by Lorie Lewis Ham

This week, we are thrilled to not only be reviewing the first in a new vampire dark fantasy series by TikTok sensation Jack Townson, but we also get to interview Jack! While we don’t have a book giveaway for this one, KRL is giving away a $5 Amazon gift card, and the Kindle version of the book is on sale right now for only $3.99, and there is a link at the end of this post to purchase the book (I am not certain how long this sale will last so don’t miss out). Just a note, at the beginning of the book, it does have trigger warnings for graphic violence, war themes of genocide, death, and graphic sex.

The Lightslayer: The Vampire Jack Townson (Everdusk Book 1) by Jack Townson
Review by Lorie Lewis Ham

You could say that I’ve been a fan of vampires since birth, because when I was a baby, my mom would watch Dark Shadows with me. That love of vampires continues to this day, and caused the algorithm on TikTok to bring me to the videos of The Vampire Jack Townson—and boy am I glad that they did. This handsome man with long, dark, curly hair, dressed as though he walked straight out of a dark fantasy vampire novel, caught my attention immediately. But it wasn’t until late last year when Jack mentioned that he was looking for reviewers for his new vampire fantasy novel, The Lightslayer, that I began to take a deeper dive into who this man is, beyond just the handsome vampire on TikTok. More about Jack in our interview below, now on to the book.

The Lightslayer is the first book in the Everdusk series. It is a dark fantasy set in the world of Draconia, featuring the Vampire Lord Jack Townson and his delightful found family—a group of outcasts called the Degenerates who live in the Manor of Mystery. Draconia is a world shrouded in shadow—a world with vampire kingdoms, magic, giants, witches, banshees, werewolves, ogres, gargoyles, and pretty much anything you can imagine from fantasy lore. Life seems to be going fairly well for them until Jack stumbles upon a conspiracy that is about to plunge their world into chaos and destroy everything they love. Jack is determined to confront the enemy lurking in the light, but he doesn’t have to do it alone; he has his Degenerates and some unlikely alliances. Jack will do anything to protect his family, but to win this battle, will he have to use dangerous ancient magic that could change him forever? Will he and his Degenerates survive this epic battle? Will Draconia survive?

Jack and some of his friends aren’t from Draconia originally (check out the prequel The Vampire Jack Townson: Fame Has Its Price, which tells the story of how Jack was turned), which gives this fantasy epic a unique blend of urban fantasy and high fantasy. The language is more accessible and relatable than in some fantasy novels. The Lightslayer will make you laugh, gasp, and cry. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to see what will happen next. You will fall in love with these amazing and beautifully flawed characters. Jack is charismatic and witty, at times dark and dangerous, and his non-beating heart is that of a hero.

While some might expect vampires and “monsters” to be the villains, Draconia is a world where heroes and villains aren’t what they seem. A world where the true sign of who is a hero and who is a villain is what is in their hearts, not what is on the outside—something very relatable to the real world that we live in. Jack Townson, the author, touches on many real-world issues within this fantasy story, presenting a surprisingly relatable world despite it being a fantasy one. Despite the darkness in this story, this world and its heroes also leave the reader with a feeling of hope. I love the tag line for Jack’s fictional worlds–When your world fails you, find a better one. Jack has constructed an intricate magical world that you will find yourself wanting to visit over and over again! His take on vampire lore is unique and fascinating. The world he has created is complex and described so vividly that it truly comes to life!

The size of this 700-page book might be a bit daunting, but The Lightslayer was so fast-moving and engaging that I couldn’t put it down. It is filled with bloody battles, personal struggles from past trauma, incredible characters, found family, forbidden love, spicy sex scenes, a beautiful and amazing magical talking horse, a chicken house (I kid you not), and so much more. There is still much more to learn and stories to tell about this world, and I can’t wait. More is coming in the form of more novels, side-quest novellas, and even a movie! For those who want to dive even deeper into this world, there is also an amazing website, loads of videos (on YouTube and TikTok), and music! And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing artwork also scattered throughout the book, created by various members of Jack’s fan group called the Fang-Fam. There’s even a map of Draconia!

If you love vampires, or Dungeons and Dragons, or fantasy, or even Beauty and the Beast, you will love this book! If this story doesn’t move you, nothing can. I have totally fallen in love with these characters and this world. The Lightslayer has moved up to the top of my list of favorite fantasy novels, right there with TJ Klune’s Cerulean Sea books and Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. I highly recommend you give it a try—you won’t regret it! Step into Draconia and you may never want to leave!

Editor’s Note: Recently The Lightslayer won 2 awards, and has been endorsed by Laurell K. Hamilton!

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery series is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre! Book 1, One of Us, and Book 2, One of You, are both available to purchase–links on her website.

Interview with Jack Townson:

KRL: Is Jack Townson your real name or is it your pseudonym or a persona you created?

