This book was a edge of you seat book that makes you just want to keep on reading and never stop

I've been increasingly disappointed in Anne Rice's books. It seems that she, like many authors, is wonderful at starting an engrossing series and less able to continue with it. _Blackwood Farm_, however, harkens back to some of her eariler work lends fresh blood (heh heh) to the Vampire Chronicles.

Quinn Blackwood, a young (both in human age and in terms of his "change") vampire, has a problem. As long as he can remember, he's been haunted by a sometimes loving and sometimes malicious spirit whom he calls Goblin. Since Quinn's change, Goblin has become more sinister and more powerful. Quinn seeks out the most famous and powerful vampire he knows of -- Lestat, in quite a good cameo role -- to help him put an end to the spirit who is threatening Quinn's mortal friends and relations.

What I liked best about this book is that it's essentially Quinn's tale of growing up among the people and ghosts of a rich southern family -- a family with its own mysteries and legends. The characterization of people, spirits and place is deftly handled. In fact, this is one of the things I think Anne Rice does best: weaving character and setting together into a specific atmosphere, and I was glad to see her get back to it after neglecting the practice in her last few novels.

I also liked the way she brought together her two major New Orleans mythologies -- the Vampires and the Mayfairs (although it still seems a bit contrived to me, the way that everyone seems to be a member of one or the other group.) I was glad to see what became of Mona Mayfair, as well as Rowan and Michael. I think, however, that it would be difficult to understand everything that was going on without having read the three Mayfair Witches books; a lot of reference was made to the events in those and I know I would have been confused and distracted had I not read them.

Another thing I liked was that in _Blackwood Farm_, Rice relies a lot less on the same old tired vampiric events to move the story along. Not only is Quinn a new vampire completely unrelated to and even (for the most part) unaware of the vampires we know from former books, but also his transformation doesn't take place until relatively late in the story. So there's quite a bit less of the Blood-Hunt-Identity Crisis-Yikes I'm Immortal! flavour of some of the more recent vampire chronicles.

We still have the requisite Scholarly Tweedy Englishman of a Certain Age to represent the Talamasca. And we're still dealing with people who, even as mortals, have more money than God, which sometimes makes the story hard to swallow. (I wish sometimes we could follow the adventures of a working class vampire who was not so ready to give up his culture of origin.)The predictable ending gets points for getting rid of a character who never should have existed in the first place but loses some points for transforming yet another interesting mortal.

On the whole, though, I liked _Blackwood Farm_. It actually reminded me of _Interview with a Vampire_ more than any of the other books. I think most people who like Anne Rice will enjoy it.

I spent all of yesterday devouring this book, and literally did not put it down until I had finished all 500+ pages. Anne Rice seems to have conquered her slump, and has created a tale encompassing a great ghost story, vampires from the Vampire Chronicles and the Mayfair witches. I have been waiting for something like this since I read the The Witching Hour, which I still say is her finest book ever, and I was not disappointed. I took a big chance buying this book and it paid off.

As the book opens, young Quinn Blackwood is a newcomer on the vampire scene, and it is through him that this ghostly tale unfolds. It is a chronicle of Quinn's life, involving all of those connected with Blackwood Farm, both past and present. I will not dive into the plot, but suffice it say, it is positively haunting and eerie. As with all good books, I was very sorry to see this one come to an end. One caveat: it would help if the reader was familiar with the story of the Mayfair witches from The Witching Hour before reading this book.

Yet again Anne Rice amazes me with her literary talents and ability to transport me into the world of the vampires and this time, the Mayfair witches. I was enamored with Blood & Gold, and although this may not be as good, this is damn close. Tarquin Blackwood's tale is filled with surprise and love and towards the end, sadness. Tarquin tells his tale to Lestat, who thankfully makes another appearance in the series. I came to feel as though I knew Tarquin, Aunt Queen, Mona, Jasmine, and others. Rice creates such vivid characters that become involved in strange and wonderful situations. She is truly one of my favorite authors, and I look forward to the next vampire installment. Also, if you have not read the Mayfair series, like me, then you will be inclined to go out and purchase The Witching Hour to read about the Mayfair legacy, like me.

