Vampires II (Classic Monsters, #4)

Vampires II (Classic Monsters #4) by Kevin J. Kennedy

Vampires II is a sprawling anthology that reimagines vampire mythology in a wide range of settings and styles. From war-torn battlefields and isolated outposts to modern survival horror and surreal, atmospheric pieces, the collection refuses to stick to a single interpretation of the vampire legend. Instead, it embraces variety, showing just how flexible—and how dangerous—the myth can still be.

What makes this anthology especially enjoyable is the number of standout stories scattered throughout. Mike Salt’s “Blood and Marshmallows” blends dark humor with horror in a way that sticks with you.

Loki DeWitt’s “Jump Scare” delivers tight, modern tension and effective pacing.

While Milan Kovacevic’s “Boys, You’re Welcome” leans into a more unsettling, provocative edge.

M.P. Norman’s “Blood and Bullion” also stands out with its strong atmosphere and memorable concept, blending Clint Eastwoods, Kelly's Heroes with vampires from World War 2.

Alongside these highlights are contributions from a wide range of other authors, including Amy Cross, Brian Moreland, Christine Bergling, and many others, each bringing their own interpretation of vampire lore.

The result is a collection that feels diverse in tone and voice, with stories that range from classic gothic influence on more contemporary and experimental horror.

As with other entries in Kevin J. Kennedy’s Classic Monsters series, the strength lies in curation.

The anthology balances established horror writers with newer voices, giving it both polish and unpredictability. Not every story will land the same way for every reader, but the variety ensures there’s always something fresh just around the corner.

Overall, Vampires II is a bold and entertaining collection that keeps the vampire myth alive by constantly reshaping it. It may not be uniform in tone, but that unpredictability is exactly what makes it work.

5/5 STARS

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