Queen Victoria

February 1, 2010
Add Queen Victoria to the rapidly growing coterie of classic and historical characters forced to battle supernatural evil (see Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Zombie Jim, etc.), as pseudonymous author Moorat combines Victorian manners, gallows humor and grindhouse gore into a satisfying historical adventure. After ascending to the throne, 18-year-old Victoria has her hands full with matters of state and the heart; when she learns of a clandestine war between humans and demons, however, Victoria's responsibility to protect the Empire takes on violent, visceral dimensions. With help from a Scooby Gang of rough-and-tumble warriors known as the Protektorate, the self-possessed young monarch must battle demons (a catch-all category including werewolves, zombies and many others), quell a brewing insurrection and protect her beloved Prince Albert, all while maintaining her royal decorum and a stiff upper lip. Moorat infuses his tale with enough bravura and over-the-top action to lift it above a horde of similar projects; readers able to stomach the deliriously bloody goings-on will find plenty to enjoy.

March 15, 2010
Two 19th-century world leaders, Abraham Lincoln and Queen Victoria, join the fight against the evil undead. The author of the best-selling literary mashup "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" tackles a fantasy biography of Abraham Lincoln as a vampire hunter. Although the title might signify humor, there is noneat least intentional. Seth, a would-be writer, obtains the secret journals of Lincoln's encounters with vampires and turns them into a biography. The story begins promisingly, but as interactions with the undead pile up, the plot becomes less and less believable. VERDICT Purchase only where requested. [See Prepub Alert, "LJ" 12/09.]

In the pseudonymous Moorat's fantasy, June 19, 1837, heralds an auspicious night. The young Princess Victoria, only 18, becomes England's new monarch. Demon forces hatch a plan to take down the queen and usurp her empire. The story, told with delightful, understated British humor, is not for the squeamish. The zombie scenes are especially disgusting, as zombies have appalling table manners. Yet within this gory tale lurks a beautiful romance between Victoria and Albert proving that love can conquer all. VERDICT Recommended for historical urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans.Patricia Altner, Biblioinfo.com, Columbia, MD

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.