REVIEW: A Night of Hunger & The Countess by Wayne C. Rogers

For those of you unfamiliar with the name, Wayne C. Rogers is perhaps best known for being the author of The House of Blood, a darkly disturbing erotic horror novel (filled with elements of female domination, BDSM, crossdressing, and sexual submission) about a husband and wife who are haunted by the ghost of a famously sadistic Las Vegas Dominatrix. It's a book I've been eager to read for quite some time now, and Wayne was kind enough to provide me with a copy of the newly revised & expanded edition, so watch for that review soon!

A Night of Hunger & The Countess is a more recent two-part story from Wayne that serves as a means of easing one's self into the dark, emotional challenges of his literary world. Combining elements of sadomasochism, female domination, and the most sinister sexual elements of the vampire mythos, this is a powerful and well-written read.

Wayne establishes both scene and setting early, dragging us down into the world of dirty alleys and dingy fetish nightclubs. As readers, we can enter this world safely, yet still be aware of the dangers, as we vicariously share in the forbidden thrills and excitement. The people here are no safer than the setting, decked out in their fetish best, and hungry for demonstrations of bloodletting and pain . . . something The Countess is only too delighted to provide.

It is with the Countess that Wayne pushes the story into the realm of true horror. A classic vampire (by which I mean neither sparkly and romantic, nor interested in redemption), she lives for the taste of fear in a submissive's eyes and the taste of blood flowing into her mouth. She's intensely beautiful, and immensely dangerous . . . which is so not a good combination for the men foolish enough to volunteer their submission.

Of course, setting and character alone do not a story make, but to say too much about the plot would be to ruin the surprise. Suffice to say, The Countess may be immortal, but she is not untouchable. Actions have consequences, and reputations lead to repercussions, ultimately resulting in a gloriously bloody finale.

Definitely not for everyone, but if you're intrigued (and even excited) by the likes of Clive Barker's Hellraiser, or by the beautiful cruelty of the Marquis De Sade, I suspect you'll enjoy this first taste of what Wayne has to offer.
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