To summarize, Tarqin's narrative encompasses witches, vampires, spirits, ghosts, incest, love, family, and more. I was hooked and would recommend this book to any of Rice's fans. If you are a fan of Rice's vampire series, then by all means purchase this book. Tarquin is waiting...

These books could have been amazing, they could have been breathtaking, they could have been... art. But they weren't. Sure, the concept is original and there are some truly delectable parts. But honestly, how many times do we have to hear about someone getting spanked or Beauty's incessant whining? If all the boring parts were taken out and Beauty's character even slightly developed this story would have been the length of one of the novels and fun to read! Unfortunately, the spankings get redundant and som parts are just gross, pure shock value. These novels, while entertaining and worth reading, have all the depth of DeSade... the world's greatest over-rated author of erotic "trash". Buy the audio tapes of these books if you can find them... Elizabeth Montgomery (remember Bewitched?) read Beauty's parts and all the boring junk was cut out! They're much better than the novels themselves!

There is so much more to these books. The "beauty" of Anne Rice's writing comes out in such brilliant form here. She explores underlying, basic human instincts and desires, along with all the emotions surrounding them. Yes, the sex is graphic and explicit, so if that bothers you then don't read them. But the story wouldn't work any other way. She brings you right along with Beauty into another world, and you can't help but be drawn in by the tempting surrealism. A great escape, in my opinion. I highly recommmend this trilogy to any true Anne Rice fan, or just for those who enjoy good erotic fiction (this would probably fall into the S&M/Bondage genre). If you like it, you'll really like it. Set aside a long, quiet evening and you'll be through all three books before you know it, with a smile on your face, thanks to Ms. Rice.

I had heard about Anne Rice's Beauty series from friends and finally got the chance to read this Triology. I have to say that I was really blown away by the new mindset it put me in. I consider myself a normal person, with normal sexual interests and feelings, but Rice's writings have opened a new though secret door into my soul. I can now understand the thrill someone might find being overpowered and dominated, the joys of submissiveness and the heady power of domination. This is what I have been looking for in reading, thoughts that change the way I envision myself and my desires. I have now begun looking for this type of erotic tone in other books I read, such as the mystery Devil In the Metal by Rory Smith. His book features a dom-anti-hero who administers a few nice s&m sessions. I understand that he is also a fan of Rice's books which may explain many of his scenes. In closing, I would give the Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice the highest ranking possible.

After racing through The Witching Hour, I couldn't wait to read the sequel. The story of Lasher had great potential and started out well, but the ending was weak. Everything happened too fast. I finished the book feeling very empty; The Witching Hour was much more thought-provoking and occupied my mind for days afterward. If you enjoyed The Witching Hour, I don't recommend reading the sequel, it doesn't adequately finish the story. I can't believe there is a third book. What more is there to say?

It really sort of saddens me when I read a book that has so much potential, but instead rambles on and on and on........Ah! this took me forever to get through. After the "Witching Hour" I was so excited to read this book. I was disappointed. But I will say towards the end, Julian's conversation with Michael, reliving his journey to Donnelaith and such is worth reading. Also, Lasher's explanation of how he came into being is worth a read. However, there is so much in this book that is NOT worth reading, I don't think I'd recommend it on the whole. For die-hard Anne Rice fans such as myself, you might as well read it. For those of you looking for an interesting read or a book as riveting as the "Witching Hour", don't bother.

Sorry Ms. Rice.

A rare occurence of a sequel being almost as good as its predecessor. Lasher returns to haunt the Mayfairs, only this time he's in the flesh, and as deadly as ever. Now he's frantically trying to find the Mayfair women who can bear his child, leaving a trail of death in his wake. Readers who loved Rice's richly detailed chronicle of the Mayfairs' history in The Witching Hour will relish Julien's ghostly narrative of his struggles with Lasher and Lasher's own tale of disillusionment and desperation. More suspenseful than The Witching Hour, this book gave me nightmares one night the first time I read it, something that almost never happens to me! Excellent, although not quite as good as The Witching Hour (my personal Rice favorite), but better than Taltos, the third book in this series.

Time and again I've been told that I needed to read the Sleeping Beauty trilogy by my friends, especially being such an Anne Rice fan. I said I'd get around to it, but being the poor college student I am - I never had the money to go buy the books. Finally, last year my friend leant me her copies of the series - and told me to read them. So the books sat around on my bookshelf for six months, while so many other things took precedence - shows, homework..and finally I said I needed a little time for myself - and opened the first book.

