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Nocturnal
In present day San Diego, a drug war rages on both sides of the border. Reggie Downing, an undercover cop, has infiltrated the cartel and been marked for death. Enter THE VAMPIRE, a nocturnal creature who saves the young cop’s life. He protects Reggie as they take down the cartel and discover the traitor who sold him out. As events hurtle down the rails to an explosive, blood-soaked climax, the Vampire reveals the true nature of their relationship. NOCTURNAL is a story of honor and betrayal, sin and redemption, seething hatred, and a love that transcends Death itself.
- GenresVampires
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2017
118 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 30, 2023
Pros
The cover is great. Definitely sets the reader up for what’s coming.
This is an interesting take on vampire lore. The on in this story is very selective of his prey and he is also performing a mission of eliminating humans who wish to harm others.
The story opens with a drug/arms deal going down on the docks of San Diego. Good start, We are introduced to the character of Rudy Valdez, ex-military bad ass. He served his country faithfully and thought it would serve him also. Wrong. When he voluntary discharges, the economy was in the toilet. Even the Marines weren’t re-enlisting Vets. Down on his luck and funds drying up, he drops into a local dive. The night is quiet until a Navy man decides to dishonor the Marines. Rudy easily dispatches him and his shipmates. The altercation doesn’t miss the eye of one El Gecko, Guillermo Calderon. El Gecko is impressed with Rudy’s resourcefulness and offers him a job on the spot.
The next characters are T-Ball and Donne Chen. Both ex-military. T-Ball is back on the meth and alcohol. If he doesn’t straighten up, El Gelko will. Donnie is Chinese and has no compunction in eliminating anyone who threatens his boss or his livelihood.
The Vampire, its name is not revealed until the story winds down, has a field day with El Geko and his associates. The encounter is brutal to say the least with only two men walking away from the carnage. Enter the San Diego Police force of Reginald Downing, Sergeant Nick Castle and Captain Morris Horn. These three carry an interesting dynamic through the story.
This is a great start to what could be a fascinating and engrossing read. However, that wasn’t the case.
Cons
I came across over ninety unique issues that must be cleaned up: spelling, punc, wrong words, missing words, wrong tense. filler etc. The endless descriptions of the Gaslamp District of San Diego and Petco Park only stifle the story. It’s okay to do it once, maybe twice, but to the point readers lose interest and begin skimming of which I did as the story approached it’s climax.
This is such a compelling and novel idea, it screams for a solid edit! I thought about giving the second one a read, but I’m not willing to take a chance for I fear I will find more of the same.
If the author is interested in making this story the five star knock-out it should be, my services are available.
Two Stars.
The cover is great. Definitely sets the reader up for what’s coming.
This is an interesting take on vampire lore. The on in this story is very selective of his prey and he is also performing a mission of eliminating humans who wish to harm others.
The story opens with a drug/arms deal going down on the docks of San Diego. Good start, We are introduced to the character of Rudy Valdez, ex-military bad ass. He served his country faithfully and thought it would serve him also. Wrong. When he voluntary discharges, the economy was in the toilet. Even the Marines weren’t re-enlisting Vets. Down on his luck and funds drying up, he drops into a local dive. The night is quiet until a Navy man decides to dishonor the Marines. Rudy easily dispatches him and his shipmates. The altercation doesn’t miss the eye of one El Gecko, Guillermo Calderon. El Gecko is impressed with Rudy’s resourcefulness and offers him a job on the spot.
The next characters are T-Ball and Donne Chen. Both ex-military. T-Ball is back on the meth and alcohol. If he doesn’t straighten up, El Gelko will. Donnie is Chinese and has no compunction in eliminating anyone who threatens his boss or his livelihood.
The Vampire, its name is not revealed until the story winds down, has a field day with El Geko and his associates. The encounter is brutal to say the least with only two men walking away from the carnage. Enter the San Diego Police force of Reginald Downing, Sergeant Nick Castle and Captain Morris Horn. These three carry an interesting dynamic through the story.
This is a great start to what could be a fascinating and engrossing read. However, that wasn’t the case.
