Queen Victoria, Demon Slayer - Book Review

Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter
by A. E. Moorat
EOS, January 2010

From the publisher: There were many staff at Kensington Palace, fulfilling many roles; a man who was employed to catch rats, another whose job it was to sweep the chimneys. That there was someone expected to hunt demons did not shock the new Queen; that it was to be her was something of a surprise.

London, 1838. Queen Victoria is crowned; she receives the orb, the scepter, and an arsenal of bloodstained weaponry. If Britain is about to become the greatest power of the age, there’s the small matter of the undead to take care of first. Demons stalk the crown, and political ambitions have unleashed ravening hordes of zombies even within the nobility itself.

But rather than dreams of demon hunting, Queen Victoria’s thoughts are occupied by Prince Albert. Can she dedicate her life to saving her country when her heart belongs elsewhere? With lashings of glistening entrails, decapitations, zombies, and foul demons, this masterly new portrait will give a fresh understanding of a remarkable woman, a legendary monarch, and quite possibly the best demon hunter the world has ever seen.

PVN Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter begins at the house of Lord Quimby who watches dejectedly while his manservant chows down on is favorite dog. Turns out one of Lord Quimby 's more grotesque hobbies is the creation of zombies who must be kept locked up lest their unappetizing eating habits appear for all to see. And that's not to mention the danger to the fresh flesh and blood of innocent bystanders.  On the night of Queen Victoria' ascension to the throne, when dark forces are about, Quimby's zombies escape their prison and begin feasting on a gathering of the lord's favorite prostitutes. What a mess, literally! It's left to Perkins, Quimby's manservant, to take charge of the cleanup once all are safely and permanently dead. In the course of events Perkins has himself become a zombie which works out rather well for master and servant. except for the dog eating scene of course.

Meanwhile at the palace Princess Victoria is told of her uncle's death and that she is now the new monarch. The  transition from King William IV to the young Queen Victoria signals to the demon forces that it is time for war. They plan to usurp the throne and take over the British empire. Fortunately Victoria has help at hand in the form of a fighting force led by the unstoppable, Royal Protektor Maggie Brown. These are specially trained warriors with exceptional weaponry to use against a frightening foe. Eventually Victoria herself becomes a member of this elite squad.

There is quite a bit of messy savagery, but amidst the gore lies a tender love story between Victoria and Prince Albert. It is the true affection of these two good and decent people that becomes the best weapon of defense against the demon onslaught.

The plot and the characters are equally entertaining. This is the type of book that keeps a permanent smile on your face - as long as you have a strong stomach. Fortunately, I do.

[Dear FTC, the ARC of this book was sent to me by Library Journal]