THE VAMPIRE SONNETS BY DAVID NELSON BRADSHER: BOOK REVIEW

David Nelson Bradsher
The Vampire Sonnets


Brought to you by OBS staff member Annabell Cadiz

Synopsis:

The story of Tristan Grey, a 19th Century Londoner, who is seduced and turned by Lady Nina, leader of the Chelsea Clan. But things aren’t always what they seem through the eyes of a fledgling immortal. What sets this project apart from the countless other vampire tales in the marketplace currently is that these are written in sequential Shakespearean sonnets.

Review:

Books written in sonnet form doesn’t quite sound all that thrilling now does it? Don’t worry you are not alone in that thought process. I was very hesitatant to read a novel written in iambic pentameter, even more so because the book was centered around vampires. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have always been fond of vampires and the various legends surrounding them. But lately, I haven’t been too happy to read about vampires, they’ve been seeming more like wimps than the deadly, killing machines they’re supposed to be.

Vampire Sonnets has brought the vampire lore back in even greater style than ever before! The story is written beautifully, the rhythm of the words plays out in dark and passionate notes. You can feel the movement of the characters as the story progresses, whether they are sucking blood or fighting. 

The scenes are wonderfully descriptive even in such a condense format. The small “flecks of gold” in Maggie’s eyes or the “harvest moon that waxed and waned.” With each sentence the words paint both lovely and terrifyingly beautiful images. The reader will be drawn in and tangled in the dark world author David Nelson Bradsher created.

My appreciation for vampires has been redeemed through this book. Nina, the one who changed Tristan into a vampire, is UTTERLY RUTHLESS! She is vain and vindictive and possessive of Tristan and the other five she helped change, and arrogant. She does not pretend to be loving or caring in any way. She is VISCOUS! I also love that the female characters are portrayed so boldly and independent. They take charge and don’t apologize for their actions. They make their choices on their own terms and are merciless.

David Nelson Bradsher has brought back the elegant and grace of vampires, mixed with the calculating cruelness. You don’t have to be well versed in Shakespeare to appreciate what Bradsher is able to accomplish in his novel, he makes it accessible to everyone.

For all of you who love a good vampire story, and for all of you are tired of the wimps vampires have turned into, Vampire Sonnets will spark your love once again for the walking undead and the terrifying romanticism behind them.

A wonderful read! I am looking forward to what else Bradsher manages to create!

For more information on the author and his novels, check out his face book page: David Nelson Bradsher http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47383438565&v=wall