The Fall of Atlanta is the first in what will be a four volume repackaging of the 13 original Clan Novel books, released in 1999 and 2000. In the original releases, each volume focused on a particular clan, following it through time. The reissue takes the individual chapters from all 13 books and puts them in chronological order, regardless of clan.

Set in the Modern Nights world of Vampire: The Masquerade, the original series began with Caine. This version begins in 1999.

The general theme of the story is the war between the two factions of Vampires. The Camarilla, representing the established society of Elders, seek to protect the world of Vampires from mortal society by hiding behind an elaborate Masquerade.

The Sabbat, however, believe Vampires are far superior to mortals, who they see as little better than cattle. They seek to destroy the most ancient and powerful elders, called the Antediluvians. But should the Antediluvians awaken, it will trigger Gehenna, the prophesized the end of the world. Vampires and mortals both will perish in a flood of blood and destruction.

Adding to the intrigue is the rediscovery of an ancient artifact known as the Eye of Hazimel. This artifact gives the bearer amazing abilities, but like all power, it can destroy the bearer as easily as his enemies.

As in any war, there are plenty of battles. Ground is gained and lost; friends and enemies alike stain the ground red with their blood. This is nothing really out of the ordinary in the eternal Jyhad of the undead. But as the Sabbat continue their blitzkrieg attacks along the East Coast, the immortal Elders of the Camarilla once again remember what it feels to experience fear…and mortality.

I read the original Clan Novels as they were released, and was very impressed with the way they were written. So, I wasn't entirely convinced of the need for this compilation and figured I would fall into the trap of just skimming through the story.

I was in for a very pleasant surprise. As I remembered, the level of detail given to the major characters was extremely impressive. But what really stood out, now that the chapters are in chronological sequence, is the level of detail given to the storyline itself. All of the classic themes are there: love, death, war, and power. Yet the writing manages to avoid the clichés and pitfalls so often associated with those plotlines, and marrying those elements with the World of Darkness gives them a unique flavor. Eternal love, for example, always makes for enjoyable reading, but when coupled with the eternal life granted by the Curse of Caine, it takes on a whole new meaning.

I give this book 5 out of 5 doors. While it is a compilation of previously released work, the re-sequencing of chapters adds to the reader's understanding and enjoyment, and the addition of background material on prophesy and the ancient vampires is a nice touch, especially for those new to the World of Darkness. If you've already read the Clan Novels, you'll be surprised by how fresh this repackaged version reads. And if not, this is a great time to get started.

Johann says he'd sneak through  doors to read this book.