Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth

Christopher Farnsworth has written a vampire book that may start a whole new trend. In “Blood Oath: The Presidents Vampire” we’re introduced to a whole new way of looking at vampires. Nathanial Cade, a vampire, is the President’s “go to” man for missions that require a vampire’s special talents. He’s been doing this for over 100 years.

Some backstory on Nathanial: while aboard a ship as a sailor in 1867 he, and other members of the crew, were attacked by a vampire. Although many of the crew members died, Cade did not. Instead, he’s transformed into a vampire himself. Unfortunately, as a new vampire he’s unable to quell his thirst for blood and ends up killing several of his friends aboard the boat. When the ship arrives in port he’s convicted of murder and would have been killed until the current President, Andrew Johnson, decides that Cade’s special skills could be put to use on behalf on the government.

There’s just one minor flaw with this logic: how do you control a vampire? Johnson solves this problem with the help of a voodoo specialist who puts Cade under an oath that binds him forever – hence the title Blood Oath. Cade, who’s had suicidal thoughts about being a creature damned for all eternity, is more than willing to take an oath that binds him to the President and his staff; it gives him a sense of purpose and redemption.

The primary plot of the story centers around a mission to locate and thwart those intent on assassinating the current President. Cade and his liaison, agent Zach Barrows, have their hands full dealing with all sorts of baddies. But not the type you’re probably imagining. Just know that in Blood Oath, terrorists make use of the supernatural in order to further their causes.

The set up for this book reminded me of reading a great Robert Ludlum spy thriller, but with supernatural elements thrown in. What pulled me in immediately was how Farnsworth incorporated the supernatural into a real world thriller setting – without making you feel like you were reading fantasy. As such the book has major crossover appeal; fantasy, mystery and thriller fans alike will love this one.

Christopher Farnsworth has written a story that flows quite nicely, giving us Cade’s history without bombarding us with too much past information. Combine superb character development with a fast-paced plot and you have a book with the makings of a great Jim Butcher or Simon R. Green novel; the quality of Farnsworth’s writing is that impressive. Here’s hoping there will be more books in The President’s Vampire series – I for one am eagerly awaiting additional installments.