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THE MELLIFICATION
Holly is a young transgender vampire in an underground society that values patience as their principle virtue. But as Holly watches his community become more isolated and reluctant to act in the face of danger, he begins to question if it might be better to leave.
THE MELLIFICATION begins with Holly’s request for a new name, a sacred rite of passage in his colony. Holly’s request is denied, and he is told by both his spiritual leader Hierophant Marlowe, and his lover Cain, that he must be more patient. But just outside the tranquil gates of Green Hill Cemetery— where these vampires make their home in elaborate hidden catacombs—hostile forces seek to wipe all vampires off the face of the Earth. Holly’s new goal is to escape this claustrophobic colony before it is too late.
THE MELLIFICATION begins with Holly’s request for a new name, a sacred rite of passage in his colony. Holly’s request is denied, and he is told by both his spiritual leader Hierophant Marlowe, and his lover Cain, that he must be more patient. But just outside the tranquil gates of Green Hill Cemetery— where these vampires make their home in elaborate hidden catacombs—hostile forces seek to wipe all vampires off the face of the Earth. Holly’s new goal is to escape this claustrophobic colony before it is too late.
211 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 13, 2021
I've read so many urban fantasy books over the years. The refreshing part about Mellification is it's focus on nostalgic vampire lore, while at the same time bringing the genre into the modern age with it's characters. Holly is a trans vampire waiting patiently for his new Vampire name, a male name. My favorite character bar-none is The Lizard King. I saw Jim Morrison's grave when he was buried in Paris and I love his poetry. This book was such a wonderful treat for me. It had me literally laughing out loud. I will absolutely be waiting for the next novel. P.S. if you hate cliffhangers be aware this ends in one.
December 9, 2020
Is it not classy to rate your own book 5 stars?
December 10, 2020
Review to come! This was amazing! Such an engaging story, I loved the small details about vampire culture, and I loved our trans man vampire protagonist. I wish it had been longer purely because I loved reading it so much, I need more! It has an ambiguous ending, and although I desperately want to know what happens next, the tone of it fit the book so well. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what this author does next!
Thanks to Netgalley and Nat Buchbinder for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and Nat Buchbinder for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
January 1, 2021
Thanks a lot to netgalley for a free ARC (though it came out december 1st and I'm kind of late) of this book. As always these are all my honest opinions.
The Mellification is a story about a vampire society. They live together and have a lot of traditions that in some cases seem quite nice, but in others actually... well they're interesting for sure. One example is the fact that when you love someone, they will be buried alive and you will have to try and find them as a sign of your love. The core value among them is patience. But the main character, Holly, is getting frustrated by how patient he is expected to be. He is supposed to receive a 'vampire name' which everyone else got, but he has no idea when he will get it and it keeps getting delayed.
Then there's also another story being told in a type of flashback. Though it wasn't always clear to me how the two were connected, I did really like reading it. Especially the way time effects it, vampires being immortal and everything.
Since it's only 200 pages I won't give away much about the plot. Even though I haven't really been a fan of vampire stories, I thought this one was really interesting. It has some actually cool cultural habits and I also really liked learning about the things vampires can and can't do.
And the main character is trans, the main romance is between two men and the other romance is a sapphic one. The way these people got to know each other and developed was hilarious and amazing to read.
The ending is kind of frustrating, I WANT MORE!!! But it's a really good fit with the dark feeling this book gives off and though I would absolutely love to read a sequel, I think it works.
The Mellification is a story about a vampire society. They live together and have a lot of traditions that in some cases seem quite nice, but in others actually... well they're interesting for sure. One example is the fact that when you love someone, they will be buried alive and you will have to try and find them as a sign of your love. The core value among them is patience. But the main character, Holly, is getting frustrated by how patient he is expected to be. He is supposed to receive a 'vampire name' which everyone else got, but he has no idea when he will get it and it keeps getting delayed.
Then there's also another story being told in a type of flashback. Though it wasn't always clear to me how the two were connected, I did really like reading it. Especially the way time effects it, vampires being immortal and everything.
Since it's only 200 pages I won't give away much about the plot. Even though I haven't really been a fan of vampire stories, I thought this one was really interesting. It has some actually cool cultural habits and I also really liked learning about the things vampires can and can't do.
And the main character is trans, the main romance is between two men and the other romance is a sapphic one. The way these people got to know each other and developed was hilarious and amazing to read.
The ending is kind of frustrating, I WANT MORE!!! But it's a really good fit with the dark feeling this book gives off and though I would absolutely love to read a sequel, I think it works.
December 12, 2020
I'm really not sure how I feel about this one. I greatly enjoyed the queer representation throughout, and the characters themselves were decent (if a little flat at times). However, the pacing was a bit rough and I always felt like I was missing just a little bit of information. I expected a bleak ending with the way the book was trending, but I'm not sure I cared much for the way it was implemented. Ultimately this was not a title I'd recommend to others without a fair bit of warning beforehand.
January 25, 2021
I'm really glad diversity breached the gates of vampire fiction because there are only that many white medieval dudes you can read about, right? Anyway, bringing in a trans character whose metamorfosis was supposed to be cemented by the vampire change was a very good move in my opinion.
The protagonist, Holly, wants to throw away his old life and start fresh as a vampire. He finds a hidden society of vampires and joins their ranks. But there is one catch. He can't understand the one value this society holds above all- patience. It can take decades until a new member gets a cool new vampire name. For a creature living centuries it seems like a blink of an eye but for Holly whose mortal life is still fresh in his memories and who feels like a new name is the only thing he needs to start his life as a man, it seems like an eternity.
