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The Attempted Vampirism #1
Attempted Vampirism
It’s not easy being a vampire – just ask Jonathan.
As the 32nd Lord of Bloodhaven, Jonathan is a vampire noble. Alas, he’s a noble in name only. Forget gold, diamonds, and bountiful estates. All he has to his name are one cosy – some would say dilapidated – castle and a reputation as a fine scholar specialising in ancient lore. Of course, given the horrible ends both his father and grandfather met in pursuit of fame and fortune, it’s probably for the best that he enjoys the quiet life.
Sadly, his quiet life is about to meet a horrible end of its own.
Think tax collectors are bad? How about… vampire tax collectors?
After a run in with the Blood Alliance Department of Taxation leaves Jonathan with nothing except a dressing gown and a pair of bunny slippers, he has no choice but to leave his quiet life behind. He needs a lot of money, and he needs it now. But at least he can rely on his faithful servants for help, right? Wrong. The only servant he’s got left is his old but faithful butler, Miles.
To get his castle and his stuff back, Jonathan and Miles have to take some risks, but the gods aren’t going to make it easy for them. After all, these are the same gods who took at least three tries to get the world mostly right, and they have some wonderful surprises up their sleeve.
If Jonathan can survive werewolves, bandits, and eldritch monstrosities, he might just stand a chance. Sure, he’s more familiar with a book than a sword, but he’ll make it work. Somehow. Maybe. Probably not.
It’s not easy being a vampire, but Jonathan is going to give it his best shot.
As the 32nd Lord of Bloodhaven, Jonathan is a vampire noble. Alas, he’s a noble in name only. Forget gold, diamonds, and bountiful estates. All he has to his name are one cosy – some would say dilapidated – castle and a reputation as a fine scholar specialising in ancient lore. Of course, given the horrible ends both his father and grandfather met in pursuit of fame and fortune, it’s probably for the best that he enjoys the quiet life.
Sadly, his quiet life is about to meet a horrible end of its own.
Think tax collectors are bad? How about… vampire tax collectors?
After a run in with the Blood Alliance Department of Taxation leaves Jonathan with nothing except a dressing gown and a pair of bunny slippers, he has no choice but to leave his quiet life behind. He needs a lot of money, and he needs it now. But at least he can rely on his faithful servants for help, right? Wrong. The only servant he’s got left is his old but faithful butler, Miles.
To get his castle and his stuff back, Jonathan and Miles have to take some risks, but the gods aren’t going to make it easy for them. After all, these are the same gods who took at least three tries to get the world mostly right, and they have some wonderful surprises up their sleeve.
If Jonathan can survive werewolves, bandits, and eldritch monstrosities, he might just stand a chance. Sure, he’s more familiar with a book than a sword, but he’ll make it work. Somehow. Maybe. Probably not.
It’s not easy being a vampire, but Jonathan is going to give it his best shot.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2019
269 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
L.G. Estrella
35 books518 followersI'm a reader and writer with a keen interest in psychology, history, physics, and economics. I'm especially interested in the intersection of these different areas (e.g., the psychology behind the sub-prime mortgage collapse).
In terms of fiction, I enjoy reading horror, fantasy, science fiction, Westerns, and thrillers. I believe that every genre has its good points, and I want to be able to incorporate all of these strengths into my own writing.
I currently live in Australia. When I'm not writing, I'm busy trying to fend off all of the deadly wildlife.
If you're interested in my fiction, you can find it on Amazon here.
In terms of fiction, I enjoy reading horror, fantasy, science fiction, Westerns, and thrillers. I believe that every genre has its good points, and I want to be able to incorporate all of these strengths into my own writing.
I currently live in Australia. When I'm not writing, I'm busy trying to fend off all of the deadly wildlife.
If you're interested in my fiction, you can find it on Amazon here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 13, 2021
Funny, witty, clever - and quite crazy. So much fun!
I'm really happy I stumbled upon this book. It's simply a gloriously epic - and at the same time ridiculously silly - adventure with a very creative collection of characters.
The dry humour was straight up my alley and I liked the "game-like" feeling the story gave me.
Immensely enjoyable and entertaining! Really looking forward to the second adventure. 😁😁😁
I'm really happy I stumbled upon this book. It's simply a gloriously epic - and at the same time ridiculously silly - adventure with a very creative collection of characters.
The dry humour was straight up my alley and I liked the "game-like" feeling the story gave me.
Immensely enjoyable and entertaining! Really looking forward to the second adventure. 😁😁😁
April 24, 2019
Scattered but Fun
This is a fun book.
The tone isn't as funny or powerful as The Unconventional Heroes, but the characters are engaging, the adventures are well written, and the world is interesting.
