PSALM OF VAMPIRES (THE MOURNING VAMPIRE)

In White’s horror-fantasy novel, a vampire livestreamer and his allies look into multiple murders and stumble upon a supernatural conspiracy to end the world as he knows it.

Jade Mourning is a 2,000-year-old fanged creature of the night, living in an Atlanta estate with other online influencers, when he becomes a suspect in a series of mysterious murders. When the clues rule Mourning out, the vampire and Atlanta police Det. Standmoore Owens, along with Mourning’s vampire ally (a woman namedMoreland), join forces to investigate. They soon discover that the culprits are feral vampires known as Wurdulacs. Soon, the unlikely trio uncover a larger plan that could result in the extinction of humans and vampires alike. A solution may lie in unlocking vampires’ genetic code; notably, Mourning encounters a world-renowned geneticist, Dr. Chua Mi Tien, after accidentally teleporting to Singapore. Mourning’s interpersonal relationships are complex; his primary love interest is a human named Daphne, who appears in his livestreams but thinks his vampirism is an act (“When I met Daphne, I was consumed by darkness. She lit me up”). Moreland pursues Mourning, as well, but her attempts to woo him fall short, due to her role in the apparent deaths of his wife and child during a raid of their city in the 1300s. Mourning must also win over Det. Owens, who despises vampires. The story ends with two main characters set to travel abroad on a search for another who’s disappeared. White’s novel may remind readers of Felicia Day’s limited-series podcast Third Eye (2023), in all the best ways. Although some scenes suggest a more mature intended audience, the novel otherwise reads like a teenage dream, abounding with modern references to such pastimes as Twitch and League of Legends. The main character starts off in a place that many might find admirable: He’s famous, rich, talented, and has supernatural powers and multiple romantic options. This sort of status can stagnate a character’s growth, but White has Mourning follow an enticing arc, while also exploring important themes of forgiveness, salvation, and friendship.

A fun, witty, and innovative contemporary fantasy adventure.