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The Preternatural Chronicles #1
I’m Glad You’re Dead
After helplessly witnessing the execution of his family, John is approached by a strange man that promises the power of revenge, for a price; his life for the ability to walk the mortal plane for eternity. Fast forward several hundred years where John finds himself with an unlikely ally, Father Thomes Philseep. Together, they have the holy mission of doing God’s will by protecting this plane from the nefarious evil that seeks the end of times. After centuries of feeding on mortal blood, if John’s blackened soul can get a little bleaching at the same time, well, all the better. Too bad the warlock, Nathanial Locke, who is a lackey of Satan himself, has other plans in mind for John. Despite his platinum tongue and razor wit, John might need some help from a supernatural buddy who has a hankering for meat and sheds in the winter. Follow John the vampire as he travels through the centuries learning his powers with his teacher, Ulric, and fighting to control his supernatural predatory side to use his powers for good.
331 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2019
About the author
Hunter Blain
43 books213 followersMy name is Hunter, and I’m a wordaholic. I’m also about to break the fourth wall…of your mindhole. Because there is a true story behind this…well…story.
It begins with two best friends who grew up together, breaking rules and raising hell as they shaped each other’s personalities into the shameless assholes they are today. Well, at least for one of them, but I’ll get to that in a moment. These two boys—let’s call them Hunter and John—were all but inseparable. John excelled at creating music powerful enough to make angels weep and being the funniest asshole in Texas while Hunter dabbled—poorly, I might add—in his humble writings. Because they were self-declared brothers from other mothers, John respected Hunter’s humble writings as much as I—I mean Hunter (stupid third person perspective)—respected John’s musical magic. John’s tunes could have changed the world, one day…
One fine day, after reading one of Hunter’s horrifically detailed short stories about a serial killer, John asked Hunter to write a story about him.
“Hell yeah, dude! What do you want to be?” Hunter asked, brimming with honor and biting back a very manly squee.
“A vampire,” John responded with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “But not one of those sparkly ones. A true bad ass!”
“Done!” Hunter crowed with a smile and an accompanying high five.
“No, dude. Promise. Promise you’ll write and finish a book about me. You are the most prolific writer of our generation!” John said. (Something like that. I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist of it). “I would consider it an honor to live on for eternity with your words as my life’s blood.”
Hunter agreed, never to realize the weight of that promise until one Sunday morning when John’s mother called, crying incoherently.
John…had died.
Hunter was left in a cold world without his best friend and doppelgänger. Hunter still thinks about that moment to this day. How the morning light crept through the bedroom window while Hunter stared at the ceiling, noticing how the popcorn texture created cruel, jagged shadows. How everything started to blur as his chest was crushed beneath the weight of what he was hearing, each word stacking heavily upon the other until only fitful, ragged gasps of air could escape his throat. Only fiery tears existed, especially after the horrific realization that Hunter now had to make some of the hardest phone calls of his life to the circle of friends who orbited around John’s solar pull.
Their star was no more, leaving their universe a colder and darker place.
John not only left Hunter, but a friend named Valenta as well. There was also Nathanial and Depweg. The friends were each stricken numb with the loss of such a beloved flare of life. But…
When the three found out that Hunter was keeping his promise to write the greatest story ever told—starring their dear friend, John—they demanded to be a part of the adventure. Each of them immediately knew what type of supernatural character they wanted to play in this urban fantasy eulogy. It would be a funeral pyre of words, and their fictional personas would be John’s pallbearers.
So please, as you read the following pages, feel free to laugh. Laugh at the situations John is placed in and his dickish dialogue to those around him, because John is 100% in this story without alteration (albeit he is a vampire). Laugh and let his memory live on inside the theater of your mind. Like he does in ours.
Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my beating heart, for giving my best friend the chance to live again. You are part of this magical ritual, and that would make him the happiest man in the…well, wherever the hell he is.
It begins with two best friends who grew up together, breaking rules and raising hell as they shaped each other’s personalities into the shameless assholes they are today. Well, at least for one of them, but I’ll get to that in a moment. These two boys—let’s call them Hunter and John—were all but inseparable. John excelled at creating music powerful enough to make angels weep and being the funniest asshole in Texas while Hunter dabbled—poorly, I might add—in his humble writings. Because they were self-declared brothers from other mothers, John respected Hunter’s humble writings as much as I—I mean Hunter (stupid third person perspective)—respected John’s musical magic. John’s tunes could have changed the world, one day…
One fine day, after reading one of Hunter’s horrifically detailed short stories about a serial killer, John asked Hunter to write a story about him.
“Hell yeah, dude! What do you want to be?” Hunter asked, brimming with honor and biting back a very manly squee.
“A vampire,” John responded with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “But not one of those sparkly ones. A true bad ass!”
“Done!” Hunter crowed with a smile and an accompanying high five.
“No, dude. Promise. Promise you’ll write and finish a book about me. You are the most prolific writer of our generation!” John said. (Something like that. I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist of it). “I would consider it an honor to live on for eternity with your words as my life’s blood.”
Hunter agreed, never to realize the weight of that promise until one Sunday morning when John’s mother called, crying incoherently.
John…had died.
Hunter was left in a cold world without his best friend and doppelgänger. Hunter still thinks about that moment to this day. How the morning light crept through the bedroom window while Hunter stared at the ceiling, noticing how the popcorn texture created cruel, jagged shadows. How everything started to blur as his chest was crushed beneath the weight of what he was hearing, each word stacking heavily upon the other until only fitful, ragged gasps of air could escape his throat. Only fiery tears existed, especially after the horrific realization that Hunter now had to make some of the hardest phone calls of his life to the circle of friends who orbited around John’s solar pull.
Their star was no more, leaving their universe a colder and darker place.
John not only left Hunter, but a friend named Valenta as well. There was also Nathanial and Depweg. The friends were each stricken numb with the loss of such a beloved flare of life. But…
When the three found out that Hunter was keeping his promise to write the greatest story ever told—starring their dear friend, John—they demanded to be a part of the adventure. Each of them immediately knew what type of supernatural character they wanted to play in this urban fantasy eulogy. It would be a funeral pyre of words, and their fictional personas would be John’s pallbearers.
So please, as you read the following pages, feel free to laugh. Laugh at the situations John is placed in and his dickish dialogue to those around him, because John is 100% in this story without alteration (albeit he is a vampire). Laugh and let his memory live on inside the theater of your mind. Like he does in ours.
Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my beating heart, for giving my best friend the chance to live again. You are part of this magical ritual, and that would make him the happiest man in the…well, wherever the hell he is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
December 30, 2024
"I'm Glad You're Dead: The Preternatural Chronicles, Book 1" by Hunter Blain, narrated by Luke Daniels, is a dark and snarky urban fantasy that introduces listeners to a world filled with vampires, warlocks, and supernatural battles. Published in 2020, this audiobook merges humor, action, and fantasy in a unique and engaging way.
Intriguing Plot
The story follows John Cook, an immortal vampire who has been protecting the world from dark forces for centuries. His story begins after witnessing the brutal execution of his family, when he is approached by a mysterious individual who offers him the power of revenge at the cost of his humanity. Fast forward to modern-day Houston, John works alongside Father Thomes Philseep to battle nefarious supernatural entities and prevent the end of times. The narrative alternates between John's past, beginning in the 1400s, and his present-day adventures, providing a rich backstory and context for his actions.
Dynamic Characters
Hunter Blain excels in crafting well-rounded and relatable characters. John, the protagonist, is a blend of a hardened warrior and a snarky, pop-culture-savvy individual. His humor and wit make him a uniquely charming character despite his dark past. Father Thomes Philseep, John's unlikely ally, adds depth to the story with his steadfast faith and dedication to their holy mission. The antagonist, Nathanial Locke, a warlock in league with Satan, presents a formidable challenge for John and his team.
