What do you think?
Rate this book
Drayton #1-5
The Drayton Chronicles
The evolution of a vampire.
Drayton doesn’t know what he is. Or why he has lived for thousands of years. He takes not his victim’s blood but the silky essence of their soul during their last breath. Often mistaken for the Angel of Death, his victims sometimes ask for forgiveness. Sometimes he delivers.
After all, he is not without sin.
Drayton doesn’t know what he is. Or why he has lived for thousands of years. He takes not his victim’s blood but the silky essence of their soul during their last breath. Often mistaken for the Angel of Death, his victims sometimes ask for forgiveness. Sometimes he delivers.
After all, he is not without sin.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2013
47 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Tony Bertauski
75 books768 followersGet my books FREE. Tell me where to send them at http://bertauski.com
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 8, 2017
This was a unique vampire type story. It made me think and I enjoyed the story quite a bit. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 22, 2013
I really struggled to decide how to rate this book. I couldn't decide whether to go with how well written I found it and how much it affected me, or to rate according to how much I enjoyed it. If the latter then I'd have marked lower. I didn't enjoy it much at all. But I decided that was a personal thing and that truth be told if I was in a different place in my life I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
The stories are very well written and with each one I felt like I was a more enlightened person at the end. They are almost moral tales, exposing something desparate and sometimes depraved and putting it into context. Forgiveness, revenge, understanding, remorse, appreciating everyday life for what it is. The stories are each kind of satifying in the way they are wrapped up, but it's not a warm and happy feeling. Instead they feel morbid. The exception would be the last novella in the collection, Numbers. With this one I was left with a smile on my face and peace in my heart.
Where I found the conclusions and the morals of the stories satisfying and even sometimes heart warming, I have to say I found the process quite distressing. They are far too dark and painful for me. The language too explicit and some scenes depicted were sickeningly unpleasant. But as I said, I recognise that what I enjoy right now is romance and fantasy and a HEA. Back many years ago when I read American Psycho I probably wouldn't have been so squeamish as I am now!
I don't usually read short stories or novellas but thought that as these were in a collection that there may be soem character growth between the novellas. I was a little disappointed in this. I only in Numbers felt that I was begining to see some emotion in Drayton. I guess I understand that being as old as he is would make him fairly controlled but from a readers perspective a character is lifeless and uninteresting without some heart or feeling. I missed this personally.
To summarise, I found this collection a well written thought provoking read but a little too distressing in content and language for my tastes.
The stories are very well written and with each one I felt like I was a more enlightened person at the end. They are almost moral tales, exposing something desparate and sometimes depraved and putting it into context. Forgiveness, revenge, understanding, remorse, appreciating everyday life for what it is. The stories are each kind of satifying in the way they are wrapped up, but it's not a warm and happy feeling. Instead they feel morbid. The exception would be the last novella in the collection, Numbers. With this one I was left with a smile on my face and peace in my heart.
Where I found the conclusions and the morals of the stories satisfying and even sometimes heart warming, I have to say I found the process quite distressing. They are far too dark and painful for me. The language too explicit and some scenes depicted were sickeningly unpleasant. But as I said, I recognise that what I enjoy right now is romance and fantasy and a HEA. Back many years ago when I read American Psycho I probably wouldn't have been so squeamish as I am now!
I don't usually read short stories or novellas but thought that as these were in a collection that there may be soem character growth between the novellas. I was a little disappointed in this. I only in Numbers felt that I was begining to see some emotion in Drayton. I guess I understand that being as old as he is would make him fairly controlled but from a readers perspective a character is lifeless and uninteresting without some heart or feeling. I missed this personally.
To summarise, I found this collection a well written thought provoking read but a little too distressing in content and language for my tastes.
October 1, 2013
Many a grand meanings we associate with life and our purpose in this world. Delusions of grandeur, power, ownership, beauty and youth fill out the spiritual void inside us. And there in we forget that we are naught but mud and the only destiny that awaits us is the return to that self-same mud.
