VAMPIRES DON'T SPARKLE discussion

New year, new books :)

Let's start with a short review for 2013. Last year brought a new reading experience and change in my reading behaviour with my kindle, which made reading much more comfortable and even increased my reading speed. I never would have thought I would adjust to and even grow fond of it so quickly, because I love the look and feel of a beautifully printed book (Krampus: The Yule Lord reminded me of that just recently). Of course, that device opened up the world of e-books to me, especially the multitude of free reviewer copies on GR and other Kindle freebies.

However, that turned out a two-sided pleasure: while I discovered some exciting new authors and great stories, I also had to wade through a bunch of books that really sucked. To put that in numbers, I 'd say every third book was a winner.

So, what should change in 2014?
I guess I should get more picky about newbies. I intend to read more of the established authors and the books that are collecting dust on my shelves for some time now. So here goes:

My first vampire read this year was:

Whitby After Dark - Volume 1

2 FANGS
Review

Well, let's just say: now it can only get better!

Couldn't agree with you more about the kindle. I went through exactly the same stages when I first got mine. I find that downloading lots of the free samples of books that interest me and looking at them closer when choosing what to buy is particularly useful when your not sure what you fancy reading next, and I often think to myself "what on earth did I see in that?".It's saved me buying books that I wont like lots of times.You need to build up a "possible stock". I'll admit I had Whitby After Dark sample waiting to have a look at, but given your thoughts on it I think I might give it a wide birth. Life is to short to waste on lame boring books!

Paddy wrote: "Couldn't agree with you more about the kindle. I went through exactly the same stages when I first got mine. I find that downloading lots of the free samples of books that interest me and looking a..."

I definitely have to use the Kindle samples more often in the future...that concept is still new to me, but indeed would be helpful.

My 2014 vampire read #2:

Nanobite

4 FANGS
Review

Science meets (aka creates) vampires - with a horrifying outcome. Dreams of the future that must never come true...

I normally don't like the "scientific vampire" stuff but maybe I'll check that out. Looks creepy.

Dan wrote: "I normally don't like the "scientific vampire" stuff but maybe I'll check that out. Looks creepy."

I guess it's more science thriller than vampire horror, but it was a nice change from the routine ;)

I hear ya

My 2014 vampire read #3:

Night of the Chupacabra

5 FANGS
Review

I loved the combination of the Chupacabra legend and old-style western, which worked just perfect for me. Great book.

My 2014 vampire read #4:

Bloodthirst in Babylon

5 FANGS
Review

Guess I'm on a lucky streak with yet another great vampire novel...

Elke wrote: "My 2014 vampire read #3:



5 FANGS
Review

I loved the combination of the Chupacabra legend and old-style western, which worked just perfect for me. Gre..."

Oh I love Chupacabra and I love Westerns! I'll have to add that to my tbr. Nice work!

My 2014 vampire read #5:

Curse of the Chupacabra

4 FANGS
Review

Great sequel! Though it starts with a much slower pace, it managed to satisfy my horrifangic cravings and still leaves me wanting for more...

My 2014 vampire read #6:

Ein Herz für Vampire

4 FANGS
Review

For the sake of completeness: a cute story I picked up while being at the library with my son. Just can't pass by a vampire book, even if it is a children's book...

My 2014 vampire read #7:

Hiding The Smile

3 FANGS
Review

What started very promising soon turned into mediocrity. What a pity!

My 2014 vampire read #8:

Bloodchild

3 FANGS
Review

Not good, not bad - ok to read and then forget.

My 2014 vampire read #9:



5 FANGS
Review

Still wondering whether the chupacabra can be counted as some kind of vampire, but definitely a great series!

Elke wrote: "My 2014 vampire read #9:



5 FANGS
Review

Still wondering whether the chupacabra can be counted as some kind of vampire, but definitely a great series!"

LOL...you like the Chupacabra don't you?

Dan wrote: "LOL...you like the Chupacabra don't you?"

Got me! ;)

Yeah, I really love that one, it's one of the best books I found through GR.

I like the blend of vampire-creature and historical western-style story and the well-drawn characters. I love Jessie, the girl main character. The chupacabra itself is a fascinating creature, and while it's mostly a bloodthirsty monster, I also love the hints at and glimpses of some possibly remaining humanity which adds some tragedy to the plot. Sometimes you start reading a book and immediately know you'll love it, it's like the perfect match.

Elke wrote: "Dan wrote: "LOL...you like the Chupacabra don't you?"

Got me! ;)

Yeah, I really love that one, it's one of the best books I found through GR.

I like the blend of vampire-creature and historical ..."

I know what you mean.

My 2014 vampire read #10:

Liquid Diet

4 FANGS
Review

Definitely not what I expected, but better! Unfortunately, they seem to have removed the old cover edition from GR, which is a shame, as it was much better. Will scan the image from my old pb sometime.

My 2014 vampire read #11:

Vampire Apocalypse: Trail of Tears

4 FANGS
Review

The long awaited sequel to a great series...

Elke wrote: "My 2014 vampire read #11:

Vampire Apocalypse: Trail of Tears

4 FANGS
Review

The long awaited sequel to a great series..."

What's it about? is it like a zombie apocalypse only with vampires?

Dan wrote: "Elke wrote: "My 2014 vampire read #11:

Vampire Apocalypse: Trail of Tears

4 FANGS
Review

The long awaited sequel to a grea..."

Yeah, kind of. Vampires have taken over and a group of rebels keeps fighting them.

Sounds goofy, but I guess it appeals to male readers mostly because of the fighting action (as the cover suggests)...

My 2014 vampire read #12:

Sheep's Clothing

3 FANGS
Review

Nice read, but the plot is like a solid skeleton missing flesh between its bare ribs. I missed some original ideas to make it outstanding.

hey there's somebody selling there real vampire blood on here it only cost 250 check it out if you want to get aids

Benjamin wrote: "hey there's somebody selling there real vampire blood on here it only cost 250 check it out if you want to get aids"

LOL....what????

Uhhhhh wth! Vampire blood???

ahh it was on a interview with a vampire discussion, but it looks like goodreads deleted it though. but yeah some girl was claiming to have bought vampire blood for 250 bucks online and three hours after drinking it she became "a real" vampire lol she was so impressed with the vamp blood she got she decided to share the link to where she had got it

Benjamin wrote: "ahh it was on a interview with a vampire discussion, but it looks like goodreads deleted it though. but yeah some girl was claiming to have bought vampire blood for 250 bucks online and three hours..."

I really hate people like that.

yeah who the fuck would buy human blood online and then drink it freakin weirdos bagging for hiv or hep c

Benjamin wrote: "yeah who the fuck would buy human blood online and then drink it freakin weirdos bagging for hiv or hep c"

Also Iron poisoning.

lol yeah

If you can't get the real thing, I'd start questioning your vampirism.

That's funny Aric.

My 2014 vampire read #13:

The Living Night: Part One: An epic tale of vampires, werewolves, horror, fantasy and action

3 FANGS
Review

While I had some problems with the beginning and was confused by the overwhelming number of different characters and the complexity of the plot, it got better with each page I read. And that is much better than the other (usual) way round, where you start with high expectations but end up disappointed...

Elke wrote: "My 2014 vampire read #13:

[book:The Living Night: Part One: An epic tale of vampire..."

So should I add it to my TBR shelf, Elke?

Maybe ;)

In hindsight, the labeling 'epic tale' and the page count (over 400 pages) should have already warned me to expect a very complex story .

I definitely had to get used to it, and as I already said it helped to not try to follow the plot too closely but focus on the current action.
I must admit I was torn between giving 3 and 4 stars (and still am), but there were some great ideas and scenes which rewarded me for reading through the whole piece - and there definitely was not a single sparkling moment to be found.

BTW, you may still get a free review copy in the Making Connections group if that eases your decision ...

Elke wrote: "I must admit I was torn between giving 3 and 4 stars (and still am),"

I never did this before, but I decided to change the rating from 4 to 3 stars. I guess I had the amazon rating system in mind, because "liked it" is exactly how I feel about the book, which is 3 stars on GR, but 4 at amazon. Sorry for the confusion, but it just didn't feel right otherwise.

My 2014 vampire read #14:

Stainless

1 FANG
Review

I feel like the one dummy who just can't figure out why the joke is so funny.
Usually I rate a book only 1 star because it is either poorly written or has a dumb plot or both. While I understand that Stainless is neither, I still couldn't care less about it.

My 2014 vampire read #15:

Carmilla: Prelude To Dracula

2 FANGS
Review

I so wanted to like this book, but there were too many times I was bored and read on just to reach the end. At the end, I went with the rating system's definition: the book was ok, but I didn't especially like it, therefore 2 stars. Sometimes it just doesn't work as expected.

Is that a different version of Carmilla?

Dan wrote: "Is that a different version of Carmilla?"

Yes! While it still contains parts of the original story, passages have been rewritten (modernized), it has some added scenes (more action), a new ending and it uses characters from Dracula to combine the two stories (as Carmilla is supposed to have influenced Stoker). So here the main female character whom Carmilla visits is Laura Westenra, which later becomes Lucy's mother. Van Helsing is included and even Dracula appears! As the title says: 'Prelude to Dracula'...

I can already see your hair standing on end about it ;)

Sounds awesome! I love the original Carmilla and of course I love Dracula. I'll have to check that out.

My 2014 vampire read #16:

Brides of Dracula

2 FANGS
Review

At some point, I really didn't care anymore for any of the characters or the story - too much, too fast, too many... Might work better with some reduction, a clearer structure and better focus on essential characters.

Elke, thanks for the thoughtful review. You have valid points about me throwing in the kitchen sink. I've thought several times of rewriting the "Mircalla" story as a stand-alone novel--maybe I'll do that some day.

My 2014 vampire read #17:

The Lesser Dead

5 FANGS
Review

Just one word: mind-blowing.

Elke wrote: "My 2014 vampire read #17:

The Lesser Dead

5 FANGS
Review

Just one word: mind-blowing."




Damn...I'll have to check that out then. I think I've actually heard of this book before.

Paul wrote: "I've just finished
Loved the films, the book was just brilliant!
5 FANGS"

Yeah, both the book and movie (the original one) are absolutely awesome!

Dan wrote: "Elke wrote: "My 2014 vampire read #17:

The Lesser Dead

5 FANGS
Review

Just one word: mind-blowing."




Damn...I'll have to check that out the..."

Give it a try! I noticed the beautiful cover in one of my friend's updates and the summary did the rest...

My 2014 vampire read #18:

The Hangman

2 FANGS
Review

What a shame! I really wished this book did _not_ have any vampires in it - then it could have been a great horror thriller about a gruesome demon killer. However, the author decided to reduce the great beginning and main character to a side show for yet another story about vampires, hunters and their never-ending battle against each other.