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Vampires II
Kevin J. Kennedy Presents Vampires II. It’s a brutal, strange, and beautifully varied collection of vampire tales from a wide range of voices. Spanning centuries, continents, and subgenres.
From war-torn Europe and WWII battlefields to southern backroads, abandoned arcades, isolated campsites, and post-apocalyptic highways, these stories explore vampires as monsters, predators, lovers, ghosts, weapons, and myths. You’ll find ancient Slavic spectres, elemental creatures hunted by their own kind, bat-like horrors that stalk the night, and old-world vampires clashing with modern survival. Revenge, addiction, secrecy, and sacrifice run through the collection, alongside moments of poetry, erotic danger, and raw human tragedy.
Some stories are intimate and unsettling; others are violent, fast, and unforgiving. Together, they form a blood-soaked journey through history and imagination, where survival is never guaranteed and the price of immortality is always steep.
Vampires II is a celebration of the vampire in all its forms—feral, elegant, monstrous, and unforgettable.
From war-torn Europe and WWII battlefields to southern backroads, abandoned arcades, isolated campsites, and post-apocalyptic highways, these stories explore vampires as monsters, predators, lovers, ghosts, weapons, and myths. You’ll find ancient Slavic spectres, elemental creatures hunted by their own kind, bat-like horrors that stalk the night, and old-world vampires clashing with modern survival. Revenge, addiction, secrecy, and sacrifice run through the collection, alongside moments of poetry, erotic danger, and raw human tragedy.
Some stories are intimate and unsettling; others are violent, fast, and unforgiving. Together, they form a blood-soaked journey through history and imagination, where survival is never guaranteed and the price of immortality is always steep.
Vampires II is a celebration of the vampire in all its forms—feral, elegant, monstrous, and unforgettable.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2026
27 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Kennedy
148 books332 followersKevin J. Kennedy is a Scottish horror author known for his fast-paced storytelling, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. He is also the curator of the bestselling The Horror Collection and Classic Monsters anthology series.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 3, 2026
One of the best vampire horror anthologies out there: rich in ideas, flawless in writing, and stunning in variety! I enjoyed it as much as "Vampires I," a far shorter volume, one which I consider perfect in every way already - and the second volume just keeps pumping out dark, action-heavy and violent, smart and twisty, vampire stories.
Twenty wide-ranging tales in total, but the one feature I really liked was the inclusion of military horror: "Jump Scare" by Loki DeWitt, "Blood and Bullion" by Matt Norman, "Under the Hill" by Bill Davidson are exciting, fast-paced horror stories, the first two set in WWII, the third today. In fact, all three were among my favorites: DeWitt's figures a paratrooper encountering a vampire while artillery shells whistle past him, and has a great ending; Norman's about a heist gone terribly wrong; and Davidson's the creepiest, with a female soldier being assigned to a Roswell-type of military base, and discovering the awful truth within. Three more tales were standouts for me, one for the gore ("Blood and Marshmallows" by Mike Salt: a starving vampire stumbles on a full RV campground), the second for the incredible twist ("The Lucky Bride" by William F. Gray: dying father decides to marry again, his adult children decide to stop it), and the third for its emotional impact ("Come One, Come All! See A Genuine Bloodsucker" by Viggy Parr Hampton: a old vampire is part of a carnival freakshow). A couple of stories should be mentioned for their attention to detail: "Incident in a Drugstore Parking Lot" by Lisa Morton (a post-apocalyptic tale of vampires having revealed themselves and gone to war with humans), and "Ferals" by Brian Moreland (another post-apocalytic story, where vampires are portrayed as a sort of zombies). Finally, I also enjoyed the Michael Wehunt story ("Beside Me Singing in the Wilderness") and the one by Candace Nola ("The Elementals"), both of them perfectly balanced between rumination and action.
In sum, the book is another masterfully curated anthology by Kevin Kennedy, who really knows how to pick them stories! Vampires at their brutal best!
Twenty wide-ranging tales in total, but the one feature I really liked was the inclusion of military horror: "Jump Scare" by Loki DeWitt, "Blood and Bullion" by Matt Norman, "Under the Hill" by Bill Davidson are exciting, fast-paced horror stories, the first two set in WWII, the third today. In fact, all three were among my favorites: DeWitt's figures a paratrooper encountering a vampire while artillery shells whistle past him, and has a great ending; Norman's about a heist gone terribly wrong; and Davidson's the creepiest, with a female soldier being assigned to a Roswell-type of military base, and discovering the awful truth within. Three more tales were standouts for me, one for the gore ("Blood and Marshmallows" by Mike Salt: a starving vampire stumbles on a full RV campground), the second for the incredible twist ("The Lucky Bride" by William F. Gray: dying father decides to marry again, his adult children decide to stop it), and the third for its emotional impact ("Come One, Come All! See A Genuine Bloodsucker" by Viggy Parr Hampton: a old vampire is part of a carnival freakshow). A couple of stories should be mentioned for their attention to detail: "Incident in a Drugstore Parking Lot" by Lisa Morton (a post-apocalyptic tale of vampires having revealed themselves and gone to war with humans), and "Ferals" by Brian Moreland (another post-apocalytic story, where vampires are portrayed as a sort of zombies). Finally, I also enjoyed the Michael Wehunt story ("Beside Me Singing in the Wilderness") and the one by Candace Nola ("The Elementals"), both of them perfectly balanced between rumination and action.
