Something in the Blood: Vampire Tales with a Christian Bite

by Mark Worthing (Editor), D.M. Cornish (Contributor), Phil Bell (Contributor)

If the Christian message is about love, hope, forgiveness and reconciliation, we asked ourselves how could these themes not be explored in a vampire story? After all, the vampire story is all about the deepest pit of despair, depravity and hopelessness to which one might succumb. It is an imagined condition which presents the possibility of no redemption. But is there really any situation beyond redemption? Is there any context so dark, or any person so lost, that they are beyond all hope of grace?

146 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Mark Worthing is a historian of science and a senior researcher with Lutheran Education Australia, Adelaide.

Reviews

[Tintinrulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Something in the Blood: Vampire Tales with a Christian Bite" by Literati. Here is a small tome that includes sixteen short-stories (ranging from good to brilliant). The genres within vary greatly, as do the writing styles and skills of said authors. So how do you review such a book? I honestly don't know.

I will say this though, what many of these authors have 'siphoned' from the vampire archetype, is a testament to storytelling and the strength of a redeemed imagination. Several stories underwhelmed and there were a few proofing errors, but for the most part, I really enjoyed the experience.

My favourite stories were probably "This Body is Death" by D.M. Cornish, "Indiscretion" by Ben Morton and "The Blood of the Lamb" by J.A. Cooper. His was an intimate short story. Here, the author somehow spins a crazy-good yarn (in second-person perspective no less!) that's both overtly-Christian and not the least bit preachy. I also enjoyed "A Good Man" by Catch Tilly, "Stronger Than Death" by Phil Bell and "The Master's Thesis" by Dimity Knight. Hers is perhaps the strongest entry here and it's apt she rounds off the anthology with a literary focus.

Recommended reading. This isn't your Grandma's vampire fiction. Erm... Yes. Get a copy now.

8/10

[Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book - can't wait until it gets released for everyone else to enjoy it too

[Kat Mullen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
It's always hard to rate a short story collection because you'll love some stories and dislike others.
The stories by Catch Tilly and Matthew Edwards were my favourite.