The First Night by M.S. Fowle

Read: September 9-22

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pages: 71

Book blurb:
Alex was just twelve years old when she learned monsters are real. Now, nearly ten years later, she and her team of fighters are locked in a secret war with Odin, the ancient faction of wealthy elites genetically engineering these monsters – the Chimeras. But Alex never knew why Chimeras were created… until she meets Zeke. He is Odin's true target, him and his kind. They are of legends and myths. They are the First. But are they friend or foe? There's only one thing Alex knows for sure… don't ever call them vampires.

Not a bad start to a little series. This provides a good bit of action and an interesting take on vampires and their predators the Chimera. The novel follows a gang of young adults who have come together on a mission to rid the world of these evil creatures. Each individuals family has been destroyed in one way or another by these creatures and they are out to seek revenge as well as prevent any further harm. It has become a race against production and evolution as the Chimera are being mass produced more are becoming more evolved in their skill.

The story is told from the point of view of Alex the leader of the urban gang out to destroy the Chimera. Her chance encounter with Zeke during battle one night against the Chimera forges an unlikely alliance that proves useful to both. Through conversations with Zeke, Alex learns that the term "vampire" is a foul term that he and his group find "disrespectful and offensive". He explains that they prefer to be known as "the First" because they feel "vampire" tarnishes their honor. After learning that they share the common goal of eliminating the world of Chimera Alex beings to wonder if there could be potential in joining forces to accomplish their goals. While things are not tied up in the end of this novella there is a set up for the story to continue in the next book.

Overall the story is fairly short and a pretty good quick read. I enjoyed the story and will be continuing the series. I lucked out and bought book one when it was free on Amazon free on Kindle. So after starting book one I snagged the next three which so happened to also be free. If you are tired of the same old thing in urban fantasy, but enjoy a story with vampires this series may interest you.