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A review by songwind
The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman
3.0
Ever see a video (or in person) shot of someone who's leading in a competition, and then throws it away at the end my accident or mistake? Celebrate too early, racer blows an engine on the last lap, trip before the finish line, whatever.
This book is the literary equivalent of that.
It starts strong and goes on well. The writing in quick paced and witty. The historical setting (New York, 1978) and culture are well researched. The story itself is interesting, creepy and engaging.
The book is a vampire book about vampires, and that's it. There are no important human characters other than the MC's family in the pre-turning flashbacks. Otherwise humans are food - charmed, passive, and ultimately oblivious. The book's conflicts are all about vampire society.
It also deals with some recurring tropes from vampire fiction in ways that are not really common. In particular, the concept of child vampires.
Unfortunately, the story draws to a close that seems pretty contrived, abrupt and saccharine. And then after that, the author indulges in a sort of epilogue where he spells out too much and basically says "hey, look how witty I am."
All in all, it was an enjoyable story - but be prepared to be extremely frustrated by the ending.
This book is the literary equivalent of that.
It starts strong and goes on well. The writing in quick paced and witty. The historical setting (New York, 1978) and culture are well researched. The story itself is interesting, creepy and engaging.
The book is a vampire book about vampires, and that's it. There are no important human characters other than the MC's family in the pre-turning flashbacks. Otherwise humans are food - charmed, passive, and ultimately oblivious. The book's conflicts are all about vampire society.
It also deals with some recurring tropes from vampire fiction in ways that are not really common. In particular, the concept of child vampires.
Unfortunately, the story draws to a close that seems pretty contrived, abrupt and saccharine. And then after that, the author indulges in a sort of epilogue where he spells out too much and basically says "hey, look how witty I am."
All in all, it was an enjoyable story - but be prepared to be extremely frustrated by the ending.