Humor and Pop Culture References
One of the standout features of "I'm Glad You're Dead" is its humor. The book is filled with witty banter, sarcasm, and clever pop culture references that lighten the otherwise dark and gory storyline. John's platinum tongue and razor-sharp wit make for entertaining dialogues and add a unique flavor to the narrative.
Action-Packed and Fast-Paced
The audiobook is packed with fast-paced action and intense battles between good and evil. Blain's vivid descriptions of supernatural confrontations, combined with the suspenseful plot, keep listeners engaged. The story's pacing ensures that there is never a dull moment, as the characters continuously face new threats and challenges.
Narration by Luke Daniels
Luke Daniels' narration brings the characters and story to life. His dynamic voice acting captures the essence of John's snark and grit, making the protagonist relatable and engaging. Daniels' ability to switch between different characters adds depth to the listening experience, making it easy for listeners to distinguish between the various personalities and voices.
In summary, "I'm Glad You're Dead" is a fresh and entertaining addition to the urban fantasy genre, especially for those who enjoy witty, action-packed stories with a supernatural twist. Its engaging plot, dynamic characters, and excellent narration make for an entertaining audiobook.
Intriguing Plot
The story follows John Cook, an immortal vampire who has been protecting the world from dark forces for centuries. His story begins after witnessing the brutal execution of his family, when he is approached by a mysterious individual who offers him the power of revenge at the cost of his humanity. Fast forward to modern-day Houston, John works alongside Father Thomes Philseep to battle nefarious supernatural entities and prevent the end of times. The narrative alternates between John's past, beginning in the 1400s, and his present-day adventures, providing a rich backstory and context for his actions.
Dynamic Characters
Hunter Blain excels in crafting well-rounded and relatable characters. John, the protagonist, is a blend of a hardened warrior and a snarky, pop-culture-savvy individual. His humor and wit make him a uniquely charming character despite his dark past. Father Thomes Philseep, John's unlikely ally, adds depth to the story with his steadfast faith and dedication to their holy mission. The antagonist, Nathanial Locke, a warlock in league with Satan, presents a formidable challenge for John and his team.
Humor and Pop Culture References
One of the standout features of "I'm Glad You're Dead" is its humor. The book is filled with witty banter, sarcasm, and clever pop culture references that lighten the otherwise dark and gory storyline. John's platinum tongue and razor-sharp wit make for entertaining dialogues and add a unique flavor to the narrative.
Action-Packed and Fast-Paced
The audiobook is packed with fast-paced action and intense battles between good and evil. Blain's vivid descriptions of supernatural confrontations, combined with the suspenseful plot, keep listeners engaged. The story's pacing ensures that there is never a dull moment, as the characters continuously face new threats and challenges.
Narration by Luke Daniels
Luke Daniels' narration brings the characters and story to life. His dynamic voice acting captures the essence of John's snark and grit, making the protagonist relatable and engaging. Daniels' ability to switch between different characters adds depth to the listening experience, making it easy for listeners to distinguish between the various personalities and voices.
In summary, "I'm Glad You're Dead" is a fresh and entertaining addition to the urban fantasy genre, especially for those who enjoy witty, action-packed stories with a supernatural twist. Its engaging plot, dynamic characters, and excellent narration make for an entertaining audiobook.
April 11, 2025
I’M GLAD YOU’RE DEAD (BOOK 1 of the Preternatural Chronicles) by HUNTER BLAIN
Publication: March 8, 2019 by Independently Published
Page Count: 333
An unexpected humorous urban fantasy that transforms the vampire trope into a tale of redemption. John Cook horrendously watches his parents burned and eviscerated alive. In late 1400’s Ireland, after witnessing this gruesome murder, he is imprisoned with a stranger who offers him a deal that couldn’t be refused. He was offered a chance to seek revenge in exchange for his mortal soul along with a transformation into a vampire. Ulric proved to be his mentor in his introduction to the life and benefits of being a vampire. Many of the lessons defied common beliefs regarding their nature and abilities. A crusade across Ireland ensued to seek vengeance on those responsible for the butchering of his parents. John evolved into a smart ass vampire aided with five centuries of pop culture references along with sarcastic quips.
The tale is told in two time lines … along with his origin in Ireland … the present day gritty environment of Houston. There is the stereotypical magical bar that’s neutral ground for the entire supernatural community, They all live with one maxim … don’t let the common man see you doing supernatural stuff. In the present day Houston he has teamed up with a catholic priest in order to rid society of murderers, rapists and other evil people. John satisfies his need for human blood by making society save. At times he will call upon two supernatural friends to aid in his quest. The characters of the two foot tall fairy, “Da” and his werewolf beast friend from World War II prove to be integral parts in this fun romp. Things begin to spiral out of control when an unseen force starts summoning other uncontrollable demons into this plane of existence. An apocalypse of untold significance is threatened.
Hunter Blain proves to be a master storyteller as he weaves together multiple plots with escalating tension and intrigue. A thrilling and fun-filled denouement is achieved with yet expectations of more to follow. Stay tuned for further adventures of the Preternatural Chronicles.
Publication: March 8, 2019 by Independently Published
Page Count: 333
An unexpected humorous urban fantasy that transforms the vampire trope into a tale of redemption. John Cook horrendously watches his parents burned and eviscerated alive. In late 1400’s Ireland, after witnessing this gruesome murder, he is imprisoned with a stranger who offers him a deal that couldn’t be refused. He was offered a chance to seek revenge in exchange for his mortal soul along with a transformation into a vampire. Ulric proved to be his mentor in his introduction to the life and benefits of being a vampire. Many of the lessons defied common beliefs regarding their nature and abilities. A crusade across Ireland ensued to seek vengeance on those responsible for the butchering of his parents. John evolved into a smart ass vampire aided with five centuries of pop culture references along with sarcastic quips.
The tale is told in two time lines … along with his origin in Ireland … the present day gritty environment of Houston. There is the stereotypical magical bar that’s neutral ground for the entire supernatural community, They all live with one maxim … don’t let the common man see you doing supernatural stuff. In the present day Houston he has teamed up with a catholic priest in order to rid society of murderers, rapists and other evil people. John satisfies his need for human blood by making society save. At times he will call upon two supernatural friends to aid in his quest. The characters of the two foot tall fairy, “Da” and his werewolf beast friend from World War II prove to be integral parts in this fun romp. Things begin to spiral out of control when an unseen force starts summoning other uncontrollable demons into this plane of existence. An apocalypse of untold significance is threatened.
Hunter Blain proves to be a master storyteller as he weaves together multiple plots with escalating tension and intrigue. A thrilling and fun-filled denouement is achieved with yet expectations of more to follow. Stay tuned for further adventures of the Preternatural Chronicles.
January 14, 2025
Epic! Funniest, action packed vampire book ever!
100% would recommend this book!
Hunter Blain is a friggin amazing author! It's refreshing to have such a unique way of writing.
It had me laughing at loud as well as on edge, waiting to see what would happen next. Everything you've learnt through other vamp books, throw out the window! This book changes/challenges several "common knowledge" things about vamps and supes. The MMC is so human yet, as far from human as he could have been. The storyline has great twists and very interesting ways to defeat your enemies... It will want you coming back for more.
I got excited to find there's a 0.5 novella too... Which I also listen to, Luke Daniels does the audio on audible... he had John down to the, well John Cook👌🏼
Will be on to book 2 very soon!
100% would recommend this book!
Hunter Blain is a friggin amazing author! It's refreshing to have such a unique way of writing.
It had me laughing at loud as well as on edge, waiting to see what would happen next. Everything you've learnt through other vamp books, throw out the window! This book changes/challenges several "common knowledge" things about vamps and supes. The MMC is so human yet, as far from human as he could have been. The storyline has great twists and very interesting ways to defeat your enemies... It will want you coming back for more.
I got excited to find there's a 0.5 novella too... Which I also listen to, Luke Daniels does the audio on audible... he had John down to the, well John Cook👌🏼
Will be on to book 2 very soon!
March 5, 2025
Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
The book as a whole was pretty generic for a vampire story which just about landed it at a rating of 3.5 instead of the 4.0 I settled on. While the author did an excellent job with his descriptions of events, characters, and places; it wasn’t until the last 3 or 4 chapters that really grabbed on and held my attention.
With the description I kept reading advertising the book of a vampire story where the main character is like Deadpool I felt like it set me up for a let down with my overall reading experience. Sure it has some dialogue that was playful, but if this was Deadpool… it would have been him as a teenager at best.
I will be looking to reading more of this series and now with a more appropriate perspective, maybe it will be a set of books I can enjoy as opposed to continuously looking for high spots that never really came.
The book as a whole was pretty generic for a vampire story which just about landed it at a rating of 3.5 instead of the 4.0 I settled on. While the author did an excellent job with his descriptions of events, characters, and places; it wasn’t until the last 3 or 4 chapters that really grabbed on and held my attention.
With the description I kept reading advertising the book of a vampire story where the main character is like Deadpool I felt like it set me up for a let down with my overall reading experience. Sure it has some dialogue that was playful, but if this was Deadpool… it would have been him as a teenager at best.
I will be looking to reading more of this series and now with a more appropriate perspective, maybe it will be a set of books I can enjoy as opposed to continuously looking for high spots that never really came.
October 5, 2023
What a way to honor life (or unlife)
Amazing! I love getting to know characters through the heart and mind of an author. Thank you for introducing me to a part of your soul that will live on to eternity. Great writing, lots of ghoulish scenes to keep the heart rate up and the good flowing, and a small window into the creative artistry of the written word. I am off to read book two and enjoy some more mouth watering suspense and heart warming mischief.
Amazing! I love getting to know characters through the heart and mind of an author. Thank you for introducing me to a part of your soul that will live on to eternity. Great writing, lots of ghoulish scenes to keep the heart rate up and the good flowing, and a small window into the creative artistry of the written word. I am off to read book two and enjoy some more mouth watering suspense and heart warming mischief.
February 27, 2025
I have a new favorite series! I would actually give this a 4 1/2 star. Sometimes I would get a little confused by the author’s dialogue and situations but I think that just comes with it being his first book. I know he will just get better and better. Love that he wrote this for his friend that had passed and made him the main character. Just gives you warm fuzzies like a good Whitney Houston song.
Already bought the next book 🥰
Already bought the next book 🥰
October 21, 2025
“Ye survive on blood?! Are ye a demon?!” I felt panic starting to rise in my core, tightening my chest.
He smiled. “Perhaps,” he pondered. There was a pause as he considered.
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
I’m Glad You’re Dead: Preternatural Chronicles Book 1 (The Preternatural Chronicles)
by Hunter Blain
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
𝖨 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗏𝖺𝗆𝗉𝗂𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗀𝖺𝗋𝖽𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗒𝗉𝖾- & 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗐𝗁𝗈𝗅𝖾. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝖺𝖼𝗄𝗀𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 & 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖽𝖾𝖽𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗇𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗆𝗒 𝖽𝖾𝖼𝗂𝗌𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝗎𝗆𝗉 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗎𝗉 𝗈𝗇 𝗆𝗒 𝗃𝖺𝗆 𝗉𝖺𝖼𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖳𝖡𝖱. I’m glad I did. It broke up my current reading.
🩸🩸🩸
The ‘present’ time frame did seem to suffer from trying-too-hard at times. I know the catch is ‘what if 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗣𝗢𝗢𝗟 was a vampire’, but it doesn’t mean it has to force that flow so much. It was 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 funny at times. And rather a cool read. I can see this having both a distinct audience & a cult following.
3 and 1/2 stars rounded to 4 for me
★★★★☆
Fun, a lil crazy, a little cool niche and once you get into the flow of the author’s writing- you realize you’re sucked into a good story. A few things bugged me- but they were not worth mentioning.
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Humans make their choice to be good or not so good. It is the same with most supernatural beings. Otherwise, the news would bukkake the public with stories and videos of mountains made from mangled human bodies. So, much like a man who has murdered his neighbor can enter a church, so can I.
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★•*´¨`*•★• Happy reading ┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ յ
April 29, 2020
Dark, gory and filled with snark and pop culture references, I easily devoured this over the course of two evenings. Blain does not deliver sparkly vampires, instead he tells the story of John who lived through a terrible tragedy and wants to avenge his mother. He accepts an offer that will forever change him.
Take spiderman and all that you know about vampires. Weave them together and toss in a little Jim Carrey and you’ll begin to see our protagonist, John.
The tale shares both John’s creation story as a teen in the 1400s and his present-day situation in Houston. John works for the church battling evil and it’s worked well until all hell breaks loose. A warlock named Locke is in league with Satan himself, and John is getting in the way.
Suspense, battles, gore, slap-stick humor and sheer determination drive John and his friends in this battle of good vs evil. Can John stop those trying to summon demons before they expose the supernatural world?
Luke Daniels does a stellar job from pacing to character voices. He enhanced the snark and grit, bringing John and secondary characters from allies to villains to life in vivid 3-D.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Take spiderman and all that you know about vampires. Weave them together and toss in a little Jim Carrey and you’ll begin to see our protagonist, John.
The tale shares both John’s creation story as a teen in the 1400s and his present-day situation in Houston. John works for the church battling evil and it’s worked well until all hell breaks loose. A warlock named Locke is in league with Satan himself, and John is getting in the way.
Suspense, battles, gore, slap-stick humor and sheer determination drive John and his friends in this battle of good vs evil. Can John stop those trying to summon demons before they expose the supernatural world?
Luke Daniels does a stellar job from pacing to character voices. He enhanced the snark and grit, bringing John and secondary characters from allies to villains to life in vivid 3-D.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
March 8, 2020
Vampire Deadpool!
As I was reading ‘I’m Glad you’re Dead’, I found the lead character John reminded me of Marvel’s Deadpool. So much so, that narrator in my head was doing everything in a Ryan Reynolds voice. As I’m a huge Deadpool fan, this was a plus for me.
The puns and movie references in the book were great and had me chuckling on numerous occasions. The pacing was quick and will having you missing sleep if you start it late at night as you won’t want to put it down.
The book splits between John’s early life of being human and becoming a vampire and his present day life. Normally this type of split would be something I wouldn’t enjoy as I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks in stories as they can be very info dumpy at times. For this book though it really worked. I was just as invested in the early parts of John’s life as the present day ones.
Looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
As I was reading ‘I’m Glad you’re Dead’, I found the lead character John reminded me of Marvel’s Deadpool. So much so, that narrator in my head was doing everything in a Ryan Reynolds voice. As I’m a huge Deadpool fan, this was a plus for me.
The puns and movie references in the book were great and had me chuckling on numerous occasions. The pacing was quick and will having you missing sleep if you start it late at night as you won’t want to put it down.
The book splits between John’s early life of being human and becoming a vampire and his present day life. Normally this type of split would be something I wouldn’t enjoy as I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks in stories as they can be very info dumpy at times. For this book though it really worked. I was just as invested in the early parts of John’s life as the present day ones.
Looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
January 11, 2025
I really wanted to like this. I love the idea of the story of honoring his late friend. There are funny parts where I laughed out loud. The main character is likable. His friends are likable. However, the plot is weak. If this were a movie, John would watch it and say "Neat!", then tear it apart pointing out all the parts that are unrealistic. Yes, I know it is the supernatural - but it is hard to believe. Honestly, the author lost me when the " bad guy" killed all of Depweg's rescue pack. There. I said it. Never kill the dogs in any story. Will I read the rest of the series? Maybe.
June 18, 2020
A solid and entertaining adventure starring a young man transformed by a vampire after a group of corrupt officials murder his family to steal their land. Our antihero, John Cook, begins the adventure by eating a bunch of lowlifes and shows just what a likable Sons of Anarchy-with-fangs character he is. I really was entertained with the humor, the action, and the twists throughout. This is a great adventure and everyone should pick this up. I recommend the audiobook version over the Kindle version as the narration is one of the best parts.
I appreciate the whole "Dresden Files"-ishness of it all with John Cook as the same sort of wisecracking supernatural. Mind you, I do that in my books all the time so I may just have a type.
I appreciate the whole "Dresden Files"-ishness of it all with John Cook as the same sort of wisecracking supernatural. Mind you, I do that in my books all the time so I may just have a type.
July 9, 2023
A 500-year-old vampire fights supernatural bad guys in modern-day Houston, Texas. But the real villains are his constant bad jokes and TwenCen pop culture references.
This book goes to show that boys can be just as stupid about their vampires as girls can. The outrageously over-the-top dudebro vampires in this story are at least as ridiculous as the sparkly romance objects that are so gleefully mocked in this text. They do all the “normal” vampire things and they can also do really crazy things like telekinesis, read minds, turn blood into swords and whips and things, learn every language super fast, and have a perfectly eidetic memory. And the capper is their purple eyes.
I went into this fully expecting it to be bad. The buzz was that it's hilariously bad vampire camp, and I thought I was prepared for that. But the first ten minutes were so off-the-rails bad that I almost quit. After checking my Audible account and realizing it was too late for me to return it and get a credit back, I bravely soldiered on. After a shockingly rough takeoff, it did level out into something approaching the general level of badness I was expecting. Which is to say, quite bad, but with occasional laughs here and there. Unfortunately, there were not nearly as many laughs as I was hoping for. One reviewer described it as “if Deadpool were a vampire,” and I'd say that's not totally wrong, but comparing it to Deadpool vastly exaggerates how funny the gags actually are IMO. I laughed a lot at Deadpool, but here, I'd say there are nine eyerollers for every genuine LOL. It's the sort of book where Protag still makes stupid wisecracks even after both his legs have been ripped off and he's about as close to annihilation as he's ever been. Simply having your protag spout a movie or TV quote every ten minutes in reaction to the current situation isn't actually that funny. In terms of making rampant TwenCen pop culture references enjoyable in a book, Ready Player One, garbage as it was, did it much better by actually working them into the plot in the form of the puzzles the characters had to solve.
Speaking of plot, there's no plot here to speak of. We're told pretty early that the forces of evil are planning some sort of cataclysm, and then a lot more random stuff happens that's more about a personal vendetta between John and his arch-enemy Nathaniel Locke. It's so random it's hard tokeep caring even begin caring. Father Thomes is mentioned in the blurb, but if you wanted some sort of “odd couple” story about how a Catholic priest and a vampire team up to do good works in their community, you will be disappointed. “Papa T,” as John is fond of calling him, barely shows up.
Instead of having a coherent plot, John simply careens from one action scene to the next, getting in fights and shenanigans for reasons that are rarely clear. The overall result is violent, senseless, and apparently largely pointless. John gets dramatically injured a lot, often in really gross ways (chopstick through the eyeball is just one example, and Blain seems really fond of making bad things happen to people's eyes), and magically heals from it all. He also at times kills his victims/enemies in extremely gruesome ways that are described in grisly detail. There is also violence toward animals (not at John's hands). The one nice thing you can say about it is that no helpless women get knocked around.
It's saved somewhat by the other storyline that's intercut with the modern-day scenes, telling how young John became a vampire back in 1480 Ireland, learned from his mentor how to do vampire things, and made a decision that he wasn't going to spend eternity being an amoral death machine, but would instead try to use his powers for good. But that background story peters out by the halfway point, skipping the potentially interesting story of how a vampire and a Catholic priest decide to team up, and all we're left with is fight scene after fight scene in the current-day timeline.
1.5 stars, rounded up to 2, with the half-star awarded for making me laugh a few times.
Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is an excellent narrator, and he does the best he can with this text, wringing every drop of humor out of the overtly funny bits, and melodramatically overacting the intentionally melodramatic bits (which is to say, the entire text). I didn't find the text nearly as funny as Blain obviously intended it to be, but Daniels helped me find it somewhat funny. Occasionally. This is one of the worst books that's ever made it onto my "best audios" shelf, and it's all thanks to the talents of Luke Daniels bringing this really stupid story to life. Which just goes to show that what makes a good AUDIO is entirely different from what makes a good BOOK.
This book goes to show that boys can be just as stupid about their vampires as girls can. The outrageously over-the-top dudebro vampires in this story are at least as ridiculous as the sparkly romance objects that are so gleefully mocked in this text. They do all the “normal” vampire things and they can also do really crazy things like telekinesis, read minds, turn blood into swords and whips and things, learn every language super fast, and have a perfectly eidetic memory. And the capper is their purple eyes.
I went into this fully expecting it to be bad. The buzz was that it's hilariously bad vampire camp, and I thought I was prepared for that. But the first ten minutes were so off-the-rails bad that I almost quit. After checking my Audible account and realizing it was too late for me to return it and get a credit back, I bravely soldiered on. After a shockingly rough takeoff, it did level out into something approaching the general level of badness I was expecting. Which is to say, quite bad, but with occasional laughs here and there. Unfortunately, there were not nearly as many laughs as I was hoping for. One reviewer described it as “if Deadpool were a vampire,” and I'd say that's not totally wrong, but comparing it to Deadpool vastly exaggerates how funny the gags actually are IMO. I laughed a lot at Deadpool, but here, I'd say there are nine eyerollers for every genuine LOL. It's the sort of book where Protag still makes stupid wisecracks even after both his legs have been ripped off and he's about as close to annihilation as he's ever been. Simply having your protag spout a movie or TV quote every ten minutes in reaction to the current situation isn't actually that funny. In terms of making rampant TwenCen pop culture references enjoyable in a book, Ready Player One, garbage as it was, did it much better by actually working them into the plot in the form of the puzzles the characters had to solve.
Speaking of plot, there's no plot here to speak of. We're told pretty early that the forces of evil are planning some sort of cataclysm, and then a lot more random stuff happens that's more about a personal vendetta between John and his arch-enemy Nathaniel Locke. It's so random it's hard to
Instead of having a coherent plot, John simply careens from one action scene to the next, getting in fights and shenanigans for reasons that are rarely clear. The overall result is violent, senseless, and apparently largely pointless. John gets dramatically injured a lot, often in really gross ways (chopstick through the eyeball is just one example, and Blain seems really fond of making bad things happen to people's eyes), and magically heals from it all. He also at times kills his victims/enemies in extremely gruesome ways that are described in grisly detail. There is also violence toward animals (not at John's hands). The one nice thing you can say about it is that no helpless women get knocked around.
It's saved somewhat by the other storyline that's intercut with the modern-day scenes, telling how young John became a vampire back in 1480 Ireland, learned from his mentor how to do vampire things, and made a decision that he wasn't going to spend eternity being an amoral death machine, but would instead try to use his powers for good. But that background story peters out by the halfway point, skipping the potentially interesting story of how a vampire and a Catholic priest decide to team up, and all we're left with is fight scene after fight scene in the current-day timeline.
