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Fifty-year-old Ernie Chase is just another liquor-soaked husk wandering the streets of New York City looking for his next drink; his body is broken and his mind is a slave to addiction. Things change when he is shot while witnessing a back alley drug deal. He imagines that his life is finally over, but instead he awakens to discover that he is handcuffed to a cot in an abandoned hospital and is somehow sober, healthy and 25 years younger.
Ernie is told that he has been infected with a dangerous virus which requires him to consume human blood to stay alive. He is given a simple choice by his captor; receive continuing treatment for his strange new condition in exchange for lifelong service, or face certain death.
His job is simple now:
Recruit for the Farm.
Distribute the Product to the Infected.
It all seems so uncomplicated until other Infected start to descend on the city, looking for their next fix.
Ernie is told that he has been infected with a dangerous virus which requires him to consume human blood to stay alive. He is given a simple choice by his captor; receive continuing treatment for his strange new condition in exchange for lifelong service, or face certain death.
His job is simple now:
Recruit for the Farm.
Distribute the Product to the Infected.
It all seems so uncomplicated until other Infected start to descend on the city, looking for their next fix.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2013
25 people are currently reading
1470 people want to read
About the author
Ian S. McCain
1 book16 followersIan S. McCain is, in the simplest terms, an entrepreneur, a fan of puzzles and Improv, a marketing strategist, a social butterfly, a husband and a father. Currently he spends his days working in a shed, re-purposed as a business office. He has a background in film production and script-writing, having written, produced and/or directed six award-winning short films which have been in competition in over sixty national and international film festivals, winning various Awards and Critical Accolades.
Ian spent the ages of eleven to seventeen legally blind due to a degenerative eye disease, and later started the patient and family resource website kcvision.org. He has a terrible singing voice, but is however a surprisingly good dancer.
By day Ian works in Information Technology as the Director of Operations for an IT consulting firm. At night, while his family is sleeping, he writes; trying hard to strike a balance between creative and business worlds. Ian lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, two sons, and their neurotic dog.
Ian spent the ages of eleven to seventeen legally blind due to a degenerative eye disease, and later started the patient and family resource website kcvision.org. He has a terrible singing voice, but is however a surprisingly good dancer.
By day Ian works in Information Technology as the Director of Operations for an IT consulting firm. At night, while his family is sleeping, he writes; trying hard to strike a balance between creative and business worlds. Ian lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, two sons, and their neurotic dog.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 15, 2013
Ok, one word. WOW! This book was awesome! I gave it a 5 and I only do that with books when they are exceptional in every regard. I have not read a 5 star worthy book since the original Dune. I'm at a loss as to where to begin here but I'll try. I love it when the book's protagonist is not your average cookie cutter hero. The protagonist here is a homeless alcoholic jerk. Genius! The vampire mythology in this book is a call back to the grotesque monsters of old, as opposed to the hyper sexualized modern interpretation of vampires. There is just the right amount of necessary gore. The plot is dark and foreboding, paced expertly, so you understand all the twists, whilst keeping you guessing what's coming next. It's dark, it's fun, it's deadly good. If you're a vampire fan, but you're sick of the sparkly little bitches that are polluting the genre, READ THIS BOOK!
November 11, 2013
When I first saw this title and the impressively good reviews it already received, I knew I had to read this book. My expectations were high, so when I started reading I was nervous wether Product could live up to them and tried to keep my excitement low. What I did not expect was how easily Product convinced me and a few pages into it I already knew this one was a real winner. Having finished I can say this is one of the best books I've read this year.
The setting and style reminded me of Bottomfeeder and the Joe Pitt series, both also favorites of mine. The writing was excellent, complex and thrilling but never artificial, which shows great natural talent of the author.
The story was original and authentic in its development, never far fetched or implausible. I enjoyed the parallel telling of Ernie's story taking place in the present and Antonio's story in the past, which cleverly converge towards the end. The characters were convincing and felt real, especially Ernie. Though I could not always agree with his decisions, I sympathized with him and his still very human behavior, which repeatedly led him into trouble. I really loved the unpolished, somewhat grubby setting with lots of blood and its share of disgusting scenes, which gave the story a disturbing sense of reality.
Though the book is a first part and a sequel is announced at the end, the ending does not leave you disappointed. On the contrary, I am glad there will be more and I can't wait to know how the story continues.
Highest recommendation!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
The setting and style reminded me of Bottomfeeder and the Joe Pitt series, both also favorites of mine. The writing was excellent, complex and thrilling but never artificial, which shows great natural talent of the author.
The story was original and authentic in its development, never far fetched or implausible. I enjoyed the parallel telling of Ernie's story taking place in the present and Antonio's story in the past, which cleverly converge towards the end. The characters were convincing and felt real, especially Ernie. Though I could not always agree with his decisions, I sympathized with him and his still very human behavior, which repeatedly led him into trouble. I really loved the unpolished, somewhat grubby setting with lots of blood and its share of disgusting scenes, which gave the story a disturbing sense of reality.
Though the book is a first part and a sequel is announced at the end, the ending does not leave you disappointed. On the contrary, I am glad there will be more and I can't wait to know how the story continues.
