This town's underground labyrinth has been hiding a horde of vampires there for many years, fed by the Leppington family throughout the centuries. This group of strangers soon realises it is their destiny to confront these creatures and chose which side they will fight on in the coming war between the living and the un-dead.

This book is quite similar in feel to other works, most notably Salem's Lot, but I have to say, I found the book genuinely scary in parts. There is something in the way Simon Clark writes, while not very taxing from a literary point of view, is quite eerie, almost hypnotic, and draws you show more right into the plight and fears of the main protagonists. He is well able to build the suspense, so much so I found myself wanting to skip pages to see what happens next. I couldn't put this book down. Some parts of the plot are a little hard to swallow and lacking substance, such as the origin of the vampires in the story, but given the good scare Simon Clark give us, one can forgive him a little poetic licence. show less

Finally finished reading this book, took me longer than usual. I'm usually pretty desensitized to horror (I watch and read alot from this genre) but this was reallllly freaked me out multiple times! Was difficult to read at night. Well written, a great story line with a ancient god twist in it. Can't wait to read more from this author!

I enjoyed the bulk of this book but had a couple of minor issues.

David Leppington is coming back to the town of this birth to investigate the possibility of a job and to learn more of its history. Bearing the same name as the town, the Leppington family used to be prominent members but now are down to a sole uncle who is more loner than town leader. The usual spooky stuff and premonitions of evil occur as Leppington dives into the town history. And then the capper is revealed as his uncle informs him that the Leppingtons are descended from the Norse God Thor who gave them an army of the undead in order to conquer the other religions. With the last living heir in town, the uncle explodes the gates holding the undead back and a horde of show more vampires are unleashed. While maybe a little crazy sounding, it's no worse than a virus being accidentally released and killing almost everyone (THE STAND) or any haunted house story.

My first problem was with being told the same thing again and again. There were a few events that kept getting repeated and repeated and repeated. Enough already, I understand that he is supposed to lead the vampires in a fight against all religions. If I didn't get it the third time, I got it the fourth. No need to keep telling me. My other issue was an ending that was a little too easy. The final confrontation that was expected was there. However, it was how the hordes of vampires were suddenly dealt with that was too simple. Otherwise I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it. Try to not let these minor points be an issue for you. show less

The characters in Vampyrrhic have trouble using the V-word to describe the menacing cellar-dwellers. They don't follow many of the old-standby vampire rules and Clark has introduced a Norse mythology back story to these creatures. Clark piles up dreadful elements, like a videotape left behind by a vanished hotel guest, and takes his time developing characters, making Vampyrrhic one of the scarier titles I've read from Leisure Books.

This book is very descriptive. It started out slow, but I really got into it around half-way through. It's a refreshing look back on what a good vampire story should be (not a romantic version of the bloodsuckers)

When I read the synopsis for the book I though that it was a cheap rip off of Salem's Lot. I was surprised to find out that it isnt. Their are a few similarities between the two books but not alot. The book is well paced, should be a quick read, most of the charachters are interesting, and the backstory is very good.