I, the Vampire & Other Weird, Forgotten Tales of the Undead

By: Lester del Rey, Henry Kuttner, Seabury Quinn, E. Everett Evans, Ray Bradbury

Narrated by: Brennan Koenigsreuter

Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Think all the great vampire tales from the shudder pulps—"Weird Tales," "Strange Tales," "Horror Stories," "Unknown," etc.—have been republished? And you've heard them all?

Think again! We have unearthed from their yellowing pulp pages coffins, six stories that you have probably never heard, and combined them with two indisputable classics for one of the best and freshest anthologies of undead doings you are likely to listen to for a long time to come.

For instance, have you heard "After Sunset" by Philip Hazleton? "Mortmain" by Seabury Quinn? "The Shadow of Nirvana" by Earl Peirce, Jr.? "The Undead Die" by Everett Evans and Ray Bradbury? "Spawn of Darkness" by Kirk Shaw? Or, "Vampire Girl" by Bryce Walton?

If you have listened to only a few or none…this is the anthology for you!

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Disinturing Forgotten Delights

A problem with vampire lore is that familiar tales have been recounted countless times, "I, the Vampire & Other Weird, Forgotten Tales of the Undead" emerges as a rare and precious gem, skillfully curated and narrated by Brennan Koenigsreuter. This audiobook introduces listeners to an anthology that breathes new life into the long-lost stories from the golden age of pulp fiction, offering a fresh and invigorating perspective on the undead.

When I first saw the title my mind immediately went to DC Comics "I, Vampire." "I, Vampire" is a comic book series that first appeared in "House of Mystery" #290 in 1981. It was created by writer J. M. DeMatteis and artist Tom Sutton. The series features Andrew Bennett, a vampire who resists the urge to feed on humans and becomes a heroic figure fighting against his own kind.

Andrew Bennett, a British nobleman from the 16th century, is turned into a vampire by Mary Seward, who herself becomes a vampire queen known as Mary, Queen of Blood. Bennett resists the violent nature of vampires and becomes a protagonist, aiming to protect humanity from the threat of his own kind. The story explores themes of morality, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

The "I, Vampire" series was reintroduced in DC Comics' New 52 initiative in 2011. In this iteration, the character of Andrew Bennett is again a central figure, and the series delves into the complex relationships between vampires and other supernatural beings. The New 52 version of "I, Vampire" received positive reviews for its dark and mature storytelling, as well as Andrea Sorrentino's atmospheric artwork.

The series adds a layer of political intrigue as the vampire nation attempts to conquer the world, and Andrew Bennett finds himself at odds with not only his own kind but also various other supernatural entities. "I, Vampire" offers a unique take on the vampire genre within the superhero context of the DC Universe.

Alas, This was not one of the stories in this book, and my hopes were dashed. Thankfully, the book stands alone on its own.
At the heart of THIS compilation lies "The Undead Die" by Everett Evans and Ray Bradbury, a tale that transcends its 1948 origins, proving to be timeless in its allure. The narrative unfolds around a young couple deeply enamored with each other, a love that becomes the bedrock of their resilience when thrust into a malevolent world. Imprisoned and transformed into vampires by a venerable nobleman of the undead, their journey is a delicate dance between the sweetness of their love and the bitterness of their newfound existence.

Everett Evans, with his deft storytelling, crafts a narrative that is both sweet and bittersweet, weaving an original and captivating tale that stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic weird fiction. The strength of the story lies not only in its unique premise but also in its unexpected and emotionally resonant conclusion. "The Undead Die" stands as a testament to a bygone era, transporting listeners to a simpler time when weird tales relied on solid ideas, twist endings, and a writing style finely tuned for survival in the pulps.

A standout feature of this anthology is its inclusion of lesser-known stories that might have otherwise faded into obscurity. The term "dusty gems" fittingly encapsulates the nature of these narratives, crafted by skilled authors from the golden age of pulps. The obscurity of these tales is transformed into an advantage, as they are now rescued from the passage of time, thanks to the digital age. "The Undead Die" is not just a title; it's a resurrection, a revival of narratives that might have slipped through the cracks, bringing them into the spotlight once more.

The collaboration between Everett Evans and the illustrious Ray Bradbury elevates "The Undead Die" to a level of literary excellence. Bradbury's influence is palpable, adding a layer of sophistication to the narrative. This collaboration, coupled with the strength of the remaining stories in the anthology, underscores the power of a well-curated collection. Each story, a distinctive voice in the symphony of the undead, contributes to the richness of the overall experience.

Among the unearthed tales, "After Sunset" by Philip Hazleton, "Mortmain" by Seabury Quinn, "The Shadow of Nirvana" by Earl Peirce, Jr., "Spawn of Darkness" by Kirk Shaw, and "Vampire Girl" by Bryce Walton beckon listeners into a world where the macabre and the mysterious intertwine. These narratives, often overshadowed by more prominent works, now find a new life, thanks to the careful curation of this anthology.

The strength of a great anthology lies in its ability to showcase the diversity of voices within a particular genre. In "I, the Vampire," each story unfolds like a unique piece of a larger, haunting puzzle. The different voices contribute to the richness of the subject matter, offering listeners a panoramic view of the multifaceted world of undead fiction. From the atmospheric horror of "After Sunset" to the mysterious allure of "Vampire Girl," the anthology showcases the versatility of the undead narrative.

"I, the Vampire & Other Weird, Forgotten Tales of the Undead" is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic pulp fiction. It resurrects forgotten stories, allowing them to shine anew in the digital age. "The Undead Die" is a prime example of the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered within this anthology. A journey through these narratives is not just a trip down memory lane but a revelation of the timeless quality that defines great storytelling. Brennan Koenigsreuter's narration adds another layer of immersion, bringing these forgotten tales to life with an artistry that complements the brilliance of the narratives themselves. This audiobook is not just a collection of stories; it's a celebration of the weird, the forgotten, and the undying allure of the vampire tale.

Engrossing and Entertaining

The overall stories in this book are phenomenal, some better than others. The stories are entertaining and put a new spin on vampires. In my opinion, the narrator was a little extra for me to thoroughly enjoy the stories she sounded excitable. I received this book for free upon my request. This is my honest, unbiased review that I am voluntarily leaving of my own free will.