What if vampirism wasn’t supernatural… but biological?
In today’s review, I dive into The Strain (2009), the first novel in Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s acclaimed vampire horror trilogy. Long before I knew this was a book series, I enjoyed watching FX’s four-season adaptation. Once I discovered there were novels behind the show, this one shot straight onto my TBR.
Featuring a terrifying blend of vampire mythology, viral infection, scientific investigation, ancient prophecy, and apocalyptic horror, The Strain delivers one of the most unique takes on vampires you’ll ever encounter. Add in a memorable cast of characters, Holocaust survivor Abraham Setrakian, a truly unforgettable opening mystery involving a jetliner full of dead passengers, and audiobook narration by Ron Perlman himself, and you’ve got a recipe for a fantastic horror read.
Join me as I discuss what makes this novel work so well, who will love it, who might want to skip it, and why I think vampire fans owe it to themselves to check out this modern horror classic.
Have you read The Strain? Did you watch the TV adaptation? Which did you prefer? Let me know in the comments!
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Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
Necroscope: https://t.ly/c-geM
The Strain: https://t.ly/KhAmi
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0:00 - Opening
1:34 - Book Details
3:09 - Why Jim Read This
5:43 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis
7:02 - Seven Reasons You May Enjoy The Strain
10:06 - Three Reasons This Book Won’t Be For You
11:13 - Jim’s Final Thoughts
13:07 - Closing & Wrap-Up
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