The Wolf Gift
Just finished reading The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice. This is the first Anne Rice novel that I have picked up. I was quite keen to pick up her Interview with a Vampire novels but as this was newly released I thought I’d give it a go first. Obviously, therefore, I have no way of comparing this to previous novels and can’t say whether it is better or not or whether it maintains the same style. What I will say though, and it’s a surprise given the amount of paranormal books currently on the market, is that Ms Rice manages to give the werewolf mythology a new twist which I thought was quite an achievement.
I’m not going to go overboard on the plot because I don’t want to give away spoilers so I’ll just give a bit of an introduction. The story opens with Reuben (the main protagonist). Reuben comes from a fairly affluent family. His mother is a successful surgeon, his father a writer/poet and his brother is a priest. Reuben is the youngest (and most handsome) and has such as been ‘babied’ a little. He takes after his father in his more romantic and poetic nature and loves to write and philosophise. He has fallen into a journalistic role working on a fairly small-town newspaper where his distinctive voice has earned him already a steady audience and he is determined to prove himself as more than a pretty face. Reuben has been asked to interview Margent and the start of the story brings the two of them together touring a magnificent country home which Margent has recently inherited. Margent, in spite of her deep emotional attachments, is keen to sell the place as basically it is very remote and situated atop cliffs overlooking the sea with a private redwood forest to the rear. I thought the first few chapters of this were great. The writing is quite simply lovely to read, descriptions of the grounds, the house, the forest and even the former inhabitant, Margent’s long lost uncle who was something of an explorer who went missing over 20 years previously. The house is really quite amazing and the poetic and philosophical side of Reuben instantly falls for the place, for Margent and even for her long lost uncle. I couldn’t help being transported back to Manderley reading this element of the story. The writing put me very much in mind of Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca – although maybe not quite as brooding. I will mention though that there is no dramatic action up to this point. It’s a beautiful read but not pacey or action packed so if you’re looking for a bit more of a slasher story then you need to bear this in mind and practice some patience (or don’t pick up if you don’t have patience to practice!)
That being said the story does then change. Reuben is attacked and I’m not going to go into too much more about the plot other than to say following this attack Reuben starts to change (and clearly he becomes a wolf man – there, I’ve said it! But as it’s called The Wolf Gift I don’t think I’m giving too much away about this story).
Following this there is a lot more action involved as Reuben comes to terms with the changes he’s experiencing. There are a number of scenes where Reuben’s inner beast takes over which involve fairly bloodthirsty attacks. There’s also something of a love story going on and on top of that there is a little bit of mystery thrown in. I wouldn’t call this a YA book, maybe it would cross over for the older market but there are a few scenes of violence and a bit of sexual content also (although this couldn’t be called either a bloodbath or a bodice ripper, just saying).
What I liked about this book was the different take. I suppose for me this book does for werewolves what Kostova’s Historian did for Vampires – makes them a bit more grown up and sophisticated. There are lots of references to famous names and places and you can’t chuck a stick without someone philosophising about something. I also liked the different take on the beast itself. Reuben learns to control his inner beast and isn’t at it’s mercy – it blows the ‘full moon’ theory out of the water as well and even though it has it’s share of dramatic scenes this is more of an intelligent read along.
In terms of criticisms – I think I did wane a little in the middle of the story. I found the love story element a bit rushed. I thought that the characters seemed a bit old fashioned and could do with dragging into this century – or at least a century that’s a bit closer than whatever century they’re in – for example, what the hell is Reuben doing wearing a turtle neck sweater – he’s, like 25 – so, that would be no. And, finally, there’s quite a lot of info dumping towards the end which is being passed off as dialogue – I never end up thinking that that works out very well. It makes the conversation really clunky and basically nobody talks like that! Oh, and I think it lost a bit of an opportunity to be REALLY spooky – remote house, forest setting, dark nights, branches tapping on the glass, feeling eyes watching you – I think it should have been more creepy and brooding.
So having had a little rant I can now go back to admitting that I did enjoy this. I appreciated the writing style, I liked the almost fairytale element at one point in the tale (basically the introduction of the love interest – and, again, no spoilers, but I’m thinking ‘Little Red Riding Hood’), I also really enjoyed that you could stop reading at this point. There are a couple of outstanding issues but I think this novel is fairly complete and could work as a stand alone. I don’t know for sure but I imagine this will be a series – it certainly seems to be set up perfectly now for future adventures.
