This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
If you think vampire-themed fiction has become monotonous, Page Zaplendam will prove you wrong with Order of the Blood (The Unofficial Chronicles Of John Grissom). The story starts with a meeting between vampires. Interestingly, they are not your usual sadistic, deceivingly alluring blood sucking beings, but the ones with clear moral consciousness, as they are former humans who were unwillingly transformed. Basically, it’s an AA group for vampires, helping each other deal with their thirst for blood. This concept is the main aspect that makes the story highly intriguing and engaging.
One of the protagonists, John Grissom, calls himself a defective vampire. Despite his transformation, the bacteriologist has no added strength and physical health, or unnatural speed. Ironically, he can tolerate the sun. Other than investigating contagious diseases, he’s also trying to find a cure for vampirism. Of course, there are others who embrace it as a gift rather than a disease. When one powerful vampire, the Earl of Waite, seems to harbor an important secret that could determine the success of the British in the ongoing war, John feels the need to investigate. This leads to his unlikely alliance with Gerhardt Van Helsing, a skilled vampire hunter, and Miss Henrietta Isherwood, the highly capable and clever daughter of a surgeon.
Great characterization and deft narrative make the story even more of a page-turner. The plot is a great blend of suspense, political conspiracy, morality, and even humor. This is a different, enjoyable, and substantial read from Zaplendam. I absolutely look forward to the sequel.
