Author of 'the most terrifying' children's book fears backlash

The North Yorkshire vicar who has authored "the most frightening children's book every written" says he is having to keep the details of a nationwide school tour secret, for fear of lobbying from Evangelical Christians.

As reported by the Yorkshire Post, vicar turned best-selling author Graham Taylor has come under fire from Christians and parents over his new "children's" book – featuring 11 murders, stabbings and teenage girls having their throats ripped out.

"GP" Taylor – who found fame after self-publishing world wide hit Shadowmancer – has been blasted by Christian Voice for "extolling death and destruction' in The Vampyre Labyrinth, a bloodsucker set in Second World War Whitby

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Following the publicity message boards have carried comments about the book and its alleged unsuitability for children.

The author now fears that owing to the snowball of opposition to the book some people may take direct action. "I am about to embark on a school tour and talk to 20,000 children," he added.

"I am concerned that there is a real threat that some people may start lobbying bookshops and schools to stop children buying the book. We are living in the age of direct action. I saw what happened to Springer the Opera and now I fear for my career.

"The book has recently earned the title 'the most terrifying children's book ever written'. Many people are saying that it is far too frightening and that children should be warned before opening the pages."

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The book by former Vicar of Cloughton Mr Taylor, 52, who lives near Scarborough, was published only last week but has already sold out its 50,000 first print and publishers Faber are rushing out a reprint.

Christian Voice chairman Stephen Green said "Shame on any head teacher who invites GP Taylor into their school with this book. It is up to head teachers to behave more responsibly and if I was a parent at a school that allowed him in I'd be straight up to the school and demanding answers from the head teacher."

Mr Green said messages on the Christian Voice website showed the strength of feeling including one which said: "To promote gore, bloodlust and thoughts of death as being healthy topics for the minds of innocent children is bizarre."