Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Bloodlist (Vampire Files, Bk 1)

Bloodlist (Vampire Files, Bk 1)
reviewed I, Vampire... (ok, not really, but work with me on this.. ;) ) on
Helpful Score: 4


Hmm... Read one and stop? Cheesy? Noir? Not really, kinda and sure.

"You've read them all"

No. In most of the things out there, the main character has been a vampire since somewhere around the time of (insert historically relevant event here - from BC to the French Revolution - any time before, and the WOTC's go nuts, any time after, and it's just not fashionable). I, personally, have NEVER read another book where the main character describes, in some physics-related detail, exactly how he comes to realize that he has just died, and then realizes that he has been transformed into a vampire.

"Tongue in cheek"

Yeah, a little. Fleming (the main character) is learning about Chicago - he's not from there, originally. He "confirms" and "debunks" some of the vampire myths (do you REALLY think a vampire can't enter a home without an invitation?)

"Light hearted"

Again, yeah. It really kind of is. But then, as I mentioned before, Fleming has JUST realized that he has JUST become a vampire, and he's trying to figure out what he can and cannot do - especially since it is set not too far after the 1931 Dracula (with Bela Legosi) had just come out. And besides, given that situation, what would YOU do???

"Noir"

Yes. Set in post-prohibition 1930's, with still a lot of gang influence, and a good amount of racist views (for SOME of the characters - not Fleming, of course). It does have the almost gritty feel to it, with Fleming's newfound friend providing the "straightman" at times.

Worth it?

You betcha. The whole series. I like the first person viewpoint. I like the American vampire (beats the devil out of that effete Frenchie ;) :D)) And I like the fact that Fleming hasn't been around for just this side of forever. He has to learn what he's capable of, and what changes come with being a vampire. Is he still himself? Is he a monster? Should he send part of his PI/Reporter pay home to his parents???