After crossing the vast steppe, passing through the valley was a means to an end for the Broad-Horn Tribe as they sought new lands beyond. Their shaman says the Gods & the mightiest of them, the Sun God, has blessed their travel and they will find better lands on the other side of the mountains.
Within the valley stands an altar to the Sun God and at its base, a macabre sacrifice. Despite the shaman’s desires to leave the altar, one of the Tribe destroys the ‘heresy’ to their benevolent God. The crime does not go unnoticed by the valley’s inhabitants.
Devout worshipers of the Sun and the blessings it grants them; the SunChasers will avenge the attack upon their sacred site. They will see the invaders driven out, but one seeks the resurrection of a powerful evil their holy man swore he would never revive.
Tensions arise in the Broad-Horn Tribe from the actions of the selfish and threat of attack by the SunChasers. Cooler and curious heads seek an understanding, while they are two different people, they share the same God.
If peace cannot be found, the call to summon the soulless darkness that once turned the soil crimson may be answered.
Co-Writer and Co-Producer on the acclaimed short film 'Seize the Night,' Richard would also answer screenwriting questions in multiple issues of Digtial FilmMaker Magazine's "Ask the Filmmaker" section.
Full disclaim: One thing I never grow tired of is seeing the different takes on vampires; what makes them, what being one is like, or even how they came to be. I love it, and it's one of the great pleasures I take as I continue to expand my consumption of vampire-related media. For SunChasers, this was exactly that experience for me.
Outside of the story, just as an overall view, I enjoyed many things. The imagery for starters felt cinematic at times or even as though it could be adapted into a comic, with the chapters being of the perfect length. Not too long, and not too short. The transitions between scenes were also done very well. I know for some people it can cause the reader to trip up, but Rick handled each transitioning scene and shift in POV very well. I could easily follow with what was going on as the story progressed.
As for the story itself, I have some personal favorites which I will start by so bolding declaring: Sosse. You cannot introduce to me a vampire character and not expect me to thirst after him. The way Sosse was described when first introducing the SunChasers right down to his overall character and temperament was perfection. I really adore him, and the moments the scenes focused on him. But the other scenes I found myself adoring were the ones focusing on Vesta and Hoba. Hoba is another favorite of mine. I won't get too much into his character, but all I will say is he is a character I'm sure many would also love. A wise and kind old man, with the patience of a grandfather guiding the newer generation. Lastly, Vesta is the third favorite of mine. She is also a SunChaser, but what I love about her is how even with a communication barrier, she's still so eager to learn and seek out peace. She knows enough of what is right and wrong, and takes the risk to follow the path she feels is right. If ever there comes a part where her story ever gets expanded upon, or if she shows up later on down the road, I can honestly say I would love to know more about her.
Over all, I would recommend this book for those who are fans of the vampire genre looking for something refreshing. I think if you enjoyed series like The Strain, or just enjoy more primitive tribe-based stories, then I think you can come to enjoy this series as much as I did.