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Suckage
Alternate cover for this ISBN can be found here
Vampires suck. Nobody knows this better than Nathan Sharp, the latest minion of Iris Augenblick, a Venetian vampiress who has been roaming the world in a centuries-old game of cat-and-mouse with her ancient Russian maker, Alexei, before finally settling in Chicago.
Crossing fateful paths with Iris one night, Nate thought he'd found paradise, only to eventually see the bloody reality behind the nightlife of his undead mistress, and the cold brutality of vampire politics. The only thing worse than being a vampire's victim is being their minion. And if you think serving one is hard, try leaving one behind and living to tell the tale.
Part minion's memoir, part fractured love story, part critique of vampirism itself, "Suckage" escorts you through the moonlit streets of Chicago and into the very darkest corners of the human spirit with audacious wit, horror, and humor.
Vampires suck. Nobody knows this better than Nathan Sharp, the latest minion of Iris Augenblick, a Venetian vampiress who has been roaming the world in a centuries-old game of cat-and-mouse with her ancient Russian maker, Alexei, before finally settling in Chicago.
Crossing fateful paths with Iris one night, Nate thought he'd found paradise, only to eventually see the bloody reality behind the nightlife of his undead mistress, and the cold brutality of vampire politics. The only thing worse than being a vampire's victim is being their minion. And if you think serving one is hard, try leaving one behind and living to tell the tale.
Part minion's memoir, part fractured love story, part critique of vampirism itself, "Suckage" escorts you through the moonlit streets of Chicago and into the very darkest corners of the human spirit with audacious wit, horror, and humor.
- GenresVampires
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
48 people want to read
About the author
D.T. Neal
18 books35 followersBorn in Missouri, growing up in Ohio, living for decades in Chicago, and now residing in Pittsburgh, D. T. Neal has always written fiction, but only got really serious about it in the late 90s. He brings a strong Rust Belt perspective to his writing, a kind of "Northern Gothic" aesthetic reflective of his background.
Writing his first novel at 29, he then devoted time to his craft and worked on short stories, occupying a space between genre and literary fiction, with an emphasis on horror, science fiction, and fantasy. He has seen some of his short stories published in “Albedo 1,” Ireland's premier magazine of speculative fiction, and he won second place in their Aeon Award in 2008 for his short story, “Aegis.” He has lived in Chicago since 1993, and is a passionate fan of music, a student of pop culture, an avid photographer and bicycler, and enjoys cooking.
He has published numerous novels, SAAMAANTHAA, THE HAPPENING, and NORM—collectively known as The Wolfshadow Trilogy—CHOSEN, SUCKAGE, and the cosmic folk horror-comedy thriller, THE CURSED EARTH.
He has also published the superhero thriller novel, BRIGHTEYES and the short story collections, THE THING IN YELLOW and SINGULARITIES.
Additionally, he has published three eco horror novellas—“Relict,” “Summerville,” and “The Day of the Nightfish.”
AWARDS:
• 2008 Aeon Award, Second Place for “Aegis”
• 2009 Honorable Mention, “Best Horror of the Year,” edited by Ellen Datlow for “Aegis” and “Rotgut.”
• Runner-up, 2013 Best New Novel by a Chicagoan, Chicago Reader, for “Suckage”
• Shortlisted for the 2012 Aeon Award for “Day of the Nightfish.”
Writing his first novel at 29, he then devoted time to his craft and worked on short stories, occupying a space between genre and literary fiction, with an emphasis on horror, science fiction, and fantasy. He has seen some of his short stories published in “Albedo 1,” Ireland's premier magazine of speculative fiction, and he won second place in their Aeon Award in 2008 for his short story, “Aegis.” He has lived in Chicago since 1993, and is a passionate fan of music, a student of pop culture, an avid photographer and bicycler, and enjoys cooking.
He has published numerous novels, SAAMAANTHAA, THE HAPPENING, and NORM—collectively known as The Wolfshadow Trilogy—CHOSEN, SUCKAGE, and the cosmic folk horror-comedy thriller, THE CURSED EARTH.
He has also published the superhero thriller novel, BRIGHTEYES and the short story collections, THE THING IN YELLOW and SINGULARITIES.