Reading Drayton Chronicles, I was reminded of a tale that was often recited to me during my childhood:
"Once there was a great wise saint who could take the form of a falcon whenever he desired. One day he was crossing a desert in the company of a friend. When night fell, it was bitter cold and they had no means
of making a fire. The friend suddenly came up with the idea that the saint should turn into his falcon form and travel to hell from where he can bring back some fire. The saint agreed and flew over to hell.
Soon he returned but he was empty handed. When the friend inquired, he informed him there was no fire to be seen in hell yet the occupants were burning. The friend wondered how could this be. To which the saint answered that the sinners burnt from within. They brought their fire with them when they came to hell. All those bad things they did,
all those people they hurt and oppressed, all regrets of things unsaid and undone it is that guilt which burns their soul."
I found Drayton to be the collective soul of humanity. He has learnt over time the value of compassion yet humanity has moved on leaving him behind. He is timeless. He is Justice. He is vengeance. He is Redemption. Like the mother holding you at birth, he holds you through death. He is as lost as we are. He knows not his purpose nor his goal yet he has come to terms with "the not knowing", unlike us narcissist humans. We who know, yet balk when death comes for us. Drayton walks in the dark recesses of all our souls. He is the deliverer.
It is a great novel, one of the very best I had the opportunity to read in a long time.
Reading Drayton Chronicles, I was reminded of a tale that was often recited to me during my childhood:
"Once there was a great wise saint who could take the form of a falcon whenever he desired. One day he was crossing a desert in the company of a friend. When night fell, it was bitter cold and they had no means
of making a fire. The friend suddenly came up with the idea that the saint should turn into his falcon form and travel to hell from where he can bring back some fire. The saint agreed and flew over to hell.
Soon he returned but he was empty handed. When the friend inquired, he informed him there was no fire to be seen in hell yet the occupants were burning. The friend wondered how could this be. To which the saint answered that the sinners burnt from within. They brought their fire with them when they came to hell. All those bad things they did,
all those people they hurt and oppressed, all regrets of things unsaid and undone it is that guilt which burns their soul."
I found Drayton to be the collective soul of humanity. He has learnt over time the value of compassion yet humanity has moved on leaving him behind. He is timeless. He is Justice. He is vengeance. He is Redemption. Like the mother holding you at birth, he holds you through death. He is as lost as we are. He knows not his purpose nor his goal yet he has come to terms with "the not knowing", unlike us narcissist humans. We who know, yet balk when death comes for us. Drayton walks in the dark recesses of all our souls. He is the deliverer.
It is a great novel, one of the very best I had the opportunity to read in a long time.
October 9, 2013
Overall, The Drayton Chronicles was really good. It was refreshing for me to read something out of my normal reading, and i was never sure about short stories, but these didn't disappoint. The chapters were short, and somehow that made the book flow more easily for me and it kept me going. It was a nice, easy read, and I liked Drayton. He's a wonderful character, although some of the others weren't.
One or two of the stories weren't as easy to read as the other ones because of the violence described. Personally, the only thing that made me roll my eyes was the fact that people were trying to find out who he was on the internet. That, and the fact that women's breast size were described a little more than necessary when it had nothing to do with the story.
I think it deserves 4 stars because this was interesting take on vampire origins. The stories were interesting would have a good conclusions; some better than others. ( The Bearing of the Cross was my favorite. It was like a puzzle coming together.) These chronicles got me thinking about Drayton's beginning, and how vampires eventually became what they are.
One or two of the stories weren't as easy to read as the other ones because of the violence described. Personally, the only thing that made me roll my eyes was the fact that people were trying to find out who he was on the internet. That, and the fact that women's breast size were described a little more than necessary when it had nothing to do with the story.
I think it deserves 4 stars because this was interesting take on vampire origins. The stories were interesting would have a good conclusions; some better than others. ( The Bearing of the Cross was my favorite. It was like a puzzle coming together.) These chronicles got me thinking about Drayton's beginning, and how vampires eventually became what they are.
