Paranormal & Urban Fantasy, Monthly Group Reads discussion

Discussion of Chapters 1-10 in La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock

Please avoid spoilers past chapter 10.

I agree..it is nice to read about a more "lively" vampire. I am about a third of the way thru and I just don't want to put it down. I love that it still has me guessing. Don't you just hate when a story (especially a mystery) is so transperant that you have the end figured out just pages in? I keep wanting to imagine this story set in New Orleans and not St Augustine...don't know why but maybe I have been reading too much Kresley Cole lately. :)

I agree with you guys about the lively vampire bit. I was actually really anonoyed with the book at first. Too many pop culture/brand name references for my taste but by the end of the first chapter I think I was hooked on the style. Very fresh, at least compared to what I have read. So far I am pleasantly surprised!

I'm also liking the book so far. I was worried a little at first because the beginning seemed too narrative for my tastes, but once the tour started it got better. I guess I wanted to see more character interaction as opposed to background summary.

I feel the same as Jennifer about the "cut scenes" with Cat and the old man. I get a little fuzzy-headed trying to work those scenes into the world created from Cesca's POV. On the other hand, they do a good job of foreshadowing something larger to come. What is the Void???? And who is Triton now????

I do really REALLY like the character development, though. And the mystery element is good. When the author describes the characters, I can really see all of them in my head. I like the introduction of Saber, and I'm looking forward to seeing where that leads.

Erica wrote: "I keep wanting to imagine this story set in New Orleans and not St Augustine...don't know why but maybe I have been reading too much Kresley Cole lately. :)
"

I've been doing the exact same thing! I haven't read Kresley Cole so I can't use that excuse.

Cesca is very likable in a sweet, innocent, niave little sister kind of way.

As I read the first 10 chapters there were a lot of references to current culture (ie: HGTV, lots of shows/actors). How do you think that will fare in the years to come?

I would worry that it would date the book. In 10 years will HGTV be recognized as a home decorating show??? I don't even think my parents would know what HGTV stands for now. Those kind of references bug me - but beyond that I'm enjoying the story & writting style.

I also found the culture references a real pain...too cliched for my taste. But overall, I find that I'm enjoying this book. I like Cesca and her roommates and Deke sounds yummy! Cesca seems a little naive but since she's from 1802 and just now catching up with the rest of society, it comes across as genuine.

I feel so bad, I havent even gotten a chance to START this yet! /sigh

Summer time is just so super busy for me AHHHH..