It is refreshing to read a vampire novel, written the way you would expect a vampire novel to be written. While Guillermo del Toro’s vampire are different to the typical vampire at least they don’t sparkle like fairies. Del Toro has given a truly thrilling novel full of heart racing scenes and a unique blend of old vampiric mysticism and the modern infestation typically made popular with the Resident Evil games/movies. While I would love to give this book 4/5, I have to say this book reminded me too much of I am Legend by Richard Matheson to warrant this score. The Strain is a dark and enjoyable horror novel that I would highly recommend for anyone interested in reading an exciting vampire novel.