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skeindalous's review
3.0
Book 14 in RYOB challenge and book 3 in R.I.P. Challenge.
This is a collection of short stories based on the premise of vampires taking over the world. I have to say it was very hit and miss. some of the stories are interesting, but quite a few are horrible. I've discovered short stories are great to read before bed, I can finish one before falling asleep.
This is a collection of short stories based on the premise of vampires taking over the world. I have to say it was very hit and miss. some of the stories are interesting, but quite a few are horrible. I've discovered short stories are great to read before bed, I can finish one before falling asleep.
vanessakm's review
4.0
I bought this collection probably over 20 years ago, but it's SO good that I've held onto it all this time over multiple moves. It's the best horror anthology I've ever read--barely a clunker in the bunch. The premise for all of the stories is that vampires have taken over the world, and humans are on the defensive. It's great fun to see how different writers interpreted the assignment. The stories go in so many directions; it's not all The Walking Dead, but with vampires.
The vampires are idealized, swoony romantic partners in exactly ZERO of these selections.
A few of the standouts:
"The Miracle Mile", Robert McCammon: One of the bleakest stories in the bunch is by McCammon, the editor. A human family contemplates their changed world, and that all I'm going to say.
"Dancing Nitely", Nancy Collins: Just as bleak as above for different reasons, this story looks at the end of the world from the nightclubbing vampire's point of view. I loaned this book to a friend and this was her favorite story. I've heard her recount it to others at least six different times.
"Does the Blood Line Run on Time?", Sidney Williams and Robert Pettit: a tale of the human resistance and motorcycles. The ending is a surprise and it's a bummer.
"Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage", Chet Williamson: A couple who survived the apocalypse fighting vamps side by side face an uncertain future when one of them becomes terminally ill.
"Special", Richard Laymon: a human who works in the service of vampires has a change of heart after meeting a kickass bow and arrow wielding resistance fighter.
"Herrenrasse", J.N. Williamson: a man seeking revenge for his murdered family is taken captive by the vampire who killed them. Over years, an unexpected, table-turning relationship forms.
"Duty", Ed Gorman: it's no fun being the local slayer.
"Midnight Sun", Brian Hodge: humans fight vamps with technology in the Arctic. Simultaneously tragic and hopeful.
"There are no Nightclubs in East Palo Alto", Clifford V. Brooks: A young protest singer sees things go from bad to worse in a vampire-run media culture.
The vampires are idealized, swoony romantic partners in exactly ZERO of these selections.
A few of the standouts:
"The Miracle Mile", Robert McCammon: One of the bleakest stories in the bunch is by McCammon, the editor. A human family contemplates their changed world, and that all I'm going to say.
"Dancing Nitely", Nancy Collins: Just as bleak as above for different reasons, this story looks at the end of the world from the nightclubbing vampire's point of view. I loaned this book to a friend and this was her favorite story. I've heard her recount it to others at least six different times.
"Does the Blood Line Run on Time?", Sidney Williams and Robert Pettit: a tale of the human resistance and motorcycles. The ending is a surprise and it's a bummer.
"Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage", Chet Williamson: A couple who survived the apocalypse fighting vamps side by side face an uncertain future when one of them becomes terminally ill.
"Special", Richard Laymon: a human who works in the service of vampires has a change of heart after meeting a kickass bow and arrow wielding resistance fighter.
"Herrenrasse", J.N. Williamson: a man seeking revenge for his murdered family is taken captive by the vampire who killed them. Over years, an unexpected, table-turning relationship forms.
"Duty", Ed Gorman: it's no fun being the local slayer.
"Midnight Sun", Brian Hodge: humans fight vamps with technology in the Arctic. Simultaneously tragic and hopeful.
"There are no Nightclubs in East Palo Alto", Clifford V. Brooks: A young protest singer sees things go from bad to worse in a vampire-run media culture.
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