I didn’t adore it but I definitely enjoyed it and I will continue if another book is published. And, it didn’t change my mind about reading the Vampire Chronicles.
I’m submitting this story for my Once Upon a Time challenge (this is a challenge that isn’t a challenge) that is currently being hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings. Stop on by using this link – it is packed with goodies about fairytales, folklore, myth and fantasy.
The Wolf Gift
The Final Empire, Mistborn Book One by Brendan Sanderson, readalong
11 April 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Brandon Sanderson, Mistborn Book One, Readalon, The Final Empire
I’m taking part in a group readalong of Brendan Sanderson’s Final Empire, Mistborn book one which is being hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings as part of his Once Upon a Time event. The following is my initial thoughts on the reading so far which have taken us through the prologue and up to the start of Chapter 7. If you haven’t read this book before then the following discussions will undoubtedly contain spoilers so please avoid reading any further. Also, you’re never to late to join so check out Carl’s event at the link above.
1. This first hundred or so pages was packed! What things are standing out for you in the story thus far?
This is the first Sanderson novel I’ve read and so far it’s proving to be really quite gripping in fact I read the allocated chapters in one sitting and could happily have continued on but didn’t want to get all spoilery. My first impressions are very favourable – I’m really enjoying the story, it’s been very easy to read with plenty going on to move it forward quite quickly. I like Sanderson’s writing style, he doesn’t spend a lot of time world building. It feels like we’re pretty much just thrown in and we’re picking it up as we go along. I don’t mind this it’s just probably a lot more obvious to me at the moment because I’ve just finished a Scott Lynch novel which is quite the opposite and is rich in detail so I can’t help noticing the difference between the two. There are a couple of things that did occur to me whilst reading which aren’t exactly criticisms more just observations as I go along. For example, I don’t feel at the moment any really strong feelings towards the Skaa – this whole element has a definite plantation/slavery feel and although you are told that the Skaa are treated badly and you can see they’re downtrodden I don’t feel at this point that Sanderson is making the most of this element of the story. So, obviously, I don’t like the way the Skaa are treated but I want to care a LOT more than I currently do. I’m probably not being very articulate here but it just feels as though this element is only briefly touched on and I don’t get a real sense of overwhelming despair. And this leads me to the next slight issue I have which also reminds me of another recently read book. We’ve just had Kell’s plot to overthrow the Dark Lord revealed during which we’re sort of told a few times that the Skaa won’t do anything willingly to assist and that in fact they’ll have to be, well I don’t know the proper phrase, but glamoured or ‘magicked’ into helping – which feels a bit like taking their own control away from them without their knowledge (puts me in mind a bit of the Mule from the Foundation series with his – ‘I’m keeping the peace and there will be no wars, etc, but all achieved by mind control again). It makes me feel a bit conflicted. I can see that the Skaa live miserable lives but I find it difficult to believe that there wouldn’t be more of an undertone of rebellion in their midst and even if this isn’t the case, because they’re so full of despair, then I’m not sure that taking their free will is the right thing either. It still feels a bit like manipulation or just swapping one form of control for another or being used by a different bunch of people for different reasons. Especially as the group planning this are basically just planning a major heist which in order to succeed will involve them using 10,000 Skaa (against their own free will) in a battle (and let’s be honest people usually die in battles) that will ultimately achieve riches beyond belief for this small band of thieves – and maybe a brief moment of giving the finger to the Dark Lord but not much more. So, that sounded like a bit of a rant which was quite unintentional. Like I said I’m finding this a very easy book to read so far and this sounds overly critical which isn’t intended because for the record I’ve really enjoyed reading it to this point :).
2. What are your thoughts on the magic system that Sanderson is unveiling in this novel?
I think the magic system is really unique. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this before which frankly is a bit of an achievement given how much fantasy is out there! And, it makes for some very interesting scenes – the fight scene was really dramatic as was Kelsier’s way of travelling over the roof tops – and we haven’t seen all the different types of magic yet so it feels like there’s plenty more yet to explore and I’m really looking forward to it being expanded upon.
3. Kelsier and Vin have held most of the spotlight in these first 6 chapters. As you compare/contrast the two characters, how do you feel about them? Likes? Dislikes?
