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Suckers Trilogy
Living Like A Vampire
This is a sci-fi/romance/drama/action/comedy novel, told by Kate, a young science teacher starting her brand new career in Bullsbrook, an idyllic little town in Maine, USA. She makes friends with Sue, the new, bubbly English teacher, and Charlie, the new Art & Design teacher. She adores her new life, until an outbreak of what seems like a vampire pandemic washes over the countryside. The three of them flee to the countryside, but things go wrong, very wrong. Kate has no plans of becoming one of the blood-sucking vampire-like humans, called 'succedaneum' or 'suckers' for short, but nevertheless she falls madly in love with one of them and gets swept up in emotional drama, turmoil and action. Can her witty brain keep her together during these tough times?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2016
7 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Jacky Dahlhaus
10 books25 followersJacky Dahlhaus is a mother of twins (plural, if you call dogs part of your family), and, after nearly thirty years, still in a loving relationship with the same husband. She has been writing paranormal/sci-fi fiction novels since 2015.
She is a fan of books titled Urshurak, Shogun, as well as the Disk World novels and The Chronicles of Pern series. Movies she can watch over and over again are Highlander (but only the first one as there can be only one!), the Blade trilogy, and all the Underworld installments (with Rise of the Lycans her favorite). This should give you an idea of what you can expect from her novels. She does her utmost best to combine components of all of the above into her writing (although dragons still haven’t made an appearance).
The V-virus Infected trilogy are action-packed, suspenseful, and romantic sci-fi vampire novels. A sample of her work, the V-virus Infected Prequel, is available for free; you’ll receive the link to download it from BookFunnel after signing up to her newsletter via her website (www.jackydahlhaus.com).
Jacky is now working on her next series of five trilogies, and the first book is called Betrayal. This series will feature not only vampires, but also werewolves, witches, sirens, zombies, and many more creatures! She can't help to mix genres in her writing, so expect some surprises!
Follow/contact Jacky on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackydahlhaus/
Twitter: @JackyDahlhaus
Facebook: @JackyDahlhaus-Author
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jacky...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/jackydahl...
Email: suckerstrilogy@gmail.com or jackydahlhaus@gmail.com
Website: https://jackydahlhaus.com
She is a fan of books titled Urshurak, Shogun, as well as the Disk World novels and The Chronicles of Pern series. Movies she can watch over and over again are Highlander (but only the first one as there can be only one!), the Blade trilogy, and all the Underworld installments (with Rise of the Lycans her favorite). This should give you an idea of what you can expect from her novels. She does her utmost best to combine components of all of the above into her writing (although dragons still haven’t made an appearance).
The V-virus Infected trilogy are action-packed, suspenseful, and romantic sci-fi vampire novels. A sample of her work, the V-virus Infected Prequel, is available for free; you’ll receive the link to download it from BookFunnel after signing up to her newsletter via her website (www.jackydahlhaus.com).
Jacky is now working on her next series of five trilogies, and the first book is called Betrayal. This series will feature not only vampires, but also werewolves, witches, sirens, zombies, and many more creatures! She can't help to mix genres in her writing, so expect some surprises!
Follow/contact Jacky on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackydahlhaus/
Twitter: @JackyDahlhaus
Facebook: @JackyDahlhaus-Author
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jacky...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/jackydahl...
Email: suckerstrilogy@gmail.com or jackydahlhaus@gmail.com
Website: https://jackydahlhaus.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 8, 2020
This is a 3.5 star read.
July 11, 2017
by loganivy
Do you like Vampire stories?
Did you love the Twilight series? Was it everything you wanted in a Vampire book?
-A delicate, helpless girl whose greatest ambition in life is to become a vampire before the age difference between her and her vampire boyfriend wasn’t respectable anymore. The gallant vegan vampire wanting to protect her soul?
The Suckers Trilogy is a different take on Vampires but with enough magic of its own to hold your attention.
