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Necroscope #10
Necroscope: Resurgence, The Lost Years Volume II
Harry Keogh, the Necroscope, the man who can talk to the dead, and Earth's greatest vampire hunter, has been searching for his wife and infant son, gone missing during Harry's war against the vampires. This obsession has left him open to subtle influence by an ancient vampire, Radu. Entombed in amber, trapped in undeath, Radu plans for his resurrection and plots the destruction of other vampires who might challenge his supremacy.
Thus, Radu's enemies are now Harry's--and Harry cannot properly defend himself. His powers--his deadspeak and his ability to transport himself through the Mobius Continuum--are locked away in the recesses of his vampire-clouded mind.
But Harry is not without allies, living and dead. E-Branch, the psychic spy organization, is worried about Harry. So is harry's long-dead Ma, and the ancient philosopher and prophet Nostradamus, whose centuries-old quatrain make eerie sense in the modern world.
Right now, Harry Keogh doesn't even know he's the Necroscope. But Earth's teeming dead won't let him forget them for long--and won't let him forget that Radu and his vampire kind are humanity's deadliest enemies.
Thus, Radu's enemies are now Harry's--and Harry cannot properly defend himself. His powers--his deadspeak and his ability to transport himself through the Mobius Continuum--are locked away in the recesses of his vampire-clouded mind.
But Harry is not without allies, living and dead. E-Branch, the psychic spy organization, is worried about Harry. So is harry's long-dead Ma, and the ancient philosopher and prophet Nostradamus, whose centuries-old quatrain make eerie sense in the modern world.
Right now, Harry Keogh doesn't even know he's the Necroscope. But Earth's teeming dead won't let him forget them for long--and won't let him forget that Radu and his vampire kind are humanity's deadliest enemies.
552 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 15, 1996
47 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
About the author
Brian Lumley
421books1,336followersBrian Lumley was born near Newcastle. In 22 years as a Military Policeman he served in many of the Cold War hotspots, including Berlin, as well as Cyprus in partition days. He reached the rank of Sergeant-Major before retiring to Devon to write full-time, and his work was first published in 1970. The vampire series, 'Necroscope', has been translated into ten languages and sold over a million copies worldwide.
He was awarded the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award in 2010.
He was awarded the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award in 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 6, 2015
For the most part, I enjoyed The Lost Years, Volume Two. It tells the story of the coming resurgence of the dog-Lord Radu Lykan, aided by the mesmerizing B.J Mirlu and her girls. She's got Harry Keogh, the Necroscope, under her spell, and spends nearly the entire book controlling him. Combined with the hypnotism worked on him by James Anderson of E-Branch, and it's no surprise Harry commits himself to an asylum.
Overall, this is a great story with lots of characters, but it did have its weaknesses. Starting with the ending. We spend two books reading endlessly about and his plans. We read about his thoughts, his fears, his evil plans, and his history starting back in Sunside/Starside. We're completely invested in his character - his was the best developed character in the Lost Years story. Yet, Radu awakes in the last chapters of Volume Two, and is almost immediately killed by Francesco Francezcis. It was disappointing to have invested so much in Radu and then not even see him leave his redoubt.
The last Drakul, Draham Drakesh, was a great character, but gone too soon. I hoped to see him unleash his creatures on the world. Also, I felt that the Francezcis brothers gradually grew less powerful and scary as the book progressed. In the beginning they're portrayed as these powerful brothers who advise the CIA and KGB. But later in the story they became annoying and just whined about everything. I could have cared less about them in the end.
Of course, the greatest part of the book was seeing Harry in action, especially once his mental hypnotic barriers had been lifted. And how badass was it for the author to have Harry interact with Anton Mesmer, Harry Houdini, and Nostradamus? Weaving these real life characters into the story elevated it beyond just standard horror to something more special.
Watching Harry break into the Francezcis fault, and then his all out assault Francesco and Angus McGowan in their helicopter was cool. Angus deserved what he got for what he did to his long-time friend Inspector Ianson.
