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I'm Glad You're Dead: Preternatural Chronicles Book 1

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My name is John Cook, and my life began the day my heart stopped beating.

You meet the most interesting men in Medieval prisons. This one time, I met a guy who offered me immortality for the low, low price of changing my diet. I didn’t read the fine print. Because he wasn’t talking about a gluten free diet. More like hemoglobin full.

And now I’m a friggin’ vampire with five centuries of pop culture references.

Granted, at the time, I was listening to the dying screams of my mother and father being burned and eviscerated alive just outside the rusty bars of the prison cell, and my new best friend was offering me my only real chance at saving my own life and avenging my parents’ murderers—some day.

Except my first chance at vengeance took about five hundred years, and I had to wade through oceans of sin and violence, blackening my soul—and my already dark sense of humor—beyond redemption until I met Father Thomes—a Roman Catholic Priest—in present-day Houston. Papa Thomes taught me how to use my dark curse to fight for the good guys. Like Alfred and Robin did for Batman—except we straight up murder Jokers and Two-Faces. Biteman and Pope’n.

We stand up for the downtrodden, the forgotten, and the neglected…

By exsanguinating the wicked in horrific, truly imaginative ways, and having a grand ol’ time doing it. You know what they say about doing what you love…

But our party is soon cut short when we learn the End of Days is just around the corner, and that the fine print of my contract might have hidden a few other tidbits. Like the fact that I was central to kicking off the Apocalypse, and that the Archdemons will stop at nothing to make sure The Dude Abides by the terms of his contract.

I guess I need a lawyer.

Get ready to laugh at extreme violence. I know I will. If you’re not laughing, you’re learning.

If you like Jim Butcher, Shayne Silvers, Cameron O’Connell, Kevin Hearne, Steve McHugh, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Shannon Mayer, or K.F. Breene, you won't be able to put down the highly addictive Preternatural Chronicles.

“Hunter Blain is my spirit animal.” — Shayne Silvers, Amazon Top 25 Bestselling Author

Available in digital, print, and audiobook formats.

What Amazon readers are

★★★★★ ‘Let me count the ways I blood thee…’

★★★★★ ‘Move over Dresden!’

★★★★★ ‘The Preternatural Chronicles MUST come to Netflix. Now.’

★★★★★ ‘John Cook puts the G.O.A.T. in gloat.’

★★★★★ ‘Shayne Silvers has found the next author to take over Urban Fantasy.’

★★★★★ ‘I need John Cook to have a story with Nate Temple. Please.’

★★★★★ ‘John Cook loves vegans. Especially when they are served raw.’

★★★★★ ‘The only thing that sparkles about this vampire is his fangs in the moonlight.’

★★★★★ ‘All the twisted humor of Pulp Fiction, but with a vampire. It’s more like Gulp Fiction.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2023

2134 people are currently reading
1470 people want to read

About the author

Hunter Blain

30 books194 followers
My name is Hunter, and I’m a wordaholic. I’m also about to break the fourth wall…of your mindhole. Because there is a true story behind this…well…story.

It begins with two best friends who grew up together, breaking rules and raising hell as they shaped each other’s personalities into the shameless assholes they are today. Well, at least for one of them, but I’ll get to that in a moment. These two boys—let’s call them Hunter and John—were all but inseparable. John excelled at creating music powerful enough to make angels weep and being the funniest asshole in Texas while Hunter dabbled—poorly, I might add—in his humble writings. Because they were self-declared brothers from other mothers, John respected Hunter’s humble writings as much as I—I mean Hunter (stupid third person perspective)—respected John’s musical magic. John’s tunes could have changed the world, one day…

One fine day, after reading one of Hunter’s horrifically detailed short stories about a serial killer, John asked Hunter to write a story about him.

“Hell yeah, dude! What do you want to be?” Hunter asked, brimming with honor and biting back a very manly squee.

“A vampire,” John responded with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “But not one of those sparkly ones. A true bad ass!”

“Done!” Hunter crowed with a smile and an accompanying high five.

“No, dude. Promise. Promise you’ll write and finish a book about me. You are the most prolific writer of our generation!” John said. (Something like that. I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist of it). “I would consider it an honor to live on for eternity with your words as my life’s blood.”

Hunter agreed, never to realize the weight of that promise until one Sunday morning when John’s mother called, crying incoherently.

