The Vampire’s Apprentice by Richard Lee Byers

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a vampire? For many, especially teen outcasts, it is the ultimate fantasy, their minds wishing for the day when they could walk the night streets in an all powerful, nearly indestructible body, their former human weaknesses having been vanquished with a single bite. Being irresistible to women, or at least being able to manipulate the minds of women, is another attraction for the male side of things, as is the mystical mental powers that seem to come with the vampire gene. Best of all there is a chance of eternal life if one can survive, the mind acquiring so much knowledge as time passes that eventually they are looked upon as a sort of authority figure by other young vampires. Actually, when put that way it doesn’t sound all that bad. Where do I sign up? What if it was that simple? What if you had all the above desires and then came face to face with a charming vampire who promised a vampire apprenticeship after giving the much sought after bite? And what if, after receiving that bite, you learned it was all a lie and that being a vampire was the worst thing one could ever hope for?

For David Brent this is exactly what happens. One day while working he meets a mystical man named Carter who is the coolest person to ever come into his life, one who is completely at one with the world and has the abilities to manipulate the hidden powers of the mind that most don’t even know exist. In time David learns the man is a vampire, and that he too could be just like him if he so desires. David does. Unfortunately everything Carter promises him is a lie. By the time David figures this out he has been buried in a grave, his body in considerable pain from the embalming process. Realizing Carter is not coming for him, David claws his way to the surface and, still not fully grasping Carter’s deception, goes in search of his vampire mentor only to learn the reality of the situation. Alone and confused, David heads into the night to find shelter, his broken corpse like body seemingly vulnerable to everything around him. Even his new mental powers don’t work properly and instead just cause him pain when he attempts to use them. Blood also tastes bad, yet is something he needs to consume. Unhappy and completely disgusted with himself, David goes about his new life night by night until eventually a new thirst develops, one that wants revenge against Carter. Adding to this desire is Carter’s sadistic desire to slowly but surely destroy all those who were important to David while human, something that David doesn’t want to see happen. Will David be able to stop Carter who is more powerful and cunning then him? Also will he be able to survive against the human mobs hunting him down long enough to attempt this revenge? Only time will tell.

The Vampire’s Apprentice by Richard Lee Byers was a well written, fast paced tale, yet one that I couldn’t enjoy because it’s hard to read about a character that is always so down and disgusted with himself. Adding to this was that just about every action David takes in the story meets with failure, which, after a while, gets really depressing for the reader. At one point I just wanted him to call it quits and trap himself outside so that he burned to death in the sunlight, or to simply give up when a mob of vampire hunters comes for him rather than make another mad dash for safety. Just do us all a favor and end it! On the flipside it was interesting to read a vampire book that didn’t glorify being a vampire. No one, not even the most bullied outcast trench coat wearing teen would ever want the vampire bite that is provided in this tale. It’s just too horrible. Never before have I come across such a depressing bit of vampire lore. Even the grimy filth ridded drug addicted vampire youths in Knuckle Supper by Drew Stepek had some joy in their life. In this one David had nothing. Because of this I have trouble recommending this book, which is odd given how readable and competent the writing was. Instead I would suggest one seek out other works by the author, and given them a try. I haven’t yet, but will be doing so in the near future. Also, if anyone has read anything else by Richard Lee Byers that was enjoyable please speak up. I’d love to hear about it and seek out suggested titles.