'The Art of the Strain' by Robert Abele is a look behind the TV series based on the novels by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo del Toro. It also features a foreword by del Toro.

In the foreword, we learn that Guillermo del Toro has always liked vampires, and also that a lot of the ideas for this series have been running around his head for a long time. The premise is that vampires are hosts for spreading a new virus, or strain. Their internal bodies are changed to host a stinger that they can shoot out at victims. If that's not disgusting enough, there are also worms. The fate of the world rests in a ragtag team of people with unique skill sets led by an elderly Jewish man fighting against the leader of the darkness, known only as The Master.

In the book there are tons of character sketches, molds, cgi pre and post shots. There are bios and information about the major character and types of vampires. The first and second season are covered.

It's a good mix of information about the show, and information about the process of making such a show. The art is definitely on the gory side, as you would expect from a show about a vampire plague. I've always been fascinated with the movie making process and I don't mind a well made horror film. I enjoyed this peak beneath the covers at this show and world.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Insight Editions and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.