London, 1850

Vampire Plagues #1

by Sebastian Rook (Alias), Ben Jeapes

A thrilling new suspense trilogy with a twist. For a thousand years, an ancient and all-powerful vampire god has lain dormant in the Mayan jungle. In 1850, he awakes -- and sets out for Europe...

London, 1850. An enormous ship has just reached port. From its hull, a flock of bats ascends and disappears into the streets. Jack Harkett intends to board the ship, in search of food or money. Instead, he encounters a boy his own age -- running for his life! The boy recounts horrific tales about a vampire plague that's killed the entire crew.

With no one to turn to but each other, the two boys vow to stop these horrors from continuing. Their pledge will take them on dangerous adventures from London to Paris and finally to Mexico, to confront the beast who started all this destruction....

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Fiction

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Sebastian Rook is a pseudonym used for the Vampire Plagues series.

The first three novels in the series were written by Ben Jeapes. On his website, Jeapes says, "The writing is my own, the plot is someone else's, hence the nom de plume."

The other three novels in the series were written under the same pseudonym by Helen Hart.

Reviews

[AziaMinor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall Rating : B-

"Jack knew London in the year 1850 was the heart of a vast empire that stretched around the world."



How is it that the fate of the world always seems to rest on the shoulders of suspiciously competent tweens?

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah! Finally a book with vampires that aren't girly! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, regardless of the lower-level read that it was. If I were a sixth grader, this book would be my new favorite. Rook offers a fresh take on vampires WITHOUT DESTROYING ALL VAMPIRE LORE. Yes, the characters were about as deep as an elementary school kid could handle, but that doesn't stop you from saying, "Crap!" aloud when the Mayan-Vampire-God-possessed Sir Donald shows up on their doorstep unexpectedly. The plot was unique in that the vampires had an ancient Mayan origin. Hooray for dealing away with the cliche English origin!Maybe it's just my despise for Twilight that led me to love this book, but hey, I enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Melissapalmer404 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #20 Read in 2017
Vampire Plagues: London by Sebastian Rook

This is the first book in a trilogy for young adults. In this book, Ben is with his father on an expedition to Mexico. They stumble across a cave full of vampire bats and that does not end well for Ben's father. Ben escapes back to his home in London but the vampire problem follows him there. Can Ben, his sister Emily and their new friend Jack win against a paranormal enemy? This book has lots of action to keep middle school and high school readers engaged. I borrowed this book from the public library.

[Carrie]

I wish there was a similar rating system here as to Letterboxd wherein I could add a heart instead of giving a star rating. I can't do a star rating for this book because I'm not the intended audience in terms of age, but this book has a lot of heart and has some legitimately well-done moments of suspense. Definitely wish I had discovered books like this in elementary school--I would have devoured them like a flying fox on a fig.

[Rachel Chizmadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tried to think of this as a middle school student - if I would have read in middle school would have probably read the rest of the series. Nice quick read - a good vampire story.

[Connerknudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book takes place in London/Mexico. Ben, the dark haired leader of the group, ran off the ship and was chased down by Jack, a poor, homeless, dark haired, messy kid from the docks. He asked him what was wrong and he told him his dad was killed and his godfather was killed and Sir Donald was possessed by Camazotz. So Jack finds Ben some scraps and the go to Ben’s house, a huge mansion in London. They sneak inside and tell Ben’s sister, blonde haired Emily Cole, what has happened. Then they have Emily sneak into Sir Donald’s house to retrieve their father’s notes as a maid looking for a job. She finds them but gets caught not doing her job. So she gets put in the attic and Jack and Ben save her, they are getting chased by Sir Donald’s vampire butler and run into the cellar. Then they sneak out the chimney to go study the notes with Professor Alfred to try to decode the ritual to banish Camazotz. They go get a blood rose and Sir Donald’s butler finds them and they defeat him. Then they brew up a potion and go to Sir Donald’s house to banish him. Ben goes down to the cellar and Camazotz is waiting. He controls Ben, burns the ritual, and spills the potion, then Emily chants the memorized ritual and Jack throws the potion rich ground at Camazotz. Then he flies down to hell and they walk away but Jack hears Camazotz in his head saying, “I will be back to destroy you once and for all,” he hopes it is his imagination but he knows it isn’t. I really liked this book and want to read all the series, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in mythical creatures and fiction.