1.5 stars, rounded up to 2, with the half-star awarded for making me laugh a few times.
Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is an excellent narrator, and he does the best he can with this text, wringing every drop of humor out of the overtly funny bits, and melodramatically overacting the intentionally melodramatic bits (which is to say, the entire text). I didn't find the text nearly as funny as Blain obviously intended it to be, but Daniels helped me find it somewhat funny. Occasionally. This is one of the worst books that's ever made it onto my "best audios" shelf, and it's all thanks to the talents of Luke Daniels bringing this really stupid story to life. Which just goes to show that what makes a good AUDIO is entirely different from what makes a good BOOK.
July 29, 2020
Not bad but not great
I enjoyed the main characters wit but the story and book ended up lacking. It lacked excitement and intrigue. I also didn’t get to know enough about the other characters other than Father T’s utter lack of any kind of loyalty and empathy. Still not sure why John forgave so readily. I just feel like there were big important chunks of the story missing. It didn’t keep me intrigued enough to read a 2nd book.
I enjoyed the main characters wit but the story and book ended up lacking. It lacked excitement and intrigue. I also didn’t get to know enough about the other characters other than Father T’s utter lack of any kind of loyalty and empathy. Still not sure why John forgave so readily. I just feel like there were big important chunks of the story missing. It didn’t keep me intrigued enough to read a 2nd book.
March 20, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OMG this book is friggin hysterical. I chose it lat random totally based on the title without reading anything cause – you know me – I like to go in blind. I was beside myself snort-laughing at some of the theatrics this character delivers… but wait, there’s MORE!
The audio was also available and I started it over because the narrator is fan-FREAKING-tastic! He brought the undead to life! Yep… it’s a vampire book.
The snark, wit, pop culture film references and quotes had me laughing out loud. I mean, in the best way that a violent, horror-esque book with a fair bit of gore can but DUUUUUUDE, it’s funnnnnneh! I mean, he’s killing people so it’s not like that’s neat and tidy… sue me.
John Cook’s creator didn’t understand that he wanted to use his new “life” to go after the bad guys – a serial killer here, mafia warlord there, not just kill because he could… so he goes rogue and solo, eventually teaming up with a priest who helps keep his conscience in the right place… and a giant shifter beast who is a bad ass.
He’s snarky. He’s witty. He’s inappropriate… but he also has a deeply loveable side. And he loves killing… cause… I mean, that’s kind of his thing.
But, in the world of the living some serious shit is about to go down a la End of Day-ish bad and he’s crossed a line and has a target on his head.
If you can’t laugh at the undead getting fart-bombed by a naked shifter, I mean… can we even be friends? I am a boy mom… so that might have something to do with my dark warped sense of humor, but again… this is absolutely next-level fantastic to me!
OMG this book is friggin hysterical. I chose it lat random totally based on the title without reading anything cause – you know me – I like to go in blind. I was beside myself snort-laughing at some of the theatrics this character delivers… but wait, there’s MORE!
The audio was also available and I started it over because the narrator is fan-FREAKING-tastic! He brought the undead to life! Yep… it’s a vampire book.
The snark, wit, pop culture film references and quotes had me laughing out loud. I mean, in the best way that a violent, horror-esque book with a fair bit of gore can but DUUUUUUDE, it’s funnnnnneh! I mean, he’s killing people so it’s not like that’s neat and tidy… sue me.
John Cook’s creator didn’t understand that he wanted to use his new “life” to go after the bad guys – a serial killer here, mafia warlord there, not just kill because he could… so he goes rogue and solo, eventually teaming up with a priest who helps keep his conscience in the right place… and a giant shifter beast who is a bad ass.
He’s snarky. He’s witty. He’s inappropriate… but he also has a deeply loveable side. And he loves killing… cause… I mean, that’s kind of his thing.
But, in the world of the living some serious shit is about to go down a la End of Day-ish bad and he’s crossed a line and has a target on his head.
If you can’t laugh at the undead getting fart-bombed by a naked shifter, I mean… can we even be friends? I am a boy mom… so that might have something to do with my dark warped sense of humor, but again… this is absolutely next-level fantastic to me!
March 14, 2020
Being a big fan of urban fantasy for a long time, I am always looking for new books to check out. When I was given the chance to read and review I'm Glad You're Dead, the premise hooked me and I knew I had to check it out. That turned out to be a good decision, since this book takes the usual vampire tropes, spins them in a blender, and makes them its own with some whole new wrinkles.
PLOT SUMMARY
In Houston, a vampire named John is the last of his kind. Working with catholic priest Phillip Philseep, John is best described as a fixer, putting down supernatural menaces such as demons and their summoners. Being a vampire, John needs human blood, and satisfies the need by killing murderers and rapists. There is a supernatural underground with only one rule: don't let the mundanes see you doing supernatural stuff. Secrecy is the key to their society's safety, and someone has been trying to raise demons, threatening their exposure. Father Philseep thinks there's a bigger conspiracy behind the demon summoning, and it's up to John to find out what.
The story also flashes back to John's past, showing how and when he became a vampire. As a teen in the late 1400's Ireland, his parents are killed in a pogrom against heretics. While he awaits his fate, John is given a choice by a strange man offering him revenge against the men who killed his family. Taking the offer, he is made into a vampire and proceeds on a crusade to destroy his parent's killers, learning to use the many powers of his vampire nature, finally ending years later in an event that changes the course of his unlife.
Back in the present day, a local warlock tries to warn John off the hunt for the summoners. John, in his hatred for being told what to do, instead antagonizes the warlock, letting him know that he was not dropping the pursuit. Ending up back in his secure hidden home under a crypt, he awakens in the day weakened and seeing sunlight in his hidey hole, which is filling with water and iron dust, which is toxic to any magical creature, including vampires. Burning and weak, John is half a step ahead from the tactical team that is trying to kill him in a place they shouldn't know exists. With the help of his one foot tall fairy roommate, John manages to fool the team. He also discovers the warlock has an unexpected connection to his past, guaranteeing they will be confronting another again.
Escaping out the hidden emergency exit, John is so hurt he is basically feral, and breaks the cardinal rule, don't hurt innocents. This leads him into conflict with Father Philseep, who locks him away in a special cell. Fearing the priest means to kill him, John escapes with some difficulty and proceeds to get some help from another friend, a werewolf he knew from World War Two. They go after the cause of demon summoning, finding that it has a connection to John's first moments of his undead life, and will have repercussions that will affect the rest of John's undead life.
CHARACTERS AND WORLD BUILDING
This is very much a character driven story. Taking place in modern Houston, with only a secret underbelly of supernatural creatures, it relies heavily on the characters and their interactions. John is a very interesting character, being over 500 years old, as well as a completely irreverent smart ass. He is kind of tragic, trying to atone for years of blood and slaughter, knowing the truth of the afterlife. His friends, Da the fairy and his werewolf friend are also fun characters, each bring something to the story. The villain has realistic motivations, even if they are a lust for power. The various supernaturals are creatively described, and get some new twists.
The setting, modern Houston, is a nice change of pace from the usual New York, Chicago or LA urban fantasy setting. It does have the stereotypical magical bar that's neutral ground, with the requisite mysterious barman owner, but that's about the only trope as far as setting. The rest is just real Houston with supernatural events and creatures, giving it a realistic gritty feel not often found in urban fantasy books.
