Archive for May, 2009
I don’t know what made me pick up up the book “Guilty Pleasures”, the first book in the Laurell K. Hamilton Vampire Hunter series in 1993. Perhaps it was the seductive cover graphic. Or the title itself. Whatever the reason, I’m glad I made the purchase.
Without a doubt, the Anita Blake character represents my first exposure to the female vampire hunter genre. Anita was kick ass, independent, smart, and tough as nails. She had a day job as a licensed necromancer and spent her off-hours tracking down and killing vampires. She was the Lara Croft “real deal” (ignore the widescreen, Angelina Jolie “let’s fight 20 bad guys in a nightgown” crap). Anita Blake was the sh*t.
As with many characters in a long standing book series Anita changed. Somewhere along the way she morphed into a whiny, sex starved caricature and at that point, I stopped reading the books. This occurred some time after Book #9, Obsidian Butterfly. The underlying eroticism in the earlier vampire books was gone and in its place was something akin to soft porn.
So it’s with great pleasure that I announce the return of the original Anita Blake character in “Skin Trade”, book 17 in the series.
In this book Anita, now a federal marshal licensed to execute vampires, receives a mysterious package in the mail: the head of a victim of a gruesome vampire attack. The person responsible for this abomination is Vittorio, a serial killing vampire currently residing in Las Vegas. Anita’s investigation into this matter reveals that Vittorio has recently killed 10 Vegas police officers and 1 licensed executioner. She knows that the Vegas cops aren’t equipped to deal with a sadistic vampire like Vittorio; without her help there’s a strong chance that the situation in Vegas could turn in to a bloodbath. So Anita, not one to back down from a challenge, heads to Sin City (with a contingent of vampire bodyguards courtesy of Jean-Claude) to take on Vittorio.
However there are numerous schemes at play in Vegas. Members of the supernatural community there want to use Anita for evil purposes. The Vegas sheriff, ill prepared to deal with a vampire like Vittorio, doesn’t trust her because she “sleeps with the enemy.” Edward, a long time associate and ally, appears to have a hidden agenda. And when Anita visits the crime scene of a recent vampire slaying she finds evidence of weretiger activity, a disturbing discovery because it may require Anita to go after people whose influence could affect her own pack.
This is old school Anita Blake. This book reminded me of why I used to love this series so much and why I love the fantasy book genre. It contains intrigue, suspense and action with healthy doses of mystery. And yes, there are some sex scenes in the book but they don’t overshadow the storyline. Anita has always been a good strategist and planner – that’s one of the reasons I liked her so much. She’s not one to rush headlong into situations and hope for the best – she’s fairly calculating. That’s the Anita we see in Skin Trade and I for one am glad she’s back.
All in all, the book works - it’s a vampire fantasy book you’ll want to check out.
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The Anita Blake Box Set
The first 4 books in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series are now available in a box set. The box set includes:
• Guilty Pleasures
• The Laughing Corpse
• Circus of the Damned
• The Lunatic Café
The New Anita Blake Box Set is currently on sale.
Jack de Venezia regrets ever agreeing to throw a bachelor party for his best buddy Ian in an expensive hotel. The event started out just fine but as more and more Blissky (a combination of blood and whiskey) is consumed things start getting out of hand. It’s just his back luck that someone decided to call the cops. On top of that his buddies (the cowards) all teleported to safety leaving him behind to clean up their mess. And there’s blood red Blissky all over the floor. And furniture. And walls.
Enter police officer Laura Boucher. She lives her life based on hard facts: bloody body on the floor + guy in room with bloody body and blood covered swords = crime scene. So you can understand why she’s so intent on arresting said guy with swords.
Fortunately, no foul play is at hand. In fact, the body on the floor isn’t dead. He’s the Undead. So is Jack, the incredibly gorgeous guy who answers the door. So begins Laura’s introduction to the world of the supernatural.
From the very beginning Jack realizes there’s something special about Laura. Not only is she very beautiful, but she’s also immune to his vampire mind control efforts. For some reason he’s unable to get her to leave the hotel room and forget about the police dispatch call. He has to use his charm and wit to get her to believe that no one was harmed and that it’s best for her to simply leave the hotel. Likewise Laura wonders why her partner (who is VERY susceptible to Jack’s mind control) is suddenly acting like a zombie.
This is Book 6 in the Love At Stake adult vampire book series by Kerrelyn Sparks. I’ve read other books in the series and they’re all well written and evenly paced. In this book we go along for the ride while Laura learns more about the world of vampires while working with Jack to investigate a series of recent kidnappings. Turns out the women disappearing have physical qualities in common with Laura, so she eventually agrees to act as bait.
What Laura eventually discovers is that the villian in these kidnappings is a Malcontent, a rogue vampire that still drinks human blood for sustenance. Malcontents also believe it’s their privilege and right to kill humans, since they (vampires) are superior beings. Jack and his friends, who only drink synthetic blood, have pledged to eradicate all of the Malcontents. So he’s especially interested in locating the vampire responsible for the disappearances (and killings) of these young women.
The burgeoning relationship between Jack and Lara is completely enthralling and enjoyable. I found myself forgoing some of my chores in order to continue reading the book, a sure sign that the book is well written. Kerrelyn Sparks does a fantastic job fleshing out the two main characters and making them believable. And as I’ve said in other reviews, if a book makes me care about a character’s well being it’s a good book. That’s the category in which this book falls.
I’d categorize this as a vampire romance book. There’s some steamy sex in the book but it’s not gratuitous. It’s completely appropriate and gives the reader a deeper level of understanding of Jack and Lara’s relationship.
I really enjoyed this book. I’d go so far as to say that this entire series represents some of the best vampire novels for adults. It had just the right mixture of romance, action, and humor to keep me looking forward to each new development. And the good thing about this series is that you don’t have to start at the beginning - each book in the series focuses on a different vampire-to-human relationship. Although each book share a common background Kerrelyn covers that early on so you’re not left in the dark. If you like paranormal romance you’ll love this recent addition to the Love At Stake series.
Check out Secret Life of a Vampire now available in bookstores and online.
These vampire books come out in May 2009:
Sleepers Awake: A Novel by Patrick McNulty
Last Vampire Standing (Paranormal Romance (Berkley)) by Nancy Haddock
Blood Noir (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Vampire Surprise: Book Two of the “It Could Always Be Worse” Series by Noel Lana Tavano
Cesca, known as the Vampire Princess, is pretty happy these days. She’s no longer encased in a coffin wrapped in silver chains (think, ouch) and she’s pretty darn happy living the easy life in Florida. That is, until an old vampire buddy shows up on her doorstep. You see Jo-Jo is on the run from his master, who has a stake with his name on it. It seems as if Jo-Jo, a comedian by profession, told one bad joke too many and his master is out to get him. He’s traveled to Cesca’s home hoping she’ll provide sanctuary and protection.
Unfortunately, Jo-Jo brings his troubles with him. Turns out he’s being followed by an insane, murderous vampire intent on killing not only Jo-Jo, but anyone willing to help him. Cesca already has enough enemies amongst the vampire so she’s wary of helping Jo-Jo at first. However she soon agrees to provide aid, primarily because she’s got a good heart, but also because she’s curious to find out how Jo-Jo knows her real name. Could Jo-Jo lead her to the person that turned her into a vampire?
Last Vampire Standing is an entertaining and funny read. Since Cesca was last “alive” in the 1800’s she’s still adjusting to 21st century life. It’s a lot of fun reading about her reactions to modern technology.
Nancy Haddock does a great job blending humor with more serious issues like murder and torture and her writing style keeps the story moving along quite nicely. This is the second book in the “Oldest City Vampire” series. Book 1 is called “La Vida Vampire” and it’s also a great read. If you’re looking for a vampire book that’s funny, exciting, and a bit suspenseful, you can’t go wrong with Last Vampire Standing.
Update: I just received a really nice email message from the author Nancy Haddock herself! Here’s what she says:
I’m embarrassed to tell you that I didn’t know about you or your site before this evening, but I love it. Your slogan, “On duty until the sun rises,” is great!
That said, I thank you for your recent review of Last Vampire Standing! The review itself is wonderfully written, and I’m delighted that you could give the book your recommendation!
It takes time and energy to read as many books as you must read, and extra time to write and post reviews. I know all authors appreciate your dedication - I certainly do!
Have a terrific week, and thank you again!
Light,
Nancy
Wasn’t that nice of her?
Cheers.
In Zoey’s world, humans and vampires co-exist. So it’s not completely out of the ordinary when Zoey is “marked” by a vampire tracker one day at school. You see, humans with special abilities are selected in their teens to become vampires. Once marked, the teen is removed from human society and taken to a special boarding school called The House of Night. When Zoey is marked she tries to avoid the inevitable, but the longer she puts off going to the new school, the sicker she becomes. Zoey’s home life (in particular, her relationship with her stepfather) isn’t great so she’s not too unhappy to be leaving her old life.
Zoey’s first day at the House of Night starts out fairly well. She meets Nefret, a beautiful and extremely kind teacher (and High Priestess) at the school who decides to be Zoey’s mentor. Nefret, although a vampire, also has special intuitive powers. She immediately recognizes that Zoey is a special vampire fledgling and decides to take her under her wing.
Zoey quickly makes friends with several students. However, she soon meets Aphrodite, another student at the school who’s part of the “in” crowd. Do you remember the movies “The Heathers” or “Jawbreaker”? Aphrodite is like the leader of those girl groups. She’s beautiful but extremely cruel to her fellow students. She’s also the president of The Dark Daughters, an elitist group of female vampire fledglings at the school who engage in acts that aren’t completely ethical. Aphrodite initially shows some interest in being Zoey’s friend but eventually turns against her when she thinks a former boyfriend is interested in Zoey. Zoey doesn’t let Aphrodite get to her but she makes it her mission to expose Aphrodite’s actions to the school.
Meanwhile, Zoey quickly adjusts to her new life, classes, and her teachers. She makes new friends, is “chosen” by a temperamental cat to be its new master, and meets a handsome young guy who seems genuinely interested in Zoey as a person. Sure, it seems odd sleeping during the day and attending classes at night but after awhile it becomes second nature.
It’s important to note that not every teen that’s Marked actually becomes a vampire. Some kids don’t survive The Change and die.
Or do they?
I really liked this fantasy book, which is the first installment in the House of Night series. The storyline as written by P.C. and Kristin Cast (mother and daughter respectively) is nicely paced and thoroughly engrossing. It’s clear early on that Zoey is developing unusual powers. We’re not entirely certain what they are, but that’s part of the attraction of this book. It makes us want to learn more about Zoey and what lies ahead for her.
This is very much a young adult, coming of age fantasy book but it written such that it works well for both young and older adults. Because of a graphic scene near the start of the book it’s probably not appropriate for teens younger than 16 but it’s a great read for the older crowd. While reading the book I couldn’t help but think of the Harry Potter series (which also centers around a strong character at a boarding school with special powers, whose fate isn’t entirely known during the first books) however that’s where the similarities end. The book stands alone as a solid new addition to the young adult vampire book category and is sure to appeal to fantasy book lovers at large. Check prices