What happens to your life if you start functioning like a vampire but are not really one? You are still human, you still retain your humanity but are not quite normal, especially your eating habits.
Jacky Dahlhaus is a realist with a great narration style and the ability to pace her storytelling in such a manner that your attention never dips. She has the audacity to take an ordinary guy, nothing like you imagine your perfect GUY would be and make him attractive, likeable and the embodiment of everything a girl wants in a guy. And bam you find yourself rooting for him to get the girl.
In Book One the world is succumbing to a sucker apocalypse. You might say the scenario bears some resemblance to the zombie apocalypse movies that Hollywood keeps producing with gun totting heroines hell bent on extracting vengeance but Jacky’s school teacher character, (yes she is a teacher) Kate deals with the situation more realistically with the help of true friends, her wit and good intentions.
Kate finds herself falling in love with a sucker adding to the complexity of her situation. So what does it mean to live like a vampire? Will she find true love or will she just barely survive?
I look forward to the next in the sucker series… Book II- Raising a Vampire. The title itself raises questions. How is it possible given the way Book One concluded? Oh wait, I understand but not going to drop a spoiler here. Read it… Will be out soon.
Do you like Vampire stories?
Did you love the Twilight series? Was it everything you wanted in a Vampire book?
-A delicate, helpless girl whose greatest ambition in life is to become a vampire before the age difference between her and her vampire boyfriend wasn’t respectable anymore. The gallant vegan vampire wanting to protect her soul?
The Suckers Trilogy is a different take on Vampires but with enough magic of its own to hold your attention.
What happens to your life if you start functioning like a vampire but are not really one? You are still human, you still retain your humanity but are not quite normal, especially your eating habits.
Jacky Dahlhaus is a realist with a great narration style and the ability to pace her storytelling in such a manner that your attention never dips. She has the audacity to take an ordinary guy, nothing like you imagine your perfect GUY would be and make him attractive, likeable and the embodiment of everything a girl wants in a guy. And bam you find yourself rooting for him to get the girl.
In Book One the world is succumbing to a sucker apocalypse. You might say the scenario bears some resemblance to the zombie apocalypse movies that Hollywood keeps producing with gun totting heroines hell bent on extracting vengeance but Jacky’s school teacher character, (yes she is a teacher) Kate deals with the situation more realistically with the help of true friends, her wit and good intentions.
Kate finds herself falling in love with a sucker adding to the complexity of her situation. So what does it mean to live like a vampire? Will she find true love or will she just barely survive?
I look forward to the next in the sucker series… Book II- Raising a Vampire. The title itself raises questions. How is it possible given the way Book One concluded? Oh wait, I understand but not going to drop a spoiler here. Read it… Will be out soon.
November 24, 2016
Living like a Vampire is the first book I’ve read by this author and, although I suspected I might not like a book about vampires at my advanced age, I thoroughly enjoyed its fast pace, interesting, credible and exciting plot. Suckers sucked me in before I knew it and I’m glad I gave the book a chance. The relationship between Kate and Charlie was particularly delightful, especially when sexy vampire Caleb was thrown into the mix. The use of some science within the story was unusual and effective. Jacky Dahlhaus made something as fanciful as vampires with superhuman strength seem believable. I look forward to reading other books in the Suckers series. Well done for turning me on to vampires.
November 4, 2018
I loved reading this new take on the vampire genre and Jacky Dahlhaus has a unique take - Vampire-ism in her book Living Like a Vampire has come about following a virus that spreads through biting, and shows similar characteristics to vampires, aversion to daylight etc.
The story was a little slow to start off, but soon picked up speed once the Vampires came to town and saw Kate and her teacher friends Charlie and Sue fleeing for their life.
One thing that bothered me was the instantaneous falling in love with Caleb that Kate experienced literally when he was trying to take a bite out of her. I know there is love as first sight (or rather bite in this case) but this just seemed a little to unrealistic...
