Vampires » Vampire Book

Tim Burton to Make “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” Movie

Moonlight — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:00:04 +0000

After all the things we have said about Seth Grahame-Smith’s latest book, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, you wouldn’t think we would have more to add right? Wrong.

The latest bit of Hollywood gossip is that director Tim Burton is set to turn this kickass vampire book into a movie. From Christmas, to chocolate, to Alice and now to our 16th president.

Word is that Burton will produce the Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter flick and that Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) has signed on to direct. As for the screenplay, that will be penned by Seth Grahame-Smith, based on his own book, which was released this past week. Grahame-Smith wrote the cult hit Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which is also set for a big screen release with Natalie Portman signed on as the lead.

Ok, so as I mentioned before I loved Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter BUT I am not digging the idea of a movie. Like most people I don’t want to see a book I love twisted and distorted by a lame-ass movie. My main problem is that this book is so full of details and information that there is no way to jam all of it into a single movie.

Now if the rumor is true and the author himself is actually writing the screenplay for the flick, then maybe, just maybe, this whole movie will be able to keep true to the novel. After all, Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire was a very complicated tale, but thanks to the fact that she wrote the screenplay to the movie it was just as extraordinary as her original book. So we have hope in that.

I do like that it’s Timur Bekmambetov directing the film and not Tim Burton. Don’t get me wrong, Burton makes beautiful films, but his style doesn’t really mesh well with Abraham Lincoln. Bekmambetov on the other hand could totally pull it off without making it ridiculously over the top.

Overall I am a bit iffy on the plan for a movie, but if done well then it could be pretty rad. We’ll just have to wait and see.

What do you think?

- Moonlight

Anne Rice Vooks the Master of Rampling Gate

Moonlight — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:33:52 +0000

The legendary author Anne Rice has turned her one and only vampire short story, The Master of Rampling Gate, into a Vook. If you’re like me then you’re probably wondering what the hell a Vook is, well, “A vook is a new innovation in reading that blends a well-written book, high-quality video and the power of the Internet into a single, complete story. You can read your book, watch videos that enhance the story and connect with authors and your friends through social media all on one screen, without switching between platforms.”

The Anne Rice video book, which includes an author interview, was released earlier this month and can be purchased through the iPhone, iPod touch and other digital devices for only 99 cents (for a limited time only).

“Vook presents a powerful story by the undisputed Queen of Vampire Literature, Anne Rice. The Master of Rampling Gate is a chilling tale of vampiric seduction enhanced by seductive videos about vampires, the black plague, the gothic style, and Anne Rice herself.

Set in the gasslit streets of 1888 London and the wild moors of the countryside beyond, The Master of Rampling Gate tells the story of Julie, a young woman who becomes obsessed with the house her father swore her and her brother to tear down upon his death. Julie can’t imagine what lies in wait at Rampling Gate, a spirit that haunted her father for years and now yearns for her flesh. The Master of Rampling Gate is a sublime love story in which Julie struggles to choose between the world of reason and rationality and the dark promises of a creature she is almost helpless to resist.

Experience this rare Anne Rice short story as a Vook. Read AND watch the heart pounding tale as you take a journey back in time to the late 1800s, a world of endless nights, secret passions and the promise of dark and nameless pleasures.”

Check out the vook trailer for The Master of Rampling Gate.

Click here to view the embedded video.

- Moonlight

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Review

Moonlight — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:00:52 +0000

So faithful readers, I just finished reading Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, the upcoming novel by Seth Grahame-Smith (the author of the famed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies). Before I get into all the fun-filled review details let me just say that this book is hands down the best I have read this year. You’re hooked now aren’t you? Ha.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is about… Abraham Lincoln, obviously. The story follows our beloved president throughout his life – a life full of death, chaos and sinister vampires. The hidden history behind the Civil War is revealed and we learn just how big a role vampires played in American History.

