Chronicles of the Undead, by A.F. Stewart

Some books are printed in just the right format, and Chronicles of the Undead, by AF Stewart, is one such book. The slender, over-sized paper-back feels just right doubling as a diary in the reader’s hands. And the large type-face fits the sparse journalistic writing perfectly.

I’d read the first chapter online before receiving my own copy of the book. Any doubts I had about how the writing style would work in a complete novel were soon laid to rest (together with various hapless women of the night). But once I had the book in my hands, I couldn’t stop reading. Three diaries are included—Samuel Harrington from 1793-95; Edmund Harrington from 1795-97; and Charlotte Harrington from 1825-26. I was surprised how quickly the characters became real. Samuel’s banal unkindness inexorably morphs into true evil, Edmund’s good intentions turn sour under the weight of revenge, and even Charlotte leaves me wondering how the proximity to evil will harm her.

The author presents the slow dissolution of good intentions against a well-researched historical background. The surrounding world of London society reels and recovers from war; money is invested in wise and foolish things; and stocks rise and fall. Secret societies, intrigue and morbid curiosity add fuel to the fire. And vampires live and die.

A story well-told in a format well-suited to the telling, Chronicles of the Undead is a quick, intriguing read that leaves you wondering… what next? A fine vampire tale.

You can find A.F. Stewart on Gather at http://scribe77.gather.com/