The old, slow, traditional society is put into contrast with modern life Holly abandoned and it creates great tension. Holly feels like escaping this type of life is inevitable for his mental health. But nothing is easy in here and the ending is a real shocker.
I enjoyed reading about the underground society spiced up by creepy honey chambers. And as much I understand Holly being very impatient, his whining sometimes overpowered the narration and didn't leave much space for other characters and descriptions of the underground world. The beginning of the story was very strong, the ending was a super-shocker but I feel like the middle was missing something. I'd like to know more about the traditions and intrigues going on there.
The protagonist, Holly, wants to throw away his old life and start fresh as a vampire. He finds a hidden society of vampires and joins their ranks. But there is one catch. He can't understand the one value this society holds above all- patience. It can take decades until a new member gets a cool new vampire name. For a creature living centuries it seems like a blink of an eye but for Holly whose mortal life is still fresh in his memories and who feels like a new name is the only thing he needs to start his life as a man, it seems like an eternity.
The old, slow, traditional society is put into contrast with modern life Holly abandoned and it creates great tension. Holly feels like escaping this type of life is inevitable for his mental health. But nothing is easy in here and the ending is a real shocker.
I enjoyed reading about the underground society spiced up by creepy honey chambers. And as much I understand Holly being very impatient, his whining sometimes overpowered the narration and didn't leave much space for other characters and descriptions of the underground world. The beginning of the story was very strong, the ending was a super-shocker but I feel like the middle was missing something. I'd like to know more about the traditions and intrigues going on there.
January 3, 2021
I have so many questions. Why do clothes not disappear when vampires turn to bats but they do when they turn to bees? How does honey (mellification?) turn someone into a vampire? What was the point in having one character’s perspective in first person and another’s in third-person? What the hell is going to happen to Holly? To Lila? What were the motivations of the vampire hunters? What does a blood popsicle taste like? I don’t care what the answers are; I just know I wanted more questions, I wanted more of this book. The story follows two vampires: one transgender and one lesbian. I really loved that the author didn’t use this as an allegory to make a socio-political point or to express a higher meaning about the importance of acceptance. The characters were just who they were and I think this type of inclusivity is really what members of the LGBT+ community want. Why does everything have to mean something? Maybe I’m wrong and please tell me if I am. I don’t know much about this author but damn they know how to write. The only critique I could provide them would be that this book would have benefited from chapter breaks and just one omniscient narrator instead of switching perspectives. But these are personal opinions and they did not take away from the fun experience. The book ends with an amazingly rewarding climax and sets itself up for a sequel. I really really hope there is a sequel. I also really really enjoyed this book and I want you all to read it.
August 15, 2021
There are tons of original, creative, and interesting ideas in this novella! I love its unique take on a vampire society (as, admittedly, I love every unique take on a vampire society, and many cliched takes on a vampire society), and I love the idea of becoming a vampire by consuming mellified man. "Vampire utopian community turns into cultlike dictatorship", "intentionally becoming a vampire as metaphor for gender transition", "alt-right bro vampire hunters", "homoerotic relationship between enemies-turned-vampires in the Victorian era"...all these are great plot threads, and I thoroughly enjoyed parts of how they played out.
Unfortunately, THE MELLIFICATION might have too many ideas for its own good. The climax and ending seem incredibly rushed, some characters would benefit from having clearer or more developed motivations, and the subplots aren't woven into the main narrative with much elegance-- one in particular is dropped abruptly in a way that feels like an accident or like Buchbinder wasn't sure where to go with it. The pacing of the very last section also comes across as "I got bored, so I decided to wrap this thing up in a hurry." Which is a shame, because I think an ending this bleak, uncompromising, and shocking could have packed a lot more of a punch with better buildup and more time spent with the characters! Overall, this is one of those novellas that probably should have been a novel. It's also one of those novellas that could have used another editing pass to fix things like typos, awkward/accidental (?) tense changes, errors like using the word "peaked" instead of "peeked", and minor inconsistencies in character details (Holly talks about "his old priest" in a way that strongly implies he grew up Catholic early in the story, then much later he's "never been inside a Catholic confession booth", that sort of thing).
Unfortunately, THE MELLIFICATION might have too many ideas for its own good. The climax and ending seem incredibly rushed, some characters would benefit from having clearer or more developed motivations, and the subplots aren't woven into the main narrative with much elegance-- one in particular is dropped abruptly in a way that feels like an accident or like Buchbinder wasn't sure where to go with it. The pacing of the very last section also comes across as "I got bored, so I decided to wrap this thing up in a hurry." Which is a shame, because I think an ending this bleak, uncompromising, and shocking could have packed a lot more of a punch with better buildup and more time spent with the characters! Overall, this is one of those novellas that probably should have been a novel. It's also one of those novellas that could have used another editing pass to fix things like typos, awkward/accidental (?) tense changes, errors like using the word "peaked" instead of "peeked", and minor inconsistencies in character details (Holly talks about "his old priest" in a way that strongly implies he grew up Catholic early in the story, then much later he's "never been inside a Catholic confession booth", that sort of thing).
December 6, 2020
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for this review.