Jack: Trying to sneak a peek beneath the hood, hm? Haha. It’s a complicated question. Jack is sort of all of the above? My real name is something that never really felt right, and had a lot of pain behind it– but to honor my family and my past I never changed it and never will. Once I slipped on the name Jack, my life completely fell into place, as if it was meant to be. However, it isn’t just a name that feels right, it’s also a persona I wear for my internet shows and to boost my confidence.

KRL: When and how did you create the Vampire Jack Townson?

Jack: Jack Townson was created six years ago as a character I would role play in my tabletop games, he was meant to be my perfect idea of a relatable yet troubled vampire. As time went on, I went to wear his persona on different platforms, and eventually brought him to TikTok where his story really took off. Jack was born as a way for me to unravel my trauma and to understand the struggles I was facing, but in doing so, took on a life of his own and I feel deeply in love with his story and the world he inhabits called Draconia.

KRL: How did it expand beyond the tabletop game?

Jack: It’s actually pretty funny. I would, in my quiet moments, after my friend would leave for the night, go onto my singing platforms and duet videos as Jack! It didn’t matter if it was a ballad, or a metal song, or even a Disney classic, I would inject Jack into everything. I then began to write poetry from his point of view, telling his story in a very meta-way–full immersion. It was a way to pay homage to the Vampire Lestat (RIP the incredible Anne Rice 3>) where you really felt like this vampire existed, lived, and made you question if this person was truly human… or truly undead? (Editor’s note: Jack has an amazing singing voice!)

KRL: Why a vampire?

Jack: Vampires have always fascinated me, ever since I was a little boy. I fell in love with the gothic and macabre–the power and the action. Beyond that, I fell in love with the romance, the beauty and pain of immortality. Jack made sense as a vampire, because… well… it was relatable.

KRL: Were you an actor/singer/model before this? What is your background in the arts?

Jack: I was, yes. Not as consistently–not in such a grand way. I acted in indie films here and there as well as some middle school theatre productions. I was the front man for a few local bands where I would scream and sing for my peers, and I had my own stint in fitness modeling. I attended an infamous theatre school (where I did win awards) but that is my extent. Outside of these things, I am fully self-trained in everything I put my hands on.

KRL: What made you decide to write a book about Jack? What was that first book about? How long did it take you to write it?

Jack: Actually, it was my partner (and my teammate) Shayne Leighton. Shayne is a best-selling author herself of her incredible series Of Light and Darkness (check it out if you haven’t). She knew I was a poet, but found deep fascination with the story I was weaving on TikTok. When I told her my plans, and even showed her some of my writing, she was shocked. “Why aren’t you a novelist?!” she would flail at me. “You’re amazing!” and I would be stubborn. Go on about how I was a poet and that was my focus. It was a bit of pride, but truly I was so afraid of failing if I tried. She hyped me up, gave me the strength and the tools, and I went to work. Sure enough, she was right. Before I knew it Fame Has Its Price was finished. It took me a year to write my first book, and it is something I’m so proud of. It follows Jack Townson (or James Donovan) on his journey into becoming a vampire, his origin story. We learn about James and his struggles in his human life, his efforts to take care of a decaying family system, and his failures at keeping work. He’s discovered by the charming and dangerous Alexander LaMont who offers him the chance of a lifetime to become his protege, the chance for stardom and fame. However, James has no idea that Alexander is truly a vampire, and that in meeting him the course of his life, his name– and even his face, will change forever.

KRL: How did you decide what your vampire lore would be like?

Jack: I was inspired by so many vampire stories of the past, but I wanted to do something truly different. I took what I felt worked, like from epic stories like Legacy of Kain, Vampire Chronicles, etc. but I feel like my lore is truly, truly unique. I pulled from the occult, from pieces of dark history, but I shaped it into something far more fantastical. I loved the idea of vampires (instead of being demons, or hellish figures) being far darker– that the true vampires drew their lineage from the Void, the endless darkness of the cosmos, the antithesis to the light. I also loved the idea that, while so many vampire stories stick to one type of vampire, that we’d have several. You have Voidborn, Alchemical Vampires, and those born of curses. I have to say… there’s a lot to sink your teeth into.

KRL: Had you done any writing before this?

Jack: I was a role player for twenty years, so technically a lot! Nothing official, but I for sure have some experience under my belt. Other than that, I had written an entire manuscript for my character Reign Ravencros, a vampire enforcer and his journeys through his dark and twisted city protecting the peace. It was lost sadly, but… you never know… maybe he’ll make a return.

KRL: Had you always wanted to write?

Jack: Always. It was a passion of mine since I was in high school. I’ve always been inspired by tales of great adventure, woe, and horror. From Lord of the Rings, to Edgar Allen Poe, and all the way to Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, I was smitten by these stories and their poetry. I just never felt supported in my endeavors… until this journey, that is.