At this stage I quite like both of them. Vin has had a fairly rough existence so far and is naturally suspicious of everyone – I think what stood out to me about the difference between the two is that Vin really does seem to have lived amongst the lowest of the low. None of the people that she was involved with seemed to care one jot about each other and wouldn’t hesitate to sell each other out. At least Kelsier seems to have come from a slightly different background – okay, it seems as though he was also betrayed, but he seems to have a lot more people around him who are more trustworthy so whilst he has some reason to be suspicious of people he’s not as sceptical as Vin. I wouldn’t say I have any dislikes about either of them at the moment – I did feel a little bit, maybe, irritated, with Kelsier when he had his late night excursion to rob one of the nobles – he seems to be recklessly arrogant and frankly he nearly came unstuck – okay, he succeeded but I just wondered why he wouldn’t try and be a little bit more cautious, especially given what he is planning.
4. Finally, how would you assess Sanderson’s storytelling abilities to this point?
So far, I’m enjoying this. Yes, it’s a different writing style than say Scott Lynch, but I’m okay with that in fact I like that it’s different. I think Sanderson has come up with a fairly unique fantasy world and I’m looking forward to learning more about it, particularly what is all the ash about – did I miss something there?? Is this set in some sort of post apocalyptic world? I think his storytelling abilities are working out well – I didn’t know what to expect but at the moment I’m pleasantly surprised. This is fairly easy going, it seems to have quite a bit of action and it’s easy to get a grasp of and I’m looking forward to seeing how things develop with this crazy plan.
Thanks for the discussion starters and questions. I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone else felt.
Lynn 😀
Hammered by Kevin Hearne
8 April 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Hammered, Iron Druid Chronicles, Kevin Hearne
Just finished reading Hammered by Kevin Hearne. Wow. This series is really growing up!! If you haven’t already read Hounded or Hexed then the following will undoubtedly contain spoilers so read no further!
Hammered continues where Hexed left off. Atticus has two debts to fulfill in this story. He must travel to Asgard to retrieve an apple of eternal youth as part of his deal with Laksha for helping him in Hexed. Also, he has promised to take Leif to Asgard to help him exact revenge on Thor. So there’s plenty going on and we delve straight in with Atticus riding bareback on a giant squirrel called Ratatosk to arrive in Asgard and steal an apple from Freyr’s hall but invoking the wrath of the Gods in so doing – particularly as he killed the Norns in the doing. So, Atticus is now firmly in the sights of the Gods and yet now he must return to Asgard as he has given his word to Leif to assist him (actually, having reread this para it does beg the question of why Atticus just didn’t take Leif with him when he went to retrieve the apple – killing two birds with one stone? Maybe he thought it would be too risky in terms of bring the apple back??).
This instalment is much darker than the other books. Without wanting to give away spoilers there is more death and upset this time around. Plus we don’t get to spend as much time with some of our favourite characters. Oberon does not travel into battle with Atticus and so we miss a lot of the banter from the previous novels, also the Druid apprentice stays behind. There is still a generous dose of humour sprinkled in between with plenty of fun references. We have a huge shout out to Neil Gaiman, and internal conflict with Spock and Kirk playing the good/bad conscience angels perched on Atticus’s shoulders and we have Atticus going for a beer with a hippie, tie dye t-shirt wearing Jesus. However, even with this liberal sprinkling of humour there is no denying that the stories have taken on a different feel. We now start to feel some of the repercussions of the actions that Atticus takes. Not everyone lives! And, what about that ending – creepy and intriguing (luckily I now don’t have long to wait for the next book to relieve my need for answers!)
What I particularly liked this time was the inclusion of 5 short stories from the characters who travel to Asgard with Atticus. Each gives their own personal reasons for wishing to kill Thor and I must admit that he’s been a rather nasty piece of work over the ages and deserves everything he gets!
There are also lots of different myths and religions included here – we have a Russian God of Thunder and one of the Eight Chinese Immortals. There is a Finnish God, we have the Norse gods and the Valkryies – if anything there is perhaps a little too much going on! But that is only a very minor criticism.
This is another very enjoyable instalment in the series and has set the bar for something totally different. Atticus will now be on the run – he’s no longer safe, his actions are going to bring huge repercussions. After all you can’t just go round killing gods with impunity and not expect any come back!
I know that I’ve already mentioned the creepy ending – but, it’s not only creepy, it’s also sad! Yes, this is definitely a much darker and bleaker story – I wonder whether he regrets keeping his word to Leif – I wonder if Leif regrets his desire for revenge. I wonder if there will be more Oberon and sausages in Tricked! So many questions. Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
I’m going to include this read in one of my current challenges – the Once Upon a Time challenge (or not a challenge) being hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings. I think with the inclusion of so many Gods this can definitely be included in the myth category! Stop on over and check out this ‘none’ challenge – it’s all about having fun and along the way you get to meet some really great people and find out some excellent recommendations for other books – if your TBR pile can take it!
Hammered by Kevin Hearne
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, final readalong
7 April 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Camorr, Gentlemen Bastards, Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora readalong
And so we come to the end of our readalong and what an amazing experience this has been. Brought to us by some really amazing hosts and involving so many brilliant bloggers. It’s been great:
Even though this is the final week – you’re never too late to join in (well, you’re a bit late but you can still go back to the readalong and check out the questions) and pick up the threads of discussion. More to the point, you’re never to late to pick up this book and be lost in the world of Camorr and the lives of the Gentlemen Bastards. So don’t wait any longer. The following will however contain spoilers so if you haven’t read the book you might want to stop reading now! This week’s instalment brought us constant tension and laugh out loud moments. Personally I loved the whole scene with Locke in the Tower – firstly coming face to face with Merragio whilst wearing the clothes he’s stolen from him and then bumping into the Grey King as well. Without further ado the questions and discussions follow. The hosts for this blog are below:
1. The Thorn of Camorr is renowned – he can beat anyone in a fight and he steals from the rich to give to the poor. Except of course that clearly most of the myths surrounding him are based on fantasy and not fact. Now that the book is finished how do you feel the man himself compares to his legend. Did you feel that he changed as the story progressed and, if so, how did this make you feel about him by the time the conclusion was reached?
I think to an extent the legend that surrounds the Thorn is one of those typical snowball type of theories which gathers size and momentum as it goes downhill. You could argue that Locke is useless in a fight and also that he doesn’t give his money away to the poor – all of which is true. But, you could also say that he’s never shed blood in any of his jobs, he’s a really big softie (as the Spider herself acknowledged after he returned to the Tower to save the nobility), that he managed to defend himself quite well against the Grey King and also that he paid rather a huge death offering by having the plague ship with all his stolen talons on board (which he could have kept). So, really his reputation is not that far from the mark. I did think he changed as the story progressed. I think at the start of the story you didn’t get too much of an understanding for the feelings he had for his fellow GBs but by the end you could certainly feel the strength of feeling and the regard he held them in. He called them his brothers – which I thought was really rather touching! By the end of the story I definitely liked him, a lot. He proved that as well as being able to plot elaborate cons he was able to think on his feet, act under pressure and show that he cared not only for his own little select gang of bandits but also for many more people as well. Funnily enough I think by the end of the story he fitted the description attributed to the Thorn much more than at the start.
2. Scott Lynch certainly likes to give his leading ladies some entertaining and strong roles to play. We have the Berangia sisters – and I definitely wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of them or their blades plus Dona Vorchenza who is the Spider and played a very cool character – even play acting to catch the Thorn. How did you feel about the treatment the sisters and Dona received at the hands of Jean and Locke – were you surprised, did it seem out of character at all or justified?
I really liked both of the above characters to an extent. They’re certainly not soft and fluffy and I don’t think we’d ever be friends. But, I had a certain type of respect for the Berangia sisters and the way they were so kickass. And, the Spider, playing at Locke’s game really and allowing people’s own misconceptions to hide her secret identity for this length of time. All that being said, I felt no sympathy for the Berangias. They knew what they were doing. They plotted to catch and kill Jean and they were completely confident in their own abilities. The fact that they lost is just really too bad! I know who I preferred to win! I did have a certain sympathy for Dona Vorchenza when Locke socked her in the jaw, but he had the decency himself to feel bad for his own course of action and really I can’t see how he could have done any differently. She shouldn’t have under-estimated him but she made the mistake of thinking of them both as intellectuals. But, if Locke had remained trapped – she would undoubtedly have made him suffer and would not have shown sympathy. Plus, if you trap something in a corner it’s going to lunge at you eventually.
