“They’re all a bunch of bloodsuckers!” I heard someone say.
“Hm,” I thought. “Not a bad idea for a book.”
BLOODSUCKERS: A VAMPIRE RUNS FOR PRESIDENT is now available in paperback, ebook, kindle, and nook. If you like reading my blog, you’ll probably enjoy this.
BLOODSUCKERS is a political thriller — with vampires. Mostly, I loved picturing what it would be like to be a politician who could look someone in the eye and charm them to do their bidding. Imagine the power!
Here’s what it’s about:
Norman Mark is a politician with skeletons in his closet (literally). He’s a liberal Democrat who is constantly attacked by the tea party extremists who say he’s a socialist and an atheist and wasn’t born in America — and a vampire! Everyone laughs at the crazies but it turns out they’re right about all of that.
Disgraced reporter Steven Edwards supports Mark completely. When Mark is shot at a campaign rally, Steve looks to his acquaintance who drops the smoking rifle, smiles, turns into a bat, and flies away — leaving Steve as the prime suspect. He is rescued by the vampire believers (Jon Stewart calls them “Batties”) and he goes into hiding. The only way he can prove his innocence is by proving to the world that vampires actually do exist while constantly on the run from the bloodsuckers and the FBI.
Steve learns that vampires have been controlling things behind the scenes for thousands of years, accumulating wealth and influence. Many vampires don’t like the idea that one of their own is running for President and they’re trying to stop him, worried that he will expose their existence. Others support Mark. Many of them want Steve dead.
Some people have been surprised when I tell them that the candidate is a liberal Democrat, but that’s the dilemma Steve has. Does he continue to support the candidate he believes will be a great President even though he’s a vampire? A President who could charm his enemies into passing progressive legislation that will help all Americans? A President who could meet with foreign enemies and convince them to bring peace to the world? Do the ends justify the means?
The book is as politically accurate as possible, and features real journalists such as Brian Williams, Rachel Maddow, and Stephen Colbert. No, I didn’t get their permission. I hope they get upset at me. I could use the publicity.
And if you’ve read any of my other books or short stories, you know there are many twists, turns and surprises.
I have received some very nice comments from fellow authors who have read the book:
“Ventrella’s quick, bright dialogue punctuates the adventure with dry humor even as he ratchets the tension up towards an ending that might just surprise even the jaded reader. Highly recommended!” – Ryk E. Spoor
“Funny, quick, too smart for its own good.” – Mur Lafferty
“I loved the characters, the political insight and the final revelation!” – Dennis Tafoya
“A delicious blend of mainstream thriller, oddball horror, and biting social commentary.” – Jonathan Maberry
“Action, adventure, laughs and chills.” – Jon McGoran
“Sucks you in from the start and gets its teeth into your imagination.” – Gail Z. Martin
Sometimes bloggers post a donation button so you can show your support for all their hard work. For less than $6 you can download the kindle, nook, or ebook of BLOODSUCKERS. You’ll be supporting my blog and you’ll have fun at the same time.
Click here to read the first few chapters.
Filed under: writing | Tagged: A Vampire runs for President, Bloodsuckers | Leave a comment »
Michael A. Ventrella 