The Vampire Hunters (Book One of The Vampire Hunter Trilogy) by Scott M. Baker

Oct 15, 2012 Phaedra Seabolt rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have read a lot of vampire and werewolf books, but most of them fall into the romance category. The Vampire Hunters is not a romance, though there is a hint of romance buried in it. This story is based on the older non-romanticized vampires, i.e. it is a horror story. I normally do not like horror stories at all. This one intrigued me, and I have to say that I am happy to have read it. It was very well written and very entertaining without giving me nightmares. I notoriously have nightmares fr...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Madison rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

The Vampire Hunters is the first book in the Vampire Hunters Trilogy by Scott M. Baker. You won't find any cuddly, sparkly vampires in this book. These vampires are monsters.

The story takes place in Washington DC. I'm not going to say anything about that city already being filled with blood suckers. The joke is too easy. I do wonder why Baker chose that city. Our heroes are a couple of ex-cops who discovered the existence of vampires while working a serial murder case. At the end of that case, t...more The Vampire Hunters is the first book in the Vampire Hunters Trilogy by Scott M. Baker. You won't find any cuddly, sparkly vampires in this book. These vampires are monsters.

The story takes place in Washington DC. I'm not going to say anything about that city already being filled with blood suckers. The joke is too easy. I do wonder why Baker chose that city. Our heroes are a couple of ex-cops who discovered the existence of vampires while working a serial murder case. At the end of that case, they are recruited by an unknown benefactor to hunt down and destroy the nest in Washington.

It's a decent story. Nice to see vampires as evil again. It's also interesting to see the heroes dealing with the aftermath of fighting vampires in a world that doesn't believe they exist.

As usual, I do have a few nitpicks.

The head vampire is a man named Ion Zeilenska. The name bothered me because the character was supposedly Bulgarian. Historically, Bulgarian names have different suffixes depending on gender. Zeilenska is female. I had to stop and re-read the chapter because I was confused. His name should have been Zeilenskov.

The second nitpick has to do with holy water. Supposedly religious places or symbols do not bother vampires. Holy water, on the other hand, can hurt them quite a bit. This makes no sense to me. You can't pick and choose - okay, you can because it's fiction but it's not logical. Water is only holy in connection to religious places, symbols and ceremonies. If none of those things bother vampires the water shouldn't either.

The last nitpick has to do with vampire hunter Alison Monroe. She refuses to take any weapons other than a couple of stakes. It's stupid and dangerous. She almost gets killed twice. The second time she's only saved by having put holy water on her neck. Which shouldn't have worked (see nitpick two). Having a person like her on a team is dangerous.

Is it just me or does Alison on the cover look like Olivia from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit?
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Nov 10, 2012 Harlie Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, vampires

Before starting this book, I kept thinking Buffy and her little gang of vampire hunters. I know, I know and I loved Buffy (while she was in high school) What I got was a fast paced thriller that is not for the faint of heart. Its a ride that leaves you breathless and wanting more in the end.

Allison and Drake are former cops that are move to Washington DC to hunt and kill vampires. Through well developed backstory, you understand how they came to be vampire hunters. There is a small hint of Allis...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a blog tour in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Vampires, hunters and a rabbit named Van Helsing take the center stage in Scott M. Baker's paranormal thriller The Vampire Hunters. With well developed characters, a fast pace and lots of action, I found myself glued to the world Mr. Baker created. Using the classic battle between good and evil, humanity versus the vile undead, The Vampire Hunters, is a classic gothic tale in the vein o...more I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a blog tour in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Vampires, hunters and a rabbit named Van Helsing take the center stage in Scott M. Baker's paranormal thriller The Vampire Hunters. With well developed characters, a fast pace and lots of action, I found myself glued to the world Mr. Baker created. Using the classic battle between good and evil, humanity versus the vile undead, The Vampire Hunters, is a classic gothic tale in the vein of Dracula by Bram Stoker.

