"Vampire Romance for lovers of Horror genre"
This book is considered horror with romantic elements. I
would have to say that it is not a classic horror story nor
a paranormal romance per se. It is more a story detailing
vampire culture. Suggested Audience: Readers who enjoy all
things vampire, and are looking for something different to
read. I will admit upfront that I am not a big horror fan,
but the opening line was so unique that I decided to
read on. FYI all of the vampires are killers, but each has values
that help the reader identify the good from the evil
variety. The hero and heroine have a definite bond, but
having been born in vastly different time periods, they
have very different outlooks. Valdemar had been 29 and dying when he was brought across.
In his time humans expected to die young, from either
poverty, plague, or warfare. Therefore he sees immortality
as a gift. He is now over eleven centuries old. He has
become a hermit, and lives in a unused section of the
Toronto subway. Hoping to draw him out, his vamp friends
take him on a drunken hunting spree. Unfortunately for the heroine, Melinda, she finds herself
all alone in a subway car late that night, and becomes
their
sport. Val's friends expect him to finish their victim off,
but for some reason he cannot bring himself to do so.
Instead he transforms her. Melinda isn't at all grateful
for the distinction. She finds the idea of murdering humans
disgusting and becomes determined to retain her humanity
whatever the cost. Rather than join the group she returns
home. Unfortunately bloodlust cannot be denied. Melinda
passes out and awakens choking to find that she has savaged
her pet cat. Finally she accepts that she must hunt. Val, who appears to have a conscience, teaches her to
choose her victims, those who have no redeeming qualities,
no value to society. Possible Spoilers
****************************************************
Unfortunately, hanging with Val means Melinda has to
deal with his friends. Moira, a jealous former interest,
taunts Val for having made a lover out of his dinner. Along
with her latest lover, Adrian, Moira persuades the two to
take a joy ride intended to get completely out of hand. The
ride ends in mass carnage, and Melinda abandons Val in
disgust. This sets a pattern that goes on for years. Val persuades
Melinda to return only to be turned off by his friends'
behavior. Melinda is forced to kill Moira to save Val's life
and moves further away. Ten years go by before she returns
again, still unable to adapt. Adrian and another vow to
avenge Moira's death. Val sides with Melinda,
imprisoning Adrian and leaving him to die
of starvation. However Melinda can't bear to see anyone
suffer, not even a rogue vampire bent on killing her, and
offers her own blood to end his hunger. This time it is Val
who suggests she leave. The other vampire is still bent on revenge, however
Melinda's good deed has won the loyalty of Adrian. ****************************************************
Eventually
Melinda gains acceptance of herself in her new state.
Having witnessed the change in his friend, Val opens his
mind to
Melinda's point of view. At last the pair finds some common
ground. Expecting a romance, I was somewhat disconcerted that it
took so long to work their relationship out, however
From the point of view of a vampire what are a few years
here or there, when you have an eternity? Not for the faint
of heart. Copyright © 2002
Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch
Posted November 18, 2002
|