It does slow down in the middle before picking up again.
Looking forward to volume two.
This is a fun book.
The tone isn't as funny or powerful as The Unconventional Heroes, but the characters are engaging, the adventures are well written, and the world is interesting.
It does slow down in the middle before picking up again.
Looking forward to volume two.
October 24, 2025
Loved it. I love the diversity and the group. The pace was good on the slower side but for how the story progressed faster than most world building books or series like this.
January 16, 2024
3⭐️
As expected, when I find a genre or author I like, I prefer to binge read their books. And I guess this series was next in line after I fell in love with the Unconventional Heroes series. This series has some similarities with Timmy's world in the sense that it has similar beings and their power seems to be the same but the structuring of their world in terms of politics and the like is different.
I quite enjoyed the story. It was OK like how Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat and an Elf was OK when I read it. I am hoping this book picks up like the aforementioned series. I am liking that this story has a Gerald equivalent as the main protagonist in Jonathan Bloodhaven. And I am a sucker for unusual team ups and this book has one too. I am hoping that that trope doesn't get over used.
Even though there are similarities in some ways between the 2 books ( it is understandable as it has the same author and similar mythical creatures) there are differences in the plotting. This book was not as humorous as the Unconventional Heroes series and it seems like there will be a lot more emphasis on political machinations in this than that series. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
As expected, when I find a genre or author I like, I prefer to binge read their books. And I guess this series was next in line after I fell in love with the Unconventional Heroes series. This series has some similarities with Timmy's world in the sense that it has similar beings and their power seems to be the same but the structuring of their world in terms of politics and the like is different.
I quite enjoyed the story. It was OK like how Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat and an Elf was OK when I read it. I am hoping this book picks up like the aforementioned series. I am liking that this story has a Gerald equivalent as the main protagonist in Jonathan Bloodhaven. And I am a sucker for unusual team ups and this book has one too. I am hoping that that trope doesn't get over used.
Even though there are similarities in some ways between the 2 books ( it is understandable as it has the same author and similar mythical creatures) there are differences in the plotting. This book was not as humorous as the Unconventional Heroes series and it seems like there will be a lot more emphasis on political machinations in this than that series. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
January 11, 2021
Decent DnD Campaign
DnD streams have been growing in popularity the past five years. This reads like one of them.
The characters are (almost) all none-humans and would have been over-powered like crazy had each not been given a little handicap.
Like in a campaign we are given a background info dump in chapter one to get it out of the way that boils down to the POV player. A vampire scholar (scout and historian) and his loyal butler. Starting event is triggered, the Vampire IRS has repo-ed the castle, you have one decade to pay them and reclaim it.
Now with the mission and objective in sight meet the other players OCs in the most classical DnD way possible, in a tavern so of we go to earn money!
Honestly I'm talking it down but it's a fun light romp. My main issue was that everyone got along immediately with zero friction, rivalry or emotions of any kind. More like a group of friends playing DnD and not characters from different backgrounds facing terrifying monsters and fighting for to survive. The Pacing got slow at times and you could just see a DM throwing things in to livin it up.
DnD streams have been growing in popularity the past five years. This reads like one of them.
The characters are (almost) all none-humans and would have been over-powered like crazy had each not been given a little handicap.
Like in a campaign we are given a background info dump in chapter one to get it out of the way that boils down to the POV player. A vampire scholar (scout and historian) and his loyal butler. Starting event is triggered, the Vampire IRS has repo-ed the castle, you have one decade to pay them and reclaim it.
Now with the mission and objective in sight meet the other players OCs in the most classical DnD way possible, in a tavern so of we go to earn money!
Honestly I'm talking it down but it's a fun light romp. My main issue was that everyone got along immediately with zero friction, rivalry or emotions of any kind. More like a group of friends playing DnD and not characters from different backgrounds facing terrifying monsters and fighting for to survive. The Pacing got slow at times and you could just see a DM throwing things in to livin it up.
July 10, 2024
I can't believe I'm rating this so low, but I am. I loved Estrella's Unconventional Heroes series a ton and figured this would be a no-brainer listen (I snagged the audiobook), but nope. This was really not what I was hoping for.
The story is alright, and that alone I'd probably rate around a 3. It's not nearly as good as the aforementioned other series, but it is passable for what it is and it definitely has a bit of Estrella's style to it. I think part of the issue here is just not digging how they write vampires, and I've been reading a lot of vampire-centric stuff this year so maybe it's a combo of not liking this angle and being overstuffed with vampires at the moment. Regardless, I'd call it alright, but not what I want at the moment. This isn't the reason I rated it so low though.
