The Empire of Fear
Review by Count Duckula, submitted on 24-Jan-1992

Title : The Empire of Fear
Author: Brian Stableford
Publisher: Carroll & Graf 1991
ISBN# : 0-88184-742-9

_The Empire of Fear_ is not only a novel of vampires but also an alternative history novel. For those not familiar with this genre, a few words of explanation are provided.

Alternative history novels postulate that at some point in human history, events took a different turn from that described in standard histories of the human race. An event did not happen, the results of some event were different e.g. the Spanish Armada was not defeated, the Black Plague destroyed 3/4 of Europe's population or did not happen at all. In other words, history is different, usually radically different, from what we know.

The novel begins in 17th century England, but the pivotal event that changes this world from ours is that Ghenghis Khan became a vampire and conquered all the known world, from Japan to England. Those who rule the world under his sovereignty are all vampires. They include Vlad Tepes, Richard the Lionhearted and his brother, Prince John.

But despite the vampire's iron rule, the Renaissance has come to Europe, creating scientists and intellectuals. One of these men is Noell Cordery, outlawed son of a man who murdered a vampire noblewoman.

Cordery is searching for the answer to the great mystery of the age, the secret of the making of a vampire. Only the vampires themselves know this secret, and research in this area is strictly forbidden. Since the this quest and the answer to it are the major theme of the book, I will not reveal it here. However, I will say that the solution has nothing to do with a bite on the neck.

The powers of the vampire in this world will be somewhat disappointing to most. These vampires are long-lived, disease-proof, and very fast to heal. They can stop themselves from feeling pain by willpower. They drink slight amounts of blood. They are not confined to the night, nor do they fear religious symbols. These vampires are not shape-shifters.

Unless you are determined to have every vampire-related book in a hard-cover edition, check this one out at the library or wait for the paperback (if its not already out). I rate this novel at 3 1/2 fangs out of 5. It is a good read but not a great vampire novel.