John…had died.

Hunter was left in a cold world without his best friend and doppelgänger. Hunter still thinks about that moment to this day. How the morning light crept through the bedroom window while Hunter stared at the ceiling, noticing how the popcorn texture created cruel, jagged shadows. How everything started to blur as his chest was crushed beneath the weight of what he was hearing, each word stacking heavily upon the other until only fitful, ragged gasps of air could escape his throat. Only fiery tears existed, especially after the horrific realization that Hunter now had to make some of the hardest phone calls of his life to the circle of friends who orbited around John’s solar pull.

Their star was no more, leaving their universe a colder and darker place.

John not only left Hunter, but a friend named Valenta as well. There was also Nathanial and Depweg. The friends were each stricken numb with the loss of such a beloved flare of life. But…

When the three found out that Hunter was keeping his promise to write the greatest story ever told—starring their dear friend, John—they demanded to be a part of the adventure. Each of them immediately knew what type of supernatural character they wanted to play in this urban fantasy eulogy. It would be a funeral pyre of words, and their fictional personas would be John’s pallbearers.

So please, as you read the following pages, feel free to laugh. Laugh at the situations John is placed in and his dickish dialogue to those around him, because John is 100% in this story without alteration (albeit he is a vampire). Laugh and let his memory live on inside the theater of your mind. Like he does in ours.

Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my beating heart, for giving my best friend the chance to live again. You are part of this magical ritual, and that would make him the happiest man in the…well, wherever the hell he is.

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5 stars
1,191 (46%)
4 stars
883 (34%)
3 stars
364 (14%)
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26 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Profile Image for Steve.
630 reviews23 followers
December 30, 2024
"I'm Glad You're Dead: The Preternatural Chronicles, Book 1" by Hunter Blain, narrated by Luke Daniels, is a dark and snarky urban fantasy that introduces listeners to a world filled with vampires, warlocks, and supernatural battles. Published in 2020, this audiobook merges humor, action, and fantasy in a unique and engaging way.

Intriguing Plot
The story follows John Cook, an immortal vampire who has been protecting the world from dark forces for centuries. His story begins after witnessing the brutal execution of his family, when he is approached by a mysterious individual who offers him the power of revenge at the cost of his humanity. Fast forward to modern-day Houston, John works alongside Father Thomes Philseep to battle nefarious supernatural entities and prevent the end of times. The narrative alternates between John's past, beginning in the 1400s, and his present-day adventures, providing a rich backstory and context for his actions.

Dynamic Characters
Hunter Blain excels in crafting well-rounded and relatable characters. John, the protagonist, is a blend of a hardened warrior and a snarky, pop-culture-savvy individual. His humor and wit make him a uniquely charming character despite his dark past. Father Thomes Philseep, John's unlikely ally, adds depth to the story with his steadfast faith and dedication to their holy mission. The antagonist, Nathanial Locke, a warlock in league with Satan, presents a formidable challenge for John and his team.

Humor and Pop Culture References
One of the standout features of "I'm Glad You're Dead" is its humor. The book is filled with witty banter, sarcasm, and clever pop culture references that lighten the otherwise dark and gory storyline. John's platinum tongue and razor-sharp wit make for entertaining dialogues and add a unique flavor to the narrative.

Action-Packed and Fast-Paced
The audiobook is packed with fast-paced action and intense battles between good and evil. Blain's vivid descriptions of supernatural confrontations, combined with the suspenseful plot, keep listeners engaged. The story's pacing ensures that there is never a dull moment, as the characters continuously face new threats and challenges.

Narration by Luke Daniels
Luke Daniels' narration brings the characters and story to life. His dynamic voice acting captures the essence of John's snark and grit, making the protagonist relatable and engaging. Daniels' ability to switch between different characters adds depth to the listening experience, making it easy for listeners to distinguish between the various personalities and voices.