That would be down to the narrator. I do not like Joel Froomkin and his awkward William Shatner pauses. These are even weirder when he's affecting any sort of accent, making several characters sound like bumbling idiots when that is clearly not the case for the scene. And speaking of accents, if he's going to do accents to give the characters some personality, he really needs to find more, or more varied ones. There are three characters (Miles, Eric and Blue Scales) who often sound so similar that it's hard to tell which is talking because, while they do have distinct accents, the narrator often slips back into a generalized mix of the three, and he does this with all three of them (and a few side characters as well). It's really frustrating to listen to this guy, and while I did finish the first book, I'll probably just leave off here for now.
Maybe someday I'll come back to read the next entry on Kindle, but for now I'm just not that interested. I want more Unconventional Heroes instead.
The story is alright, and that alone I'd probably rate around a 3. It's not nearly as good as the aforementioned other series, but it is passable for what it is and it definitely has a bit of Estrella's style to it. I think part of the issue here is just not digging how they write vampires, and I've been reading a lot of vampire-centric stuff this year so maybe it's a combo of not liking this angle and being overstuffed with vampires at the moment. Regardless, I'd call it alright, but not what I want at the moment. This isn't the reason I rated it so low though.
That would be down to the narrator. I do not like Joel Froomkin and his awkward William Shatner pauses. These are even weirder when he's affecting any sort of accent, making several characters sound like bumbling idiots when that is clearly not the case for the scene. And speaking of accents, if he's going to do accents to give the characters some personality, he really needs to find more, or more varied ones. There are three characters (Miles, Eric and Blue Scales) who often sound so similar that it's hard to tell which is talking because, while they do have distinct accents, the narrator often slips back into a generalized mix of the three, and he does this with all three of them (and a few side characters as well). It's really frustrating to listen to this guy, and while I did finish the first book, I'll probably just leave off here for now.
Maybe someday I'll come back to read the next entry on Kindle, but for now I'm just not that interested. I want more Unconventional Heroes instead.
June 3, 2025
This was great. Jonathan was the best part of the book. I enjoyed the other characters a lot, as well, but he was just so charming. The narrator was absolutely perfect (my one complaint is that some of the other accents were a bit difficult to understand--but I actually did love the way he narrated the Scottish weresolf). I loved the climax towards the end, and the huge change at the end of the book makes me excited for the next installment. That being said, the beginning of the adventure (not the very beginning of the book, but the beginning of Jonathan's first adventure) felt a bit slow and meander-y. I did love the story once it got going, and I actually really enjoyed the way it bounced around POVs. I don't think I got bored during a certain character--each perspective was interesting in its own way--even when it went back in time. Overall, a fun time. Liked the dry, awkward humor. I could relate to Jonathan a lot.
September 17, 2024
Fun new fantasy series that's not too serious.
April 20, 2024
This felt very reminiscent of the Johannes Cabal books, so the vibes were great. It was a bit simple and I don’t love action sequences, and I was missing the dark humor from the Cabal series throughout. This was more cozy and friendly. Definitely would recommend to younger readers! Also I think this would be so fun as an audiobook. 3.5/5
January 31, 2024
Jonathan was not like most vampires. He did not want to become some mighty and prestigious noble.
I'm not really sure how to describe L.G.Estrella's "Attempted Vampirism", the first in his "The Attempted Vampirism Series" (which may be redundant and/or repetitive, too). I can confirm that it is very well-written and the plot is beyond delightful! The characters - albeit consisting of a genuinely odd collection of personalities, species and more - are both impressive and yet also whimsical in many ways. Though you might be tempted to think of them as "The Avengers of Fantasy", missing would be then the discord that seemed to be the hallmark of any famous team of this ilk since before the 1960s (I'm thinking old Justice League "gee golly" titles)! No, these swell and ultimately loyal adventurers more closely resemble the comics that occupied dimestore sales racks from the 1950s! Gosh chums, let's do what we can to save the day, shall we? Afterwards we can meet for a malt and cookies!
Do not use your magic, sir. The situation is under control.
I mean, I'm striking myself as quite odd using words like delightful, whimsical, and what not. After all, this story ALSO involves a great deal of consuming blood, fighting blood demons, and naturally, spilling blood about in a myriad of splattery ways. Perhaps the fact that our initial - and main (?) - protagonist is not what one would consider to be a strong, ravenous creature that has influenced my reaction, no? After all, Jonathan Charles Bloodhaven, the 32nd Lord of Bloodhaven, despite being an obviously noble vampire is anything but a warrior or really a fighter of any stature. No, his skills rely more on the experiences and knowledge he has gleaned from being a scholar and a gentleman's gentleman! Um, a gentlevampire, I mean, one that is extremely gifted in the examination of artefacts and other objects of both curiosity and power! Why, it's not even his fault when the vampiric version of the IRS comes and takes away all his (other)worldly possessions including his castle? What a bother!