May 31, 2014
I delayed reviewing this because I knew whatever I wrote in my review could not come close to the level to which I was impressed, moved, and intrigued by this collection. Every once in a while you read something that is deceptively simple, yet profound to the point of utter complexity. The razor's edge between life and death, between significance and loss, between depravity and redemption. It's all there, in these seemingly basic, softly-told tales.
What is a life worth? What is honor? what is virtue? What is obligation? Why am I asking all these questions? because these exquisite little morsels of stolen life turn round in your mind after reading. I am a fan of Bertauski's work anyways, but I feel enlightened by this collection beyond his other work.
Please read these. then thank me. cause I like being right.
What is a life worth? What is honor? what is virtue? What is obligation? Why am I asking all these questions? because these exquisite little morsels of stolen life turn round in your mind after reading. I am a fan of Bertauski's work anyways, but I feel enlightened by this collection beyond his other work.
Please read these. then thank me. cause I like being right.
May 3, 2013
The Drayton Chronicles took me longer than normal to read because it wasn't my usual feel good chick lit. Instead, it at times made you stop and think or cringe in disgust at human behavior that really does take place. It took me a bit to get into the book, only reading about 15% the first two days that I had it. But I pushed through until I found myself reaching for it the moment I woke up in the middle of my sleep schedule. I couldn't stop until I finished it and I'm happy that I didn't give up. It turned out to be one of the best books I've read recently.
Drayton is a man (being?) that doesn't know what he is. All he knows is that he remembers being a part of history as far back as it goes, which he reveals when he sees a psychiatrist. I love the way that until the last story you didn't know much of anything about him. He stayed a mystery till the very end and left you with only one question. What IS Drayton?
I'd love to see what all of you think of him after you read The Drayton Chronicles! I highly recommend it to anyone that loves to read books that make you see humanity as it really can be.
I'm giving this 4 out of 5 stars because there were parts in the book where words had been skipped and a few areas that I had to read multiple times because they didn't make complete sense. This took away a bit of enjoyment from me. I loved the story but am deducting just a bit because of editing issues.
Disclosure: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. I certify that I have read the entire book (no skimming either!) and am basing my review upon characters, format, ease or difficulty of reading subject matter morally, ability to understand, typos, and any surface errors.
Drayton is a man (being?) that doesn't know what he is. All he knows is that he remembers being a part of history as far back as it goes, which he reveals when he sees a psychiatrist. I love the way that until the last story you didn't know much of anything about him. He stayed a mystery till the very end and left you with only one question. What IS Drayton?
I'd love to see what all of you think of him after you read The Drayton Chronicles! I highly recommend it to anyone that loves to read books that make you see humanity as it really can be.
I'm giving this 4 out of 5 stars because there were parts in the book where words had been skipped and a few areas that I had to read multiple times because they didn't make complete sense. This took away a bit of enjoyment from me. I loved the story but am deducting just a bit because of editing issues.
Disclosure: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. I certify that I have read the entire book (no skimming either!) and am basing my review upon characters, format, ease or difficulty of reading subject matter morally, ability to understand, typos, and any surface errors.
November 10, 2013
I would say this was a different kind of book for me but lately I've been branching out a little regarding what I read, one of the advantages of the kindle and free books, this said I still like a romantic vein to run through them even if it's not the whole purpose of the book. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book and it did take me a little while to get fully in sync with it but once I did I became totally absorbed and just couldn't put it down and I mean that literally I fell asleep while reading it. It's a very interesting book the main character Drayton is something of an enigma not knowing how old he is or what he is, is he the angel of death, a vampire, a demon. He takes the life essence from people as they are dying, he knows their thoughts, feelings and pasts, he rights the wrongs they've left behind, is he an angel or something else entirely. It's not until the last book that we really discover anything about Drayton, he doesn't remember being born, has he been around since time began, we get glimpses into his past, some of the things he's done, what he used to be and how he's evolved.
One thing I didn't like was the cover apart from not really appealing to me, yes I can see the irony in this since I read the book but I don't think it's represents the contents it's looks more like a demonic Shrek than how Drayton is described.
