Vampires Don't Exist (AKA Dead Seed)
By Reyanne Vance
2006
Published by LuLu.com
Reviewed by Ash Arceneaux
Aralyn, a young mortal woman, is thrust into a horrifying life as the object of a vampire master's obsession. Can she maintain her humanity, or will she choose to conform?... As I read the story and researched Ms. Vance, I realized a few things- she has talent, and she's written a novel with a decent plot. While the vampires are maybe a touch too stereotypical and the rules of their existence don't really make sense, the simple plot is one that works. Vance's hand at creating believable imagery and her ability to set a scene are evident, even though the method of delivery is stilted and lacks a certain level of maturity.
The plot- a young woman kidnapped by vampires and forced to live as a sex slave to their master, and who is ultimately brainwashed into falling in love with him and bearing a child- is, in my humble opinion, a nice change from the usual same-old, same-old vampire stories.
I believe Ms. Vance could have delved deeper into her characters. Some main characters made unbelievable (as is, I didn't buy it for a second) personality arcs, while others stayed virtually the same. Their actions belied their words, therefore making me wonder if it was intentional on Vance's part, or just a tiny little plot hole. The relationship between Aimeric and Aralyn could have been so much darker and disturbing.
A lot of the problems with this book seem to come from the author's level of writing-maturity, if there is such a thing. I honestly believe Ms. Vance has a great future in horror writing.
Vampires Don't Exist takes the reader on a long (sometimes too long!) journey into a dark, horrific world of domination, disgust, and damnation. Ignore the eighties' vampire movies and novels that come to mind as you read, and enjoy.
