fourwhitetrees's review
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kafkaesquekhadds's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
apalershadeofwhite's review against another edition
3.0
This book is definitely heavy in political and cultural context, especially when you remember that the two speculations for the real author are two white men.
Despite that, I still enjoyed the book. I'm a bit fan of the weird and slightly gory, so this book was right up my alley! It was much different from other vampire literature I've read as it is very explicitly with its monstrosities and doesn't hide anything.
Despite that, I still enjoyed the book. I'm a bit fan of the weird and slightly gory, so this book was right up my alley! It was much different from other vampire literature I've read as it is very explicitly with its monstrosities and doesn't hide anything.
erikwmj's review
challenging
dark
fast-paced
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Child death
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Violence
chellareads's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The Black Vampyre is the first Black vampire text and therefore interesting within the timeline of vampire fiction.
It isn't particularly well-written, but the story of a murdered slave returning as a vampire to wreak revenge upon his former owner is compelling.
The themes of abolition, the immortality of slavery and capitalism are clear. It's also notable for giving agency to the enslaved and recognising the power of self-liberation among enslaved people by setting it in Haiti and incorporating obeah practices.
It's an interesting read for historical reasons, rather than a gripping yarn.
It isn't particularly well-written, but the story of a murdered slave returning as a vampire to wreak revenge upon his former owner is compelling.
The themes of abolition, the immortality of slavery and capitalism are clear. It's also notable for giving agency to the enslaved and recognising the power of self-liberation among enslaved people by setting it in Haiti and incorporating obeah practices.
It's an interesting read for historical reasons, rather than a gripping yarn.