I originally read this book about 1980 not long after its publication in 1976. On reading it again, I really didn't remember much from the first read. I read it originally because it was written by Colin Wilson. When I was in the military in the early 70s, one of my friends there was a Wilson fanatic and had to read everything ever written by him. Wilson is best known for his nonfiction works such as the "Outsider" and his existentialism philosophy. On my friends recommendation, I read several of his books but mostly his fiction such as this novel. According to Wilson's acknowledgements, "Space Vampires" originated in a discussion with A.E. van Vogt and his story "Asylum". This was another reason to read this novel.

On rereading this, I have to say that Wilson did pull you into this story. The novel starts out with the discovery of a space derelict containing the bodies of alien life forms. This initially reminded me of Clarke's "Rendezvous with Rama" - a super sci-fi novel. But then Wilson takes a twist when the bodies are transported to earth and found to be vampires, not in the usual sense, but beings able to suck the "lifeforce" from other beings. The novel goes on for an entire section discussing vampirism in general and how other creatures such as a moray eel also have vampire traits. Overall, I would give this one a mild recommendation but I think some of Wilson's other work is much superior.

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