Seth is an excellent story-teller that mixes fact and fiction so perfectly that it sounds absolutely believable. There were quite a few times while reading the novel that I started to think that it was a true recount of actual events – that’s how good Seth is. Honestly, I’m not even fully convinced that it’s not true. Hmmm.

Ok, my insanity aside, the author most definitely put a hell of a lot of research into this book. It’s incredible how many little facts and details have been included, I am genuinely amazed at how well it all blended together. I also loved the other historical figures spread throughout the story and their involvement with the vampires. Especially Edgar Allan Poe – the conversations with Lincoln and Poe about vampires are ridiculously entertaining, I loved it.

Overall, I thought the novel was fantastic. I will admit I was a bit disappointed by the ending. Don’t get me wrong, the ending was by no means bad, but after such an intense and dramatic story from the beginning I expected an even bigger ending. I guess I’m just needy.

Either way Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is a dark, spine-tingling and highly entertaining ride – I totally recommend picking it up March 2, 2010 OR if you want to get it for free enter our contest for your chance to win a copy.

…and check out the book trailer as well!

Click here to view the embedded video.

- Moonlight

Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising

Moonlight — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:00:31 +0000

The cool thing about vampires being so popular is that there are more and more vampire books coming out (which totally kicks ass). One of the best things about all of these vamp books is that there’s this massive mix of everything – something for adults, kids, teens, tweens, boys, girls… etc. Unfortunately, many of the new young adult books are stories of forbidden love and are directed at teen girls for the most part. But good news boys (and girls), there’s an upcoming book that‘s not just another cliché love story – Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson.

“A descendant of legendary vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing, fourteen-year-old Alex is stuck at boarding school near Lake Geneva, Switzerland, when he finds himself drawn into a web of paranormal intrigue. It turns out that Lake Geneva is also home to a secret school for vampires called the Scholomance—and now to a dangerous vampire clan lord known only as Icemaker, who’s using the Scholomance for his own dangerous endgame. With the help of his friends and of special agent Sangster, it’s up to Alex to fulfill his family destiny and stop Icemaker’s frightening plans once and for all.

Alex Van Helsing is a showstopping hero set to leap off the page—stake, naturally, in hand. Drawing from centuries of actual vampire lore and literature (and with a nod to zombies, too!), Jason Henderson delivers a breathlessly paced thriller that will captivate vampire fans as well as readers who loved Alex Rider.”

Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising comes out May 4, 2010. I have to say that I totally plan on reading this. I really need a new young adult book to read that doesn’t involve emo lover vamps. Don’t get me wrong, I love some girly romance novels but I do like to mix up my reading list.

- Moonlight

Angels’ Blood

Moonlight — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:00:43 +0000

As we all know vampires are huge in entertainment. You can’t go anywhere without seeing handfuls of vampire goodies. But the vampire craze is dying down a bit and it appears that angels just might be replacing them. Last time I checked out the new release section at the book store I saw that over half were vampire books and that all of the others were either werewolf books or angel books. But fear not fang fans, vampires aren’t gone yet. In fact, if you want to mix vampires and angels I have just the book for you, Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh.

“Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she’s the best—but she doesn’t know if she’s good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option…even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn’t destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…”

I share a lot of books with you guys and I think out of all of them this book probably has the best reviews from professionals and fans alike. It sounds fantastic, instead of doing just vampires or just angels like most authors, Singh took two popular topics and made one excellent mixture of both. You’ve got angels, vampires, blood, action, lust and more – and all of those things equal pure awesome.

Angels’ Blood is actually part of the Guild Hunter series. The second book in the series, Archangel’s Kiss, was just released February 2, 2010. Find out more at Nalini Singh’s website.

- Moonlight

Gifts For Your Vampire Valentine

Moonlight — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:00:05 +0000

Valentine’s Day is coming soon – the time of romance, love, lust, flowers, cheesy Hallmark cards and more. So this is the perfect time to show just how much your vampire lover means to you. Here’s a few gift ideas to help you out.