I really enjoyed this book and would advise you to give it a try it might surprise you and since it's free all you've got to lose is a little time.
One thing I didn't like was the cover apart from not really appealing to me, yes I can see the irony in this since I read the book but I don't think it's represents the contents it's looks more like a demonic Shrek than how Drayton is described.
I really enjoyed this book and would advise you to give it a try it might surprise you and since it's free all you've got to lose is a little time.
August 31, 2013
This is the most original vampire fiction I've ever read. Drayton is portrayed as an immortal creature that begins as little more than an animal, with no knowledge of his origins. He is apparently alone, as there is no mention of him ever encountering another like himself. Over thousands of years, he learns and evolves, leaving savagery behind, and developing some respect for the humans that sustain him. While he will never be human, he develops some very human traits.
These stories are all about character development, Drayton's character as well as the people he deals with in each story. I enjoyed all of them, but I thought the final story was off base. It's not a bad story, it just didn't seem to follow the theme of the others. Drayton was mostly in the sidelines of that one, and his role was not well defined.
Very entertaining reading. I enjoyed it.
These stories are all about character development, Drayton's character as well as the people he deals with in each story. I enjoyed all of them, but I thought the final story was off base. It's not a bad story, it just didn't seem to follow the theme of the others. Drayton was mostly in the sidelines of that one, and his role was not well defined.
Very entertaining reading. I enjoyed it.
May 4, 2014
This was an interesting read. I have read other books by Tony and really enjoyed them, so when the first book in this set was free on Amazon I jumped on it. I read it, loved it and then bought the set. I do have to say that the first and the last stories in this set were the best for me. The stories in between had some very dark content and to me were not really about Drayton as much as about the other characters. I probably would have enjoyed them more if they had focused more on Drayton. He was by all means the most interesting aspect of these Chronicles. One thing that I can say about all of the stories that I have read by Tony Bertauski, is that they are thought provoking and that they stay with me, long after I finish reading them.
December 2, 2013
I read the first Drayton story (The Taker) and loved the premise, so when I saw that "The Drayton Chronicles" were out, I picked them up. So glad I did! I love the character of Drayton, and each story was rather different in substance but still managed to revolve quite well around Drayton. The compilation had a few minor editing flaws, but otherwise was a highly engaging and entertaining read, and, if the premise intrigues you, I highly recommend you give it a try! I personally can't wait to hear more of Drayton's stories - I sure hope there are more!
January 24, 2018
Wow! Must Read! Soul consuming!
Speechless. Just... Wow! This is the first book I've read from this author. His style of writing kept me wondering, guessing and questioning what was going to happen next. I love the twist on the classic Vampire stories and how he combined it with a deeper meaning of life and death.
This review really does not give this story the justice it deserves, mainly due to the fact that my Kindle (for whatever frustrating reason) decided to kick me out and this is the third time I had to rewrite it!!
Speechless. Just... Wow! This is the first book I've read from this author. His style of writing kept me wondering, guessing and questioning what was going to happen next. I love the twist on the classic Vampire stories and how he combined it with a deeper meaning of life and death.
This review really does not give this story the justice it deserves, mainly due to the fact that my Kindle (for whatever frustrating reason) decided to kick me out and this is the third time I had to rewrite it!!
October 7, 2013
I really liked the chronicles... yes it's a change from the normal vampire novels out there but change is good ! It was extremely well written, but I found myself bonding more with the other characters through out his travels rather than him. Definitely worth reading and keeping an eye out for any more work from this author.
May 19, 2013
Enjoyed the stories. Refreshing for me for a character that was a "possible" vampire to go beyond the blood lust and evolve into something that no longer requires blood and has become something much more humane. Written in short stories that could easily be adapted into a television series.
June 28, 2013
These stories are different from anything I've read before. It is not something i would have gotten on my own, but i won a copy of the book in a contest. I read it and am glad i did, but really don't know what to say about the book except it is well written and interesting.
