The Book of Common Dread

This book is one of the most original vampire novels that I've read in a long time. It's spooky but told in a way that makes it almost believable. I loved the academic setting of Princeton, and I even grew to like the vampire, Vincent DeVibliss. I actually think that he was the most developed character by the end of the story. Some of the explanation of how vampires came into existence was simplistic, but the book was still great. I couldn't put it down.

I loved this book and its sequel, The Blood of the Covenant. It plays like a film in your mind, and is not your average, stereotypical vampire novel. If you want that, go with Anne Rice. If not, pick this book up and give it a read. The characters are varied and great. The story stays on target, and is a lot more than your everyday vampire tale. All I can say is that it's a terrific contemporary vampire novel, and will remain one of my favorites. Once again, I have to thank Monahan for giving readers something rare: an original vampire novel!

Can you really believe in the classic vampire, the creature who lives only to extract blood and perhaps, in the sexy vampire novels, to inject a bit of his own fluids? Who would want to live for eternity in a coffin filled with dirt, able to rise only when the sun is down? And was Rice's explanation of the origin of vampires unsatisfactory? Try Monahan's take on it, in The Book of Common Dread. It is quite a novel novel in the supernatural thriller genre. Other than his highly original vampire, his characters are the usual stock ones, but the action rolls on and on, the situations are uniquely believable, and he even manages to inject dry humor. This would make a heck of a motion picture. So would its sequel.

I have to disagree with some of the other reviewrs of this book who may have found it less than pleasing. Monahan gives us a fresh view on the common vampiric myth and brings it up to a modern level. I found it to be more light-hearted than the Anne Rice series with less voluminous expounding on virtue, feelings and setting. Monahan has delivered a work that tantilizes with just enough background to make it interesting and believable yet leave the reader wanting more (which can be found in the sequel).This book is not for those seeking the lengthy ramblings of Anne Rice whom I found boring at many times. It is more action oriented and focuses on mystery.The plot has to do with demonic forces wishing to destroy a certain set of ancient scrolls which could be their undoing. The vehicle of these forces is a vampire. The main character (Simon) is set to stop the destruction of the scrolls and kill the vampire, until....You'll just have to read it yourself to find out what goes on!

I had not planned to write a review of this book, but I noticed that the posted reviews from other readers were very negative. What can I say? I liked it. I don't mind vampires who can take sunlight. I don't mind sexual content. I don't mind vampires who don't fit the traditional mold. I found this book enjoyable.