Ancestral Hungers - Softcover

"Baker spins a gothic tale that blends the influences of Bram Stoke's "Dracula "and the general lore of vampires with sensual imagery and occult themes to create a unique novel well worth horror fans' attention."--"Booklist " "So unusual and soul-wrenching that I must recommend it."--Philip Jose Farmer "Probably the most original treatment of the vampire theme since "Dracula." At a time when a host of books shows vampirism as basically pretty cool way to live eternally while moonlighting as a private eye or adventure hero, Baker returns to the roots of the genre with a portrait of vampires as tortured, tormented monsters who possess only a dark imitation of life."--"Hartford Courant"

Somewhere in contemporary Illinois, young David Bathory returns to his ancestral estate after the death of his father, the head of the family. David is the direct male heir to a birthright he has tried to deny: the lineage of Dracula--which means control over the entire extended family of vampires. Since his sinister uncle wishes to gain the vampire throne (and rule David, as well), David is faced with two choices: either claim his birthright at the cost of his immortal soul, or suffer the immediate torments of hell. It's hell one way or the other.