“This all sounds pretty awful so far.”
“It is.”
But Estrella uses this situation to its absolute fullest potential and we soon fill out our roster that will soon set forth on an adventure both exciting and treacherous! The structure the author uses is genius, as it also allows us to make the acquaintance of this often creepy crew without interupting the flow of the current story at all! And along the way we gain a world of insight into this amazing world that exists many years after the betrayal and fall of the Blood Emperor. Yes, since the fall of this mighty tyrant - though an exceedingly effective tyrant - many things across the land have become quite messy in terms of politics and alliances - both internally and externally - so the challenges facing the team will only be multiplied manyfold along the way! And that's just mostly considering the GoT-level skullduggery of the remaining vampiric noble class!
Thick tendrils of corrupted flesh ran along the walls, floor, and ceiling. “We’re definitely in the right place.”
It's our heroic team itself though that is really the most delicious part of this tale (assuming that YOU are not either a vampire nor a werewolf and then I guess there will be other bits you find more yummy). Led by Aria, a former paladin turned defector (though her sect never stops in their attempts to punish her and realize that their god clearly favors her over them!), we also get to know her colleagues that include a shape-shifter stuck currently in the form of an intelligent bear. Oh and she also seems to have a bad infestation of shadow imps that come in quite handy as well. There's Blue Scales, the extremely large and powerful merman who, despite being more than a hundred miles from the ocean comes in quite handy. And finally a werewolf called Eric who was sent out by his pack to gain some useful experience, which young pups are often encouraged to do. Interestingly enough, we don't see much of Eric has an actual lycanthrope though he is more than adept with his magic spear (not to be confused with Blue Scales magic trident). Trust me though: learning all you can about this Creature Crew is a hoot, so do enjoy that!
Why, if they didn’t kill her now, who knew what fiendish, unspeakable horrors she’d unleash by next Tuesday?
Another member of the team - and still dressed as appropriate for his former role - is Jonathan's über-loyal butler Miles. Now, I don't know if you're familiar with the TV series "Gotham", but Miles is very much conceived in the same way as the Alfred from same. That is, very loyal to his "master" and - tada! - surprisingly more than adequately trained in all kinds of combat techniques and general ways of causing great bodily harm to anyone that dares even threaten his charge. It makes for a really top-notch addition and also allows those few "pure" mortals out there to have someone of their own ilk to pull for! So, go Bat-Butler, go! Anyway, I think that's everyone… unless you need to know about Fluffy, the team's mascot. (hint: you don't)
Good grief. This was going to make things messy.
When it's all said and done, this was a treat of a read. Yes, I do think the story was formulated in a very "nice" way, that is, without a flood of f-bombs or other harsh language. That doesn't mean that we skip violence, gore, or other acid-spitting evil spawns of the Beyond! I have no idea how to compare it to anyone I've read before, although I'm tempted to say it had the "cozy fantasy" feel of a TJ.Klune or Travis Baldtree, albeit again, with a few buckets more of gore and viscera thrown in and about for good measure. Maybe if one of those authors had taken a stab at re-writing "The Maleficent Seven" by Cameron Johnston it would make more sense (that's how I've got in my head and I'm stickin' to it!). Or maybe not. Either way, I really enjoyed it and am now diving immediately into the 2nd chapter! May the night watch over you!
I'm not really sure how to describe L.G.Estrella's "Attempted Vampirism", the first in his "The Attempted Vampirism Series" (which may be redundant and/or repetitive, too). I can confirm that it is very well-written and the plot is beyond delightful! The characters - albeit consisting of a genuinely odd collection of personalities, species and more - are both impressive and yet also whimsical in many ways. Though you might be tempted to think of them as "The Avengers of Fantasy", missing would be then the discord that seemed to be the hallmark of any famous team of this ilk since before the 1960s (I'm thinking old Justice League "gee golly" titles)! No, these swell and ultimately loyal adventurers more closely resemble the comics that occupied dimestore sales racks from the 1950s! Gosh chums, let's do what we can to save the day, shall we? Afterwards we can meet for a malt and cookies!
Do not use your magic, sir. The situation is under control.
