Shorter than Twilight, with one clear storyline and no angling for sequels, Orren Merton’s The Deviant asks how the vampire might feel as he falls in love with a normal human girl. The cover shows a man and his dog walking through the dark, and this vampire, like the now-famous Cullens, has much to recommend him. Yes, and he has a dog. The dog is cool!

Like most modern vampire writers, the author takes features from older literature and adds intriguing twists. The result is a sympathetic character whose past reveals itself slowly and naturally, and whose future looks bleak. Can love save him?

Heinrich has sought salvation in many places and many faiths. He converses comfortably with devoted church neighbors, shows admirable respect, and is stared at accusingly because he dresses wrong and goes out at night—also because he’s new in town and there’s a rash of murders going on. If he isn’t guilty, he’d better find out who is before the police come knocking in broad daylight at his California door. Meanwhile he makes friends and dares to hope.

There are sections where the vampire stares at beauty and wonders how he could be loved. They make me think of Twilight from the opposite point of view. But that’s okay. The Deviant is a good quick read with interesting characters, intriguing dilemmas, and a great California music-scene feel.



Disclosure: I won this book from a blog and enjoyed the read.