#DeadThings

#DeadThings series

by Reese Riley

In the year 2011, the world has entered the Final Century of Man and vampire all around the world prepare for their revolution. Pressured by the vampire Elite, Archduke of the Americas Aryk Killen must find a suitable successor. Aryk finds a worthy human candidate in Phillip Du Lac, a former Iraqi Freedom US Marine. After returning home from Iraq, Phillip receives word that his twin sister, Cecil was found dead. Though ruled a suicide, Phillip is not able to accept her death; Phillip goes on self destructive search "tour" to find his sisters “murderer”. His blind conviction catches the attention of a 200 year old vampire; who finds Phillip's vigor just what he needs in an acolyte. Phillip is tempted by the idea of immortality and Aryk and gives Phillip the first-hand experience on what it means to be a vampire. Questioning his own sanity, Phillip follows Aryk who leads him into "belly of the beast". Vampire Basic Training was sent into recess when a plague of demons descends on a small Floridian town, the home town of Aryk. Antagonist turned Anti-Hero; Aryk is the only creature strong enough to defend his mortal neighbors and defend his territory. Book one in the three-part #DeadThings series.

182 pages, Hardcover

First published July 12, 2012

About the author

Reese Riley is a youthful Author from Wayne County, MI. Reese has published two manuscripts before the age 21. He is the CEO of Corona Sky Productions a publishing company that netted over 1.3 million in revenues after one year in business. In Addition to writing Reese has been featured on Fox’s The OC and TV’s How I Met Your Mother. Reese cites Joss Whedon, Anne Rice, and James O’ Barr as main influences. Reese is heavily involved in UNICEF along with numerous organizations for the welfare of children.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readers who are only familiar with Reese Riley's later, more self-indulgent work are likely to be pleasantly surprised by #DeadThings, A Novel. I certainly was. I thought that reading it would be an act of research and contrition. I was wrong.
This is a strong, lush, and original (at the time, though much-imitated today) piece of writing. The blend of the erotic and the horrific is true to the spirit of the original Dracula. The attention to detail that would become so over-the-top in Riley's later books is well-balanced and poetic here. The characters are at once individual and mythic (though admittedly some of them are a little given to navel-gazing.) The dilemma of the vampire is an excellent addition. If you are interested in horror, in vampires, or simply in a good read, you should try this book.

[Kanysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

There have been very few books to touch me emotionally. I was brought to tears by Aryk's heat breaking story. Not Since Anne Rice's "Lestat" has a vampire novel pulled me deep into it's universe.You learn about all the characters (Aryk, Scott, Angelique, and Beth) and you learn to love them; frailties and all.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always had a fascination with vampires every since I encountered the Twilight Trilogy. When I got "#DeadThings, A Novel" for my 17th birthday I was completely floored by a completely different take on the Vampire Mythology. The author uses Demons, Vampires, and other paranormal creatures a symbols for America's often sinister politics.

I find the lead character Aryk amazing; he rides the line between hero and villain very successfully. Right before you become repulsed by his dark deeds, he charms you with his off-beat humor or his organic heroism. The book however leaves me unfulfilled, which exactly what the author plan. And that's why I already ordered by advanced copy of the follow-up "Infinite Carnage".