The Wannabe Vampire by Alex Taylor-a review

The Wannabe Vampire by Alex Taylor-release date June 2012

Catchy title, don’t you agree? First-time author, Alex Taylor introduces us to a trio of characters whose influence on one another is both stimulating and possibly life-ending. Intense dichotomy, right? Fortunately for us, the story is well-written and in consequence to Mr. Taylor’s talent, I was left wondering to which character did the title apply?

As a lover of PNR, I favor vampires (who me?) and have read several variations on them. This take is unique. Michael is a centuries-old vampire who drinks blood to survive, but attempts longer stretches in between feedings to revel in the sensations when he finally succumbs to the blood thirst. He enjoys food immensely (referring to himself as a culinary masochist), although consumed in tiny portions so as to savor and appreciate different tastes. Not your typical vampire attributes, to say the least. Michael has worked very diligently at blending in with his neighbors in Central California; overseeing a games software company in Mumbai allows him to work at night and earn a lucrative income. Lamenting about the past only brings back sad memories, so Michael wants to thrive in the now.

Kari just moved in next door to Michael. She is a freelance cartoonist who’s featured in local indie newspapers. Her last relationship ended in disaster (5 years of emotional abuse, post-break-up stalking and the eventual testimony in court, solidifying the break-up) and has sworn off men. Michael’s interest is piqued after years of solitude and the pair soon becomes fast friends. Movie nights and dinners become weekly dates, but did I mention Kari thinks Michael’s gay? His “otherworldly”, gallant mannerisms MUST be contrived, right? Courteous behavior and a touch of a European accent HAVE to mean he’s gay, right? One particular night…man’s age-old proof of attraction promptly dispels that theory.

Bruce is a middle-aged, life-long bed wetter stemming from a childhood fright, that has resulted in the fright comes to life, aka, Agnes, who haunts him 24/7. Desperate to rid himself of her constant, aggressive presence, Bruce orchestrates a plan to become a vampire — THE nocturnal predator, whom ghosts fear! Now all Bruce has to do is convince Michael to turn him.

The writing is good. Mr. Taylor engages and delights us with a budding love story between Michael and Kari. Midway through, however, the book got a bit scattered. Kari goes from affable, non-judgmental gal falling in love with Michael, to anxious, over-imaginative contemplations of a “dark” side to Michael that he has yet to display. Then there’s Bruce. He approaches Michael with the “proposal”, but when Michael won’t budge, won’t admit to being a vampire, Bruce decides to tamper with Michael (and Kari’s) lives instead and becomes the inadvertent stalker with a “If you can’t beat ‘em…” mentality. What??? Even Michael goes a bit off-kilter. The usually composed, reserved vampire who makes “dates” for blood donors through a “men’s website”, (hey, maybe Kari DID have reason to suspect?), suddenly lets it all hang loose at a Halloween party Kari cajoled him into attending. Gone is the stoic vampire to an all-out seduction campaign of every party attendee; be it man or woman, young or old. **Skidding to a halt** Let’s get back to the bond that was building –I had high hopes for an intimate seduction between the pair! As bizarre as Michael’s behavior was at the Halloween party, Kari got insight she desperately needed and realized the vampire was inexorably part of the man she loved.

The Wannabe Vampire could apply to Bruce as the spurned hopeful or Michael, the atypical vampire with human-like behavior. I enjoyed the book, but hoped for a different outcome. Perhaps Mr. Taylor can return to these enjoyable characters and give us a glimpse into their new “now”. I would love to read more!

 NEW COVER: 

The Wannabe Vampire

Copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Carmen

LINK to website: Alex Taylor