I found myself spirited away into the whirl of this world (a plus for me, who usually puts a book down after the first chapter and never finishes it). In reviews I've read readers complaining about the lack of description of characters. However, I found this helpful - it became easy to realize Beauty's point of view. Instead of looking at the situation from an omnipotent view you see everything through her eyes (and I doubt she ever got to sit down with any of those people and shoot the breeze). I found myself turning each page in anticipation of the next new punishment.

Each new punishment wasn't the same monotonous thing, instead it was more of a game - each was different in it's own way, each elliciting it's own form of pleasure. Different games with a similar touch. The common thread to teach complete obedience, and eventual love of the master - what is expected of a slave.

I enjoyed this book thouroughly and intend to keep on reading until I finish the next two books, eagerly awaiting each new twist.

Very losely based on the the traditional fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, this series was an unexpected gem from Anne Rice. A little more extreme than your normal erotica, this work could definately be described as pornography (even by the more liberal amoung us). Although I am sure that the literary critics amoung us could find a message for our times within it's covers I personally was to caught up in the action. The Beauty Series would have partiular (perhaps primary) appeal to those with an interest B&D/S&M. Beauty, our heroine of the story (a beautiful princess of course) is forced into servitude as a sex slave. This turns out to be a role which Beauty excels in and through out the novel and series Beauty strives to achieve perfection through great degradation and humiliation. And always there is the search for the perfect lover and perfect love. Recommended bedtime reading only - any other time (eg on the bus, on your lunch break, in the doctor's waiting room) could lead to a very embarassing situation.

This book is the best Anne Rice book I have EVER read. And just read this first one, because it's more than enough. I personally feel there's no need to read the second two, because it's more of the same until they're released.

It all starts with the Prince waking Beauty up with sex. Literally, he has sex with her. And there's a flare about this book that I like. Of course Anne Rice has written trash, true, but trash with a bit of style. Another thing, it's so stirring I was on the edge of my bed panting. I stayed up half the night finishing this book it was so wonderful.

Also, there are many paddle-happy and other punishment scenes, like being bound and gagged to a sexually aroused statue. Anyway, Anne Rice fans, or erotica fans, purchase this one!! It's a sexual treat you won't want to miss!!

I just re-read the Vampire Chronicles series, and it really struck me how much this differs from the others. The standard formula is for the novel to be told in the first person by one of the vampires, who tells their story. Normally most of the story is in one historical period, and the attraction is Rice's ability to give an idea of how people lived in Byzantine Antioch, or Renaissance Venice, or pre-revolutionary France. You don't get that in this book.

Or rather you do but you get the tale of Memnoch the Devil, and it's not set on earth, but in heaven. This makes it very different from the other stories, because there is no way that Memnoch is recognizable as a human being, and that is the other strength of Rice's books. She shows the vampires as real people, reacting to real situations.

The basic story starts off with Lestat stalking a victim, who is particularly evil, so Lestat draws out the experience by stalking him over a long period, like a cat watching a mouse. He also stalks the victim's daughter, who is an evangelist. After killing the victim, he has a conversation with the victim's ghost, who asks him to look after the daughter. Lestat agrees, and then meets Memnoch, who is the Devil, and wants Lestat to work for him. First the Devil has to persuade Lestat how it is that he and God are not enemies, and to do this, he tells his story.

Most of the book is Memnoch's story, and how and why he fell from heaven, and a lot of it is religious discussion. Essentially, it gives a complete theological underpinning for the Vampire chronicles - how the existence of God can be reconciled with the existence of vampires, and vice versa. Rice lays it out in full, and the problem is that there is nothing sensual about theology, and sensuality is one of the main attractions of Rice's books.

