Tag Archives: vampires

Masquerade and Revelations

  By Rachel | February 16, 2012 - 12:16 am | What I'm Reading
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These are two books in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz.  I read the first book, Blue Bloods, over the Christmas break.  I was worried that this would be another knock off of some of the other vampire novels written in the past- with no original ideas or plot.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Melissa de la Cruz has in fact found a niche all her own.  So far I have found the plot predictable at times but not completely- so therefore there are some portions that keep me wondering- and very interested in the story.

If you are a fan of vampire fiction- you will really enjoy this series.  They are fast reads and very enjoyable.

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Fevre Dream

  By Rachel | February 10, 2012 - 12:09 am | What I'm Reading
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A friend recommended this book since I am a fan of the vampire genre.  I am interested to see how it compares to some of the others- especially since this is the first book that I have read by George R.R. Martin.  Apparently he has a pretty solid fan base, at least the prices of his books and their popularity seem to support this theory.

I have read the first few chapters and I am enjoying his descriptions of scenes and people.  A more thorough review to come later.

Review:

I was a little disappointed at the conclusion of this book- I was expecting something unlike anything I have ever read-groundbreaking- and I guess this book was unique in some ways, but the story wasn’t outstanding.

I like George R.R. Martin’s writing though- I like how he describes people and scenes- and his main character in this book- Abner Marsh- was quite unique- I have to confess I liked him a lot.  As main characters go- he was not what you would expect.

If you enjoy reading the vampire genre- I think it is important to add this to your collection.  I am not sure what the original publish date was- 1984 is listed on the book I got from the library.  So he was writing vampire fiction when it was not “all the rage” like it is today.  And without a doubt he inspired many of the vampire stories that we enjoy today.

So, I gave it three stars- I liked it- good solid story- but not one I would necessarily buy or read again.

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My Vampire Obsession

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 4:03 pm | Random
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English: Cover of the book Interview With the ...

I admit it.  I love reading books about vampires.  Recently I confessed to my parents that I used to hide books about vampires from them and read them at night because I was afraid they wouldn’t let me read the books.

Why the fascination with vampires?  I have pondered that question of late.  The books I enjoy about vampires are ones where there are “good vampires” and “evil vampires.”  The good vampires don’t kill humans and they fight against their evil nature whereas the evil vampires do not value human life and take it with no qualms. (Many times they are also not vampires who chose to be turned but were forced into it or on their death bed when turned.)

Really, it is just a different spin on the classic good vs. evil plot line- but there is a twist.  Vampires are considered evil- regardless of whether they are able to control their urge to drink human blood- they are creatures of darkness, with powers to control the minds of humans and superhuman strength.  They can live forever.

In some ways, I feel like I can relate to vampires.  I see the potential for evil within myself.  My own selfish motives and desires urge me to do what “feels good” and not worry about how that may hurt those around me.  To live in the moment and not think about the consequences that will come later.  I imagine when a vampire is gorging itself on human blood it feels pretty good.  However, the aftermath that they are left with leaves no doubt of the negative consequences of their selfish actions.  They are murderers.

So in some ways, I feel like these books tackle morality and in a poignant way, and (sometimes) address the problem of evil.  How do we deal with that ugly side of ourselves?  Do we deny its existence until it rears its ugly head?  What do we do to keep our own selfish desires in check?

And no, I don’t believe that vampires are real.  But I think they are interesting characters to write about-they have two parts of themselves that are constantly at war with each other.  Their self-control constantly challenged.  They live surrounded by temptation.  Isn’t that similar to our own struggles?

To close, I want to share some of my favorite vampire series/novels.  Please feel free to share your thoughts and/or series that you have enjoyed.

Charlaine Harris- Sookie Stackhouse series- 1st book -Dead Until Dark

Anne Rice- The Vampire Chronicles

Stephenie Meyer- The Twilight Series

L.J. Smith- The Vampire Diaries (the first vampire books I read as a teenager)

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre

  By Rachel | February 3, 2012 - 1:23 pm | What I'm Reading
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I have always loved Jane Austen- from the time I was a teenager.  I appreciate how erotic just holding someone’s hand can be when societal and family pressures were vastly different.  Of course, there were always those who lacked any type of self-control- but I find myself drawn to a time when flagrant sexuality was not the norm, and if you were participating in that type of behavior at least you didn’t broadcast it without shame.

There are many sequels and rabbit trails that expound further on Austen’s characters or take on the what-if of how Jane Austen might have continued the story of Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy.  I have decided to read some variations this year and Amanda Grange’s book made the cut since reading about vampires, werewolves and other fantasy-type novels particularly appeals to me.