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Showing posts with label Gothic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gothic. Show all posts

The Taking Review

Dean Koontz, Action, Adventure, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, Horror, Occult, Psychological, Romance, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

The Taking

Published: 2004
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, Horror, Occult, Psychological, Romance, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz wrote the novel The Taking. I was really looking forward to the movie adaptation of this novel, and it was certain to be a fantastic one if the content from the book was included. In 2006, Sam Raimi's Ghost House Productions revealed that they had obtained the rights to this novel and intended to make a miniseries based on it for their new television banner. But sadly, neither the series nor the Ghost House TV unit came to fruition.

I adored this book and the concept that evolved into a suspenseful and mysterious novel. It has become one of my all-time favorites, and I'd like to put it almost on par with The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew) by Stephen King in terms of my personal list of finest stories. 

After reading this book, I will always see rain in a new light and with a remembrance of one of my favorite stories, much as I recall The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew by Stephen King) and The Fog when I am in fog or mist. It's an incredible experience for me, and instead of being afraid, I like it.

From the beginning, Koontz had my whole attention. I had the impression that I was there from beginning to end. I sensed the characters' terror, curiosity, sadness, and all the other feelings they must have felt. With the suspense, worry, and description, it took my thoughts on a wild journey. It was terrifying in and of itself, but towards the conclusion of the novel, I was overcome with emotion.

I'm the sort of person that gets a buzz from having nightmares. I'm pleased when they're finished, but I wouldn't change the dreams I experienced. This was one of those kinds of situations. It was like one of those lengthy, terrifying, end-of-the-world nightmares that is amazing in and of itself. 

Some of my friends did not enjoy this book, and many of them did not complete it. This suggests that the plot's convoluted and unrealistic situation may not pique the interest of all readers. If you enjoy basic one-track books, you might not enjoy this one, but if you want an exciting and otherworldly experience, I definitely suggest it.

Mr. Koontz, like the protagonist in this novel, has decided to create a book about hope. He can scare the bejesus out of us, but he also gives us hope that virtue and love will triumph over evil. And my favorite aspect of his writings is that he always features dogs that represent the finest of our planet.

Even in the midst of the tragedy, I recognized beauty in most of the narrative. I started reading with an open mind, and when I finished it, I felt like a better person. Whether or not Koontz intended it, I felt closer to my own inner self.

I've mentioned The Mist (included in Skeleton Crew by Stephen King) a few times in this review, and I adore that story even more than this one, but I'd want to point out that it's not a full-length book, but rather a novella or a short story.

Now, let's get back to The Taking... This novel contains all the twists and turns of a well-crafted narrative and characters. The ending grows clearer and clearer, and it's very evident around 3/4 of the way through, but it's the subtleties that make it so brilliantly written.

Of course, dogs play an important role in his tales, and these canines have remarkable abilities. So endearing.... Congratulations, Mr. Koontz! Congratulations!

One of Koontz's books you won't be able to put down. It's about bravery and optimism in the face of tragedy and loss. I had a feeling there was more to the extraterrestrial encounter than meets the eye...there are a lot of signs I hope you don't overlook. Once again thank you, Dean Koontz, for writing about the end of the world in such an artful manner.


Final Thoughts

This was fantastic, and I'm afraid I won't be able to give it credit! Dean Koontz has always been a favorite of mine, but he's truly exceeded himself with this one. 

What began as a riveting sci-fi/horror novel quickly morphed into something with such profound meaning that I was left dumbfounded and in awe of Dean Koontz's ability by the time I reached the final page. 

The message of the book had a tremendous impact on me. I arrived expecting a light read and instead received a true gem. Wow is all I have to say.

This is the book for you if you enjoy mysteries, sci-fi, psychological thrills, and feeling chills. This man can tie your mind into knots trying to figure out what's going to happen next, then Bang - he blows your mind again. 

I've been a fan for years, and I once ran out of gas on the road while listening to one of his books. Read Dean Koontz if you want to broaden your horizons!!!

I like this book until the very end, when it evolved into a whole other sort of novel, and that is the only reason I did not give it a full recommendation since I know some readers will not appreciate the conclusion and the changes that occurred to the tale. 

Despite the author's last-minute changing of gears, I rather appreciated this book. It had a lot of suspense and was really creative. I felt it to be a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down novel that was driven by plot rather than character development.

Beginning as an extraterrestrial invasion thriller, the depictions of the world's devastating ecological changes are genuinely terrifying.

For the most part, Koontz is at his best in this disturbing and frightening book, which begins as an extraterrestrial invasion story and progresses into an allegorical age-old narrative of the war between good and evil. 

Though I wish it had been a nice old-fashioned alien invasion thriller, I can't begrudge the author for following his heart. The subjects in the book are ones that have emerged in many of the author's prior novels and are definitely ones that he is passionate about.


Synopsis

The synopsis below is from the mass market paperback edition of this book.
“On the morning that marks the end of the world they have known, Molly and Neil Sloan awaken to the drumbeat of rain on their roof. A luminous silvery downpour is drenching their small California mountain town. It has haunted their sleep, invaded their dreams, and now, in the moody purple dawn, the young couple cannot shake the sense of something terribly wrong.