Storywise, this book does advance the Lestat story, but I do not think that it is essential to read it, to get a full understanding of the Vampire Chronicles. However, it is important in terms of understanding the world that Rice is trying to create, and in terms of understanding Lestat's character development. But if it's sensuality that you're after, you won't find it here.

while reading the various reviews of this book I realized that everyone, whether they hated or loved it, may have missed the point. this book is pure genius but not for the reasons many stated. anne rice is not trying to let us in on her personal religious beliefs or use the vampire chronicles as her personal soapbox as one review would suggest. The point isn't that god is bad or memnoch is bad or god is good. She does not contradict anything set forth in interview. she is not attempting to shock us with her visions of heaven and hell. not to say that the visions of these places were not magnificent and perfectly written, which they were and any intelligent and unbiased reader would have to admit that the visions of these places were at least intriguing. the purpose of this book was to show that it is impossible to ever know the real truth about these things (god, creation, the devil, etc.). lestat himself was there firsthand and presented directly with all the answers, all the visions, and then had them yanked out from under him and left to wonder if this was real or that was real or if the whole story was just a flat-out lie and some game the devil was playing to amuse himself or toy with what may be his only worthy adversary (did anybody realize that memnoch did not like the title "devil" yet he signed the note "memnoch the devil"). the purpose of this book was to show how eager we all are to believe in something, as was lestat, even if it's coming from the devils mouth. I'm sure I'm not the only one who found himself riveted by memnoch's story and believing in his words (even though I generally do not believe in religion and god). then at the end we are left wondering what is real and what is lies. the best line of the book is when maharet says "its not all lies, not all of it, that's the age old dilemma". In other words, even ones as old as these ancient vampires will never know the truth, rice is just reminding us. either way, the reader was presented with a tale of creation, god, and the devil, one that was presented as truth, and then was left at the end (by something as cheap and inarticulate as that note) saying to himself, "wait a second, this is a novel, this is anne rice, this isn't the truth, memnoch doesn't exist, this is fiction." that is the true genius of the book. at the end you feel betrayed by memnoch, you feel lied to and tricked, you feel stupid for almost believing his story. in other words, you feel exactly how lestat feels. you are the main character and your memnoch is anne rice and she tricked us all. I understand how some may be put off by that but I have never read a book where I knew exactly how the main character felt, exactly how he felt. that is the genius of the book, the emotion that it stirs, not all the religion. if you want religion read the bible, if you want an amazing story read memnoch the devil.

im eager to hear what you think of this.

Be assured, for what it's worth, that this book was written with considerable spiritual ambitions. Lestat is my soul. For me and for him, this quest was inevitable. The Vampire Chronicles are meant to entertain, yes, but they are meant to do a great deal more than that. Does no one want to remark on the fact that in this book Lestat turned his back on a cosmos obsessed with crime and punishment for an experience with the character Dora which affirmed what is often called "the eternal feminine?" Does no one want to connect that experience, in which Lestat drinks the blood of Dora's menses, with the legends surrounding Veronica's veil which figures so prominantly in the novel? I appreciate the thoughtful comments, but wonder if we can raise the level of discourse here for some of the other readers. Let me repeat my assurance: If you took this book seriously, trust me that it was meant seriously. Enough said. Anne Rice, New Orleans, La.

Since reading from Anne Rice's website that her followup to Merrick would be the story of Marius, the 2000 year old vampire who has graced the pages of most all of her other chronicles of the undead, I have waited patiently to read it. The result is disappointing.

In past Vampire Chronicles, Anne Rice has comfortably found the voice of Lestat, Louis, Armand, David Talbot, Pandora, and a host of others. With Marius, she never really seems to find his voice.

The first three hundred pages of this long-awaited novel are drivel. Marius, the strong, dedicated servant of Those Who Must be Kept, is nothing but a simpering, overly-analytical weakling. The book covers vast historical territory, but as has plagued the most recent Vampire Chronicles, at least in my opinion, it is all too underdeveloped. A sudden, all-consuming love of Botticelli is nothing more than a simple nocturnal visit to his workshop. The horrors of the destruction of Rome are glossed over. Marius the watcher simply witnesses his beloved Italy destroyed, and merely moves on. So out of character of his past convictions. He appears only a lovesick simpleton, moaning for Pandora, his lost love, wailing over the destruction of home after home by the ravages of fires set by a Satanic band of blood drinkers, and never appearing any stronger as a result of all this misfortune.

The story only finds its momentum when we reach the part of Marius's tale already chronicled in The Vampire Armand, when he rescues the young Amadeo, as he calls him, from a brothel and takes him in as apprentice and lover, finally giving him the Dark Gift of the Blood to prevent his mortal death and provide him an immortal eternity to share with Marius, which as we already know is not the course of events.