I mean, I'm striking myself as quite odd using words like delightful, whimsical, and what not. After all, this story ALSO involves a great deal of consuming blood, fighting blood demons, and naturally, spilling blood about in a myriad of splattery ways. Perhaps the fact that our initial - and main (?) - protagonist is not what one would consider to be a strong, ravenous creature that has influenced my reaction, no? After all, Jonathan Charles Bloodhaven, the 32nd Lord of Bloodhaven, despite being an obviously noble vampire is anything but a warrior or really a fighter of any stature. No, his skills rely more on the experiences and knowledge he has gleaned from being a scholar and a gentleman's gentleman! Um, a gentlevampire, I mean, one that is extremely gifted in the examination of artefacts and other objects of both curiosity and power! Why, it's not even his fault when the vampiric version of the IRS comes and takes away all his (other)worldly possessions including his castle? What a bother!
“This all sounds pretty awful so far.”
“It is.”
But Estrella uses this situation to its absolute fullest potential and we soon fill out our roster that will soon set forth on an adventure both exciting and treacherous! The structure the author uses is genius, as it also allows us to make the acquaintance of this often creepy crew without interupting the flow of the current story at all! And along the way we gain a world of insight into this amazing world that exists many years after the betrayal and fall of the Blood Emperor. Yes, since the fall of this mighty tyrant - though an exceedingly effective tyrant - many things across the land have become quite messy in terms of politics and alliances - both internally and externally - so the challenges facing the team will only be multiplied manyfold along the way! And that's just mostly considering the GoT-level skullduggery of the remaining vampiric noble class!
Thick tendrils of corrupted flesh ran along the walls, floor, and ceiling. “We’re definitely in the right place.”
It's our heroic team itself though that is really the most delicious part of this tale (assuming that YOU are not either a vampire nor a werewolf and then I guess there will be other bits you find more yummy). Led by Aria, a former paladin turned defector (though her sect never stops in their attempts to punish her and realize that their god clearly favors her over them!), we also get to know her colleagues that include a shape-shifter stuck currently in the form of an intelligent bear. Oh and she also seems to have a bad infestation of shadow imps that come in quite handy as well. There's Blue Scales, the extremely large and powerful merman who, despite being more than a hundred miles from the ocean comes in quite handy. And finally a werewolf called Eric who was sent out by his pack to gain some useful experience, which young pups are often encouraged to do. Interestingly enough, we don't see much of Eric has an actual lycanthrope though he is more than adept with his magic spear (not to be confused with Blue Scales magic trident). Trust me though: learning all you can about this Creature Crew is a hoot, so do enjoy that!
Why, if they didn’t kill her now, who knew what fiendish, unspeakable horrors she’d unleash by next Tuesday?
Another member of the team - and still dressed as appropriate for his former role - is Jonathan's über-loyal butler Miles. Now, I don't know if you're familiar with the TV series "Gotham", but Miles is very much conceived in the same way as the Alfred from same. That is, very loyal to his "master" and - tada! - surprisingly more than adequately trained in all kinds of combat techniques and general ways of causing great bodily harm to anyone that dares even threaten his charge. It makes for a really top-notch addition and also allows those few "pure" mortals out there to have someone of their own ilk to pull for! So, go Bat-Butler, go! Anyway, I think that's everyone… unless you need to know about Fluffy, the team's mascot. (hint: you don't)
Good grief. This was going to make things messy.
When it's all said and done, this was a treat of a read. Yes, I do think the story was formulated in a very "nice" way, that is, without a flood of f-bombs or other harsh language. That doesn't mean that we skip violence, gore, or other acid-spitting evil spawns of the Beyond! I have no idea how to compare it to anyone I've read before, although I'm tempted to say it had the "cozy fantasy" feel of a TJ.Klune or Travis Baldtree, albeit again, with a few buckets more of gore and viscera thrown in and about for good measure. Maybe if one of those authors had taken a stab at re-writing "The Maleficent Seven" by Cameron Johnston it would make more sense (that's how I've got in my head and I'm stickin' to it!). Or maybe not. Either way, I really enjoyed it and am now diving immediately into the 2nd chapter! May the night watch over you!
March 23, 2024
Yeah, no, I'm done with this author. The writing is just so...juvenile. It's not bad, but it's not worth the time.
March 21, 2024
One thing I appreciated about this book was that the characters are all competent in their fields of interest. So many light-hearted books like this generate their humour through the ineptitude of their characters, and as someone who likes to read stories about exceptional people living up to their potential, this is always something that frustrates me.
Here, the characters are allowed to shine as the humour is derived from the world these characters exist in and the situations they get themselves into. It's a nice balance of introducing comedic fun to a story without compromising the story itself.
Regarding the story itself, it's actually interesting. It is a bit meandering at times, but there is a story being told here, and it doesn't exist just as a gimmick to give the jokes a world in which to exist. Some time has been spent crafting an interesting plot that is clearly leading somewhere, and I appreciated that.