Additionally, he has published three eco horror novellas—“Relict,” “Summerville,” and “The Day of the Nightfish.”
AWARDS:
• 2008 Aeon Award, Second Place for “Aegis”
• 2009 Honorable Mention, “Best Horror of the Year,” edited by Ellen Datlow for “Aegis” and “Rotgut.”
• Runner-up, 2013 Best New Novel by a Chicagoan, Chicago Reader, for “Suckage”
• Shortlisted for the 2012 Aeon Award for “Day of the Nightfish.”
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 1, 2013
SUCKAGE was a page turner for me from the very beginning when Iris, vampire extraordinaire, decides not to bleed her latest conquest, Nate, dry which in turn saves his life. Nate quickly falls head over heels for her becoming an errand boy, if you will, for Iris by bringing her innocent people whenever she feels the need to feed.
There is an element of sadness in this book which I would also consider to be a tragic love story of sorts. Nate desperately loves Iris and believes that he wants to become a vampire so that they can spend the rest of time together. He continues to do all he can to support Iris receiving little to nothing in return. The only thing she does seem to love about him is the fact that he would do anything for her, but she seems to only give him enough to keep him hooked. Iris is definitely someone readers will love to hate as they make their way through the conflicts of their relationship and the hierarchy of the vampire world.
Not being one who typically reads vampire stories, I found this modern tale to be quite interesting and not overly grotesque although there were a few times it made my skin crawl. I enjoyed the history and, as with all of D.T. Neal’s books, the characters and their evolvement. One minor character, Joiliette, quickly became one of my favorites with her moxie and attitude even though we don’t get to know her all that well. Maybe she’ll be someone we get to meet again in a future tale from Neal or maybe not, but I will look forward to and bite at whatever comes next, for sure.
There is an element of sadness in this book which I would also consider to be a tragic love story of sorts. Nate desperately loves Iris and believes that he wants to become a vampire so that they can spend the rest of time together. He continues to do all he can to support Iris receiving little to nothing in return. The only thing she does seem to love about him is the fact that he would do anything for her, but she seems to only give him enough to keep him hooked. Iris is definitely someone readers will love to hate as they make their way through the conflicts of their relationship and the hierarchy of the vampire world.
Not being one who typically reads vampire stories, I found this modern tale to be quite interesting and not overly grotesque although there were a few times it made my skin crawl. I enjoyed the history and, as with all of D.T. Neal’s books, the characters and their evolvement. One minor character, Joiliette, quickly became one of my favorites with her moxie and attitude even though we don’t get to know her all that well. Maybe she’ll be someone we get to meet again in a future tale from Neal or maybe not, but I will look forward to and bite at whatever comes next, for sure.
May 14, 2013
"Suckage" is a smart, snappy, tale set in present-day Chicago. Nate Sharp, suffering from a recent heartbreak, has a chance encounter with centuries-old vampire Iris Augenblick and becomes sucked in (sorry!) to her world. He's enthralled at first and happy to play the loyal minion, using his considerable charms to lure prey for his mistress. Eventually, though, he tires of being Iris' boy toy and feels remorse for the atrocities he's helped commit. He decides it's time to reclaim his humanity. But how do you break free from the undead? This story had me riveted from the very beginning, and I could not put it down. It's fast-paced and filled with engaging characters you won't forget anytime soon. I really enjoyed the modern spin on classic vampire lore. Of course, it wouldn't be a vampire story without some bloodshed, but gore is not the point. There is plenty of humor and humanity mixed in with the monsters, and at its heart is a tortured romance. It's definitely not just for horror fans!å
December 3, 2019
I love, love, LOVE this book!
Whilst a vampire tale, the true heart of the story is about Nate Sharp, the minion of the ages-old vampire Iris Augenblick. Nate's wry humor, casual confidence, enthusiasm, and earnest nature charmed me in a heartbeat. His recountings of his time with Iris are sincerely and engagingly expressed, and I found myself personally experiencing Nate's own heartbreak, anger and hope. Additionally, Nate has a pull no punches attitude and a propensity for direct action that I also love.
