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mxsallybend's review
3.0
A Night of Hunger & The Countess is actually a story told in two-parts. Combining elements of sadomasochism, female domination, and the most sinister sexual elements of the vampire mythos, this is a powerful and well-written read.
Wayne establishes both scene and setting early, dragging us down into the world of dirty alleys and dingy fetish nightclubs. As readers, we can enter this world safely, yet still be aware of the dangers, as we vicariously share in the forbidden thrills and excitement. The people here are no safer than the setting, decked out in their fetish best, and hungry for demonstrations of bloodletting and pain . . . something The Countess is only too delighted to provide.
It is with the Countess that Wayne pushes the story into the realm of true horror. A classic vampire (by which I mean neither sparkly and romantic, nor interested in redemption), she lives for the taste of fear in a submissive's eyes and the taste of blood flowing into her mouth. She's intensely beautiful, and immensely dangerous . . . which is so not a good combination for the men foolish enough to volunteer their submission.
Of course, setting and character alone do not a story make, but to say too much about the plot would be to ruin the surprise. Suffice to say, The Countess may be immortal, but she is not untouchable. Actions have consequences, and reputations lead to repercussions, ultimately resulting in a gloriously bloody finale.
Definitely not for everyone, but if you're intrigued (and even excited) by the likes of Clive Barker's Hellraiser, or by the beautiful cruelty of the Marquis De Sade, I suspect you'll enjoy what Wayne has to offer.
Wayne establishes both scene and setting early, dragging us down into the world of dirty alleys and dingy fetish nightclubs. As readers, we can enter this world safely, yet still be aware of the dangers, as we vicariously share in the forbidden thrills and excitement. The people here are no safer than the setting, decked out in their fetish best, and hungry for demonstrations of bloodletting and pain . . . something The Countess is only too delighted to provide.
It is with the Countess that Wayne pushes the story into the realm of true horror. A classic vampire (by which I mean neither sparkly and romantic, nor interested in redemption), she lives for the taste of fear in a submissive's eyes and the taste of blood flowing into her mouth. She's intensely beautiful, and immensely dangerous . . . which is so not a good combination for the men foolish enough to volunteer their submission.
Of course, setting and character alone do not a story make, but to say too much about the plot would be to ruin the surprise. Suffice to say, The Countess may be immortal, but she is not untouchable. Actions have consequences, and reputations lead to repercussions, ultimately resulting in a gloriously bloody finale.
Definitely not for everyone, but if you're intrigued (and even excited) by the likes of Clive Barker's Hellraiser, or by the beautiful cruelty of the Marquis De Sade, I suspect you'll enjoy what Wayne has to offer.
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