I also appreciated the time spent trying to craft well-rounded and interesting characters. This is definitely a focus of this novel, and I honestly like all the characters we are introduced to. They are three-dimensional, complement each other nicely, and none of their interactions feel forced.
My only real complaint with this book and the reason for losing a star was that it tried to do too much in too short a space. It opens with a huge info dump about the history of the world before introducing the main characters, which was off-putting. Then, when we do meet the main characters, we spend too much time in alternate POVs.
This is such a short book, it could have done with staying with just the one POV characters to let the reader settle into the story and to keep that story more focused. It wasn't a case that the other POV chapters were uninteresting, but rather that they stole the momentum of the story. Because they focused on character backstories, it felt like we weren't making much forward progression. This backstory is something that could have been brought in at a later time in the series without damaging this book too much, so I think it would have been better to wait.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next book in the series.
Here, the characters are allowed to shine as the humour is derived from the world these characters exist in and the situations they get themselves into. It's a nice balance of introducing comedic fun to a story without compromising the story itself.
Regarding the story itself, it's actually interesting. It is a bit meandering at times, but there is a story being told here, and it doesn't exist just as a gimmick to give the jokes a world in which to exist. Some time has been spent crafting an interesting plot that is clearly leading somewhere, and I appreciated that.
I also appreciated the time spent trying to craft well-rounded and interesting characters. This is definitely a focus of this novel, and I honestly like all the characters we are introduced to. They are three-dimensional, complement each other nicely, and none of their interactions feel forced.
My only real complaint with this book and the reason for losing a star was that it tried to do too much in too short a space. It opens with a huge info dump about the history of the world before introducing the main characters, which was off-putting. Then, when we do meet the main characters, we spend too much time in alternate POVs.
This is such a short book, it could have done with staying with just the one POV characters to let the reader settle into the story and to keep that story more focused. It wasn't a case that the other POV chapters were uninteresting, but rather that they stole the momentum of the story. Because they focused on character backstories, it felt like we weren't making much forward progression. This backstory is something that could have been brought in at a later time in the series without damaging this book too much, so I think it would have been better to wait.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next book in the series.
November 23, 2020
There is nothing like the excitement of starting a new series, it can go either way but you almost always know by the end of the first chapter.
Well this did not disappoint. The beginning of the book read almost like to hitch hikers guide with the way it brings you up to date in the time-line of the world in which we are now exploring with ironic humor. The character's are rich with backstories and mysteries which I am sure will lead to lots of amazing story arc's.
Jonathan our leads is not your typical fish out of water, while he is a schooler he isn't completely useless. Together with a Paladin accused of blasphemy( 4 times) ,a werewolf having a spiritual rises, a sign throwing sifter stuck as a bear, merman a long way from water and his faithful Butler with a very interesting skills. Jonathan is sure to be able to reclaim his castle his library and his bunny slippers in no time. :) What could go wrong !
I cant wait for the Audio Book
Well this did not disappoint. The beginning of the book read almost like to hitch hikers guide with the way it brings you up to date in the time-line of the world in which we are now exploring with ironic humor. The character's are rich with backstories and mysteries which I am sure will lead to lots of amazing story arc's.
Jonathan our leads is not your typical fish out of water, while he is a schooler he isn't completely useless. Together with a Paladin accused of blasphemy( 4 times) ,a werewolf having a spiritual rises, a sign throwing sifter stuck as a bear, merman a long way from water and his faithful Butler with a very interesting skills. Jonathan is sure to be able to reclaim his castle his library and his bunny slippers in no time. :) What could go wrong !
I cant wait for the Audio Book
January 1, 2026
Interesting cast of characters, a great narrator and an amusing story.
The audiobook was a lot of fun with its unique writing style that blended historical literature with a semi-omiscient perspective.
The characters were compelling as they were both by the numbers and yet unique enough to stand apart. (E.g the main character is a vampire count who is haughty and regal and yet borders on being an actual gentleman. Borders not quite there)
The action was interesting and the world building was as in depth enough to not be overwhelming while making you want to know more.
I don’t think it’s going to create anything new for the fantasy genre but it doesn’t have to, it’s just a good tale that works well.
If you want an alternative take on the broody vampire lord in an otherwise well crafted but by the numbers fantasy then I would strongly recommend it.
The audiobook was a lot of fun with its unique writing style that blended historical literature with a semi-omiscient perspective.
The characters were compelling as they were both by the numbers and yet unique enough to stand apart. (E.g the main character is a vampire count who is haughty and regal and yet borders on being an actual gentleman. Borders not quite there)
The action was interesting and the world building was as in depth enough to not be overwhelming while making you want to know more.
I don’t think it’s going to create anything new for the fantasy genre but it doesn’t have to, it’s just a good tale that works well.
