Nocturn: Book, the First

Ronald Moore’s Nocturn: Book, the First presents a narrative set in Breton, Virginia, during the Civil War. The story follows Michael, an amnesiac vampire who awakens on the town's outskirts. His presence disrupts the local order, drawing him into a conflict involving an ancient coven of vampires and their handlers. These figures are preparing for the arrival of a lantern that holds the heart of Lord Ruthven, a powerful vampire trapped within it. This device functions as a telepathic tool to control the populace. As war rages beyond the town limits, a group of misfit orphans and spies opposes the local government and the vampires who manipulate them. The tension escalates when the lantern is opened, releasing Lord Ruthven upon Breton. Only Michael possesses the ability to stop this destruction. He faces a critical decision: join the vampires who created him or protect the townspeople. Moore constructs a tale that blends supernatural horror with historical fiction elements. Readers seeking straightforward romance or lighthearted adventure will find little appeal here. The book suits those interested in political intrigue mixed with gothic themes and complex moral choices within a wartime setting.