** spoiler alert ** It was good, but I have to wonder how much longer this battle between Caxton and Malvern can really continue. I was excited at the idea of finally getting some closure, but that didn't happen.

As far as the prose itself goes, it's not one of Wellington's best. Very early on it's easy to see the plot twist that is unfolding for the ending and I would have liked a bit more mystery before the final twist. The new, and short-lived, character 'Gert' was entertaining, but it felt like he rushed in trying to develop her background. And I didn't really buy the 'celly' connection that she develops with Caxton.

Wellington also hints at some jealousy on Clara's part when she meets Gert, and I think that would have been something interesting he could have built on in a sequel. But with Gert's death, that doesn't seem likely happen. *insert sarcasm*

The other difference between this book and his others in the series is that the others could be stand-alone reads. This one almost makes it necessary to read Vampire Zero first, because so much of the story doesn't make sense without it: Clara and Caxton's relationship, Fetlock's character, Caxton's imprisonment...understanding these things all depend on reading the previous novel in the series. Does this make it a bad book? No. But if you're just starting the series, then avoid this one until you read Vampire Zero.