The Last Vampire - by Whitley Streiber

One of the most fascinating genres of the written word is Horror/Science Fiction. Other than biographies and self-help books, they are undoubtedly the biggest sellers. One of the many reasons for this is the author has the freedom to create their own world within the vast landscape of their imaginations; there are no boundaries of reality they must follow. Keeping that in mind, coming up with an original idea is difficult enough. It is even a larger task when writing on a subject that has such a scope as a Vampire novel.

I personally am a huge fan of vampire memorabilia. I wanted to become a vampire after reading Anne Rice's "Interview With The Vampire." But alas, I thought better of it as I grew older, it was just too messy. As you know, there are countless (no pun intended) of Vampire lore on the bookshelves of your local store. However, "The Last Vampire" by Whitley Strieber thankfully stands out from the crowd. It is a continuation of his previous masterpiece, "The Hunger." You remember, the delicious movie of the same name starred Catherine Denueve (Miriam) Susan Sarandon, and David Bowie. " The Hunger" single-handedly bore one of the most erotic lesbian love/seduction scenes in cinema history. In doing so it created quite a fuss. However it did open the door for not only gay filmmakers but Horror writers and producers as well.

That not withstanding, "The Last Vampire," once again reacquaints us with Miriam Blaylock. A sensual, cunning, seductive vampire who is unlike any creature we've seen in a long time. She is a 'Keeper'. I don't mean that in the conventional sense of the word. 'Keepers' are a form of vampire. They are ancient beings that grew humans for their own need, mainly for food. And were hear long before the human race, aliens, perhaps? They meet at conclaves every few hundred years. Vampires generally do not co-habitat in this book. The story begins in Asia where Miriam finds evidence that an entire conclave of vampires have been destroyed and their most sacred material possession has disappeared, their Book Of Names. Much of the vampire lore we've grown up with has been cast aside for a few years now in one form or another. No, vampires don't mind crosses, they don't shrink in sunlight, and garlic doesn't bother them. Some fables do still hold true: you have to cut the suckers (excuse the language) head off, and a stake in the heart still works. In this incarnation, Miriam is unlike the other "Keepers." She is a more sophisticated vampire. She owns a nightclub (of course it's a cover for the vampires) 'Veils' in New York City, she likes the finer things in life that humans do; a good bottle of wine, power and money. She even uses modern day transportation, much to the dismay of the other Keepers. She flies on planes, rides in cabs and on the subway. She also has sex with humans. Yes kids, it's true. That also is frowned upon by the other Keepers. For you see, we are their animals, pets, if you will. According to them, they created us. It would explain a few things if this turns out to be true. Miriam must also breed to continue her lineage since she is the last vampire. But there are a few obstacles in the way. An Interpol agent, Paul Ward, for one. After a rather indiscreet killing, Paul is hot on her trail. He is part of a 'wipe out the vampires' task force. Now, you see the problem. He has come into possession of their sacred Book Of Names. He has become privy to their weaknesses and habits. He has battled them across the world, and won. But it is his own secret that haunts him, that drives him even further into their world; they have become his obsession, and possibly his undoing. Especially Miriam Blaylock.

Through a series of events that I won't give away, his pursuit and obsession of this seductive and mysterious vampire soon turns into a game not even he was ready to play. The tables turn, the traps are set, and what becomes of these two is beyond what any vampire fan could imagine. Whitley Strieber has written an interesting, sometimes chilling thriller that keeps the pages turning, with just a slight hint of trepidation. That is the quintessential ingredient all authors strive for. The craving and need that you can't put their book down. Thankfully, Whitley does not leave his "Hunger" ties behind. We are re-introduced to Sarah through a series of events. Yes she is still alive, well, you know what I mean. There are flashbacks that re-introduce our memories to the classic and the relationship between them. Sarah is still a brooder who doesn't like to feed. She still follows her oath as a doctor and scientist. There is still that same tenderness between Sarah and Miriam that we were introduced to in the initial seduction. And yes, the tantalizing sex that brought them together the first time around is still present. We also have a new character brought into the fold, Leo. She is a smart street-wise young girl who adapts to vampirism rather easily, more so than Sarah did. But she is young with much to learn. Miriam has not changed much over a thousand or so years. She has kept along with our time and transformed with us as a species. He takes lovers of both sexes and thoroughly enjoys the hunt and the sub sequential kill. The chase seems to be the most enticing part, and remains so.

At times, the feeding and need for blood seems secondary. I think in one way or another we can all identify with the pursuit of life and love. She is at odds with the other Keepers whom are more conventional in their ways of killing and the way they see humans. There is no compassion for us. To them we have no souls. Whereas, Miriam has felt and seen ours every time she takes us down her path of death and salvation.

Okay, it's not a pretty picture; she is a vampire after all. For horror and vampire fans this is a must read. It is intelligent, horrific and sometimes amusing. It keeps your heart pumping and your blood racing. Though I have to admit the ending did leave me craving more. I believe I smell a sequel in the making. Miriam would be proud.