This tale begins in the midst of action as we are introduced to Drake Matthews and Alison Monroe in the middle of a vampire hunt. As the action continues we see how determined they both are to take down the "snuffy" or regular vampire and eventually locate the "master" who is creating the monsters in Washington D.C. Fiercely loyal, honorable and dedicated to their cause, neither Drake nor Alison will allow anything as trivial as getting arrested get in their way. After all, they have a secret champion in their corner who always gets them off. Mr. Baker did an excellent job introducing us to both characters; with flashbacks and through commentary from secondary characters we learn how Drake and Alison left their jobs as Boston cops and began their own "consulting" business in D.C. We also learn how they became friends and about Alison's secret attraction to Drake her boss. Keeping their relationship platonic is a good decision at this point.

Mr. Baker soon introduces us to the two true "villains" of the tale, Ion Zielenska and Antoinette "Toni" Varela, two "master" vampires who are centuries old. Former lovers, Ion and Toni are now somewhat engaged in a power struggle to see who will really rule their "nest". Both depraved beyond belief, their existence is an anthema to human existence - they have no value for humans other than as sport or food.
Even though their power struggle should give the hunters an advantage it makes Toni's vendetta personal and takes the fight to a higher level. Providing us with insight into both vampires through flashbacks to their pasts, Mr. Baker almost humanizes his villains, it's only their total depravity that kept me from feeling some sympathy for their situation in life.

When the battle between the hunters and the vampires escalates will Drake and Allison be prepared to take it to the next level? And will the secondary characters we meet along the way help them or hurt them in the long run? You'll have to read The Vampire Hunter's to find out. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Vampyrnomicon to see where Mr. Baker takes the battle next.
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Nov 02, 2012 Shauni rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: io-tours

If you are looking for Edward Cullen or even Frank Langella, go directly to romance section and do NOT collect this book. This book is Horror plain and simple. Like the Vampire legends of old, Scott Baker delights in tormenting us. This really is your father's Vampire novel.

This book has three elements that would usually keep me from reading it,

It's a horror book and
It's an honest vampire story.
Oh and to make matters worse, it's part of the Vampire Hunters Trilogy so once you get sucked...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dark, paranormal, vampires, horror

May have slight spoilers.

Drake Matthews is an annoyance to the police. He has been in D.C. for about three months now and has caused more trouble than the police chief knows how to handle. Especially since every time he thinks he has caught Drake, and that he will be behind bars soon, a very powerful and mysterious benefactor puts pressure on the mayor. Getting all of the charges for Drake and his partner Alison Monroe dropped.

What the police are not willing to accept is the truth. That Drake a...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Lissette rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Drake Matthews is a former cop who loves what he does. He fights for justice and makes sure the undead remain dead. With his trusty sidekick, Alison Monroe, by his side, he's at the top of the world. Unfortunately, the Boston police department doesn't feel the same way he does.

Drake's a thorn in their side they can do without. With his unruly shenanigans in making sure to do away with vampires, he's become a sort of celebrity amongst the men in blue. They're aware of his notoriety and would do a...more Drake Matthews is a former cop who loves what he does. He fights for justice and makes sure the undead remain dead. With his trusty sidekick, Alison Monroe, by his side, he's at the top of the world. Unfortunately, the Boston police department doesn't feel the same way he does.

Drake's a thorn in their side they can do without. With his unruly shenanigans in making sure to do away with vampires, he's become a sort of celebrity amongst the men in blue. They're aware of his notoriety and would do anything to curb his antics at every turn. Sadly, that's easier said than done.

His need to eliminate the undead, once and for all, cost him and Alison their jobs. Yet Drake is unwilling to admit defeat and he sure as heck will not let them win. Granted, there's a good many out there that would like to see him dead, but that's a luxury he will never give them.

Unexpectedly hired to take out a nest of the undead, Drake thinks he's hit the jackpot. In his mind, he can kill two birds with one stone and rid the city of those pesky vampires. Things might be going dandy for the two of them, but they're not even close in deciphering as to who the nest's master is. At times, he wonders if it would be best to give up, to let things be and move on. Yet something deep inside keeps him from doing just that.

A lead on who the master might be lands him and Alison in the seat of trouble. Part of him wonders if the two of them will get out of things unscathed. Yet he knows he can't let things lie as they are. He needs to know who's pulling their strings if they're to succeed with the mission they've been given. As tensions mount and the body count rises, Drake knows he'll need to find a solution to the problem, fast. Someone's definitely out to get him and whoever it is isn't afraid to make that fact known. One way or another, he'll need to set all wrongs to right if he's to save his beloved city in the long run.

This was one of those books that you just can't put down. Fast paced and full of action, the story hooks you in from the moment you flip the first page. Granted, there's a lot of violence within its pages, but it's definitely a story that keeps you engaged. This isn't your ordinary vampire story, mind you. Each twist and turn will keep you captivated until the very end. It's a book that's very much worth reading.(less)

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Oct 31, 2012 Krystal (at) Krystal's Enchanting Reads rated it 4 of 5 stars

First, you have to know that if you are looking for the handsome, mysterious, sparkly vampires then this is the wrong book for you. However, if you are like me and love vampires in every since of the word then this book will satisfy your blood thirst.

This is not your run of the mill mysterious sparkly vampire kind of book. No, this is the rip your throat out, blood everywhere kind of vampire book. Which I happen to love vampires in any and all forms! This book surprised me because I wasn't sure...more First, you have to know that if you are looking for the handsome, mysterious, sparkly vampires then this is the wrong book for you. However, if you are like me and love vampires in every since of the word then this book will satisfy your blood thirst.

This is not your run of the mill mysterious sparkly vampire kind of book. No, this is the rip your throat out, blood everywhere kind of vampire book. Which I happen to love vampires in any and all forms! This book surprised me because I wasn't sure whether or not I would honestly like it but I am not the kind of person to not give a book a chance. I am happy to say that I loved this book, the characters and I have found a new favorite author.

The Vampire Hunters starts out with Drake Matthews and Alison Monroe on the hunt for a vampire that has strayed from the usual haunts these vampires like to hunt in. Drake ends up on the back of a tanker truck barrowing down the highway with a vampire driving and taking everything and everyone out in the process. Alison is following right behind trying to get to Drake before he falls off, the vampire rams the truck into something killing Drake or it turns over, exploding killing Drake. Like I said, major action and the book does a much better job describing what is going on. lol

I found this book action packed, fasted paced and incredibly hard to put down. I was caught up in every page of the book wanting to know more about this mysterious and anonymous benefactor that keep Drake and Alison out of trouble but also Ion Zielenska and Antoinette Varela who are the master vampires and the ones whom are wreaking havoc all over the streets of Washington D.C. I also loved the details in which the author used when describing what someone looked like to how the vampire ripped someone’s throat out. It was as if I was watching everything happen or watching a movie play out. Now, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. Yes, this book has a lot of gore and if you aren't into that kind of thing then you might not be into this book. However, if you do give it a chance (and I highly recommend you do) you won’t be grossed out or disappointed. To me it was nothing worse than watching some of the television shows on now or something of that effect.

All I have to say is that this book was totally kick butt and I really can’t wait to read the second book and I highly recommend you read this one too, especially if you love a bloody good vampire book.

*Disclosure Notice*
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.
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Nov 04, 2012 Jesse Kimmel-Freeman rated it 3 of 5 stars

If I had to rate this book I'd give it a 3. Now don't get me wrong, the story had a lot of potential. I just wanted more development and a clear path that the author intended the reader to take.

I loved the main characters. Especially the chick. I could connect with her. I wanted to know EVERYTHING about her. But when it came to filling out the other characters, the book felt like maybe the author just didn't want to.

It's a hardcore action book. But the plot suffers a little because of this. Ther...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Bob Milne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires

More than any other 'monster' in literary history, the vampire has experienced a significant evolution (not to mention bastardization) over the last few decades. It has been romanticized, eroticized, moralized, and humanized, until what was once a straightforward staple of horror fiction has become a genre all on its own. It used to be that you knew what to expect when somebody handed you a vampire book, but now you're just as likely to get a watered-down, young adult, faith-fuelled romance as y...more More than any other 'monster' in literary history, the vampire has experienced a significant evolution (not to mention bastardization) over the last few decades. It has been romanticized, eroticized, moralized, and humanized, until what was once a straightforward staple of horror fiction has become a genre all on its own. It used to be that you knew what to expect when somebody handed you a vampire book, but now you're just as likely to get a watered-down, young adult, faith-fuelled romance as you are a decent thriller.