Cons
I came across over ninety unique issues that must be cleaned up: spelling, punc, wrong words, missing words, wrong tense. filler etc. The endless descriptions of the Gaslamp District of San Diego and Petco Park only stifle the story. It’s okay to do it once, maybe twice, but to the point readers lose interest and begin skimming of which I did as the story approached it’s climax.
This is such a compelling and novel idea, it screams for a solid edit! I thought about giving the second one a read, but I’m not willing to take a chance for I fear I will find more of the same.
If the author is interested in making this story the five star knock-out it should be, my services are available.
Two Stars.
February 14, 2021
Good story but a bit over done
The story was presented as a horror story but it's a paranormal to me. Blood and guts, yes, but that doesn't make it horror. It's an interesting spin on the classic vampire tale. I liked the characters but didn't always like the author's writing style. I don't need 1000 words on the water from a showerhead or a dozen pages on the backstory of a dang building. The interwoven points of view were also disruptive.
A vampire has taken the role of guardian angel for undercover cop Reginald. As the police investigate and the bad guys close in we're given a mix of character stories to fill in the plot. While its mostly pretty cliche, I didn't mind because I liked the characters. No real surprises at the end but again, it was ok because it was the ending you wanted.
An almost strictly male cast which is a bit odd. The two women are relegated to bit parts and almost nonexistent in the story.
I
The story was presented as a horror story but it's a paranormal to me. Blood and guts, yes, but that doesn't make it horror. It's an interesting spin on the classic vampire tale. I liked the characters but didn't always like the author's writing style. I don't need 1000 words on the water from a showerhead or a dozen pages on the backstory of a dang building. The interwoven points of view were also disruptive.
A vampire has taken the role of guardian angel for undercover cop Reginald. As the police investigate and the bad guys close in we're given a mix of character stories to fill in the plot. While its mostly pretty cliche, I didn't mind because I liked the characters. No real surprises at the end but again, it was ok because it was the ending you wanted.
An almost strictly male cast which is a bit odd. The two women are relegated to bit parts and almost nonexistent in the story.
I
October 30, 2023
Allen's debut novel hits the ground and instantly impresses you. A vampire with an interesting sense of morality regarding who he feeds on? A vampire with a strong sense of family and being protective of same? Not seen in many other vampire novels.
This is a novel that is done well. Allen is a great story teller. I was immersed in this story. I became endeared to the Vampire as Reggie calls him before you find out his real name, his human name. I became endeared to Reggie as well. When the reason why Reggie is being protected by the Vampire and Allen relates the former's backstory, it adds to this endearment.
Allen has added some interesting characteristics about vampirism that other authors have not. I won't spoil it for readers here, but I found it a better take on how other authors have depicted them.
Set against a drug cartel empire, and two typical cynical cops who investigate the massacre of this former cartel, Allen depicts suspense and intrigue that forms some of the basis of why Reggie is being protected.
I was intrigued in the brazen exposure of who the vampire is to not just Reggie, but the other main characters and the bond they form as they decimate the drug cartel and become a bonded group.
There were a few typos such as "wear" instead of "were" so an edit would have been beneficial but these were so few and far between it was not a huge distraction to my reading.
Loved this novel. Allen is an author to follow and support.
This is a novel that is done well. Allen is a great story teller. I was immersed in this story. I became endeared to the Vampire as Reggie calls him before you find out his real name, his human name. I became endeared to Reggie as well. When the reason why Reggie is being protected by the Vampire and Allen relates the former's backstory, it adds to this endearment.
Allen has added some interesting characteristics about vampirism that other authors have not. I won't spoil it for readers here, but I found it a better take on how other authors have depicted them.
Set against a drug cartel empire, and two typical cynical cops who investigate the massacre of this former cartel, Allen depicts suspense and intrigue that forms some of the basis of why Reggie is being protected.
I was intrigued in the brazen exposure of who the vampire is to not just Reggie, but the other main characters and the bond they form as they decimate the drug cartel and become a bonded group.
There were a few typos such as "wear" instead of "were" so an edit would have been beneficial but these were so few and far between it was not a huge distraction to my reading.
Loved this novel. Allen is an author to follow and support.
November 2, 2021
Wicked Cool story!
Come along for a ride on this most unusual vampire story. Mr. Allen - you, sir, have a gift. I look forward to reading more of your stories.