In summary, "I'm Glad You're Dead" is a fresh and entertaining addition to the urban fantasy genre, especially for those who enjoy witty, action-packed stories with a supernatural twist. Its engaging plot, dynamic characters, and excellent narration make for an entertaining audiobook.
624 reviews19 followers
April 11, 2025
I’M GLAD YOU’RE DEAD (BOOK 1 of the Preternatural Chronicles) by HUNTER BLAIN
Publication: March 8, 2019 by Independently Published
Page Count: 333


An unexpected humorous urban fantasy that transforms the vampire trope into a tale of redemption. John Cook horrendously watches his parents burned and eviscerated alive. In late 1400’s Ireland, after witnessing this gruesome murder, he is imprisoned with a stranger who offers him a deal that couldn’t be refused. He was offered a chance to seek revenge in exchange for his mortal soul along with a transformation into a vampire. Ulric proved to be his mentor in his introduction to the life and benefits of being a vampire. Many of the lessons defied common beliefs regarding their nature and abilities. A crusade across Ireland ensued to seek vengeance on those responsible for the butchering of his parents. John evolved into a smart ass vampire aided with five centuries of pop culture references along with sarcastic quips.
The tale is told in two time lines … along with his origin in Ireland … the present day gritty environment of Houston. There is the stereotypical magical bar that’s neutral ground for the entire supernatural community, They all live with one maxim … don’t let the common man see you doing supernatural stuff. In the present day Houston he has teamed up with a catholic priest in order to rid society of murderers, rapists and other evil people. John satisfies his need for human blood by making society save. At times he will call upon two supernatural friends to aid in his quest. The characters of the two foot tall fairy, “Da” and his werewolf beast friend from World War II prove to be integral parts in this fun romp. Things begin to spiral out of control when an unseen force starts summoning other uncontrollable demons into this plane of existence. An apocalypse of untold significance is threatened.
Hunter Blain proves to be a master storyteller as he weaves together multiple plots with escalating tension and intrigue. A thrilling and fun-filled denouement is achieved with yet expectations of more to follow. Stay tuned for further adventures of the Preternatural Chronicles.
87 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2025
Epic! Funniest, action packed vampire book ever!

100% would recommend this book!

Hunter Blain is a friggin amazing author! It's refreshing to have such a unique way of writing.

It had me laughing at loud as well as on edge, waiting to see what would happen next. Everything you've learnt through other vamp books, throw out the window! This book changes/challenges several "common knowledge" things about vamps and supes. The MMC is so human yet, as far from human as he could have been. The storyline has great twists and very interesting ways to defeat your enemies... It will want you coming back for more.

I got excited to find there's a 0.5 novella too... Which I also listen to, Luke Daniels does the audio on audible... he had John down to the, well John Cook👌🏼

Will be on to book 2 very soon!
Profile Image for Benjamen Dees.
100 reviews
March 5, 2025
Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

The book as a whole was pretty generic for a vampire story which just about landed it at a rating of 3.5 instead of the 4.0 I settled on. While the author did an excellent job with his descriptions of events, characters, and places; it wasn’t until the last 3 or 4 chapters that really grabbed on and held my attention.

With the description I kept reading advertising the book of a vampire story where the main character is like Deadpool I felt like it set me up for a let down with my overall reading experience. Sure it has some dialogue that was playful, but if this was Deadpool… it would have been him as a teenager at best.

I will be looking to reading more of this series and now with a more appropriate perspective, maybe it will be a set of books I can enjoy as opposed to continuously looking for high spots that never really came.
25 reviews
October 5, 2023
What a way to honor life (or unlife)

Amazing! I love getting to know characters through the heart and mind of an author. Thank you for introducing me to a part of your soul that will live on to eternity. Great writing, lots of ghoulish scenes to keep the heart rate up and the good flowing, and a small window into the creative artistry of the written word. I am off to read book two and enjoy some more mouth watering suspense and heart warming mischief.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
33 reviews
February 27, 2025
I have a new favorite series! I would actually give this a 4 1/2 star. Sometimes I would get a little confused by the author’s dialogue and situations but I think that just comes with it being his first book. I know he will just get better and better. Love that he wrote this for his friend that had passed and made him the main character. Just gives you warm fuzzies like a good Whitney Houston song.
Already bought the next book 🥰
3 reviews
January 11, 2025
I really wanted to like this. I love the idea of the story of honoring his late friend. There are funny parts where I laughed out loud. The main character is likable. His friends are likable. However, the plot is weak. If this were a movie, John would watch it and say "Neat!", then tear it apart pointing out all the parts that are unrealistic. Yes, I know it is the supernatural - but it is hard to believe. Honestly, the author lost me when the " bad guy" killed all of Depweg's rescue pack. There. I said it. Never kill the dogs in any story. Will I read the rest of the series? Maybe.
Profile Image for William Sullivan.
82 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2024
Review