Following this, Marius fleshes out fully as a character. His love of Pandora is believable only in their inevitable reunion, his devotion to guarding the Divine Parents of the Vampires, so wishy-washy throughout the novel, becomes more palpable. The novel concludes with the Marius that I had come to understand from prior novels, yet the preceeding pages all seem to destroy that image.

Most recently, Anne Rice has been criticized for losing focus of her characters from their original inception. I have found that while the characters have changed, it would seem a logical course of events as they live from century to century, and evolve just as we all do as human beings. However, the Marius here is not even a shadow of the Marius of prior works, and it seems as though Ms. Rice simply never found his voice to tell his tale.

For the strength of Marius throughout the past novels, and even though the last 150 pages are worth wading through the rest of the book to reach, this overall is a disappointment at best.

As an avid Anne Rice fan I was ecstatic to learn that she was writing a book about Marius, a central character in the Vampire Chronicles. After Merrick, which was one of the worst books Anne Rice has ever written, I was not disappointed. She really managed to give Marius a belivable voice, making him seem both the logical scholar and the doubting vampire searching for the meaning of life.

I especially loved the way that Rice interwove the characters Armand and Pandora into this story, and the love that Marius felt for both of them was tragic and heartbreaking.

The only real problems I had with this book was the character of Thorne, and Marius's almost childish hatred for Santino. Thorne was never really fleshed out as a character, but at least he wasn't that boring know it all David Talbot! As to Marius's need for revenge, it seemed almost forced, considering that he has always stood for reason and logic. To carry a grudge for more than 500 years seems a bit much. In all a good book and much more enjoyable than the last offering of the Vampire Chronicles

Having read each and every book in the chronicles, I cruised along the last several. In fact, nothing since book #3, Queen of the Damned, grabbed me as did this one. Blood and Gold fills in the gaps of old stories, gives you different perspectives on the events that we've read. The tales of the vampires, seen through my favorite vampire, Marius, was compelling and a very exciting read. I've always preferred reading the ancient histories and this book contains all the familiar faces, Maharet and Mekare for a short while, Pandora, Armand, Mael, Santino and of course Those Who Must Be Kept.

A short portion in the middle was all too similar to a recent novel, The Vampire Armand. While she spun her tale from the eyes of Marius, it felt all too familiar, and I spent several chapters saying, 'I KNOW!' However, this was brief, and I was soon thrust back into the story. Other tales are recounted with the familiarity one might have after reading the first half dozen or so novels, but all was done carefully and I found myself recalling so many little things from prior stories. Putting the pieces together, seeing it all as I had never seen it prior. Construcing an even larger, more complete world of these vampires!

Perhaps this is only for those who have kept up with the series, or at least read the first 3 novels of the Vampire Chronicles. You needen't have read the later entries to get into this book. I would recommend the first 3 though, the classic tales! It might be confusing if you haven't read those, but everything since isn't necessary.

If you've gotten through the recent books, Vampire Armand, Pandora, Vittorio and want more, then get this. If you were at all losing interest in these stories as I was, I still recommend Blood and Gold. I won't spoil the ending at all, but I was certainly moved and emotionally affected by the tale. Perhaps I've become too involved in Marius, as I said, he's my favorite vampire to read...but overall I think this is Rice's best work in many many years!

I've loved every one of Anne's vampires and witch books from the beginning. She has the ability to take a concept we are used to and approach it from a different angle. Merrick, however, is good, but more of an extra chapter to the other witch/vampire books than a novel that stands on it's own. In other words, if this is the first book by Anne you're picking up, I recommend you start at the beginning with "Interview with a Vampire."

For those of you who are familiar with Anne's writing and style, Merrick is a witch related to the witches in "The Witching Hour," who comes into contact with the vampires in her other novels. Throughout all of her books, she has teased us with a cross-over and now she finally did it.

Is this a good book? I sigh and hesitate with this one. Yes, it's good, but only if you're a die-hard Rice fan and you want to know what's going to happen to Lestat and are curious about another encounter with Claudia (yes, there is another, this time with the help of a voodou witch by the name of Merrick.)

However, Anne isn't really up to par with how she wrote the first three vampire novels. Whereas I couldn't put down "Vampire Lestat" for the sheer fact that each passage was truly intriguing and I was dying to read what was going to happen next, "Merrick" can have it's dry moments. Unfortunately, this is what happens to excellent authors: their publishers give them complete creative control and don't recommend anything, such as editing, to spruce up what is already good. "Merrick" goes off on a tangent about history and backgrounds of characters that I'm sure we'll never see again and only concentrates on our heros and heroines only at the end. Of course, this isn't nearly as bad as "Violin," but better and a nice addition to the Vampire Chronicals.

If you're an avid reader of Rice, I think you'll like this addition. Plus, there is a cliffhanger ending that will make you anxious to read the next one in line. I'll give you a hint: The Talamasca is getting too pushy!

If you're a new reader to Rice, I recommend you start with the first. I used to say that you can completely skip "Interview with the Vampire," and go straight to "Vampire Lestat," but with this one, I think you should go begin with the first as well as read the Witch Chronicals. Playing catch-up will take time, but that is so you could identify with all of the characters by the time you get to this edition. Otherwise, you'll enjoy the other novels first and find this one good.

Overall, not a bad edition to the Rice collection. Could have been better, but seemed a novella stretched out to a novel.

Also, for those new readers starting out, here's the list in reading order:

(Vampire Chronicals) "Interview with a Vampire" "The Vampire Lestat" "Queen of the Damned" "Tale of the Body Thief" "Memnock the Devil" "Pandora" "The Vampire Armand"

(Mayfair Witch Chronicals) "The Witching Hour" "Lasher" "Taltos"

P.S., "Vittorio" stands on it's own as a vampire novel not related to the Vampire Chronicals, so don't bother.

Merrick mixes the two great series Anne Rice has been working in for the last few decades. David Talbot, now a prominant vampire figure of the Vampire Chronicles, is brought back to Merrick, a Mayfair witch, because Louis wants Merrick to contact Claudia's ghost. Louis has been haunted by Claudia and he wants to make sure that she is happy, wherever she is.

This, of course, sets forth for some great historical horror like only Rice could write. The reason to read this book is that it tells us a lot about Talbot's past. Talbot has always been a mysterious character of which we didn't knew much. But this book sheds light on a lot of questions I had about this character. Plus, the book also introduces Merrick who will undoubtedly become a major figure in the series from now on. Merrick is a great character, one that Rice will have a lot of fun with in future novels. Finally, the book also holds some great romantic scenes between Merrick and Talbot, which only thickens the plot even more.

And finally, any fan of the Vampire Chronicles should read Merrick to know what happened to our beloved Claudia, the beautiful vampire child who was murdered in Interview With The Vampire. The end of the book is shocking, sad and very touching.

Merrick is some of Rice's best writing. It is her best book since Servants of The Bones, a great ride which any fan of Rice's work will not soon forget.

Merrick was a great change from "The Vampire Chronicals", also written by Anne Rice. These witches charm everyone they touch. I felt a connection with every character in some form. It's a great book.

Whatever happened to Anne Rice? Is she suffering from religious delusions? Still being a fan of her first 3 vampire novels but increasingly disappointed by her last books I had some hope left for her newest offering. The Ricean catholicism (as featured in Bodythief, Memnoch and Armand) it seems, won't go away and is here to stay. Religious images lurk everywhere and smothered the story for me completely. Humor, usually not abundant in Rice's novels but at least glimpsed when Lestat was around, is missing entirely. The description of early Renaissance Florence is nicely done but nowhere near as vivid as New Orleans or Venice. I'm afraid I'll still read her next vampire book but more out of habit than anything else. A bit more irony and less religious zeal would help to change that ...

I love the book, Vittorio the Vampire! He's yet another favorite character that I have fell in love with. The book was refreshing and very satisfying, although I was a tad bit disappointed that Vittorio didn't have anything to do with the "romantic New Orleans vampires". He's seen angels from his most beloved painting and has to deal with a battle inside himself somewhat, between good and evil, religious and sinful. All that he believed in took a toll when he fell for Ursula who somewhat deceive him, giving him the Dark Gift. Hopefully Anne Rice will make another great book, connecting him with the other favored vampires in New Orleans. I would love to read that. It seems like I find another fave vampire in every story Anne Rice writes. From Lestat, to Maruis, to Pandora, to Armand, and now to Vittorio. He is definately on of my top faves.

One of thing the things that I have always loved about Ann Rice, is the way she paints(with words) the ancient world. I think that is the true fascinating character in all her novels. Oh yes, the vampires are great, but the setting make the story.

That is never more evident than in Vittorio the Vampire. Italy comes more and more alive with every passing chapter.

Vittorio is a Vampiric Romeo and Juliet. Love and hate, sensuality and pleasure: all of these things have been touched on by Ann Rice before. Yet the settings transform the characters in the novel into something new.

I read many reviews that say that Ann Rice has run out of ideas and that the books now lack depth. I heartily disagree with all those people. After so many vampire novels, it is a credit to the author that she is able to keep an interest alive in the Vampire Chronicles. It's true that each novel deals with pain, love, loss, blood sucking. Yet, if you find that boring, couldn;t you say that life is boring as well? We face love, loss, pain (but not Bloodsucking!) over and over again in our lives. Does that mean that we have nothing new to offer?

Vittorio the Vampire may be a classic Ann Rice Vampire, but he is also something new. The character has been given depth in his pain and love. The setting of Florence and the interwoven history only add to this marvelous book. I only wish that it was longer. Before anyone criticizes Ann Rice, I really think that they should take everything into consideration. Read this book without expecting anything, and you will recieve everything from it!

The Vampire Armand is a huge step up from Memnoch the Devil. However, compared to Anne Rice's other books, TVA is often dull, umimaginative, and unoriginal.

I should say that I'm a *big* Anne Rice fan. When I read Interview with the Vampire, I was amazed that vampire could be potrayed so beautifully. I then read newsgroups, message boards, and created a webpage about Anne Rice's books.

Ever since Memnoch, however, the books have been getting worse and worse. Armand has been one of my favorite characters, but as I read TVA, I found myself thinking "Who cares?"

Of course, TVA has it's good points. I liked reading about Armand's abduction, and his time with Marius. However, Anne Rice filled the book up with pointless characters, meaningless sex (which didn't offend me, but it added nothing to the book), and once again too much religion.

There's only so many times that I can read about the "lovely Sybelle" plunking the Appassionata, or descriptions of Russian religious icons.

So overall, TVA is a decent addition to the Chronicles, but can't even be compared to Anne Rice classics like Interview with the Vampire or The Vampire Lestat.

-Julia

I have been reading over the other reader comments and I am a bit surprised. For me, reading Anne Rice is a delve into a forbidden sensual world that allows me to escape into something that I will never know in this reality. It is entertainment, a good quick read, an exciting story. I am not looking for anything too deep, and perhaps that is why I wasn't disappointed with this latest effor, "The Vampire Armand." It was exactly what I thought it would be - it tied in elements from the other cronicles (which if you haven't read them, you are really missing a lot of the point of this book), explained the history of the character and why he is what he is and why he has done the things he has, was incredibly sensual and didn't really make me think too hard to learn any great life lessons, but did allow me to go on a wonderful journey for a short time. Lighten up, people! If you are looking for something deep and intricate on the lessons of life, you are reading the wrong author! Anne - thanks again for a wonderful tale.

Anne Rice continually astounds me. Since the first book I read, Cry to Heaven, which still remains tied for my favorite with "The Witching Hour," each of her novels has at the very least grabbed my attention and challenged my intellect; also being a published writer has made me green with envy. The Vampire Armand is quite simply BRILLIANT. What's very different about this installment of the Vampire Chronicles is the sensual element of the relationship between Armand and Marius. The very concise and articulate telling of the emotional involvement between these two is one of the most intensely revealing I've read, even more so because both characters were familiar to me for years. In regard to statements that the story is historically inaccurate, someone needs to hit their history books again. And, the assertion that Anne Rice has hit the "sex with children is GOOD" bandwagon is ludicrous seeing that in Venise, (and everywhere else in Europe for that matter) in the time the questionable relationship takes place, people were oft times married as early as twelve. Also it would be hard not to induldge in pederasty when one is centuries old. Anne Rice has, in my opinion, written an installment of the Vampire Chronicles that rivals "Interview with the Vampire" and "The Vampire Lestat."