AViS has been on my books-I-need-to-read radar for a while now, but to be honest I don't read a lot in the Christian Speculative fiction market (not because I don't read spec-fi, but because I tend to read secular spec-fi) and so it didn't rise to the top until I read Neitz's 'A Star Curiously Singing' and realized what a talent he is and how much I enjoy his writing.This is no different. The world, particularly the Amish world, he creates is fascinating, the characters compelling, and his voice strong (however I will note that Neitz's voice is at its strongest stride while operating in the 1st person POV of his Dark Trench Trilogy... AViS uses 3rd). The author uses science, rightly, to establish the vampire portion of this tale, keeps the Amish true to their community and plays it all undead straight. All while keeping the characters natural and simply nailing the overall concept and keeping it delightful in all the right ways.The only complaint I had with AViS was that there was a point, fairly early on in the book, where the story dragged. Honestly, everything in general seemed sort of slow to gear up, slow to realize where it was going, though once it got in gear, it was on a roll. Part of this perceived slowness might be the first character/set flip to the daily grind on the space transporter (pre-Amish arrival) I think may have bled some of the power of that wonder away because it sated my reader's curiosity about the threat the Amish were facing on their home world too soon. The transporter life seemed dull and mundane by comparison... which I cant even believe Im saying given the other 'set' is populated by a bunch of buggy driving Amish. This is remedied with the eventual Amish arrival on board and getting all the players (and food sources) in the same locale. But given how strong the writing, the characters and the world is, and just what absolute fun the whole concept is to begin with, the above is all easily overcome as the reader. You *know* the good stuff is coming. And it does. The body count is high and the ride is ultimately fun. As it should. I heartily recommend AViS for anyone who even thinks it sounds like fun, their cup of tea, or is generally curious. You will not be disappointed.And, if nothing else, if you set this book on your coffee table you will *never* suffer the need for a conversation starter ever again. :) A planet settled by an Amish community is in imminent danger of being destroyed because its sun is about to go super nova. The Amish are rescued by a Guild transport ship. The story takes place on the ship as it voyages to the new Amish planet.Before I get to the story, which I enjoyed immensely, I have a few comments about the presentation: I would never in a million years read a book with such a cynical title. And as for the old saying—never judge a book by its cover, well that has probably never been truer. I don’t enjoy vampire stories, either. No. The only reason I selected this story was because I’ve read two of Mr. Nietz’s previous novels and enjoyed them both. There is a reason behind both the title and the cover. It’s explained by the publisher at the beginning of the book, and if you’re interested, you can read about it in the Amazon sample.So, to the story: as the title implies, there are three threads to this novel.1. Amish—the story begins with the Amish community, and the author achieves a brilliant piece of world building in this section. I was sucked in and enthralled with the the characters and traditions on display.2. Space. Yes, despite the title, this is a sci-fi novel, and the space ship (transporter) was fascinating—a second world successfully built by Mr. Nietz including the characters who ran the ship and a nicely nuanced love story to boot.3. Vampires. Well, yes, but from a sci-fi perspective without the usual paranormal BS that annoys me like fingernail scratches on a chalkboard.The threads were pulled together beautifully. The read was fast, the writing sharp and easy on the eye, the characters all worked and made sense. Tension was maintained right to the end. I can’t believe I’m typing this, but— I highly recommend Amish Vampires in Space . Review originally written for Big Al's Books & Pals.
What do You think about Amish Vampires In Space (2014)?
The title seems so absurd that I just have to read it to see how it all comes together...
—roczstar
I had extremely low expectations for this book, but it was actually good.
—Rubyd
It was good. Not fantastic, but certainly not what I was expecting!
—bree
Loved this one! :) Not your typical vampire story.
—booklover