3. Towards the end we saw a little more of the magic and the history of the Bondsmagi. The magic, particularly with the use of true names, reminds me a little of old fashioned witchcraft or even voodoo. But, more than that I was fascinated after reading the interlude headed ‘The Throne in Ashes’ about the Elderglass and the Elders and why their structures were able to survive even against the full might of the Bondsmagi – do you have any theories about this do you think it’s based on one of our ancient civilisations or maybe similar to a myth??
Well, the most obvious comparison that I could come to with this would be the Roman Empire. The Roman’s went all over conquering and ruling – but they didn’t always stay and yet they left a legacy behind wherever they went. But, the thing I was thinking about most when reading about the Elderglass was the City of Atlantis – and don’t ask me why – I can’t explain myself but I’ve always pictured Atlantis as being contained in a huge, glass bubble!
4. We have previously discussed Scott Lynch’s use of description and whether it’s too much or just spot on. Having got into the last quarter of the book where the level of tension was seriously cranked up – did you still find, the breaks for interludes and the descriptions useful or, under the circumstances did it feel more like a distraction?
I actually still enjoyed the interludes and the description. I did have a moment towards the end where I was almost cursing and thinking ‘not bloody now for godssake’ but then as usual with these little mini stories I got sucked in. To some extent I do think it lessens the tension but on the plus side it felt as though it made me slow down and think a bit more than I otherwise might of and so I accredit this with stopping me from just simply racing ahead and finishing as quickly as possible.
5. Now that the book has finished how did you feel about the conclusion and the eventual reveal about the Grey King and more to the point the motivations he declared for such revenge – does it seem credible, were you expecting much worse or something completely different altogether?
I really enjoyed the conclusion – particularly the whole Grey King and Locke fighting to the death scenario (which does make me sound a bit bloodthirsty!). Just, they both had their own individual reasons and at that particular juncture they both pretty much hated each other – Locke because of the GBs and all that he and Jean had also been put through and the Grey King because of his sisters, his plans being thwarted and the sinking of his means of escape together with all the money which he thought he’s gained! It’s difficult to remember how I originally felt about the motives of the Grey King, I think what he and his family suffered was terrible but I kind of lost all sympathy for him because he didn’t care who he affected in his plans for revenge. He just went hell for leather and swept everyone up in is plot. The GBs had never done anything to hurt or offend him and look how badly they fared in his scheming. I suppose it would be childish to say he was unfair – but he was!
6. Were you surprised that Locke, being given two possible choices (one of which could possibly mean he would miss his chance for revenge on the Grey King) chose to go back to the Tower – especially given that (1) he would have difficulty in getting into the building (2) he would have difficulty in convincing them about the situation and (3) he would have difficulty in remaining free afterwards? Did anyone else nearly pee their pants when Locke and the rest were carrying the sculptures up to the roof garden?
I actually was surprised that Locke returned to the Tower to rescue the nobility but I think it’s one of the finer turning points of the story which helps to emphasise the true nature of the man. And, I was so tense when they were all carrying the sculptures up to the top – even though I knew the ending. That whole wraithstone thing was so nasty!
7. Finally, the other question I would chuck in here is that, following the end of the book I was intrigued to check out some of the reviews of LOLL and noticed that the negative reviews mentioned the use of profanity. How did you feel about this – was it excessive? Just enough? Not enough?
I really didn’t find the swearing a problem at all, in fact, on rereading I was surprised because I thought it seemed that there was less of it than I remembered! I probably wouldn’t mind a bit more – it makes me laugh when they’re all cussing at each other and the air turns blue!
8. Okay one further, and probably most important but very quick question – having finished, will you pick up the sequel, Red Seas Under Red Skies?
Hell yes!
The Taker by Alma Katsu
Just finished reading The Taker by Alma Katsu. I enjoyed this story even though it actually wasn’t what I’d originally thought it would be.
The Taker is portrayed as a love story blending paranormal and history. I would start by saying that I’m not sure that I would describe this story as an immortal love story. It’s certainly a story about immortals but by describing it as a love story it gives you a certain expectation which I’m not sure is entirely true. Personally, I would describe this as an immortal story of unrequited love. A tale of obsession that reaches across the ages.