The other characters in the story are just as compellingly written. Vampires who are warm, humans who are cold and everything in between. No stock characters here. All persons, living or undead in "Suckage" each have genuine and convincingly real personalities. There are characters that I love and a few that I love to hate!
As with all D.T. Neal books, I was immediately sucked into the world of "Suckage." The pacing of the story is wonderful--a steady pulse of action that becomes more rapid as Nate comes to terms with the reality of his un-life with Iris, and then puts into motion changes that will allow him to be free to live a life on his own terms.
Also appreciated is that "Suckage" is absolutely modern in vibe. Journeys to past times are taken, but this is no period piece. Neal certainly gives the reader enticing details about Iris' past, as well as her fellow vampires' histories, but this story takes place in the here and now and I dug that.
What I really love about "Suckage" is this: love is the lifeblood of this tale. Simply examined, without grand gestures or maudlin contrivances, Neal captures and puts to pen the very spirit of imperfect and blind human love. "Suckage" quietly examines what we as humans will do or not do for love.
And finally, for a novel about the undead, this books absolutely feels ALIVE! It's warm, active and fleshy. Love & Lust. Jealousy & Anger. Heartbreak & Hope. It doesn't get more human than that.
Sink your teeth into "Suckage!" You will totally not regret it.
Whilst a vampire tale, the true heart of the story is about Nate Sharp, the minion of the ages-old vampire Iris Augenblick. Nate's wry humor, casual confidence, enthusiasm, and earnest nature charmed me in a heartbeat. His recountings of his time with Iris are sincerely and engagingly expressed, and I found myself personally experiencing Nate's own heartbreak, anger and hope. Additionally, Nate has a pull no punches attitude and a propensity for direct action that I also love.
The other characters in the story are just as compellingly written. Vampires who are warm, humans who are cold and everything in between. No stock characters here. All persons, living or undead in "Suckage" each have genuine and convincingly real personalities. There are characters that I love and a few that I love to hate!
As with all D.T. Neal books, I was immediately sucked into the world of "Suckage." The pacing of the story is wonderful--a steady pulse of action that becomes more rapid as Nate comes to terms with the reality of his un-life with Iris, and then puts into motion changes that will allow him to be free to live a life on his own terms.
Also appreciated is that "Suckage" is absolutely modern in vibe. Journeys to past times are taken, but this is no period piece. Neal certainly gives the reader enticing details about Iris' past, as well as her fellow vampires' histories, but this story takes place in the here and now and I dug that.
What I really love about "Suckage" is this: love is the lifeblood of this tale. Simply examined, without grand gestures or maudlin contrivances, Neal captures and puts to pen the very spirit of imperfect and blind human love. "Suckage" quietly examines what we as humans will do or not do for love.
And finally, for a novel about the undead, this books absolutely feels ALIVE! It's warm, active and fleshy. Love & Lust. Jealousy & Anger. Heartbreak & Hope. It doesn't get more human than that.
Sink your teeth into "Suckage!" You will totally not regret it.
May 14, 2013
I have been following Mr. Neal's writing for the last few years and with each new story he just keeps getting better!
"Suckage" is great read. It is told from the standpoint of a minion of a vampire. A "Renfield-type" for example. But this is no Renfield.
This is a modern telling and one that I just could not put down. As I was reading it, I kept thinking that this would make a great film.
Each of the characters has a fully fleshed out backstory that I would be interested in reading more of.
I see this as a possible stepping stone into a whole collection of "Suckage" stories.
If you are looking for something really fun to read, a little scary and something really well written and realized, then get yourself a copy of "Suckage." I can't wait to see what comes next from Mr. Neal.
This is my favorite Neal story yet!
"Suckage" is great read. It is told from the standpoint of a minion of a vampire. A "Renfield-type" for example. But this is no Renfield.
This is a modern telling and one that I just could not put down. As I was reading it, I kept thinking that this would make a great film.
Each of the characters has a fully fleshed out backstory that I would be interested in reading more of.
I see this as a possible stepping stone into a whole collection of "Suckage" stories.
If you are looking for something really fun to read, a little scary and something really well written and realized, then get yourself a copy of "Suckage." I can't wait to see what comes next from Mr. Neal.
This is my favorite Neal story yet!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews