miaandherbooks's review against another edition
4.25
not quite sure how i feel about the idea of rewriting such a sensitive part of history, but either way, it was done incredibly well!
mushroom55's review against another edition
2.0
I loved the idea of the book, but I don't like how it was executed. It took so long before I felt that something was actually happening. For almost the entire book, the text/story felt like something was getting ready to happen soon (within a chapter or 2) and it didn't. The whole book was fairly anticlimactic; although the ending was good.
library_bookwyrm's review against another edition
5.0
Grahame-Smith, Seth. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. New York : Grand Central Pub., 2010.
Seth Grahame-Smith, author of the best-selling novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, follows up with the wholly original Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.¹ When the fictionalized version of the author receives a mysterious package containing the secret journals of the former president, his world is turned upside down. His purpose in life becomes the creation of a new biography of Lincoln, detailing the president's war against vicious vampires with their own plans for the still-young America.
The story employs the structure of a biography - alternating straightforward observations of the "facts" with personal and emotional "excerpts" from journals and correspondence - which pulls the reader through an engrossing tale that moves from detailing the lush scenery to vivid descriptions of violent battles. People we recognize from history classes come brilliantly to life, managing to be both familiar and disturbingly “other” than we had imagined. Rich with historical details, the story is nevertheless action-oriented. Grahame-Smith gives us a story interweaving fact and fantasy that is completely believable while remaining frankly impossible. Framed by the issue of slavery, the spreading young nation, and the bloodiness of the Civil War, this gritty horror is sure to please those looking for dark fantasy in a historical setting.
¹Author information taken from his website: http://sethgrahamesmith.com/
Seth Grahame-Smith, author of the best-selling novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, follows up with the wholly original Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.¹ When the fictionalized version of the author receives a mysterious package containing the secret journals of the former president, his world is turned upside down. His purpose in life becomes the creation of a new biography of Lincoln, detailing the president's war against vicious vampires with their own plans for the still-young America.
The story employs the structure of a biography - alternating straightforward observations of the "facts" with personal and emotional "excerpts" from journals and correspondence - which pulls the reader through an engrossing tale that moves from detailing the lush scenery to vivid descriptions of violent battles. People we recognize from history classes come brilliantly to life, managing to be both familiar and disturbingly “other” than we had imagined. Rich with historical details, the story is nevertheless action-oriented. Grahame-Smith gives us a story interweaving fact and fantasy that is completely believable while remaining frankly impossible. Framed by the issue of slavery, the spreading young nation, and the bloodiness of the Civil War, this gritty horror is sure to please those looking for dark fantasy in a historical setting.
¹Author information taken from his website: http://sethgrahamesmith.com/
jehsface's review against another edition
5.0
If you pick up one book to read just out of sheer curiosity this year, I hope it's this one. This book was great.
The book felt so effortless, everything flowed so well together. It's no easy feat convincing people that Abraham Lincoln was actually a vampire-hunter, but this book does it, and it's not some comical thing, it seems real, and serious. It's a great dramatic read, which even has some really sad moments.
I was just seriously blown away by this book, the way it combined history with this fantastical other side was spectacular. Seriously, I want to give this book to everyone I know and let them read it and love it as much as I do.
This is the first book I've read by Seth Grahame-Smith, but I'm definitely keen to read more by him now.
The book felt so effortless, everything flowed so well together. It's no easy feat convincing people that Abraham Lincoln was actually a vampire-hunter, but this book does it, and it's not some comical thing, it seems real, and serious. It's a great dramatic read, which even has some really sad moments.
I was just seriously blown away by this book, the way it combined history with this fantastical other side was spectacular. Seriously, I want to give this book to everyone I know and let them read it and love it as much as I do.
This is the first book I've read by Seth Grahame-Smith, but I'm definitely keen to read more by him now.
shiradest's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a very good read!
Excellent story, well-imagined, and if you replace the word vampire with monied-interests, you have a perfect description of the problems in our current political system. Excellent referrences to Dr. King and veiled references to modern-day Human Rights and Civil Rights issues which have their roots in pre-Emancipation era history and politics. Fascinating, particularly the last page... A must read!
S. Destinie
Posted Thu Apr 24 2014 (Meow Date Monday, April 23. 12014 H.E.), but read May 9th, 2010 (which was MEOW Date Tuesday May 7th, 12010 HE)...
Excellent story, well-imagined, and if you replace the word vampire with monied-interests, you have a perfect description of the problems in our current political system. Excellent referrences to Dr. King and veiled references to modern-day Human Rights and Civil Rights issues which have their roots in pre-Emancipation era history and politics. Fascinating, particularly the last page... A must read!
S. Destinie
Posted Thu Apr 24 2014 (Meow Date Monday, April 23. 12014 H.E.), but read May 9th, 2010 (which was MEOW Date Tuesday May 7th, 12010 HE)...
nonsensetwice's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, an entertaining read. I felt, however, that the author took certain liberties which weren't in line with the overall concept.
leighmowzer's review against another edition
1.0
Not my thing, way too much history and not enough vampire killing. Nope.
passifloraincarnata's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Not really my genre, but well-written and deeply funny, nonetheless. Abe Lincoln and the Civil War, reimagined as a battle for freedom... from vampires. The author does a spot-on impersonation of Lincoln's voice, which is what sells the whole thing. Still, by the end I had lost interest and just skimmed it. Clearly there's a sequel or prequel (or both) being set up... and I won't be reading it.
kayiappl's review against another edition
4.0
Captivating writing style, loved the mix of accurate and fiction together to tell the story
mokey81's review against another edition
4.0
This was an incredible book. Certainly better than Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The author did an amazing job of creating a story that is completely believable. Enjoy the journey of getting to know one of America's greatest presidents as he fights against vampires. There were parts I felt it was a little slow, but overall, I was impressed with the writing as well as the idea behind the novel.