Rating: 3 stars

The first book in the Jerusalem’s Undead Trilogy, Field of Blood sounded very promising. Published by Thomas Nelson, a house known for its Christian themed books, my interest was piqued to read what I assumed would be a Christian book with vampire undertones, rather than the usual reverse. The prologue sets the stage when Judas hangs himself in the “Field of Blood”, also known as The Akeldama, in AD 30. The rope breaks and Judas’ body is impaled, spilling his blood into the earth.

Fast forward to modern Jerusalem 1989. Evil lurks in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to enter the necropolis just below the earth’s surface. Known as “Collectors of Souls” they have waited centuries to inhabit the dead hidden in the caves and reanimate themselves. When a construction crew accidentally creates a chasm on the site, they finally get their chance. Opposing the forces of evil are the Nistarim; a group of 36 immortals who walk among us undetected, protecting mankind from the “Final Vengeance”. The Collectors begin their quest to rid the world of the Nistarim, feeding on human flesh and blood along the way. The Collectors’ first stop will be Romania, where a young girl named Gina Lazarescu lives. Unaware of her past, Gina has no idea the undead are coming for her.

The story unfolds quite slowly in the beginning and was a bit confusing. The use of religious references was awkward at times and seemed to be more about Judaism than Christianity. Things did eventually pick up and became more interesting, although I had to consult the list of Collectors to keep them straight and, reach back to my childhood catechism days in regards to some of the biblical references.

Overall, the book was an interesting departure from traditional vampire novels. However, this fan plans to go back to the dark side.

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Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1595544585
ISBN-13: 978-1595544582