As the hours pass, Molly and Neil listen to disturbing news of extreme weather phenomena across the globe. By nightfall, their little town loses all contact with the outside world. A thick fog transforms the once-friendly village into a ghostly labyrinth. And soon the Sloans and their neighbors will be forced to draw on reserves of courage and humanity they never knew they had. For within the misty gloom they will encounter something that reveals in a shattering instant what is happening to their world—something that is hunting them with ruthless efficiency.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alien Invasion, Black Lake, Husband Neil, Koontz Books, Left Behind, Molly And Neil, Odd Thomas, Waste Of Time, Years Ago


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Feast of All Saints Review

The Feast of All Saints

Published: 16, January 1979
Author: Anne Rice
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, Historical, Horror, Literary, Literature, Romance

Check the summary of this book here:
The Feast of All Saints Summary


The Review:

I can't say enough good things about Anne Rice's novel The Feast of All Saints. The novel is set in her hometown of New Orleans in the 1840s, and the subject matter is fascinating: the free people of color, the Creole progeny of white landowners, who were a much-overlooked component of New Orleans society at the time. The prose is rich in every aspect, as it is in all of Anne Rice's books, nearly drippy and delectable! One of her best! Beautifully written and painfully expressed! If you like vampires, and who doesn't? you should read this one as well as her third book, Cry To Heaven, but that's a different story.

Another of my favorite Anne Rice novels, this time a historical fiction set in New Orleans in the mid-nineteenth century told through the perspective of a mulatto boy growing up in the French Quarter, the son of an upriver white planter and a free woman of color.

A portrayal of the sophisticated and little-known Creole society, which comprised scholars, artists, craftsmen, and even opera singers, and whose members enjoyed a peculiar position - able to own property, including slaves, yet disenfranchised and relegated to servitude to even the lowest whites. Fascinating! And it's all contained in a single, tightly written volume!

This was a fantastic read for me. I had watched the movie some years before and was familiar with the general plot, but the book was far superior and provided much more depth and complexity to the characters and tale.

I'm used to Anne Rice's vampire and witch novels, and I enjoy otherworldly fiction, but this narrative with an all-human cast was delightful. I wanted, I could travel back in time to New Orleans and spend time with the characters in this novel!

Too many of the characters are what we would consider teens nowadays, which I find a little "off the beat." No matter what their social background is, they talk and act like someone five to 10 years older than you would anticipate for 14 to 18-year-olds.

"When you shame yourself, you shame us." This novel's subject is defined by this single line. You must be able to rise beyond your feelings of rage. No matter how hard someone tries to get you into trouble, act like a gentleman (or a woman).

Anne Rice's Feast of All Saints necessitates the employment of various adjectives. It's engaging, enthralling, and, above all, incredibly dramatic, especially as the narrative nears its conclusion.

Historical fictions are known for being dramatic, and The Feast of All Saints is no exception. On top of that, the book's location and situations are based on actual events. It's an enthralling time of history to study.

The novel itself is a non-fiction work with no clear storyline. The story's most significant element is undoubtedly its characters, as well as their interactions with one another, some of which will surprise the reader and others of which will confirm whatever preconceptions you may have.

The characters are well-developed, and the philosophical insights that we witness in them only add to their credibility. It's the kind of novel that appears to start at any point, and the reader is essentially thrust into the plot while the characters are still in the thick of it.

The narrative is divided into three parts, the second and third of which are far more remembered than the first. Much of volume one (which, don't get me wrong, is still excellent) introduces and develops the novel's various characters and their circumstances.

A decent narrative becomes really, really fantastic in volumes two and three. The novel will surprise you with unexpected twists and turns, notably in the closing phrase of Volume 2, which makes it nearly hard to prevent your jaw from dropping and increases your want to keep reading.

However, the first half of the novel moves at a snail's pace at points. It might feel like you're slogging your way through every now and again.

These periods are few in comparison to the length of the book; nonetheless, the thrilling aspects far surpass any of these occurrences.

Anne Rice's novel The Feast of All Saints is a fantastic read. Her passion for what she wrote is contagious. I believe it's a touch long-winded, but I'm sure Anne Rice put her heart and soul into this immensely emotive (and, once again, theatrical) depiction of the free people of color who lived in New Orleans at the time. This is a great book for historical fiction fans.

The fact that "mixed" couples were not allowed in the French Quarter was something I wish had been stressed more. (See New Orleans Architecture: The Creole Faubourgs by Pelican Press, as well as The Esplanade Ridge by the same source.)

Soldiers from Napoleon's invading army of 1803, who survived yellow fever on Santo Domingo, swiftly married locals of African origin. Their union was sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church.

When these men and their wives and children arrived in New Orleans in the early 1800s, the Catholic Church taught them that their marriages were not "genuine" because they resulted in "miscegenation," or the mixing of European and African blood, which was considered a sin! These husbands had to change their wives' status from wives to mistresses; "placage" served a more sad function than the one implied in this tale.

The new neighborhood (faubourg) Marigny was located downstream from the French Quarter (see Frenchmen, Desire, Good Children and Other Streets in New Orleans by John Chase). There were a lot of free people of color who settled there.

It was a pleasure to read this book. It's not a supernatural story like the others I've read by the author, so it was a refreshing change. While I admit to being a huge admirer of all of her novels and a lover of the supernatural, I adore her writing style, so I expected to enjoy this book as well and I did.

Giving you a glimpse into a new culture while also telling you a gripping narrative. This book will engross you and keep you reading for a long time. It's well worth the read, and it'll make you love Anne Rice even more.


Final Thoughts:

When it comes to crafting a novel, the author never fails to impress and in most of her works, she weaves a lot of history in, and this one is no exception. I've never read an author that is so committed to both entertaining and educating their audience.

Anne Rice's language is really exquisite in this novel. Exhilaration in its ultimate formula! Unequivocally magical!

The lives of the characters in Anne Rice's work will both educate and fascinate you!!!! A work of art!

A masterwork that is underappreciated. I've read everything Anne Rice has written and adored them all, especially Cry To Heaven, before moving on to The Feast of All Saints.

