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The Christian and the Vampire: A Short Story
What happens one sultry summer night when a Christian and a vampire meet on a fire escape and agree to engage in a cordial conversation? A touch of hilarity, plus eye-popping—and Undead heart-starting—revelation, as vampire myth and legend give way to greater Truth! Think Anne Rice meets Frank Peretti!
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
42 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Kestell
54 books211 followersVikki Kestell’s passion for people and their stories is evident in her readers’ affection for her characters and unusual plotlines. Two often repeated sentiments are, "I feel like I know these people," and "I'm right there, in the book, experiencing what her characters experience."
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 26, 2017
This is the second time I have read The Christian and the Vampire and I did this for 2 reasons. One, I did not write a review of this when I read it in December 2014, and two, it is worth reading again purely for the way the story is structured to allow the many bible references and their explanation to move the story along and show the power of the Word and how it defeats all claims that being a follower of Satan (in this case, as a vampire) is more attractive and beneficial than being a follower of Christ.
This is the third Christian story involving the question, "Can a vampire be saved/redeemed?" The first one I read was Blood for Blood by Ben Wolfe and the second was Devil's Pathway (DAWN: Warriors of Valor Book 1) by Vicki V Lucas. I do have another waiting to be read. All these three authors share the same premise that indeed they can be redeemed, and I would also say the same for werewolves. The latter has been dealt with in this same vein by William Woodall, in his The Last Werewolf Hunter: The Complete Series.
Kestell has constructed this short very well with the placement of the bible verses that portray what the bible says about redemption, salvation, Christ's victory over sin and death, Satan's judgement, penalty of sin, consequences of refusing Christ's gift of salvation in relation to Lambros being a vampire. Very cleverly done structuring the plot around the verses or is it that she constructed the verses around the plot? Hard to tell when it is done this well. It struck me that this short could be used to minister to a satanist or someone who is so very bound in their sin/sinful lifestyle and feels there is no hope for them including anything that God has to offer.
I guess another reason I wanted to read this again is that it reinforces where all Christians have come from, including me, a past of sin, rebellion against God, and this short story that shows what the bible says about our past and our future. It is always good to return to one's roots to appreciate where one has come from and where one is now. I have a greater appreciation of the Word, what Christ achieved for me on the Cross and everything relating to all the doctrines outlined in the previous paragraph.
Kestell uses humour to add spice to this short. It also adds to both the character building of Taz and Lambros. Kestell has also portrayed Taz as the discerning, well versed in Scripture, spiritual warrior that Christians all need to be as the whole essence of becoming a Christian means that we have taken one side against the other in this spiritual warfare that we are involved in since we were created.
Apart from the bible references that make this short rich in spiritual warfare, I loved how Taz was so in tune with the Spirit when ministering to Lambros. Again, this is another part of our spiritual armour. The final spiritual warfare scene at the end of the short involving a warrior angel and demon is very dramatic and I loved the way Taz states that he was not afraid of this tangible evil presence that descended on both Lambros and himself as he knew who he is in Christ and the protection that is his as a consequence of this,
I felt no fear for myself - I am, after all, one of the redeemed of The Lord. Satan has no legal footing in my life.
I applaud Kestell for this short. I feel it is quite a masterpiece of construction, however simple. This story would be very effective for small group bible study on spiritual warfare and witnessing to those who are heavily involved in satanism or other satanic groups or as I mentioned previously, those who are so caught up in their sin and feel there is not hope for them or a way out. I would love to see a discussion guide added to a future edition of this short.
One highlight that I found very useful is in the kindle version where each reference to a bible verse or piece of conversation that was based on a bible verse or doctrine had a link to it that you could press and the verse would appear in a separate, mini window on the screen. This would benefit bible study groups or the individual that are seeking God. All the individual would have to do is put themselves in the position of Lambros, not as a vampire, but as one who is enslaved to sin and Satan as Lambros was.
This is one very entertaining, edifying but sobering read of spiritual warfare, who Christians are in Christ, what Christ has achieved for everyone on the Cross and the hope that exists in Him that is rife in His Word.