June 3, 2014
I do not know what to say. My feelings are as complex as the short. stories.
August 9, 2014
Great collection of novellas.
May 21, 2021
I really like this author's books. The way he describes the scenes, it is something magical. I think I enjoyed the scenery more than the story itself, but overall I really enjoyed it
May 15, 2013
quite an interesting concept
November 20, 2017
New take on an old idea
As usual, Tony Bertauski has taken a familiar concept and reworked it into a totally fascinating new twist on the old tales from which it springs. He never fails to delight and surprise me with his interesting views and his different aspect that he gives to a familiar character type. Drayton, the main character, is the most positive version I have yet found of this character type, and Bertauski makes it almost completely believable that such a being might actually exist in our world. He begins by subtly guiding us into the realization of who the character might actually be, and gives us confirmation several chapters into the narrative. He does take out all the silly stripper that has been recently surrounding this character type via the glut of urban fantasy novels that have been recently added to our "book" market. Instead of vaporizing and romanticising the character, he makes it seem plausible if not downright normal. I loved the refreshing take on an old favorite fictional character. I'll leave you to discover which one it is!
As usual, Tony Bertauski has taken a familiar concept and reworked it into a totally fascinating new twist on the old tales from which it springs. He never fails to delight and surprise me with his interesting views and his different aspect that he gives to a familiar character type. Drayton, the main character, is the most positive version I have yet found of this character type, and Bertauski makes it almost completely believable that such a being might actually exist in our world. He begins by subtly guiding us into the realization of who the character might actually be, and gives us confirmation several chapters into the narrative. He does take out all the silly stripper that has been recently surrounding this character type via the glut of urban fantasy novels that have been recently added to our "book" market. Instead of vaporizing and romanticising the character, he makes it seem plausible if not downright normal. I loved the refreshing take on an old favorite fictional character. I'll leave you to discover which one it is!
October 5, 2020
I like Drayton. Tony Bertauski has turned the tables with this box set. Anybody familiar with this author will be accustomed to layers of reality and artificial intelligence. Drayton is somewhat different. The character of Drayton is very unassuming.
Quiet, polite, with a liking for Earl Gray tea, he is not your usual focus for the lead in a story, but that is where he is an enigma. As things progress, we learn about his sordid background, his abilities, and encounter some surprising Easter Eggs (one is regarding a very powerful documentary dealing with corruption and abuse, that was expertly placed). If you look at this as a vampire novel, you will miss out. Drayton is a combination of several entities, Vampire, Incubus, Reaper, Harbinger of death, but he is also your conscience. The author appears to focus on the Buddhist philosophy, however, there are several layers of theology behind these stories. Drayton is you, Drayton is me. Read the books and understand....
Quiet, polite, with a liking for Earl Gray tea, he is not your usual focus for the lead in a story, but that is where he is an enigma. As things progress, we learn about his sordid background, his abilities, and encounter some surprising Easter Eggs (one is regarding a very powerful documentary dealing with corruption and abuse, that was expertly placed). If you look at this as a vampire novel, you will miss out. Drayton is a combination of several entities, Vampire, Incubus, Reaper, Harbinger of death, but he is also your conscience. The author appears to focus on the Buddhist philosophy, however, there are several layers of theology behind these stories. Drayton is you, Drayton is me. Read the books and understand....
February 25, 2019
A very curious character development.
I have to say this novel had a very slow start. It took me awhile to really get into it. I was not disappointed when I finally got into the book. I understand the author's character development. He takes the reader through the character growth from another person's point of view, I really did enjoy that. I know there is another book in this series which probably fills in the character's history; however, the author did hit the spot with explaining the subtle changes in the main character. The only complaint was the lack of interaction with the main character. I understand his evolution however I was indifferent towards it for the first half of the book. I would give this book a quick read.