Come along for a ride on this most unusual vampire story. Mr. Allen - you, sir, have a gift. I look forward to reading more of your stories.
June 3, 2022
A Different Kind of Vampire Story. I loved it....
This was for sure a very interesting read and one which I thoroughly enjoyed. Mark Allen did a good job with the Characters, and the Vampire was definitely different then other Vampire Books I've read. I'm very anxious to start his other book "Blood Red Moon" with Werewolves, which I plan on starting right after I finish this review. I realize Authors cannot please everyone, as each reader has their own views, likes and dislikes. I don't read books I won't enjoy, as I don't like to be disappointed and this one did not disappoint me in the slightest. The cover was one of the main items that drew me to even look at the book, as I believe book covers are one of the main items people see first, especially if they are unsure what they're even looking for and this book has that. Also, being a "Kindle" book everyone see the covers first and foremost, as in most bookstores, you usually see the side binding, unless you know the Author your looking for or even have the Title. I have also read Mark Allen's "War Child", which was the first book I've read by this Author. I've checked out his other books and plan on reading more in the future. Mr. Allen keep on writing, the enjoyment you bring is endless. Thank you...
This was for sure a very interesting read and one which I thoroughly enjoyed. Mark Allen did a good job with the Characters, and the Vampire was definitely different then other Vampire Books I've read. I'm very anxious to start his other book "Blood Red Moon" with Werewolves, which I plan on starting right after I finish this review. I realize Authors cannot please everyone, as each reader has their own views, likes and dislikes. I don't read books I won't enjoy, as I don't like to be disappointed and this one did not disappoint me in the slightest. The cover was one of the main items that drew me to even look at the book, as I believe book covers are one of the main items people see first, especially if they are unsure what they're even looking for and this book has that. Also, being a "Kindle" book everyone see the covers first and foremost, as in most bookstores, you usually see the side binding, unless you know the Author your looking for or even have the Title. I have also read Mark Allen's "War Child", which was the first book I've read by this Author. I've checked out his other books and plan on reading more in the future. Mr. Allen keep on writing, the enjoyment you bring is endless. Thank you...
April 1, 2021
'Nocturnal' by Mark Allen is a high-octane tale about vampires, drug dealers and corrupt cops. I raced through it at break neck pace. It has a refreshing, no nonsense style and is a cross (no pun intended) between the work of Lee Childs and Anne Rice. I would happily have given it five stars but for the occasional typos which spoil the story experience by disrupting the willing suspension of disbelief, which could easily be rectified by the eyes of an external editor. It was the first book I've read on a Kindle and it made me more inclined to read ebooks as I use screens quite a lot for work. For an independently published novel it was well worth it. I don't know why it hasn't been taken up and polished by a traditional publisher as it has the potential to be a hard hitter and a great cross-genre vampire thriller movie.
March 9, 2022
I love this vampire!
This has to be one of the most fun vampire books I’ve read since discovering the Anita Blake series in the early 2000’s. I thought Mr. Allen’s werewolf book was excellent, yet this is even better. Lots of dark humor, action, gore, and characters that aren’t just cookie cutter cops and bad guys. The vampire it’s self is a standout, and an absolute beast when it calls for. His motivations are my favorite part of the book. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the author’s next book.
This has to be one of the most fun vampire books I’ve read since discovering the Anita Blake series in the early 2000’s. I thought Mr. Allen’s werewolf book was excellent, yet this is even better. Lots of dark humor, action, gore, and characters that aren’t just cookie cutter cops and bad guys. The vampire it’s self is a standout, and an absolute beast when it calls for. His motivations are my favorite part of the book. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the author’s next book.
August 18, 2023
Not Horrible!
This was actually a pretty entertaining read. I love horror and vampires have always been my favorite monsters. Mr. Allen’s vampire was a gentleman in the true sense of the word, despite growing up impoverished, but one who didn’t have a problem resorting to cruel violence to make his point! The story moved along pretty quickly, and held my interest, interjecting a few socially conscious themes. Perhaps my one complaint —hence only 4 stars—is the high number of typos and grammar errors!
