I am reviewing yet another vampire book. Yeah, don't act so surprised. But Christopher Farnsworth's Blood Oath is one of the most satisfying books of any genre I've read in a while.
In a unique set-up inspired by an actual historical event, the reader is introduced to Nathaniel Cade, a vampire who has spent nearly his entire second life in the service of the highest office of the United States, through several different administrations since the 19th century. Why he does so is something to be discovered by the reader, but Cade is officially "The President's Vampire", and it's his job to deal with the supernatural threats that crop up against the free world.
Blood Oath centers around a new emerging terrorist threat just as Cade is breaking in a new human partner, Zach Barrows, a young up-and-coming White House staffer who, of course, has no idea what he's in for and sees this assignment as something of a punishment.
I loved the set-up, which kind of fits along the same lines as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, mixing up real world politics with supernatural elements. The characters were intriguing, complex and never boring. Cade could carry a whole series of books, as Farnsworth has already discussed writing. Plus there was a lot of action, cool gadgets both magical and technological, truly scary villains (ranging from megalomaniacs to the purely psychopathic) and adult language. Plus it touches on themes of religion, addiction and the fear of the unknown, so it's a little deep on top of everything else.
My Verdict: Gripping and high octane, everything you could ask for in a grown-up supernatural novel. No Twihards need apply (yeah, I know, I'm ragging on Twilight again, but come on!).
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