If you want an alternative take on the broody vampire lord in an otherwise well crafted but by the numbers fantasy then I would strongly recommend it.
May 13, 2019
Gamelit Vampire Story
I don't think it was marketed as such but this book definitely had a strong Gamelit vibe, especially the [Magic]. Gamelit combined with Vampirism, easily drew me in. My issue was the pacing, the author gave so much backstory at the beginning chapter it gave you the impression you were beginning a much longer book. But in hindsight, it was used to eliminate these details in the actual story. But this gave the book a rushed feeling. It could've been longer and I think would have been better for it. Overall I gave the book 3-1/2 stars.
Favorite Line: “If we could stop betraying each other for five minutes, we’d already be running the whole damn world!”
I don't think it was marketed as such but this book definitely had a strong Gamelit vibe, especially the [Magic]. Gamelit combined with Vampirism, easily drew me in. My issue was the pacing, the author gave so much backstory at the beginning chapter it gave you the impression you were beginning a much longer book. But in hindsight, it was used to eliminate these details in the actual story. But this gave the book a rushed feeling. It could've been longer and I think would have been better for it. Overall I gave the book 3-1/2 stars.
Favorite Line: “If we could stop betraying each other for five minutes, we’d already be running the whole damn world!”
December 31, 2021
Another entry in the humorous DnD style books that I can't help but enjoy.
Jonathan Bloodhaven, Vampire Lord, finds himself in a sticky situation when the Vampire Tax Collectors appear to seize his belongings and castle for failing to repay loans taken out hundreds of years before by his father.
Jonathan and his loyal butler Miles set out for the big city in search of work. After exhausting all his potential scholarly options, Jonathan turns to adventuring for big paydays.
He and Miles join a party made up of a former Paladin, a shapeshifter, a werewolf and a mereman. From there we enter spoilers, but sufficed to say - a campaign ensures.
If you enjoy Drew Hayes, Robert Bevan or a similar series, I highly recommend this.
Jonathan Bloodhaven, Vampire Lord, finds himself in a sticky situation when the Vampire Tax Collectors appear to seize his belongings and castle for failing to repay loans taken out hundreds of years before by his father.
Jonathan and his loyal butler Miles set out for the big city in search of work. After exhausting all his potential scholarly options, Jonathan turns to adventuring for big paydays.
He and Miles join a party made up of a former Paladin, a shapeshifter, a werewolf and a mereman. From there we enter spoilers, but sufficed to say - a campaign ensures.
If you enjoy Drew Hayes, Robert Bevan or a similar series, I highly recommend this.
March 31, 2023
A quick, entertaining read that passes like an episode of a monster-of-the-week TV program. The characters we meet are charming, and the plot is interesting enough with adventure and peril, but there’s never any doubt that our plucky crew of weirdo adventurers will survive and thrive. There’s enough hints at interesting backstory for just about everyone that there are plenty of stories to be told in this universe. The writing is fine if not spectacular and there are very few typos or grammatical glitches. This book will probably not change your life, but the experience of reading it will absolutely be an entertaining couple of hours.
September 14, 2023
I saw this on a sale recently on Audible and I recognized Joel Froomkin's name because I absolutely loved another series he narrated so I gave it a shot. I absolutely loved this, and I really hope there is more of this series coming (hopefully with Froomkin's vocal accompaniment again).
It had a lovely "Terry Pratchett chaotic D&D party" vibe and I was sold at the first mention of raccoons. I can't help but wonder if this author is a manga/anime fan since there's a bear with signs (similar to Ranma 1/2) and someone who uses a fishing rod as a tool sometimes (like Hunter x Hunter) and as an anime fan myself I was very tickled even if these elements were a coincidence.
It had a lovely "Terry Pratchett chaotic D&D party" vibe and I was sold at the first mention of raccoons. I can't help but wonder if this author is a manga/anime fan since there's a bear with signs (similar to Ranma 1/2) and someone who uses a fishing rod as a tool sometimes (like Hunter x Hunter) and as an anime fan myself I was very tickled even if these elements were a coincidence.
May 6, 2021
I love it!
I got hooked on the Unconventional Heroes series (the Audible narrator is amazing) and decided to give this a chance. It does not dissapoint!
The characters are all personable and the story is interesting. The premise for the series only really becomes clear at the end of the book, but it's a fun ride :-)
The only criticism I have is that the author uses the word "truly" an awful lot. Other than that, no complaints! I'm excited to read the next book in the series!
I got hooked on the Unconventional Heroes series (the Audible narrator is amazing) and decided to give this a chance. It does not dissapoint!
