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The Tannis Project
Being a nearly 200-year-old vampire comes with a lot of experience...and a lot of baggage. In his weekly blog, Tannis reflects on the experiences and people that have shaped his life, as well as his budding romance with single mother, Kayla. Adaptation ensures survival but offers little insight on falling in love with a human. Kayla accepts him and his struggles, but can he do the same? Her teenage son, Tie, is a challenge all on his own. He may not be ready for a new father, especially one who's a vampire. For the first time in his life, Tannis struggles to adapt. Do the rewards outweigh the risks? Having his own family seems like a dream come true, but dreams can just as easily become nightmares.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 10, 2018
I thought I'd read it all, then I picked up The Tannis Project. A vampire with a blog! This is definitely an original and unique tale of the undead. Though it seems unlikely as a general rule of thumb for his kind (wishing to remain low under the radar), Tannis, once known as Ignace, under the advice of his current lover and blood donor, begins a blog as an outlet, and we as the reader are given the opportunity to explore the author's imaginative interpretations of vampires in the modern-day world, and get to know them on a semi-realistic level.
The author does very well with giving Tannis, through his blog posts, his own voice and well-defined character. Through reading we see the human side of him, as he makes subtle revelations of his tastes in music, film, and art, as well as political views. You can easily find yourself almost believing this character is a real living person, or as living as the undead go, as his educated intellect and sometimes pompous attitude is quite discernable. I also found it very interesting the way he goes into details on the "everything-you-want-to-know-about-vampires" sections of his writings.
Reader be warned, however, this book being a series of blog posts, does not follow the standard structure of plot design, and there does not seem to be much of a build in conflict, or any resolution. Furthermore, the sequence of events are scattered. The character posts on different topics sporadically without any adherence to a solid timeline, and I found it difficult to follow due to this. Though the language flows adequately, aside from the occasional redundancy and/or typo, it did take me longer than usual to finish this book as I had to keep going back and reading previous sections to try to keep track of the character's back-story, or the multitude of names of other characters mentioned in his blogs. I will say it's challenging to remember who is who. Lastly, the blog-story ended rather abruptly with a guest post, but again with no solid resolution of anything, and again, not that there was a main conflict that a traditional protagonist must resolve.
All in all, it's a decent read. What really makes this book stand out is its uniqueness and creativity, as well as strong characterization and voice. But it's more for those who are interested in informational texts presented in a fantasy setting, and not for those looking for exposition, rising action, climax... the traditional stages of plot/conflict. Yes, it is well-designed to truly represent a blog/diary, but this does cause a bit of confusing randomness in subject. Either way, it's worth checking out.
The author does very well with giving Tannis, through his blog posts, his own voice and well-defined character. Through reading we see the human side of him, as he makes subtle revelations of his tastes in music, film, and art, as well as political views. You can easily find yourself almost believing this character is a real living person, or as living as the undead go, as his educated intellect and sometimes pompous attitude is quite discernable. I also found it very interesting the way he goes into details on the "everything-you-want-to-know-about-vampires" sections of his writings.
Reader be warned, however, this book being a series of blog posts, does not follow the standard structure of plot design, and there does not seem to be much of a build in conflict, or any resolution. Furthermore, the sequence of events are scattered. The character posts on different topics sporadically without any adherence to a solid timeline, and I found it difficult to follow due to this. Though the language flows adequately, aside from the occasional redundancy and/or typo, it did take me longer than usual to finish this book as I had to keep going back and reading previous sections to try to keep track of the character's back-story, or the multitude of names of other characters mentioned in his blogs. I will say it's challenging to remember who is who. Lastly, the blog-story ended rather abruptly with a guest post, but again with no solid resolution of anything, and again, not that there was a main conflict that a traditional protagonist must resolve.
All in all, it's a decent read. What really makes this book stand out is its uniqueness and creativity, as well as strong characterization and voice. But it's more for those who are interested in informational texts presented in a fantasy setting, and not for those looking for exposition, rising action, climax... the traditional stages of plot/conflict. Yes, it is well-designed to truly represent a blog/diary, but this does cause a bit of confusing randomness in subject. Either way, it's worth checking out.
November 28, 2017
Tannis, is a vampire, he has seen and experienced more than most mortals could dare to dream, and now, at the bequest of his mortal friend, Kayla, he has begun to keep a blog. A blog to explore his thoughts, feelings, even his memories as he continues his relationship with this fascinating mortal, who is also a parent to a teenage boy. Discover what it means to be a vampire, dispel the myths as you learn through Tannis' blog of his life, family, and conflicts.
Daryl J. Ball writes a vampire novel of the likes I have never read. Presented as a series of posts on a blog, including guest posts from people in his life. Written in an audience suitable style it is easy to believe you're reading a blog post. Imaginative, entertaining, and fun, especially for lovers of the genre.