I have to say this novel had a very slow start. It took me awhile to really get into it. I was not disappointed when I finally got into the book. I understand the author's character development. He takes the reader through the character growth from another person's point of view, I really did enjoy that. I know there is another book in this series which probably fills in the character's history; however, the author did hit the spot with explaining the subtle changes in the main character. The only complaint was the lack of interaction with the main character. I understand his evolution however I was indifferent towards it for the first half of the book. I would give this book a quick read.
March 18, 2025
Audiobook: I was entertained by this audiobook. I found this series of novellas to be thought-provoking as the main character was a vampire who in the beginning was savage and brutal, but as the centuries rolled by changed into a more introspective individual who not only stole the victim's last breaths but sometimes fulfilled their death wish. I appreciated the creativity of the tale. I wouldn't characterize this story as a feel good one as the author showed us the darker side of the human soul. I thought Todd R. Fowler's narration was good as his voice was easy to listen to and pleasant to the ear. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
Read
November 30, 2022The Drayton Chronicles: Evolution of a Vampire, my first read from author Tony Bertauski. 7 hours 12 minutes/262 pages of vampire suspense in the vein of early C. Dennis Moore. “I received a free online audio copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Narrated by Todd R. Fowler. In researching the author and his work I discovered that I own 15 books by him so I've added them to my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 11, 2017
Interesting Concept
A few grammar errors, but the concept was intriguing, it kept my interest. I wish he would have wrote a few more chapters, he could have developed the character, Drayton, and the story line. So much untapped potential. Maybe he will write a sequel.
A few grammar errors, but the concept was intriguing, it kept my interest. I wish he would have wrote a few more chapters, he could have developed the character, Drayton, and the story line. So much untapped potential. Maybe he will write a sequel.
November 15, 2019
Riveting!
October 5, 2020
An inside look into the life of an ancient vampire.
This book was staggeringly intense! I totally couldn't put it down! The best written vampire story I have literally ever read!
This book was staggeringly intense! I totally couldn't put it down! The best written vampire story I have literally ever read!
August 26, 2023
I hope all of you who selected this as a vampire story were pleasantly surprised!! I know I was. Really recommend this author.
August 25, 2024
Wonderful Read
This is a well written book. The characters for each story are well thought out. I would recommend this book to anyone who is fascinated with immortality.
This is a well written book. The characters for each story are well thought out. I would recommend this book to anyone who is fascinated with immortality.
November 8, 2017
I did not finish the first book. I just couldn’t get into the main character. The premise sounds really good and maybe it is if I could give it a second chance. The writing didn’t pull me in like I hoped
December 21, 2015
The Drayton Chronicles, The Taker by Tony Bertauski is a unique twist on the vampire legend. He creates something darker than Ann Rice, and as unusual as Stephenie Meyers; however, like Meyers, his story line, setting and characters could have been flushed out more. The best vampire story I’ve ever read is one that didn’t try and become something different, but remained within the confines of basic human nature gripping the original vampire folk tale. In John Ajvide Lindqvist’s Let the Right One In, he makes the vampire into a child named Eli. Eli not only needs blood, but love.
The story is set in a suburb of Stockholm where one of the main characters, Oskar lives with his mother in disgraceful living conditions. Oskar like Eli needs love. This sets the stage for a unique kind of love story questioning existence and the why of despair in a way other vampire novels do not. Lindqvist does a brilliant job weaving setting, human need, and the mysterious vampire origin to create horror in human suffering leading through a dark tunnel with clouded grey love at the end.
Trailing behind Lindqvist’s vampire tale, is Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, another vampire story utilizing setting and traditional vampire lore to create a very scary book. Salem’s Lot is set in the typical New England town chopped full of history to highlight its characters. Bertauski’s setting is set in South Carolina, a place after living there most of my life, did not strike me as rich or intricate to the characters in the stories.
