If anyone could bring back the vampire craze of the 2010s, it would be Andy Biersack. The acclaimed musician and lead vocalist of Black Veil Brides has that dark charm aesthetic that would be associated with such immortal creatures, both of the past or existing in modern day. He also is an avid storyteller, as fans of BVB have experienced over the years through the band’s music, music videos, and live shows. So, if you combine the horror, the artistic vision, and the storytelling all into one, you will get Knives and Pens Publishing.
Knives and Pens Publishing is the new publishing imprint from Andy Biersack, so named after Black Veil Brides’ debut single. It is in partnership with the independent publishing house Rare Bird, which is known for its daring books that go beyond readers’ expectations. As expressed on the Rare Bird website, the partnership “aims to redefine the landscape of horror fiction by blending the genre’s golden-era nostalgia with a fresh and modern approach to storytelling.”
The imprint’s first release is The First Vampire, written by Andy Biersack himself. The book is due to start shipping in late March, before arriving in major retail stores in April. Fans will be able to order both signed or unsigned copies, as well as signed and unsigned versions of the other three books that the imprint will release this year. The other three books will be released quarterly, with Bleeders arriving in the summer, Revenger arriving in the fall, and Black Madonna arriving in the winter.
About The First Vampire, the description on the Rare Bird website reveals,
“Wallachia, 15th century: Vlad the Impaler’s battle against the Ottoman Empire gives rise to a horror beyond imagination. The First Vampire reveals the shocking origin of vampirism, born from a blood plague that transforms the battlefield into a breeding ground for the undead. Through the eyes of Vlad’s eldest son, Andrea, the novella explores the clash between dark magic, loyalty, and an ancient curse that will haunt humanity for generations. This chilling reimagining of Dracula’s origins bridges historical fiction with gothic terror, redefining the boundaries of historical horror for a new generation.”
Overall, Knives and Pens Publishing welcomes anyone with heavy enthusiasm for the horror genre, as well as those who are newly exploring the genre. Their mission reads,
“Knives and Pens isn’t merely reviving horror’s golden age; it is crafting a new era of spine-chilling tales that leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of horror fans everywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Knives and Pens Publishing invites you to step into the darkness and rediscover the power of a great horror story.”
You can pre-order The First Vampire here.
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