This novel, on the other hand, is like a cozy blanket on a chilly night. You won't be able to put it down, and the tale engulfs you and transports you to a different time and location in this nation.

You have no clue where it's going or how things will turn out, which is unusual in today's literature. You won't care since Anne Rice's characters are ageless.

I feel like I robbed myself by putting off reading this for so long. I can see this being read a few more times in the coming years.


Synopsis:

“In the days before the Civil War, there lived a Louisiana people unique in Southern history. Though descended from African slaves, they were also descended from the French and Spanish who enslaved them. Called the Free People of Color, this dazzling historical novel chronicles the lives of four of them - men and women caught perilously between the worlds of master and slave, privilege and oppression, passion and pain.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Anna Bella, Anne Rice, Civil War, Couleur Libre, Cry To Heaven, Feast Of All Saints, Free People, Gens De Couleur, Historical Fiction, Interview With The Vampire, New Orleans, People Of Color, Subject Matter, Vampire Lestat, Vampires Or Witches, Witching Hour, Years Ago


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 50/100 Yes.

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The Feast of All Saints (2001) (R)

Interview with the Vampire (1994) (R)

Queen of the Damned (2002) (R)

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Beauty's Kingdom Review

Anne Rice, AN Roquelaure, Sleeping Beauty, Adult, BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic, Horror, Literature, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction

Beauty's Kingdom

Published: 21, April 2015
Author: Anne Rice – (As) A. N. Roquelaure
Book 4 of 4: Sleeping Beauty
Genres: Adult, BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic, Horror, Literature, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction

Check the summary of this book here:
Beauty's Kingdom Summary


The Review:

In Beauty's Kingdom, Anne Rice brings Beauty's journey to a close in a very exciting way. This was a surprising departure from the prior chapters, but it was still gripping. With an open mind, exploring the 'Kingdom' and discovering an alternate lifestyle that generates unexpected ideas is straightforward.

I was relieved to find that the author did not attempt to cling to the past in this final installment of the Sleeping Beauty series. I thought the unique ways she tackled the Kingdom and its inclinations were interesting, and it was a terrific way to wrap off Beauty's journey. I really liked how the subject of consent was addressed. Overall, this is a fantastic work of erotica.

I enjoyed reuniting with all of the characters and learning more about the supporting cast. Throughout, it has a courteous tone. To understand what I'm talking about, you'll have to read the entire series.

The last ten percent is a little strange. I mean, I was into it, but it was unexpected and didn't fit with the rest of the plot. I wish that had been looked into deeper, expounded upon, and explored.

I have to confess, no matter what genre she envisions, she's right on top. Anne Rice takes the magnificent world of Sleeping Beauty full circle, whether it's the witches of Mayfair, the isle of sensuous delight in Exit to Eden, or the Vampire Chronicles of her beloved Lestat.

This fourth volume in the Sleeping Beauty series is a must-read for fans of the Sleeping Beauty legend. The characters from the Sleeping Beauty Series return to finish their sensual adventures, which combine a fantasy story with raw eroticism.

Each character's love story intertwines with the others to form a 'family.' Any inquiry of "what happened to him/her" is pushed to the forefront. The author tells a love story that defies all expectations, limits, and constraints. Hot, spicy, sensuous, and adorable all at once. You'll experience the love in Beauty's Kingdom and realize that love is just love.

The dreaded subject of comparison has reared its ugly head once more. You won't want to start this book if you believe 50 Shades of Grey is too hazardous but surely well-written since you have no concept of what amazing writing is!!!

Although I haven't read much erotica, these works appear to capture the core of what the genre is or should be. Sexuality isn't depicted in a simplistic manner; rather, its complexity is examined.

Anne Rice is a fantastic writer with a well-crafted plot that has you caught between its legs till the very end! This novel, all four volumes, are written so vividly that you could walk straight into the universe that's been created and freely surrender your body into the hands of these characters, and you'll do it because it'll feel amazing, if not immediately, then very soon! It's a joy to be a spectator in Beauty's universe!

Author praises the glories of human sexuality when released from the shackles of cultural shame in Beauty's Kingdom. All in the kingdom of Bellavalten, including nobles and commoners, are free to explore their sexual roles, whether as masters or nude pleasure slaves, according to the new Queen Beauty's orders.

Thank the Goddesses, Anne Rice is back to prove that erotica can still be a literary art. I was enthralled with the horses galloping down the bridle path, as well as the Public Turntable! Anne Rice's most sensuous invention yet maybe the gorgeous slave Brenn. Just read about it in the book.

Warning: There are spoilers ahead, so go to Final Thoughts. Between the publishing of the last book of the trilogy and the release of this fourth chapter, many years have passed in our world, while just a little more than 20 years have passed in Beauty's world.

Laurent and Beauty have retired and passed their kingdom down to their son. Messengers visit Laurent and Beauty to inquire whether they would be willing to reign her secret country of sensual slavery after the previous queen and her son died while on an ocean cruise.

They agree to preside over what would become known as Beauty's Kingdom on the condition that all erotic service will henceforth be consensual and not limited to the nobles.

The novel is divided into eighteen chapters, each recounted from the perspective of a different character. Beauty is the narrator of five chapters, while King Laurent is the narrator of two.

There are four chapters dedicated to Lady Eva, who was in charge during the queen's absence. The tale moves slowly and without the harshness of the previous trilogy's forced service.

Anne Rice, on the other hand, demonstrates that she can still write persuasively and attractively. It's understandable that some admirers of the original volumes feel unhappy.

Because, this isn't the final installment in the series. It's a more mature author's reflection on the narrative, and it takes her readers on a fresh journey through the environment from a different perspective.

