Eye Killers (American Indian Literature and Critical Studies Series)

by A.A. Carr

Lurking in the caves of eastern New Mexico, Falke, a thousand-year-old vampire, chooses his next Melissa Roanhorse, an Albuquerque teenager. To regain his granddaughter’s life, Michael Roanhorse, an old Navajo sheepherder wise to the power of myth, must outwit the vampire and his loyal coven. So begins A.A. Carr’s Eye Killers , a novel that combines the Eastern European legend of the vampire with the Navajo tale of the monster slayer. The songs of Michael Roanhorse’s childhood include potent chants passed down through his grandmother, who sang to him of Changing Woman and her Warrior Twins, Monster Slayer and Child of the Water. But Michael’s spiritual strength and his memory have waned with the years. Who is left to help reunite him with his family and his family with their heritage? Michael enlists Diana Logan, Melissa’s young English teacher, to wrestle Melissa from the vampire. But to conquer Falke they must also overpower his Elizabeth, captured by Falke in the 1850s during her family’s journey along the Santa Fe Trail, and Hanna, once a prostitute in Old Albuquerque, who aspires to supplant Falke’s vampire reign. Michael must invoke ancient traditions to bring Melissa home. The elders undertake to teach Diana, but her Irish-American heritage has not prepared her for a fight against shape-shifting vampires who have lived-and murdered-for centuries. In Eye Killers , Carr delivers an imaginative clash of cultures-both a suspenseful thriller and a valid rendering of Navajo and Pueblo tribal life in contemporary New Mexico. His inventiveness, expressed through melodic prose and layers of fine storytelling, weaves new legends of the American Southwest.

Genres: Horror, Vampires, Indigenous

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Sara Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book beautifully blends the poetic Native American folklore and chilling horror of the European vampire; needless to say it was the perfect find for a horror and folklore enthusiast such as myself. I think there are many wrong assumptions about this book, and the people who rated it low simply did not understand the beauty of this story. I hope these people one day find it in themselves to open their minds for this book. I recommend the read!

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sharp, interesting commentary on colonialism. I loved the blend of Navajo mythology and European vampire lore.

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sharp, interesting commentary on colonialism. I loved the blend of Navajo mythology and European vampire lore.

[Sophia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was I confused…yes. BUTTTTT the characters were interesting and so was the concept. Sooo, nonetheless, a 3.0⭐️

[Eric Mata · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cool mix of native culture and vampires, Falkes a weirdo

[Adam Woolsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Killers presents the overwhelmingly prevalent theme of European colonialism versus Native American culture in a way that vividly expressed and fully encapsulates the conflict. In the novel the European’s are portrayed as Vampires that have risen from a long slumber only to reappear in modern-day Albuquerque. They are gravely disconnected with their surroundings and unfamiliar with contemporary society.
The story centers on Falke, the leader of the vampire tribe. Upon awakening from a century-long sleep, he takes interest in and seduces a young 16-year-old Native American teenage girl, Melissa Roanhorse. The relationship between the two appears to drastically change Melissa’s demeanor. She becomes violent and irrepressible, leading to the bewildering disappearance of Melissa and her mother. The police believe Melissa is responsible for the murder of her mother and subsequently fled to escape incarceration. Her teacher Diana Logan and grandfather Micheal Roanhorse believe that Melissa is innocent of the allegations and a victim of the disappearance. The two desperately search for the women in an attempt to discover their whereabouts.
Micheal Roanhorse acts as a combatant to the inexplicably strong vampires. Throughout his journey he develops supernatural abilities of his own and serves as a representation for the strength of the Navajo tribe and Native American culture. Prior to his active involvement in the search for Melissa, Micheal is an old man who suffers from severe arthritis and lives in a remote location far removed from his native roots. After he springs into action, Micheal travels to several places to ask for the help of the Navajo and Laguna Pueblo elders he knows. With their help and knowledge, he is able to prepare Melissa’s teacher to help do battle with the vampires. Micheal is later transformed into a supernatural being similar to the vampires, but is strengthened by his spiritual bonds to his Native tradition. He uses this power to help the teacher kill Falke and ultimately save Melissa.
Eye Killers cleverly blends the supernatural with indigenous culture to emphasize the brilliance and mystique of Native American tradition. Students will fly through the book with vivid enjoyment and immense cultural enrichment. There are endless teaching possibilities neatly packed in a most creative way.

[Ashley Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a class that has been filled with less than impressive books so far, so I really wasn't expecting much. I was actually really surprised about how good this book actually was.

Besides being a great mystery, filled with action and suspense, creating a thrilling page turner, it was also really beautiful. There is a love story (always a plus) an beautiful descriptions of scenery and placement.

Definitely well worth the time.

[Mayah Ritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

So beautifully, and vividly written. Any reservations or lingering questions became answered in the end chapters; resolved in bloodshed, death, and rebirth. My own connections to Albuquerque, New Mexico certainly pushed me past the first 100 pages, the rest of that motivation was carried by the authors lyrical abilities. Wonderful read, recommend to anyone interested in vampires, native cultures, or wonderful storytelling.

[Myles Sudbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best Vampire books i have ever read. It is not to girl or to dramatic. It is one of those books i will never forget. I hope if anyone reads this that they will want to read the book and read about the adventure and tragedy. It tells of a little Indian girl about how she becomes a vampire and how she fight the other people.

[Miss Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sooooo. Vampires. I read this for my American Gothic class, I have to admit I was hoping for something a little more interesting for the first read. :/ Something about the style was alienating, I can't think of anything I objectively disliked about the characters or premise. I just couldn't work up any interest reading it. 3 stars

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

It only took me a week to read this but it felt like so much longer. I just couldn't engage with it on any level, but I don't think it's terrible. I can't deal with vampires in literature, apparently.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book combined elements of Native American culture and vampires with amazing ease. It was a little confusing at parts but overall a good read.

[Lois Knezek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting blend of vampire lore with Native American traditions.

[Abby Starkel]

This book was pretty interesting. I liked reading it because it kept my attention fairly well, and displayed great detail in the story. It didn't leave me confused or lost.