You know that old sweater you have, the one that fits just right?  You’ve had it for years, it has gone on vacation with you, out to the theater and family functions.  Now it’s only fit for wearing around the house, but every time you pull it over your head it just makes you feel comfortable.  Delving into The Strain was like pulling on that old sweater.  This is what reading is supposed to be all about.

The Strain is a hybrid vampire-apocalyptic story.  Hogan and Del Toro have gone somewhere different – this ain’t your godfather’s apocalypse.  You have a mix of evil doers in The Strain, the intelligent, original vampire who has unleashed this plague upon New York; you also have the mindless “new” bloodthirsty  vampires, more akin to zombies in their relentless pursuit of their next meal.

As with any great apocalypse, The Strain is not about them, it’s about us.  How would we deal with it, would we believe the truth if it was spitting right in our face?  The Strain has some fabulous characters, who not only have their own crosses to bear, but they must now save the entire human race, no pressure.

The Strain sat for far too long on my dresser.  I am so glad that I finally got around to reading it.  It is a fast-paced book that refused to release me from its talons.  Thankfully, there are two more books in the series.

*5 Stars