Beauty is no more the submissive that is passive but erotically aroused. She is now the queen, and it is through her vision that the kingdom will be resurrected and given new significance. She is not, however, a dominatrix like the previous queen, and it is this distinction that gives this new book its own life.

This genre calls for lush literary language. The author's decision to base this sensual series on the Sleeping Beauty story has always struck me as incredibly inventive.

In the appropriately called Beauty's Kingdom, the fourth part shifts from considered non-consensual to consenting. While I enjoyed the book, I couldn't help but wonder why the author felt the need to have so many people cry.

And, although I like the sexual freedom of expression, it's impractical to expect all of the characters to be at least bisexual.

Anne Rice, on the other hand, is in a league of her own when it comes to erotica. I wish she'd leaned a little more strongly into the Sleeping Beauty narrative, creating more tension and stakes while still allowing the characters (and the reader) to have fun.


Final Thoughts:

Anne Rice's first three Beauty novels were fantastic. Yes, they all lived happily ever after, and Beauty's Kingdom was a nice addendum to let the reader know what transpired.

While this narrative may not be for everyone, it is a must-have for serious erotica enthusiasts who want to finish the story of Beauty and her friends.

To understand and appreciate this work, I believe it is necessary to have read and appreciated its predecessors. It was an intriguing and entertaining conclusion to the original "Beauty" trilogy for me. Perhaps not as sexual, but still nice. And definitely not un-erotic!

Finally, this novel is not for everyone, including possibly not all enthusiasts of BDSM. Anne Rice has developed an intriguing blend for individuals who enjoy both fantasy and graphic slave and master.


Synopsis:

“Before E. L. James and Sylvia Day, there was Anne Rice: Discover Beauty’s Kingdom, the fourth novel in the bestselling Sleeping Beauty series

Mega-bestselling author Anne Rice, writing as A. N. Roquelaure, returns to the mysterious kingdom of Queen Eleanor in this new chapter of her Sleeping Beauty series. When the great queen is reported dead, Beauty and Laurent return to the kingdom they left twenty years before. Beauty agrees to take the throne, but she insists that all erotic servitude be voluntary. Countless eager princes, princesses, lords, ladies, and commoners journey to Beauty’s realm, where she and her husband usher in a new era of desire, longing, and ecstasy. Provocative and stirring, Anne Rice’s imaginative retelling of the Sleeping Beauty myth will be adored by her longtime fans and new readers of erotica just discovering the novels.

This book is intended for mature audiences.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Anne Rice, Beauty and Laurent, Beauty Inherits The Kingdom, Beauty Is Release, Beautys punishment, Beauty Series, Beauty Trilogy, Character Development, Claiming Of Sleeping, Cup Of Tea, Faint Of Heart, Fairy Tale, Fifty Shades, Happily Ever, Middle Aged, Original Trilogy, Prince Alexi, Prince Tristan, Queen Eleanor, Read These Books, Second book, Sex Scenes, Shades Of Gray, Shades Of Grey, Sleeping Beauty, Twenty Years, Waste Of Time, Well Written, Years ago,


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 50/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Interview with the Vampire (1994) (R)

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Taltos Review

Taltos Review

Taltos

Published: 19, September 1994

Author: Anne Rice

Book 3 of 3: Lives of Mayfair Witches

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic, History, Horror, LGBTQ+, Literary, Literature, Occult, Paranormal, Psychological, Saga, Science Fiction


Check the summary of this book here:

Taltos Summary


The Review:

Taltos is the third novel in Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches series; however several of the characters appear in her Vampire Chronicles series as well. The trilogy comes to a close with this fantastic novel. It's a well-written novel, and I was dragged into the plot as usual. Anne Rice has a knack for capturing and holding the reader's interest from beginning to conclusion. I'm planning on re-reading all of Anne Rice's works in the near future. Despite the fact that I've read every single one of her books. I was always excited when she released a new book, but sadly, she is no longer with us, and I now have a significant gap in my reading because few authors can match her ability to create literal magic.

A fantastic novel! It did leave a few strands hanging, but this was done on purpose since the loose ends were finished in future Anne Rice books such as Blackwood Farm and Blood Canticle, and it was a fantastic way of expanding and connecting the universes of her novels.

Rowan keeps her chilly, arrogant demeanor, but I can't help but sympathize with Lasher after reading this book. For me, Yuri was a terrific character. He's adorable and devastating at the same time. And, as expected, Ashlar is really appealing. I feel that adding him to the tale gave readers a better understanding of Lasher and his actions. Much of what had been confusing about Lasher becomes evident when Ashlar tells his narrative.

In my opinion, the way she ended the story was eerily wonderful. Some people believe that this book series has run out of energy or is simply not as excellent as the others. It may look that way if you skimmed it, but I feel that if you invest time with this book and really understand what Anne Rice is trying to impart to you, you will find it just as captivating as virtually all of her previous novels.

I was fortunate in that after reading the first book, The Witching Hour, I was able to read the Lasher and then Taltos, the third book in Anne Rice's excellent trilogy, back to back because all three of these books were already accessible at the time. I was not disappointed once more!

Anne Rice makes it easy to believe that such a family of witches exists, with an equally long history of incest, killing, fortune, and authority, similar to the Mayfair family, residing in New Orleans' gorgeous, yet rather an eerie Garden District.

Anne Rice is a brilliant storyteller, and the final book in the Mayfair Witches trilogy was as fantastic as any other of her books. I feel compelled to reiterate myself in defense of this excellent author. I read and appreciated all three books in order, and the ending of this one was particularly satisfying.