[J.M. (Joe) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover (I dig sailing ships) and premise (I dig vampires) attracted me to LONDON, 1850, but once I was about 50 pages into it I realized that, well, this book was just sorta ho-hum. It dragged throughout, with just one scene that stayed with me well after I had turned the next page (which I won't reveal for spoiler reasons). The characters of Jack, Ben, and Emily are all lacking complexity and, Sir Donald, the antagonist is unimposing and predictable. In fact, the entire story is formulaic. It's as if the author, Sebastian Rook (a pen name), was following a strict outline handed down from the publisher and was nearly as bored writing this as I was reading it. There was no real sense of drama, no sense of danger, the prose was vapid, the dialog was meh, events just sort of fell neatly into place, and how three kids can fend off hordes of vampires by wielding roses and stabbing the vamps with the thorns is beyond me (the author doesn't bother explaining the details either).

Maybe I expect too much, as I'm sure this series is intended for the 11-14 year old demographic, but I don't aim to read the other books in "The Vampire Plagues" series. Perhaps they get better, as I believe there are six issues in total and even a boxed set, but one's enough for me. I've got better things to read.

Two stars (out of five). Actually this was 1.5 stars, but I rounded up, as I can't say I hated it. It was just a very predictable, mediocre tale.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable and unique start to a YA-Vampire series.
In this, book one, twelve year old Jack, street urchin living on the London docks watches one night as a merchant ship sails into port. The ship is surrounded above by huge flying bats. Only one living soul on board and that is Ben. A young stowaway. Jack and Ben meet up and you learn just what small Ben has been through before boarding the "ghost ship" and what occurred while being stowed away.

Through part of the story you see Ben's experiences through his journal, which he writes in each day. He forms alliances with Jack and together they vow to stop the evil that has come to London. Jack, Ben and Emily, Ben's sister all work hard to banish the vampire and his followers. Many adventures await the trio.

I really liked this book. We have heard it all when it comes to Vampires but I do find this went into it all with a very unique twist.
I found Ben's travels from Mexico, across the ocean and into London very reader satisfying. The geography, the descriptions, the way the story is written is a great adult read too. I have ordered books 2 and 3 and am eager to start them. The series at present is up to book 5. These are excellent novels not just for kids but for adults as well.

[Yami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesssss, a fast paced true thrilling adventure, its genius is in its simplicity, I devoured it , I loved every moment and truly enjoyed reading it, I was trying to think , what other Vampire themed novels did I enjoy as such, and aside Darren Shan, I dont think there is any till this one, and waht I liked best that the horror is read, it is just pure focus on the scary idea, not the adult alternative version of seductive and scary, JUST scary.
am hoping the next one PARIS wont disappoint.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was good, I enjoyed reading! its and it was minus the sex, which is a nice for once..

[Katrina G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was alright. I know it's only the beginning of the series, but considering it's called vampire plagues I was expecting there to be more vampires and more problems than what was really there. I liked the concept of vampires in this book, and the fact that they were actually the bad guys, but aside from that I just feel kind of meh about the whole this. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing either. Unfortunately, I have so many other books I want to read, and this just didn't blow me away enough to want to continue on with the series.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this series (up to the third book) when I was in, like, fourth grade. So maybe you shouldn't trust the 5 star rating, but I remember this book being amazing. I thought it was so unique and clever and creative, but I'm afraid to try reading it now since I've obviously grown up and my tastes (while they are still similar) have changed. If you know a late elementary school/middle school student who enjoys vampires and history, have them read this book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was super creepy for a kids book. I was pleasantly surprised to realize this is actually the first book of a six book series. I've put Doug on finding out if he can get the other five cheaper online or if B&N will be the best route. The second book takes place in Paris, that's all I know. The epilogue makes me wish I had the second book already. *sigh*

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I happened upon this book in the juvenile fiction section, and I was really pleased with it. There's strong character development, great pacing, and an informative and imaginative plot.