The characters are all personable and the story is interesting. The premise for the series only really becomes clear at the end of the book, but it's a fun ride :-)
The only criticism I have is that the author uses the word "truly" an awful lot. Other than that, no complaints! I'm excited to read the next book in the series!
August 9, 2022
After coming from Estrella's other series, I was not disappointed in what this book offered. It reminds me, in some ways, of the Drew Hayes' "Fred the Vampire Accountant" series where we have a more normal vampire just going through some hard times. I love the relationship that our protagonist has with his butler, Miles, and the motley crew that he connects with. I especially like where the story is going with the introduction of the emperor at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
Entertaining vampire listening 🎶🔰
Another will written vampires, werewolves, demons, hydra, octopus 🐙, dragon 🐉, and other monsters adventure thriller novel by L. G. Estella (The Attempted Vampirism book one). A different kind of take with lots of different interesting characters, action and violence, leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this novel to readers of vampire mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2023 😮😈👒🏰
Another will written vampires, werewolves, demons, hydra, octopus 🐙, dragon 🐉, and other monsters adventure thriller novel by L. G. Estella (The Attempted Vampirism book one). A different kind of take with lots of different interesting characters, action and violence, leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this novel to readers of vampire mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2023 😮😈👒🏰
December 1, 2025
Somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4; it’s quite cliche in a lot of aspects and simple, but it’s a good cozy fun read. The characters do need a bit more fleshing out imo — I hope the sequel does a better job in that regard. One thing I will say though is that this book stopped at a good spot. A lot of trilogies and multi book series in general dont leave me curious enough to want to know what happens after the first book.
May 11, 2019
Wonderful fun
Big fan of his necromancer series so I'm thrilled he has created another series that is chalk full of colorful and wildly varied characters that you can't help but love who are embarking on exciting and dangerous adventures. Although I hope the author writes more adventures for my favorite necromancer, ninja rats and apprentices.
Big fan of his necromancer series so I'm thrilled he has created another series that is chalk full of colorful and wildly varied characters that you can't help but love who are embarking on exciting and dangerous adventures. Although I hope the author writes more adventures for my favorite necromancer, ninja rats and apprentices.
June 22, 2019
A light and entertaining read. has a feel to it that is reminiscent of RPGs where the players have assembled an odd mismatched group who then has to go out adventuring together.
I liked the humour and the overarching plot may be a little predictable but it was an entertaining book so I am ok with that. and interested in seeing what the next book brings.
I liked the humour and the overarching plot may be a little predictable but it was an entertaining book so I am ok with that. and interested in seeing what the next book brings.
September 13, 2021
This feels like a novelization of someone's D&D campaign, it definietly reads like D&D, with a lot of talk of the party makeup. The author continues to reexplain things again and again as though the actions didn't happen if every charecter doesn't have a chance to say it with their own spin, it got a little annoying.
January 28, 2022
A fun book and I'm busy with the next one. It starts with quite a long exposition on the history of this particular world. Pay attention, it comes back to bite you.
Very much LitRPG, but without the stats and levelling stuff. These are adventurers grouping together to get some interesting quests done.
Very much LitRPG, but without the stats and levelling stuff. These are adventurers grouping together to get some interesting quests done.
May 19, 2023
Now this is an adventurers party
Plenty of light fun and tons of adventuring, magic and fights against all sorts of monstrous beings. instead of a normal adventure party, this unlikely group is already powerful individually and together they get to really test their limits. D&D on steroids.
Plenty of light fun and tons of adventuring, magic and fights against all sorts of monstrous beings. instead of a normal adventure party, this unlikely group is already powerful individually and together they get to really test their limits. D&D on steroids.
October 3, 2023
Throughly enjoyed!
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next installment. The characters are great and form a ragtag group of heroes. Jonathan, the main character is great, you find yourself cheering him on and getting excited with each success and how he becomes more courageous as he steps out of his comfort zone. It's a good read.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next installment. The characters are great and form a ragtag group of heroes. Jonathan, the main character is great, you find yourself cheering him on and getting excited with each success and how he becomes more courageous as he steps out of his comfort zone. It's a good read.
October 3, 2024
I was sadly unable to finish this one. It wasn't necessarily bad - the author has a good wit and writes well. I have just found I don't care for the books that remind me of video game isekai anime where they talk about people's power levels and spell levels like they're in a game. If you're into that kind of book then I definitely recommend this, it's well-written but just not my thing.
December 29, 2024
Another great one by LG Estrella. I thoroughly enjoy his books. I like the reluctant heroes of his books. Those thrust into destiny whether they wish it or not. To be honest I am not a huge Vampire and Werewolf fan. Most of that kind of fiction just doesn't resonate with me. Somehow the author just makes it fun.
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