Despite its outlandish title, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is a surprisingly entertaining—and very factual—biography of our 16th President. This book trumps any lackluster history class, repetitive textbook, or monotonous History Channel documentary. Seth Grahame-Smith has taken a pivotal time in US history that our generation has long forgotten, buried under a century of dust, and elevated it in a way that reminds us of three unjust things: slavery still exists, wars are inexorable, and vampires are real.

OK, maybe the latter is more wishful thinking than reality. But, the book is very convincing at cleverly tying actual events with a fictional secret nuisance that haunted Abe until his death and beyond: his powerlessness to escape those black-eyed, undead “false gods”. Despite most of the facts being loosely manipulated to the whims of Grahame-Smith, the book accomplishes highlighting key events and major players in Abe’s life without becoming mundane. (Who knew Abe and Edgar Allen Poe were buddies?)

Like many newcomers to this genre, my interest piqued after I heard about the film adaptation a few months ago. The movie trailer seems very fast paced and action packed—typical Hollywood bait—which is slightly different from what the book offers. The book slowly wavers between dismal circumstances in Abe’s life and violent, brutally gut wrenching scenes (that are very well written). Abe’s gradual maturity is well paced with the perpetual suspense that a looming dark terror could emerge from any corner. There is also insight from the perspective of vampires, showing both sides of the war on mortality.

The photoshopped images peppered throughout the book are intriguing and sometimes comical, I quite enjoyed them (though I know many reviewers don’t). Now, I yearn for more entertaining mashups that successfully reiterate history in a way I can easily absorb. Thank you Seth Grahame-Smith for giving me the opportunity to appreciate Abraham’s story.