The Hunger

The Hunger is a mesmerizing tale of a Vampire that has existed for thousands of years. Miriam Blaylock's thirst of the Hunger and the love of suitable companion is largely what drives her through the centuries. She offers her chosen mate immortality, and all of the powers that come with the transfusion of her blood. What her mates do not know is that they are not truly immortal, but will last only several centuries. After that they will age extremely fast and although they cannot die, they will suffer in a coma like state until the end of time; a horrible existence. Mariam is now preparing for a new companion; a doctor who has been doing research on the aging process. Things begin to get complicated and Mariam's life is in jeopardy.This is a very well written book and captures both you attention and imagination. While Mariam is considered evil, it's hard not to cheer for her cause. The writing style is fast paced with alot of suspense and danger. As with many of the vampire novels available, this one also has it's own rules for Vampires with regard to their powers, strengths, and limitations. Vampire and horror readers should not pass this one up.

Vampire tales can get mundane and boring, but this is a unique and eternally creepier approach to a predatory species who walks among us. Miriam Blaylock is a Vampire, stunningly beautiful and intelligent, and very lonely. Centuries old, she is forever seeking one who will be her companion throughout time. Her current lover and companion is John Blaylock, only a couple hundred years old when he starts to age rapidly, showing the signs of degeneration Miriam has seen so many times before. As John deteriorates, Miriam prepares her next companion for the transformation, but John consumes her before she's ready. Desperate, Miriam impulsively chooses Dr. Sarah Roberts to be her next, for Dr. Roberts has been intensively researching aging and the human biological clock. Sarah's boyfriend is suspicious, and ultimately pays the price for investigating Sarah's strange behavior, but Sarah is not cut to fit the mold that Miriam plots for her.An incredibly great tale of Vampires, who Sleep (with a capitol S) for about six hours a day, a coma like state where they are entirely vulnerable, but are able to walk about during the day and appear normal except for their hair and eyes, which the modern world covers up with contact lenses and wigs. Strieber brings Miriam's flashbacks to life, going back as far as ancient Egypt when Miriam was young, and bringing us the horrifying fact that Miriam keeps her lovers with her always, for they cannot ever die once they have been "transformed" for her.A definite read for any Vampire fan, and recommended even if you are not.

I finally read "The Hunger" recently and am annoyed with myself that I didn't read it sooner. An excellent look at vampire mythology through a scientific lens, "The Hunger" is one of the best novels in the genre. Even if you have seen the movie (which was reasonably faithful), check out this masterwork of vampiric passion. If you like vampires, you won't be disappointed.

This book is the best of the genre. It was around long before Anne Rice became a household name, and inspired one of the biggest cult films of the 80's. The story is supurb, and the plot shifts between the eternal life of Miriam Blaylock and her quickly dying present love, John. Underneath the horror is a love story. What does it mean to live forever? What does it mean to taste eternity, but never have it? What is life, and what is death...? If you have read Rice's mainstream vampire stories with any interest, you should love The Hunger.