Book excerpt: First introduced in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Van Helsing was the ultimate adversary for the vampire—as complex as the fiend he relentlessly pursued. In this anthology, masters of horror and fantasy give Van Helsing his due as they reimagine the history and adventures of the original vampire hunter—the greatest foe of the most evil icon in literary history. Featuring C. Dean Anderson • Kim Antieau • William D. Carl • Adam-Troy Castro • A.M. Dellamonica • Kris Dikeman • Christopher Golden • Joe Hill • Brian Hodge • Nina Kiriki Hoffman • Sarah Kelderman • Kathe Koja • J.A. Konrath • Tanith Lee • Thomas E. Monteleone • Rita Oakes • Chris Roberson • Kristine Kathryn Rusch • Steve Resnic Tem & Melanie Tem • Thomas Tessier • Lois Tilton