Highest recommendation!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
October 3, 2013
Ernie Chase is an alcoholic bum living on the streets of New York City. All he is worried about is finding his next drink and hiding from his daughter, Marie. Being a good daughter, Marie wanders the streets and volunteers at shelters continuously looking for her father. He used to be a good man and she just wants her father clean, warm and sober.
Ernie’s life has just about reached an all-time low. He breaks into a church and drinks the vicar’s liquor. As he is laying in his box in some back alley, he winds up in the middle of what some gangsters think is a drug deal, but actually is much worse. Ernie ends up shot and blacks out. When he comes to, he is handcuffed to a cot in an abandoned hospital. Not only is he still alive, he now looks like a model in his early twenties. He feels no aches and his missing teeth are back in his mouth. A man named Gideon is by his bed telling him he has been infected with a virus, and the only treatment for it is receiving blood.
Gideon teaches Ernie how to inject blood directly into his vein through a needle. He also finds out that he now has to work for Gideon for the rest of his life or die. There are more infected in the city, and Gideon provides the product for these infected. Ernie’s new job is delivering this product to other infected and procuring humans for the farm where they make this product. To avoid notice usually only the homeless, gangsters or criminals arownyre gathered.
A year goes by with no trouble for Ernie, and then one evening he notices there are new infected in the city. They seem organized and Ernie grows curious. He wants more answers about himself and this virus. He grows sloppy during a routine gathering of new gangsters and things quickly get out of control. He knows he has to be careful because Gideon can still hold Marie’s health over his head, but he will get his answers.
Product is a dark, completely new take on the vampire. Ian McCain writes a superb story, giving us a complete history for his vampires, fleshing them out and making the reader care about what happens. They can have a conscious and care for others, and they can also be ruthless killers who do not give a damn. The fight scenes are vividly written and violent, and I could totally picture them happening. I did not see the ending coming and I want to rush out and read book two, Byproduct, right away.
Originally reviewed by Jkrowyn at Bitten by Books.
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=65130
Ernie’s life has just about reached an all-time low. He breaks into a church and drinks the vicar’s liquor. As he is laying in his box in some back alley, he winds up in the middle of what some gangsters think is a drug deal, but actually is much worse. Ernie ends up shot and blacks out. When he comes to, he is handcuffed to a cot in an abandoned hospital. Not only is he still alive, he now looks like a model in his early twenties. He feels no aches and his missing teeth are back in his mouth. A man named Gideon is by his bed telling him he has been infected with a virus, and the only treatment for it is receiving blood.
Gideon teaches Ernie how to inject blood directly into his vein through a needle. He also finds out that he now has to work for Gideon for the rest of his life or die. There are more infected in the city, and Gideon provides the product for these infected. Ernie’s new job is delivering this product to other infected and procuring humans for the farm where they make this product. To avoid notice usually only the homeless, gangsters or criminals arownyre gathered.
A year goes by with no trouble for Ernie, and then one evening he notices there are new infected in the city. They seem organized and Ernie grows curious. He wants more answers about himself and this virus. He grows sloppy during a routine gathering of new gangsters and things quickly get out of control. He knows he has to be careful because Gideon can still hold Marie’s health over his head, but he will get his answers.
Product is a dark, completely new take on the vampire. Ian McCain writes a superb story, giving us a complete history for his vampires, fleshing them out and making the reader care about what happens. They can have a conscious and care for others, and they can also be ruthless killers who do not give a damn. The fight scenes are vividly written and violent, and I could totally picture them happening. I did not see the ending coming and I want to rush out and read book two, Byproduct, right away.
Originally reviewed by Jkrowyn at Bitten by Books.
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=65130
October 20, 2013
Let me start by saying that I have read a LOT of vampire books. Many of them are rather similar--different character names but the same basic story overall. This book, however, is quite unlike any vampire novel I've read before. In fact, I can honestly say that it is one of the best vampire books I've ever read! Not only is it incredibly well written* but McCain does an exceptional job with descriptive language. The words flowed on like a movie in my mind and it was hard to tear myself away whenever I had to. This story was a wonderfully well-paced, highly entertaining and satisfying read. It ends with a thrilling cliffhanger and I can't wait to get started with book 2, "Byproduct." I recommend this amazing book to everyone who enjoys vampire novels. You won't be disappointed!
*The lack of quotation marks used in dialogue is the only thing I didn't much care for initially. Yet, it's such a minor thing and just part of the author's style, so within a few chapters, it didn't faze me at all. I was too caught up in the story to even care!
Excellent job, McCain!
*The lack of quotation marks used in dialogue is the only thing I didn't much care for initially. Yet, it's such a minor thing and just part of the author's style, so within a few chapters, it didn't faze me at all. I was too caught up in the story to even care!
Excellent job, McCain!
June 24, 2014
Nice new different take on vampire myths.
After being shot and while he should have been dead, Ernie, a fifty-year-old homeless drunkard is anything but dead. From there we learn how those vampires go through their days without going on a killing rampage by harvesting blood from the 'bad' people.
The author alternates between old Romania and the beginning of vampires, and modern days. While hoping to avoid spoilers, I can say that both will converge at some point. Else what would be the point? Over all it was well done, the characters were believable, and I came to like Ernie. He has a conscience.
