The Soulless: Book One in the Lords of Darkness Series (Lords of Darkness, 1)

Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Vampire Read!
Review: I'm real funny about the type of vampire book I'll read. To be honest I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to this genre. Why do you ask? Well, because although this is a popular genre at times the fare is less then appealing. Ms. Burbank's story is the exception to the rule, and if you like me are picky about the author that you choose to read then fear not Ms. Burbank's story is amazing and well worth picking up.

This is the first in a vampire series and it opens with the "birth" of Mordred Soulis. This story is about his education and the beginning of his long and arduous journey to his destiny. Along the way he meets several who will help him on his journey, and one that he must at all cost fight off in order not to fall to the darkness. Vlad is out to cause Mordred his fall but Mordred still has his soul and he is stronger then he actually thinks he is but he has much to learn if he is to finally be a champion of the human race.

Mordred Soulis is a half-born vampire that is both immortal and mortal at the same time. He is "the chosen one" and he has a long road to walk before he will learn all that he needs to know in order to save the world. His beginning is hard and the mystery of his existence is one that he must work out on his journey. Eventually with the company of a shape-shifting companion Mordred sets off through many different and exotic places learning what he needs to know in his "infancy" in order fulfill his destiny.

This was an incredible read, and Mordred is a multi-dimensional character that was highly entertaining. Ms. Burbank is a very descriptive storyteller and her words will draw you into her world, and you will feel, see, and yes smell everything that Mordred does. One of the added benefits of this tale is the fact that the author took great care in her research, and as a result has crafted a vampire tale unlike any I've ever read. I can hardly wait for the continuation of this story and I highly recommend that if you are a fan of Vampire fiction you not miss out on this page turning read.


Rating:
Summary: truly terrific horror novel
Review: In 1147, mercenary Mordred Soulis leads the troops of King Conrad on the second Crusade when most of the soldiers die in Donylaeum. King Conrad and a few of his guards sneak away leaving Mordred to guide the remaining men out of the desert. Except for Mordred, the desert takes the lives of the remaining crusaders but Vlad the Vampyre bites Mordred; he becomes a half-born fledging who must be taught how to use his powers.

The Guardians of the Tree of Knowledge succor him until he is strong enough to be taken to the Knights Templar. Their leader believes he is the Chosen One, the savior of the human race from Vlad and his minions. When the Templars teach him all they can they send him to Egypt to seek out the Vampyre Narangatti King in the Great Pyramid who will teach him how to use his vampire powers. From there he goes to Scotland to find an ancient book and meets a werewolf who becomes his companion. During his travels, Vlad tries to entice him to his side but Mordred, who is still half-human, embraces the light.

The first book in The Lords of Darkness series and it is deserving of a Bram Stoker award nomination. L.G. Burbank has created a vampire mythos much different than the vampires of Dracula fame. True Vampires were created along with man but Vlad is the product of the Church's attempt to gain immortality by creating an abomination they thought they could control. Mordred is a vampire who chooses to do work for the good of humanity and not let evil taint his soul. THE SOULLESS is a truly terrific horror novel.

Harriet Klausner