Jewelry
It’s a classic V-day gift, but instead of the cliché diamond stud earrings or golden heart-shaped locket try to get them something a little more unique. If you want to stick to the classics you could get them this heart-shaped skull locket. Or you can go with this bleeding heart pendant. But if you’re planning to give them a promise ring, then I’d check these out.

Alchemy Gothic has a lot of incredible gothic jewelry – see their website for locations. But if you are looking for something one of a kind, something no one has then check out Etsy. This is a site where people sell their handmade items, some of which are breathtaking.

Twilight Forbidden Fruits
Ok, clearly this gift isn’t for everyone. But if your vampire fan is looking for some Twilight goodies then this is perfect for Valentines Day. Here you can find Twilight themed candy hearts, cleverly titled “Forbidden Fruits.” You can find these in most stores like Target and such.

Romantic Dinner
A lovely night for two is just what you love-birds need. Set the table, light come dark candles, break out the romantic wine glasses and get yourself a bottle of vampire wine.

Sexy Panties
Do I even need to explain this one? Just picture him taking those off with his fangs.

Homemade Coupons
You remember those coupons you made for mom on mother’s day right? The promise cards mom could cash in that would say things like “do dishes” or “take the dog for a walk”. Well why not make your own vampire version, make coupons that say “one bite: wherever you like” or whatever your filthy mind can come up with.

Welcome Mat
Ok, this one is a bit silly, but it’s fun. Make your vamp feel welcome.

Books
I am a big book bookworm, so a book would be a perfect gift for me, and maybe for your eternal love as well. I’d go for the vampire romance anthologies or some vampire erotica.

Goth Guitar
If your vampire is a music lover, then I would so buy this amazing guitar. I mean, it’s a skull guitar! Awesome!

Now you have a couple ideas that are sure to put a smile on you vampire valentine’s face.

- Moonlight

Blue Bloods Autographed Book Contest Updates!

annimi — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:54:47 +0000

As you may have noticed, I have not posted the names of winners just yet, –I said I’d do it on January 1st. That’s because I’ve decided to extend the contest a little bit. We’ve gotten a lot of fabulous entries, but I want to be sure that everyone gets a chance to be in on this.

The contest winners will be announced on Valentine’s Day, February 14th!

If you haven’t ad a chance yet to participate, the details are:

Win a box set of the first three novels in the Blue Bloods series! Just send in a short article (at least 200 words) about which Blue Bloods character you identify with the most, and why.

OR!

Dress up as your favorite Blue Bloods character, and snap a photo. The best costume wins!

Send your articles and photos to: contest@darkness.com

If you love the Blue Bloods series, and Melissa de la Cruz, check out our exclusive interview!

The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles

Moonlight — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:00:38 +0000

As I’m sure you can all guess, I read a lot of vampire books. Gasp! Shocking right? Anyway, while I find most of them enjoyable, very few genuinely amaze me and give me something completely unique. But The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles by Ray Rhamey is one of those rare books that left me pleasantly surprised.

When I picked this book up I expected a cute children’s book, but instead got a perfectly executed adult novel – that had many incredibly cute moments, mixed in with lots of bloody ones. Ray Rhamey’s quick wit and clever sense of humor is just what the vampire world of fiction needs. There were many times when this book made me laugh out loud, and let me tell you, very few books can manage that. Rhamey mastered what so many authors attempt but fail miserably at, so he gets 100 awesome points for that.

The story follows a crafty calico cat named Patch and his new life as a vampire after a starving vamp makes him breakfast. The fast-paced story is narrated by the proud cat as he chronicles his journey as a creature prince of the night. But life as a vampire-kitty isn’t easy – painful bloodlust, mobs and their fiery torches, murder trials, “Lestat,” shotguns, burning sunlight and more than one kidnapping. Oh no, not easy at all. And to make matters worse, he is then tossed into the role of politician. At least he gets some hot pussy…cat.

