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I recently finished reading Peeps by Scott Westerfeld. Now, I’m often a little wary of scientifically explained vampires. It seems terribly easy to just make up some half-baked tale about a virus and pretend that your “science” gives you credibility, when in fact all you’re doing is undermining humans’ natural fear of the unknown. It can be handy to be unknown and feared.
But to my surprise, Westerfeld managed to replace the fear of the unknown with the fear that somewhere in your body tiny little vampires are eating you alive.
By this I’m referring to parasites, because of course “Peeps” is simply shorthand for parasite-positive, or “vampire.” And the idea that microorganisms could be hiding inside the human body, not only consuming it but also controlling its host’s behavior and even their very thoughts… that is a frightening idea.
I have always loved to see an author spin vampires out of more than just shadows. And Cal is definitely more than shadows. He has a certain charm – frustrated, yet down-to-earth. And with a wry sense of humor as a bonus. Delicious.
The storyline is well-thought out, even if it does end a bit abruptly. And there is the promise of a sequel as a consolation.
Definitely a favorite. After all, I can’t help but be impressed by a novel that comes with a bibliography.
 Dulcia Dusken · Wed Feb 13, 2008 @ 11:32am · 2 Comments |