Some readers were dissatisfied with these novels, and in some cases, her whole body of work. However, it's conceivable that these people feel that writing a book is as straightforward as reading one. At some point, they should give it a go. It's not easy at all. On the other side, Anne Rice makes it look easy. So, if big books and sagas aren't your things, simply read or move on.

Many writers irritate me when they force me to read extended paragraphs, and in some cases pages upon pages, describing how the room or garden looked and smelt, but with Anne Rice, it makes sense, and I don't mind since not all tales and locations require this, but Anne Rice's books do.

In some instances, her carefully selected sentences seem like poetry, which draws the reader into the remainder of her stories. I enjoy reading long novels, which is why I enjoyed them so much. To mention a few places, I was brought to New Orleans, Scotland, and New York. What may possibly be the issue? I enjoyed reading these books and was immediately hooked into the plot from the first page of the first installment.

Ash was one of my favorites! I wanted to meet him since his persona was so kind and otherworldly! That's incredible! I'd like to meet a character from a book! I appreciate how she brings the characters to life on the pages and then keeps them alive at the same time throughout all of her work.

The novels were excellent, and I would suggest all three to anybody who appreciates strong writing. Anne Rice never refrains from unpleasant subjects like rape, abortions, and incest. Her writing style is right on, and the characters she creates are real people. They have distinct personalities, which everyone who reads her books will notice.


Final Thoughts:

When Anne Rice explores the Taltos' history, she rediscovers her greatness once more. This is a genuinely magnificent, spellbinding, and all-encompassing book. For me, this is certainly top-tier popular fiction writing. I was really impacted by Ash's story, and I'm sure the finale will be equally as affecting for many others. Overall, I'm pleased with how the trilogy concludes.

Almost all of the loose ends are pulled together with brilliance and highly imaginative literary prose. Overall, I preferred the first three Vampire Chronicle volumes, but Anne Rice has genuinely crafted top-notch books with a plot that is both incredibly original and just a moving, interesting, and captivating read with the Mayfair witches trilogy.

I definitely recommend reading all three of these novels in the sequence in which they were written and intended to be read, if you dare and aren't easily scared, however they are all fantastic enough to read on their own, without the other two! But, as always, I strongly advise against it.


Synopsis:

““NATIONAL BESTSELLER • “Taltos is the third book in a series known as the lives of the Mayfair witches ... Their haunted heritage has brought the family great wealth, which is exercised from a New Orleans manse with Southern gentility; but of course, such power cannot escape notice ... or challenge ... [Taltos] is a curious amalgam of gothic, glamour fiction, alternate history, and high soap opera.”—The Washington Post Book World

Taltos continues the epic occult saga that began with The Witching Hour and Lasher. Taltos takes readers back through the centuries to a civilization part human and part of wholly mysterious origins, at odds with mortality and immortality, justice and guilt.””


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Aaliyah, Akasha And Enkil, Akasha, Alain Delon, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Anne Rice, Antonio Banderas, Armand, Aunt Queen, Blackwood Farm, Blood And Gold, Blood Canticle, Blood Communion, Blood Drinkers, Body Thief, Brad Pitt, Brat Prince, Bruce Spence, Cher, Christian Manon, Christian Slater, Claudia Black, Claudia, Closer To The Truth, Daniel Molloy, Dark Gift, Darren Wilson, David Talbot, Destrehan Plantation, Dollmaker, Domiziana Giordano, Drama, Estelle, French Quarter, Garden District, George Kelly, God and the Devil, Heaven And Hell, Highly Recommend, Hollywood's Homophobia, Hugo Race, Indra Ové, The Interview with the Vampire, Jerk, Jesse, Johnathan Devoy, Jonathan Davis, Julian Sands, Khayman, Kirsten Dunst, Lasher And Taltos, Laure Marsac, Lawrence Stratford, Lena Olin, Lestat De Lioncourt, Long Time, Looking Forward, London, Lorimar Productions, Louis De Pointe Du Lac, Louis, Lovers Forever, Love Story, Madeleine Marcel Iureş, Mael, Maharet And Mekare, Maharet, Marguerite Moreau, Marius, Mary Jane, Matthew Lassall, Matthew Newton, Mayfair, Mayfair Family, Mayfair Witches, Memnoch The Devil, Merrick, Michael Curry, Michael Rymer, Mrs Rice, Mississippi River, Mona Mayfair, Mother Gabrielle, Mummy Or Ramses, Must Be Kept, Must Read, Neil Jordan, New Characters, New Orleans Whore, New Orleans, Oak Alley Plantation, Old Friends, Pandora, Paris Vampire, Paris, Paul Mcgann, Pia Miranda, Point Of View,  Previous Books, Prince Lestat, Quinn Blackwood, Queen Of The Damned, Rachael Tanner, Raglan James, Ramses The Damned, Read Interview, Realms of Atlantis, Robin Casinader, Rowan Mayfair, Rowland S. Howard, San Francisco, Santiago, Sara Stockbridge, Serena Altschul, Stephen Rea, Story Of Marius, Stuart Townsend, Sybelle And Benji, Thandie Newton, Tale of the Body, Thandiwe Newton, The Vampire Lestat, Thought Provoking, Tom Cruise, Vacherie, Vampire Armand, Vampire Chronicles, Vampire Lestat, Vincent Perez, Warner Bros, Witching hour, Years Ago, Young Jesse, Yvette


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here:


Free With Free Audible Trial:


Mayfair Witches Series Set


Interview With the Vampire (1994) (R)


Queen of the Damned (2002) (R)


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Lasher Review

Lasher

Published: 12, September 1993

Author: Anne Rice

Book 2 of 3: Lives of Mayfair Witches

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, History, Horror, Literary, Literature, Occult, Paranormal, Psychological, Romance, Saga, Suspense, Thrillers, Urban, Vampire


Check the summary of this book here:

Lasher Summary


The Review:

The Mayfair Witches trilogy continues with Lasher, the second volume by author Anne Rice. To put it frankly, The Witching Hour was unusual; Lasher is bizarre to the point of insanity. In this novel, we follow the lives of the main cast, the family, and the familiars. Birth, bondage, death, sex, and history collide in a horrific collage of seemingly lucky interactions. Is it fate that these big events take place? Is there a chance the Witches may choose a different fate? Should they come up with their own? Did I say anything about Christian blasphemy? So it's up to you to make a decision. This enjoyment is a self-destructive emotional and cognitive practice. Kudos to the author, as usual. A fantastic performance!

