Darklost

In Darklost the author's use of ancient myth, new age legend and american pop culture spaning the last 40 plus years is an amazing blend of the real and the not quite so real that is so on par with shameless tabloid journalisum that he might wish to borrow from another priviously made film that starred Will Smith and add to his list of institutions to trash as he writes around them. In fact 'Darklost' would be better as a film yet seems an overwritten screen play that was too cumbersome to make it to the screen in one piece. If a customer can't 'knock' or make disparaging comments about an author then neither should the author be allowed to make them in his book lightly hidden behing the flimsy mask of his history burdened but entertaining if some what expected Nosferatu.

Farren is a rarety in this day and age, a writer who takes the time to build a plot and define characters. There is faint element of parody in what he does that gives it an unexpected tang.In the Darklost Farren weaves several subplots into a very enjoyable read. The Nosferatu have fled to California and are trying to reestablish a home there. Almost inexorably they are forced by events into saving the world for humanity. Interesting characters and many insights into the history and culture of Farren's vampires make this an exceptionally pleasant bedside read.This isn't a book for readers who want splatter and intense violence. But if you like to linger over a book, Darklost will work for you.

Fear of being unmasked and grieving the loss of his significant other leads vampire (call me nosferatu) master Victor Renquist to relocate his brood in Los Angeles. In spite of its heavenly name, Victor finds his new city easier to hide in than New York because so many of humanity's lost boys and girls live here. However, a new trend begins to grow amidst the rich and famous. Hollywood wants immortality, but not just on the silver screen. Led by the charismatic Marcus De Reske, the Council of Nine believes that bringing the demon Cthulhu to earth will cause destruction and lead to their immortal life. Victor has ignored the increasing efforts to bring back the most evil of the ancient gods because he must deal with his own tribe and tribulations. However, Victor finally realizes he must act even if it costs him his immortal life before the evil one eradicates all life forms including vampires. DARK LOST, the sequel to the TIME OF THE FEASTING, is a chilling supernatural tale that pays homage to some of the masters of horror fiction such as Lovecraft and Stoker. The numerous subplots tie together while bringing to life the dangerous streets of LA and the overall acceptance of vampires in our midst. Although the belief in nosferatu and other supernatural beings as a whole feels genuine, the individual major otherworldly players fail to come across as real. Still, fans of vampire tales or supernatural stories in general will fully enjoy Mick Farren's look at the lost dark side of Los Angeles.Harriet Klausner