The history of the vampires from Sunside/Starside was the most fascinating aspect of the book. Hope to read more about that as the books continue. Lumley is a supremely talented author. I used to use Anne Rice as the standard for vampire fiction, but as cool as her stories are, her vampires are too intellectual and contemplative. Their philosophical in their approach to undeath. Whereas with Lumley we get characters like the Drakul Draham Drakesh who simply want to destroy the world and start a new vampire civilization. Or Radu Lykan who wants power. These creatures could easily break Lestat in half. I still greatly admire Anne Rice's work, however Lumley is now the ideal in my mind for vampire fiction. You can't beat Harry Keogh, Necroscope!
Overall, this is a great story with lots of characters, but it did have its weaknesses. Starting with the ending. We spend two books reading endlessly about and his plans. We read about his thoughts, his fears, his evil plans, and his history starting back in Sunside/Starside. We're completely invested in his character - his was the best developed character in the Lost Years story. Yet, Radu awakes in the last chapters of Volume Two, and is almost immediately killed by Francesco Francezcis. It was disappointing to have invested so much in Radu and then not even see him leave his redoubt.
The last Drakul, Draham Drakesh, was a great character, but gone too soon. I hoped to see him unleash his creatures on the world. Also, I felt that the Francezcis brothers gradually grew less powerful and scary as the book progressed. In the beginning they're portrayed as these powerful brothers who advise the CIA and KGB. But later in the story they became annoying and just whined about everything. I could have cared less about them in the end.
Of course, the greatest part of the book was seeing Harry in action, especially once his mental hypnotic barriers had been lifted. And how badass was it for the author to have Harry interact with Anton Mesmer, Harry Houdini, and Nostradamus? Weaving these real life characters into the story elevated it beyond just standard horror to something more special.
Watching Harry break into the Francezcis fault, and then his all out assault Francesco and Angus McGowan in their helicopter was cool. Angus deserved what he got for what he did to his long-time friend Inspector Ianson.
The history of the vampires from Sunside/Starside was the most fascinating aspect of the book. Hope to read more about that as the books continue. Lumley is a supremely talented author. I used to use Anne Rice as the standard for vampire fiction, but as cool as her stories are, her vampires are too intellectual and contemplative. Their philosophical in their approach to undeath. Whereas with Lumley we get characters like the Drakul Draham Drakesh who simply want to destroy the world and start a new vampire civilization. Or Radu Lykan who wants power. These creatures could easily break Lestat in half. I still greatly admire Anne Rice's work, however Lumley is now the ideal in my mind for vampire fiction. You can't beat Harry Keogh, Necroscope!
October 22, 2021
I loved this book. The first of the Lost years was great and worked well as a build up to this entertaining and fun as hell book full of twists and turns that teased and had be bordering on frustration before giving me a completely satisfying finale and wrap up. One of the best books in the entire series.
August 5, 2015
As with the previous one, an enjoyable read but once more it felt like going over old ground. I guess it's understandable that Brian Lumley wanted to fill in the years between Books 2 and 3 of the original series, and create a credible reason why so much time had passed between those books which was never actually mentioned, but really you won't lose out much if you don't read it. One for the completests only, or if you're in dire Necroscope withdrawal.
June 28, 2023
The lost years has proven to be my favourite segment of the Necroscope saga so far. The trio of villains were brilliantly distinctive & depraved. Compared to all of the Wamphirii so far Radu’s backstory is relatable which makes him more of an antihero than a villain which sets him apart from the other villains of the story.
I really enjoyed the Cairngorms/Edinburgh setting, and the Dracul’s evil plot with the nuclear weapons.
The finale at the end was brilliantly done & tied up the lost years episode very satisfactorily.
I really enjoyed the Cairngorms/Edinburgh setting, and the Dracul’s evil plot with the nuclear weapons.
The finale at the end was brilliantly done & tied up the lost years episode very satisfactorily.
November 19, 2013
One word = lost
February 28, 2015
Lots of twists and turns in this one. Happy & sad for Harry at the same time. I think this may be the last we see of Harry. I hope not, as there are 3 or 4 more books.
October 29, 2024
This is the 10th in the Necroscope series and the second in the Lost Years portion of the series. This is the 12th I have read as I read some of the E-Branch trilogy stories out of order LOL.
