My Two Cents: PERSPECTIVE by Kevin J. Kennedy

Arguably one of the best cinematic representations of vampires was 2013's "Only Lovers Left Alive," starring Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton respectively as Adam and Eve, a pair of star-crossed bloodsuckers whose paths keep crossing and intertwining over the centuries. It's a quiet, brooding, introspective study on the tolls of an immortal lifetime not just on the individual doomed to endure it, but on those with whom they build and foster genuine relationships.

At first, "Perspective: A Vampire Novella" by Kevin J. Kennedy touches on similar themes. A lonely man recovering from years of self-loathing and depression meets Samantha, a beautiful redheaded woman at his local gym. One thing leads to another, and he discovers she's a vampire. When she bites him, it's not out of bloodlust or frenzy, but rather because she likes him, enjoys his company, and wants it to continue. With this newfound lease on a life that's practically immortal, he gladly accompanies her on a whirlwind trip through Europe, where the two sightsee, hunt, and party with abandon. Along the way, they are introduced to a pair of werewolves who are also traveling for leisure, and a mutual friendship develops among them.

Shortly after this, the story switches tacks, becoming less like "Only Lovers Left Alive" and more like "Underworld," or other action-oriented vampire flicks. When the enigmatic ruler of a subterranean demonic horde tries to recruit Samantha, the narrator, and their friends into the ranks of a supernatural army, they find themselves forced to choose sides and fight.

Samantha is a fun character: confident, strong-willed, and fierce. There's a certain aloof swagger about her that obviously comes from having not just lived, but survived for a very long time. In the story's beginning, when the narrator tries to intervene and protect her when an ex-lover tries to rough her up, she's caught by surprise by his would-be chivalry, and charmed. She doesn't need his help (being perfectly capable of fending for herself) and he gets his ass kicked in the process, but she's still touched by the gesture, and, I suspect, surprised by a human for the first in a very long time.

Elena, one of the werewolves they meet on their travels, was another character I enjoyed. She's carefree, vivacious, and utterly fearless, sometimes to her own detriment, and it's interesting to contrast her with both her companion and Samantha, who are both obviously much older, world-weary, and wise, but who look upon her antics with a sort of patient adoration.

"Perspective" is a quick read, but Kennedy provides plenty of action (both of the fighting and knocking boots variety). Despite its short length, Kennedy gives us great character development and an undeniably distinct mythos in terms of worldbuilding. The story feels like a prequel of sorts, as if the opening salvo in a longer work or series, which would be really fun to see. I know I'd sure be down for some further adventures of Samantha and Elena.

"Perspective: A Vampire Novella" is available here.