Highly Recommended. 5/5 Stars
This is the third Christian story involving the question, "Can a vampire be saved/redeemed?" The first one I read was Blood for Blood by Ben Wolfe and the second was Devil's Pathway (DAWN: Warriors of Valor Book 1) by Vicki V Lucas. I do have another waiting to be read. All these three authors share the same premise that indeed they can be redeemed, and I would also say the same for werewolves. The latter has been dealt with in this same vein by William Woodall, in his The Last Werewolf Hunter: The Complete Series.
Kestell has constructed this short very well with the placement of the bible verses that portray what the bible says about redemption, salvation, Christ's victory over sin and death, Satan's judgement, penalty of sin, consequences of refusing Christ's gift of salvation in relation to Lambros being a vampire. Very cleverly done structuring the plot around the verses or is it that she constructed the verses around the plot? Hard to tell when it is done this well. It struck me that this short could be used to minister to a satanist or someone who is so very bound in their sin/sinful lifestyle and feels there is no hope for them including anything that God has to offer.
I guess another reason I wanted to read this again is that it reinforces where all Christians have come from, including me, a past of sin, rebellion against God, and this short story that shows what the bible says about our past and our future. It is always good to return to one's roots to appreciate where one has come from and where one is now. I have a greater appreciation of the Word, what Christ achieved for me on the Cross and everything relating to all the doctrines outlined in the previous paragraph.
Kestell uses humour to add spice to this short. It also adds to both the character building of Taz and Lambros. Kestell has also portrayed Taz as the discerning, well versed in Scripture, spiritual warrior that Christians all need to be as the whole essence of becoming a Christian means that we have taken one side against the other in this spiritual warfare that we are involved in since we were created.
Apart from the bible references that make this short rich in spiritual warfare, I loved how Taz was so in tune with the Spirit when ministering to Lambros. Again, this is another part of our spiritual armour. The final spiritual warfare scene at the end of the short involving a warrior angel and demon is very dramatic and I loved the way Taz states that he was not afraid of this tangible evil presence that descended on both Lambros and himself as he knew who he is in Christ and the protection that is his as a consequence of this,
I felt no fear for myself - I am, after all, one of the redeemed of The Lord. Satan has no legal footing in my life.
I applaud Kestell for this short. I feel it is quite a masterpiece of construction, however simple. This story would be very effective for small group bible study on spiritual warfare and witnessing to those who are heavily involved in satanism or other satanic groups or as I mentioned previously, those who are so caught up in their sin and feel there is not hope for them or a way out. I would love to see a discussion guide added to a future edition of this short.
One highlight that I found very useful is in the kindle version where each reference to a bible verse or piece of conversation that was based on a bible verse or doctrine had a link to it that you could press and the verse would appear in a separate, mini window on the screen. This would benefit bible study groups or the individual that are seeking God. All the individual would have to do is put themselves in the position of Lambros, not as a vampire, but as one who is enslaved to sin and Satan as Lambros was.
This is one very entertaining, edifying but sobering read of spiritual warfare, who Christians are in Christ, what Christ has achieved for everyone on the Cross and the hope that exists in Him that is rife in His Word.
Highly Recommended. 5/5 Stars
November 15, 2020
Yes, everyone, even vampires can be redeemed
In this book, a Christian and a vampire meet and have a tough discussion regarding good and evil and whether or not vampires are truly redeemable.
The Christian and the Vampire was a very good and interesting read. The story was beautifully written, with a consistent style and tone, and efficiency of description that didn't slow the pace. This was a smooth flowing story with lots of action and very likeable characters. The Christian and the Vampire was a joy to read.
The plot was cleverly woven, with each scene leading toward a larger goal. The conclusion answered all the questions the story asked, and resolved the plot. It started and ended strong.
The characters were complicated, and deeply human, with their own strengths and weaknesses, but they didn't develop or grow over the course of the book.
The Christian and the Vampire kept me spell bound, and I was compelled to keep reading. Each scene flowed smoothly from one to the next.
The Christian and the Vampire provided a gripping glimpse of how the characters lived in this well-developed world, and the action was heart-pounding and effortless to visualize.
The text was well written and engaging. The writing style was consistent and the exposition didn't slow the plot overly much. There were a few typographical and grammar errors, but not enough to take me out of the moment. Great cover design and page layout.
