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Proud to be a Vampire
Drinker Class X
Bitten on the job, Laurence is left to readjust to living as one of the drinkers he has always hunted. In order to be declared a stable citizen-and get back to work-he must attend a series of court-mandated sessions with a psychiatrist specializing in newly-turned drinkers. The worst part of being a drinker, besides adjusting to life without sunlight, is that it's mostly doctors and red tape and tedium-right up until it isn't.
186 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2013
1 person is currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Sasha L. Miller
59 books231 followersSasha L. Miller spends most of her time writing, reading, or playing with all things website design. She loves telling stories, especially romance, because there’s nothing better than giving people their happily ever afters. When not writing, she spends time cooking, harassing her roommates, and playing with her cats.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 2, 2013
This was a fun take on vampires—mixing both fantasy with its AU setting and also reality, as our newly-bitten MC plods through the bureaucratic requirements he has to go through to “prove” that he can handle his new “orientation” enough to return to his job in law enforcement. Along the way, he meets a sympathetic psychiatrist who draws more of him than he was expecting.
What I liked: This is a fantasy AU world, one were “drinkers” (aka vampires) exist, and are a minority that are monitored by the government. The setting feels “Victorian-ish”, with a mix of carriages and electricity, but also modernisms like pills, blood centers, and tranquilizer guns. (It did take me a while to figure out the setting since it seemed more modern at first, but everyone rides around in carriages, but I got used to it. Overall, I liked the mix of Victorian dress and more modern science.)
I really liked the “realism” of how someone transitioning to being a vampire would have to deal with a lot of governmental systems and approval processes. That “vampire realism” reminded me a little of Hemovore and Spirit Sanguine, both which also deal with some of the “real life” quirks of the vampire lifestyle. Here, MC Laurence is going through the process to get his classification that says he’s fit to go back to work, so in between his regular visits to the blood center, he also has to participate in mandatory psychiatric visits, which is where he meets Ira, who gives Laurence the benefit of not treating his new life as something fragile or fearful.
The romance is a slow burn, and that Victorian propriety means that everyone is very classy as they try to figure out how best to ask someone out without being too pushy or forward. I do have a soft spot for when romance is built around bureaucracy, and like Laurence, I too was looking forward to his weekly meetings with Ira, since their slow build and back-and-forth was fun to read.
As a heads-up, this is a non-explicit romance (and thus, very safe to read on crowded public transit.) There are some kisses, etc, but overall, it’s a very light romance in that department. I didn’t miss it, personally, but just a heads-up for those who are looking for sexy, clothes-tearing vampires. (There was some clothes-tearing, but not what you think.) :-)
This is the second work I've read by Miller, after the enjoyable freebie short The Novelty Maker. I do like her style--it's straightforward and very readable while also still imaginative.
What was harder: Overall, I liked the story a lot. It ends on a nice HFN. Where it ends, it feels like another whole story could start, so in that way, I do miss not being able to see what would happen next, but the ending is nice. (Although I found the climactic sequence a little muted since Ira wasn’t witness to some of the parts.)
I did have some floating questions also, some from the story, and some from the world, and what Ira and Laurence should expect next. So I was left wondering some things.
Overall, it’s fun light fantasy read, although with tension in the second half as things get a little dire for our heroes. It’s also a pretty fast read, at 45,000 words, but I did appreciate that it’s closer to novel-length since I love longer works.
Recommended for those who don’t want a same-old-same-old vampire story, are good with fantasy-ish settings, and are also good with a light, non-explicit romance. If there was a sequel, I would definitely check it out.
What I liked: This is a fantasy AU world, one were “drinkers” (aka vampires) exist, and are a minority that are monitored by the government. The setting feels “Victorian-ish”, with a mix of carriages and electricity, but also modernisms like pills, blood centers, and tranquilizer guns. (It did take me a while to figure out the setting since it seemed more modern at first, but everyone rides around in carriages, but I got used to it. Overall, I liked the mix of Victorian dress and more modern science.)