If I were you I’d definitely pick up The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles. Just head over to the official website and get yourself a copy. On top of book-filled goodness the website also has a “Cats We Love” section for all the cat lovers out there, so feel free to add your kitty photo to the mix as well. Oh oh! Annnd there’s a store as well.

- Moonlight

Evolve

Moonlight — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:00:18 +0000

Are you looking for a vampire book that is will hold your attention and give you something you’ve never read before? Then this March you should definitely pick up your copy of the upcoming vampire anthology, Evolve.

Evolve is edited by the award-winning author Nancy Kilpatrick. She has published eighteen novels, over one hundred and ninety short stories, five collections of stories, and has edited nine other anthologies. Most of her work is about vampires as well, so that right there gets her mass amounts of awesome points.

This upcoming anthology features poetry and short stories all about vampires. Yay! You’ve got 24 of some of the best fantasy and horror writers all together in this book. The poetry and stories each take a new and unique look into the future of vampires, bringing us something we haven’t seen before. I totally plan on picking this book up, especially since Tanya Huff, an author I absolutely love, has a story in the anthology.

“The intriguing Vampires appearing in Evolve all share a common link to the iconic character Dracula” – Dacre Stoker

If you check out Evolve’s website you can see upcoming events, the full list of authors and their websites, info on the book launch and more. You can also preorder a special edition of the book and the cool thing is that you get three choices. The first kick ass edition is the hardcover book wrapped in silk and packaged in a sturdy pine coffin. The second is simply the hardcover edition and the third is a signed paperback edition.

As a huge fan of vampire anthologies I will be grabbing this once it hits store shelves. The great thing about anthologies is that if you don’t like one story you always have a bunch of others that you will enjoy. Plus they are short stories so you always have time to read them.

- Moonlight

The Infamous Montague Summers

Moonlight — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:00:05 +0000

Way back when science was beginning to beat out illogical superstition there was still a man that was well known for his occult knowledge. Montague Summers (1880-1947) was a semi-famous English cleric, Gothic scholar and at the time, the leading figure on the occult.

Even though he spent nearly his whole life studying the supernatural, nowadays he is more respected for his literary accomplishments. He is actually the author of two of the most famous vampire novels ever written: The Vampire, His Kith and Kin (1928) and The Vampire in Europe (1929). These books take a deep look into vampires from a very Catholic point of view. Summers full heartedly believed in vampires and other supernatural beings, but he didn’t love them. He believed them to be evil and wanted them destroyed – he was one of those people that felt that all witches should be burned to death.

There is actually very little known about his early life. We do know that he was ordained a deacon in the Church of England in 1908 and that a year later he began studying for the Roman Catholic priesthood but was never ordained. It is thought that he wasn’t ordained because in his early years he dabbled is necromancy and sorcery. It is possible though that he was ordained in Italy by an obscure sect, but either way he was never recognized by the Church, even though he wore elaborate clerical dress.

Montague Summers didn’t focus on vampires only; he also studied werewolves and witches. Some of his other published works were A History of Witchcraft (1926), which was an introduction to the reissue of The Discovery of Witches by infamous Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins. In 1934 he published a study on werewolves, but that’s not all, he wrote others as well, all written with a strict Catholic mindset, so much so that they received approval from the Church.

While Summers despised the supernatural, his books do make for interesting reads. He most definitely put a lot of research into each one, some of his books containing extensive footnotes, excerpts and quotes in Greek, Latin, French and German. But the thing that is most interesting is his point of view, reading books written by somebody that believed 100% in evil supernatural creatures is certainly different.

- Moonlight

Vampires » Vampire Book

Tim Burton to Make “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” Movie

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Anne Rice Vooks the Master of Rampling Gate

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Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Review

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Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising

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Angels’ Blood

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Gifts For Your Vampire Valentine

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Blue Bloods Autographed Book Contest Updates!

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The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles

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Evolve

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The Infamous Montague Summers

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