In this book, a Christian and a vampire meet and have a tough discussion regarding good and evil and whether or not vampires are truly redeemable.
The Christian and the Vampire was a very good and interesting read. The story was beautifully written, with a consistent style and tone, and efficiency of description that didn't slow the pace. This was a smooth flowing story with lots of action and very likeable characters. The Christian and the Vampire was a joy to read.
The plot was cleverly woven, with each scene leading toward a larger goal. The conclusion answered all the questions the story asked, and resolved the plot. It started and ended strong.
The characters were complicated, and deeply human, with their own strengths and weaknesses, but they didn't develop or grow over the course of the book.
The Christian and the Vampire kept me spell bound, and I was compelled to keep reading. Each scene flowed smoothly from one to the next.
The Christian and the Vampire provided a gripping glimpse of how the characters lived in this well-developed world, and the action was heart-pounding and effortless to visualize.
The text was well written and engaging. The writing style was consistent and the exposition didn't slow the plot overly much. There were a few typographical and grammar errors, but not enough to take me out of the moment. Great cover design and page layout.
May 15, 2018
Nook edition is only 35 pages - The version i Read
IF you love a religious debate then this book is for you. Its like the author of this book is totally mindset on Vampires being of the devil just like how some Christians are mindset on Harry potter ( Mind you im a big fan of Harry Potter & a Christian) being of sorcery with all it is just entertainment and im just gonna leave it at that. But as i was reading thru it - it reminded me of a religious debate between a Mormon & a Christian. As i continued to read thru all i see is just anger building and building between the two. I was glad this was just a short story and it was really a waste of my time don't think i will be reading anymore books by this author my first and my very last one!!!! If i could i would give it 0 stars but since i couldn't i gave it 1 star for my reasonings above. Many others seemed to enjoy this book thats great and all but i just down right hated it!!!!
Well for one this ebook = Nook edition is only 35 pages long.
To be really honest i don't write reviews like this but i just hated this book.
IF you love a religious debate then this book is for you. Its like the author of this book is totally mindset on Vampires being of the devil just like how some Christians are mindset on Harry potter ( Mind you im a big fan of Harry Potter & a Christian) being of sorcery with all it is just entertainment and im just gonna leave it at that. But as i was reading thru it - it reminded me of a religious debate between a Mormon & a Christian. As i continued to read thru all i see is just anger building and building between the two. I was glad this was just a short story and it was really a waste of my time don't think i will be reading anymore books by this author my first and my very last one!!!! If i could i would give it 0 stars but since i couldn't i gave it 1 star for my reasonings above. Many others seemed to enjoy this book thats great and all but i just down right hated it!!!!
Well for one this ebook = Nook edition is only 35 pages long.
To be really honest i don't write reviews like this but i just hated this book.
July 17, 2017
This really is a short story
Warning this is truly a short story. Four chapters and it's done. The rest are ads for the Nanostealth series and excerpts of other books.
That being said. This was an excellent short story. If you enjoyed Buffy and Angle,you will enjoy this and how the hero explains Christ. It would be a wonderful tool for those who seek to minister to the Goths.
I am looking forward to reading more of Vikki Kestell's works.
Warning this is truly a short story. Four chapters and it's done. The rest are ads for the Nanostealth series and excerpts of other books.
That being said. This was an excellent short story. If you enjoyed Buffy and Angle,you will enjoy this and how the hero explains Christ. It would be a wonderful tool for those who seek to minister to the Goths.
I am looking forward to reading more of Vikki Kestell's works.
January 17, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this story. My only issue: the constant footnotes for scriptural references were slightly distracting and repetitive since Taz was usually quoting them verbatim, but I found myself clicking on them every time anyway.
This is a well thought out tale with a clever and brave main character.
Check out my blog for a bit more of a review: https://notmytypee.blogspot.com/2017/...
This is a well thought out tale with a clever and brave main character.
Check out my blog for a bit more of a review: https://notmytypee.blogspot.com/2017/...