In sum, the book is another masterfully curated anthology by Kevin Kennedy, who really knows how to pick them stories! Vampires at their brutal best!
May 9, 2026
Vampires II is another great addition to the Classic Monsters series. It's almost 400 pages and has 20 different stories by 20 different authors. They have all packed these pages with some great stories! These were the standouts for me.
The Last High Score by C.W. Stevenson
Blood and Marshmallows by Mike Salt
Beside Me Singing in the Wilderness by Michael Wehunt
Blood and Bullion by M.P. Norman
Incident in a Drugstore Parking Lot by Lisa Morton
Come One, Come All! See a Genuine Bloodsucker by Viggy Parr Hampton
The Vampyr's Grave by C L Raven
A must read for fans of vampire stories. There is definitely something in here for everyone!
The Last High Score by C.W. Stevenson
Blood and Marshmallows by Mike Salt
Beside Me Singing in the Wilderness by Michael Wehunt
Blood and Bullion by M.P. Norman
Incident in a Drugstore Parking Lot by Lisa Morton
Come One, Come All! See a Genuine Bloodsucker by Viggy Parr Hampton
The Vampyr's Grave by C L Raven
A must read for fans of vampire stories. There is definitely something in here for everyone!
February 10, 2026
Vampires II, a Classic Monsters series anthology form KJK, is a much larger assemblage of stories than the first Vampires anthology, with 20 vampire stories in all. Though these are all vampire tales, the diversity of styles, approaches, settings, and vampires is impressive, with some types of vampires and concepts being new to me despite my long history as a fan of vampire fiction.
There are too many to do justice to all of them, but among the stories I particularly liked is “What If” by Gareth Rees, a very well-written contemporary vampire tale with a chilling ending. There’s also “The Last High Score” by C.W. Stevenson, a brutal and gruesome modern tale about a vampire servant. And “The Lucky Bride” by William F. Gray is a notably compelling, intense, and suspenseful read with excellent subtext regarding family dynamics.
Lisa Morton’s “Incident in a Drugstore Parking Lot” is a powerful story of humans and vampires coexisting in a near-future society. This is a short and fast read with impactful societal subtext and a mentally brutal climax and ending. Jason R Frei’s “Lullabies of Milk and Blood” is a chilling page-turner of Jewish vampire lore set in 1842. This particular legend was new to me, and it was disturbingly excellent.
But there is so much more. Different types of vampires, different time periods, different plots and twists, all told in different styles by an impressive line-up of authors. This anthology is an interesting study in vampire fiction and its evolution over time. A highly recommended reading experience.
A Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2026/02/10/vampires-ii-classic-monsters-book-4/
There are too many to do justice to all of them, but among the stories I particularly liked is “What If” by Gareth Rees, a very well-written contemporary vampire tale with a chilling ending. There’s also “The Last High Score” by C.W. Stevenson, a brutal and gruesome modern tale about a vampire servant. And “The Lucky Bride” by William F. Gray is a notably compelling, intense, and suspenseful read with excellent subtext regarding family dynamics.
Lisa Morton’s “Incident in a Drugstore Parking Lot” is a powerful story of humans and vampires coexisting in a near-future society. This is a short and fast read with impactful societal subtext and a mentally brutal climax and ending. Jason R Frei’s “Lullabies of Milk and Blood” is a chilling page-turner of Jewish vampire lore set in 1842. This particular legend was new to me, and it was disturbingly excellent.
But there is so much more. Different types of vampires, different time periods, different plots and twists, all told in different styles by an impressive line-up of authors. This anthology is an interesting study in vampire fiction and its evolution over time. A highly recommended reading experience.
A Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2026/02/10/vampires-ii-classic-monsters-book-4/
March 30, 2026
I was so happy to see another vampire anthology being put out by KJK Publishing, getting my hands on a copy was a priority!
If you want variety in your blood sucker fiction these collections are perfect to get some new tales, while also being introduced to the writing styles of all the authors. Many contributor names were familiar to me, but there were definitely a few new ones I’ll have to keep my eye on now.
