PRO CONNECT
While in high school Johnny E. Nix had an idea for a story about an esteemed family of vampires as seen from the vampires’ perspective. He did not have time to write the thriller then, but after retirement sixty years later he finally had an opportunity to write Yearning for the Light: Curse of the Vampire. He tells the story of the birth of the vampire existence and traces the history until modern times. The fascinating story that the author imagined in his youth is an innovative and refreshing approach to the genre.
While in college, as a young minister having a desire to help the community, Johnny and his future wife reached out to provide enriching experiences for children living in an economically and socially deprived community. After receiving his undergraduate and master’s degrees, he taught multi-handicapped children at the Helen Keller School. Following a few years of teaching high school, Johnny embraced the opportunity to teach and manage an adult education program at a vocational rehabilitation center. In addition to managing that program, Johnny was an adjunct evening instructor at the local community college where he taught ethics, sociology, and psychology.
When Johnny and his wife received a Caribbean cruise from their three children as a 30th wedding anniversary gift, they fell in love with traveling. Johnny’s and Pat’s additional adjunct positions enabled them to continue their dream, and they have now traveled in 56 countries and to all 7 continents.
“An intriguing narrative turn that ignites a riveting final act and an unforgettable ending...with a standout cast and a grand denouement.”
– Kirkus Reviews
A college student transforms after a vampire’s bite in Nix’s supernatural thriller.
University of Michigan senior Drew Owens cherishes his late-night walks across campus. Unfortunately, that’s prime time for vampires to stalk, and one night a bloodsucker suddenly attacks him. Miraculously, he awakens in a body bag, and a voice coaxes him out. It belongs to Samatonius Belzar, a 1,500-year-old vampire (and not the one who bit Drew). Sam belongs to a “family” that Drew has now joined. While most of these vamps are affable, Fredrick Kolf is definitely not. He’s got his red eye on Meg Larson, a fellow student Drew met recently. Fredrick may be a powerful vampire, but Drew, unlike the rest of the family, is immune to sunlight and “religious relics” like crucifixes. Drew resolves to keep Meg safe from Fredrick. Much of this tale lingers in recognizable terrain; these vampires are immortal, nocturnal beings who bite necks and flaunt such supernatural abilities as telepathy. Still, the cast is engaging, as Sam lovingly embraces new family members and Drew resists drinking blood for as long as he can (“Remnants of his human side still resided within him….At the moment, he felt incapable of murdering some innocent stranger”). The subplots are uniformly engrossing, including the detectives’ murder case, Drew and Meg’s potential romance, and the backstory of the vampiric “curse” that began in Jerusalem millennia ago. There is nominal action and suspense, as the characters are more prone to discussions of all that comes with being a vampire. Nevertheless, Drew’s unique immunity leads to an intriguing narrative turn that ignites a riveting final act and an unforgettable ending.
This vampire yarn hits familiar beats with a standout cast and a grand denouement.
Pub Date: Sept. 27, 2023
ISBN: 979-8862713138
Page count: 400pp
Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2023
Day job
Retired from managing the adult education program in a vocational rehabilitation center and teaching community college classes
Favorite author
Ken Follett
Favorite book
The Pillars of the Earth
Favorite line from a book
It is a far, far better thing I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.
Favorite word
Equality
Hometown
Brunswick, GA
Passion in life
Understanding the earth, the universe, and the life that inhabits them
Unexpected skill or talent
The use of humor in teaching college Ethics classes
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