This in turn sees Kate go full circle and end up back where she fled from in an attempt to find Caleb again - the pull of him was that strong, that she seemed to lose sight of the fact that he was a vampire and she was still unbitten. Being unbitten also saw her join a vampire pack under the guise that she hadn't yet turned -- how she and Charlie got away with that for as long as they did is beyond me but they did.
The are some humour involved and romance that made this less of a serious book and more fun at the same time, and the little blurb at the end definitely has me wanting to read what happens next to Kate!
Living Like a Vampire was a different and interesting take on the Vampire genre and I look forward to reading more in the series.
The story was a little slow to start off, but soon picked up speed once the Vampires came to town and saw Kate and her teacher friends Charlie and Sue fleeing for their life.
One thing that bothered me was the instantaneous falling in love with Caleb that Kate experienced literally when he was trying to take a bite out of her. I know there is love as first sight (or rather bite in this case) but this just seemed a little to unrealistic...
This in turn sees Kate go full circle and end up back where she fled from in an attempt to find Caleb again - the pull of him was that strong, that she seemed to lose sight of the fact that he was a vampire and she was still unbitten. Being unbitten also saw her join a vampire pack under the guise that she hadn't yet turned -- how she and Charlie got away with that for as long as they did is beyond me but they did.
The are some humour involved and romance that made this less of a serious book and more fun at the same time, and the little blurb at the end definitely has me wanting to read what happens next to Kate!
Living Like a Vampire was a different and interesting take on the Vampire genre and I look forward to reading more in the series.
September 2, 2017
This is an insanely exciting read!! That is, if you’re ok with not-vampires quickly overtaking the world with their lust for blood. There’s romance, rival gangs, death, destruction, and deception. Maybe even redemption?
We all know people react differently when the news reports on frightening events. Some people are non-believers, thinking the media is exaggerating. Some people overreact and go into hiding or evacuate to safer areas. While other people just wait and see if the threat will head their way. The reports become difficult to ignore when the media outlets are no longer broadcasting anything. Pandemic. Virus. By this point, does it even matter? Is it too late to react?
As with any disaster, phone calls begin crisscrossing the nation before the crisis is even over. Families hoping to hear the voices of loved ones. Then what? How much longer will they be safe? How much longer will you be safe?
I loved reading this book. The fast pace kept me from putting it down. I had to know what happened next. I had to know if Kate found her way into the arms of her love. She is one special girl!! Harry was an amazing character. I love his happily ever after. There were a few characters I didn’t like, but isn’t that true in most books? You need to have a couple people you hope will get killed off, or seriously maimed.
We all know people react differently when the news reports on frightening events. Some people are non-believers, thinking the media is exaggerating. Some people overreact and go into hiding or evacuate to safer areas. While other people just wait and see if the threat will head their way. The reports become difficult to ignore when the media outlets are no longer broadcasting anything. Pandemic. Virus. By this point, does it even matter? Is it too late to react?
As with any disaster, phone calls begin crisscrossing the nation before the crisis is even over. Families hoping to hear the voices of loved ones. Then what? How much longer will they be safe? How much longer will you be safe?
I loved reading this book. The fast pace kept me from putting it down. I had to know what happened next. I had to know if Kate found her way into the arms of her love. She is one special girl!! Harry was an amazing character. I love his happily ever after. There were a few characters I didn’t like, but isn’t that true in most books? You need to have a couple people you hope will get killed off, or seriously maimed.
November 6, 2016
The different take on the vampire genre made this an entertaining and engaging light read. It is more about comaraderie and love with sprinkles of humour as blood and gore, making it a fun easy read with universal appeal.
It is a fast paced read with a natural flow pushing the story forwards and I found it a pleasure to read. The characters are likeable and the dialogue believable.
I thought the ending was a little rushed but it brought the story to a satisfying conclusion, tieing up all the loose ends while hinting at how the series may develop.
Even if you think vampires aren't your thing, if you like a good adventure story with a gentle, humerous romance do consider this well-written book.
