OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Vampires in BC" by Keith Costelloe.]

Vampires in BC is a horror tale with strong romantic overtones. The story follows Jude, a young man turned into a partial vampire, and his struggle with his identity. British Columbia is the backdrop as Jude follows his leader, Vam, who teaches him about a vampire’s life.

Beginning in a hospital setting, the vampires feed on the weak and infirm. They have to move from place to place to stay ahead of the law and avoid being discovered. Jude uses his shape-shifting ability to present himself in the gender or image he deems necessary to accomplish his goals.

At the same time, he works to reconcile his feelings for his best friend, Ong. When the vampires work on a way to conquer the world, Jude becomes entangled with other partial vampires. What will Jude choose to do with his life? Is he destined to remain a partial? What will happen to those he loves? These questions drive the story forward to its conclusion and keep the reader engaged.

The story is filled with blood-sucking scenes and battles between the vampires and their enemies. It also features a Sasquatch as well as a lesson in anthropology. Jude’s angst is on full display as he wrestles with his feelings for those closest to him.

The book is well-written, with only a few grammar and spelling errors that do not detract from the story. However, several small errors jumped out, including misnaming a solstice as an equinox. The other drawback is that Jude seems to struggle with the same feelings of love and guilt over and over, and the repetition slows the pace of the story and drags the interest level down.

Overall, it’s an engaging read that accurately portrays the emotional turmoil that teens face growing up. It’s filled with emotion, violence, gore, and some interesting ideas about vampires.

For readers disturbed by gender fluidity and gay themes, this book will not be appealing. For everyone else, the story should be enjoyable. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars, deducting one star for the overly repetitive thoughts of the main character.

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Vampires in BC
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I just finished reding and wow—what a ride! This book hooked me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the end. It’s a dark, thrilling, and totally unique take on the vampire genre that left me both spooked and fascinated. Set in the eerie, quiet backdrop of British Columbia, the story follows Jude, a partial vampire caught between his human past and the wild, intoxicating power of his new existence. I couldn’t get enough of the way Costelloe paints this shadowy world—it’s creepy, atmospheric, and so vivid you can almost feel the chill of those hospital corridors and misty forests.

What I loved most was Jude himself. He’s such a complex character—torn between guilt and the thrill of his vampiric abilities, like shapeshifting into anything he wants. That twist alone makes this book stand out; it’s not just about blood and fangs (though there’s plenty of that too!). It’s about identity, power, and the messy choices that come with being something more than human. Jude’s journey feels so real and relatable, even in this supernatural setting, and I found myself rooting for him every step of the way.

Costelloe’s writing is sharp and gripping, with a perfect balance of action and quieter, introspective moments that really let you sink into the story. The pacing keeps you on edge, and the way he weaves in modern touches—like the hospital setting and even hints of bigger issues like environmental destruction—adds a layer of depth that I wasn’t expecting. It’s smart, it’s spooky, and it’s just so darn entertaining.

Honestly, Vampires in BC is a gem for anyone who loves a good supernatural thriller with heart and brains. It’s fresh, bold, and easily one of the most exciting vampire books I’ve read in a while. Keith Costelloe has a fan in me—I can’t wait to see what he writes next!

It seems like a unique twist on the vampire genre, especially with the added themes of identity and emotional conflict. The setting in British Columbia adds an atmospheric touch, and the blend of horror, romance, and even a bit of anthropology sounds intriguing. The presence of a Sasquatch is definitely unexpected and adds a layer of novelty. While the repetition of the protagonist’s thoughts might be frustrating, the emotional depth and complex character dynamics could still make it worthwhile. I might give it a try if I’m in the mood for a dark, introspective story with supernatural elements.

I have mixed feelings about this novel because I like good vampire stories but romance is not my thing, especially if it portaits teen feeling struggles. I hope the author does one more round of proofreading, so I can at least avoid distractions while reading it. Thank you for your great review!