Daryl J. Ball writes a vampire novel of the likes I have never read. Presented as a series of posts on a blog, including guest posts from people in his life. Written in an audience suitable style it is easy to believe you're reading a blog post. Imaginative, entertaining, and fun, especially for lovers of the genre.
Read
September 10, 2017A different and enjoyable approach. The descriptions of the environment, the lifestyle and the struggles make this a very entertaining novel.
April 29, 2018
What happens when a nearly 200 year old vampire is introduced to the internet? He writes a blog of course! At least this one does.
This novel is written in blog entries, which makes it unique. I personally love vampires so reading this book for me was a no-brainer, however, it might not be everyone's cup of tea. Readers have to take into account this is how a 200 year old vampire would think and express himself. He can ramble a bit in places.
What I love so much about The Tannis Project is the inside look at a vampire - from which organs he uses, blood, sex life, emotions and even celebrations like Valentine's Day - it is all explained in detail. That is what, for me, made this a 5 star read!
This novel is written in blog entries, which makes it unique. I personally love vampires so reading this book for me was a no-brainer, however, it might not be everyone's cup of tea. Readers have to take into account this is how a 200 year old vampire would think and express himself. He can ramble a bit in places.
What I love so much about The Tannis Project is the inside look at a vampire - from which organs he uses, blood, sex life, emotions and even celebrations like Valentine's Day - it is all explained in detail. That is what, for me, made this a 5 star read!
July 1, 2017
The Tannis Project is a very fun and interesting book. It's quickly revealed that Tannis is a vampire who has decided to take up blogging thanks to a human he has taken a liking to. At first, it seems light hearted and interesting. The more Tannis writes the more you see that he is rather evil, and overall a complete jerk. And yet... there are times I found that I agreed with him on things. Which made me want to loath him more. Daryl J Ball did a wonderful job on this novel and it will be fun to see what else this author comes up with. Hopefully a follow up book since that last entry... Well spoilers.
August 21, 2018
Unique modern take on Vampires
In the form of a weekly blog, an established vampire relays the story of his beginnings and the world of vampires and other creatures of the night. There are also guest bloggers with odd updates, quirky and amusing.
In the form of a weekly blog, an established vampire relays the story of his beginnings and the world of vampires and other creatures of the night. There are also guest bloggers with odd updates, quirky and amusing.
September 15, 2018
Have you ever wondered how many ways there are to make a vampire? How do vampires feel about being vampires? Do vampires have families? How do they reconcile feeding on humans with their religious beliefs? Do they (Ahem...) “go to the bathroom”? Author Daryl J Ball does a remarkable job explaining all the various and minute aspects of being a vampire, along with providing a window into their history and culture, in “The Tannis Project”.
Ball’s 200-year-old vampire Sire, who commonly refers to himself Tannis, communicates his thoughts and life-experiences via a weekly blog—which he sometimes yields to guest hosts who can be as humorously morose and witty as they are dangerous. In this blog, Tannis is as candid and sincere host, discussing his turning, his past deeds, and his depravity as easily as he talks about the finer, more classical aspects of living an undead life. We often see him struggling to fit his dark lifestyle into the human world so he can maintain his romantic relationship with a human female with whom he has become enamored and become a role model, of sorts, to her teenage son.
Although the plot line itself reads more like a vampires owner’s manual than a work of fiction, with its sometimes drab and matter-of-fact commentary followed by responses to the lead character’s daily Q & A sessions, through his blog, the author’s provocative and compelling lead character establishes a unique and intimate bond with his fans, leading them by the hand through a complex world that is both simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar. Even the most knowledgeable vampire and Lycan aficianados will find more than a few surprises in store.
This story, as a whole, moves along at a random pace. It often seems as though this diary—or memoir, if you will—is made to enhance Tannis’ appeal as a leading man and father figure and to dish out a series of facts and events rather than propel a complete story.
Fans of the living dead who just can’t miss out on otherworldly trivia, as well as those who would be captivated by an autobiography/biography on a segment of the Children of Darkness, are likely to enjoy this read. I recommend “The Tannis Project” for ages 17 and up due to adult content and violence.
Ball’s 200-year-old vampire Sire, who commonly refers to himself Tannis, communicates his thoughts and life-experiences via a weekly blog—which he sometimes yields to guest hosts who can be as humorously morose and witty as they are dangerous. In this blog, Tannis is as candid and sincere host, discussing his turning, his past deeds, and his depravity as easily as he talks about the finer, more classical aspects of living an undead life. We often see him struggling to fit his dark lifestyle into the human world so he can maintain his romantic relationship with a human female with whom he has become enamored and become a role model, of sorts, to her teenage son.