It is a fast paced read with a natural flow pushing the story forwards and I found it a pleasure to read. The characters are likeable and the dialogue believable.
I thought the ending was a little rushed but it brought the story to a satisfying conclusion, tieing up all the loose ends while hinting at how the series may develop.
Even if you think vampires aren't your thing, if you like a good adventure story with a gentle, humerous romance do consider this well-written book.
March 31, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book more than I thought I would. I love action adventure, sci-fi fantasy, fantasy, thrillers, and good books in general. I loved the way that the author took a well-used story about vampires and made it her own. The conflict of trying to escape the Suckers, going through the trials it took, and seeing how much that people in the right circumstances can overcome the odds against them was refreshing. If you haven't had an opportunity to read this storyline, get the book, it is fast paced, well written, and a joy to enter into the author's imagination.
November 2, 2018
For somebody who enjoys Vampire type stories, I tend to have quite high expectations from them, and this didn’t let me down.
From the first page I had fun, there were lots of laughs, good action scenes. The storyline ticked along nicely and I was pleasant surprised at certain points in the story.
The romantic element was cleverly done, with the male not being the typical automatic “swoon” you would expect, and yet, he was likeable and fun.
The character Kate - A teacher in what is essentially a vampire apocalypse as opposed to the usual zombie apocalypse, and honestly, I loved it! I didn’t expect to, because really... teacher + apocalyptic scenario doesn’t scream “winning scenario” does it?
And yet, I found that this made it much more realistic. Her responses and reactions are logical, and with her friends they get on with things. It’s a more realistic interpretation, and that makes it all the more enjoyable.
And the Vampires? Well... that’s different too. Far from the normal situations, this was that little bit different, but I don’t want to leave you with any spoilers so suffice to say, this isn’t the usual approach, it’s just that bit different.
If you enjoy Vampire/Apocalyptic/Romantic stories with a bit of a twist on the norm, this is the story for you! I can’t wait to see what comes from the next book!
From the first page I had fun, there were lots of laughs, good action scenes. The storyline ticked along nicely and I was pleasant surprised at certain points in the story.
The romantic element was cleverly done, with the male not being the typical automatic “swoon” you would expect, and yet, he was likeable and fun.
The character Kate - A teacher in what is essentially a vampire apocalypse as opposed to the usual zombie apocalypse, and honestly, I loved it! I didn’t expect to, because really... teacher + apocalyptic scenario doesn’t scream “winning scenario” does it?
And yet, I found that this made it much more realistic. Her responses and reactions are logical, and with her friends they get on with things. It’s a more realistic interpretation, and that makes it all the more enjoyable.
And the Vampires? Well... that’s different too. Far from the normal situations, this was that little bit different, but I don’t want to leave you with any spoilers so suffice to say, this isn’t the usual approach, it’s just that bit different.
If you enjoy Vampire/Apocalyptic/Romantic stories with a bit of a twist on the norm, this is the story for you! I can’t wait to see what comes from the next book!
September 25, 2018
3.5 stars
Being a lover of vampire stories I jumped at the chance to sink my teeth into a new story and discover a new author.
These vampires or suckers are not your usual type of vampire, they have been infected with a virus, and the virus is passed on by biting your victims. The usual symptoms appear, a dislike of the light, craving blood and physical strength. The story follows Kate's fight for survival, living like a vampire. I had my issues with this and I'm not sure how the character got away with it. How do you get away with being an unmarked in a pack of vampires? This story raised a lot of questions for me. But I do have to remember that this is a different spin from your average vampire story. There is comedy and romance and it works well in the story.
Its a quick read with short sharp chapters, told from a first person point of view.
There are previews for book two and three in the series and after reading them I am intrigued by what comes next.
Being a lover of vampire stories I jumped at the chance to sink my teeth into a new story and discover a new author.
These vampires or suckers are not your usual type of vampire, they have been infected with a virus, and the virus is passed on by biting your victims. The usual symptoms appear, a dislike of the light, craving blood and physical strength. The story follows Kate's fight for survival, living like a vampire. I had my issues with this and I'm not sure how the character got away with it. How do you get away with being an unmarked in a pack of vampires? This story raised a lot of questions for me. But I do have to remember that this is a different spin from your average vampire story. There is comedy and romance and it works well in the story.
Its a quick read with short sharp chapters, told from a first person point of view.
There are previews for book two and three in the series and after reading them I am intrigued by what comes next.
October 27, 2016
A dangerous virus brings deadly consequences to a small town in Maine. During Black October, faced with the threat of being turned into a super-strong blood-sucker, schoolteacher Kate naturally decides to get out of town. Along with two friends, she heads for a safe place to hide - but the vampiric menace has far-reaching consequences that will change her life forever.
I'm not a great lover of vampire stories, particularly those that simply churn out the same old bitey routines over and over. However, I'd read an earlier version of this book (originally titled Succedaneum'), and thought the author had an interesting take on what's become a bit of a tired genre. With this rewrite, Jacky Dahlhaus has produced a clever and witty novel, creating a bunch of interesting and quirky characters who grabbed my attention by doing exactly what I didn't expect.
I loved the rapport with the three teachers, especially the rather complicated relationship between Charlie and Kate, and I liked the way the characters developed over the course of the novel. The story surprised me several times, going in directions I hadn't anticipated. It's also very funny, which added a nice tongue-in-cheek feel to the book. I'll happily admit that Ms Dahlhaus is no Anne Rice or Stephen King, but she writes a damn good tale of vampires, with plenty to get your teeth into.
I'm not a great lover of vampire stories, particularly those that simply churn out the same old bitey routines over and over. However, I'd read an earlier version of this book (originally titled Succedaneum'), and thought the author had an interesting take on what's become a bit of a tired genre. With this rewrite, Jacky Dahlhaus has produced a clever and witty novel, creating a bunch of interesting and quirky characters who grabbed my attention by doing exactly what I didn't expect.
I loved the rapport with the three teachers, especially the rather complicated relationship between Charlie and Kate, and I liked the way the characters developed over the course of the novel. The story surprised me several times, going in directions I hadn't anticipated. It's also very funny, which added a nice tongue-in-cheek feel to the book. I'll happily admit that Ms Dahlhaus is no Anne Rice or Stephen King, but she writes a damn good tale of vampires, with plenty to get your teeth into.
September 9, 2017
I'd like to thank Jacky for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is best read in the depth of a black night, when all horrors seem possible.
During Black October, an infection swarms through the human population, turning people into Suckers.
I really liked the premise of this book and the new term Suckers or succedaneums. I could imagine how easily an epidemic like this could spread in today’s world.
The story focuses around three friends – Sue, Charlie and the main character Kate. I loved the dynamic of their friendship.
There was action and drama galore in this book, but I’m a bit of a gore whore and I would have liked to see more bloody scenes.
A negative for this book was that the main character, Kate, fell in love too easily, too fast. Maybe it’s the realist in me, but I’m not a lover of romance novels or films in general, so I’m probably alone in thinking this.
The story made lots of twists and turns later in the book, which I really enjoyed. I especially liked the changes to Kate and the transformation of her relationship with her friends.
The book ended on a hopeful note, but I have a feeling that more trouble lies ahead for Kate and Charlie as Suckers: Book 2 Raising a Vampire is out now!
This is best read in the depth of a black night, when all horrors seem possible.
During Black October, an infection swarms through the human population, turning people into Suckers.
I really liked the premise of this book and the new term Suckers or succedaneums. I could imagine how easily an epidemic like this could spread in today’s world.
The story focuses around three friends – Sue, Charlie and the main character Kate. I loved the dynamic of their friendship.
There was action and drama galore in this book, but I’m a bit of a gore whore and I would have liked to see more bloody scenes.
A negative for this book was that the main character, Kate, fell in love too easily, too fast. Maybe it’s the realist in me, but I’m not a lover of romance novels or films in general, so I’m probably alone in thinking this.
