book review | Pilgrimage of the Sacred and the Profane by Hideyuki Kikuchi | Vampire Hunter D 6

Author: Hideyuki Kikuchi
Title: Pilgrimage of the Sacred and the Profane
Series: Vampire Hunter D 6
Genre: Sci-fi; Vampires
Pages: 206
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

The last Vampire Hunter D book that I had, Pilgrimage of the Sacred and the Profane by Hideyuki Kikuchi is still going strong with great ideas and mediocre execution.

About the Book: Granny Viper is known for her ability to deliver things, even through pretty dangerous places. But the value of the merchandise, and the looming desert ahead make her take precautions and hire extra hands. Among whom is a vampire hunter known only as D. It’s not really a job he’d normally take, no. But the curiosity, and direction too, won the damphir over, as the merchandise in question is a young woman who has been held captive in an infamous castle of the few remaining vampires…

My Opinion: Same old cons. Dull, sometimes even shallow writing, with too high an emphasis on the protagonist looks. But everything else is pretty great. There’s more of the unusual adventures, in unusual place, with some more story on how changed the world is, reminding the reader it’s definitely a science fiction book, as strange and unique as Warhammer 40k, but incomparable even then. D was very, very slightly better written too, as he showed more proper curiosity, and, gasp, almost humanity. Basically, these books are definitely not bad. They’re just not good either.

Will definitely read more when I have more. For now, 4 out of 5.

book review | Vampire Hunter D by Hideyuki Kikuchi | Vampire Hunter D 1

Author: Hideyuki Kikuchi
Title: Vampire Hunter D
Series: Vampire Hunter D 1
Genre: Horror Literature; Science Fiction
Pages: 268
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

Vampire Hunter D is among my favorite vampire myths, so I’m very happy to have finally found and read the first book in the series of same title by Hideyuki Kikuchi. For common knowledge: it all began with the novels, later released as several manga volumes. Manga got discontinued due to illustrator’s injury. There are also two anime movies, and the older one is based on this novel.

About the Book: Humanity’s future, having underwent a cataclysm, is dire, as they live harassed by monsters of magic, created by vampires also known as nobility. Due to this a new profession came to be, one of monster hunters, among whom those who specialize in vampires are of legendary status. Such is D, hailed down by a young woman, who needs to hire him for the vampire problem she’s having. A powerful old noble with a family of monsters…

My Opinion: Amazing world lore. Future is like a more modern, and much darker version of Castlevania. People huddle together, and survive as they can. From mechanical horses, to fog ghosts killed by laser beams. From vampires, to extremely genetically modified food. D’s history is barely touched upon, likely on purpose, as every crumb only served to peak the curiosity. It’s a very unique and beautiful creation, that might be interesting to all those who are into Castlevania and Warhammer 40k type of sci-fi.

A strong 4 out of 5 from me.