A pretty comprehensive reference book about vampire, especially from myth and legends. Bonus point to include "vampire" from Indonesia, although I'm a little bit confused when read the vampire name is "penanggalan". Is this a new evil spirit/demon/etc? Then, when reading the description, I'll be like "oh, this is kuyang". Yep, I'm much familiar with "kuyang" rather than "penanggalan". Sadly, no vampiric creatures from Africa, Australia or Oceania mythology. Some of the vampiric creatures also more like demonic in nature and pretty sketchy to be categorized into vampire.

The book divided of some parts, focused into myth, legend and also vampire appearance in the world, such as vampire hysteria in the 13-15th century. There were also mentions of serial killer vampire that pretty much chilling to read, you wonder if you have already know it all form of serial killer then boom, there's serial killer mimicking vampire. What make this book shine is how the author pretty much knowledgeable when detailing vampire in literature, movie, tv series and games. From classic, of course there's detail explanation about Dracula by Bram Stoker. After all, Stoker's book was book that make vampire popular. BUT, before Stoker, there was Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu and the author also explain it thoroughly. For modern literature, there's Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris and don't forget, Twilight.

My complaint is, why there's no Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R.Ward in the example of romantic vampire books? The author mentioned some titles, including Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress and Alexandra Ivy's Guardian of Eternity. But no BDB? Seriously? No Dark Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon as well, but the lack of BDB is pretty much insulting because while I don't read it anymore, I admit that BDB is one of those vampire romance book that also achieve cult following. Also for a book that said to have illustrations in the blurb, the illustration are pretty much sporadic and sometimes just put there for being a decorations. It will be nice if there's a drawing of vampires from some mythology.

If you like all things vampire, this book is a must. I admit, despite my complaints, there's some knowledge about vampire that I only know after I read this book. Also, its piqued my interest to read Dracula by Bram Stoker. Hmm, maybe next Halloween, it's time to read Count Dracula!