The mc is neither intelligent nor patient, both I would expect in a creature that has survived over 500 years. I understand that the mc is an homage to the authors late friend and can understand the pop culture personality the the mc reflects. I wish he had imagined his friend as a 500 year old being and the experience that time amount would represent instead of a 20 year old in an ancient body. There are many instances of him not showing forethought, but getting wasted to the point of blackout at the bar right after he is told that everyone wants him dead is a prime example of the storyline.
1 review
July 23, 2025
read it all in a day

Fun read, it’s action packed with a good backstory. I enjoyed the puns and pop culture references as well. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series
18 reviews
February 20, 2025
I mature and not funny

It reads like a pubescent boy wrote it, hoping to appeal to 23 year old males. The constant movie references wears thin and the never ending near death experiences lack impact and interest because... They are never ending. Shallow as a wading pool.
Profile Image for Carrie.
155 reviews8 followers
January 7, 2025
Neat!

As far as vampire stories go, this one is one of the better ones I’ve read. I loved the humor throughout (and the strategically placed movie quotes!). I like the idea that, even though you are “evil” or “an abomination”, there is still hope for your soul; that there is a chance for you to get redemption. Through a lot of the story, I was laughing when reading (constantly) “It’s just John!”, because everyone seems to know that it gets to him, and John, being one to be the smart alek, has something that people use to get him riled up as much as he does them. I love the friendship between him and Depweg, and how they seem to know what the other needs just from a glance. Good start to the series, can’t wait to read the rest.
Profile Image for Barkley Audiffred.
78 reviews
July 18, 2025
3.5/4 stars.

I can definitely see the comparison of John and Deadpool but sometimes it made it hard to follow exactly what happened. There were a few times when I head to re-read a scene because I missed when an arm got cut off or trying to understand what happened through the internal dialogue.
Some other things that missed for me were some of the movie quotes went right over my head and SPOILER - wtf you killed those dogs!!!!

Besides that I enjoyed the book. I loved the dual timeline and how effortlessly they came together. I enjoyed how the ending wrapped up nicely and made a nice intro into a second book without feeling like it’s a huge cliff hanger.

I’ll definitely use this series as a nice break inbetween everything else.
Profile Image for C.T. Phipps.
Author 91 books666 followers
March 25, 2025
I'M GLAD YOU'RE DEAD is the story of John Cook, a vampire who hunts the guilty to satisfy his thirst and seeks to redeem his tainted soul. What an original idea, I know. Except, Hunter Blain does a fantastic job in recreating a classic formula. Angel, Nick Knight, Mick Saint John, and others are all here but also Connor Macleod as well as Spider-Man. John Cook is a wise-cracking lovable oaf who just happens to be an exsanguinating creature of the night vigilante. He's also the single most important person in the world to stopping the apocalypse. It is full of great action, laughs, and twists.
9 reviews
September 14, 2024
wow. what a read… (this is a good thing)

This was a wild ride. I’m usually more into romance not so much bromance. Loved the past & present view of John(athon 😉) showing people’s lives are not always black & white but definitely shades of gray (not 50 but close enough) but seriously loved how it was written & how the story progressed so smoothly. (I’m not very good at the how’s & why’s of reviewing books. I just know I really loved it) It’s so heartwarming that you are honoring your best friend in such a memorable way. I can’t wait to read your other stories.
Profile Image for Donna.
2,014 reviews27 followers
February 23, 2025
John became a vampire to avenge the slaughter of his parents

John was turned by an ancient vampire named Ulrich who strung him along for years. John's story is told in flash backs and present events. John makes a number or unusual friends who help him don't purpose and meaning in his long life. Eventually he performs jobs for Father Thomas but even that has its drawbacks. Lots of pop culture references and horrific descriptions of the injuries that threaten John and his cohorts.
Profile Image for Jim.
388 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2025
A most endearing, exciting ode to a friend who moved on

This is an awesome tale with interesting, rough around the edges characters who want to do good but are already cursed.
An amazing inspiration for writing, the request of a friend.
I can’t wait for the next book and I love the humor! Great situations and an MC who suffers along the way to victory trying to be better. Oh and he’s a vampire whose best friend is a werwolf, it’s German, who met during World War 2 while killing nazis. So many surprises and twists.
1,012 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2025
Loved it!