After finishing The Witching Hour, I felt like the ending was off, and that there must be more books. I had no idea it was a trilogy at the time. I was busy at the time and couldn't read properly, but the plot gripped me, and I devoured the volumes like they were candy. It's a unique blend of science and fantasy, and the main characters were engrossing, albeit not always easy to relate to because of the weirdness.

Before I continue, I need to clarify something. This is not the series' first book. Before returning to this book, please read the first one The Witching Hour. You won't understand or enjoy it if you don't. And keep in mind that the first book in the series needs to explain a lot of stuff so that you can continue reading the next book (Lasher)and so on (Taltos) with a full understanding of what is what, how is how, and who is who. It means that the book is large and may seem tedious to some readers who are unfamiliar with Anne Rice's writing style, but trust me when I say that she is amazing once you get used to it.

If you enjoyed the first book The Witching Hour, you will want to continue reading the Lives of Mayfair Witches series. This book is much more unconventional than the first. Is it entertaining? - Yes, however, it may be a bit lengthy for some readers. I've read a lot of books, and these are an excellent sample of what you may pick up after finishing a few really fantastic novels/classics. They're just easy to read and, to some extent, interesting. The excessive amount of sexual content may turn off some readers, and obviously, it is not suitable for anyone under the age of eighteen.

This novel expands on the family tree, both in terms of present family members and the depth and history of prior generations of the Mayfair Witches. I was disappointed by the lack of chemistry between Michael and Rowan, which didn't appear until towards the conclusion and appeared scant.

I understand that author Anne Rice needs to create the setting for the trilogy's last novel, Taltos, and the passages do mention Michael and Rowan, but I'm missing them.

Without giving anything away about the plot, the chapters on Julien's life were some of the most enjoyable.

Excellent continuation of the first book, fleshing out the characters and providing backstory for Lasher. Anne Rice's ability to generate a feeling of atmosphere, as usual, sets the tone, and her descriptions of New Orleans capture every facet of that metropolis.

There is no repetition in this sequel, which some readers found tedious in the first novel. However, you will need to read the first book in order to comprehend this one, but it is well worth it! Lasher and Taltos are gems, and you won't be able to put the books down once you've picked these up. Just start reading the series. You won't believe what awaits you!

Warning: Spoilers ahead... Lasher has a lot to offer. The sequel to "The Witching Hour" picks up just where the first novel left off, with a cliffhanger finish. Lasher is alive and well, and he is about as terrible and horrifying a creature as there has ever been, yet he retains a terrifying innocence and sincerity.

He's just as cunning and vicious as he was as a spirit, and it turns out he's a distinct species from humans who wants to repopulate the planet with his own race.

We discover some fascinating facts regarding the Mayfair witches' and Michael's bloodlines. We meet Rowan, who is still torn between her feelings for Michael and her fascination with Lasher and what he is.

A prophecy is given, as well as a lengthy flashback from Julien's spirit, so you know where the tale is going. Lasher also has a major flashback scene in which we learn his whole past. There's a lot of excellent old-fashioned gothic horror, as only Anne Rice can describe it.


Final Thoughts:

The narrative of Lasher continues in book two of the Mayfair Witches Series, and the plot only gets better. It's full of intriguing characters, plot twists, witches, demons, and history, as are all of Anne Rice's stories. A well-written novel with a fantastic location in New Orleans. This is the second book in the series that I strongly recommend.

In this collection, Anne Rice hits close to home for me. It's enticing and unsettling, and it's a selection that will stick with you. Michael, like Aaron Lightner, has rapidly become one of my favorite characters. This is a must-read. This is not for the faint of heart. Definitely not for teenagers!!


Synopsis:

“At the center of Anne Rice's brilliant novel, the beautiful Rowan Mayfair, queen of the coven, must flee from the darkly brutal, yet irresistible demon known as Lasher. With a dreamlike power, this wickedly seductive entity draws us through twilight paths, telling a chillingly hypnotic story of spiritual aspirations and passion. 'Behind all the velvet drapes and gossamer winding sheets, this is an old-fashioned family saga - Anne Rice's descriptive writing is so opulent it almost begs to be read by candlelight' - "The Washington Post Book World".”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Aaliyah, Akasha And Enkil, Akasha, Alain Delon, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Anne Rice, Antonio Banderas, Armand, Aunt Queen, Blackwood Farm, Blood And Gold, Blood Canticle, Blood Communion, Blood Drinkers, Body Thief, Brad Pitt, Brat Prince, Bruce Spence, Cher, Christian Manon, Christian Slater, Claudia Black, Claudia, Closer To The Truth, Daniel Molloy, Dark Gift, Darren Wilson, David Talbot, Destrehan Plantation, Dollmaker, Domiziana Giordano, Drama, Estelle, French Quarter, Garden District, George Kelly, God and the Devil, Heaven And Hell, Highly Recommend, Hollywood's Homophobia, Hugo Race, Indra Ové, The Interview with the Vampire, Jerk, Jesse, Johnathan Devoy, Jonathan Davis, Julian Sands, Khayman, Kirsten Dunst, Lasher And Taltos, Laure Marsac, Lawrence Stratford, Lena Olin, Lestat De Lioncourt, Long Time, Looking Forward, London, Lorimar Productions, Louis De Pointe Du Lac, Louis, Lovers Forever, Love Story, Madeleine Marcel Iureş, Mael, Maharet And Mekare, Maharet, Marguerite Moreau, Marius, Matthew Lassall, Matthew Newton, Mayfair, Mayfair Family, Mayfair Witches, Memnoch The Devil, Merrick, Michael Curry, Michael Rymer, Mrs Rice, Mississippi River, Mona Mayfair, Mother Gabrielle, Mummy Or Ramses, Must Be Kept, Must Read, Neil Jordan, New Characters, New Orleans Whore, New Orleans, Oak Alley Plantation, Old Friends, Pandora, Paris Vampire, Paris, Paul Mcgann, Pia Miranda, Point Of View,  Previous Books, Prince Lestat, Quinn Blackwood, Queen Of The Damned, Rachael Tanner, Raglan James, Ramses The Damned, Read Interview, Realms of Atlantis, Robin Casinader, Rowan Mayfair, Rowland S. Howard, San Francisco, Santiago, Sara Stockbridge, Serena Altschul, Stephen Rea, Story Of Marius, Stuart Townsend, Sybelle And Benji, Thandie Newton, Tale of the Body, Thandiwe Newton, The Vampire Lestat, Thought Provoking, Tom Cruise, Vacherie, Vampire Armand, Vampire Chronicles, Vampire Lestat, Vincent Perez, Warner Bros, Witching hour, Years Ago, Young Jesse, Yvette


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here


Free With Free Audible Trial


Mayfair Witches Series Set


Interview With the Vampire (1994) (R)


Queen of the Damned (2002) (R)


Compare Kindle E-readers on one page


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The Mummy or Ramses the Damned Review

The Mummy or Ramses the Damned Review

The Mummy or Ramses the Damned

Published: 6, May 1989

Author: Anne Rice

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, History, Horror, Literary, Literature, Occult, Paranormal, Psychological, Romance, Saga, Suspense, Thrillers, Urban, Vampire


Check the summary of this book here:

The Mummy or Ramses the Damned Summary


The Review:

The Mummy or Ramses the Damned by Anne Rice is about Ramses. In many respects, Ramses is unlike any of Anne Rice's other male characters. He's not as cunning and destructive as Lasher, as moody as Louis, or as high-maintenance as Lestat. Of course, the fact that he may have a couple of thousand years on them may be a factor. He is also a solar creature, unlike his ghosts and vampiric brethren. Ramses is a thoughtful, intellectual man with a strong sense of fairness.

He is overwhelmed by the future when he awakens from a self-imposed slumber that takes him back to Cleopatra's time. He wakes up to automobiles, trains, newspapers, scientific discoveries, telephones, moving images, and aircraft, to name a few. Is he stressed out? Rebuking? Frightened? No. He's awestruck, enthralled, and, above all, ecstatic. He wants to see and do everything instantly!

I know I appreciated every aspect of this book. It was amazing to read. Anne Rice's writing is filled with emotion and passion, and her descriptions transport the reader to the places she portrays, immersing you in her story and enticing you into a world you'll never want to leave.

Her works entice the reader to want to be a part of them. Julie's demeanor makes you feel the world is a great place, and Ramses is a character you fall in love with straight away. This book has the ability to make a reader's heart sing as well as hurt, and it instills in them a desire for justice in the world.

Like a Tanith Lee novel, this book is written in a nearly poetic tone. The characters, as archetypes of wickedness, lethargy, attractiveness, and so on, have a fairy tale aspect to them. While this may easily go awry, she manages to make it work and do so nicely.

I know that this narrative is not for everyone, yet she always asks well-informed questions about life and its significance. It is nevertheless a wonderful novel, despite the fact that it might be predictable at times.

This is without a doubt one of my favorite Anne Rice books. It's refreshingly distinct and adds a new spin to the traditional mummy tale. The wonderful atmosphere Anne Rice creates in Edwardian London and Egypt is maybe my favorite aspect of the story. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the reader is immediately drawn in. The variation on the traditional mummy story offers a new kind of terror than the standard waddling monster of Hollywood's golden era.

Anyone who has seen the movie version of The Mummy (1932) with Boris Karloff will be familiar with the plot of this novel. It takes place in the early 1900s when the British had a greater effect on Egypt than they do now, and massive excavations were taking place, with the discovery of several tombs and antiquities.

We have an older guy and his aide on-site, and they are opening a tomb with scant care for the curses etched on the door. Inside, they discover a spotless tomb complete with manuscripts, jars, and the obligatory sarcophagus.

The story involves his daughter Julia and some more people related to him and what happens to all of these characters once the story actually moves forward.

In simple words, some of it is similar, but the primary distinction is that this mummy is not malicious and does not wish to murder everyone it encounters. One more primary difference is that it is not a mummy, but rather an indestructible man.

Anne Rice was really creative in allowing him to absorb the culture and technology of the period, and in picking the beginning of the twentieth century when technology was still in its infancy and still explainable to the curious mind.

The characters were all well-written, which was to be expected given that this was an Anne Rice novel. Then there's the family's clever but unhappy acquaintance, a lonely but married gay who is getting on in years and knows Ramses' secrets.

