Based on the summary of this book, I wondered if perhaps it would contain references to modern-day vampire tropes or cliches, but I found neither. What I found instead is a chapter in the life ("life"?) of Drayton, a character that is more unique than most fictional paranormal characters I've encountered in a while. I found some of the secondary characters to be a bit over the top in their personalities and situations, but so enjoyed Drayton that I was able to push that aside and thoroughly enjoy the story. Sincerely hoping to read more about Drayton in the near future! ( )

Drayton (The Taker), written and published by Tony Bertauski in 2012, is a compelling twist on the traditional vampire gothic genre. Drayton is a quiet and seemingly harmless looking teen, unusually dark, even for an African American. He is rather quiet and doesn’t give off a sense of fear as one would generally expect from a vampire, dispelling many vampire clichés. Beginning from the point of view of the “givers”, Drayton slowly, perhaps deliberately so, unfolds into a story of compassion, morale and self-reflection, leading the reader into the life of the protagonist.

The vampire gothic (fantasy) genre has had many interesting additions to it over the years, expanding upon its original inspiration stemming from Romanian myth many times over. Drayton appears to have added a new, unvisited area of the genre. One that doesn’t involve teen heartthrobs and a romanticism of death, but a new realism featuring atonement and self-awareness. Without giving much away about the book, I find that its 70 pages was not enough to answer all the questions that were left hanging at the end of the story. I do look forward to reading more from Mr. Bertauski in the future.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of Drayton (The Taker) and I give my honest review. ( )

If you’re looking for something seriously different in a vampire guise, or just for fascinating science fiction with real-world characters and fears, Drayton might be just the thing. The language of an angry drying man is genuinely harsh and real. The strangeness of the Angel of Death is intriguingly thrilling. And the honest mystery of this “Angel” as he fulfills a final request is warm and pleasing and cold as death. A very cool tale with a truly fascinating protagonist and a back-story filled with untold mysteries, Drayton is un-put-down-able, scary, wonderful, odd, deep, and totally new.

Disclosure: I found a free ecopy and I offer my honest review. ( )

I got this book for free, from Making Connections, in exchange of an honest review. Get your copy here.

It is the simple stories that get you bad.
We're never told explicitly what kind of a creature Drayton is and are free to interpret however we want to. This only made me like the story more.
Drayton has so many powers but the way he tries to atone for what he has done in the past made me like him.
I loved how the author made us feel sorry for Blake who was the worst of worst but powerless to stop himself.
The story was touching without being depressing.
I can't wait to see what Drayton does next.
I'm actually giving this book 3.5 stars. ( )