Blood and Rust

by S.A. Swiniarski

FINALLY BACK IN PRINT AND IN A SINGLE VOLUME-TWO NOVELS FEATURING VAMPIRES IN CLEVELAND

Finally back in print, Raven and The Flesh, The Blood, and The Fire are two boundary-breaking novels set in Cleveland, Ohio-but is this an average American city with hardworking families striving to fulfill the American dream-or the kind of town where death is anything but final and one's neighbors may not be as normal as they seem?

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Fiction

640 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

S.A. Swiniarski is a pseudonym of S. Andrew Swann (or perhaps an anti-pseudonym, as S. Andrew Swann is in turn the pseudonym of Steven Swiniarski).

Reviews

[Scott Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first of the two novels in this collection was OK--bit of a rehash of contemporary vampire fiction (shadow society with intricate heirarchy), plus rather overdone characters and some dubious biology explaining vampirism. If you've spent any time in Cleveland, the image of vampires rampaging through the Arabica coffee house in Cleveland Heights is pretty entertaining, though.

Enjoyed the second novel more. The weaving of the vampire story in with notable events in Cleveland history of the 30's and 40s' was nicely done. Also enjoyed the characters more in this one. Worth reading if you're a big vampire fan, or a moderate vampire fan who's familiar with the city.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I've rated Raven separately and gave it three stars (too much Poe, too little side character development, many unanswered questions, who dun it reveal)

So this is more a review of my impressions of book two. I feel that this one had the cop drama, the super villain, well developed characters, answered questions, a pulpy horror feel, some gore and existential crises, and an ending that packed a punch. It's not the best book I've read, but I really do appreciate it as a whole. I feel it was a vampire novel done well. It's not all about sexual tension of the wonder of being a vampire, but it's not all "I'm a vampire hunter here to purge the scum". Stefan getting free of Melchior's influence was a nice touch. The good guys failing all through the book to make any progress was st times frustrating, but can be assumed to have been appropriate, ie no magic good guy who just gets things right. The end was a bit of a neatly bundled package, and I'm somewhat surprised Melchior didn't see it coming... but I'm glad Nuri survived at least...

[Dwayne Baird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book and both stories. The author kept my attention with his knowledge of my hometown. Its pretty much like most vampire tales, but it was worth my time. Wish the author would continue that first storyline into series

[Susanne (Pages of Crime) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yuck

[Lindig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly well-done but same old same old.