The story starts with Dr Luke Findley beginning his shift at the hospital where he lives in St Andrews, Maine. Basicially Luke is not entirely happy with his lot in life. He’s a doctor in a town where he doesn’t wish to live. His family obligations have brought him back there and now he feels trapped. His wife has left him taking his children and with his mother recently deceased he has very little to keep him in this small backtown and yet here he remains. Until Lanore McIlvrae comes into his life. Lanore, or Lanny, is brought into the hospital by the police as a potential murder suspect. She’s brought in for examination by Dr Luke Findley who is going to become more deeply involved than he could have imagined when he set off for his shift that evening.
And, so we begin with Lanny’s story which spans back over the course of 200 years (in fact it goes much further back than that when we start to learn the story of one of the other characters from the story).
Firstly, the characters. They’re an odd bunch. We have Lanore. Goodness knows she doesn’t always make the best decisions. She can certainly be very selfish and cruel but she is aware of these shortcomings in herself. I’m not sure at this point whether I exactly like Lanny which is a strange position to be in after reading her story and I’m not altogether sure I trust her either. What I do enjoy about Lanny is how she relates her story. Her voice. Which is really quite compelling. I found myself totally gripped to the story whenever we found ourselves going back in time and probably could probably have done without the more modern day elements completely. The historical elements are fascinating to read about. The details about the lives, firstly when Lanny lives in Maine and then when she goes to Boston are really well written and interesting to read about. You certainly spend a lot of time with Lanny so in that respect she has plenty of character. What I struggled to come to terms with is why she was so obsessed with Jonathon. Jonathon is the son of the town’s benefactor. He is perfect in all respects. Absolutely gorgeous to behold, rich, intelligent and his full life is mapped out. He is far and above Lanny in his station in life and without her practically throwing herself at his feet would never have noticed her at all. However Jonathon is lonely, he has no friends and Lanny becomes his companion – platonic of course. Jonathon is only really briefly sketched as far as I’m concerned. He’s a total philanderer and basically seems to have sexual relationships with all the females in town – not helped of course by the fact that most of the women are so overcome with desire for him on account of his good looks that they simply throw themselves at his head. The problem I have is that Lanny is obsessed with this guy for 200 years and yet apart from his good looks we have very little other reason to see why. He also, isn’t the most likable character. He’s quite weak at the start of the novel and appears to go through life with a very bored and abject expression. I wouldn’t say I disliked him – just that I feel perfectly indifferent towards him and so apart from the fact that Lanny can’t have him – what exactly is the attraction that it remains so strong for that length of time. I guess basically it seems a little bit fickle. Yes, you may be attracted to a person’s looks initially but after that there has to be more? Anyway, I digress!
We are then introduced to the character of Adair – and what a perfectly horrible little monster he is surrounded by his little crew of vipers – of which he is soon to make Lanny a member of. We now take a further step back in time to hear Adair’s tale – which is really quite dark and twisted. This certainly isn’t a YA book although maybe it would cross over for the older element – that being said, there are a few elements that are rather brutal, not gratuitously so but the back stories include rape, beatings and elements of torture. The thing with Adair is we are given a much greater insight into his character which makes him much more real. Perhaps this is because Adair is set to play a much bigger role in the next novel?
We also, of course have the character of Luke. Again, Luke, feeling so/so about him. Apart from his obvious unhappiness with life in general we don’t get a good feel for him really and clearly he’s there as a means by which Lanny can relate her story.
I don’t really want to elaborate further on the plot as I don’t want to give away spoilers and although it seems as though I’ve been quite critical above I think it’s almost in a good way. Just that I had lots of ‘what if’s or ‘what’ moments! This is a story about immortals – we are given some background into this and the end reveals a twist that I hadn’t anticipated.
Basically, in spite of the observations about the characters, I thought this was a really good story. I’ve never read Interview with a Vampire but have seen the film and for me this has a definite flavour of that type of story. I can’t say whether it read like Anne Rice but maybe others will have a better idea of that.
I’m hoping that with the developments at the end maybe Lanny will become a changed individual in the next instalment? Anyway, time will tell and I look forward to picking up number 2.
I think that if you want a good historical/paranormal read then this may be for you. It’s not always the most gentle read but it is definitely compelling. Plus, the other thing that I do really like about this book is that although this is a trilogy there isn’t a cliff hanger ending and you could actually stop reading at this point.
The Taker