It was also a very quick, tame read, and this would be perfect for young elementary school readers who like a little "creep" in their reading.

I look forward to reading the rest of the series. :)

[Xyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like historical fiction, vampires, teenage main characters, and action adventures, then this book series is for you!

Sebastian Rook takes us back to the year 1850. While the book title is London, our story starts off in Mexico. The main character is Ben Cole. He is an archaeologist's son and is accompanying him and two other scientists on a expedition to Mexico and a search for Mayan relics.

We get to see the journal entries Ben is making for his sister who could not accompany the group (and a good thing too). The journal entries are indicated with italicized text. We also get the story in "real time." The author paints great pictures while telling the story and I was able to easily visualize what was happening with Ben and the expedition members.

When Ben makes it back to London he meets Jack, a wayward soul not quite a hard as the Artful Dodger. Jack takes Ben under his wing and gets him home to his sister, Emily. These three are the main trio. Two book educated society children and one with street smarts. They make a great team.

If you are a fan of vampire stories; this one incorporates all the well known stereotypes of vampires: bats, fangs, red eyes, no direct sunlight, turning to ash. It also introduces a few other interesting points.

I found the story well rounded and well written. The action kept me engrossed. I loved how Emily took lead in many aspects. She's a strong intelligent girl (not unlike Hermione Granger-clever and a quick study). When I got to the end of book one the first chapter of book two was there. I don't usually read those teaser chapters, but I knew book two was awaiting me at home. Started book two right away!

[Mohammed Albanawy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is set in London and Mexico. Ben, the group's leader, dashed off the ship and was pursued by Jack, a young homeless messy looking boy. He asked him what was wrong, and he told him his father and godfather had been murdered, and Sir Donald had been possessed by Camazot. So Jack goes to Ben's place, a large mansion in London, and finds him some scraps.They creep inside and inform Ben's sister Emily Cole of the situation. Then they make Emily break into Sir Donald's house as a maid searching for work to collect their father's notes. She locates them but is caught red-handed. Then she is placed in the attic, and Jack and Ben rescue her when they are pursued by Sir Donald, a vampire butler and flee into the cellar.Then they slip out the chimney to research the notes with Professor Alfred in order to decipher the ritual to expel Camazotz. They go in search of a blood rose, but Sir Donald discovers them and they defeat him. Then they concoct a potion and travel to Sir Donald's mansion to expel him. Camazotz is waiting for Ben in the basement. He seizes hold of Ben, burns the ritual, and spills the potion, after which Emily sings the memorized ritual and Jack throws the potion-rich field at Camazotz. Then he flies down to hell, and they walk out, but Jack hears Camazotz in his mind say, "I will be back to kill you once and for all," and he wishes it's just his imagination, but he knows it's not. I really liked this book but I feel like some parts of the story could be improved.

[Shayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an insanely cheesy book. It is definitely a book for grades 4-6, but probably too juvenile for grades higher than that unless they are really sheltered kids. Lots of the middle schoolers I work with are into the horror genre, and this isn't it. Vampire Plague is more a straight forward adventure novel that is at least entertaining enough to finish. It's not scary at all and completely rated G. There is no deeper meanings or hidden twists with this story. I could see it being a Disney Channel movie. (Do they still makes those?) Ben is the main character and his sister Emily is the token female in the book, but at least she is smart. Jack is an orphan they befriend and adopt into their family. After one climactic battle, they defeat Camazots, the evil Myan vampire God. However, there are two more books in the series so it's not over... Not sure if the next one is worth reading.

[John Carlsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack är en ung kille som lever på gatan i London 1850. Han hänger ofta i hamnen där han försöker klara sig för dagen. En dag kommer ett skepp in tillsammans med ett mörkt moln. Skeppet verkar tomt men det visar sig att en pojke smyger sig ut ur båten. Jack följer efter honom och de möts. Det visar sig att pojken heter Benedict Cole och har varit fripassagerare på båten. Han har varit i Mexico tillsammans med sin far som under en utgrävning släppt fri den gamle guden Camazotz och med detta släppt lös en vampyrförbannelse som är på väg att dra in över London.

