Late Bite
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
What happens when the world discovers a real vampire? Rather than staying hidden and being hunted down by the torch-bearing hordes, he becomes a media sensation, especially when it’s revealed he is the last of his species. This kind of vampire was born of the hominid genus, as is man, but to a subset of humanity – Homo Sanguinus – that split from Homo Sapiens 30,000 years ago. The Sanguinus share many of man’s characteristics but are stronger and faster than humans. And they feed on human blood.
Their downfall as a species is an extremely low birthrate and millennia of conflicts with Homo Sapiens who slaughtered them because of Sapiens’ vastly greater numbers. The Sanguinus reproduce the same way humans do and cannot be made through a Bram Stoker-style neck bite.
Dragul Mangorian is the sole surviving Sanguinus. After a series of attacks where victims were found with two puncture wounds in their necks and with an inexplicable loss of two pints of blood, police hunt down Mangorian, capture him and put him on trial for the attempted murder of nine people.
In the sensational ‘vampire trial' where newspapers, TV networks, and magazines from around the globe clamour for a seat in the courtroom, Mangorian’s lawyer Al Hamblyn persuades the jury to acquit his client of all major charges. Now free in a world where the Kardashians are famous for being famous and the Mayor of Toronto is famous for his misadventures, Mangorian becomes a massive, global star as the host of TV's #1 late night talk show, Late Bite.
Each show captures audiences in the tens of millions. Many of the ultra fans offer Mangorian a non-lethal sampling of their blood as a show of their devotion. Life for Mangorian and Hamblyn, now business partners, is perfect as they seek to take their broadcasting company public and become billionaires in the process.
That perfection is ruptured when police uncover a series of vicious murders with all the markings of a vampire. The stage is set for Mangorian, Hamblyn and a team of elite assassins to hunt down the real killer.
Customer Reviews
I respectfully disagree with author on Genre
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Late Bite is a book that defies genres which the author, John Matsui, would easily agree. It is listed in thriller and suspense sub-genres and on Goodreads, the author has described it as in the horror genre. While I do agree that it is a paranormal, fantasy, action and adventure, and possibly crime novel, it is not a thriller and certainly not a horror. Now I could discuss technical details of why I disagree with the author on choice of genres, but the main reason is: no nightmares.
vampire
Yes, horror and even most well-written thrillers give me nightmares. I did not have a single nightmare while or immediately after reading the novel. Simple as that.
The Rest of the Story.
Now back to the actual book review, now that we’ve put the issue of genre out of the way. This is a very interesting novel about vampires. This is not another Twilight. This is a unique take on the age old vampire story, and I loved it.
This novel appealed to my scientific background with a discussion of a novel approach of how vampires, or creatures mistaken for vampires, may have evolved. It has been a long time since I’ve read a story with such an original idea. The story is compelling, engulfing, and entertaining from the beginning to the end.
The Characters, a Vampire or not.
The story is narrated by Al Hamblyn, nicknamed Hamburger, who has been given the unenviable duty of defending Dragul Mangorian, who has been accused of multiple break-ins, rape and murder. Through the story, you learn about the history and origin Dragul’s race as well as the humanity in Dragul. Hamblyn and Dragul are both likable characters, yet for different reasons. You, the reader, almost pity Hamblyn and through Hamblyn’s eyes you understand and develop empathy and understanding for Dragul.
In a world full of similar vampire stories, this is an original tale that will keep you guessing from the beginning to the end. That’s why I read novels, to be surprised, to be entertained, and to learn something. This book met all three of my criteria for why I like to read. This is certainly not your average vampire novel.
Not your Typical Horror or Thriller
I’m very glad I took a chance on this book, though it is described as a thriller or horror. Again, I respectfully disagree with the author on genre, but his genre choice does not detract from the enjoyment of this novel. If you don’t like thrillers or horrors, definitely give this novel a try.