The story is told in the third POV present tense and that's where it lost a few points for me. I can live with it. I've read and loved books written in present when they make me forget the tense, and Product succeeded in doing so most of the time. Yet there were those moments when I really wished it were past tense. This is just me being picky. It is only a personal preference and has nothing to do with the story itself.
After being shot and while he should have been dead, Ernie, a fifty-year-old homeless drunkard is anything but dead. From there we learn how those vampires go through their days without going on a killing rampage by harvesting blood from the 'bad' people.
The author alternates between old Romania and the beginning of vampires, and modern days. While hoping to avoid spoilers, I can say that both will converge at some point. Else what would be the point? Over all it was well done, the characters were believable, and I came to like Ernie. He has a conscience.
The story is told in the third POV present tense and that's where it lost a few points for me. I can live with it. I've read and loved books written in present when they make me forget the tense, and Product succeeded in doing so most of the time. Yet there were those moments when I really wished it were past tense. This is just me being picky. It is only a personal preference and has nothing to do with the story itself.
October 1, 2013
This is a breakout book from a first time author and I was recommended this book by a friend who know I liked dark comedy and vampires. This is a great twist on the usual vampire novel. I found myself flipping page to page and not wanting to put it down. The action keeps going and does not sag or bog down. I read the whole thing in two sittings spanning over two days! And that is a record for me! The reason is that it has a great pace and action is continuously happening...you want to know what's going to happen next so you can't put it down. It was easy to read, and very entertaining. It is not over the top with crazy supernatural-ness. It is a bit like Pulp Fiction meets vampires.
I suggest everyone pick this up to support a new author and also because it is just a great book that is perfect for the October season of spooky-ness.
I know that if you start this book you will find yourself a few hours later still devouring it.
I suggest everyone pick this up to support a new author and also because it is just a great book that is perfect for the October season of spooky-ness.
I know that if you start this book you will find yourself a few hours later still devouring it.
October 17, 2013
3.5 stars. This was a fast-paced and different take on vampires. Ernie is a homeless 50-something alcoholic who suddenly finds himself a vampire in his 20-something younger body. He joins a group of highly organized vampires and has a job of bringing in new food sources (aka, fresh humans) in exchange for keeping himself fed.
This was more gritty than the usual vampire book, and it was certainly not YA. Other than some punctuation errors, the editing was well done and the writing kept my attention throughout. I definitely plan to read the next one!
This was more gritty than the usual vampire book, and it was certainly not YA. Other than some punctuation errors, the editing was well done and the writing kept my attention throughout. I definitely plan to read the next one!
October 28, 2013
This was one of the best vampire stories I have ever read. I love the time the author spent building up every character to the point that I felt I knew them and cared for them. I can't wait for book two. I could definitely see this book being made ino a movie. I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of the typical vampire novel and wants to read a " new" vampire story !
February 24, 2020
4.1 stars!
Ernie, scruffy and unshaven, urine stains blanketing the front of his two-sizes-too-large trousers, tucks himself further into his makeshift pillow. He coughs; pieces of phlegm fill his mouth. He gathers them up with his tongue and propels them out past his lips, and out of the “door” of his “home.”
- Ian S. McCain
Soon, Ernie will catch a super cold. He'll lose sleep. He'll quit drinking. Follow Ernie on a secret 12 step program.
"Perhap it's instinct, perhaps it's some relic of his military training, or perhaps it's simply a sense of self-preservation, but there is no denying it. Some new sound has been introduced to the envirnoment, something that doesn't belong."
-Ian S. McCain
Oh, but the sound does belong. McCain's Product left me craving more product. Mr. McCain, please finish the sequel to Product, "Byproduct". McCain's vivid descriptions of the vampire's healing process left pictures in my head, pictures I can't unsee!
"...the boys have a swelling of hope, only to have that feeling crushed when they watch wide-eyed as his face begins to heal. His jawbone starts to reform and tissue spills out over it until his face is brand new. The holes in his body are filling in quickly, and what fragments of metal remain embedded squeeze out from the wound and drop to the floor."
- Ian S. McCain
Couldn't put the book down. Read it in a 24 hour period.
Excellent addition to any horror or vampire collection.
Ernie, scruffy and unshaven, urine stains blanketing the front of his two-sizes-too-large trousers, tucks himself further into his makeshift pillow. He coughs; pieces of phlegm fill his mouth. He gathers them up with his tongue and propels them out past his lips, and out of the “door” of his “home.”
- Ian S. McCain
Soon, Ernie will catch a super cold. He'll lose sleep. He'll quit drinking. Follow Ernie on a secret 12 step program.
"Perhap it's instinct, perhaps it's some relic of his military training, or perhaps it's simply a sense of self-preservation, but there is no denying it. Some new sound has been introduced to the envirnoment, something that doesn't belong."
-Ian S. McCain
Oh, but the sound does belong. McCain's Product left me craving more product. Mr. McCain, please finish the sequel to Product, "Byproduct". McCain's vivid descriptions of the vampire's healing process left pictures in my head, pictures I can't unsee!
"...the boys have a swelling of hope, only to have that feeling crushed when they watch wide-eyed as his face begins to heal. His jawbone starts to reform and tissue spills out over it until his face is brand new. The holes in his body are filling in quickly, and what fragments of metal remain embedded squeeze out from the wound and drop to the floor."