Boken riktar sig till tonåringar och unga vuxna, men den här skräckhistorien kan även äldre roas av. Miljö- och skräckskildringarna är gripande och jag kan tänka mig att läsa ytterligare delar!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't actually finish the book, I got a little over halfway through and ended up losing interest. Not because the story is predictable (it is once you get about halfway - you know what's gonna happen), but because I didn't see how the books could be drawn out for so long without it all being over - the bad guy getting defeated, the hero winning, etc. it's really a good book, but I guessed what would happen, read the epilogue, read the back of the 3rd book, found I was correct, and gave up reading. I'm kind of surprised though, I usually finish books, this one is just a bit slow in my opinion.

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first read these books when I was about 12 and they stuck with me, not because the writing or characters were amazing, but because I really liked how they portrayed vampires and gave it a twist that was interesting and different. Even now, all these years later, I enjoyed re-reading this book because I still enjoyed the lack of romance and lack of romanticising vampires. While belief has to be suspended quite often in these books, especially given that these are Victorian upper-class children, they were so simple that I don't regret coming back to them.

[EmBe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein interessantes Setting, London 1851, ein "Gott", der in einem Maya-Tempel geschlafen hat und nun erwacht ist, um mit großen Vampirfledermäusen die Welthauptstadt London heimzusuchen. Natürlich mit judgendlichen Helden und Heldinnen, schließlich ist das ein Kinder- und Jugendbuch. War eine spannende Lektüre mit einer interessanten Variation des Vampir-Motivs. Mir hat das Buch gefallen, bin nur nicht dazu gekommen, die zwei Nachfolgebände zu lesen, die in der Bibliothek damals standen. Heute sind schon nicht mehr im Bestand. :-/

[Stewart Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian Rook does a good job of taking common vampire lore and merging it with his own. He also does a good job with making the reader feel like they are in London and in Mexico as well. Overall the book is a great, somewhat spooky story that deals with three young teens and an army of Vampires. I'd recommend to any vampire lovers. The common idea/theme of together we're stronger is apparent and the power friendship also plays a part in this story.

[Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vampire books are not my normal topic but I got this book at a library book sale where it was a dollar for as many books as you could fit in a brown grocery bag. I thought I would give it a try and am glad I did. I found the book to be well written with characters that I liked. The author introduced a new type of vampire coming from Mayan Mexico rather than Transylvania in Europe. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adult who has read her fair share of adult vampire stories, I really liked this one for the young readers. It had lots of the classic vampire lore but the story was simple enough to keep it at a readable length for a middle grader. Not sure how many hard core vampire fans there are in the middle grades ... but those who are there will like this series.

[g · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series meant EVERYTHING to me as a child and certainly is fundamental to who i am now. i can see the parts of it that to this day reflect in my choice of study in college, history and cultural anthropology, and in my obsessions as an adult, vampires babyyyyyy. it really is still a great quick read even 21 years later.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale that would definitely appeal to elementary age kids. Some interesting writing choices were made, but, overall, this is a twist on most vampire lore, pulling from typically untouched sources.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non conoscevo minimamente questa serie, e anche se l'argomento mi sembrava interessante, ero piuttosto seccata di avere i primi 3 volumi in condizioni oscene per colpa di uno scambio truffaldino.
E se la seccatura per la fregatura non mi è mai passata, posso almeno dire di essermi ricreduta su questa serie, perchè il primo volume è davvero interessante!
Vampiri che sbarcano a Londra ma che arrivano dal Messico con influenze della mitologia Maya, finalmente qualcosa di originale!
Ben scritto, avvincente, originale, promosso a pieni voti.

[Damean Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent new take on the vampire legend! I love vampire lore as well as ancient civilization fiction and this one has a wealth of both. I'm shocked I'd never heard of the series before, but I'm so glad I have now!

[Geneva Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good series for readers grade 5 and up. Enjoyed it a lot. Hope to read the next books in the series.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
i really liked this books ideas and plot. i just think bc i wasn't the target age demo, that i didn't get as attached to it. anything like this more YA leaning... i am interested.