Although the plot line itself reads more like a vampires owner’s manual than a work of fiction, with its sometimes drab and matter-of-fact commentary followed by responses to the lead character’s daily Q & A sessions, through his blog, the author’s provocative and compelling lead character establishes a unique and intimate bond with his fans, leading them by the hand through a complex world that is both simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar. Even the most knowledgeable vampire and Lycan aficianados will find more than a few surprises in store.
This story, as a whole, moves along at a random pace. It often seems as though this diary—or memoir, if you will—is made to enhance Tannis’ appeal as a leading man and father figure and to dish out a series of facts and events rather than propel a complete story.
Fans of the living dead who just can’t miss out on otherworldly trivia, as well as those who would be captivated by an autobiography/biography on a segment of the Children of Darkness, are likely to enjoy this read. I recommend “The Tannis Project” for ages 17 and up due to adult content and violence.
December 13, 2025
This is an interesting read. It is hard not to like Tannis, because everything is filtered through his POV via his blog entries. Just when you're starting to forget what he is, he will offhandedly mention something truly horrific that he has done, to remind you of the monster he is. I appreciated the world-building, it's all very much based in vampire lore, but the author had their own spin on some things. I found their take on vampires and emotional regulation different from other vampire media I have encountered. I think it's best to read this in small chunks spread out over time, like the blog posts its imitating, than trying to read it all at once. My one major complaint is that there are a lot of secondary characters, especially introduced in the second half of the book, and it was getting hard to keep track of them all at times. It was also hard to care about some of these characters, the werewolves in particular, maybe because you could feel that Tannis didn't care about them. I almost wish there had been a character index at points so when a side character was brought up again I could check who they were again and what species they were.
April 18, 2025
Admittedly, I am not a fan of the fantasy genre of vampires, werewolves or other paranormal types. But after hearing author Daryl J. Ball talk at a recent book event, I was compelled to buy his “The Tannis Project” and I wasn’t disappointed.
Based on a weekly blog (diary? memoir?) by Tannis, a 200-year-old vampire, he describes his long life and its extensive variety of experiences. I found this to be a unique approach to storytelling and the author deserves much credit for using this technique. From vampires to lycanthropes to paladins; childes to sires, I learned everything I ever wanted to about these blood-seekers. My only difficulty with the story was remembering the many characters in Tannis’s life. But, that said, it was an interesting read!
Based on a weekly blog (diary? memoir?) by Tannis, a 200-year-old vampire, he describes his long life and its extensive variety of experiences. I found this to be a unique approach to storytelling and the author deserves much credit for using this technique. From vampires to lycanthropes to paladins; childes to sires, I learned everything I ever wanted to about these blood-seekers. My only difficulty with the story was remembering the many characters in Tannis’s life. But, that said, it was an interesting read!
February 26, 2019
This was an interesting concept for a story. One of which I’ve never read before. Each chapter is written in a blog post format where mostly Tannis writes about his life experiences as vampire. Including turning, trials and tribulations and all kinds on interesting things he’s encountered in the past. We also meet his Childe(s?) which are the vampires in which he sired. There are some interesting tales about them as well.
I really enjoyed this book. It took a bit to get used to the style but after a few chapters I found myself more drawn in. As well it was fun to read day by day or skip a few much like the weekly posts Tannis was making.
4/5
I really enjoyed this book. It took a bit to get used to the style but after a few chapters I found myself more drawn in. As well it was fun to read day by day or skip a few much like the weekly posts Tannis was making.
4/5
June 16, 2024
This is not a book belonging to genres that I usually read, but I believe it's important to stretch beyond the familiar once in a while. I know the author and I love his sense of fun and humor, so I wanted to give this one a try. It didn't disappoint. Written as a series of blog posts by Tannis, a 200 year-old vampire, we learn insights into what it's like to live as a vampire. The wit is sprinkled everywhere as Tannis explains his life to us, sometimes in rambling posts. I wanted to ask Tannis a question, and then realized maybe he'd answer....or not.
A very fun read.
A very fun read.
February 28, 2019
4.5 Stars
Brilliantly executed, engaging characters, pleasantly intriguing content and creative use of both the medium of blogging and traditional vampire lore! (none of that “eternal teenager glitters in the sun” tripe!!)
Good For: If you want something cozy and pleasant to read.... but you’re also feeling sort of Gothic.
Brilliantly executed, engaging characters, pleasantly intriguing content and creative use of both the medium of blogging and traditional vampire lore! (none of that “eternal teenager glitters in the sun” tripe!!)
Good For: If you want something cozy and pleasant to read.... but you’re also feeling sort of Gothic.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews