Poppy Z. Brite is the professional name of a New Orleans writer who wrote several popular novels that have become cult classics. His writing has been called a combination of exotic horror, splatter punk, and southern gothic. He is transgender and is now known as Chris Martin.
Lost Souls is a vampire novel unlike most. It was named Best Horror Novel by the Horror Writer’s Association. Brite’s vampires are different from traditional vampires. His creations are another species and humans cannot become vampires. They have incredible healing powers, heightened senses, abnormal strength, and longer life spans. When they become older they develop sharp teeth, a sensitivity to light, and they cannot eat or drink.
Lost Souls contains a barrage of characters all intertwined. The story begins with a trio of vampires named Molochai, Twig, and Zillah who look very similar to rock stars. It does not take long before Zillah the leader impregnates a young girl. The vampires leave town and the girl dies giving birth to the child who will eventually become known by the name of Nothing. The vampire baby is adopted by a couple in North Carolina and as he grows into a young adult he realizes he is vastly different from his contemporaries. The majority of the novel basically consists of Nothing trying to find himself. He eventually meets the Zillah and the vampires and sparks fly.
This novel though not heavy on plot is descriptive and atmospheric. There is quite a bit of gore and drug usage. It is not for the light of heart. The characters are exceptionally well written. Ghost and Steve Finn are introduced who belong to a rock band called Lost Souls and will befriend Nothing in his journey. There is Ann who is longing for love who becomes a victim of the vampires and Ghost and Steve will try and save her. The trio of vampires discussed earlier are very similar to the rock star vampire Lestat from the Anne Rice novels. The author has lived in both New Orleans and North Carolina so her knowledge of the two locations is extensive. For an exceptional southern gothic horror plus a novel about an unusual coming of age outsider, this novel will not disappoint.
Rating: **** Stars (I really liked it)
- Van, Reference Librarian
ARE YOU AND THIS BOOK A GOOD MATCH? DISCOVER MORE WITH NOVELIST APPEALS! Lost Souls
GENRE: Horror THEME: Body Horror (These books revolve around all the disturbing and gruesome things that can happen to your body whether by supernatural means or by others (like cannibals!); Vampire Menance (Garlic-challenged bloodsuckers feature prominently in these horror stories.) TONE: Atmospheric; Gruesome; Steamy CHARACTER: LGBTQIA Diverse SUBJECT: Alienation; Bisexual Teenagers; Murder; Problem Youth; Psychics; Rock Groups; Sexuality; Vampires
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK, YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THESE TITLES:
