Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this review copy!
LindaAnn LoSchiavo's Vampire Ventures is a haunting journey into the underworld of the vampire mythos, reimagined with a modern twist. Through her lyrical verse, Loschiavo offers a fresh perspective on these gothic creatures of the night.

One of the strengths of this collection is the author's unique talent for creating vivid and memorable characters. Her vampires are not mere stereotypes but individuals with their own unique personalities and histories, with their own desires, fears, and hopes. From the brooding and enigmatic count (A tall, lean figure moved towards me, skullish in his gauntness and unworldly pallor), to the rebellious and free-spirited vampiress, each poem introduces a distinct character that invites the reader to connect on a deeper level.

The poems are steeped in lush descriptions (rosy cheeks as velvety as a ventricle). Readers are transported to shadowy alleyways, grand gothic manors, and moonlit nights where vampires lurk, not as fearsome predators but as creatures in search of meaning. LoSchiavo’s vampires are multifaceted—they embody both the romanticized notion of the seductive, powerful being and the tragic figure haunted by centuries of existence.

The author’s use of language is both evocative and precise. Her imagery is rich and atmospheric, painting pictures of a world that is both familiar and mysterious in the reader's mind. She skillfully employs various poetic forms, including sonnets, haikus, Fibonacci, and villanelles, demonstrating her versatility as a poet. (Learning about these unusual structures expanded my knowledge of poetry AND instilled new respect for the author. Telling a story under the constrictions of each type of poem is no easy feat.) Each poem is a journey of its own, often blending dark humor with somber reflection. The use of rhythm and meter enhances the haunting, melodic quality of the collection. LoSchiavo's poetry is accessible yet deeply layered:

Like trees, we’ve bound ourselves below without

Burial, cocooned in soil, still sentient,

Possessed of appetites, required to feast.

Readers are invited to engage with the subtext while still enjoying the visceral, gothic beauty of the surface-level narratives. While the collection primarily focuses on the romantic and sensual aspects of vampire lore, LoSchiavo also explores darker themes such as loneliness, isolation, and the consequences of immortality:

“No

One

Begs for

Life-in-death,”

Explained the vampire. “Immortality takes effort.”

Her poems offer a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of these complex issues, inviting the reader to consider the psychological impact of not only living forever, but the challenges of living forever in a world that is constantly changing.

Vampire Ventures is a mesmerizing collection of poems that explore the dark and alluring world of vampires, transforming a well-worn trope into something fresh and introspective. While the collection is brief, each poem leaves a lingering impact, allowing readers to contemplate the complexities of the human (and non-human) condition.

For lovers of gothic literature, horror, and poetry, this collection is a must-read. It will appeal to those who enjoy the darker side of the supernatural but are also looking for more profound emotional depth in their reading. LoSchiavo's writing is engaging enough to draw in even those new to the genre.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, this collection was just okay. There were a few poems in here that I actually quite enjoyed or that I thought had beautiful lines, but overall I felt the poems were just somewhat bland, which is hard to accomplish when you're writing about vampires.

This book was fast enough to get through due to the short and easily digestible format, though any time I put it down, there was no desire to pick it back up. It just really didn't hold my interest or attention. I don't think the collection was bad or did anything wrong, it was just mediocre and could have accomplished more, I think.

This collection confused me. Some parts were lovely, lyrical and evocative. Others were jarring, with frustrating dialogue and trendy text-speak.

I think I’d like to see what the author comes up with in prose, as while these were a mixed bag, if some of the scenarios were given more focus, they’d be great.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Vampire Ventures is available now.

This is the third book of poetry featuring author LindaAnn LoSchiavo that I’ve read. I enjoyed her poetry in both Apprenticed to the Night and Messengers of the Macabre: Halloween Poems. One thing that really stands out to me about her poetry is that it is always incredibly unique. Even a subject that is incredibly popular, such as vampires, will have a fresh take when tackled by LindaAnn LoSchiavo.

Vampire Ventures is a chapbook that contains poetry focused on bloodsucking fiends, with Dracula himself making an appearance several times. You won’t find glittery vamps, although the allure of Dracula and the erotic undertones that have long been a part of vampire lore, are present in all their glory. The reader is shown ideas of what vampirism could be in today’s society in some poems. In other poems, the classic gothic vibe that I’ve always associated with vampires travels back in time to the early days of vampire lore.

It’s hard to pick a favorite poem. They all offer something different, each one adding to a complete whole. I did really enjoy seeing a vampiric intrusion on a dating app, with a mysterious “Mr. D”. What a clever idea!

The poetry format was varied as well, with free verse rubbing shoulders with haikus. Even the rhyme and meter are as different from one entry to the next as the tone is from poem to poem. While some of the poems are mysterious and gothic in nature, others are massively entertaining and even a bit funny.

Vampire Ventures has something to offer both fans of poetry and vampires alike.

I have such mixed feelings about Vampire Ventures. Parts of it were brilliant, some of the best writing I've read this year. Other parts were so disconnected they didn't feel like they belonged to the same work. It felt was drastically too short yet sluggish in some areas. Some of the poems felt like gothic Rupi Kaur while others felt lyrical S.T. Gibbon yet a little too academic. It was just... messy?

The ebook format made it harder to read for me. So I unfortunately couldn't get into this book. I had a hard time following what was going on.

This was an interesting collection. Honestly though I felt like some of these were excerpts from short stories rather than poems. Some I could tell were poems and others felt like short stories. I still enjoyed my time with it.

I am not a big poetry reader but was intrigued when the author reached out to me concerning this unique collection of poems. This is a collection of poetry that you will want to take a bite out of (lame, lame, I know). If you enjoy poetry and reading vampire books/lore/poetry, this is the collection of poems for you. It's a fast read which can easily be read in one sitting. The author writes in different poetry forms which added to my enjoyment of this collection. I loved the vibe of the poems. Many of the poems are modern (one where a Mr. D. and a young woman converse using a dating app) but some, especially the first in the collection, have a very old feel to them (one where a young noblewoman is hoping to find love with the new count in the area). There is also humor in the poetry which I enjoyed as well.

I'm glad I took a chance on this wonderful collection! It was enjoyable, dark, captivating, original and creative.

"Vampire Ventures" takes readers on a thrilling and enchanting journey through a collection of captivating tales. With a unique blend of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, LoSchiavo breathes new life into the vampire genre, delivering a fresh and enticing perspective that will leave readers eagerly turning every page. One of the highlights of this collection is LoSchiavo's remarkable ability to skillfully blend elements of classic gothic romance with a modern sensibility. Each story is carefully crafted, showcasing the author's mastery of storytelling. With every turn of phrase, LoSchiavo paints vivid scenes that transport readers into a world filled with intrigue and suspense. Throughout the chapbook, the author seamlessly weaves together themes of desire, transformation, and the clash between tradition and modernity. These themes serve as powerful undercurrents that add depth and complexity to the narratives. LoSchiavo's attention to detail is evident, as she intricately constructs each story to create a truly immersive experience for the reader. "Vampire Ventures" is a testament to the author's ability to meld tradition and innovation. The collection strikes a delicate balance between paying homage to the timeless themes and tropes of vampire lore, while also introducing fresh and imaginative ideas. This fusion results in a collection that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, appealing to readers who appreciate a modern twist on classic tales. For those who crave a fresh take on timeless themes, as well as those who revel in the art of storytelling that transcends genres and eras, "Vampire Ventures" is a must-read. LindaAnn LoSchiavo's masterful writing will leave readers captivated, craving more of her unique and enthralling narratives.

What a delightful little snack. This short read was exactly what I was looking for-- a collection of dark, unstuffy, and self-confident poetry and short prose about vampires (Count Dracula, in particular) in both historical and more modern day contexts. LoSchiavo's stylistic range and thought-provoking delivery keeps things engaging from beginning to end.

The standout of this collection for me was An Ideal Lost in Night-Mists which explored how modern day vampires might engage with technology and younger generations to quench their thirst.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review. I loved the humor of this collection and the vampire lore sprinkled in between. The perfect read for something spooky and lively that will put an end to a reading slump. Really original work.

I think Vampire Ventures is not marketed very well. A fresh take on the classics is a boring way to put a book like this one. It’s not something that should be taken too seriously, but read for entertainments sake.

I did really like the dating app story and the poems centred around that and ‘Lucy Westerna, Somnambulist’.

Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the chance to read and review this book!

I don't know if the author of this work was intending for the story to present itself in such a humorous way, but I have to say I wasn't disappointed.

It was an interesting blend of classic Gothic romanticism (focusing on Dracula) with a new age (Gen-Z) twist to it that brought some humor into it.

This slim chapbook offers exactly what the title implies: vampire poetry in a number of forms, all executed by an experienced speculative poet who knows what she's doing. The focus is mostly on Dracula (both character and novel) , though many of the poems are set in contemporary times and none of them felt old-fashioned in a pejorative sense. Forms range from sonnet to prose poem to Fibonacci to the first truly dark Golden Shovel I've encountered, along with two longer narrative poems which felt more like free verse.

The overall feeling of this collection is fun rather than heavily Gothic, though there's plenty of depth. Poetically inclined fang-fans might find it a tasty seasonal stocking stuffer.

Don't be fooled by the serious cover! LindaAnn LoSchiavo's "Vampire Venture" is a delightful poetry anthology that skillfully combines literary prowess with imaginative flair. The author breathes life into concise sentences, guiding us through the realms of the living and the undead. As we grapple with our mortality and the covert longing for immortality, the book serves as a beacon, offering the guidance we need to stay grounded and sane. It's a volume worth having in hard copy, a resource to return to when the need arises. (No, the author didn't request this review.) This is a book that resonates when life's uncertainties loom.

In contrast to Eastern vampire-like entities, such as Yurei and Obake, LindaAnn LoSchiavo's vampires in "Vampire Venture" exude vitality, passion, and charm. The dark theme carries a lightness, with the author's tasteful words bubbling up wit. The poetry gains deeper appreciation when read aloud, as the prose, sonnet, and haiku come alive through our auditory senses, creating a fully immersive experience. The book encapsulates rhythm, tone, melody, and all things musical in its compact form. It's a gem suitable even for children.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Alien Buddha Press for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read on November 9th, 2023. Written on November 10th, 2023.

This went deeper than I thought.

I won't lie, I was a bit confused at times but that just made the experience the more intriguing. It was captivating and, due to its small size, easy to read.

The romance, the references to Bram Stoker's Dracula, the funny parts, and so much more, they all weave together into a collection of poems that made me fall in love with vampires just a bit more. The writing was really good, capturing my attention the whole time.

The author did something really good here, and I really enjoyed reading this book. If you love indie poetry, grab this book and devour it until the last drop; it's all worth it.

Thank you for the opportunity!

(Free ARC from NetGalley and Independently Published that I chose to review after reading)

Creative and very eloquently written and the author managed to combine various poetry styles and narrations.

Nonetheless, I got whiplash from the switch from the expressive and complex language to shorthand texting/slang used in the first poems.

It wasn’t for me, and that’s okay!

4.25 stars!

This was so different and enjoyable! There are different types of poetry, sort of haiku, prose, even some parts that read more like a short story, but that's what made this so different and fascinating to read.

A very fast read but very glad I went for it, my fave was probably reading about the dating profiles and his profile name on it as it was a sort of modern short story - that made me have a cackle and was so well done. I'm excited to read more from LindaAnn LoSchiavo!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC to review!

This is my first yime reading a narrative poetry book and I am glad to say that I actually loved it. So thank you netgalley for the book. This book is a brilliant collection of poetry with vast imagination that puts together the perfect blend of vampiric lore. The author had delivered this book in such a masterful way, I wish that I read this during Halloween. I missed that chance but I will be enjoying this one, again and again.

Native New Yorker LindaAnn LoSchiavo (she/her), a four-time nominee for The Pushcart Prize, is a member of SFPA, British Fantasy Society, and Dramatists Guild. She is the author of multiple poetry collections. Her newest, Vampire Ventures, is a chapbook of poetry based on Dracula and other vampire myths and legends.

Vampire Ventures is an attempt to do a modern retelling or create a modern addition to the Dracula mythos. This is a modern poem cycle, clearly set in a modernity that includes dating profiles and Google. Dracula is referred to as “Count D.,” as an internet username, and the speaker wonders about “dick pics.” The contemporary feel and flavor of these poems is interesting, and reads as refreshing. In a poem like “Vampires in Training,” the speaker complains about the struggles of her social media manager posting instructions on becoming a vampire and getting blocked; instructions which include lines like:

Imagine this: blood pumping, spurting straight
From puncture’s wounds, red tears in human flesh,
Aromas coppery, sweet pungent sweat,
As it’s consumed, tonight’s hot chalice drained.

The contrast between the blood and body horror of the vampiric experience juxtaposed against legal battles with social media makes for a unique reading experience.

Readers familiar with LoSchiavo’s work will be familiar with her use of formal poetry. Here the rhythmic lines of iambic pentameter which she favors are present, but there are a few experiments as well. LoSchiavo seems to be attempting to surprise readers familiar with her work with shocks and jumps, replicating the odd juxtapositions in the content of her poems. We see a Fibonacci poem in “Immortality,” or titled 5-7-5 “horrorku” in “Bram Stoker’s Recipe” or “Concentration.” LoSchiavo is stepping outside her comfort zone, and while these experiments are rough, they’re not without merit, either.

Readers of horror poetry will know LoSchiavo’s work. She has been nominated for every speculative poetry award imaginable, as well as a lot of more traditional literary awards, as well. She is consistent in her poetry, and Vampire Ventures is no exception. Fans of horror poetry will probably already have this book on their shelves, but in case they missed the signal, here’s a boost. Beyond that, vampire fans and folks willing to take a chance on poetry that reads like Bram Stoker meets a TikTok challenge are really going to enjoy this fun chapbook.