NARRATION
The narration is handled quite ably by Audible Hall of Famer Luke Daniels. I was very familiar with his other work, so I came in knowing what to expect, and wasn't disappointed. Luke does an amazing job creating various character voices, using a wide variety of tones, accents and cadences to differentiate the various characters. His narrative pacing is some of the best in the business, never becoming monotonous, while keeping the listener engaged at all times. I would consider this some of his best work to date.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I was surprised how many unique aspects the book had. This is definitely not a sparkly vampire romance with vegetarian vampires, but a redemption story set in an offbeat setting, with a cast of characters that keeps the readers on tier toes. I know I am excited to see how the series continues on, and will definitely be doing a review for that one as well. This book has something to offer for any fan of vampire and urban fantasy stories.
PLOT SUMMARY
In Houston, a vampire named John is the last of his kind. Working with catholic priest Phillip Philseep, John is best described as a fixer, putting down supernatural menaces such as demons and their summoners. Being a vampire, John needs human blood, and satisfies the need by killing murderers and rapists. There is a supernatural underground with only one rule: don't let the mundanes see you doing supernatural stuff. Secrecy is the key to their society's safety, and someone has been trying to raise demons, threatening their exposure. Father Philseep thinks there's a bigger conspiracy behind the demon summoning, and it's up to John to find out what.
The story also flashes back to John's past, showing how and when he became a vampire. As a teen in the late 1400's Ireland, his parents are killed in a pogrom against heretics. While he awaits his fate, John is given a choice by a strange man offering him revenge against the men who killed his family. Taking the offer, he is made into a vampire and proceeds on a crusade to destroy his parent's killers, learning to use the many powers of his vampire nature, finally ending years later in an event that changes the course of his unlife.
Back in the present day, a local warlock tries to warn John off the hunt for the summoners. John, in his hatred for being told what to do, instead antagonizes the warlock, letting him know that he was not dropping the pursuit. Ending up back in his secure hidden home under a crypt, he awakens in the day weakened and seeing sunlight in his hidey hole, which is filling with water and iron dust, which is toxic to any magical creature, including vampires. Burning and weak, John is half a step ahead from the tactical team that is trying to kill him in a place they shouldn't know exists. With the help of his one foot tall fairy roommate, John manages to fool the team. He also discovers the warlock has an unexpected connection to his past, guaranteeing they will be confronting another again.
Escaping out the hidden emergency exit, John is so hurt he is basically feral, and breaks the cardinal rule, don't hurt innocents. This leads him into conflict with Father Philseep, who locks him away in a special cell. Fearing the priest means to kill him, John escapes with some difficulty and proceeds to get some help from another friend, a werewolf he knew from World War Two. They go after the cause of demon summoning, finding that it has a connection to John's first moments of his undead life, and will have repercussions that will affect the rest of John's undead life.
CHARACTERS AND WORLD BUILDING
This is very much a character driven story. Taking place in modern Houston, with only a secret underbelly of supernatural creatures, it relies heavily on the characters and their interactions. John is a very interesting character, being over 500 years old, as well as a completely irreverent smart ass. He is kind of tragic, trying to atone for years of blood and slaughter, knowing the truth of the afterlife. His friends, Da the fairy and his werewolf friend are also fun characters, each bring something to the story. The villain has realistic motivations, even if they are a lust for power. The various supernaturals are creatively described, and get some new twists.
The setting, modern Houston, is a nice change of pace from the usual New York, Chicago or LA urban fantasy setting. It does have the stereotypical magical bar that's neutral ground, with the requisite mysterious barman owner, but that's about the only trope as far as setting. The rest is just real Houston with supernatural events and creatures, giving it a realistic gritty feel not often found in urban fantasy books.
NARRATION
The narration is handled quite ably by Audible Hall of Famer Luke Daniels. I was very familiar with his other work, so I came in knowing what to expect, and wasn't disappointed. Luke does an amazing job creating various character voices, using a wide variety of tones, accents and cadences to differentiate the various characters. His narrative pacing is some of the best in the business, never becoming monotonous, while keeping the listener engaged at all times. I would consider this some of his best work to date.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I was surprised how many unique aspects the book had. This is definitely not a sparkly vampire romance with vegetarian vampires, but a redemption story set in an offbeat setting, with a cast of characters that keeps the readers on tier toes. I know I am excited to see how the series continues on, and will definitely be doing a review for that one as well. This book has something to offer for any fan of vampire and urban fantasy stories.
January 8, 2022
To start, I want to say two things. One, I said to myself a long time ago that one star ratings should be reserved for things that I couldn't finish. This is one of those things. I could not finish this book and I found it dreadfully boring, but I do not want my commentary to be representative of my feelings towards Hunter Blain as an author. He wrote this book as a tribute to his friend and that warms my heart, but I also want to be honest here about what didn't work for me.
I read a lot of urban fantasy, some good and some bad. This is by far some of the worst urban fantasy I've read. From a charisma-void of a protagonist, a bland and uninspired setting which is given so little world building that there's nothing go attach yourself to, and absolutely atrocious pacing decisions which kill any sort of tension or momentum and eventually lead to confusion at how the hell things have gotten to this point. I may eventually write a longer review of this book if I ever go back and finish it, but for now I think it's deserving of one star. While I think it is a very sweet tribute to his friend, as an urban fantasy novel it is boring, uninspired, and frustrating.
I read a lot of urban fantasy, some good and some bad. This is by far some of the worst urban fantasy I've read. From a charisma-void of a protagonist, a bland and uninspired setting which is given so little world building that there's nothing go attach yourself to, and absolutely atrocious pacing decisions which kill any sort of tension or momentum and eventually lead to confusion at how the hell things have gotten to this point. I may eventually write a longer review of this book if I ever go back and finish it, but for now I think it's deserving of one star. While I think it is a very sweet tribute to his friend, as an urban fantasy novel it is boring, uninspired, and frustrating.
August 17, 2024
Review
The mc is neither intelligent nor patient, both I would expect in a creature that has survived over 500 years. I understand that the mc is an homage to the authors late friend and can understand the pop culture personality the the mc reflects. I wish he had imagined his friend as a 500 year old being and the experience that time amount would represent instead of a 20 year old in an ancient body. There are many instances of him not showing forethought, but getting wasted to the point of blackout at the bar right after he is told that everyone wants him dead is a prime example of the storyline.
The mc is neither intelligent nor patient, both I would expect in a creature that has survived over 500 years. I understand that the mc is an homage to the authors late friend and can understand the pop culture personality the the mc reflects. I wish he had imagined his friend as a 500 year old being and the experience that time amount would represent instead of a 20 year old in an ancient body. There are many instances of him not showing forethought, but getting wasted to the point of blackout at the bar right after he is told that everyone wants him dead is a prime example of the storyline.
August 14, 2020
A rip-roaring, jam packed debut for a series that will leave you laughing, WTHing, and flipping pages (digital or physical) at a fast pace to see what happens next. An origin story that has modest beginnings, then fans the flames with betrayal, revenge, a mission statement, and watching all of it torn asunder while contemplating even more revenge. A great start.
March 13, 2025
2.5/5⭐️
bookclub read
bookclub read
June 17, 2020
I burst out laughing after the first few pages and realized that I would not be getting anything done until the book was finished. I'm not really into good guys or classic heroes. I hate the do gooder and the "I don't kill anyone" hero. John is a hilarious bad ass and I could not be happier. Decided to buy the audiobook companion for the second book...Luke Daniels brings John to life! The Netflix series will be a hit.
August 29, 2021
Notes:
Bought during one of the Audible Sales
Low end of 3 Stars - Leaving at 3 for great narration by Luke Daniels
I didn't care for the sloppy changes from the present to past. The characters felt rather absurd, the plot was flimsy, and I didn't think the humor was all that funny despite solid narration.
*Don't spend money on the series. Read other books via library or maybe on a super cheap bundle sale.
Bought during one of the Audible Sales
Low end of 3 Stars - Leaving at 3 for great narration by Luke Daniels
I didn't care for the sloppy changes from the present to past. The characters felt rather absurd, the plot was flimsy, and I didn't think the humor was all that funny despite solid narration.
*Don't spend money on the series. Read other books via library or maybe on a super cheap bundle sale.
June 17, 2020
Fantastic read!
Wow, this book was awesome. It takes a bit for me to pick up a new series, and i am so glad I did. This is definitely a 5 star read, paxked with epic humor and violence, both of which I delight in reading.
Wow, this book was awesome. It takes a bit for me to pick up a new series, and i am so glad I did. This is definitely a 5 star read, paxked with epic humor and violence, both of which I delight in reading.
August 8, 2020
Great book!
This has everything you want in a paranormal read - awesome plot,hilarious main characters, intense action. I will definitely read the next book and the next, and so on!!
This has everything you want in a paranormal read - awesome plot,hilarious main characters, intense action. I will definitely read the next book and the next, and so on!!
February 20, 2025
I mature and not funny
It reads like a pubescent boy wrote it, hoping to appeal to 23 year old males. The constant movie references wears thin and the never ending near death experiences lack impact and interest because... They are never ending. Shallow as a wading pool.
It reads like a pubescent boy wrote it, hoping to appeal to 23 year old males. The constant movie references wears thin and the never ending near death experiences lack impact and interest because... They are never ending. Shallow as a wading pool.
May 26, 2022
Absolutely loved it, so funny and so many pop culture references.
July 23, 2025
read it all in a day
Fun read, it’s action packed with a good backstory. I enjoyed the puns and pop culture references as well. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series
Fun read, it’s action packed with a good backstory. I enjoyed the puns and pop culture references as well. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series
March 13, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
September 19, 2020
☆ I'M GLAD YOU'RE DEAD : (Book #1 Preternatural Series) :☆ HUNTER BLAIN ☆
If you have & love a wicked sense of humour look no further than Hunter Blain's Cook!
If You Mixed Adam Sandler's, Deadpool's, Shayne Silvers' Sorin & Hunter Blain's Sperm In A Petri Dish, Their Combined DNA Would Produce One Hell Of A Spawn : Introducing John Cook!
*Word of Warning*
If Meaningless Death and Violence & a great sense of (warped) humour is not your thing, then this series may not be for you!
Guns & Ammo, Vampires & Stakes, Sire Bonds & Blood Bags, A German Werwolf, Nazi's, Magic, Silver Kukri Blades, Warlock’s & Witches, Trolls & Ogres, Demons & Scales, Fairies & Priests, And Puppy Dog Tails. What more could you ask for all wrapped up in the pages of one hilarious book.
Just throw in the kitchen sink & this book has it all! It's a uniquely fresh & exciting take on an the often overdone & flogged to death vampire genre. Honestly I never thought I'd see anything originally again, but with each new interpretation I must say I'm pleasantly surprised.
A fast paced action story of one man or monsters life & existence & his redemption to humanity to be nothing like his sire.
This is John Cook's his-story, a promise made, and the hunt for the promised revenge. It's full of meaningless death & violence. Fingernail biting, edge of your seat, fly by the seat of your pants action & drama. It'll make you laugh and possibly cry (I lost it like a babe during 1 particular scene. Creating a lump in my throat the size of Uluru, trying hard to keep my tears from breaking the banks of the dam, fighting a losing battle as the tears trickled down my cheeks & neck, the tide broke & freely flowed (Wheely thanks Hunter)!
If you have & love a wicked sense of humour look no further than Hunter Blain's Cook! For his humour & wit is as sharp as Depweg's silver Kukri Blade & just as lethal!
And if your into Audible books, why not enhance the experience, topping off an awesome read with the dulcet tones of Award Winning Narrator Luke Daniels. He'll make you laugh so hard you'll spit your spine out your mouth & onto your book killing yourself laughing!
Hunter Blain & Luke Daniels are a match made in Heaven or possible Hell depending on how you look at it, I almost threw my back out laughing!
I won't blow smoke up your patootie rehashing what this book is all about, because by now you've already read the author's synopsis & who can write it better than Hunter himself, plus half a dozen reviews, so here's my thought on the book, the characters the action & the audible sound.
Loved, loved, loved reading / listening to I'm Glad Your Dead (Book #1 Preternatural Series) by the hilariously funny Hunter Blain & with the added talents of a brilliant narrator who can do it all, sounds great doing both males & females, the young & old, voicing multiple characters with ease all at the same time, executing humour, action, drama, devastation & loss all timed to perfection giving Hunter's characters a whole new life of their own.
This series is a TV series / Movie Freaks / Geek's wet dream come true with all the Pop Culture References & hilarious One Liners. Big Arnie being an author favourite.
Just how many references can you spot, will you get them all & know what movie their from & which actor said them? There was one I missed & had to look up. Speaking of looking up, maybe miss checking up some of the unknown words in the urban dictionary too, hey but then again, if I had to see it then you should too for the full effects! ROTFLMAO!!!
Although the story is set in modern day Houston, the story has many flashback scenes to the 1480's, 1644 and 1945 which are among the most significant periods of John Cook's life.
Often novels that frequently jump time periods can become confusing as you need to re-read for clarification.
Some authors denote differing time era's by using different fonts, thus making it easy to understand, but some do not.
Hunter's clarification is simple too, defining the different time periods of John Cook's past only coinciding at the start of a new chapter together with bold & clearly labelled headings stating either 'Present Day', Houston or naming 'Place & Time' (i.e. Germany 1945') in the past. Thus making it easier on his reader.
I RATE I'M GLAD YOU'RE DEAD
5 ⭐ OUT OF 5 ⭐
I Know This Series Will Only Get Better!
I Recommend Hunter Blain, This Book & The & Audio. Run Out & Buy Them Today. Luke Daniels Does A Fantastic Rendition You Wont Be Disappointed!!!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and purchased the Audible book myself. And this is my fair honest and impartial review as always.
Reviewed By : Jewelz Pederick.
🙋♀ ❤ From The 🤪 🇦🇺 📖🐛❗
(Bye Love From The Crazy Australian BookWorm)
If you have & love a wicked sense of humour look no further than Hunter Blain's Cook!
If You Mixed Adam Sandler's, Deadpool's, Shayne Silvers' Sorin & Hunter Blain's Sperm In A Petri Dish, Their Combined DNA Would Produce One Hell Of A Spawn : Introducing John Cook!
*Word of Warning*
If Meaningless Death and Violence & a great sense of (warped) humour is not your thing, then this series may not be for you!
Guns & Ammo, Vampires & Stakes, Sire Bonds & Blood Bags, A German Werwolf, Nazi's, Magic, Silver Kukri Blades, Warlock’s & Witches, Trolls & Ogres, Demons & Scales, Fairies & Priests, And Puppy Dog Tails. What more could you ask for all wrapped up in the pages of one hilarious book.
Just throw in the kitchen sink & this book has it all! It's a uniquely fresh & exciting take on an the often overdone & flogged to death vampire genre. Honestly I never thought I'd see anything originally again, but with each new interpretation I must say I'm pleasantly surprised.
A fast paced action story of one man or monsters life & existence & his redemption to humanity to be nothing like his sire.
This is John Cook's his-story, a promise made, and the hunt for the promised revenge. It's full of meaningless death & violence. Fingernail biting, edge of your seat, fly by the seat of your pants action & drama. It'll make you laugh and possibly cry (I lost it like a babe during 1 particular scene. Creating a lump in my throat the size of Uluru, trying hard to keep my tears from breaking the banks of the dam, fighting a losing battle as the tears trickled down my cheeks & neck, the tide broke & freely flowed (Wheely thanks Hunter)!
If you have & love a wicked sense of humour look no further than Hunter Blain's Cook! For his humour & wit is as sharp as Depweg's silver Kukri Blade & just as lethal!
And if your into Audible books, why not enhance the experience, topping off an awesome read with the dulcet tones of Award Winning Narrator Luke Daniels. He'll make you laugh so hard you'll spit your spine out your mouth & onto your book killing yourself laughing!
Hunter Blain & Luke Daniels are a match made in Heaven or possible Hell depending on how you look at it, I almost threw my back out laughing!
I won't blow smoke up your patootie rehashing what this book is all about, because by now you've already read the author's synopsis & who can write it better than Hunter himself, plus half a dozen reviews, so here's my thought on the book, the characters the action & the audible sound.
Loved, loved, loved reading / listening to I'm Glad Your Dead (Book #1 Preternatural Series) by the hilariously funny Hunter Blain & with the added talents of a brilliant narrator who can do it all, sounds great doing both males & females, the young & old, voicing multiple characters with ease all at the same time, executing humour, action, drama, devastation & loss all timed to perfection giving Hunter's characters a whole new life of their own.
This series is a TV series / Movie Freaks / Geek's wet dream come true with all the Pop Culture References & hilarious One Liners. Big Arnie being an author favourite.
Just how many references can you spot, will you get them all & know what movie their from & which actor said them? There was one I missed & had to look up. Speaking of looking up, maybe miss checking up some of the unknown words in the urban dictionary too, hey but then again, if I had to see it then you should too for the full effects! ROTFLMAO!!!
Although the story is set in modern day Houston, the story has many flashback scenes to the 1480's, 1644 and 1945 which are among the most significant periods of John Cook's life.
Often novels that frequently jump time periods can become confusing as you need to re-read for clarification.
Some authors denote differing time era's by using different fonts, thus making it easy to understand, but some do not.
Hunter's clarification is simple too, defining the different time periods of John Cook's past only coinciding at the start of a new chapter together with bold & clearly labelled headings stating either 'Present Day', Houston or naming 'Place & Time' (i.e. Germany 1945') in the past. Thus making it easier on his reader.
I RATE I'M GLAD YOU'RE DEAD
5 ⭐ OUT OF 5 ⭐
I Know This Series Will Only Get Better!
I Recommend Hunter Blain, This Book & The & Audio. Run Out & Buy Them Today. Luke Daniels Does A Fantastic Rendition You Wont Be Disappointed!!!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and purchased the Audible book myself. And this is my fair honest and impartial review as always.
Reviewed By : Jewelz Pederick.
🙋♀ ❤ From The 🤪 🇦🇺 📖🐛❗
(Bye Love From The Crazy Australian BookWorm)
July 31, 2020
I'm Glad You're Dead by Hunter Blain tells the story of John (not Johnathan) Cook, immortal vampire hellbent on protecting this world and making a good joke while doing so.
I discovered this series from an advertisement online, with the caption "Deadpool if he were a vampire." Of course this caught my attention, as those are two of my biggest keywords. I'm talking about "if" and "a" of course. I knew I had to read this, and I wasn't disappointed.
John has spent the better part of 500 years surviving in the background of society. He starts his unlife out with a horrendous tragedy, one he vows to seek revenge for. Things don't always go as planned though, and John finds himself stuck with eternity and nothing to do with it.
Why not save some people?
I enjoyed this vampire story greatly, as John was an amusing main character to follow. Beneath his wit and humor, there's a deep sorrow to him that's endearing. He's not just the bumbling bafoon others can perceive him as, but a man who has been dealt an extremely rough hand who chooses to keep his high spirits despite it. When he's given the opportunity to confront his past traumas, he's willing and ready to face any and all obstacles in his path.
My absolute favorite part of this book was his friendship with the werewolf Depweg. Their chemistry was hilarious and fun to read. Vampires and Werewolves don't always have to be enemies!
There were a few slow bits in the story, hence the offshoot from a perfect score, but they are not nearly enough to harm the story overall. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh in the midst of a bloody action scene.
I discovered this series from an advertisement online, with the caption "Deadpool if he were a vampire." Of course this caught my attention, as those are two of my biggest keywords. I'm talking about "if" and "a" of course. I knew I had to read this, and I wasn't disappointed.
John has spent the better part of 500 years surviving in the background of society. He starts his unlife out with a horrendous tragedy, one he vows to seek revenge for. Things don't always go as planned though, and John finds himself stuck with eternity and nothing to do with it.
Why not save some people?
I enjoyed this vampire story greatly, as John was an amusing main character to follow. Beneath his wit and humor, there's a deep sorrow to him that's endearing. He's not just the bumbling bafoon others can perceive him as, but a man who has been dealt an extremely rough hand who chooses to keep his high spirits despite it. When he's given the opportunity to confront his past traumas, he's willing and ready to face any and all obstacles in his path.
My absolute favorite part of this book was his friendship with the werewolf Depweg. Their chemistry was hilarious and fun to read. Vampires and Werewolves don't always have to be enemies!
There were a few slow bits in the story, hence the offshoot from a perfect score, but they are not nearly enough to harm the story overall. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh in the midst of a bloody action scene.
March 20, 2021
What would you get if DeadPool, Blade, and Dean Winchester had a baby? A cocky, vampire, who hunts supernatural beings, with a thirst for revenge. Meet John Cook.
*****
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 0 flames (this is not a romance)
Genre: Paranormal (this is not a romance) / Urban Fantasy
*****
So, let me state this one more time, THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE. Considering all I read is romance, I am not sure how this popped into my recommendations, but it did. I read the blurb and thought it sounds interesting, but then I read Hunter Blain's bio and teared up and knew I had to read John's book.
This book is filled with a sarcastic, smart-aleck vampire with a serious fascination with pop culture references, on a mission to find the man that killed his family. "I'm Glad You're Dead" takes you back in forth in time starting in the 1400's to present, illustrating the events that made John who he is today. The book is filled with interesting characters, an edge of your seat storyline, and more blood than I could ever wish for in a book!
Although I thought I had this book pegged, the twist at the ending had my jaw on the floor and I never saw it coming. "I'm Glad You're Dead" was entertaining, full of blood, guts, and gore…which I really enjoy not going to lie, and witty dialogue that made me chuckle often.
I enjoyed this book, and I will probably go back and read more of the series at a later date when I need a break from my favorite genre, romance. However, if you are looking for a snarky hero, with a sense of humor only he finds funny, and some interesting characters. I say give this one a try.
*****
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 0 flames (this is not a romance)
Genre: Paranormal (this is not a romance) / Urban Fantasy
*****
So, let me state this one more time, THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE. Considering all I read is romance, I am not sure how this popped into my recommendations, but it did. I read the blurb and thought it sounds interesting, but then I read Hunter Blain's bio and teared up and knew I had to read John's book.
This book is filled with a sarcastic, smart-aleck vampire with a serious fascination with pop culture references, on a mission to find the man that killed his family. "I'm Glad You're Dead" takes you back in forth in time starting in the 1400's to present, illustrating the events that made John who he is today. The book is filled with interesting characters, an edge of your seat storyline, and more blood than I could ever wish for in a book!
Although I thought I had this book pegged, the twist at the ending had my jaw on the floor and I never saw it coming. "I'm Glad You're Dead" was entertaining, full of blood, guts, and gore…which I really enjoy not going to lie, and witty dialogue that made me chuckle often.
I enjoyed this book, and I will probably go back and read more of the series at a later date when I need a break from my favorite genre, romance. However, if you are looking for a snarky hero, with a sense of humor only he finds funny, and some interesting characters. I say give this one a try.
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