Aphelion

I'm not generally a fan of vampire stories, but I rather like this one, and I was greatly impressed at the author's attention to detail. He's created a very complete fictional universe with its own body of deep history. Setting, characterization and dialog are all very well done. Pacing is well done, and each of the main characters is complex, with their own internal conflicts.

Thematically, this seemed different to me in its focus on the bond between a mother and her little boy; not something I'd expect in a vampire story. This sets the stage for the strongly character-driven conflict, and the action gets quite intense.

It's early in the year yet, but I think this may have a place on my Year's Best list.

Check it out!