Call me a traditionalist, but I'll take the good guys hunting bad vamps any day of the week - which is precisely where The Vampire Hunters comes in. In case you couldn't tell by the title, Scott M. Baker has crafted a 'classic' vampire tale, one where a pair of ex-cops and their ex-criminal sidekick must do battle with creatures from the wrong side of the crypt.

Drake and Alison are your typical vampire-hunter heroes, out-matched and out-muscled by their supernatural foes, and mistrusted and misunderstood by their human colleagues. They're well-developed, with just enough background details to carry the story along, and a solid working relationship that flirts with just the right amount of romantic tension. It's James who really brings the team to life, though, a late addition who fulfills the standard role of armourer/apprentice, but who has a back story worthy of its own book. There's even a mysterious benefactor, one with enough money and power to keep the team safe from police interference, and a crack journalist, slumming with a tabloid rag in search of her big break, to round out the human element.

Similarly, Ion and Toni are your typical vampires, centuries old lovers-turned-rivals who are more interested in vengeance than in self-preservation. It's their back story that really brings the story up an extra notch, establishing not just their supernatural existence, but their cruel behaviour. The early flashback where they escape a horde of WWII flamethrower-carrying soldiers, in a stolen Russian tank no less, is precisely where I went from reader to fan. Toni carries much of the present day action, but the spectre of Ion is always there, ready to rear his ugly head at the right moment.

In terms of action, this is a kick-ass tale that borrows from the best of action, thriller, and horror genres. The early chase scene, with Drake clinging tenaciously to the back of a vampire-driven tanker truck, is nothing but pulse-pounding fun until its fiery end. Not to be outdone, there is a crazy, claustrophobic, paranoid battle within a darkened theatre that concludes up the tale, one which probably carries on a bit too long, but which keeps the reader absolutely breathless until the sun comes up.

There were some definite twists to the story that surprised me but, for the most part, this was exactly what I was expecting - a solid, enjoyable tale of ordinary heroes out to exterminate the vampires preying upon their city. Violent, gruesome, and vulgar where it needs to be, The Vampire Hunters is clearly a book where the author had as much fun in the writing as we do in the reading.

Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins(less)

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Nov 10, 2012 Maghon Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, review-4-author

So lemme start by say… YAY!!!! KILL THE VAMPERS!!! Lol you guys know I’m partial the to werewolves and normally don’t side with the bloodsuckers lol so this book was SO PERFECT for me! It’s horror/urban fantasy and it’s fast, action packed, crazy scary good!! I literally was riveted and clutching my blanket reading this because the first chapter is EXPLOSIVE!! Literally best action opening scene!! Think Die Hard meets Dracula- the original- meets Charlie’s angels, without the heel wearing chicks...more

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Nov 21, 2012 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wowzers! What can I say about this amazing, fast paced, action filled book without giving you spoilers?! The twists and turns throughout the story seriously left me with whiplash! These "violent" vampires will definitely have you wondering why you even took the time read about all of those "sparkly" vampires ;) Although it does have a hint of romance, this book is absolutely about the action (and blood) which is a refreshing "twist" to the genre. I had a really hard time putting this book down,...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Tony-Paul Vissage rated it 5 of 5 stars

: I wouldn’t call this a romp but it comes close, and the reference to Mr. Tarantino’s film stands. This is a fast-paced, furious, bloody good story and should fulfill any and all your vampire-tale needs. Good characterizations all around—Drake is a loner displaying a soft heart by adopting the pet rabbit of a murder victim (he called the animal Van Helsing), Alison comes from a family of cops, James was kicked out of CalTech for thigns he’d rather not say, Toni is deadly, power-hungry, and deva...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Nancy (The Avid Reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: scott-m-baker, innovative-online-book-tours, read-in-2012

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a copy of The Vampire Hunters from the author for a review via Innovative Online Book Tours.

