Book

Jane Slayre

by Sherri Browning Erwin

📖 Overview

Jane Slayre is a supernatural reimagining of Charlotte Brontë's classic Jane Eyre. This parody novel follows Jane, a vampire slayer who must navigate both her destiny as a warrior and her position as a governess in Victorian England. The story maintains the gothic romance of the original while incorporating vampires, zombies, and werewolves into the narrative. Jane's journey from Lowood School to Thornfield Hall includes combat training and battles with supernatural creatures alongside the familiar beats of the classic tale. Rochester's secrets take on new dimensions in this monster-filled version, as Jane faces challenges both personal and paranormal. The relationship between Jane and Rochester develops against a backdrop of increasing supernatural danger. The novel explores themes of duty versus desire, and how one's calling can complicate matters of the heart. Through its blend of classic literature and horror elements, the book examines Victorian social constraints through a fresh lens.

👀 Reviews

Readers appreciate this mashup for maintaining the original Jane Eyre's gothic tone while incorporating supernatural elements. Many note that the vampire/zombie additions feel natural within Brontë's world rather than forced. Fans highlight the humor and clever wordplay, with several pointing to the comedic timing of monster encounters. Multiple reviews mention that familiarity with Jane Eyre enhances enjoyment but isn't required. Common criticisms include slow pacing in the middle sections and some awkward transitions between classic and horror elements. Several readers felt the zombie segments grew repetitive. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (180+ ratings) "Manages to honor the source material while having fun with it" - Goodreads reviewer "The monster additions actually emphasize the original themes of power and independence" - Amazon review "Drags in parts where it tries too hard to stick to the original plot" - LibraryThing review

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Little Vampire Women by Lynn Messina The March sisters navigate their lives as vampires while maintaining their familial bonds during the Civil War era.

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Ben H. Winters The Dashwood sisters face tentacled monsters and underwater adventures while searching for love and security in Regency England.

Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter by A.E. Moorat Queen Victoria leads a double life as Britain's monarch and protector against supernatural forces that threaten her empire.

🤔 Interesting facts

🦇 Jane Slayre blends Charlotte Brontë's classic Jane Eyre with supernatural elements, reimagining Jane as a vampire and zombie slayer trained by warrior priests. 🏰 Author Sherri Browning Erwin wrote the novel as part of the literary mashup trend that followed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, published in 2009. 📚 The book maintains much of the original Gothic romance's dialogue and plot structure while weaving in action sequences featuring supernatural creatures. 🗡️ In this version, Rochester's attic-dwelling wife Bertha is a vampire queen rather than simply a madwoman, giving new meaning to the "dark secret" he keeps hidden away. 🌹 The novel includes a training montage where Jane learns to fight at Lowood Institution, transforming the original story's strict boarding school into a preparation ground for supernatural warfare.