I really liked the “realism” of how someone transitioning to being a vampire would have to deal with a lot of governmental systems and approval processes. That “vampire realism” reminded me a little of Hemovore and Spirit Sanguine, both which also deal with some of the “real life” quirks of the vampire lifestyle. Here, MC Laurence is going through the process to get his classification that says he’s fit to go back to work, so in between his regular visits to the blood center, he also has to participate in mandatory psychiatric visits, which is where he meets Ira, who gives Laurence the benefit of not treating his new life as something fragile or fearful.
The romance is a slow burn, and that Victorian propriety means that everyone is very classy as they try to figure out how best to ask someone out without being too pushy or forward. I do have a soft spot for when romance is built around bureaucracy, and like Laurence, I too was looking forward to his weekly meetings with Ira, since their slow build and back-and-forth was fun to read.
As a heads-up, this is a non-explicit romance (and thus, very safe to read on crowded public transit.) There are some kisses, etc, but overall, it’s a very light romance in that department. I didn’t miss it, personally, but just a heads-up for those who are looking for sexy, clothes-tearing vampires. (There was some clothes-tearing, but not what you think.) :-)
This is the second work I've read by Miller, after the enjoyable freebie short The Novelty Maker. I do like her style--it's straightforward and very readable while also still imaginative.
What was harder: Overall, I liked the story a lot. It ends on a nice HFN. Where it ends, it feels like another whole story could start, so in that way, I do miss not being able to see what would happen next, but the ending is nice. (Although I found the climactic sequence a little muted since Ira wasn’t witness to some of the parts.)
I did have some floating questions also, some from the story, and some from the world, and what Ira and Laurence should expect next. So I was left wondering some things.
Overall, it’s fun light fantasy read, although with tension in the second half as things get a little dire for our heroes. It’s also a pretty fast read, at 45,000 words, but I did appreciate that it’s closer to novel-length since I love longer works.
Recommended for those who don’t want a same-old-same-old vampire story, are good with fantasy-ish settings, and are also good with a light, non-explicit romance. If there was a sequel, I would definitely check it out.
November 22, 2013
This is the first Miller's book I have read and it was a pleasant surprise, though it suffers from some minor editing errors. The writing is clean, easy to read and it worked perfectly with the world in which it's normal to have 'drinkers' (vampires) in the society. Vampirism is a condition, more than anything else and it's treated with pills, blood and therapy.
I think ttg perfectly described setting as a mix of Victorian-like society and modern technology, though Victorian traits are mostly external (clothes, carriages) and not societal - there is no homophobia and vampires, while strictly monitored, are more pitied than feared. The setting is somewhat fantastic - the languages and lands are invented and I wouldn't mind knowing more about them.
The romance is slow-burning, low-key and not explicit. There are no sex scenes and no boners here, just kisses. And, that was refreshing. I liked both protagonists, though we get to know Laurence better since he is the one adopting to the new condition and story is told through his third person POV. The suspenseful second part of the story was as interesting as the slow, easy first part and it brought the two protagonists really together.
I had similar questions ttg raised in her review, but I was satisfied how the story ended. I wouldn't mind reading a sequel though or even just the book set in the same world. I will certainly read more Miller's books now. Recommended.
I think ttg perfectly described setting as a mix of Victorian-like society and modern technology, though Victorian traits are mostly external (clothes, carriages) and not societal - there is no homophobia and vampires, while strictly monitored, are more pitied than feared. The setting is somewhat fantastic - the languages and lands are invented and I wouldn't mind knowing more about them.
The romance is slow-burning, low-key and not explicit. There are no sex scenes and no boners here, just kisses. And, that was refreshing. I liked both protagonists, though we get to know Laurence better since he is the one adopting to the new condition and story is told through his third person POV. The suspenseful second part of the story was as interesting as the slow, easy first part and it brought the two protagonists really together.
I had similar questions ttg raised in her review, but I was satisfied how the story ended. I wouldn't mind reading a sequel though or even just the book set in the same world. I will certainly read more Miller's books now. Recommended.