May 22, 2018
Gonna be honest, I found this book when I was stalking Vikki Kestell's Amazon page because THE FOURTH NANOSTEALTH BOOK COMES OUT ON JUNE 2nd and I'm super excited, in case you couldn't tell.
This was an interesting presentation of the gospel... Although I have to admit that from the excerpt on Amazon I was expecting a little more humor than was actually provided. Oh well. It was free, so I can't really complain.
This was an interesting presentation of the gospel... Although I have to admit that from the excerpt on Amazon I was expecting a little more humor than was actually provided. Oh well. It was free, so I can't really complain.
September 27, 2019
Excellent drama illustrating our spiritual battle
Are there those beyond hope? Satan wants us to believe that. This story wades into the middle of that battle. Read it once for the excellent story. Then read it again, following the footnotes to the Bible passages the battle is grounded on.
Are there those beyond hope? Satan wants us to believe that. This story wades into the middle of that battle. Read it once for the excellent story. Then read it again, following the footnotes to the Bible passages the battle is grounded on.
June 12, 2019
Always a great read from this author!
I recommend this short story.
It reminds me of so many things people say who are into new age beliefs, Goths , 'vampires', atheists etc etc. always say
and how Christians can respond.
I recommend this short story.
It reminds me of so many things people say who are into new age beliefs, Goths , 'vampires', atheists etc etc. always say
and how Christians can respond.
October 7, 2019
Absolutely fantastic!!! I wish everyone would read it. This story will help many better understand and deal with a number of things. Plus you won't want to put this down until you finish it, it's so good! Don't want to say more as I don't want to give anything away. This is a must read!
March 5, 2021
There is so much packed into this short story about the nature of faith, belief and afterlife. For all that there really is very little action involved, what does happen is thought-provoking and engrossing. This is something I will be re-reading often.
December 22, 2017
Wow!
A street evangelist has a vampire hop onto his fire escape for a talk. A very, very interesting conversation ensues with a surprising end.
A street evangelist has a vampire hop onto his fire escape for a talk. A very, very interesting conversation ensues with a surprising end.
September 14, 2021
What an interesting read! This may be a short story but it definitely packs a big punch! This story is unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I enjoyed it so much! I loved main character, Taz, he’s such an awesome guy, and I’d love to read more stories about him. I also loved that this story is written in first person POV (my personal fave!) If you enjoy excellent, thought provoking, outside the box reads be sure to check this one out! Highly recommend!
March 22, 2017
A fun conceptual discourse to penetrate
I love the concept. It reads True. A great deal of scripture is shared. Any human can be recreated in righteousness. It's a fun tale.
I love the concept. It reads True. A great deal of scripture is shared. Any human can be recreated in righteousness. It's a fun tale.
October 13, 2014
The Christian and The Vampire.
What happens when a Christian has a conversation with a Vampire? Wonderful, amazing things happen, because of their conversation.
Taz is amazing and I hope Ms. Kestell will write more books with him as the main character. Taz knows how to use his spidey-senses (discernment) and his lightsaber( The bible) to battle the dark forces. He is determined to save a soul from hell. Go, Taz, go and use those spidey-senses.
This book should be count among the top 10 of 2014. It should win awards.
What happens when a Christian has a conversation with a Vampire? Wonderful, amazing things happen, because of their conversation.
Taz is amazing and I hope Ms. Kestell will write more books with him as the main character. Taz knows how to use his spidey-senses (discernment) and his lightsaber( The bible) to battle the dark forces. He is determined to save a soul from hell. Go, Taz, go and use those spidey-senses.
This book should be count among the top 10 of 2014. It should win awards.
Read
July 18, 2015More than anything, I'd say this is a Christian apologetic clothed in speculative elements. The vampire was likable and the bits of speculative lore were interesting, but the focus was really on arguing if Jesus can save vampires. I didn't think it was a bad read, as long as you know what you are getting into.
November 18, 2014
Was expecting a bit of stimulating Gothic satire (e.g. Varney the Vampyre), instead turned out to be typical Christian propaganda. Prose fairly decent (for which I give the second star).
March 27, 2018
Excellent book by a new favorite author.....read it and was so impressed that I read it aloud to my husband. Love the use of Scripture as the main talking point.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews