Guest review: The President’s Vampire
I’m happy to welcome my sister, Karen, back with another guest review. I really enjoy her reviews, even when she reads genres I don’t normally explore, and hope you do too.
Nathaniel Cade has been around a long time. That’s because he’s a vampire. Not your usual vampire though. Not long after being made, he agrees to be bound to the President of the United States, to serve him and protect the country from all threats. A voodoo priestess seals the deal by mingling Cade’s blood with blood taken from the bullet that felled Abraham Lincoln. Cade is a very powerful vampire. Government scientists that have studied him speculate that he was made by a very old, king vampire. Besides possessing super strength and speed, Cade is dedicated and loyal, a vampire you would very much like to have on your side. Zach Barrows is the liaison between the President and Cade. Zach isn’t exactly thrilled with the job he’s been given. A man with political ambitions, he sees this job as career ending. Together the two work to keep the United States, its President, and its citizens safe.
The latest threat to the country, and the whole world for that matter, appears to be “Snakeheads.” A sort of mutant reptile/amphibian/marine creature, they’re made from humans infected with a certain virus. How to stop the snakeheads, keep the virus from spreading and finding who is responsible is Cade’s newest mission.
When I began reading The President’s Vampire by Christopher Farnsworth and discovered what Cade was up against, my first thought was how creepy; I’m not going to like this book. To my surprise I did. I liked it quite a lot. There’s lots of action, some of it a bit grisly, that helps to move the story right along. The characters are quite likable. The quiet, stoic and very brave Cade is somewhat of a mystery. I would have liked to know a lot more about him. This is Farnsworth’s second Nathaniel Cade novel so perhaps there is more of his background revealed in the first book. I found Cade’s handler, Zachary Barrows, especially appealing. He is every bit as dedicated and brave as Cade, but his human foibles and constant wisecracking make him a compelling character. I think anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction will want to read this entertaining book.
Yay! Glad to see Karen back! I have this book, and haven’t yet gotten the chance to read it. It sounds like one that I might like, so I will have to move it up in the pile. Great review. I am looking forward to this one now!
I love it when I end up liking a book I didn’t think I would at the beginning
Glad this was the case for you!
Not exactly my genre either but every once in awhile it’s nice to read something outside of my comfort zone.
I liked the premise of this book and I liked the chapter headings (vampire info) but otherwise thought it was a little over the top. Great premise though and great review!
Interesting premise, after reading Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter on a family trip it’s funny to hear a vampire bound to the president from a bullet from his assassination. I just can’t do the whole vampire thing but if I was going to this would be one I think I’d pick. Great to have Karen back.
Not one I probably would have picked up but when you say you were surprised that you liked it – that makes me curious….
Welcome back Karen!
Thanks for sharing this review, glad you ended up liking it.
Great review
Sounds ok, and certainly a cool title
I was about to say, sounds like your sister and I have one genre in common. I love vampire novels, and this one does sound interesting…unlike some of the other vampire fiction out on the market. Thanks for the great review. I wonder what the first book is like.
I really enjoyed this one too. I’m actually making my husband read it now.
This one looks good! I’ve got in on my TBR list and I’m looking forward to working my way down to it.
Kathy, this sounds like an unlikely choice, but you liked it! I probably would, too. Very nice review!
When I first opened this I thought you had finally dived into the vampire swimming pool…
This book sounds really good!!!
I haven’t read a vampire book since Twilight (just the first one) but this one looks like one I could sink my teeth into
Maybe I’ll look for the first one. Great review, Karen!
Snakeheads sound so creepy! There are very few vampire novels that I’ve actually enjoyed – I think I might give this a try.
Thank You for the review!
That is an interesting and different premise for a vampire story. I am a sucker for a new twist on the vampire theme.
-jehara
I don’t read a lot of vampire stuff… just the Ann Rice novels. This sounds a little different and I do like an occasional fantasy so maybe someday I’ll pick it up.
Now, I thought I wasn’t in the mood for vampires but your sister has piqued my interest in this one. This one sounds special. I try hunting for this one. Thanks for the review!
Nice review Karen!
It’s always a good feeling when a book surprises you like that. Sounds like this one is a keeper
Thanks for such a great review of this one. I never heard of this author or book until reading your review. It actually sounds like one I would read.
Thanks for another great review Karen…I haven’t heard of this before but it sounds really good and I’m adding it to my wish list.
I read the first book in this trilogy and really enjoyed it a lot. I didn’t know that the second book was out already. I am going to have to pick it up ASAP. Thanks for sharing this review! I agree with your sister: both Cade and Barrows are very likable intriguing characters and I really enjoyed learning more about them as I read along. The action at times was a bit too much for me, but I can see its appeal to other readers and it does give the book a very quick pace.