For all intents and purposes, Claire and Xavier appear to be your typical married couple. They bicker, they get on each other's nerves, and they love having company around for dinner. Their pallets are very specific; they like their meat bloody. They have been married for so long that they know each other fully and completely. How long have they been married you may ask? Oh, about a century, give or take a decade or two. Did I mention that they were vampires...?

Vampire Dawn is a treat for all fans of this vamp genre. Philip Henry's book is a vampire tale much in the tradition of Buffy, only with more swearing. Like Joss Whedon, Philip Henry employs a flippant style, which is full-to-the-brim with gothic kitsch. Philip Henry's style of storytelling alone would make this book a must-read. But, this novel has other dimensions that make Vampire Dawn stand apart from the myriad of generic vampire stories invading this genre on a weekly basis. Vampire Dawn turns the traditional role… more »

For all intents and purposes, Claire and Xavier appear to be your typical married couple. They bicker, they get on each other's nerves, and they love having company around for dinner. Their pallets are very specific; they like their meat bloody. They have been married for so long that they know each other fully and completely. How long have they been married you may ask? Oh, about a century, give or take a decade or two. Did I mention that they were vampires...?

Vampire Dawn is a treat for all fans of this vamp genre. Philip Henry's book is a vampire tale much in the tradition of Buffy, only with more swearing. Like Joss Whedon, Philip Henry employs a flippant style, which is full-to-the-brim with gothic kitsch. Philip Henry's style of storytelling alone would make this book a must-read. But, this novel has other dimensions that make Vampire Dawn stand apart from the myriad of generic vampire stories invading this genre on a weekly basis. Vampire Dawn turns the traditional role of vampire/vampire-slayer on its head. Customarily, the heroes in vampire novels are the slayers. In Vampire Dawn, these vampire slayers are a bit more mean and, at times, completely callous, whereas the vampires are just trying to survive in a world prejudiced against them. According to Vampire Dawn, vampires are not soulless killers, and they seem quite civilized. They do have to kill someone every now and again (every night!), but these acts are never malicious. However, you do come across the odd, homicidal maniac among the vamps. So, in Vampire Dawn, more often than not, you find yourself rooting for the vampires, and you certainly forgive them the odd murder, here and there.

Vampire Dawn is a thrilling read that superbly marries some elements of Buffy, Near Dark, and Lost Boys - all the kitschy classics. However, having said this, fans of gothic lore will not be disappointed by Vampire Dawn, as it also pays homage to classic vampire tales of old. In short, Vampire Dawn is a gothic vampire story with a distinctly modern twist. And, if it has a lesson to teach us, perhaps it is to remind us all that vampires were humans once, too - well maybe not, but you get the idea!

Vampire Dawn is a tantalizing first-taste into Philip Henry's dark and witty world. And, after you read it, I guarantee that you will be thirsty for more..!