Title: Deadspeak
Author: Brian Lumley
First published July 1, 1990
487 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780812530322 (ISBN10: 0812530322)
Rating: 4.14
Overview
The dead are screaming, but no one can hear them. A new vampire has risen, and Harry Keogh is the only one who can stop him.
Deep in the Balkan mountains, the Ferenczy castle stands tall and strong, once the stronghold of the Vamphyri. Janos Ferenczy, a powerful and evil vampire, has awoken from his long sleep and calls upon the dead to rise and serve him.
But Janos needs the blood of the living, and his armies of the risen dead will soon overpower mankind. Harry Keogh’s deadspeak has been destroyed, leaving him unable to hear the warning cries of the dead.
To save the world, Harry must join forces with the deadliest vampire of all and link minds to defeat Janos and his terrifying army.
About the Author
Brian Lumley, a native of Newcastle, spent 22 years serving as a Military Policeman in various Cold War hotspots, including Berlin and partitioned Cyprus. He retired as a Sergeant-Major and relocated to Devon to pursue full-time writing.
Lumley’s first work was published in 1970, and he has since gained international recognition for his vampire series, ‘Necroscope,’ which has been translated into 10 languages and sold over a million copies worldwide. In 2010, Lumley was honored with the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award for his contributions to the genre.
Editoral Review
Deadspeak by Brian Lumley is a gripping horror novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark and twisted world of the supernatural. Lumley, a master of the horror genre, first published the book in July 1990, and it has since become a cult classic among horror fans.
The book is set in the fictional town of Gideon’s Row, where a group of people are being terrorized by a mysterious force that seems to be able to communicate with the dead. The story follows the protagonist, Harry Keogh, a powerful necromancer who is called upon to help the townspeople fight this evil force.
As Harry delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a dark and disturbing secret that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
Lumley’s writing is both vivid and atmospheric, creating a sense of dread and unease that permeates the entire book. The characters are well-developed and complex, with Harry Keogh being a particularly compelling protagonist.
The plot is well-structured, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
One of the strengths of Deadspeak is its exploration of themes related to death, grief, and the afterlife. Lumley’s depiction of the supernatural is both imaginative and thought-provoking, and he skillfully weaves together elements of horror, science fiction, and fantasy to create a truly unique reading experience.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be slow, and some readers may find the lengthy descriptions of supernatural phenomena to be overwhelming.
Additionally, the book’s treatment of female characters has been criticized for being somewhat one-dimensional.
Despite these limitations, Deadspeak is a must-read for fans of horror and supernatural fiction. Lumley’s masterful storytelling, combined with his unique blend of genres, makes for a truly unforgettable reading experience.
While it may not be suitable for all readers due to its graphic content, those who enjoy horror that pushes the boundaries of the genre will find much to appreciate here.
Overall, I would highly recommend Deadspeak to anyone who is looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read. Lumley’s skillful writing and imaginative storytelling make this a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.
I would give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on its quality of writing, character development, pacing, plot structure, and themes. While it is not a perfect book, it is certainly one that deserves to be read and appreciated by fans of the horror genre.
