Formosan Vampire: From the Chronicles of Seth Ardelean the Cro-Magnon Vampire by Amadeus Rockefeller will enthrall fans of supernatural and historical fiction. The immediate setting is the backdrop of Lyudao Prison, Taiwan, in 2022. Seth Ardelean is a vampire awaiting execution, and one wonders why such a powerful vampire allowed himself to be caught. As the narrative opens, he recounts his story that spans centuries and what led him to become the Formosan vampire king. Eunice Wang, a paralegal, arrives to interview the mysterious inmate before his execution and is drawn into a world filled with mystery. The author deftly melds past and present, blending supernatural elements with historical events.

Amadeus Rockefeller excels at creating phenomenal conflict, from Seth's struggles for thousands of years to his imminent execution, from his well-crafted plan for escape and the quest for revenge to mysterious circumstances surrounding the vampiric Dark Order and the explosive denouement. The setting in Lyudao Prison adds a tense atmosphere to the story, heightened by Seth's encounters in the mess hall and the underground chamber. As Eunice Wang digs deeper into Seth's story, readers are drawn into a world where vampirism, revenge, and an ancient civilization converge. The story takes readers through different historical moments, creating a compelling narrative of horror, history, and the supernatural. The characters are larger than life. Dark rituals and a vampire queen imprisoned beneath the cathedral are other elements of intrigue that augment the tension in this spellbinding story. The use of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor is another plot point that intensifies the mysterious atmosphere. Readers who enjoyed Christopher Pike's Thirst will find enormous delight in this wonderfully crafted tale. It is as imaginative as it is entertaining.

Eunice Wang believes the trip she is making to Lyudao Prison could have been avoided but, having drawn the short straw, she must take the necessary documents to Seth Ardelean to sign before his imminent execution. Upon her meeting the infamous inmate, he proceeds to relate the tale of his life which led him to this sad situation. Unknown to Eunice, Seth has no intention of leaving this world anytime soon. The young paralegal holds the key to his last chance at finding the only reason why he remains on this earth. Only time will tell if his outlandish scheme will succeed in Amadeus Rockefeller’s Formosan Vampire: From the Chronicles of Seth Ardelean the Cro-Magnon Vampire.

In this horror novel, the leader of an enigmatic group tries an extraordinary jailbreak to secure the freedom of his loved ones. Formosan Vampire weaves a frightening tale of blood and gore around actual flashpoints in the evolution of the island nation of Taiwan. The characters are masterfully crafted, with intriguing backstories that will pique the reader's interest. Once you become accustomed to Rockefeller’s storytelling style, the conversations between the characters are easy to follow. I found it impressive how much the main character's development departs from the conventional vampire stereotype. The organization of The Dark Order and their modus operandi made for some very interesting reading. Despite the detailed bloodletting, there is a romantic side to Formosan Vampire which will entice any reader to follow the story to its conclusion. Amadeus Rockefeller deserves plaudits for this piece of excellent craftsmanship. I look forward to the sequel.