The story is set in Egypt and England in the 1920s. Anne Rice's writing is descriptive, and it made me feel as if I had been transported to another century. I can still picture the English drawing room with its thick carpets and gorgeous curtains if I close my eyes. I can sense the sweltering desert breezes and an ancient Cairo populated by British officials wearing white clothes and gowns.

Of course, the success or failure of the work hinges on the reality of its key character, Ramses. Anne Rice once again exceeds all expectations as she portrays the eternal man's life, loves, successes, and failures. Ramses is a guy we can comprehend, unlike her vampire characters, who are creatures with reasons that are distant from the reader's perspective.

He is a full-fledged human being. We are hungry, but he is always hungry. We are in love, but he has been in love for ages. He bounds while we walk. We can get to know him, despite the fact that he is enormous in every sense.

Anne Rice is the queen of immortality. She's allowed us to view the lengthy, harsh, sad, beautiful, and dirty history of humanity through the eyes of a variety of unkillable entities over the years. She is most known for introducing the vampires into the twentieth century, but she has also written about werewolves, angels, demons, spirits, aliens, and even a genie. The fact that she also did her own rendition of a mummy narrative gets lost in the swirl in this eternal collection.

Which is a great shame, since The Mummy is a fantastic novel. Anne Rice doesn't quite reinvent the stereotype as she did with vampires and werewolves, but she does exactly what she does best: she takes the theme of an immortal creature and turns it around to create a deep thinking, feeling being, giving us history, romance, and excitement in the process — and in the process, she manages to inject vitality and sexuality into a dried withered hollow shell of a decomposing body.


Final Thoughts:

I've always regarded Anne Rice's books to be fascinating and enjoyable. She is a master at suspense and dragging you into a tale to make you forget about reality for a brief period of time. She had a way of making you feel linked to all of the book's characters, not just the main ones.

This book is ideal for anybody who likes all things, Mummy, from the Boris Karloff classic through contemporary films. Ramses the Damned is both immortal and human at the same time.

No one compares to Anne Rice when it comes to capturing the atmosphere; anywhere and everywhere she takes you, you'll be able to smell the flowers and feel the breeze as she portrays it.


Synopsis:

“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Ramses the Great returns in this “darkly magical” (USA Today) novel from bestselling author Anne Rice

“The reader is held captive and, ultimately, seduced.”—San Francisco Chronicle

Ramses the Great lives!

But having drunk the Elixer of life, he is now Ramses the Damned, doomed forever to wander the earth, desperate to quell hunger that can never be satisfied—for food, for wine, for women.

Reawakened in opulent Edwardian London, he becomes Dr. Ramsey, an expert in Egyptology. He also becomes the close companion of voluptuous, adventurous Julie Stratford, heiress to a vast shipping fortune and the center of a group of jaded aristocrats with appetites of their own to appease.

But the pleasures Ramses enjoys with Julie cannot soothe him. Searing memories of his last reawakening, at the behest of Cleopatra, his beloved Queen of Egypt, burn-in his immortal soul. And though he is immortal, he is still all too human. His intense longings for his great love, undiminished over the centuries, will force him to commit an act that will place everyone around him in the gravest danger. . . .”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Aaliyah, Akasha And Enkil, Akasha, Alain Delon, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Anne Rice, Antonio Banderas, Armand, Aunt Queen, Blackwood Farm, Blood And Gold, Blood Canticle, Blood Communion, Blood Drinkers, Body Thief, Brad Pitt, Brat Prince, Bruce Spence, Cher, Christian Manon, Christian Slater, Claudia Black, Claudia, Closer To The Truth, Daniel Molloy, Dark Gift, Darren Wilson, David Talbot, Destrehan Plantation, Dollmaker, Domiziana Giordano, Drama, Estelle, French Quarter, George Kelly, God and the Devil, Heaven And Hell, Highly Recommend, Hollywood's Homophobia, Hugo Race, Indra Ové, The Interview with the Vampire, Jerk, Jesse, Johnathan Devoy, Jonathan Davis, Julian Sands, Khayman, Kirsten Dunst, Laure Marsac, Lawrence Stratford, Lena Olin, Lestat De Lioncourt, Long Time, Looking Forward, London, Lorimar Productions, Louis De Pointe Du Lac, Louis, Lovers Forever, Love Story, Madeleine Marcel Iureş, Mael, Maharet And Mekare, Maharet, Marguerite Moreau, Marius, Matthew Lassall, Matthew Newton, Mayfair, Mayfair Witches, Memnoch The Devil, Merrick, Michael Rymer, Mrs Rice, Mississippi River, Mona Mayfair, Mother Gabrielle, Mummy Or Ramses, Must Be Kept, Must Read, Neil Jordan, New Characters, New Orleans Whore, New Orleans, Oak Alley Plantation, Old Friends, Pandora, Paris Vampire, Paris, Paul Mcgann, Pia Miranda, Point Of View,  Previous Books, Prince Lestat, Quinn Blackwood, Queen Of The Damned, Rachael Tanner, Raglan James, Ramses The Damned, Read Interview, Realms of Atlantis, Robin Casinader, Rowan Mayfair, Rowland S. Howard, San Francisco, Santiago, Sara Stockbridge, Serena Altschul, Stephen Rea, Story Of Marius, Stuart Townsend, Sybelle And Benji, Thandie Newton, Tale of the Body, Thandiwe Newton, The Vampire Lestat, Thought Provoking, Tom Cruise, Vacherie, Vampire Armand, Vampire Chronicles, Vampire Lestat, Vincent Perez, Warner Bros, Witching hour, Years Ago, Young Jesse, Yvette


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here:


Free With Free Audible Trial:


Interview With the Vampire (1994) (R):


Queen of the Damned (2002) (R):


Compare Kindle E-readers on one page:


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