This was a decent conclusion to the Lost Years storyline. I think the ending was rushed. We spent 1.80 books on Radu and his return and his revenge on Drakesh and the Ferenczys and his plan for Harry ( the man with two faces), but as soon as he returns he dies. Yes, he still is in the story after his downfall and is a good part of the conclusion but its still anticlimactic to me and all plotlines are wrapped up within 40 pages.
I did like that Radu , the dog-lord, happened to be the easiest of the Wamphyri to root for and for Harry to get a long with. He was really only about revenge against the other Lords and their families.
It was sad about BJ but she did have it coming. The end of the story was obvious as for the Lost Years to be truly "Lost" that had to have happened.
Overall 3.5-4 stars.
This was a decent conclusion to the Lost Years storyline. I think the ending was rushed. We spent 1.80 books on Radu and his return and his revenge on Drakesh and the Ferenczys and his plan for Harry ( the man with two faces), but as soon as he returns he dies. Yes, he still is in the story after his downfall and is a good part of the conclusion but its still anticlimactic to me and all plotlines are wrapped up within 40 pages.
I did like that Radu , the dog-lord, happened to be the easiest of the Wamphyri to root for and for Harry to get a long with. He was really only about revenge against the other Lords and their families.
It was sad about BJ but she did have it coming. The end of the story was obvious as for the Lost Years to be truly "Lost" that had to have happened.
Overall 3.5-4 stars.
July 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this collection overall. I really got into the last three stories the most. You can read/listen to this collection without going through the Volume 1 or knowing too much about the Necroscope series. I love the way that Brian Lumley wrote these and Joshua Saxon is one of the best narrators in the game. I am of the opinion that putting these two together was pure genius... perfect.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 20, 2021
For being the second book in a duology, this one took a while to get going. I can't say that I was too thrilled with the rehash of Harry , but overall the depowering of Harry for plot purposes was done pretty well. The climax was suitably balls-to-the-wall, with a few creepy and spoopy moments for sure. Definitely enjoyed the new people Harry spoke to in the Great Majority. Not as good as The Lost Years Volume I, but still a worthwhile read.
September 18, 2023
Not as good as the first "lost story" this really is just part 2 also. This series main problem is it's length. It's the same thing over and over and at this point in the series there isn't much new being introduced.
One good part was the historical people who are contacted by Harry. That's pretty fun.
One good part was the historical people who are contacted by Harry. That's pretty fun.
May 2, 2018
At first, I wasn't sure about this one. Lost years? Eventually though, I was in deep and as the story evolved I really got into the story of Radu and his moon children. The relationship between BJ and Harry left me cold, however.
Lots of explosive endings in this one.
Lots of explosive endings in this one.
April 11, 2022
I think even in 1996 when this was written Brian Lumley's writing style was pretty old fashioned, reminiscent of much earlier gothic potboilers. Having said that I loved this book. He has a great imagination and just throws everything into the mix. It's all just gloriously over the top. Great fun!
November 12, 2023
I had high hopes that I'd enjoy this, especially midway through this title - it was promising that this was a different type of story arc. But it dragged out and disappointed at the end.
Done with this author. Picking up a series that I'd liked (really?) 20+ years ago was not a good idea.
Done with this author. Picking up a series that I'd liked (really?) 20+ years ago was not a good idea.
August 8, 2021
In the same vein as Lumley's other works, but a strong telling in a familiar world
October 27, 2022
okay
This was a little repetitive in the story telling. The story wasn’t as interesting as previous books. The Lost Years left me lost.
This was a little repetitive in the story telling. The story wasn’t as interesting as previous books. The Lost Years left me lost.
October 21, 2024
Great. But my heart was broken for Bonnie Jean. Goodbye to all Earth Whamphyri.
December 30, 2013
Necroscope Series by Brian Lumley
Review by Andy Strutt author of “The Afflicted�
I first discovered this series by receiving “Necroscope III : The Source� as a Christmas present. I had never heard of Brian Lumley but I was instantly infatuated with his work as soon as I had read the first few pages. Obviously, the first thing I did was go out and find the rest of the Necroscope series.