Boy do I love a good vampire story and this book did not let me down. Poor John, what he went through as a young man, sucked up by the inquisition with his parents. Ulric somehow finding him and talking John into becoming his protégée. The ride begins there and never stops!
I love how Hunter Blain honored his best friend as he promised, making John his main character and as a bonus, tossing in some other friends too.
I highly recommend this one…I’m positive you’ll love it too.
Profile Image for Bookworm52732.
550 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2024
Just a rhetorical question, but do I love Deadpool or Ryan Reynolds? I can't imagine Deadpool played by anybody else. Which is where this book falls flat. While there were a few bleak, forced attempts in the last half of the tale, it did not deliver Deadpool-style humor.

I also didn't care for the alternating chapters of past and present. Wrecks the pacing of the book IMO.

I'm glad I finally finished...
1,467 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2024
Well written

This book has all the paranormal creatures that usually interest me (vampires, werewolves, demons, fae, etc.) and it is very well written. But it is also very graphic and quite a bit too bloody for this old granny. There is a little humor in the main character's sarcasm which I like, but I don't think I will continue the series. If this is your cup of tea though, you couldn't find d a more descriptive writer.
200 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2024
Interesting

I wasn't sure at first. I liked the story behind how this came to be and while reading, I frequently scratched my head, wondering if it was really worth it. Its a little...different for sure. Glad I stuck in though. Its a decent read. Love the motley assortment of characters and how past and present combine to create a great story. The writing is smooth. Just the characters are over the top which isn't a bad thing.
Profile Image for _mykee_b.
115 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2025
A bloody good time

Lol I’m so sorry. That was such a dumb joke..but I had to!

This was a total action film in book form.
Was it over the top? Yes
Did it get ridiculous at times? Also, yes
But was it hilarious? Abso-freaking-lutely.

Plus the series itself is worth the notice because of how it came to be. And I will gladly partake in extending the memory & joy of the author’s dear friend!

On to the next!
Profile Image for Susanne.
2 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2025
What kept me from giving this book one star was the plot premise: The world's last vampire with a mission to do good is befriended by a priest, a werewolf, a fairy, and the mysterious owner of a bar for supernaturals. A good start, but even that was ruined by the end. And while I expect gore in a vampire story, the author relies too heavily on the ick factor and goes so far as to kill a large group of dogs. Disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
April 29, 2025
Entertaining and amusing

I don’t usually review books, but seeing how I’ve now started the 4th one in the series - here’re my thoughts. John’s not your typical sexy vampire. Other reviews compare him to Deadpool in personality and that’s not quite right. It’s more like he has Deadpool’s sense of humor, but the mental capacity of Green Lantern - lots of brawn and dumb/impossible/chaotic luck. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Laura.
344 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2025
Thoroughly entertaining.

This was a random pick on my part, and I was not disappointed in the least! It was funny, gory, interesting, historic, and a bit weird. I really like the characters. They are diverse and eclectic. The humor is definitely reminiscent of Deadpool, and John's fixation on movie quotes is fun.

I found the dedication to be heartwarming and sad. It definitely brought a new dimension to the tale, knowing it was for the author's friend.
880 reviews7 followers
September 8, 2023
love John

What a great story idea! I really enjoyed the beginning where the main character is being introduced. I love history and appreciate that the author took the time to research details relating to various time periods. Looking forward to more about these interesting characters.
425 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2024
If Deadpool were a vampire

Not as much profanity as Deadpool but definitely in that vein. A ages old vendetta resurfaces as evil tries to break through to this plane. When you have few friends you hold them closer and protect them. While you decide if you're on the good side or the other. I really enjoyed this one and will look forward to the next.
20 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2024
Wicked cool!!!

I'm always up for a new supernatural book, but usually they're romance... This is NOT romance, lol but I'll be damned if it isn't just as good!! Jonathan... Just John, is the perfect anti hero and you'll love all his friends. The is a new twist on being a vampire, but i don't hate it. I will be getting the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Safety Lady.
486 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2024
surprisingly funny

I was optimistic on this one but it really is pretty funny with lots of groan able dad jokes and movie references. I think this probably be outstanding as an audible book. Worth a try to see if this is your cup of paranormal mystery. Definitely like able characters and pretty good writing. Happy reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews

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