Blood Families by Jerome MacEvoy

A gritty tale of rebellion and rebirth, Blood Families: The Veins of Truth by Jerome MacEvoy is a multifaceted work of vampire fantasy that is entertaining and insightful in equal measure.

In a world where a vampire class rules over the poor, mortal, and easily exsanguinated, Lord Yuri Khashevin pushes back on the undead status quo after two innocent peasants are murdered in cold blood. His quest for retribution uncovers the conspiracy and cruelty underpinning the vampiric power structure, forcing him to choose between an eternity of injustice or an improbable rebellion against a bloody world order.

Layered with allegory for contemporary disparities in wealth and power, this novel challenges entrenched ideas of hierarchy while exploring a timeless question – reform or revolution? The cruelty of the privileged elite is rendered in decadent detail, as is the fearless resilience of the oppressed and overlooked, making it impossible not to read the social commentary between MacEvoy’s well-considered lines. The world-building is evocative and creative, particularly the cultural distinctions between the Manarotta and the Tchamaris, providing plenty of originality for fans of dark fantasy.

The writing is occasionally heavy-handed, with narration that too often tells rather than shows, and the dialogic authenticity is inconsistent, but there are frequent splashes of descriptive flourish that help bring the characters, scenery, and action sequences to life. Patiently crafted and peppered with incisive social commentary, this novel is a compelling first taste of a boldly dark series.