The Strain

By: Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan

Narrated by: Ron Perlman

“A high-tech vampire epic....Terrifying.”
—San Francisco Chronicle

“Part The Andromeda Strain, part Night of the Living Dead.”
—Salon.com

“Chuck Hogan is known for his taut thrillers, Guillermo del Toro for his surreal horror films…The Strain brings out the best of each.”
—Minneapolis Star Tribune

An epic battle for survival begins between man and vampire in The Strain—the first book in a heart-stopping trilogy from one of Hollywood’s most inventive storytellers and a critically acclaimed thriller writer. Guillermo del Toro, the genius director of the Academy Award-winning Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, and Hammett Award-winning author Chuck Hogan have joined forces to boldly reinvent the vampire novel. Brilliant, blood-chilling, and unputdownable, The Strain is a nightmare of the first order.

©2009 Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Gripping Story, intense narration.

Really enjoyed this book. I was surprised by how quickly I went through this, given its length. I've seen other criticisms of Ron Perlman's narration, but I thought his reading and cadence were dead-on for the subject matter. The story's very cinematic, but what would you expect when of the authors is del Toro. Can't wait for Part 2.

Good start - and big drop

The opening of this novel is very chilling, engaging and filled with promises for things to come.

Unfortunately this quickly changes into a "Night of the Living Dead" copy that just failed to keep me interested.

I liked the narrator - he kept me going when the story already failed me.

Suggestion: Listen for the first 30 minutes, then delete the file. It will make for a good open ended thrilling short novel ;-)

Sorta meh

The reading is pretty well done, the story is sort of cheese, typical vampire stuff. Couple of fun scenes but didn't touch my love buttons

SOLID LISTEN

The reader made a LOT of difference. Smoothly transitioned between characters. The material is not especially original but the beginning is uniquely creepy and all the characters are well thought out. Kept me coming back for more. Ending was a bit anti-climactic but will say that I was HOOKED throughout.

Destined for the big screen?

In listening to this (excellent narration by Ron Perlman - that was half the fun) I couldn't help but picture this more as a script than a book. I found the twists on vampire lore refreshing and unique compared to the few I've read - Ann Rice, Twilight books, first of the Sookie Stackhouse books (I won't read anymore at the risk of spoiling True Blood) and maybe a couple others over the years.

Very visual writing, goes for the gore and chill factors and I thought it delivered well. Interesting and diverse characters (reminded me a bit of Stephen King there) pulled together into what promises to be a great trilogy.

I won't be surprised to see this go to film and with Guillermo at the helm smells like a blockbuster.