This was a nice, quick and easy read. The set-up was interesting, the idea of combining mellification and vampires was unique, and I liked the LGBT+ representation, which I was pleased to see extended to more than just the main (trans) character! However, this felt a little like a rollercoaster that spends a lot of time setting up a massive scare only to turn out to be a tiny hill at the end. The author spent a lot of time establishing interesting characters, backstories, vampire lore, and even incorporated a fun "jumping between different characters in different time periods" element. But the mystery and suspense of the honey, beehives, referring to the community as a "colony" literally living in hexagons with a "queen bee" in the form of Marlowe, and then eventually the shocker of both Lila in the past and Holly in the present discovering the coffin leaking honey (not to mention Marlowe's weird honey bath) all had me on the edge of my seat, making guesses about what the big conspiracy or reveal would be. But all of this suspense was let down by the ending of the book. It felt really rushed and incomplete, and a lot of seemingly random things happened that felt more like plot devices to quickly end the book than a satisfying conclusion that the rest of the book deserved. All of a sudden, this rebellious and strong willed Holly just meekly accepts this massive betrayal and getting buried? The trial itself lasted all of 2 pages, and we never even saw the resolution of some of the characters and side plots introduced earlier: what happened to Lila after Claudia left? Who was the Lizard King? What happened to Marlowe's wife? ? Was she in the coffin? What did Marlowe mean when he said the honey was how he "maintained his power"? What's the backstory??? The sudden inclusion of the clearly neo-Nazi-esque "vampire hunters" at the end was completely out of left field, not to mention the end raid scene, which felt almost like the author got tired of developing the plot and just wanted a quick and easy way to end the story already—a real shame because there was so much potential in the first half. Intriguing set-up, disappointing execution.
This was a nice, quick and easy read. The set-up was interesting, the idea of combining mellification and vampires was unique, and I liked the LGBT+ representation, which I was pleased to see extended to more than just the main (trans) character! However, this felt a little like a rollercoaster that spends a lot of time setting up a massive scare only to turn out to be a tiny hill at the end. The author spent a lot of time establishing interesting characters, backstories, vampire lore, and even incorporated a fun "jumping between different characters in different time periods" element. But the mystery and suspense of the honey, beehives, referring to the community as a "colony" literally living in hexagons with a "queen bee" in the form of Marlowe, and then eventually the shocker of both Lila in the past and Holly in the present discovering the coffin leaking honey (not to mention Marlowe's weird honey bath) all had me on the edge of my seat, making guesses about what the big conspiracy or reveal would be. But all of this suspense was let down by the ending of the book. It felt really rushed and incomplete, and a lot of seemingly random things happened that felt more like plot devices to quickly end the book than a satisfying conclusion that the rest of the book deserved. All of a sudden, this rebellious and strong willed Holly just meekly accepts this massive betrayal and getting buried? The trial itself lasted all of 2 pages, and we never even saw the resolution of some of the characters and side plots introduced earlier: what happened to Lila after Claudia left? Who was the Lizard King? What happened to Marlowe's wife? ? Was she in the coffin? What did Marlowe mean when he said the honey was how he "maintained his power"? What's the backstory??? The sudden inclusion of the clearly neo-Nazi-esque "vampire hunters" at the end was completely out of left field, not to mention the end raid scene, which felt almost like the author got tired of developing the plot and just wanted a quick and easy way to end the story already—a real shame because there was so much potential in the first half. Intriguing set-up, disappointing execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2020
loved the book. It kept me reading until i finished it in one go. I am definitely interested in reading a second part to the story. The characters felt familiar early on, which is a testament to good writing. The novel’s strengths are it’s unique take on vampires and it’s characters/representation.
The only thing I would say is, that at times the pacing felt off. a great deal happened at the end of the novel, which for that reason the ending felt rushed and somewhat unsatisfactory. However, I still loved every bit of the story and want more. ♡
The only thing I would say is, that at times the pacing felt off. a great deal happened at the end of the novel, which for that reason the ending felt rushed and somewhat unsatisfactory. However, I still loved every bit of the story and want more. ♡
December 7, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
This was a really interesting read! I liked the unique take on vampire mythology and Holly was an incredibly relatable protagonist. It was a nice quick read, but I think my one complaint was that it was maybe a little bit *too* short and ended fairly abruptly. I'm a sucker for a good dark ending though, so I'm still giving it four stars.
This was a really interesting read! I liked the unique take on vampire mythology and Holly was an incredibly relatable protagonist. It was a nice quick read, but I think my one complaint was that it was maybe a little bit *too* short and ended fairly abruptly. I'm a sucker for a good dark ending though, so I'm still giving it four stars.
November 25, 2020
This wonderful novel follows Holly, a vampire indefinitely awaiting his new name from the colony that he inhabits, as well as the other vampires in his world. It is an extremely engaging and addictive read, with a well-thought-out plot and enticing developments throughout.
I was also delighted to see so much queer representation in one book—the characters were written as humans (well, as vampires) and while their goals sometimes revolved around pursuits in relation to their identities, it never clouded the novel. It all felt so perfectly natural.
The only thing that I wish that this book could’ve done was end on a more satisfying note. Although it was an ending (and not a bad one), I feel like it could’ve been more. Otherwise, it was a beautifully written book. I look forward to reading more works by this author.
I was also delighted to see so much queer representation in one book—the characters were written as humans (well, as vampires) and while their goals sometimes revolved around pursuits in relation to their identities, it never clouded the novel. It all felt so perfectly natural.
The only thing that I wish that this book could’ve done was end on a more satisfying note. Although it was an ending (and not a bad one), I feel like it could’ve been more. Otherwise, it was a beautifully written book. I look forward to reading more works by this author.
September 6, 2023
2.5
A lot of things got set up in this book that nothing really happened with that's just left me more frustrated than anything. So, while I don't think what was in the book was bad per say, it's all that isn't in the book that I don't like. I do hate to give a negative review to self published works, (especially by queer authors, I want to see my siblings suceed) and will not be commenting on any editing errors cause they're inevitable and weren't that bad here. But I must be honest with myself, and while there were some interesting ideas here the book was overall lacking.