This was actually a pretty entertaining read. I love horror and vampires have always been my favorite monsters. Mr. Allen’s vampire was a gentleman in the true sense of the word, despite growing up impoverished, but one who didn’t have a problem resorting to cruel violence to make his point! The story moved along pretty quickly, and held my interest, interjecting a few socially conscious themes. Perhaps my one complaint —hence only 4 stars—is the high number of typos and grammar errors!
April 6, 2021
This is not your typical vampire story. The vampire in question is not the completely evil killing machine of some stories. He chooses only bad people to feed upon.
But if you like blood and gore, you will still enjoy this story. It is a very detailed and descriptive tale which takes its time in telling an interesting story.
I deducted a star for consistent grammar / editing errors which some might find off-putting while reading.
But if you like blood and gore, you will still enjoy this story. It is a very detailed and descriptive tale which takes its time in telling an interesting story.
I deducted a star for consistent grammar / editing errors which some might find off-putting while reading.
February 12, 2024
Do not judge this book by the cover
Personally I judged the book cover with the face to indicate this was a shallow book not worth my time. I am glad I finally gave it a chance. This book is written very well for my tastes, the plot and characters, the action, this book has a lot of depth. Really recommended for those who want a mature story with unusual ingredients. Very much a book I did not want to put down once started.
Personally I judged the book cover with the face to indicate this was a shallow book not worth my time. I am glad I finally gave it a chance. This book is written very well for my tastes, the plot and characters, the action, this book has a lot of depth. Really recommended for those who want a mature story with unusual ingredients. Very much a book I did not want to put down once started.
March 26, 2024
Terror can be a laughing matter 💫
I thoroughly enjoyed all the blood, guts and gore!
A truly different take on vampires and such. Cops, gangsters and cartels! Superb story telling.
I can certainly understand why the fans of this book wanted to know what happens next, as I move on to reading Just Before Dawn.
I hope my review did this book justice. I'm not great at writing them.
I highly recommend reading this author 💫
I thoroughly enjoyed all the blood, guts and gore!
A truly different take on vampires and such. Cops, gangsters and cartels! Superb story telling.
I can certainly understand why the fans of this book wanted to know what happens next, as I move on to reading Just Before Dawn.
I hope my review did this book justice. I'm not great at writing them.
I highly recommend reading this author 💫
April 19, 2024
Unrelenting Blood
Nocturnal doesn’t let up on the blood and violence. The characters are distinct and defined. The plot is dark and punishing. It’s more of a thriller than an action novel, but there are bits of both. The book definitely feels like it’s leading to something more, stories not yet told.
Nocturnal doesn’t let up on the blood and violence. The characters are distinct and defined. The plot is dark and punishing. It’s more of a thriller than an action novel, but there are bits of both. The book definitely feels like it’s leading to something more, stories not yet told.
March 5, 2021
Crazy
Wasnt to sure at first but once I got into it theres no stopping me, loved the story ,characters and the whole book.would love to read more of the life of Reginald and his strange family
Wasnt to sure at first but once I got into it theres no stopping me, loved the story ,characters and the whole book.would love to read more of the life of Reginald and his strange family
November 8, 2021
Great and different vampire book
Vampires are not the most exiting monsters in the horror genre in my eyes but this book was different and entertaining. Be warned, there are very violent scenes and a lot of blood in the fighting scenes, other than that have fun, i had
Vampires are not the most exiting monsters in the horror genre in my eyes but this book was different and entertaining. Be warned, there are very violent scenes and a lot of blood in the fighting scenes, other than that have fun, i had
November 19, 2021
Great story
I enjoyed this book, the Vampire has a moral code that he lived by. He was silent protector. The plot had substance and with that the character's shined. Can't wait until next book comes out...
I enjoyed this book, the Vampire has a moral code that he lived by. He was silent protector. The plot had substance and with that the character's shined. Can't wait until next book comes out...
February 16, 2022
A nice vampire story
I really enjoyed reading the book. I liked all the characters and their backstories. Very week written with a few types here and there but overall good entertainment. Can’t wait to read the second entry!
I really enjoyed reading the book. I liked all the characters and their backstories. Very week written with a few types here and there but overall good entertainment. Can’t wait to read the second entry!
