If you’ve ever read a book involving any virus or monster
related epidemic (or even seen a similar movie), you know there are two ways the creator can
handle it: 1. Explain the origin story and hope the reader buys it or 2. Have
the characters just accept the circumstances as they are. If they choose the later, the audience is
free to speculate and come to their own conclusions or often, critique the
author for being too lazy to explain it themselves. If the writer explains the origin, they will
often get picked apart for credibility.
We readers are BRUTAL to writers… In Skarlet, the new vampire
novel by Thomas Emson, he chooses to successfully explain the origins, combining it with
mysticism and science. He creates
unlikely allies, unique foes and gives them a twisted and dark backstory
spanning the years.
A mysterious new drug, only with the marking “S” has made
it’s way into one of London’s dance club, despite the best efforts of Jake Lawton, one of the clubs bouncers. Unfortunately, the
partiers find that this is a drug with lasting affect. Everyone who tried it soon convulses and
dies. Yet, unlike most hard drugs that
end in death, this one does not. After
24 hrs, they all return, thirsty for blood and ready to regain their dominance
over the humans.
Lawton already has a murky past and becomes the perfect
scapegoat. Not only is he eager to clear
his name and live a normal life but he also wants to find answers to why the
girl he once loved has become cold and blood thirsty. In order to do so, he must work with the
journalist who soiled his name and the dealer responsible. All the while, London is under attack and no
one is safe.
What I liked: This is a story that weaves many lives
together to create a big picture. I LOVE
when stories do this. Back through time
and in present day the story is brilliant linked. It’s also a nice balance of character
development and action. There were
countless “AH-HA” moments when a character is revealed and you see a
connection. The vampires also have a
nice amount of primal grit. I like that.
What made me say meh: This is the first book of the Vampire
Trinity. Unfortunately, it means do not
expect closure. Even knowing that this
story is to be continued, I felt like the action packed scenes at the end were
lacking a little depth. I suppose with so many characters, it would
have been tough to tie off loose ends in one book. I’ll read the sequel but I’ll walk to the
store. I won’t run.
Who should read this book: If you want a good thriller with
a solid story, this is it! It’s well
told and very well planned. It has
action, gore, history and romance. All
is tastefully done.
Who should wait this one out: Not for people who want
non-stop action or super-duper gore.
This story moves at a very steady and comfortable pace.
Recommended:
Yes. I enjoyed the book. It reminded me slightly of a less intense
version of The Strain (Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan). There are definitely similarities but where The Strain keeps the reader in fear, Skarlet makes you feel like there is still hope for
humanity.
You can read my review for A Book of Horrors here.
Also, many other reviews are on ZombieWorldNews.com here.
AND if you're feeling a little extra nosy, follow me on Goodreads. I love talking about what I'm reading! Till next time darlings, I'm sure it will be amazing, stay pretty and prepare!!