Instead of a standard review, here are some of the questions I would have liked expanded upon. I think if this was a full-length novel it might have had time for all of these, but otherwise, it just feels like plot holes or storylines the author forgot to finish.
1) What was the relevance of Lila? Why did she never come up in the modern age storyline? If she wasn't going to be relevant to the plot she should have been left out so we had more room to develop Holly and the society.
2) What the hell was with the honey coffin? Who was in there? My first guess was Lila, but she saw it in her storyline. Marlowe's first wife maybe? Someone that should have been important, but nothing ever happened with it, and we got 0 insight on it.
3) What is the relevance of the name change in vampire society. We understand why it is important to Holly, but within the context of the story why is it important to anyone else?
4) Why introduce the idea that Holly can turn into a swarm of bees, then not have him do that during the last act of the book ever. Or ever do it any time after the first. Genuinely think being a swarm of bees would have solved all his problems.
5) Not a question, but I did like the ending in concept but it really needed more time to breathe. I'm into a bleak ending, but this happened so fast and with so little emotional attachment that it just kinda felt bland where it should have felt like a gut punch.
A lot of things got set up in this book that nothing really happened with that's just left me more frustrated than anything. So, while I don't think what was in the book was bad per say, it's all that isn't in the book that I don't like. I do hate to give a negative review to self published works, (especially by queer authors, I want to see my siblings suceed) and will not be commenting on any editing errors cause they're inevitable and weren't that bad here. But I must be honest with myself, and while there were some interesting ideas here the book was overall lacking.
Instead of a standard review, here are some of the questions I would have liked expanded upon. I think if this was a full-length novel it might have had time for all of these, but otherwise, it just feels like plot holes or storylines the author forgot to finish.
1) What was the relevance of Lila? Why did she never come up in the modern age storyline? If she wasn't going to be relevant to the plot she should have been left out so we had more room to develop Holly and the society.
2) What the hell was with the honey coffin? Who was in there? My first guess was Lila, but she saw it in her storyline. Marlowe's first wife maybe? Someone that should have been important, but nothing ever happened with it, and we got 0 insight on it.
3) What is the relevance of the name change in vampire society. We understand why it is important to Holly, but within the context of the story why is it important to anyone else?
4) Why introduce the idea that Holly can turn into a swarm of bees, then not have him do that during the last act of the book ever. Or ever do it any time after the first. Genuinely think being a swarm of bees would have solved all his problems.
5) Not a question, but I did like the ending in concept but it really needed more time to breathe. I'm into a bleak ending, but this happened so fast and with so little emotional attachment that it just kinda felt bland where it should have felt like a gut punch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2021
The Mellification
NetGalley eARC review
NML rating: Library rental
Holly is a young transgendered vampire living in an underground vampire community. For him, becoming a vampire was his choice -- a way to escape his current situation and start over. The only thing that could make his new life better is to his vampire name, to no longer be known as "Holly".
The Mellification has the bones of a great story, but I don't think it's quiet there yet. There was too much and not enough happening simultaneously.
I look forward to reading more of Nat's work in the future and am excited to see how their writing develops.
I'd like to thank the author, IBPA, and NetGalley for this courtesy copy in exchange for an honest review.
NetGalley eARC review
NML rating: Library rental
Holly is a young transgendered vampire living in an underground vampire community. For him, becoming a vampire was his choice -- a way to escape his current situation and start over. The only thing that could make his new life better is to his vampire name, to no longer be known as "Holly".
The Mellification has the bones of a great story, but I don't think it's quiet there yet. There was too much and not enough happening simultaneously.
I look forward to reading more of Nat's work in the future and am excited to see how their writing develops.
I'd like to thank the author, IBPA, and NetGalley for this courtesy copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2021
4,5
ai meu deus, meu deus, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA EU TO BERRANDOOO
Tá bom, me acalmei e agora posso falar do livro.
Aqui a gente vai ver três histórias: a principal é do Holly, um vampiro trans que quer mudar de nome (uma coisa comum com os vampiros), mas o “chefão” diz que ele tem que esperar, mas Holly não gosta de seu nome, aí outras coisas vão acontecer além disso.
E as duas secundárias: uma nos séculos XIX e XX, onde a gente vê a Lila trollando a Claudia e a Claudia trollando a Lila (numa espécie de youtube anacrônico), depois seguindo a vida; e na outra, um grupo de jovens rapazes se prepara pra matar vampiros. Então.......
E é quase óbvio que elas vão se cruzar, então se você quiser saber como, vai ter que ler, desculpa.
Eu amei que os vampiros não são como comumente é retratado nos filmes (por exemplo, aqui eles matam as pessoas com uma faca, não mordendo, e depois sugam o sangue). Todo esse lado não é muito explorado, até porque é um livro curto, mas eu gostei bastante do que teve, por mais que fiquei com uma sensação de "quero mais".
Gostei muito do Holly e do seu namoradinho Cain, achei eles bem fofos e fiquei torcendo pra nada dar errado (kkkkk que iludido). Os personagens secundários não são maravilhosos, mas também não são horrendos.
Tirei meia estrela porque queria que a história da Lila se cruzasse mais com a do Holly, e achei o final meio corrido (queria mais descrição na cena, pois ela é muito rápida e poderia ser estendida) mas gostei do que aconteceu.
Eu li pelo Netgalley e tem no kindle unlimited. É em inglês, mas é fácil de ler, mesmo que em algumas passagens eu tive dificuldade de entender, mas nada que uma ajuda do dicionário não resolva.
ai meu deus, meu deus, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA EU TO BERRANDOOO
Tá bom, me acalmei e agora posso falar do livro.
Aqui a gente vai ver três histórias: a principal é do Holly, um vampiro trans que quer mudar de nome (uma coisa comum com os vampiros), mas o “chefão” diz que ele tem que esperar, mas Holly não gosta de seu nome, aí outras coisas vão acontecer além disso.
E as duas secundárias: uma nos séculos XIX e XX, onde a gente vê a Lila trollando a Claudia e a Claudia trollando a Lila (numa espécie de youtube anacrônico), depois seguindo a vida; e na outra, um grupo de jovens rapazes se prepara pra matar vampiros. Então.......
E é quase óbvio que elas vão se cruzar, então se você quiser saber como, vai ter que ler, desculpa.
Eu amei que os vampiros não são como comumente é retratado nos filmes (por exemplo, aqui eles matam as pessoas com uma faca, não mordendo, e depois sugam o sangue). Todo esse lado não é muito explorado, até porque é um livro curto, mas eu gostei bastante do que teve, por mais que fiquei com uma sensação de "quero mais".
Gostei muito do Holly e do seu namoradinho Cain, achei eles bem fofos e fiquei torcendo pra nada dar errado (kkkkk que iludido). Os personagens secundários não são maravilhosos, mas também não são horrendos.
Tirei meia estrela porque queria que a história da Lila se cruzasse mais com a do Holly, e achei o final meio corrido (queria mais descrição na cena, pois ela é muito rápida e poderia ser estendida) mas gostei do que aconteceu.
Eu li pelo Netgalley e tem no kindle unlimited. É em inglês, mas é fácil de ler, mesmo que em algumas passagens eu tive dificuldade de entender, mas nada que uma ajuda do dicionário não resolva.
January 13, 2021
I have a few mixed feelings about this. The things I loved, **I loved.** The Mellification follows vampire Holly, a trans vampire being forced to wait for his new masculine name from the pseudo-religious vampire leader of their community--Marlowe. Marlowe is demeaning, judgemental, and transphobic. He is not outwardly saying Holly cannot get a new name because he is trans but the thinly veiled excuses do little to cover what isn't being explicitly said. I also really liked the queer representation! Holly is in a relationship with another male vampire named Cain and there's a female side character coming to terms with her attraction to women.
I also enjoyed quite a bit of the world-building! The honey and bee connection, the honeyman, hexagonal imagery...all of it was really cool. I felt that this was a really refreshing and new (!!) take on vampirism and vampire culture.
What felt short for me unfortunately was the lack of development. When reading, I felt like there was a little bit of information right on the other side of the story that would have opened up the narrative so much for me. The characters (minus Holly) also were a little flat or one-sided, but I think this could have been rectified with some more explanation. Basically, I just wanted it to be longer. I had a lot of fun with what was here..I just wish it was a little bit more.
**I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
I also enjoyed quite a bit of the world-building! The honey and bee connection, the honeyman, hexagonal imagery...all of it was really cool. I felt that this was a really refreshing and new (!!) take on vampirism and vampire culture.
What felt short for me unfortunately was the lack of development. When reading, I felt like there was a little bit of information right on the other side of the story that would have opened up the narrative so much for me. The characters (minus Holly) also were a little flat or one-sided, but I think this could have been rectified with some more explanation. Basically, I just wanted it to be longer. I had a lot of fun with what was here..I just wish it was a little bit more.
**I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
January 14, 2021
Netgalley Review Copy
The Mellification by Nat Buchbinder
4/5
There is a vampire society, where they live together under a cemetery and have lots of vampire traditions, for example when you love someone one will be buried alive and you will have to try and find them as a sign of your love.
Their core value is patience, but out main character Holly, a transgender male vampire is growing more frustrated by the day by how patient he is expected to be. He is supposed to receive a 'vampire name' which everyone else got, but he has no idea when he will get it and it keeps getting delayed.
I wished this book was longer, this had such an interesting concept with the plot and I feel like if it had been longer then maybe some details could have been fleshed out more because being a 200 page book it did feel a little rushed and not everything was explained in full detail. For instance part of the story is told in flashbacks and I wasn't fully understanding how it connected to the present day but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. and there was this weird thing with bees and honey, which I found interesting but that wasn't fully explained either.
And the ending had be internally SCREAMING, like you really gonna end the book like that? I would definitely read the sequel if there ever will be one.
Such a fun read if you ever need a short vampire book about a transgender vampire.
The Mellification by Nat Buchbinder
4/5
There is a vampire society, where they live together under a cemetery and have lots of vampire traditions, for example when you love someone one will be buried alive and you will have to try and find them as a sign of your love.
Their core value is patience, but out main character Holly, a transgender male vampire is growing more frustrated by the day by how patient he is expected to be. He is supposed to receive a 'vampire name' which everyone else got, but he has no idea when he will get it and it keeps getting delayed.
I wished this book was longer, this had such an interesting concept with the plot and I feel like if it had been longer then maybe some details could have been fleshed out more because being a 200 page book it did feel a little rushed and not everything was explained in full detail. For instance part of the story is told in flashbacks and I wasn't fully understanding how it connected to the present day but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. and there was this weird thing with bees and honey, which I found interesting but that wasn't fully explained either.
And the ending had be internally SCREAMING, like you really gonna end the book like that? I would definitely read the sequel if there ever will be one.