- Ian S. McCain
Couldn't put the book down. Read it in a 24 hour period.
Excellent addition to any horror or vampire collection.
October 11, 2013
Ernie Chase is a 50-year old homeless alcoholic. He is injured while witnessing a violent confrontation between an inner-city gang and what appears to be a group of well-financed individuals in the pharmaceutical trade. When Ernie regains consciousness, he finds himself recovering from a gunshot wound. Unfortunately for Ernie, during the melee he has been infected with a dangerous virus which requires him to consume human blood to stay alive. He is given a simple choice by his captor; receive continuing treatment for his strange new condition in exchange for lifelong service, or face certain death. So begins Product by Ian McCain.
I will admit to a certain hesitation about reading Product. The plot involves vampires, and as everyone knows, the genre has been overdone this past decade – especially in the form of romantic adolescent vampires. These paranormal romances have monopolized supernatural fiction like an invasive species.
I can safely report that Product does not fit into this category. The vampires can be ruthless and gruesome without the aid of “the product”. So, if you want gore, you’ve got it. More importantly, however, are the additions and extras that Ian McCain brings to vampire lore. As you may have guessed, I haven’t read a lot of vampire stuff in recent years other than the first two books of The Passage trilogy. So, some of these plot elements in Product may be old hat to some people, but to me, these were wonderful new twists. For instance, there is an-depth discussion about how the “Virus” is transmitted, how it operates within the human host, who are the carriers, and what happens if they virus isn’t fed. The discussion was very fascinating, and I was able to suspend disbelief as a result of these “scientific” interludes. In a similar vein (sorry, I couldn’t help that), Mr. McCain presents a couple of breathtaking accounts of what it is like to actually make the transformation from human to an infected vampire, and how it feels to surrender to the urge to dine on human blood. This creativity is the backbone of the story as far as I was concerned, and kept the narrative alive.
One area that was a little shaky for me was Mr. McCain’s choice of narrative mode. The novel starts out in the third person, omniscient voice which fluctuates across the main character Ernie and some inner-city African American gang members. Periodically, the author tries to ground this omniscient voice with frequent thoughts separated in quotes that are supposed to be indicative of the perspective of a 50-year old alcoholic street person or the preferred dialect of African American youths. These interjections ring completely false within these contexts, and tend towards the stereotyping of characters instead of character development. Also, there were instances during the omniscient narrating when the story loses some of its urgency. Mr. McCain often resorts to telling as opposed to showing during these passages. Interestingly enough, when the author shifts towards a subjective, third person voice, as he does when he describes the experiences of a Romanian boy named Antonios (you’ll have to read the story to understand how he shows up) and the experiences of Tayvon, a young gang member who becomes infected, the narrative really takes off. As a matter of fact, some of the strongest passages in the book involve the accounts of Antonios and Tayvon. The imagery is vivid and the urgency for all of the characters is heightened.
Overall, I liked this story. As it turns out, this is the first of a series. I suspect that more developments will occur during the next book, along with further insights into characters that are left hanging. I’ll rate this one a 3.5 and round it up to 4.0. Vampire fans out there? Don’t pass this one up.
I will admit to a certain hesitation about reading Product. The plot involves vampires, and as everyone knows, the genre has been overdone this past decade – especially in the form of romantic adolescent vampires. These paranormal romances have monopolized supernatural fiction like an invasive species.
I can safely report that Product does not fit into this category. The vampires can be ruthless and gruesome without the aid of “the product”. So, if you want gore, you’ve got it. More importantly, however, are the additions and extras that Ian McCain brings to vampire lore. As you may have guessed, I haven’t read a lot of vampire stuff in recent years other than the first two books of The Passage trilogy. So, some of these plot elements in Product may be old hat to some people, but to me, these were wonderful new twists. For instance, there is an-depth discussion about how the “Virus” is transmitted, how it operates within the human host, who are the carriers, and what happens if they virus isn’t fed. The discussion was very fascinating, and I was able to suspend disbelief as a result of these “scientific” interludes. In a similar vein (sorry, I couldn’t help that), Mr. McCain presents a couple of breathtaking accounts of what it is like to actually make the transformation from human to an infected vampire, and how it feels to surrender to the urge to dine on human blood. This creativity is the backbone of the story as far as I was concerned, and kept the narrative alive.
One area that was a little shaky for me was Mr. McCain’s choice of narrative mode. The novel starts out in the third person, omniscient voice which fluctuates across the main character Ernie and some inner-city African American gang members. Periodically, the author tries to ground this omniscient voice with frequent thoughts separated in quotes that are supposed to be indicative of the perspective of a 50-year old alcoholic street person or the preferred dialect of African American youths. These interjections ring completely false within these contexts, and tend towards the stereotyping of characters instead of character development. Also, there were instances during the omniscient narrating when the story loses some of its urgency. Mr. McCain often resorts to telling as opposed to showing during these passages. Interestingly enough, when the author shifts towards a subjective, third person voice, as he does when he describes the experiences of a Romanian boy named Antonios (you’ll have to read the story to understand how he shows up) and the experiences of Tayvon, a young gang member who becomes infected, the narrative really takes off. As a matter of fact, some of the strongest passages in the book involve the accounts of Antonios and Tayvon. The imagery is vivid and the urgency for all of the characters is heightened.
Overall, I liked this story. As it turns out, this is the first of a series. I suspect that more developments will occur during the next book, along with further insights into characters that are left hanging. I’ll rate this one a 3.5 and round it up to 4.0. Vampire fans out there? Don’t pass this one up.
September 29, 2013
He can't remember what happy feels like. He has been a bum for a while now, living on the streets,
getting booze however he can. Ernie is dying, slowly. But he knows this. His lifestyle choices are slowly killing him. He has lost several of his teeth and has a cough that he knows is a very bad sign. His clothes are filthy. But he won't go stay at a shelter, not even for his daughter, Marie, the only thing in the world he still has. He doesn't want her to see him like this. However, she still looks for him.
One night Ernie witnesses something he shouldn't have while in his cardboard box of a home down an alley. Some men in a nice vehicle come down the alley and start loading silver cases into their vehicle. Some gang members try to rob them of their product and ride by shooting the men. The only problem? They didn't kill them. The men get up as if they were never shot and take down the others. But not before one of them has fatally shot Ernie. While he is out, he is taken to a facility of sorts. When he wakes up he realizes that he feels much different. Maybe he's dead. But when he figures out he is restrained in a bed and has all his body parts, nope, he isn't dead. And the real kicker? Gideon, the man in charge, tells him he has been infected and will start wanting to drink human blood.
This was a great and very fresh book! It kind of has that Men in Black feel mixed with the Gangs of New York and Interview With a Vampire mixed all in one. You've got your gangs defending and taking turf and lives, vampires staking out the city and trying not to kill people, and that whole surreal thing about going out and getting recruits to be blood donors while you live for who knows how long in this youthful body that won't seem to die.
If Ernie doesn't keep his thirst under control, a demon is set loose. He literally changes into this demonic creature and from what we see so far in the book, you don't change back. But coping with this new body is harder than it seems. While it seems like the greatest deal ever to be able to grow back teeth and body parts you lose, needing human blood is definitely a downfall. And because Ernie wanted to live, he has also made a deal to serve Gideon for the rest of his life, however long that may be. It is interesting to watch Ernie struggle a little with wondering whether what they are doing is right. They go out and get gang members, bad people, and use them to farm blood basically. Although it seems done in a humane way, Ernie still wonders if this is right. And while you wonder if Gideon is a bad person or not, what you don't know is that there could be a worse person out there. A lot has yet to be seen in this book. But I have a feeling the next book, Byproduct, is going to be a real kicker and I can't wait to see what type of destruction and mayhem is in store! Because it's sure to be there!
getting booze however he can. Ernie is dying, slowly. But he knows this. His lifestyle choices are slowly killing him. He has lost several of his teeth and has a cough that he knows is a very bad sign. His clothes are filthy. But he won't go stay at a shelter, not even for his daughter, Marie, the only thing in the world he still has. He doesn't want her to see him like this. However, she still looks for him.
One night Ernie witnesses something he shouldn't have while in his cardboard box of a home down an alley. Some men in a nice vehicle come down the alley and start loading silver cases into their vehicle. Some gang members try to rob them of their product and ride by shooting the men. The only problem? They didn't kill them. The men get up as if they were never shot and take down the others. But not before one of them has fatally shot Ernie. While he is out, he is taken to a facility of sorts. When he wakes up he realizes that he feels much different. Maybe he's dead. But when he figures out he is restrained in a bed and has all his body parts, nope, he isn't dead. And the real kicker? Gideon, the man in charge, tells him he has been infected and will start wanting to drink human blood.
This was a great and very fresh book! It kind of has that Men in Black feel mixed with the Gangs of New York and Interview With a Vampire mixed all in one. You've got your gangs defending and taking turf and lives, vampires staking out the city and trying not to kill people, and that whole surreal thing about going out and getting recruits to be blood donors while you live for who knows how long in this youthful body that won't seem to die.
If Ernie doesn't keep his thirst under control, a demon is set loose. He literally changes into this demonic creature and from what we see so far in the book, you don't change back. But coping with this new body is harder than it seems. While it seems like the greatest deal ever to be able to grow back teeth and body parts you lose, needing human blood is definitely a downfall. And because Ernie wanted to live, he has also made a deal to serve Gideon for the rest of his life, however long that may be. It is interesting to watch Ernie struggle a little with wondering whether what they are doing is right. They go out and get gang members, bad people, and use them to farm blood basically. Although it seems done in a humane way, Ernie still wonders if this is right. And while you wonder if Gideon is a bad person or not, what you don't know is that there could be a worse person out there. A lot has yet to be seen in this book. But I have a feeling the next book, Byproduct, is going to be a real kicker and I can't wait to see what type of destruction and mayhem is in store! Because it's sure to be there!
June 26, 2016
Fabulous! I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as I saw the description of the main character. Ernie Chase is a fifty-year-old drunk hobo sleeping in a cardboard box in a back alley in New York City. Definitely not your typical main character, especially not in a vampire story. This is so original I was instantly in love.
Product is splendidly written dark and gritty urban fantasy. Vampires don't sparkle or make good boyfriends. While civilized and superficially good-looking, they're a callous and unsocial lot. They no longer drink blood; they shoot it up. The vampire Organization has a code not to harm nice people. Instead they collect thugs from the bad areas of the city. One of my favorite quotes from the book:
These are the best fishing waters when you are hoping to catch evil fish. You don't really even need bait - hell, you don't even need a fishing pole. Just stop the boat for a moment and they'll jump right in, then shoot you and push you into the water as they sail off.
I loved the depiction of the Bronx and Harlem gangbangers; I would have read a book about these guys alone. They were not nice people, just unhappy products of the dismal concrete jungle they'd grown up in. The speech and swagger of the gang members was a big part of this story's charm for me.
The vampire Organization felt a bit anemic though, almost like an exclusive white gentlemen's club. I wish the vampires had more unusual characters in their ranks, but at least Ernie stood out positively. I really, really, really wanted to see what happens to this fellow, but the book ends in a cliffhanger. The intended sequel is not out yet, and I sure hope the author hasn't given up on it. I want more vampire stories like this!
Product is splendidly written dark and gritty urban fantasy. Vampires don't sparkle or make good boyfriends. While civilized and superficially good-looking, they're a callous and unsocial lot. They no longer drink blood; they shoot it up. The vampire Organization has a code not to harm nice people. Instead they collect thugs from the bad areas of the city. One of my favorite quotes from the book:
These are the best fishing waters when you are hoping to catch evil fish. You don't really even need bait - hell, you don't even need a fishing pole. Just stop the boat for a moment and they'll jump right in, then shoot you and push you into the water as they sail off.
I loved the depiction of the Bronx and Harlem gangbangers; I would have read a book about these guys alone. They were not nice people, just unhappy products of the dismal concrete jungle they'd grown up in. The speech and swagger of the gang members was a big part of this story's charm for me.
The vampire Organization felt a bit anemic though, almost like an exclusive white gentlemen's club. I wish the vampires had more unusual characters in their ranks, but at least Ernie stood out positively. I really, really, really wanted to see what happens to this fellow, but the book ends in a cliffhanger. The intended sequel is not out yet, and I sure hope the author hasn't given up on it. I want more vampire stories like this!
February 17, 2015
I don’t even know where to being with how creative and original this book is! Even to say what CREATURE this book is about is hard to say. Some would say it’s about vampires, because they are creatures that need human blood to survive, but it’s so much more than that. In fact, I don’t think the word ‘vampire’ is ever used. They are all people who have a “virus”. They need human blood, have super-human strength, and although they can somewhat tolerate the sun, it’s not a positive experience. But when they go too long without blood….look out. To me, they’re almost a vampire/zombie mix, depending on their mood.
Ernie is a fantastic main character, who comes across this world completely by accident, as a drunk living in an alley. When he’s suddenly introduced to this world, and goes from the brink of death by alcohol to looking and feeling 25 again, it seems like a no-brainer to continue to receive this treatment in exchange for basically being a delivery man to other infected, delivering blood from their Farm…oh, and “recruiting” for the farm too. The only downside being that he’d agree to never see his daughter again, but he felt she was better off moving on anyway.
Of course, Ernie finds out there is thousands of years of history, and much more to the story of the infected, the farms, and just who to trust. I had an impossible time putting this book down, because it was so original, I had no idea what was going to come next. I really, really enjoyed it, and am definitely hoping there is a part 2!
Ernie is a fantastic main character, who comes across this world completely by accident, as a drunk living in an alley. When he’s suddenly introduced to this world, and goes from the brink of death by alcohol to looking and feeling 25 again, it seems like a no-brainer to continue to receive this treatment in exchange for basically being a delivery man to other infected, delivering blood from their Farm…oh, and “recruiting” for the farm too. The only downside being that he’d agree to never see his daughter again, but he felt she was better off moving on anyway.
Of course, Ernie finds out there is thousands of years of history, and much more to the story of the infected, the farms, and just who to trust. I had an impossible time putting this book down, because it was so original, I had no idea what was going to come next. I really, really enjoyed it, and am definitely hoping there is a part 2!
November 1, 2013
N.B. I received a free, signed copy of this book through the First Reads program.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It's definitely an interesting take on the vampire mythos. I felt that the scenes set in older Romania were quite believable in the way the characters behaved. I also thought the gang characters were mostly believable, even if some of the speech seemed out of place, though I did not grow up with gangs.
I don't have very many complaints about this book, and most of those are stylistic\aesthetic complaints. My primary complaint about the content is that I didn't realize that this was meant to be the first in a series . As far as other complaints...all dialogue is presented with a double-dash before the dialogue rather than quotation marks surrounding the dialogue, which took some getting used to in the beginning. Second, page numbers on the left hand pages are by the binding rather than the outside of the page where they usually are located. Finally, the cover kept making me think that I spilled something on it, as if you catch only one or two of the blood drops out of the corner of your eye or something, it can appear as if there's a reddish-brown liquid on it. I fell for that one far too many times.
I did have a favorite quotation from the book which I felt was worth marking during my progress updates: "And you certainly won't sparkle like some sort of rare shimmering diamond."
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It's definitely an interesting take on the vampire mythos. I felt that the scenes set in older Romania were quite believable in the way the characters behaved. I also thought the gang characters were mostly believable, even if some of the speech seemed out of place, though I did not grow up with gangs.
I don't have very many complaints about this book, and most of those are stylistic\aesthetic complaints. My primary complaint about the content is that I didn't realize that this was meant to be the first in a series . As far as other complaints...all dialogue is presented with a double-dash before the dialogue rather than quotation marks surrounding the dialogue, which took some getting used to in the beginning. Second, page numbers on the left hand pages are by the binding rather than the outside of the page where they usually are located. Finally, the cover kept making me think that I spilled something on it, as if you catch only one or two of the blood drops out of the corner of your eye or something, it can appear as if there's a reddish-brown liquid on it. I fell for that one far too many times.
I did have a favorite quotation from the book which I felt was worth marking during my progress updates: "And you certainly won't sparkle like some sort of rare shimmering diamond."
December 2, 2013
McCain has selected an unusual protagonist for his vampire novel Product, a fifty-year-old alcoholic named Ernie. This makes for an interesting perspective, as Ernie's addictive personality shifts from a focus on alcohol to a focus on human blood.
There are two storylines in Product: Eddie's modern-day integration into New York's vampire "organization" and a historic flashback to the creation of a Romanian vampire, Antonios. I don't think that I'm giving anything away by noting that the two stories do intersect toward the end of the book. My complaint is that the connection is not fully explored in Product, apparently because that plot development has been reserved for a planned sequel, Byproduct. Had I realized when I started reading Product that it was not a stand-alone novel, I probably would have given it a pass, not because of any lack of merit on the book's part but because I'm already trying to hold too many vampire series storylines in my head.
I was pleased with how well-written Product is, although as McCain points out in his introductory acknowledgements, he does have the occasional problem with tense changes. I found Product similar in tone to Charlie Huston's Joe Pitt series, with its battling vampire clans, and would recommend it to those who enjoyed that series.
I received a free copy of Product from the author in exchange for an honest review.
There are two storylines in Product: Eddie's modern-day integration into New York's vampire "organization" and a historic flashback to the creation of a Romanian vampire, Antonios. I don't think that I'm giving anything away by noting that the two stories do intersect toward the end of the book. My complaint is that the connection is not fully explored in Product, apparently because that plot development has been reserved for a planned sequel, Byproduct. Had I realized when I started reading Product that it was not a stand-alone novel, I probably would have given it a pass, not because of any lack of merit on the book's part but because I'm already trying to hold too many vampire series storylines in my head.
I was pleased with how well-written Product is, although as McCain points out in his introductory acknowledgements, he does have the occasional problem with tense changes. I found Product similar in tone to Charlie Huston's Joe Pitt series, with its battling vampire clans, and would recommend it to those who enjoyed that series.
I received a free copy of Product from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2013
Ernie Chase is a man who's made more than a few mistakes in his sorry life. Broke, homeless and usually drunk, he lives on the streets and back alleys of New York City - much to the dismay of his worried adult daughter, Marie. After he steals some booze and then gets caught in gang-banger crossfire, Ernie thinks this is the end of the road for him. When he wakes up shackled to a bed, looking and feeling decades younger he soon finds there's a price to be paid for his new lease on life - supplying *product* to the other *infected* throughout the city. Simple enough, or so he thinks.
Ian McCain has written an ingenious new take on a popular tale. No ordinary vampire story to be sure - "Product" is gritty, original, suspenseful and...yes...violent. Yet, the violence certainly works and is definitely necessary. McCain's ability to write descriptive, gripping and graphic scenes is unfailing and highly commendable. I could see "Product" easily being turned into a movie.
If you think vampire books are all the same, think again. Ian McCain has come up with a decidedly new and innovative approach to the subject with his book, "Product". I would highly recommend it to readers searching for an exciting, fast-paced thriller that's sure to leave them satisfied and asking for more. I can't wait for the sequel!
Ian McCain has written an ingenious new take on a popular tale. No ordinary vampire story to be sure - "Product" is gritty, original, suspenseful and...yes...violent. Yet, the violence certainly works and is definitely necessary. McCain's ability to write descriptive, gripping and graphic scenes is unfailing and highly commendable. I could see "Product" easily being turned into a movie.
If you think vampire books are all the same, think again. Ian McCain has come up with a decidedly new and innovative approach to the subject with his book, "Product". I would highly recommend it to readers searching for an exciting, fast-paced thriller that's sure to leave them satisfied and asking for more. I can't wait for the sequel!
January 4, 2014
This novel took me by surprise. I picked it up after reading the synopsis, which promised an interesting and original premise. I didn't expect a vampire genre piece, and may have skipped it if I had known, just because I have been done to death with vampires of late. Whoops, guess I ruined that tidbit if there are other like minded readers out there! Actually, I wanted to drop that gem as a public service, because the originality and sheer grit of the tale helped restore my faith in the genre. Before this, The Strain series came closest to capturing what I imagine a vampire plaque would be like in the modern age. Ian McCain carried this to a new level of believability, and was able to shock even this jaded horror reader. To be honest, I only have one quibble with the author, and that is the use of a dash before a sentence, -, to indicate speech by a character. I guess I am an old stodgy has-been, but I like me some quotes when it comes to speech in literal form. Throughout the novel I was thrown by the usage. However, I will not let that damage my rating. This is vampire fiction for the non-sparkly crowd. Enjoy!