Harry Keogh is a very strange character with morbid supernatural powers that allow him to speak to the dead. That is enough to make you want to read the series on its own but it is only the start. The Necroscope is the first in the series of a totally unique and fantastical vampire mythology, and definitely my favourite out of all of them. His writing his dark and exciting and is not for the faint hearted. These are books for true fans of horror and I challenge any new reader to predict what is going to happen next. I pride myself on being able to predict the storyline and I was pleasantly surprised, there was no way I could have guessed where the story would lead. For me it is impossible to review a single novel in isolation (or necessary) because I feel that anyone who reads the first will very quickly read the other 14 novels eagerly.
Highly recommended and I guarantee these books deserve horror classic status. The writing and characterisations are timeless and will be enjoyed by true horror fans for centuries to come.
Review by Andy Strutt author of “The Afflicted�
I first discovered this series by receiving “Necroscope III : The Source� as a Christmas present. I had never heard of Brian Lumley but I was instantly infatuated with his work as soon as I had read the first few pages. Obviously, the first thing I did was go out and find the rest of the Necroscope series.
Harry Keogh is a very strange character with morbid supernatural powers that allow him to speak to the dead. That is enough to make you want to read the series on its own but it is only the start. The Necroscope is the first in the series of a totally unique and fantastical vampire mythology, and definitely my favourite out of all of them. His writing his dark and exciting and is not for the faint hearted. These are books for true fans of horror and I challenge any new reader to predict what is going to happen next. I pride myself on being able to predict the storyline and I was pleasantly surprised, there was no way I could have guessed where the story would lead. For me it is impossible to review a single novel in isolation (or necessary) because I feel that anyone who reads the first will very quickly read the other 14 novels eagerly.
Highly recommended and I guarantee these books deserve horror classic status. The writing and characterisations are timeless and will be enjoyed by true horror fans for centuries to come.
May 2, 2007
This book just drags on and ends very predictably minus the strange cooperation at the end. Lumley could have ended the book about 400 pages earlier. Worst of the series. Terribly disappointed much like Chapterhouse: Dune was an awful end to that series. I wish Lumley would have tagged some pages on Volume I and ended this whole thing with honor.
May 3, 2013
After reading volume 1 and being completely dissappointed, I was hoping that Lumley would win me back with this one. He absolutely did. I enjoyed this one far better than volume 1 and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Besides, 10 books in and 1 dud aint to bad in my opinion. I would rather read a dud by Brian Lumley than A hit by Stephanie Meyer anyday.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
November 26, 2015DNF on page 31 because this is not holding my attention at all.
ETA (11/25/15):
I decided I'm going to eventually re-try this book. So indefinite hiatus for now.
ETA (11/25/15):
I decided I'm going to eventually re-try this book. So indefinite hiatus for now.
February 22, 2013
It just seemed like he had to come up with something, it did not flow well and seemed to be a lot of filler. Very unlike his other work
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May 31, 2014i love the whole series for harry keyhogh
November 30, 2016
Very enjoyable book.
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March 31, 2019Nekroskop Harry Keogh, muž, který rozmlouvá s mrtvými a největší pronásledovatel upírů na zemi, pátrá po své ztracené ženě a synovi. Je tím tak posedlý, že zapomíná na ostražitost a dostane se pod vliv jednoho z prastarých upírů, Radua. Ten, přestože je vězněm svého hrobu, sní o znovuzrození a zničení všech svých soukmenovců, kteří by pro něj mohli představovat hrozbu. Tak se Raduovi nepřátelé stávají i Harryho nepřáteli - jenomže Harry se v tuto chvíli sám nedokáže bránit. Jeho moc, jeho schopnost mluvení s mrtvými a cestování skrze Möbiovo kontinuum, jsou zablokovány v hloubi jeho upírem ovládané mysli. Ale Harry má svoje spojence mezi živými i mrtvými. Jeho kolegové z pobočky E si o něj dělají starosti, stejně jako jeho dávno mrtvá matka a filozof Nostradamus, jehož proroctví se s neúnavnou pravidelností plní. Ti všichni mu nedají zapomenout, že Radu a jeho upíři jsou nesmiřitelní nepřátelé celého lidstva a není jiná možnost, než je zničit.
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