Vampyrrich follows David Leppington, a doctor returning to his quiet hometown of Leppington, only to discover a creeping darkness lurking beneath its streets. As the town's residents begin to vanish and strange occurrences mount, David teams up with Electra Chanwood (the no-nonsense innkeeper of the Station Hotel), Bernice Mochardi (a local leech farmer with surprising grit), and Jack Black (a rough-edged psychic criminal) to survive the night.
What begins as a slow, atmospheric setup soon spirals into a brutal, tense siege by horrifying creatures—vampires reimagined as something ancient, feral, and terrifying. Simon Clark takes his time building tension, introducing the cast with depth and personality. When the horror finally strikes, it pays off in a big way. Each protagonist brings something vital to the team, and none of them feel like passengers in the narrative. Jack’s psychic “sixth sense” is particularly well-utilized—it adds a supernatural touch without undermining the story’s grounded terror.
The threat spreads beyond just the main quartet, making the town itself feel alive—and dying. Clark ensures that events are unfolding beyond our protagonists, raising the stakes and reminding the reader that this is a true siege, not a contained conflict. The conclusion is explosive, bloody, and thoroughly satisfying.
Ranking: 5 out of 5
Production
Simon Clark’s writing is superb. He blends classic horror tropes with modern pacing and character depth, creating a story that is as much about its survivors as it is about the horror itself. His descriptions of the vampires are grotesque and mythic, pulling from Norse legends in a way that adds gravitas to the creatures' origins. They're not just monsters—they're ancient, unknowable predators.
The atmosphere of Leppington is oppressive, eerie, and incredibly well-crafted. Clark’s decision to show the horror spreading in the background, claiming citizens while the protagonists struggle to survive, gives the novel a cinematic edge—like a tightly shot horror film with action happening just off-screen. The violence is brutal but purposeful. Gore is present, but never excessive.
The pacing deserves praise. Though the book begins slowly, the buildup serves its purpose: grounding the world, letting us breathe with the characters, and then slowly tightening the noose. The second half flies, packed with suspense, action, and strong character development.
Ranking: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Vampyrrich is a chilling and visceral survival horror novel that expertly mixes rich character work, grotesque vampires, and a steadily rising tide of dread. Simon Clark doesn't just write horror—he crafts it with care. Fans of The Strain, 30 Days of Night, or classic Stephen King will find a lot to love here. If you’re looking for vampires that are more nightmare than romance and a tightly plotted, character-driven horror experience, Vampyrrich is a must-read, earning 5 out of 5.
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