Such a fun read if you ever need a short vampire book about a transgender vampire.
February 9, 2021
After hearing amazing things about this book by other trans reviewers, I was absolutely hyped but got harshly disappointed. Have we even read the same one??
The book isn't objectively bad but it was really not my thing.
It is incredibly fast paced and therefore doesn't really explore the depths and feelings of the characters. Every single scene felt incredibly rushed and the author really said "Tell, don't show".
The characters' feelings and thoughts were only described really briefly and matter-of-factly which led to me having no connection to them. I could understand Holly's struggles as a trans person wanting andnpt receiving a new name but that's about the only feeling I actually connected to and the only way in which I cared about a character.
Cain, his love interest doesn't seem to have anything appealing and the other characters were just...there.
Some positive things I liked are the last paragraphs and the world building. A vampire colony and everything connected to the honey were actually interesting and the end didn't feel as generic as I had expected.
Overall, this book was a mild waste of time to me but if you prefer extremely fast-paced, plot-heavy stories, you might like it.
The book isn't objectively bad but it was really not my thing.
It is incredibly fast paced and therefore doesn't really explore the depths and feelings of the characters. Every single scene felt incredibly rushed and the author really said "Tell, don't show".
The characters' feelings and thoughts were only described really briefly and matter-of-factly which led to me having no connection to them. I could understand Holly's struggles as a trans person wanting andnpt receiving a new name but that's about the only feeling I actually connected to and the only way in which I cared about a character.
Cain, his love interest doesn't seem to have anything appealing and the other characters were just...there.
Some positive things I liked are the last paragraphs and the world building. A vampire colony and everything connected to the honey were actually interesting and the end didn't feel as generic as I had expected.
Overall, this book was a mild waste of time to me but if you prefer extremely fast-paced, plot-heavy stories, you might like it.
February 19, 2021
**Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review**
“The Mellification” by Nat Buchbinder is a novella about Holly, a young transgender vampire who'd desperately waiting to have his name changed.
I loved how this story not only did a great job of relating the classic mythos of the vampire in a new and fun way, but also brought so many unique and interesting aspects to it, like their relations to bees and honey, and it's interesting to see how being trans and dysphoria affects a vampire.
However, I never really understood how vampires are seen from outside the community, if everyone knows about them or not. How did Holly and the hunters find out? How did he make the decision to become one? How did he know it would work?
I liked the multiple POVs, but the vampire hunter one, though central to the climax of the story, wasn't that interesting and felt a bit jarring, we could've gotten that same ending scene from the POV of Cain or the Hierophant. I never learned which vampire hunter was which.
Though I liked the lack of closure in Holly's side of the story, I wish Lila's had had more of an ending.
Overall, I rate this 4/5 stars! It was such a good and quick read.
“The Mellification” by Nat Buchbinder is a novella about Holly, a young transgender vampire who'd desperately waiting to have his name changed.
I loved how this story not only did a great job of relating the classic mythos of the vampire in a new and fun way, but also brought so many unique and interesting aspects to it, like their relations to bees and honey, and it's interesting to see how being trans and dysphoria affects a vampire.
However, I never really understood how vampires are seen from outside the community, if everyone knows about them or not. How did Holly and the hunters find out? How did he make the decision to become one? How did he know it would work?
I liked the multiple POVs, but the vampire hunter one, though central to the climax of the story, wasn't that interesting and felt a bit jarring, we could've gotten that same ending scene from the POV of Cain or the Hierophant. I never learned which vampire hunter was which.
Though I liked the lack of closure in Holly's side of the story, I wish Lila's had had more of an ending.
Overall, I rate this 4/5 stars! It was such a good and quick read.
February 12, 2021
I really loved the representation in this book and how the different identities shown were normalized by the narrators. LGBTQ vampires!! We need more of that in the world. Learning about the vampire society created and their leader was fascinating, though I would have loved a deeper dive into the history of the society. I also really enjoyed Holly and his determination and his insight and the way his insecurities haunted him.
However, it didn't feel like the story fully developed. I wanted to know more about many of the sides characters-- such as Cain and Methuselah, neither of whom were ever fully sketched out. Our second narrator's story was also not as fleshed out as Holly's, which is really disappointing as she was a much older vampire, a lesbian, and could have had more of an impact on the vampire society. I never felt any closure on her story and still don't understand why her perspective was in first person while Holly's was in third person.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the story. Though bleak, the ending was a satisfying conclusion that fit the story perfectly.
Thanks to the publisher for the free review copy!
However, it didn't feel like the story fully developed. I wanted to know more about many of the sides characters-- such as Cain and Methuselah, neither of whom were ever fully sketched out. Our second narrator's story was also not as fleshed out as Holly's, which is really disappointing as she was a much older vampire, a lesbian, and could have had more of an impact on the vampire society. I never felt any closure on her story and still don't understand why her perspective was in first person while Holly's was in third person.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the story. Though bleak, the ending was a satisfying conclusion that fit the story perfectly.
Thanks to the publisher for the free review copy!
December 18, 2020
{Copy Provided by NetGalley}
Holly is a transgender vampire living in an underground society meant to protect vampires from those meaning them harm. His greatest wish is to finally receive his new name, a traditional act done by the lead vampire, something he is refused more than once. Strange things start occurring in the colony, and the eerie story unfolds. This is a fast paced book set mostly in a New York Cemetery, with the mysterious rooms hidden underground. I liked the mythology of vampires in this world, the different perspectives (especially Lila’s), as well as the general weirdness of the story. It was really entertaining. My biggest complaints were that some of Cain (Holly’s partner)’s actions weren’t understandable and that the ending was too open und a little rushed. It is certainly a testament to the author that I wanted more of this book than I got. This is the only book I can think of in which a character turns into a swarm of bees, and I love that about it. A pleasure!