KRL: On to the new book-Tell us just a little about the book?

Jack: Absolutely! The Lightslayer is a story about what makes a man and what makes a monster. What makes a ruler and what makes an oppressor? What is justice compared to vengeance? The Lightslayer follows Jack Townson hot off the heels of reading his journal entries in Fame has its Price and out on a mission to unravel a conspiracy that could burn everything he’s come to love into ashes. On the front, it is a story about a tormented vampire king who seeks love, companionship, and understanding– with scenes of brutal action, whimsical found family, and intense spice and trauma– however, underneath it is also a story of corruption, of prejudice, and fighting for your way of life.

KRL: How did you come up with the idea of Draconia? What were some of your inspirations?

Jack: GOOD MOOOOORNING NEVERLAAAND! Peter Pan and his Neverland is at the top of my list, Narnia, Middle Earth. There are so many to choose from to be inspired by! However, Draconia is something altogether different. It is the dark answer to those whimsical and bright lands, the ink stain on the parchment. I loved the idea of a world where the heroes… lost. Where something went wrong, and now the plane itself is steeped in Everdusk. A place where vampires rule in ancient kingdoms, where the supernatural realm has sunk its claws deep into the soil and are embedded like ticks.

KRL: What are some of your inspirations for Jack, other than yourself?

Jack: He may share some of my qualities (his good looks, his trauma, and his charm ?) but truly, there are so many fascinating characters I’ve taken inspiration from, and they have been woven into his flowing burgundy coat. Characters like Alucard from the Hellsing series, Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher, Dante from Devil May Cry, Louis de Pointe du Lac from Interview.

KRL: How is Jack different from you?

Jack: Believe it or not, so many people believe he’s a carbon copy of myself, but he truly isn’t. We may share similar personalities, and our looks may be similar in ways, but Jack is an entirely different animal. Jack is quick to anger and falls to his lust very easily–he is always a shoot first ask questions later type– where I hardly enjoy conflict and would much rather talk things out. Jack is… well… my power fantasy, but with all of the pain and torment to justify it. He’s a character that wields immense strength, where in life I felt quite… weak, honestly. In truth, is it truly Jack that copied me– or is that I copied him?

KRL: How long did it take you to create this world?

Jack: Four years, and I’m still building it! Alongside the incredible FangFam community and my incredible artist/creator team, we’ve worked hard acting out this world on TikTok and truly fleshing it out. They’ve been an incredible aid in the process, and I couldn’t have done it without them.

KRL: What do you use to keep track of it all?

Jack: My noodle-skidoodle. I have an odd brain, for some reason it’s just all… there!

KRL: Who is your FangFam and how did you involve them in your TikTok stories and in the book? Were they a part of the writing process?

Jack: Great question! My FangFam are my fandom, but they also are friends who have created characters for the series with their own touches. I allowed them to jump into the world, and I eventually made them permanent fixtures in the story. When it came time to write the book, I asked their express permission to tell their tales on paper, because it wouldn’t feel right without them. As for the writing process– that is a HARD one. There are so many pieces, so many things to keep track of– so when it came to the process, they were involved deeply but it was with the understanding that I was the pilot as the writer. I truly feel we’ve created something very unique here.

KRL: How long did it take you to write The Lightslayer?

Jack: A year, if that. I write incredibly fast if I put my full focus into it.

KRL: Do you have a set number of books you have planned for the series?

Jack: The main timeline will be, or should be, six to nine books– but that excludes the Side Quests series of novella’s that we’re doing! So in all… we can say there will be a lot of content to dive into.

KRL: What is your writing routine like?

Jack: I put on my oversized hoodie, light some candles and incense, and find my favorite playlist to truly immerse myself into the world.

KRL: What kind of events do you have lined up for the release of the book?

Jack: Digital booksignings, some physical ones, and there will for sure be some events to look forward to!

KRL: Where all will people be able to purchase the book?

Jack: Everywhere books are sold online! books2read.com/b/4NnLZ6

KRL: Where all can people find you online?

Jack: Everywhere– The Vampire Jack Townson on every platform!

KRL: How can people support your work?

Jack: Support the social pages, check out our GoFundMe, dive into our website at AcrosstheVeiluniverse.com and Thevampirejacktownson.com and please check out the books! We have so much on the way!

KRL: Anything you would like to add?

Jack: Yes, I do! As corny as it sounds, don’t let your dreams stay dreams. Follow them, even if it means plunging into the void to seek out your answers. When the world is telling you no, dig a little deeper and find out exactly what you’re made of. Be the best version of yourself, and don’t be afraid to stumble along the way.

KRL: Thank you so much Jack for taking time out of your insanely busy schedule to chat with us and for creating such an amazing world!

You can click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

To enter to win a $5 Amazon gift card that we highly encourage you to use to purchase The Lightslayer, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “lightslayer” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 21, 2025. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.