Book

Blood Brothers

📖 Overview

Blood Brothers follows twin brothers Nathan and Nestor growing up in a post-vampire world called Starside/Sunside. The sons of legendary Necroscope Harry Keogh and a Szgany woman named Nana Kiklu, they possess unique abilities including the power to communicate with the dead and strange connections to wild wolves. In a distant eastern region called Turgosheim, a different reality exists where vampire lords still maintain dominion over the local Szgany tribes. The vampire-controlled territory operates under a strict tithe system, forcing the human population to provide "volunteers" for vampire use. The narrative tracks multiple storylines, including the twins' complex relationship as they mature, their supernatural abilities, and a group of travelers attempting to escape Turgosheim. These parallel stories explore themes of brotherhood, power, and the lasting impact of generational conflict in a world shaped by supernatural forces. The novel examines how familial bonds can both strengthen and fracture under extreme circumstances, while continuing the series' broader exploration of the relationship between humans and vampires. It builds on established Necroscope mythology while introducing new dimensions to this dark fantasy universe.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe Blood Brothers as an entertaining vampire tale that deviates from Lumley's usual Necroscope style. Many note it works well as a standalone novel. Positive reviews highlight: - Fast-paced action sequences - The unique take on vampire mythology - Character development between the two brothers - The balance of horror and dark humor Common criticisms: - Predictable plot elements - Overuse of coincidences to drive the story - Some find the writing style repetitive - Less depth than Lumley's other works Average Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (80+ reviews) One reader on Goodreads notes: "A fun vampire romp, but don't expect the complexity of the Necroscope series." An Amazon reviewer states: "The brother relationship kept me invested, even when the plot felt formulaic."

📚 Similar books

Salem's Lot by Stephen King A vampire establishes dominion over a small town while a writer and local residents fight to survive the growing undead threat.

The Strain by Guillermo del Toro A CDC doctor discovers a vampire plague spreading through Manhattan while uncovering an ancient blood-drinking conspiracy.

Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist A bullied boy forms a connection with a child vampire in a Swedish suburb as bodies pile up and secrets unravel.

They Thirst by Robert R. McCammon A master vampire transforms Los Angeles into a feeding ground while a police captain leads the resistance against the spreading darkness.

The Light at the End by John Skipp, Craig Spector A vampire stalks the New York subway system while a group of people band together to stop the underground terror.

🤔 Interesting facts

🦇 The Necroscope series has sold over 3 million copies worldwide, with Blood Brothers being a pivotal turning point in the franchise. 🐺 The wolf mythology in Blood Brothers draws from Romanian folklore, where wolves were believed to be able to see and fight evil spirits. 🌓 The Starside/Sunside concept was inspired by a hypothetical tidally locked planet, where one side eternally faces its sun while the other remains in darkness. 📚 Brian Lumley began his writing career while serving in the British Army's Royal Military Police, often writing during night watch duties. 🧛‍♂️ The vampire mythology in Blood Brothers differs significantly from traditional Western vampire lore, incorporating elements from Eastern European folklore and Lumley's own unique innovations.