This was hard to get into, and I almost DNF this one, but I hate doing that with any book, so I continued on. The first few stories were a little boring, which was unfortunate that they were placed at the beginning because that's really where you want to get a reader hooked to the book. Many of the stories followed a similar plot, so a bit of repetition throughout, which could be expected with a collection of short stories by multiple authors.


Overall, it was an ok book... and I love to read anything related to vampires, of course! Several of the stories had interesting use of historical events/people tied into them, turning these stories we already know into vampire-related stories. The longer stories that had much more detail were the best reads in comparison to some of the shorter fragmented stories. Especially towards the end, there were a few stories with unique situations that were very interesting, so I am glad I held on and continued to read the entire book.

Enjoyment: 3.5
Start: 5
Characters: 3.5
Setting: 3.5
Plot: 3
Ending: 5
Style: 3
Rating: 3.79 (3.75)

This one was sometimes difficult to really get into, but all in all I did enjoy it. Some of the stories were better than others and some seemed to make no sense to me, but the differences in writing made it very unique to others that only have one author. I recommend for a read even if its just to see what these authors writing styles are like.

When I first started this book, I was a bit worried about the format. Many people LOVE the epistolary format, but it’s not my favorite. In addition, I’m not a huge historical fiction fan and feel a little lost or disconnected the further back things go. However, very quickly that worry was dissolved. The format is done well, with some pictures thrown in and a very clear break between entry within one writer and between the writers themselves.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is how grim it is. I’ve read a few ‘dark’ books or creature books that shy from being too gory, but this is vampires - you have to give us the harsh reality. There’s also a vast variety of stories, both in time and location. My favorites were Saint Orianne, A Drink of Death, No Mirrors (Angel of Death), All the Devils at Once, and Party Time at 413 Dallyn Road (I was SO glad we got to see someone through the change from human to vampire). The last entry set in the year 2025 was also a favorite, bringing the collection all the way to present day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Speculation Publications for the advance review copy.

I unfortunately didn’t love this book. I was so keen to read an anthology of vampire horror stories but I’ll be honest, I found that this read more like a vampire textbook more so than an anthology of short stories.

I wouldn’t say there was much “horror” about this personally, I think maybe if it was more geared toward the fact that it’s covering vampire lore, it may have found the right target audience which unfortunately was not me. I’m not a huge fan of that historical, factual style of writing myself, I prefer an immersive action packed book even in my short stories so this one missed the mark for me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This book is definitely a bit of fun. It covers different facets of vampire lore and vampire management across the ages, from early Greek times through to the modern day. It is a really enjoyable and unique anthology from that perspective- even if it is clearly rooting for the side that I definitely don’t go for!

There were definitely some stories that were more hit than miss, and the inverse is true as well. I quite enjoyed certain eras, like the 1500s and the redone legend of Robin Hood.

There were, however, inconsistencies in the vampire lore that I found a little difficult to deal with. I understand it’s difficult with anthologies to control the narrative from such a number of authors, but it would have been nice to have a cohesive ‘vampire’ approach, just to bring the stories together.

I did think as well that the weaker of these stories were the more modern day ones. The historical ones left more of a sense of intrigue with the surrounding events, whereas the modern ones were just a bit less magical.

I still think this is a fun anthology, and perhaps I’m just overthinking it more than I should- but it’s absolutely well worth the read, and well worth it too to see all the talent on display within.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a honest review. I promise my review is 100% accurate to me.

The creativity in these short stories boggle my mind. The length of each entry is perfect for my attention span of late. I have already recommended this book to friends.

Vampire Hunters takes a unique approach to vampire storytelling by putting together letters, journal entries, interview transcripts, and ancient writings. Go over centuries and continents, it captures the battle between vampires and those who hunt them. The fragmented narrative format aims to build a layered, historical feel—almost like piecing together a found archive of vampire lore.

While the concept is incredibly compelling, the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It took about 35% of the book before it found its rhythm and started to gain some continuity. At times, the abrupt shifts between entries felt chaotic, and the formatting made it hard to stay present in the story. Some transitions felt choppy rather than fluid.

That said, I genuinely enjoyed the longer journal entries because they provided much-needed context and helped flesh out the characters and lore. One of the strongest aspects of the book was its clever use of pop culture references, which brought a nostalgic charm. Familiar nods to Van Helsing, Bram Stoker, and The Lost Boys were especially fun.

Overall, while the structure might not be for everyone, there are definitely some creative and enjoyable elements, especially for fans of vampire mythology with a taste for the unconventional.

I would like to thank NetGalley for my ARC, and for L.C.W. Allingham's social media interactions via Instagram.

Anthologies/short stories are typically not my favorite thing to read, however, Vampire Hunters was compiled in a way that made me feel as if I were reading a family's in-depth genealogy and history of time. My overall thought on this book is that I loved the concept. Each section started out with a letter from an individual that spanned from the earliest centuries and up through the year 2002. Post-letter, are various diary/journal entries that detail a family legacy of vampire hunting. For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed them, but because they are all written by various authors, I thought the best way to do this review is by each story in order to give each author their credit when due, and for those that simply didn't seem to work, for me, but might for others.

The Strix
Old world gods and strix (vampires) that is told in short notices upon papyrus. I enjoyed this story for its historical setting, and for the commitment to friendship, and pledge to help humanity be purged of strix.

The Sherwood Papers
A vampiric adaptation take on Robin Hood. I loved the quote, "...(A) horror shared is a not a horror halved..."

Saint Orianne
Great for fans of Knights Templar.

The Appropriated Journal of Baron Von Herberstein
This story concluded with a great cliff-hanger. I wanted to continue reading more.

Blood Stains True
Transgender vampire. Redemption. Regret. Ravenous.

From the Diary of Istvan Rakoczi...
Didn't connect with this story at all.

A Drink of Death
Didn't connect with this story at all.

Be Careful What You Wish For
Vampiric adaptation to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The character Brom read very much like he was inspired by Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. It's been many years since I have read TLoSH, so I don't recall if he was written that way originally. (In that case, I redact my statement about Gaston due to publication dates.) I loved this one, but wished there was more to it. Honestly feel like this has extreme potential to be written as a novella, or a full length novel.

The Death of a Raven
For fans of Edgar Allan Poe (my favorite writer of all time). I was hesitant at first with Poe and vampires, it seemed like a strange blend, but it morbidly worked out! I loved the line, "There is nothing human about Poe's condition." I truly wanted the story to continue further. The ending read as if there was something just out of reach...but what was it? Poe? Something else?

No Mirrors
A true southern gothic tale of horror.

Bloodthirsty
Did not connect at all.

The White Hunger
I loved the line, "The learned men of the church are wrong. Hell is not a place of fire." Made me think of Game of Thrones white walkers but make them Russian vampires.

All the Devils at Once
Perfect for Dracula/Van Helsing fans. I loved the line, "We know the risks. In the evening gloom, we might meet monsters, and we might meet men, and either way, we know we're in danger."

Attrition
For fans of war/vampires/history. Despite my dislike of wars, I actually was surprised that I enjoyed this one. I appreciated this story, and the way it was detailed.

Double Shadows and Breaths not Taken
In the 27th August 1928 section, the second paragraph, the second and third sentences just read redundantly.

Part 3 introduction was the best one in the book. It grabbed the reader's attention and didn't let go.
I wanted more.

Sweet Sister
I loved this one simply for the fact this was about an emotional vampire. There's just not enough literature about vampires like this. Authors tend to focus on the sanguinarian vampires. I guess because blood sells? Ah-ah-ah!

Cape Canaveral
This could have been better had the vampire scene extended. I was into it until then, and then the story just plummeted. If the story was added upon, I would like this one more, otherwise I would have scrapped it entirely.

Sick
A morbid and grotesque, unique vampire tale. I loved all of its wretched glory.

Party Time at 413 Dallyn Road
A brother's undying love for his sister. I loved this quote, "Everyone's story needs telling, no matter how insane it sounds. Perhaps the batshit stories deserve to be told more than any others, especially when they're true."

Bad Blood
I had to google Near Dark (2021). It is a movie. And now I must watch this! This seemed to be more science fiction, and didn't seem to quite fit within the larger theme of this anthology.

Part 4
Page 160, sixth bubble- typo. why<--->while
Recognized the Vampa Museum reference from another book I am currently reviewing.
This was all told via text. I would have blocked the original texter. All that to say, I wasn't a fan of this one.

Birds & Beast
Page 167, September 6 about 1/2 way down "I" should be capitalized. I enjoyed this quote, "But you're only a victim, until you victimize somebody else. Then you're just a dick." Overall didn't connect with this one.

Nights in Kiribati
I neither loved nor hated this one. I genuinely appreciated its story and how it connects current political decision makings, with a vampiric twist-of course. It is because of this that this story is the one in the entire anthology that stands out the most to me.

Vampire Hunters: An Incomplete Record of Personal Accounts is a chilling anthology that breathes new life (and death) into the vampire myths. Curated by acclaimed horror authors alongside a talented lineup of voices—this collection offers a haunting patchwork of testimony, folklore, and field notes chronicling humanity’s eternal war against the undead.

Structured from letters, journal entries, interview transcripts, and ancient scribblings, this book eschews traditional storytelling for a more fragmented approach. The result is a haunting, immersive experience—one that echoes with the sense that you’re thumbing through something forbidden, dangerous, and true. The narratives span centuries and continents, capturing the evolving nature of both vampires and hunters across time.

The strength of this anthology lies in its diversity—not just of authorship, but of tone and form. One piece might read like a 19th-century Gothic confession, dripping with candle wax and regret; another pulses with the adrenaline of a modern-day field report, complete with coordinates and tactical advice. There are quiet tragedies, ferocious battles, and even the occasional dark humor. Through it all, the vampires remain terrifyingly real—not romanticized monsters, but predators whose cunning evolves with every passing generation.

What’s most compelling is how the anthology plays with the idea of legacy: this isn’t just a book of horror stories, it’s a record, an archive handed down through desperate hands. You get the sense of a world teetering on the edge of a shadow war, and these documents are humanity’s last-ditch effort to understand and survive it.

While the subtitle warns that this is an “incomplete” record, that feels less like a shortcoming and more like a narrative choice—suggesting there’s more out there, hidden or lost. The fragmented nature of the accounts may not appeal to readers seeking cohesive plots or recurring characters, but for fans of atmospheric horror, cryptic lore, and epistolary fiction, this is a rich and satisfying read.

This book is... okay, I would say.

I like the concept, love love love an anthology, but I just didn't like this book.

I think some of my dislike lies in the vampire topic. It is so over done! I know more about vampires than any other mythological creature, fantasy creature, cryptid, folkloric creature... you get my point. I also acknowledge that some of my distaste for how certain chapters were handled affected my overall opinion of the book.

Case in point- Edgar Allan Poe. I adore his works, and am well acquainted with his history. What is not appreciated, is to accuse or imply that someone (who is not here to defend themselves) has committed a crime (that has not basis in the real world), or try to make someone's mental illness seem more like a personality choice. Poe was a deeply troubled man, who did not live a fancy and happy life. He was a poor poet, who only had a couple of well known pieces during his lifetime. He dearly loved his wife Virginia (regardless of any feelings about the nature of said relationship). I would have 100% been on board with pointing to his poems and trying to find vampiric meaning, or saying he was in fact a vampire hunter himself and maybe that is why Virginia died. But instead that story rewrites history and paints Poe as a vain monster, who killed his own wife. I take a serious issue with that.

Ichabod Crane was a strange choice, but I much prefer that than trampling on someone's memory. I would have much preferred the authors taking one of two routes: 1) Using completely fictional characters and turning them into vampires or hunters- Ichabod Crane or Van Helsing as are present in this book. or 2) Using real historical accounts/fictionalized stories from those times, and just writing as though we are getting a first hand account of the actual events- Vlad the Impaler, or even Bram Stokers version of Dracula.

The other issue I take is the inconsistency of the vampires. Throughout history the way vampires look is very standard, it is how they act or their weakness/powers that differ. In this book there are normal vampires, bat vampires, tentacle monster vampires. It is far too much. Throughout the world vampires look the same, so reading about these "real life accounts" but the vampires just aren't actually vampires is boring.

I don't understand how this is a horror, other than because vampires are present. I thought it was interesting, and I love the concept, I am just deeply unhappy with the execution. I would not personally recommend this book.

Fantastic short story collection about vampire hunters in different time periods and cultures. I really enjoyed how creative this was with so many different takes on vampire mythology. My absolute favourites were "The Strix", "Saint Orianne", "Sick", and "19 Nights in Kiribati". I also really enjoyed the mixed media aspect with the photographs and drawings, which brought the stories even more to life.

As a lover of gothic fiction, folklore, and anything vampiric, this book hits all the right notes. It’s not romantic or polished; it’s brutal, and eerily believable. If someone is drawn to the shadowy, mythic side of horror with a scholarly flair, Vampire Hunters delivers a chilling, beautifully constructed descent into darkness.
This book is a dark and immersive anthology that reads like a bloodstained archive pulled from secret vaults. Framed through journals, sketches, and found texts, it spans centuries and continents, giving voice to generations of vampire hunters. Each entry feels raw, intimate, and unflinchingly grim, capturing the psychological toll of those who’ve faced monsters and sometimes become them.

If you’re a fan of vampire fiction, gothic horror, and dark fantasy, Incomplete Record of Personal Accounts is a great addition to your bookshelf. It’s a fresh take on vampire lore, blending historical depth with chilling narratives that evoke a creeping sense of dread.
Unlike typical vampire stories, this collection leans into the raw, dark essence of these bloodthirsty creatures, exploring them as cultural symbols of fear rather than romanticised monsters. The storytelling balances myth with gritty realism, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers.
From ancient legends to modern folklore, each entry feels like a discovered artifact, giving depth to the narrative. The variety in tone and style keeps the anthology engaging, with a seamless flow that respects the genre’s rich history while offering clever, unsettling twists.
Perfect for cozy nights and shadowy afternoons, this book was the perfect Summerween read. As it blends just the right amount of dark thrills and literary sophistication to satisfy your craving for something spooky outside the usual Halloween season.
For readers craving vampire short stories that combine literary elegance, historical intrigue, and an immersive style, this book is a brilliant choice. It’s perfect for fans of gothic horror, vampire mythology, and dark fantasy.

I've read a lot of anthologies, but none has gripped me quite like this one did. I adore the framing of the book: as a collection of information curated and passed down between family through the centuries.

It created a strong world that grew and developed throughout the book. The chronology means you see vampires develop from their original form into different species and subtypes. You also see how hunters develop over time, and how technology has an effect on both sides.

There's a wide variety of perspectives and characters throughout. Some are sympathetic and tragic, others you root for. It creates a nice mix and I found each story snapped my attention up.

The stories themselves are written in the form of 'found footage', which also develops through the years. It creates an intimate perspective which also bolsters the characters - the good and the bad. The story also doesn't handhold the reader, with many of the stories left open-ended and the character we're following not always being the hero.

I really enjoyed reading this, and will look out for other anthologies released by this publisher!

I began reading this book and about 10% in I realized I have no idea if this book is non fiction or fiction as there is not a clear plotline or introduction. I found it described exactly as the subtitle says fragmented.

A collection of vampire stories throughout the decades. One of the best vampire books that I have read in a while. I enjoyed how all of the stories meld together. My favorite was the final story.

I don’t say this lightly, but this book gets it. Like, the dark, creeping dread of something ancient watching from the shadows... but make it literary, historical, and kind of addictive? Obsessed.

This isn’t your average vampire anthology. It reads like someone broke into the Vatican’s restricted section and smuggled out a cursed binder of vampire hunter receipts, personal notes, battlefield dispatches, and haunted voicemails. And somehow, it works. There’s this constant tension between myth and memory that makes even the more surreal pieces feel grounded—and honestly, that just made it scarier.

The settings jump across centuries and continents, and the variety in tone and format keeps things fresh without ever losing the thread. It’s weird in all the right ways. And I genuinely loved how the book lets gaps and contradictions exist—it feels like real folklore, stitched together by those desperate enough to face it.

Dark, clever, and just unsettling enough to make you side-eye your basement door. Do yourself a favor and definitely get a copy when it drops.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

LOVED this!! so much fun, five stars for that alone! felt like a group of friends got together and just wrote some vampire stories together and honestly what could be better? maybe a little rough around the edges, but i really think that added to the vibes

*ARC Review*

Y’all, this book reads like the attic trunk you wish you found in your weird great-uncle’s house stuffed with journals, secret files, cryptic letters, bloodstained sketches, and tales that span centuries. 🕯️

From barons haunted in the Holy Roman Empire to vampires lurking near Cape Canaveral (yes, really), this is a wild, smart, spooky collage of history and horror. There’s Poe, space vampires, Cossack-era monster hunters, and a sense of dangerous wonder throughout. It’s messy in the best way like flipping through a forbidden archive.

📜 If you love:
🩸 Historical horror
🦇 Paranormal mysteries
🔪 Slayers, saints, & secret societies
🕵️‍♀️ Or books that feel like cursed objects…

…this one’s calling your name (probably in Latin, scrawled in blood).

Don’t expect polished lore or shiny explanations. This book thrives in the gaps in the “incomplete records” that feel too real. The kind of thing you read with one hand on a salt circle.

📍 Recommended for fans of Hellier, The Magnus Archives, and every goth who’s ever Googled “vampire real encounters??”

#VampireHuntersBook #ParanormalHistory #WeirdBooksClub #SpookyReads #OccultLore #BookstagramAfterDark #ArchivesOfTheUnseen

Vampire Hunters is an absolute feast—bloody, brilliant, and wildly diverse in voice and vision. This anthology breathes new (undead) life into the vampire mythos by turning the spotlight on those who dare to fight back. With contributors ranging from established horror names like Gwendolyn Kiste and A.C. Wise to exciting new voices, every story offers something fresh, fierce, and unforgettable.

What I loved most about this collection is how varied the tone and style are. Some stories are gritty and action-packed, others eerie and poetic. Some dive deep into folklore, while others lean into the psychological toll of the hunt. But what ties them all together is a shared fascination with power, survival, and the blurred line between monster and hunter.

There are unexpected twists—hunters who lose themselves, vampires who evoke sympathy, and moral gray areas that made me pause and rethink the usual predator-prey dynamic. It’s not just about slaying—it’s about why we fight, what we become in the process, and what we’re willing to lose to win.

Whether you’re here for the bloodshed, the emotional depth, or the genre-bending creativity, Vampire Hunters delivers. A must-read for horror fans and vampire lovers looking for something that challenges the trope while honoring everything that makes it so enduring.