Review: Wanted Undead or Alive

Stoker Award-winning author Jonathan Maberry and Janice Gable Bashman joined forces to write Wanted Undead or Alive, a book about the battle of good versus evil. This book discusses all forms of evil throughout history – from mythical creatures like vampires, to comic book villains, real life serial killers and much much more. Honestly, it would be impossible for me to sum up everything this one book contains, because really, there is SO much!

I had an interview with the two authors a while back (here) and the moment I read their answers I knew I had to get this book – and I did (happy book dance)! Anyway, Wanted Undead or Alive is a ridiculously well researched book that contains so much information that I can’t even begin imagine how long it took to put this masterpiece together. On top of the fantastic facts and in depth intellectual thoughts on evil, there are also illustrations and interviews with top film, publishing, and comic industry names, such as Stan Lee, L. A. Banks, Laurell K. Hamilton, John Carpenter and MANY more. The best part is that in spite of all of the information, Wanted Undead or Alive never once reads like a textbook, it’s serious yet humorous all at once. After all, you do have chapter titles like “A Priest and a Rabbi Walk into a Crypt” and “Did You Use Protection?”

The book begins with evil itself, its definition and how it’s interpreted, then moves onto evil throughout history, starting with mythical beasts and eventually moving on to pop culture. Since this is a vampire site, I’ll focus on the vampire section of the book (although I really loved the chapter “Did You Use Protection?). The vampire section takes a peek into the world of vampire folklore, and I say peek because it’s just that, a small look into vampire lore. If you are looking complete and descriptive info on folkloric vampires you won’t find it here, however, what you do find is accurate, which is a big plus. I was a little disappointed by the lack of info there, but considering that there are entire books on vampire folklore alone I can’t expect Maberry and Bashman to make one chapter of their book a thousand pages long.

Overall I was incredibly impressed and pleased with Wanted Undead or Alive. It’s one of those books that you have to read to fully grasp its awesomeness, because even the best reviewer can’t cover it all. It’s a book anyone can enjoy – from the vampire fans to the philosophical types to the comic book lovers to even a book club, so go buy it now!

– Moonlight

By Moonlight

Moonlight (aka Amanda) loves to write about, read about and learn about everything pertaining to vampires. You will most likely find her huddled over a book of vampire folklore with coffee in hand. Touch her coffee and she may bite you (and not in the fun way).

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