Vamps. What is it about them? I was always such a cynic about them, never understanding their appeal to so many. What could possibly be sexy about a pale, creepy blood sucker? The whole idea made me cringe over the "ick" factor. I didn't find out what all the fuss was about until I picked up Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters, and discovered that a vampire could be something other than cold, dead and addicted to the red stuff. He could also be strong, sexy, and oh so hot-blooded. Unforgettable characters like Ash, Simi and Zarek keep me coming back for more, though I've become impatient for Ash's story, and I'm fervently hoping the train isn't derailed before it has its chance to be told. Sometimes the stories are going in too many directions, but I am still a huge fan - you never forget your first vamp.
From there, I began to explore the different kinds of vampires out on the market, looking for love, and this lead me to discover the humor just waiting to happen when I picked up MaryJanice Davidson's "Undead and Unwed". The cover of the book was what originally attracted me to the series, but it was the humor and Betsy's obsession with shoes that kept me coming back for more...okay that, and the sexy undead Sinclair. Who wouldn't want a mysterious and powerful hottie in love with her for all time? It would be worth facing eternal damnation to have that be my destiny. I don't think I would be complaining too much, as long as he kept away from ALL other women. Personally I think if Betsy were a bit smarter, she'd keep Sinclair occupied horizontally more frequently than she does. And he does love her, so it's all good. Just get with the program, blondie.
Shiloh Walker introduced me to the world of the erotic vampire, the ones who mate with werewolves and witches and whose women are just as strong and bold as their males. Their bond is of a much more sexual nature, and sharing is sometimes a part of their nature, but it is a mutual choice, where no one gets hurt and being together can make the powers of those bonding even stronger. A word of warning to those who've not experienced the phenomena of this particular Hunter - turn up the a/c or have your significant other nearby and ready. This is some seriously hot stuff!
One of my all-time favorite authors, Erin McCarthy, has recently dipped her toes into the paranormal by writing a fun, sexy series about life as a vampire in the 21st century. To Erin, her undead are a minority, but they have rights too, and must learn to adjust to the world and find their place in it. Not all vamps have to be tortured souls...in fact some have goals and visions of a better world for their people. And why not? Vamps are, were, people, too.
JR Ward has taken a lot of these elements and created a darker, tormented and fierce hunter with her dynamic series about the Brotherhood. Her world has a strong code that her vampires honor, one that has consequences for their actions, and sometimes it can really hurt. Joy is equally shared with pain. Without giving too much away from those who have not yet delved into this particular series, I will say that the author doesn't tease or bluff, she drops the axe, and it can break your heart. Many dark and complicated elements drift throughout this series, making readers question the direction in which the author will ultimately decide to go. I think one thing we can all agree on is that nothing is sacred. But isn't that what keeps some of us coming back for more?
What all these vamps have in common is that they recognize their mates, they have a purpose, and there will always be a greater evil lurking around the corner, waiting to obliterate them. I also enjoy how some series maintain a world where their vamps must avoid sunlight, garlic, and sharp stakes, others break some or even all the rules to create their own unique existence. There's something for everyone.
What about you? Do you like a good vampire/undead story? Why or why not?
If you do, what would you recommend?
posted by Stacy~ at 9/26/2006 08:44:00 PM
I love vampire books. I like the dark, sexy vampires.
byThe authors you have mentioned are some of my favorites. I also recommend Christine Feehan, Susan Squires, and Amanda Ashley.
While I've read a few vampire books. I read the first few Kenyon then (don't hit me) got sick of the whole Ash and Simi thing. I read the first Ward and have the other two TBR. I tried Feehan but she squicked me out. I also tried Susan Sizemore's vamp books because I liked her previous writing, but didn't care for them. And as for funny vampire - no desire at all to try them. But for the most part - I really don't 'get' the current fascination for them that is out there.
byHey stacy!!! Well I love me some Vampires. And will I pimp one? Well of course. MIDNIGHT SUN by Rene Lyons!!! No joke, you like how JR made her own world and differant Vamps? Rene has her own kind to....GET IT AND READ IT. Daystar is out next month sometime and it's the second in the series...I can't wait.
bySK was my first Vampire type book. While I like most of them, the last few weren't so good. And unlike everyone else, Ash annoys me not turns me on.
Then I read JR and now Rene. They are the only ones I've read. I might try more but I have to be in the mood.
The funny vamps? Hmmm, not really intrested in them. Don't know why.
I'm kinda with you on this Kristie (j)
I have read a few vampire books. And the ones I have read have been from Maggie Shayne.
byI am going to be picking up Erin's and give it a read, from everything I have read it is a fun read, and it may be just the thing I am looking for.
Oh just so you know, Rene Lyon's book was originally out in e-book form but now it's going to be out in print. It's available as of 10/17, here's the link to get it http://www.renelyons.net/ no joke, get it!!! lol.
byStacy you are the best! This post is awesome. I will link you to the Carnival on October 1st.
byI don't like most of the ones you used as an example and I certainly don't care if they do or don't recognize their mates. LOL. I've always liked vamps but, for me personally, it doesn't have anything to do with hot and sexy.
byOoohhhh you just gave me a great idea on anew post. :-)
I know eventually I will have OD'd on vamps, but for right now, I'm still okay with them. Love the honest opinions.
byThanx for the opinions. Any other undead types that work for you guys?
I love vampires. I'm not a big fan of SK, I do adore JR's books, others I like...The Turning by Jennifer Armintrout, Watchers in the Night by Jenna Black, (out in October - LOOK FOR IT!), I like my vampires really dark and sexy. I don't like the funny vamps...
byI just started reading vampire books and now I can't get enough of them. I started with Erin Mccarthys and fell in love. Now I've read Rosemary Laurey, Lynsay Sands, and just picked up my very first Kenyon! I honestly never got it before I started reading vamp books. I wondered what all the fuss was about and was interested in trying one but I didn't think I'd get into as much as I have. There's just something about them!
byI like the kind of vamps that SK and Rene Lyons created and even JRW, but seriously?? I've just od'd on vamps book, I need a LONG break from them...
byGreat post though.
I tend to like the funny vamps best. I have read Rosemary Laurey's, Lyndsay Sands, Keelyn Sparks (sp), Kathy Love and Erin's to name a few. the dark and bloody ones don't interest me.
byHi, there, Stacy!
byStopped by to see your Gillette man! ^o~
And then saw this...
Love the vamps since I was a kid, any stories, movies, you name it!! Recently have been on a Feehan & Ward. Have read a couple of SK, which led me to find Fantasy Lover...wow! Am now planning to find the rest! Especially looking forward to Kyrian, Zarek and Ash, and discovering more of SK's creations!
Ciao!