ROBIN BROWN
Vampire Metropolis throws you right into the mix as soon as Caiden finds himself on the ground—literally. Caiden is nineteen, but of course, he’s a vampire who lived for two hundred years before getting dumped out of a plane and into the supernatural prison city that keeps all the creatures the humans in this world would rather not handle themselves. The way the series’ world just kicks in the moment you open the novel: Vampire City is a dirty and shattered-up land that’s been divided into a series of competing boroughs, all of which are ruled by The Vampire Overlords, as well as elves, goblins, and halflings who are all struggling to get by in this dirty supernatural Asian city as seen through the lens of Caiden.
What is exciting about it, however, is Caiden. His point of view is done with a dry and sharp tone that is excellent because it stops the story from going too dark, even under some really dark circumstances. He finds that he must work with an elf leader who has some dodgy morals but is generally working for the good, with a vampire warrior who has no moral issues at all with blood and death, with goblins running scams on the underbelly of the city, with an unfortunate halfling who has no luck at all getting him into trouble and out of trouble, and finally with Alma—a vampire girl who is just too different for what will pass as a regular vampire and will not make a good meal for the ruling class at all.
Then the second half of the book kicks into high gear as the different boroughs and agencies come into play, and this is where the story will either fully resonate with you or become a bit too much. The showdown and the politics stretch on for a very long time, and while there are certainly plenty of great elements of action, at times it feels as though the endgame of the book is playing out for the better part of the fourth quarter. Furthermore, a little insight into the particulars of how the human elements of the story are establishing and succeeding at this prison city construct would be a welcome addition. However, as a brand-new and very fast-paced entry into the world of urban fantasy, this is a great deal of fun.
The Goods:
– Original vampire mythos combined with an added backdrop of a prison city surrounded by walls
– There is wit depicted through the commentary of Caiden that lessens the darkness that pervades the story.
– Strong non-human characters who exude the idea of an imperfect but lovable family unit
The Bads:
– There is quite an extensive final battle/political showdown, and at times it does feel a little drawn out for an ending
– There could have been more world-building in relation to how or why humans maintain the existence of Vampire City
– A longer focus on action may not be what you want if you enjoy a more condensed period of brief action encounters.
I would definitely suggest *Vampire Metropolis* to readers who enjoy a healthy dose of snarky storytelling, with a focus on characters and a richly drawn setting. Vampires, elves, goblins, and other outcasts are a vital part of the makeup of *Vampire Metropolis* as well, and those with an interest in supernatural cities, politics, and those fighting against overwhelming odds from those they consider to be overlords may find themselves enjoying it immensely.
Every book hits differently for every reader.
Thanks for reading my review.
– Corey
