Book Review--Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter

Last week you may have noticed that I didn't post my weekly Wednesday blog at All Things Writing. I took a brief vacation due to Spring Break and spent a great deal of time reading dirty novels and catching up on Season 1 of Being Human. However, not every novel I read was complete trash. I present for your consideration the following title:

Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter.

OH YEAH! You read that correctly. At last, the secret diaries of President Lincoln are revealed and history buffs every where can learn about the true cause of the Civil War. Written by Seth Grahame-Smith, the diaries explain that Abraham Lincoln was more than just a country lawyer from humble roots: he was a vampire hunter with one bad axe. At the age of nine, Abe witnesses the death of his mother at the hands of a bloodsucker. It is an event sends him on a dark road of vengeance. Eventually, he is befriended by Henry, a vampire with connections, who teaches him how to fight. As Abe ages, Henry sends him on the occasional errand to get rid of an enemy vamp. Along the way, Abe begins to realize the deep ties that vampires and slavery have to each other (who knew?), which eventually prompts the Civil War.

Grahame-Smith does a clever job of mashing up history with fiction. I wouldn't say that this is as strong a piece for me as his mashup of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was, but I still enjoyed the ride. The language is fast paced and has the "historical" biography feel without being too heavy handed. I know that some people are offended by the idea of one of our most beloved presidents being portrayed this way, but personally, I think it worked. I was amused by many of the things that occurred within the novel, though I wouldn't describe this as a comedy. Indeed, at times, it is graphic and disturbing with its imagery.

The only thing that disappointed me was the end. Don't worry. I won't spoil it by telling you that Lincoln gets shot. Ooops.....

Anyway, check out Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter if you get chance. Already read it? Weigh in with your thoughts!