All the stories were hard hitters and the complete book was very well put together. The publisher has so many other cool works to check out as well (werewolves, ghosts, witches, and TONS more). I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we see a Vampires III in the future!
If you want variety in your blood sucker fiction these collections are perfect to get some new tales, while also being introduced to the writing styles of all the authors. Many contributor names were familiar to me, but there were definitely a few new ones I’ll have to keep my eye on now.
All the stories were hard hitters and the complete book was very well put together. The publisher has so many other cool works to check out as well (werewolves, ghosts, witches, and TONS more). I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we see a Vampires III in the future!
January 26, 2026
More Vampiric horror
If you enjoyed Vampires by Kevin J. Kennedy, then here is a treat for you. Vampires Il is currently available, more tales of those fanged fiends who adore drinking the blood from their victims.
Here are a few of the tales.
What if?
By
Gareth Rees
A woman sends her husband on an errand to get diapers and he returns as a bloodthirsty vampire.
This tale seemed average, nothing out of the traditional vampire story. However, I'm not a fan of the cliffhanger at the end. There were numerous outcomes that could have transpired, yet I wanted only one.
Jump Scare
By
Loki DeWitt
A vampire and parachuted soldier battle it out in the sky in the year 1944.
This was clever and I enjoyed the twist ending.
The Last High Score
By
C. W. Stevenson
A young man living in an abandoned arcade, lures victims for his master the vampire.
A basic theme, but in a different atmosphere, makes this a formable tale.
Blood and Marshmallows
By
Mike Salt
A vampire satiates his hunger at a camping site.
I loved the carnage and gore and the ending was crafty.
The Lucky Bride
By
William F. Gray
Vampiric activity before a wedding.
The twist ending was awesome.
Hers
By
Christina Berglind
A woman discovers her female lover is actually a vampire.
I chuckled at the vampire's demise.
Blood and Bullion
By
Matt Norman
Soldiers robbing a bank are unaware that the town is inhabited by vampires.
Action packed.
Incident in a Drugstore
Parking Lot
By
Lisa Morton
Vampires and humans co-exist with each other.
I didn't see that ending coming. I loved it.
Lullabies of Milk and
Blood
By
Jason R Frei
A vampire nurses a baby in this Jewish vampire tale.
Very eerie.
Vendetta
By
Dawn DeBraal
A vampire couple attempts to blend into society.
It reminded me of Interview with the Vampire. Cute tale.
Come One, Come All! See
A Genuine
Bloodsucker
By
Viggy Parr Hampton
A mistreated vampire at a carnival gets his revenge.
I enjoyed it.
If you enjoyed Vampires by Kevin J. Kennedy, then here is a treat for you. Vampires Il is currently available, more tales of those fanged fiends who adore drinking the blood from their victims.
Here are a few of the tales.
What if?
By
Gareth Rees
A woman sends her husband on an errand to get diapers and he returns as a bloodthirsty vampire.
This tale seemed average, nothing out of the traditional vampire story. However, I'm not a fan of the cliffhanger at the end. There were numerous outcomes that could have transpired, yet I wanted only one.
Jump Scare
By
Loki DeWitt
A vampire and parachuted soldier battle it out in the sky in the year 1944.
This was clever and I enjoyed the twist ending.
The Last High Score
By
C. W. Stevenson
A young man living in an abandoned arcade, lures victims for his master the vampire.
A basic theme, but in a different atmosphere, makes this a formable tale.
Blood and Marshmallows
By
Mike Salt
A vampire satiates his hunger at a camping site.
I loved the carnage and gore and the ending was crafty.
The Lucky Bride
By
William F. Gray
Vampiric activity before a wedding.
The twist ending was awesome.
Hers
By
Christina Berglind
A woman discovers her female lover is actually a vampire.
I chuckled at the vampire's demise.
Blood and Bullion
By
Matt Norman
Soldiers robbing a bank are unaware that the town is inhabited by vampires.
Action packed.
Incident in a Drugstore
Parking Lot
By
Lisa Morton
Vampires and humans co-exist with each other.
I didn't see that ending coming. I loved it.
Lullabies of Milk and
Blood
By
Jason R Frei
A vampire nurses a baby in this Jewish vampire tale.
Very eerie.
Vendetta
By
Dawn DeBraal
A vampire couple attempts to blend into society.
It reminded me of Interview with the Vampire. Cute tale.
Come One, Come All! See
A Genuine
Bloodsucker
By
Viggy Parr Hampton
A mistreated vampire at a carnival gets his revenge.
I enjoyed it.
January 31, 2026
Love vampire tales this is for you.
Bumper collection of vampire tales from a great selection of authors to sink your teeth into.
