The Vampire Within is a well written vampire tale. It is the first book in a trilogy. Students are approached by a research scientist to participate in an experiment that is taking place on campus. They are to receive injections that help them overcome their physical limitations - athletes are to become super-athletes. In the meantime, there are creatures in the area that are attacking people. It is discovered that these creatures were products from an earlier experiment. The students become involved in trying to avoid being attacked by these creatures. To add to the adventure there are men in black sedans chasing them. They also have to worry about the side-affects of the experiments. Some of them have vampire traits developing.

The characters in the story are well developed. There are personal relationships that add richness and texture to the story. Because the characters are likeable and have depth, this adds to tension as you are reading the story. You are rooting for them to survive and overcome the creatures. The evil characters are also well described and not so likeable. This adds to the fun. Silver does a great job of describing the creatures and the action in the story. I had goose bumps during some of the attacks.

I recommend this book to fans of vampire stories. I think that young adults will relate to the characters. I am not a young adult, but I still really enjoyed the story. You are definitely left wanting for more more of Silvers books! I am really looking forward to the rest of the series.

The Vampire Within: The Beginning
Drew Silver
Global Book Publisher (2006)
ISBN 141963643X
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/06)