I don't usually read books that are about the vampire hunters but the ones that are about vampires. You know like where the vampires are like the good guys or can be. They can pass as human as long as they don't show their fangs. And the heroine of the story falls in love with the vampire. Well this story is not like that not where the...more

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Apr 07, 2011 NisyKitty VA rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wooaw!

If you’re into bad ass, I'll tear your throat out and spit it back at you, followed with twisting your head in a 160 degree angle type vampire, this is your book!! It started out with a high speed action packed; get that mo-fo snuffy!! I was jumping up and down while they tried to get them, and covering my eyes with all the gore.
Drake was awesome, I kind of seen myself pushing him over to light my own cigar and pour my own bakers. Alison was a bad mama jamma and Jim was really nifty with...more

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Aug 22, 2011 Scott M. rated it 4 of 5 stars · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

I wanted to post these reviews of The Vampire Hunters from Fangoria and Famous Monsters of Filmland.

Famous Monsters of Filmland: "If you’ve read Justin’s Cronin’s The Passage and Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s The Strain, you will absolutely love The Vampire Hunters. Vampire lovers rejoice, this is a good time to be a lover of vampire fiction and The Vampire Hunters should be at the top of your TBR pile. I highly recommend it." (read the full review at http://www.famousmonstersoffilmland.c ...more

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Feb 16, 2011 Scott M. rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

I wanted to post these reviews of The Vampire Hunters from Fangoria and Famous Monsters of Filmland.

Famous Monsters of Filmland: "If you’ve read Justin’s Cronin’s The Passage and Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s The Strain, you will absolutely love The Vampire Hunters. Vampire lovers rejoice, this is a good time to be a lover of vampire fiction and The Vampire Hunters should be at the top of your TBR pile. I highly recommend it." (read the full review at http://www.famousmonstersoffilmland.c ...more

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Feb 16, 2011 Scott M. rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

I wanted to post these reviews of The Vampire Hunters from Fangoria and Famous Monsters of Filmland.

Famous Monsters of Filmland: "If you’ve read Justin’s Cronin’s The Passage and Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s The Strain, you will absolutely love The Vampire Hunters. Vampire lovers rejoice, this is a good time to be a lover of vampire fiction and The Vampire Hunters should be at the top of your TBR pile. I highly recommend it." (read the full review at http://www.famousmonstersoffilmland.c ...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was really enjoying this at first, but then I kept losing interest. I don't know why. Normally, this kind of thing is right up m alley. I certainly don't think the vamps always have to be beautiful semi-good guys or anything, so I'm not sure what about this didn't appeal to me. Maybe I just wasn't as interested in the characters as I usually am. That's the only thing I can think of. I ended up speed reading through the whole thing. I don't think it was a bad book, I just couldn't get into it l...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

"The Vampire Hunters" is a true horror story packed with action, blood and gore within a very well written plot. I found the book to be fast paced and very hard to put down once I started reading. If your looking for the "romantic vampire" in this book you will not find it. A very refreshing book to read and one that is highly recommended for all horror, thriller fans.

This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.

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Jun 02, 2011 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of the old school evil vampire horror stories

Shelves: kindle-book, vampire, monster-hunters, horror, bbb-review, action-adventure, not-for-the-faint-of-heart, 2011-reading

Bloody good vampire action horror. The vamp hunters are in over their heads, but they managed to kick some vampire butt. The vampires are depraved, disgusting, black-hearted, and ruthless--real monsters! This book is not for the squeamish, but it wasn't so gross I couldn't stand it. Mr. Baker did a great job of building and sustaining the suspense, and the villains were three-dimensional, if nasty. I definitely need to read the two sequels.

Long review will be posted on the Bitten by Books websit...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Beverly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Was an awesome start to this series I was really impressed.

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Apr 03, 2013 Michael marked it as watch-the-reviews

Mar 30, 2013 Jess added it

Shelves: vampires

Mar 18, 2013 Tomek marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Mar 09, 2013 Nicholas Jackson is currently reading it

Mar 03, 2013 Micheleann is currently reading it

Feb 18, 2013 Eileen marked it as to-read

Jan 12, 2013 Eddy Allen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction

Nov 30, 2012 Shabi Tayo marked it as to-read

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