The story made lots of twists and turns later in the book, which I really enjoyed. I especially liked the changes to Kate and the transformation of her relationship with her friends.
The book ended on a hopeful note, but I have a feeling that more trouble lies ahead for Kate and Charlie as Suckers: Book 2 Raising a Vampire is out now!
November 11, 2016
Good
OK, so this was the first book that I have read by Jacky Dahlhaus. I love paranormal stories, so I instantly downloaded it when I knew it was available. This story is very different to any of the paranormal stories I have read before, so for that I reason I enjoyed it.
The only criticism I have, is that the beginning was pretty slow. I thought it was teenagers that was running from the suckers, u til it was mentioned they were teachers, so I thought the beginning was a bit immature for this book, because from 35% onwards I was hooked and wanted to read more.
I look forward to book 2. Before I read the snippet of the next book, I did have a feeling where it was going, so for that I think it will be interesting.
I did expect Kate to end up with Caleb, so that was a little twist I never seen happening. ☺
All in all, this was a good book for a first time novel. I'll definitely read more by this author.
OK, so this was the first book that I have read by Jacky Dahlhaus. I love paranormal stories, so I instantly downloaded it when I knew it was available. This story is very different to any of the paranormal stories I have read before, so for that I reason I enjoyed it.
The only criticism I have, is that the beginning was pretty slow. I thought it was teenagers that was running from the suckers, u til it was mentioned they were teachers, so I thought the beginning was a bit immature for this book, because from 35% onwards I was hooked and wanted to read more.
I look forward to book 2. Before I read the snippet of the next book, I did have a feeling where it was going, so for that I think it will be interesting.
I did expect Kate to end up with Caleb, so that was a little twist I never seen happening. ☺
All in all, this was a good book for a first time novel. I'll definitely read more by this author.
March 10, 2018
Suckers (Book1- Living Like a Vampire) is a paranormal romance by Jacky Dahlhaus, but its resemblance to other reads in the genre ends there- with that description. Ms. Dahlhaus manages to fuse the desires we all share as human beings with the inherent danger (and allure) of the vampire curse.
Kate is our heroine, a new teacher in a small Maine town- a town on the cusp of the spread of the virus creating vampire-like humans. They become stronger, faster and hungry for blood! Charlie is a different sort of leading man—a dwarf with no problem expressing his feelings. Friends and loved ones are lost along the way as these two work to defeat the vampiric hordes, at great personal risk. I’ll end it there for fear of spoilers, but if you have an itch for a great paranormal read, pick up Suckers today.
Kate is our heroine, a new teacher in a small Maine town- a town on the cusp of the spread of the virus creating vampire-like humans. They become stronger, faster and hungry for blood! Charlie is a different sort of leading man—a dwarf with no problem expressing his feelings. Friends and loved ones are lost along the way as these two work to defeat the vampiric hordes, at great personal risk. I’ll end it there for fear of spoilers, but if you have an itch for a great paranormal read, pick up Suckers today.
May 16, 2017
Fun Read
The first thing I liked about this book was the cover. Next, was the fun story. This one was a different take on the vampire scene. This story was easy to get engrossed in, lots of action. The story flows naturally from one scene and chapter to the next. It was suspenseful with plenty of vampire action. Hmm, alive, not undead. Nice way to end book one and ease into book two.
The first thing I liked about this book was the cover. Next, was the fun story. This one was a different take on the vampire scene. This story was easy to get engrossed in, lots of action. The story flows naturally from one scene and chapter to the next. It was suspenseful with plenty of vampire action. Hmm, alive, not undead. Nice way to end book one and ease into book two.
April 26, 2016
I read this book in exchange for an honest review. I am a fan of the genre and there were some interesting ideas here, however I felt that the ideas just didnt quite catch flight. whilst the characters were interesting the story for me didnt allow them to develop to their utmost, there is promise here though and if you want your vampires with a little more oomph than this may be the book for you
December 14, 2016
Suckers is an enjoyable, light-hearted read that’s as much about love and relationships as vampires. With some lovely humorous moments, engaging characters and a sense that being overrun by vampires is an everyday occurrence, the story flies along.
August 3, 2018
A Fun PNR/Post-Apocalyptic Vampire Story
Jacky Dahlhaus' Living Like A Vampire is a fun story with an interesting twist on the paranormal romance. Throw in a viral pandemic, and you've got an unusual spin on the vampire genre.
Jacky Dahlhaus' Living Like A Vampire is a fun story with an interesting twist on the paranormal romance. Throw in a viral pandemic, and you've got an unusual spin on the vampire genre.
December 28, 2018
Mike and I picked this series up at The Darker Side of Fiction author event at the Bull Hotel in Peterborough in October. It’s taken me a while to get round to reading it, thanks to my accident a couple of weeks later. But I’m so pleased I read it.
There are vampire stories and then there are – er – vampire plus stories, in my experience. These are where the author has an alternative explanation for the vampire myth. Living Like a Vampire falls into this category. I read Dracula around the time that I explored Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s St Germain series and enjoyed that, and it was then that I realised that every vampire writer seems to have their own “take” on the classic vampire mythos, an interpretational plasticity of the parameters within which vampires operate. Lynsay Sands is another author who offers a different view of vampirism, with her vampires actual Atlanteans, super-strong and immortal, and whose DNA is different from the human equivalent. The writer’s view of the condition varies according to the needs of the story – as in a plot-driven story.
So it is with Jacky Dahlhaus; her view of vampire origins is different again. A virus has mutated and escaped into the everyday world of humans. Exposure to the UVA component of sunlight causes the vampires to have seizures, so they can only attack humans at night for the blood supplies they feed on. The humans call them “suckers”, the irony being that it’s actually the humans that are the suckers! Some people get “turned” when the vampires feed; some are fully exsanguinated and die. Society breaks down as Kate, the heroine, escapes from the small town she lives in with fellow teachers Sue and Charlie. But at the campsite where they hide, they’re attacked and Sue is killed. Kate and Charlie go on the run from the suckers, but there’s a catch: Kate has fallen for the leader of one of the local sucker packs, the sexy and romantic-seeming Caleb, and to further complicate matters, Charlie seems to like her as well. How can she choose between them, and at the same time, retain her humanity?
Unlike some vampire stories, this is quite a gentle introduction to the vampire mythos, and takes a while to get going, mainly because this book is the start of a series, and Ms Dahlhaus is setting the scene and establishing the rules of her form of vampirism. The style is easy-reading and accessible. There’s quite a bit of introspection, presented as Kate’s thoughts, and acting as a kind of dialogue with the reader, or a voiceover, though it has none of the self-pitying melancholia and intransigence of Anne Rice’s unsympathetic Lestat. And I was also quite a way into the book before I realised the significance of the title, in all its full technicolour glory. But it wasn’t until near the climax of the story that the action suddenly ramped up in time with the stakes (if you’ll excuse the pun) – which is probably how a story should be structured. At this point it really grabbed and pulled me aboard. This is also when the various plotlines tighten around the heroine, giving her multiple insights, and not least, a few oops moments.
I did like the scientific approach the author took with this story. She’s done her research and used it to turn out a plausible story. But she’s also turned the myth into something she can work with, in the process creating a series of books set in her own universe, governed by its own laws. And because she dips into Kate’s thoughts as the story proceeds, we see the character change and mature throughout the novel – and I’m sure she’ll develop further as the series progresses.
There are vampire stories and then there are – er – vampire plus stories, in my experience. These are where the author has an alternative explanation for the vampire myth. Living Like a Vampire falls into this category. I read Dracula around the time that I explored Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s St Germain series and enjoyed that, and it was then that I realised that every vampire writer seems to have their own “take” on the classic vampire mythos, an interpretational plasticity of the parameters within which vampires operate. Lynsay Sands is another author who offers a different view of vampirism, with her vampires actual Atlanteans, super-strong and immortal, and whose DNA is different from the human equivalent. The writer’s view of the condition varies according to the needs of the story – as in a plot-driven story.
So it is with Jacky Dahlhaus; her view of vampire origins is different again. A virus has mutated and escaped into the everyday world of humans. Exposure to the UVA component of sunlight causes the vampires to have seizures, so they can only attack humans at night for the blood supplies they feed on. The humans call them “suckers”, the irony being that it’s actually the humans that are the suckers! Some people get “turned” when the vampires feed; some are fully exsanguinated and die. Society breaks down as Kate, the heroine, escapes from the small town she lives in with fellow teachers Sue and Charlie. But at the campsite where they hide, they’re attacked and Sue is killed. Kate and Charlie go on the run from the suckers, but there’s a catch: Kate has fallen for the leader of one of the local sucker packs, the sexy and romantic-seeming Caleb, and to further complicate matters, Charlie seems to like her as well. How can she choose between them, and at the same time, retain her humanity?
Unlike some vampire stories, this is quite a gentle introduction to the vampire mythos, and takes a while to get going, mainly because this book is the start of a series, and Ms Dahlhaus is setting the scene and establishing the rules of her form of vampirism. The style is easy-reading and accessible. There’s quite a bit of introspection, presented as Kate’s thoughts, and acting as a kind of dialogue with the reader, or a voiceover, though it has none of the self-pitying melancholia and intransigence of Anne Rice’s unsympathetic Lestat. And I was also quite a way into the book before I realised the significance of the title, in all its full technicolour glory. But it wasn’t until near the climax of the story that the action suddenly ramped up in time with the stakes (if you’ll excuse the pun) – which is probably how a story should be structured. At this point it really grabbed and pulled me aboard. This is also when the various plotlines tighten around the heroine, giving her multiple insights, and not least, a few oops moments.
I did like the scientific approach the author took with this story. She’s done her research and used it to turn out a plausible story. But she’s also turned the myth into something she can work with, in the process creating a series of books set in her own universe, governed by its own laws. And because she dips into Kate’s thoughts as the story proceeds, we see the character change and mature throughout the novel – and I’m sure she’ll develop further as the series progresses.
February 3, 2019
I loved this fast-paced, exciting book. It is not the usual take on vampires, these are created by the succedaneum virus. They crave blood, are sensitive to light and have enhanced physical strength. The virus spreads throughout the world quickly, some people becoming suckers, some becoming sucker lunch! It hits the small town of Bullsbrook where teacher Kate (the heroine) and her two colleagues, Charlie and Sue are. They go on the run, trying to survive in their new reality.
I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go on, but I will say that this book had it all for me. Romance. Action. Fangs. I couldn't put it down. I read this book well past my bedtime as I just had to know what happened. Needing to know if everyone made it had me grabbing for my tablet and reading on.
I have read the whole trilogy and loved each one equally!
I was not asked to, nor paid to read this.
I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go on, but I will say that this book had it all for me. Romance. Action. Fangs. I couldn't put it down. I read this book well past my bedtime as I just had to know what happened. Needing to know if everyone made it had me grabbing for my tablet and reading on.
I have read the whole trilogy and loved each one equally!
I was not asked to, nor paid to read this.
February 18, 2019
Living Like a Vampire tells the story of Kate, a young schoolteacher caught up in an outbreak of a “sucker” pandemic. As a pack of suckers—living vampires created by a virus—ravage Kate’s town, she and her friends initially escape. But after a brief encounter with the dashing sucker pack leader Caleb, Kate is convinced that he is her soul-mate. What follows is a twisty tale in which Kate fights off humans and suckers alike to protect herself and those she loves, while searching to discover her heart’s true desire. Fast-paced action and a winning heroine, along with an interesting cast of secondary characters, will delight readers of paranormal romance.
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