November 3, 2021
So boring! The premise was intriguing and I liked the world the author created. However, the pacing was like watching paint dry, even when seemingly action packed things were happening like a kidnapping. I could barely finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2016
I enjoyed the book, and thought the classification system of drinkers was interesting. It was an interesting world, but I'm not quite sure how to explain what I liked about it. Instead of the universe having paranormal elements that are very much in-your-face, or aware of their own newness (e.g. the introduction of a supernatural race into an established society), mentions of drinkers vs. regular humans was simple and loosely explained. We got the impression as readers, that their world had been like this indefinitely, that the drinkers weren't really a new thing to which humans were adjusting.
I would have loved a prelude to the story, instead of it kicking off after the initial drama. You find out what happened later in the book, but a rehashing is never quite as exciting as the first-hand account. :) The story as told was a good length, but I'd be happy if she ever decided to revisit the characters, or even write about other people in the same universe.
I would have loved a prelude to the story, instead of it kicking off after the initial drama. You find out what happened later in the book, but a rehashing is never quite as exciting as the first-hand account. :) The story as told was a good length, but I'd be happy if she ever decided to revisit the characters, or even write about other people in the same universe.
November 12, 2013
To read my full review, please visit http://onsilverwingz.blogspot.com/201...
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I love the set up of the story. Vampires are now called drinkers and they are highly regulated through hospitals, blood centers, and a police force specialized in handling rogue drinkers, or Class X drinkers. Laurence is part of this police force and is bitten by a Class X on the job. In order to readjust and get his job back, he needs the psychiatrist, Ira, to give him a Class A rating, meaning he can handle high stress situations. They are interested in each other and when their professional relationship as doctor and patient is over, they plan to go on dates. Unluckily, Ira disappears without a trace.
Laurence is struggling with his new status as drinker and trying not to be depressed. He's very easy to sympathize with. His whole life changed when he got bitten and now he has to see a psych, which no one wants to do. Nevertheless, he has a strong, healthy mentality and a let's-get-it-over-with personality. He's calm and optimistic, which balances with Ira's over-analyzing personality.
When Ira gets kidnapped, that's the start of a thrilling mystery. Laurence gets thrown in with Ira in a locked room with kidnappers that's planning torture them. Combined with a morbid back story, I can't stop reading or tear my eyes away from the pages. Although one thing that can be clearer is the reason behind the murders, but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Ira and Laurence are not totally in love with each other yet but they have a budding relationship. Their ordeal together builds trust and lays a good foundation for future friendship or love. The author really succeeds in writing a vampire story that's different and describes the world in detail. I definitely recommends this book to vampire fans and someone who likes a little bit of thriller in their books.
*review copy received in exchange for an honest review*
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I love the set up of the story. Vampires are now called drinkers and they are highly regulated through hospitals, blood centers, and a police force specialized in handling rogue drinkers, or Class X drinkers. Laurence is part of this police force and is bitten by a Class X on the job. In order to readjust and get his job back, he needs the psychiatrist, Ira, to give him a Class A rating, meaning he can handle high stress situations. They are interested in each other and when their professional relationship as doctor and patient is over, they plan to go on dates. Unluckily, Ira disappears without a trace.
Laurence is struggling with his new status as drinker and trying not to be depressed. He's very easy to sympathize with. His whole life changed when he got bitten and now he has to see a psych, which no one wants to do. Nevertheless, he has a strong, healthy mentality and a let's-get-it-over-with personality. He's calm and optimistic, which balances with Ira's over-analyzing personality.
When Ira gets kidnapped, that's the start of a thrilling mystery. Laurence gets thrown in with Ira in a locked room with kidnappers that's planning torture them. Combined with a morbid back story, I can't stop reading or tear my eyes away from the pages. Although one thing that can be clearer is the reason behind the murders, but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Ira and Laurence are not totally in love with each other yet but they have a budding relationship. Their ordeal together builds trust and lays a good foundation for future friendship or love. The author really succeeds in writing a vampire story that's different and describes the world in detail. I definitely recommends this book to vampire fans and someone who likes a little bit of thriller in their books.
*review copy received in exchange for an honest review*
April 2, 2016
Laurence works in law enforcement, tracking vampires who've gone rogue by bucking the rules of drinking. But when he's bitten on the job, everything changes. Now he's a drinker. He needs to adjust to a whole new lifestyle. He also needs to learn self-control to follow the rules. It's only if he can prove he can follow the rules that he can return to work.
To do this, Laurence must meet with a court-appointed psychiatrist. Dr. Ira Ashwood specializes in newly-turned drinkers. And while Laurence is not one for opening up about his feelings, he finds there's something about Dr. Ashwood that feels comfortable. And then there's the fact that the man is attractive. But everything becomes complicated when Laurence finds Dr. Ashwood has a connection to his social life. And even more so when a connection between the doctor and one of Laurence's colleagues comes to light. In short, there's far more to this psychologist than Laurence ever could have imagined.
This isn't a too long of a story, and it's interesting enough to keep readers engaged for that length. The character interactions and the mystery provide a few unexpected twists. But it also doesn't take too much sleuthing to pinpoint the right suspect when things go south.
What is lacking here is a solid foundation for the world in which the story takes place. It comes together as the story progresses. But I do think readers will find they start at a bit of a loss. As I got closer to the end, things fell into place, but some readers might not be as comfortable with that approach. And it did make some pieces in the beginning a bit difficult to follow.
But it is an enjoyable read and it's entertaining enough for sure.
To do this, Laurence must meet with a court-appointed psychiatrist. Dr. Ira Ashwood specializes in newly-turned drinkers. And while Laurence is not one for opening up about his feelings, he finds there's something about Dr. Ashwood that feels comfortable. And then there's the fact that the man is attractive. But everything becomes complicated when Laurence finds Dr. Ashwood has a connection to his social life. And even more so when a connection between the doctor and one of Laurence's colleagues comes to light. In short, there's far more to this psychologist than Laurence ever could have imagined.
This isn't a too long of a story, and it's interesting enough to keep readers engaged for that length. The character interactions and the mystery provide a few unexpected twists. But it also doesn't take too much sleuthing to pinpoint the right suspect when things go south.
What is lacking here is a solid foundation for the world in which the story takes place. It comes together as the story progresses. But I do think readers will find they start at a bit of a loss. As I got closer to the end, things fell into place, but some readers might not be as comfortable with that approach. And it did make some pieces in the beginning a bit difficult to follow.
But it is an enjoyable read and it's entertaining enough for sure.
February 17, 2014
My very first vampire steampunk story I've read. :)
I love how the setting is revealed slowly. We have no hints that the setting is anything other than modern at first, as we follow Laurence down the hall to his first court-ordered appointment with the psychiatrist who will evaluate him and decide if he's ready to re-enter society after being bitten and turned into a "drinker."
Only as Laurence starts talking about the way people are dressed or riding around in carriages do we begin to understand that the setting is much more unique and original. Fantastically well done, and such a fun experience.
The relationship between Laurence and Ira was very sweet, and
I love how the setting is revealed slowly. We have no hints that the setting is anything other than modern at first, as we follow Laurence down the hall to his first court-ordered appointment with the psychiatrist who will evaluate him and decide if he's ready to re-enter society after being bitten and turned into a "drinker."
Only as Laurence starts talking about the way people are dressed or riding around in carriages do we begin to understand that the setting is much more unique and original. Fantastically well done, and such a fun experience.
The relationship between Laurence and Ira was very sweet, and
August 19, 2015
Laurence, a vampire hunter cop gets turned into a vampire and is ordered by the courts to sessions with Ira, a plucky psychiatrist for newly-turned vampires, with a secret past!
The pacing was a bit off for me, personally. It started very slow-burn scandalous doctor/patient romance and abruptly changed to a quick pace thriller romance halfway through. Which I suppose is why the book is labeled in two sections - "Acclimation" and "Captivation". The quick switch still left me reeling a little bit.
Don't get me wrong though, I do actually like the book! The characters are well written and the situations and emotions they find themselves mired in are extremely compelling! I especially love the way the 'drinkers' are shown to be handled and cared for and the detective/cop angle of the vampire hunters. Really good book, in general.
The pacing was a bit off for me, personally. It started very slow-burn scandalous doctor/patient romance and abruptly changed to a quick pace thriller romance halfway through. Which I suppose is why the book is labeled in two sections - "Acclimation" and "Captivation". The quick switch still left me reeling a little bit.
Don't get me wrong though, I do actually like the book! The characters are well written and the situations and emotions they find themselves mired in are extremely compelling! I especially love the way the 'drinkers' are shown to be handled and cared for and the detective/cop angle of the vampire hunters. Really good book, in general.
April 19, 2016
3.5 stars
I loved the whole different take on vampires -- with term like drinkers, as well as the classification of them in the society. This story is written into two parts; first half from Laurence's POV and the second half from Ira's.
I enjoyed Laurence's POV better, maybe because as a reader, I seemed to be with him from the beginning, as he dealt with being a drinker, meeting with Ira, talking in his sessions about what he felt and what he expected to happen.
Ira's part, however, was dramatic but not completely compelling. Maybe because it was caused by something that happened/started years ago; it happened off page and I was being 'told' by Ira rather than experiencing it first hand as a reader. So I didn't empathized with Ira as a character as much as I did Laurence.
All in all, I still thought of this as solid pleasant read.
I loved the whole different take on vampires -- with term like drinkers, as well as the classification of them in the society. This story is written into two parts; first half from Laurence's POV and the second half from Ira's.
I enjoyed Laurence's POV better, maybe because as a reader, I seemed to be with him from the beginning, as he dealt with being a drinker, meeting with Ira, talking in his sessions about what he felt and what he expected to happen.
Ira's part, however, was dramatic but not completely compelling. Maybe because it was caused by something that happened/started years ago; it happened off page and I was being 'told' by Ira rather than experiencing it first hand as a reader. So I didn't empathized with Ira as a character as much as I did Laurence.
All in all, I still thought of this as solid pleasant read.
May 29, 2014
A simple and cute story set in an alternate universe set in an undefined past (with carriages, corsets, but also telephones and electricity) where part of the population has been "infected" by vampirism.
The main character is a sort of policeman specialized in dealing with rogue vampires that was bitten during a rutine operation and now has to deal with becoming a vampire. He is a pretty level headed character, so it's not really an angsty story.
The second main character is the psychiatrist he has to go see.
The romance is very PG - they only kiss a couple of times :)
The main character is a sort of policeman specialized in dealing with rogue vampires that was bitten during a rutine operation and now has to deal with becoming a vampire. He is a pretty level headed character, so it's not really an angsty story.
The second main character is the psychiatrist he has to go see.
The romance is very PG - they only kiss a couple of times :)
March 1, 2014
The only reason why this didn't get 4 stars from me is because it was going along at a good, prospective clip, then we had a slight bit of action that didn't actually get anywhere. Like a slight bump in the road followed by, "Oh, well, never mind things will be fine!" Overall: straight forward, solid, but would have loved some sort of build up to something.
March 11, 2016
Original take on the vampire thing in a fantasy Victorian society, good writing, romance but no sex (which is starting to be an added bonus in my eyes ;-).
See also the excellent review by ttg.
See also the excellent review by ttg.
September 23, 2016
It was a very interesting book! With a very original approach to this whole vampire thing I never read before. The characters were very lovable, so were the side characters, and the plot was very interesting and thrilling!
January 8, 2016
I'd forgotten that I'd even read this but I remember it being a different view on vampires, I really enjoyed that.
January 7, 2017
This was fun! I liked the writing style and story but the world was confusing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews