Looking for an atmospheric, quick read? Fancy a traditional vampire story set in the late 1700’s through the early 1800’s that incorporates enough historic touches to its journal-entry story to enrich the reading experience? Then A.F. Stewart’s “Chronicles of the Undead” is for you!
“Chronicles of the Undead” follows a segment of the lives of three generations of Harringtons. According to Samuel Harrington’s journal accounts dated 1793-1795, he and his family became acquainted with new neighbors, foreigners named Henri and Eleanor. Samuel befriended Henri and introduced him around London.
The two indulged their vices, and their friendship grew until Samuel discovered Henri and Eleanor’s startling secret. They were vampires.
The next journal belongs to Edmund, Samuel’s only son, who also makes the startling discovery. During his time at school, Edmund befriends members of a secret society who not only believe in the existence of vampires – They track, chronicle, and ultimately hunt the creatures.
The final journal belongs to Samuel’s granddaughter, Edmund’s grown child. Charlotte Harrington stumbls upon her ancestors’ diaries and wonders if madness runs in her family. Vampires, real? And her family somehow associated with the undead? She researches and seeks the people chronicled in the notes of her paternal kin.
The book explores the dangers of debauchery and the influences exerted by acquaintanceship. Good intentions can be led astray by fanaticism. The author adds little touches such as the speakers presenting calling cards and mentioning visits from the vicar which adds to the feel of pre-Victorian London.
Although there were a few small grammatical errors that made me stumble over the text, in all this is an enjoyable story that dips the reader into a thought-out, historic mythology and leaves a hunger for more.
[bctt tweet=”BOOK REVIEW by Kerry Black – A.F. Stewart’s ‘Chronicles of the Undead’ @BlackKerryblick ‘It explores the dangers of debauchery and the influences exerted by acquaintanceship. Good intentions can be led astray by fanaticism.’ #horror” username=”theboldmom”]
