Epeolatry Book Review: Creatures of the Night: Vicious Vampire Tales by Simon Clark, Kevin J. Kennedy, and Gord Rollo
Disclosure:
Our reviews may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the links in this article we may receive a small commission or referral fee. This happens without any additional cost to you.
Title: Creatures of the Night: Vicious Vampire Tales
Authors: Simon Clark, Kevin J. Kennedy, and Gord Rollo
Publisher: Crystal Lake Publishing
Genre: Horror
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Synopsis: Immerse yourself in a world of terror and darkness with three vampire horror novellas.
“Return of the Blood-Feeders” by Simon Clark: Viking vampires, and their latest vicious recruits, swarm through tunnels beneath the present-day town of Leppington. The Norse gods have created a Vampyrrhic army to wreak vengeance on people that turned their backs on Odin. Just two fragile humans stand in their way—a down-at-heel drifter who is struggling to recover from a severe head injury, and a dreamer with a drink problem. Together, they must become extraordinary. Together, they must defeat something that is much, much worse than vampires.
‘Return of the Blood-Feeders’ is set in the world of Simon’s Vampyrrhic series of novels.
“Perspective” by Kevin J. Kennedy: “This is a story of my re-awakening, and vampires.” A couple’s lives are thrown into turmoil when a body is dumped at their door. The vampires are catapulted into a blood-drenched journey to the gates of hell. Fortunately, they have some werewolf friends who want to come along for the ride.
“Beneath Still Waters” by Gord Rollo: On May 16, 2020, disaster struck the small Canadian mining town of Beckley, Nova Scotia. An explosion deep in Shaft 3 unleashed a massive torrent of water from an underground stream, quickly flooding the lower levels and dooming the workers below. Sixty-five people lost their lives that night, the tragedy one of the worst mining disasters in the province’s history. The Red Spruce Gypsum Mine would never reopen.
The town tried to turn the heartbreak into something positive, converting the flooded quarry into a natural swimming hole for people to cool off in during the hot summer months. But something has awakened from within the abandoned mine shafts and staked its territory in the deepest part of the lake. Something ancient. Something savage. Something hungry…
If you’re a fan of extreme horror books, gothic suspense, and supernatural terror, this collection is your gateway to fear. Dive into these suspenseful gothic horror novellas and discover why this horror anthology is a must-read for lovers of vampire fiction.
Don’t miss out on this dark adventure. Order your copy now and let the nightmares begin!
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.
A Trio of Terrifying Tales: Creatures of the Night Delivers on Vampire Horror
Creatures of the Night: Vicious Vampire Tales (Book 17 in the Dark Tide Horror Novellas series) is a sharp, blood-soaked anthology showcasing three novella-length explorations of vampire lore. With contributions from Simon Clark, Kevin J. Kennedy, and Gord Rollo, this collection offers an exhilarating variety of styles and settings. From Norse mythology and underground horrors to modern werewolves and a haunting Canadian lake, these stories breathe new life into vampire fiction while embracing their dark, savage roots.
“Return of the Blood-Feeders” by Simon Clark
Clark’s story dives into the world of Viking vampires in the tunnels beneath modern-day Leppington. His blend of Norse mythology and gothic horror sets a distinct tone, and the unreliable narrator, Karl, adds a compelling layer to the narrative. While some readers may find the story’s climactic monster a bit over-the-top, it’s undeniably action-packed and brimming with tension. Clark’s atmospheric prose and exploration of memory, trauma, and resilience make it a solid opening for the collection.
“Perspective” by Kevin J. Kennedy
Kennedy’s tale of a vampire couple thrown into a blood-drenched battle is a thrilling mix of action, drama, and dark humor. The inclusion of werewolf allies and a demonic adversary raises the stakes, leading to an epic and brutal finale. Kennedy’s ability to humanize his vampires while showcasing their monstrous sides is a standout feature. For fans of cinematic, high-octane horror, this story will be a particular delight.
“Beneath Still Waters” by Gord Rollo
The crown jewel of the collection, Rollo’s novella blends small-town tragedy, Indigenous folklore, and underwater terror into a nerve-wracking story. Set in a mining town transformed by disaster, the tale’s claustrophobic dives and chilling monster encounters are masterfully executed. Rollo’s imaginative take on vampirism as an aquatic, soul-devouring entity sets this story apart, making it both memorable and uniquely unsettling.
My final thoughts really say that Creatures of the Night proves that there’s still plenty of life—and death—in vampire tales.
Each novella in Creatures of the Night brings something unique to the table, offering readers a mix of mythological intrigue, character-driven drama, and heart-pounding terror. While the pacing varies due to the differing lengths of the stories, the anthology as a whole is a strong addition to the Dark Tide Horror Novellas series. Whether you’re a seasoned vampire enthusiast or a fan of supernatural horror, this collection delivers plenty of thrills, chills, and fresh perspectives on a classic creature.
/5
Available from Amazon.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Stuart Conover is a father, husband, published author, blogger, geek, entrepreneur, horror fanatic, and runs a few websites including Horror Tree!
