Book Review: The Vampire Lestat

The Vampire Lestat (Vampire Chronicles)
Author: Anne Rice
Published: 1985
Genre: Fantasy, Vampire
Rating: 5/5

Continuing my reviews of The Vampire Chronicles I first encountered the character of Lestat from the movie Interview with a Vampire. I had a hard time buying into the evilness Lestat portrayed in the movie. I was glad when I discovered the second book expanded into making him an overall, major character throughout the series.

After Louis releases the tale of his life in the form of the novel Interview with the Vampire his creator, Lestat, is inspired to share his own story. Lestat releases a biography and becomes a popular rock singer in which he challenges those that know of the origin of vampires to come forth. From his youth, transformation, world wanderings and pursuit for answers Lestat's flamboyant and passionate personality is one the reader will love.

Once more, I cannot stress how much I love Rice's use of narration. Lestat's complex character offers a more desirable narration for a broader audience. I sincerely wish this novel had also been turned into a movie.

(#21 of the 100 Book Challenge, which I won't be making)

Book Review: Changeling

Changeling (Order of Darkness)
Author: Philippa Gregory
Published: May 2012, Simon Pulse
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5

Many of my blog readers know I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory's novels. My fascination began back when I was in high school with the release of The Other Boleyn Girl in 2004. I was drawn to Gregory's ability to weave together amazing stories based on the idea of "what if?". I continued to read her novels during my years at  university and even wrote my MFA third semester critical essay about her work. When I saw she had expanded into the YA market I was a bit surprised and pleased. Regrettably, the story and writing was not the quality I expected from Gregory.

Luca Vero is a novice priest who is uprooted from his monastery and recruited into a secret sect called The Order of the Dragon. He will investigate evil across Europe and determine if it the work of Satan or of man.  His first investigation is at nunnery where a 17-year-old girls has recently been named Head Abbess. Isolde never wanted the life of a religious woman. She was to be an heiress with her own lands until her father dies and her brother claims differently. As their paths cross the embark on a journey that will take them and their companions across Europe.

While I feel Gregory has a very good premise for this book series she did not bring this novel to quality it should have been. The pacing at times was awful with some scenes too short in which the reader should have been allowed to linger with the character. I felt as if the characters were cliche and two-dimensional with a promise of depth that never came. Plot-wise the novel felt a bit too predictable at times and the characters seemed to get out of danger almost a little too easily. There was ample opportunities to bring the both plot and characters to a higher plane the author never took.

I would only recommend this book to true Gregory fans. I struggled to make it through this 272 page novel but continued in hope Gregory would change my disappointed thoughts. Unfortunately, I had to start reading her newest release The Kingmaker's Daughter to heal my aching muse. I will read the next book in the Order of Darkness series and hope it proves much better than the first.

(#20 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Interview with the Vampire

Interview with the Vampire
Author: Anne Rice
Published: 1976
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5/5

Several years ago I remember somebody recommending Anne Rice's novels to me when they learned I was a Twilight fan. Yes, I admit it, Stephanie Meyer's books are on my list of guilty pleasure reading. Since then, I have moved on from being a Twilight fan but I never lost my fascination with vampires. After watching the movie I knew it was time to plunge into the greater literary works of vampire novels.

Louis de Pointe du Lac is a young plantation owner is New Orleans, Louisiana. After his pious younger brother tragically dies Louis wishes for nothing except death himself. The vampire Lestat offers him a different option and he accepts. Even though he knows what he has become Louis is unable to let go of his mortal values and passions. He wants to know the meaning, the source, and the purpose for his immortal existence. With his vampire child, Claudia, they embark on the journey to find vampires in the old world of Europe. Are they evil, spawn of the devil, or do they merely exist?

What I simply loved most about Rice's writing was her ability to create such a strong narration through Louis.  From the first opening paragraphs I fell in love with this character and my ability to trust him. While Rice's writing is filled with a powerful place of setting, rich descriptions and a highly risky plot none of these compare to her strong talent for narration. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the novels in The Vampire Chronicles series.

The first three books in this series can be purchased in a lovely hardbound edition from Barnes and Noble. I purchased my copy while visiting a friend in Buffalo, NY earlier this year.

(#19 of the 100 Book Challenge)