November 4, 2013
I received a free ebook version of this book as part of a review program. As I was both intrigued and excited about the initial concept of this book I was very much ready to like it, and so I did. The concept is both renewed and refreshing. I was especially taken with the passages about Antonios.
My only true complaints with the book are mostly for the editing, formatting and narrative device used. The book is set up much like one might expect a script or sitcom to be layed out. I found numerous instances of fragmented sentences (though, I am aware that is some individual's 'style') and several instances of conflicting verbage or tenses. The page numbers are inclusive even on chapter pages and I found the use of third person in the present tense to sometimes be a little disconcerting and difficult to become use to. Once I did become use to it, I did find it a very interesting read.
Overall, I would certainly suggest this book to others. The plot and characters interesting and descriptive devices are richly written. Well done for a first in a series to come!
My only true complaints with the book are mostly for the editing, formatting and narrative device used. The book is set up much like one might expect a script or sitcom to be layed out. I found numerous instances of fragmented sentences (though, I am aware that is some individual's 'style') and several instances of conflicting verbage or tenses. The page numbers are inclusive even on chapter pages and I found the use of third person in the present tense to sometimes be a little disconcerting and difficult to become use to. Once I did become use to it, I did find it a very interesting read.
Overall, I would certainly suggest this book to others. The plot and characters interesting and descriptive devices are richly written. Well done for a first in a series to come!
August 9, 2013
Rating: 9.0/10.0
Review: A vampire story, we've all read it, we've all regretted the sparkling ones... Luckily there is no sparkling vampires here. Horror abound, this story is filled with violence, blood, and more. The author does a really good job at providing the old myths the justice they deserve. Author Ian McCain was able to fill the story with so much eye candy, I couldn't peel my eyes away. Very well done Ian, I can't wait to read more!
Reviewed by IABookReviews.com
Review: A vampire story, we've all read it, we've all regretted the sparkling ones... Luckily there is no sparkling vampires here. Horror abound, this story is filled with violence, blood, and more. The author does a really good job at providing the old myths the justice they deserve. Author Ian McCain was able to fill the story with so much eye candy, I couldn't peel my eyes away. Very well done Ian, I can't wait to read more!
Reviewed by IABookReviews.com
October 4, 2013
WOW. great "new" version of a vamp tale. The Farm (haha), Antonios bringing back a bad ass vampire who ain't afraid to do the dirty work to figure stuff out, heads ripped off, NO SPARKLING, very few if any spelling/grammatical errors, quick paced but not so fast I had to re-read a page. Looking forward to Byproduct
January 14, 2014
I usually don't like Vampire stories but this one was done really well. Lots of action, great balanced story and leaves you hanging off the edge of your seat. The only bad part was that at the verge of the best part of the story it ends to be continued in the next book but the author didn't write it yet....arrrggggggg!!!!
December 19, 2013
Wow, what a book! I absolutely loved this novel it is not your typical vampire story. I can't wait to sink my teeth into the second novel.
December 21, 2013
I enjoy vampire books. So I was happy to read a new twist on the vamp theme. I also enjoyed his choice of the main character. Will be reading more of his books as he writes them.
June 15, 2015
This was a rarity - a fresh take on the vampire story, combining a modern day setting with the back story that explains where some of the primary characters came from. Well written, well paced, I enjoyed looking at the vampire legend from this author's perspective. His protagonist, Ernie, has the most "anti-hero" background I've ever seen, which makes his subsequent take on moral dilemmas very interesting to read as the story progresses.
As I approached the end, I began to wonder just how he was going to wrap things up with so little remaining time, and then the end reveals that there will be a following book.
That "To Be Continued" aspect was a drawback for me...it seems so many authors are serializing stories now, instead of writing a standalone novel. I'm just old school, I suppose, and prefer a complete story between the covers.
I will look for the follow up, "Byproduct", but will probably wait for enough reviews to emerge and see if it is the conclusion, or if yet another will follow, in which case I'll step off onto the subway platform now.
As I approached the end, I began to wonder just how he was going to wrap things up with so little remaining time, and then the end reveals that there will be a following book.
That "To Be Continued" aspect was a drawback for me...it seems so many authors are serializing stories now, instead of writing a standalone novel. I'm just old school, I suppose, and prefer a complete story between the covers.
I will look for the follow up, "Byproduct", but will probably wait for enough reviews to emerge and see if it is the conclusion, or if yet another will follow, in which case I'll step off onto the subway platform now.
January 22, 2014
Again this is one that I read because I saw many people commenting on it. Towards the end, I began to lose my focus on it, wanting something with more action for me. I would, however, try more books by this author, as I did enjoy his style of writing.
March 8, 2015
This was a refreshing view on the vampire genre. The characters had had back stories that intermingled in, for me, a fascinating way that tied the old world vamp meets new world NYC street thugs. This was a very clever book. Super stoked for book two.
May 11, 2015
I just couldn't finish this book. I didn't like the writting style, not enough action, didn't like the storyline..
July 29, 2015
Not impressed. No different then any of the other million vampire stories out there. Had hopes for this one, but it let me down.
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