Still, Bertauski’s Drayton Chronicles is a very interesting concept, which is why I picked it up in the first place. I wanted to know more about Drayton and how he came to be. However, the plot line jumped around through various other characters hinting at Drayton’s motives and past. It made Drayton seem more elusive than mysterious. My feelings became indifferent to him. Indifferent is not good when it comes to a main character. Either I have to hate a character, or love one to make them good. I can even love a monster as long as I understand clear cut motives, and there is some good beneath the madness. Dexter is a grand example of this. Drayton didn’t strike me as a creature driven by intellectual reasoning, but one that had allowed his hunger to drive him and when that appetite dissipated then he became more human.
Drayton, even after being around for centuries didn’t seem to understand his own evolution towards being human. His constant pondering troubled his motives and his role as a monstrous hero. Even after centuries of life, he couldn’t figure himself. Most of us/humans may not know what role we play, but I do believe we understand ourselves to be governed by an inner moral law, one that tells us to save a drowning man rather than stand on the shore to be safe. How could we learn this in quicker years than Drayton?
And even though we as humans do not have a urgent need for bloods or souls, don’t we have our own selfish needs and preservation for our own life to wrestle? And in the end, we always understand when we have made poor choices whether we admit it or not. In the case with Drayton and all of his interesting powers; I’d choose to be human. If for no other reason than to move towards unselfish behavior connecting me and making me larger in relationship to the universe around me.
In between Drayton’s search of self, other characters moved in and out like silhouetted answers into his already elusive history.
Ending, The Drayton Chronicles, The Taker is a unique vampire concept with fast pacing making it worth a reader’s time. I read it in just a few days. My critique hat goes off to Bertauski in creating something so different in the vampire world of sameness. This book should be read by an adult audience. It can be purchased at Amazon.com.
The story is set in a suburb of Stockholm where one of the main characters, Oskar lives with his mother in disgraceful living conditions. Oskar like Eli needs love. This sets the stage for a unique kind of love story questioning existence and the why of despair in a way other vampire novels do not. Lindqvist does a brilliant job weaving setting, human need, and the mysterious vampire origin to create horror in human suffering leading through a dark tunnel with clouded grey love at the end.
Trailing behind Lindqvist’s vampire tale, is Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, another vampire story utilizing setting and traditional vampire lore to create a very scary book. Salem’s Lot is set in the typical New England town chopped full of history to highlight its characters. Bertauski’s setting is set in South Carolina, a place after living there most of my life, did not strike me as rich or intricate to the characters in the stories.
Still, Bertauski’s Drayton Chronicles is a very interesting concept, which is why I picked it up in the first place. I wanted to know more about Drayton and how he came to be. However, the plot line jumped around through various other characters hinting at Drayton’s motives and past. It made Drayton seem more elusive than mysterious. My feelings became indifferent to him. Indifferent is not good when it comes to a main character. Either I have to hate a character, or love one to make them good. I can even love a monster as long as I understand clear cut motives, and there is some good beneath the madness. Dexter is a grand example of this. Drayton didn’t strike me as a creature driven by intellectual reasoning, but one that had allowed his hunger to drive him and when that appetite dissipated then he became more human.
Drayton, even after being around for centuries didn’t seem to understand his own evolution towards being human. His constant pondering troubled his motives and his role as a monstrous hero. Even after centuries of life, he couldn’t figure himself. Most of us/humans may not know what role we play, but I do believe we understand ourselves to be governed by an inner moral law, one that tells us to save a drowning man rather than stand on the shore to be safe. How could we learn this in quicker years than Drayton?
And even though we as humans do not have a urgent need for bloods or souls, don’t we have our own selfish needs and preservation for our own life to wrestle? And in the end, we always understand when we have made poor choices whether we admit it or not. In the case with Drayton and all of his interesting powers; I’d choose to be human. If for no other reason than to move towards unselfish behavior connecting me and making me larger in relationship to the universe around me.
In between Drayton’s search of self, other characters moved in and out like silhouetted answers into his already elusive history.
Ending, The Drayton Chronicles, The Taker is a unique vampire concept with fast pacing making it worth a reader’s time. I read it in just a few days. My critique hat goes off to Bertauski in creating something so different in the vampire world of sameness. This book should be read by an adult audience. It can be purchased at Amazon.com.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews