Vampires at Sea

Vampires Rebekah and Hugh, centuries-long lovers who sustain themselves not on blood but human emotions, embark on a queer Black Sea cruise in this entertaining erotic novella from Merbaum (The Gold Persimmon). It’s a combination horror-comedy told through the eyes of sarcastic, blasé, and above all else insatiable Rebekah, who feeds on sexually charged emotions, whereas her lover Hugh feeds on despair. When Rebekah and Hugh meet enthralling fellow passenger Heaven, who is nonbinary and possibly supernatural, their relationship, as well as their conceptions of the types of nonhuman entities that exist beyond themselves, is called into question. The result is an undeniable vampiric romp that gently pokes fun at elements of queer polyamorous culture, though readers will wish for a slightly more fleshed out history of Rebekah and Hugh’s long lives together and a somewhat rushed climax leaves several questions unanswered. Still, those looking for a brisk and steamy supernatural excursion will find plenty to enjoy. (Oct.)