"How can mortal men defeat an immortal and seemingly invincible enemy?" "Vampires have always existed in secret in Central Europe, not just as legends and imaginary menaces but as predators that feed on human blood. In F. Paul Wilson's famous novel The Keep, vampires aided the Nazis in Europe. But with the fall of Communism and the turmoil throughout the continent, they took bold steps to begin to emerge publicly, to take over governments, and to enslave increasing portions of the world population." "Now they control all of Europe, India, the Far East, and the major cities in North and South America. It seems that nothing can stand in their way and that humanity will become cattle for the harvesting, the source of the blood of life. The vampires enlist "cowboys," humans who help them herd other humans in return for the promise of the bite of eternal life - someday. The vampires only grudgingly share their power and expand their limited numbers only when necessary."

"The story opens when the vampire forces come to a small town in coastal New Jersey to finish pacifying the rural area. The local bishop has sold out. Joe, a disgraced priest accused of abuse, hides out and drinks, waiting for the end, until he is galvanized into action by a rabbi; his own niece, who has fled the collapse of New York, and a nun who has become a killer of the cowboys and the vampires. Together, they fortify an abandoned church and defy the conquering swarm. A surprising success shows them a ray of hope for humanity's survival, but an overwhelming challenge stands in their way - the new vampire King of New York."--Jacket.