🦇 Vampires

Sunrise: Sequel to A Dry Patch of Skin

✍️ Stephen Swartz
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$13.95
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A vampire seeks independence in a strife-torn Budapest while facing gang warfare.

This volume picks up the narrative thread of Stefan Szekely, who has lived with his dead parents for thirteen years. He decides he can no longer endure this arrangement and aims to establish his own castle. His journey takes him to Budapest, a city transformed into the capital of the new Hungarian Federation. The environment is defined by continuous conflict across Europe. Stefan attempts to maintain his identity as a vampire playboy, but local gangs challenge his presence. State Security also becomes involved in the escalating violence. The plot hinges on whether Stefan can survive three specific nights and influence the broader fate of the continent. Swartz builds upon the world established in his 2014 novel, focusing on the consequences of supernatural life in a fractured society.

Key Themes
vampire independence Budapest politics gang warfare
Literary Context

The story is set in 2027 within the new Hungarian Federation. It draws on traditions of vampire fiction while incorporating elements of futuristic urban conflict and political instability across Europe.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Anne Rice · Charlaine Harris · Max Brooks · Ilija Trojanow
🦇
Vampires
🏛 Myrddin Publishing Group 📅 2018 📖 312 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781680630275

📝 Description: Sunrise: Sequel to A Dry Patch of Skin

Stephen Swartz continues the story of Stefan Szekely in this sequel to A Dry Patch of Skin. The narrative follows Stefan as he seeks independence from his deceased parents after thirteen years of shared existence. He travels to Budapest, now part of the new Hungarian Federation, to access his family bank and secure a castle for himself. This setting reflects a Europe marked by endless strife, where Stefan attempts to live as a vampire playboy in 2027. His plans face immediate opposition from a local vampire gang that issues a stern warning against his lifestyle choices. The tension escalates through clashes between these gangs and State Security forces. Stefan finds himself at the center of this conflict, potentially holding the key to changing Europe's fate. His survival depends on enduring three bloody nights within the city. Swartz, known for this series, presents a tale of supernatural struggle set against a backdrop of political instability. The book suits readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a focus on vampire politics and personal autonomy. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional gothic horror without modern or futuristic elements.

💎 Our verdict on Sunrise: Sequel to A Dry Patch of Skin

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Swartz effectively expands his established world by placing Stefan Szekely in a Budapest defined by continuous conflict and political strife. The author succeeds in blending supernatural elements with realistic geopolitical tensions, creating a tense atmosphere where survival is uncertain. The narrative focuses on the struggle for independence against both local gangs and State Security, offering a compelling look at vampire politics in a fractured society. This approach suits readers who appreciate urban fantasy grounded in gritty realism rather than pure escapism. The emphasis on personal autonomy amidst chaos provides a strong thematic core. While it may not appeal to those seeking traditional gothic horror, it delivers a distinct voice for fans of modern dark fantasy and psychological tension.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy complex political intrigue woven into supernatural narratives will find this sequel rewarding. It appeals to those interested in vampire lore that moves beyond traditional gothic settings into gritty, modern urban environments. The book offers a fresh perspective on personal autonomy and independence within a restrictive societal framework. Fans of psychological horror will appreciate the internal conflict Stefan faces as he attempts to maintain his identity amidst chaos. It is ideal for audiences who prefer vampires as political actors rather than mere monsters. The focus on gang warfare and state security adds a layer of realistic tension to the fantastical elements. Those seeking stories about survival in hostile, transformed landscapes will find this engaging. It provides a unique blend of personal drama and broader continental stakes.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Swartz effectively expands his established world by placing Stefan Szekely in a Budapest defined by continuous conflict and political strife. The author succeeds in blending supernatural elements with realistic geopolitical tensions, creating a tense atmosphere where survival is uncertain. The narrative focuses on the struggle for independence against both local gangs and State Security, offering a compelling look at vampire politics in a fractured society. This approach suits readers who appreciate urban fantasy grounded in gritty realism rather than pure escapism. The emphasis on personal autonomy amidst chaos provides a strong thematic core. While it may not appeal to those seeking traditional gothic horror, it delivers a distinct voice for fans of modern dark fantasy and psychological tension.

📖 From the series “Stefan Szekely Trilogy”

A Dry Patch of Skin
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Stephen Swartz
A Dry Patch of Skin
$12.95
81
Read →

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A Dry Patch of Skin
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