While I don’t typically read vampire stories, knowing that 
Zaplendam is a skilled writer, I was eager to read Order of the Blood: The Unofficial Chronicles of John Grissom. I anticipated an engaging story, and I wasn’t disappointed!
Zaplendam did a wonderful job of seizing my interest from the start, weaving an intriguing and clever tale endowed with original characters that I became highly invested in. The plot is strong and layered with twists and rich character development. The dialogue is crisp, witty, and entertaining.
John Grissom, a young man of Regency England, is striving to discover a cure for vampirism. The stakes are high, as he himself has been inflicted. Yet oddly, he isn’t like other vampires endowed with super strength, speed, and night vision. He can even withstand sunlight. But as a Catholic vampire with a conscience, he’s in an extremely complex situation; and his humanism and sense of right and wrong war with his vampirism. Plagued by a repulsive thirst for blood, he must be constantly alert lest he succumb to temptation. And temptations abound.
Miss Henrietta Isherwood, his lovely new lab assistant, is no shrinking violet (even with a father who’s been turned to a vampire). Every bit the lady, she’s intelligent and intrepid without being overbearing. John’s and Henrietta’s interactions lend humor, depth, and spark to the story. An underlying attraction flits between them, yet a strong sense of propriety, professionalism–and, of course, vampirism–challenges their relationship.
Meanwhile, a top vampire, the evil Mr. Waite, is heading a terrible conspiracy that threatens the entire country. While John may seem an unlikely choice to take Waite down, he rises to the task and pairs up with a formidable vampire hunter.
Even though Order of the Blood holds plenty of danger and suspense, the story never became too dark for my enjoyment. My favorite scene is a chilling one in which circumstances confine John and Henrietta together as an unspeakable, horrible decision overshadows them. Their vulnerability and concern for one another is particularly moving under the pressure of their shocking circumstances.
Zaplendam did a remarkable job of writing this entire novel from John’s viewpoint. The setting and details struck me as historically authentic and well-researched. Above all, I admire the way the author used a vampire story (without being repulsive) to tell an exciting tale with real substance, one that makes readers ponder moral truths and, in particular, to consider what really makes a monster.
While this book is not overtly Catholic, the main character is Catholic, the author is Catholic, and the novel is completely compatible with the sensibilities of a Catholic reader.
You’ll be delighted, as I was, to learn that Order of the Blood is the first of a planned series by Zaplendam, because by the book’s end, you won’t want to say goodbye to John or Henrietta. For anyone who is considering picking up a vampire story, this one–graced with depth and morality–is the perfect one to choose!
Order of the Blood is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.