Holly is a transgender vampire living in an underground society meant to protect vampires from those meaning them harm. His greatest wish is to finally receive his new name, a traditional act done by the lead vampire, something he is refused more than once. Strange things start occurring in the colony, and the eerie story unfolds. This is a fast paced book set mostly in a New York Cemetery, with the mysterious rooms hidden underground. I liked the mythology of vampires in this world, the different perspectives (especially Lila’s), as well as the general weirdness of the story. It was really entertaining. My biggest complaints were that some of Cain (Holly’s partner)’s actions weren’t understandable and that the ending was too open und a little rushed. It is certainly a testament to the author that I wanted more of this book than I got. This is the only book I can think of in which a character turns into a swarm of bees, and I love that about it. A pleasure!
January 30, 2021
This novella felt like a snapshot of an interesting and creative world. Holly is a trans vampire who wants a new name more than anything else. His vampire community prizes patience above all else and so, Holly is left waiting even as his name reminds him of his painful past. But it isn't all bad. Holly has his lover Cain and a place that, on the surface at least, seems safe.
Intertwined with Holly's story is that of Lila Lynton whose story begins many decades before. Through her we learn about the beginning of the community Holly has joined while also learning about her lifelong feud with Claudia, a girl from her hometown.
I found both of these stories to be interesting. There is much more I want to know about these characters and this world. I love background information and having a deep understanding of the world I'm reading so I do wish there was more. It's also possible I would have a greater understanding of the world if I knew more about vampire lore.
Overall, this was a short fun read. If the author decided to write more in this world I would interested to read it.
Intertwined with Holly's story is that of Lila Lynton whose story begins many decades before. Through her we learn about the beginning of the community Holly has joined while also learning about her lifelong feud with Claudia, a girl from her hometown.
I found both of these stories to be interesting. There is much more I want to know about these characters and this world. I love background information and having a deep understanding of the world I'm reading so I do wish there was more. It's also possible I would have a greater understanding of the world if I knew more about vampire lore.
Overall, this was a short fun read. If the author decided to write more in this world I would interested to read it.
February 16, 2021
"He wanted to abide, he wanted that patient undead serenity, he wanted stoicism. and fortitude and instead all he had were complaints and tears."
My biggest complaint with this book is that it isn't long enough. It was a really interesting take on the modern vampire, and the way that cultures attempt to preserve their traditions in the face of modern forces.
Vampires are traditionally portrayed as forever unchanging and unaffected by the world around them. How does a trans vampire, who by definition needs to be able to change in order to be true to who he is, reconcile the vampires' traditional reluctance to change with his need to get his "vampire name" and ascend to his true self?
The things I loved about this, I really loved. But the ending came quickly and suddenly, and I'm left with many questions as to "what happens to_____?" "what happens with________?" "what happens after __________?"
If there's a sequel, I'll definitely check it out. If there isn't a sequel, I don't know how I'll feel about this book a few years down the road.
My biggest complaint with this book is that it isn't long enough. It was a really interesting take on the modern vampire, and the way that cultures attempt to preserve their traditions in the face of modern forces.
Vampires are traditionally portrayed as forever unchanging and unaffected by the world around them. How does a trans vampire, who by definition needs to be able to change in order to be true to who he is, reconcile the vampires' traditional reluctance to change with his need to get his "vampire name" and ascend to his true self?
The things I loved about this, I really loved. But the ending came quickly and suddenly, and I'm left with many questions as to "what happens to_____?" "what happens with________?" "what happens after __________?"
If there's a sequel, I'll definitely check it out. If there isn't a sequel, I don't know how I'll feel about this book a few years down the road.
February 23, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, courtesy of NetGalley and Nat Buchbinder
For being only 200 pages I found the vampire world of The Mellification to be as full and engrossing as a 500 page novel. The cult-like vampire world that the protagonist, Holly, lives is perfect balance of unsettling and mysterious. You understand why he’s there but also wonder how he hasn’t noticed how problematic it is.
The story is told through two main POV’s. Holly, a young ftm transgender vampire, and Lila an elder Queer vampire. Even though I myself am a trans reviewer I found myself more drawn to Lila’s story.
I unfortunately found the ending to both Lila’s and Holly’s stories to be a little rushed and left many unanswered questions. Some of the choices Holly made near the end of the book felt kind of strange and out of character, I had a tough time figuring out his motivation.
The Mellification is a perfect little bite that any fan of horror and queer stories would love to sink their teeth into.
For being only 200 pages I found the vampire world of The Mellification to be as full and engrossing as a 500 page novel. The cult-like vampire world that the protagonist, Holly, lives is perfect balance of unsettling and mysterious. You understand why he’s there but also wonder how he hasn’t noticed how problematic it is.
The story is told through two main POV’s. Holly, a young ftm transgender vampire, and Lila an elder Queer vampire. Even though I myself am a trans reviewer I found myself more drawn to Lila’s story.
I unfortunately found the ending to both Lila’s and Holly’s stories to be a little rushed and left many unanswered questions. Some of the choices Holly made near the end of the book felt kind of strange and out of character, I had a tough time figuring out his motivation.
The Mellification is a perfect little bite that any fan of horror and queer stories would love to sink their teeth into.
