Red Serpent: The Falsifier

Delson Armstrong

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

After years of exile, humanity has banded together, waiting for his fateful coming... On Earth, the evil Vampire overlords prepare to do battle with him... Both races, enemies to each other, seek to befriend him... For they know his power... He is the Falsifier.

In the far future, the last free humans have fled to a massive space station in Earth's orbit. On the planet below lurk their oppressors: a race of vampires who seek to breed and harvest them like animals. Orphaned as a child, Alex grows to manhood in the shadow of his legendary father who united the scattered remnants of humanity. But as he takes up his father's banner, he uncovers a frightening secret about himself: he is the Falsifier, fated to bring down the Vampire Empire. As he struggles with his destiny, the vampires abduct him in a surprise raid. With humanity's survival at stake, Alex must find - and fight - his way back and take his place in history.

Review by Paul Lappen (310712) Rating (8/10)

Review by Paul Lappen
Rating 8/10
First of a series, this far-future tale is about humanity really needing a saviour.

In the 34th century, humanity has lost the war against vampires from the planet Migra, and have been exiled to Regnum, a giant spaceship in Earth orbit. The vampires, living on Earth, plan to harvest the humans for their blood. John Howe is the 'President' of Regnum. His nephew, Alex, has grown up in the shadow of his famous father, who united the scattered remnants of humanity, and whom Alex never knew. Alex graduates from college, as valedictorian, has a girlfriend, Angel, and is about to become a father.

Some of the vampires, the Rebels, fought with humanity during the war, Afterwards, they were denied permission to join humanity in orbit; they have been systematically murdered until there are only a handful left. Alex learns, one day, that he is the long-prophesied Falsifier, who will bring about the end of the vampires. The vampires know this, too. Alex is kidnapped and taken to Earth. The kidnapping is not a complete surprise; one of the Rebels is a good friend of Howe, and has assured him that no harm will come to Alex. Killing him will not affect the prophecy.

The vampires give humanity an ultimatum: Disarm immediately, or it's war. Humanity responds with an ultimatum: Release Alex, or it's war. Meantime, Alex has been learning a lot about the prophecy, and gaining a great deal of power. John Howe practically forces the Regnum Senate to give him dictatorial powers to fight the war that everyone knows is coming.

Does Alex fulfil his prophecy to end the reign of the vampires? What happens in the final battle between humanity and the vampires? This is a really interesting novel that touches on a number of subjects, including very ancient history, religion and racial prejudice. Yes, it's very much worth reading.
Paul Lappen (31st July 2012)