Vampires- a New Genre?

I understand that when there is a lot of hype around a particular series (referring to Twilight, et al), there are many who want to get on that particular bandwagon and cash in on its popularity. In a similar fashion, the Harry Potter series spawned a whole rash of fantasy, some great, some mediocre. The same is true of the new vampire offerings. I contrast two novels: The Night Wanderer:A Native Gothic Novel by Drew Hayden Taylor with Night Runner by Max Turner. Night Wanderer is an exciting and haunting story of sixteen-year old Tiffany who lives on Otto Lake Reserve with her father and grandmother. A typical teenager, she fights with her dad, and is more concerned with her relationship with her boyfriend, a white boy from a neighbouring community. Although she thinks they are in love, there are little signs that make her wonder if he really accepts her into his sphere of friends. Then along comes Pierre, an unusual man from Europe, who is going to board with her family for awhile. He refuses the offer of her room and prefers to lodge in the darkened basement. Although you understand quickly that there is something very different about him, you are left to read the clues and make some judgements for yourself. His and Tiffany’s paths continue to intersect; in fact, the author uses both voices to tell the story which really allows us to enter both of their worlds. Although I don’t want to give much more of the story away, I do believe this story has merit, it is fast-paced and will have wide appeal for our vampire lovers. There are a few language issues so I would recommend you read this before housing it in the YA section of your elementary school but this will suit the high school collections as well.

Night Runner, on the other hand, is not as subtle. It too is action packed but after the rather exciting beginning, it lagged until the end where many loose ends were tied up very quickly.  Zach, who lives in a mental institute because of a strange illness he has contracted following the death of his parents, is told to run by a wild man who has broken into the institute. I loved the beginning and then was so disappointed to find out it was a vampire story. I thought it had the potential for breaking new ground if it followed a completely different plot. I also need to say that this is not my favourite genre, so my prejudice may well be showing. He soon discovers that he is a vampire and that his father was a vampire hunter.  I thought it really strained one’s credulity (understandably so) but even an unbelievable story needs to seem plausible. I am able to suspend my disbelief quite readily, but really had difficulty with htis one.His best friend’s easy acceptance of Zach’s condition and his willingness to trap animals for their blood just seemed too, too trite. I certainly agree that this will have “kid” appeal and the language was good, so I will certainly house it in my library, but in a search for excellence, this didn’t make the cut for me.