January 10, 2021
Oof, this book. I enjoyed this one, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it didn't hit so close to home for me as a trans guy who's just beginning my transition. It was extremely emotional, and I felt so connected to Holly as a character. I thought the world building for the vampires was interesting, and I'd have loved for the book to expand on it a bit. Especially with the side story about The Hierophant's wife and her enemy, that was an interesting bit of the book and I would have loved to know more about it and have a story about her. I thought the cutting back and forth at the beginning with the cops / vampire hunters was a bit unnecessary but I understand what it brought to the story! Overall, I think the only thing I didn't enjoy was the ending, which is why I'm giving it a 4 star rating. Which, I don't think I would have minded the ending if I hadn't felt so connected to Holly.
December 24, 2020
Another fascinating and intriguing volume into the realm of vampires, further increasing the lore of the mythic creatures. A fun, quick, and interesting read into vampire traditions through the eyes of a young Trans Vampire named Holly. All he wants in the world is to change his name to begin his new life. A name that will help erase his pasts and the last connection that ties him to his previous life as Holly. Time and time again Holly gets denied a new name in the special rites, and finally gets fed up enough to make a move. But there is an ever present danger looming over the Vampire colony. Will Holly fulfill his plans in time to free himself of his past and his name?
A great coming of age tale, suitable for anyone, slightly creepy, humorous, and absolutely fascinating.
A great coming of age tale, suitable for anyone, slightly creepy, humorous, and absolutely fascinating.
January 7, 2021
It's Gay and . . . it hits different?
This book consumed so much of my thought space until early this evening when I finished it.
Some parts felt all too relevant to the work of January 6th, 2021. and I can't decide how I feel about this depiction of what boils down to the "radical right because while they are shown to be a danger, in some ways, it felt like we were making light of a severe problem.
The world built by Buchbinder feels so real, and I was left wanting to know more about this society and other colonies that theoretically exist. There is so much happening that it drags you in...
The come-up is startlingly quick and leaves you with more questions than answers about just about everything we are shown. But I suppose not knowing is its own act of patience.."
This book consumed so much of my thought space until early this evening when I finished it.
Some parts felt all too relevant to the work of January 6th, 2021. and I can't decide how I feel about this depiction of what boils down to the "radical right because while they are shown to be a danger, in some ways, it felt like we were making light of a severe problem.
The world built by Buchbinder feels so real, and I was left wanting to know more about this society and other colonies that theoretically exist. There is so much happening that it drags you in...
The come-up is startlingly quick and leaves you with more questions than answers about just about everything we are shown. But I suppose not knowing is its own act of patience.."
February 16, 2021
Concept: Dealing with Transgender rights as a vampire.
This is unique and literally so overdue. I hadn't experienced this before I really enjoyed it. The idea was really fitting, that no matter how forward-thinking someone (even vampire society is) they can forget how important things are.
TW: Deadnaming
I was very uncomfortable because the main character was forced to go by their dead name and I think that was a point; they have to struggle and be uncomfortable being called that and we should feel it with them.
While I loved the concept, there was a lot of pointless storytelling; the female vampire, the hunters, randomly being thrown in in the middle and the ending. There was no build-up; it felt rushed and uneventful.
This is unique and literally so overdue. I hadn't experienced this before I really enjoyed it. The idea was really fitting, that no matter how forward-thinking someone (even vampire society is) they can forget how important things are.
TW: Deadnaming
I was very uncomfortable because the main character was forced to go by their dead name and I think that was a point; they have to struggle and be uncomfortable being called that and we should feel it with them.
While I loved the concept, there was a lot of pointless storytelling; the female vampire, the hunters, randomly being thrown in in the middle and the ending. There was no build-up; it felt rushed and uneventful.
August 10, 2023
It's Gay and . . . it hits different?
This book consumed so much of my thought space until early this evening when I finished it.
Some parts felt all too relevant to the work of January 6th, 2021. and I can't decide how I feel about this depiction of what boils down to the "radical right because while they are shown to be a danger, in some ways, it felt like we were making light of a severe problem.
The world built by Buchbinder feels so real, and I was left wanting to know more about this society and other colonies that theoretically exist. There is so much happening that it drags you in...
The come-up is startlingly quick and leaves you with more questions than answers about just about everything we are shown. But I suppose not knowing is its own act of patience.."
This book consumed so much of my thought space until early this evening when I finished it.
Some parts felt all too relevant to the work of January 6th, 2021. and I can't decide how I feel about this depiction of what boils down to the "radical right because while they are shown to be a danger, in some ways, it felt like we were making light of a severe problem.
The world built by Buchbinder feels so real, and I was left wanting to know more about this society and other colonies that theoretically exist. There is so much happening that it drags you in...
The come-up is startlingly quick and leaves you with more questions than answers about just about everything we are shown. But I suppose not knowing is its own act of patience.."
December 28, 2020
Nat Bunchbinder takes an experience a lot of trans folks have witnessed (the changing of names) and is able to give it new life, albeit undead one as a fresh vampire story about navigating identity, community and traditions. This story is full of promise and thankfully delivers on that. It is charming and lovingly crafted that feels easy to read in the best of ways.
My only concern is this book feels abrupt and unfinished as it ends without real resolution of characters and plotlines. I imagine future books would rectify that feeling, but as a standalone it is an issue.
Still on the whole a fun read with great promise. I look forward to more.
My only concern is this book feels abrupt and unfinished as it ends without real resolution of characters and plotlines. I imagine future books would rectify that feeling, but as a standalone it is an issue.
Still on the whole a fun read with great promise. I look forward to more.
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