Bumper collection of vampire tales from a great selection of authors to sink your teeth into.
January 26, 2026
Vampire, strigoi, bloodsucker, feral. Whatever you call them, this book is packed with enough drinkers of the red stuff to keep you entertained for hours. Every tale offers something different- a variety of vampire types, different ways to deal with them, even unique ways that they came to be, so there really is something for anyone. Kevin J Kennedy has once again created an outstanding collection of amazing authors in an unputdownable book.
February 17, 2026
Vampires 2 is a spectacular collection of Vampire stories all with unique plots. This is definitely a top tier book. I enjoyed it so much that I read it twice. I highly recommend getting this book if vampires are your thing. 10/10
January 25, 2026
Excellent. A brilliant mix of old and new vampire stories.
From WW2 to abroad on a well earned holiday.
Folklore and modern terror.
One of my favourite of these books and that’s hard because they’ve all been a good mix up to now.
Bring on the vamps!
From WW2 to abroad on a well earned holiday.
Folklore and modern terror.
One of my favourite of these books and that’s hard because they’ve all been a good mix up to now.
Bring on the vamps!
January 25, 2026
Scary and full of vampire horror. Excellent, one of the best anthologies put out by the publisher.
March 29, 2026
VAMPIRES! I can never get enough when it comes to vampires. In Vampires II, we have another collection that is full of such darkly fun tales that push the vampire lore to new heights!
My favorites from this collection include:
Incident in a Drugstore Parking Lot by Lisa Morton
Boys, You’re Welcome by Milan Kovačević
Just A Drop by James Yates
Ferals by Brian Moreland
When I read short story collections, I write my little recaps and notes as I go. When I was loading my notes for this blog post, I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw that I said “Oh my gosh” in my notes for EVERY SINGLE STORY. I edited to remove many of them, but a lot of them remain.
Needless to say, this collection was a HIT for me.
… and I feel like I’ve said that for another KJK collection. Readers, if you haven’t read any of these works yet, you gotta dive in!
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/vampi...
My favorites from this collection include:
Incident in a Drugstore Parking Lot by Lisa Morton
Boys, You’re Welcome by Milan Kovačević
Just A Drop by James Yates
Ferals by Brian Moreland
When I read short story collections, I write my little recaps and notes as I go. When I was loading my notes for this blog post, I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw that I said “Oh my gosh” in my notes for EVERY SINGLE STORY. I edited to remove many of them, but a lot of them remain.
Needless to say, this collection was a HIT for me.
… and I feel like I’ve said that for another KJK collection. Readers, if you haven’t read any of these works yet, you gotta dive in!
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/vampi...
March 13, 2026
Wonderfully vicious!
Kevin Kennedy's newest Vampire anthology is just that. The stories were original and nothing like I expected. You won't find any sparkly vampires in this book. They are brutal and bloody; the way good vampire stories should be.
I highly recommend this book!
I loved all the stories but a few of them stood out to me.
Blood and Marshmallows By Mike Salt
Hers by Christina Bergling
Vendetta By Dawn DeBraal
Under the Hill by Bill Davidson
Veronica Smith - author of Salvation in the Wasteland, Nightmare on Indigo Street, & Chalk Outline
Kevin Kennedy's newest Vampire anthology is just that. The stories were original and nothing like I expected. You won't find any sparkly vampires in this book. They are brutal and bloody; the way good vampire stories should be.
I highly recommend this book!
I loved all the stories but a few of them stood out to me.
Blood and Marshmallows By Mike Salt
Hers by Christina Bergling
Vendetta By Dawn DeBraal
Under the Hill by Bill Davidson
Veronica Smith - author of Salvation in the Wasteland, Nightmare on Indigo Street, & Chalk Outline
April 5, 2026
A dark, supernatural ride with a bite to it. It leans into vampire lore with suspenseful twists and atmospheric tension. If you like a mix of gothic vibes, horror action. This one hits the mark its fast, violent, monstrous, and blood soaked intrigue.
The are stories coming in all shapes and sizes from abandon arcades, the southern back roads, European wwll with lots of different creatures from vampires as the title says but it’s so much more too. They have ghost, monster, lovers and more, you’ll find something to sink your teeth into.
The are stories coming in all shapes and sizes from abandon arcades, the southern back roads, European wwll with lots of different creatures from vampires as the title says but it’s so much more too. They have ghost, monster, lovers and more, you’ll find something to sink your teeth into.
March 28, 2026
Kevin J. Kennedy’s Vampires II is a bloody brutal collection of terrifyingly brilliant vampire tales. Each author included in this collection has their vary own unique twist on the classic tale of blood sucking creatures of the night. Each story will have you mesmerized from start to finish and leave you in a nightmare induced trance.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews