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Vampires have been popping up everywhere lately—in small Southern TV towns, in moody teen romances, and (of course) in creepy horror movies. And now, in Christopher Farnsworth’s Blood Oath, a vampire shows up where you’d least expect one: in the White House.
No, Nathaniel Cade isn’t the president, but he works closely with the president. He has since 1867, when Andrew Johnson spared his life and made him swear to serve his country. Since then, he’s secretly battled all kinds of unimaginable evils.
For the last 40 years, Cade has been teamed up with Agent William Griffin, a tough-as-nails military man who’s nearing retirement. As Griff’s replacement, President Curtis has selected Zach Barrows, a cocky 25-year-old who quickly rose through the party ranks before getting caught in the Lincoln Bedroom with the president’s daughter.
When Zach finds out about his new assignment, he’s shocked—and furious. But he doesn’t have much time to complain—because they’re soon on a case, tracking down Dr. Johann Konrad, an impossibly old scientist who could be creating an army of monsters for a terrorist group. And the case leads them to the Shadow Company, a mysterious agency that may be planning something even bigger.
Author Christopher Farnsworth’s debut is the perfect modern-day vampire story—an intriguing mix of supernatural horrors, blood-pumping action, and even conspiracy theories. It’s a complex story—and it’s sometimes hard to figure out who’s working with whom and why—but Farnsworth still does a respectable job of setting the stage for a bitingly entertaining new series.
Cade is a fascinating hero—a vampire who (much like ‘tween girls’ beloved Edward Cullen) feels guilt for (and almost a loathing of) what he’s become. Although he’s convinced that his soul is already lost, he’s given his eternal, unnatural life to fighting the other evils of the world—as much out of guilt as out of loyalty or duty. More of his story is revealed throughout the novel, developing him into the kind of character that will keep you coming back to the series.
Zach, on the other hand, is an egotistical punk. In the beginning, his posturing might drive you crazy—but, fortunately, over time, he gradually learns to respect both Griff and Cade and to take his responsibilities seriously.
In a similar way, the parts relating to the Shadow Company may, at first, seem a bit out of place. But the Company’s plot eventually takes a clever twist. And, in the end, it all comes together in a conclusion that’s both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it’s entertaining and exhilarating, and it’ll leave you struggling to catch your breath. A curse because, once it’s over, you’ll have to wait for Farnsworth’s follow-up to see what happens next.
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