March 22, 2022
Good read!
“Up until then, I did not know a vampire could cry.”
I have to admit, I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. The further along into the story I got, the more I enjoyed it.
“Up until then, I did not know a vampire could cry.”
I have to admit, I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. The further along into the story I got, the more I enjoyed it.
April 4, 2022
Great book
I liked the story. I liked the good guys and despised the bad ones. I gave this book the rating I did because I love everything about it. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you for sharing.
I liked the story. I liked the good guys and despised the bad ones. I gave this book the rating I did because I love everything about it. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you for sharing.
April 27, 2022
Nocturnal is a great vampire story
Different from any other that I have read and I really really like it. Great plot, excellent character development and it is full of chills, thrills and lots of blood spills!
Different from any other that I have read and I really really like it. Great plot, excellent character development and it is full of chills, thrills and lots of blood spills!
March 9, 2023
Awesome
I loved this. Different than most vampire stories. A well mannered, gentleman who has no problem giving the bad guys exactly what they deserve, with a lot of blood and guts in the mix.
I loved this. Different than most vampire stories. A well mannered, gentleman who has no problem giving the bad guys exactly what they deserve, with a lot of blood and guts in the mix.
September 3, 2023
Nocturnal is an Excellent Tale!
I enjoyed the whole thing. A vampire that reveals himself to family and virtually removes an entire cartel! Really was enjoyable, would not mind a follow-up on the cop/vampire crime fighters.
I enjoyed the whole thing. A vampire that reveals himself to family and virtually removes an entire cartel! Really was enjoyable, would not mind a follow-up on the cop/vampire crime fighters.
February 7, 2024
Great read
This is a good book for horror fans who love gory books. I enjoyed our and I'm reading the B&B next book in the series. I've not read anything by Mark Allen before and will definitely read more by him.
This is a good book for horror fans who love gory books. I enjoyed our and I'm reading the B&B next book in the series. I've not read anything by Mark Allen before and will definitely read more by him.
March 28, 2024
The story itself was great. The description of every little detail that a character was doing was too much. I just skipped a lot of pages to get to the point. FYI: IT IS NOT A CLIP! It is a mag! A magazine I literally paused. I was confused. What the….clip? Hair clip. What clips together?
August 16, 2024
Brilliantly Bent!
What can I say here. I love Vampires! So I came for the, ok dang it, the Cover!!
But, I stayed for the writing of the story. I loved how the "Vampire" was humanized, especially his humor! The writers little " Easter eggs " were cool also.
What can I say here. I love Vampires! So I came for the, ok dang it, the Cover!!
But, I stayed for the writing of the story. I loved how the "Vampire" was humanized, especially his humor! The writers little " Easter eggs " were cool also.
May 11, 2025
Hypo-heaven
Not your usual vampire novel. The combining of three generations in a revenge style novel was what made it better than the standard Dracula ones. Had the editing been better a fifth star would be there.
Not your usual vampire novel. The combining of three generations in a revenge style novel was what made it better than the standard Dracula ones. Had the editing been better a fifth star would be there.
October 13, 2020
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Wow! Was captivated from the first paragraph. Loved this book. It was fun to read and fast paced. I’ve found a new author. Thank you.
Wow! Was captivated from the first paragraph. Loved this book. It was fun to read and fast paced. I’ve found a new author. Thank you.
February 10, 2021
A Decent Read
The author is headed in the right direction, his proofreader needs to be fired. Overall a good read. I will purchase his next vampire story.
The author is headed in the right direction, his proofreader needs to be fired. Overall a good read. I will purchase his next vampire story.
February 10, 2021
Great read
I like how the vampire was portrayed, evil but not what you expected! Several twists and turns and lots of action.
I like how the vampire was portrayed, evil but not what you expected! Several twists and turns and lots of action.
May 9, 2021
Very gruesome with a great plot!
A vampire vs. a drug cartel! What could be more fun? I love the plot and the characters! The gory scenes are not for those with a weak stomach…
A vampire vs. a drug cartel! What could be more fun? I love the plot and the characters! The gory scenes are not for those with a weak stomach…
December 15, 2021
Interesting new take on vampires. Well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews