Dare to enter the nightmarish, vampire-ruled kingdom of Larkspur in The Herd, Russell Bell’s dark and action-driven addition to the young adult vampire genre book tour sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours. Mixing feudal hierarchies with supernatural domination, Bell takes us on a journey where horses, swords, and ominous powers reign supreme. The Herd has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a pulse-pounding escape filled with rebellious teens, sacred ceremonies, and some chillingly charismatic vampires. Find my full review below and be sure to enter the giveaway!
My Review
Sixteen-year-old Susan has spent her life devoted to the Akharu, vampire overlords who rule by night, keeping a human "herd" of followers under their control. Like many young people in her world, Susan hopes to be branded, joining the select group allowed to remain in the "Closure" as servants to the vampires. But the branding ceremony—supposedly a blessing—took away her older brother Trevor. Now, her younger brother Ryan kneels alongside her, and instead of praying, he’s nursing a fierce thirst for vengeance against the Akharu.
In this twisted, caste-driven world, Ryan is no ordinary young man. As he delves deeper into forbidden secrets, he begins to wield mysterious powers that blur the line between humanity and vampirism. With the stakes literally carved into their flesh, Susan and Ryan’s paths will force them to confront not only the rulers they’ve served but also the family bonds they hold dear.
Characters
The central characters—Susan and Ryan—are richly crafted, bringing depth to a haunting world. Susan’s fierce dedication contrasts sharply with her brother’s rebellious nature, and Bell does a great job developing each character’s inner conflict. Susan’s faith in the Akharu is admirable yet tragic, while Ryan’s brooding resentment is both relatable and compelling. The tension between loyalty and rebellion, along with their devotion to family, gives the story its emotional heartbeat.
Setting
Bell has created a memorable backdrop with Larkspur, a realm blending medieval aesthetics and dark, dystopian vibes. The village feels worn, gritty, and stifling—a fitting metaphor for the characters’ sense of entrapment. The temples, branding ceremonies, and the Akharu’s court all evoke a world suspended between fantasy and horror. For fans of gothic settings and feudal dynamics, The Herd nails the atmosphere.
What I Liked
One of the strongest elements in The Herd is its action sequences, which are intense and carefully paced, propelling the plot forward while exploring each character’s motives. The world-building around the Akharu vampire lords feels surprisingly fresh, even though the vampire trope itself is well-worn. By creating a society where vampires are revered as gods and feared as tyrants, Bell adds layers of suspense that keep the pages turning.
What I Didn’t Like
While The Herd is a riveting read, some elements of the vampire plot feel familiar, as it’s a genre saturated with similar themes. However, Bell injects enough originality to keep the story lively and intriguing. Some readers may find themselves wishing for a bit more background on the Akharu, but this minor gap doesn’t detract much from the plot’s momentum.
Final Thoughts
With a balanced blend of action, intrigue, and memorable characters, The Herd by Russell Bell is a gripping dystopian adventure. While it may tread familiar vampire territory, its fresh world-building, and layered characters make it an engaging read for both young adults and fans of dark fantasy. Readers who appreciate stories about defiance against impossible odds, and who enjoy atmospheric settings with an edge of horror, will find much to savor in The Herd.
Read it if you:
Love vampire stories with a dystopian twist
Enjoy complex sibling dynamics
Are drawn to feudal settings and dark adventures
Rating ⭐⭐⭐½
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