What do you think?
Rate this book
Real Vampires Don't Sparkle #1
Real Vampires Don't Sparkle
Matheus Taylor didn’t ask to be murdered.
To be fair, the percentage of people actually asking to be murdered is probably small enough to be safely ignored, but he felt it was worth stating regardless.
His life might have been ordinary, but it was his life and he wasn’t done with it yet. Quin didn’t care. A seventeen-hundred old Roman, Quintus Livius Saturnius had a different view of morality than most people. Killing Matheus and hijacking his undead existence seemed perfectly acceptable to him.
Now, Matheus spends his nights running for his life, questioning his sexual orientation, and defying a mysterious new threat to the vampires within his city. Not that he set out to do any defying; he just wanted to be left alone.
Unfortunately, that was never going to happen.
Volume One of Real Vampires Don't Sparkle
To be fair, the percentage of people actually asking to be murdered is probably small enough to be safely ignored, but he felt it was worth stating regardless.
His life might have been ordinary, but it was his life and he wasn’t done with it yet. Quin didn’t care. A seventeen-hundred old Roman, Quintus Livius Saturnius had a different view of morality than most people. Killing Matheus and hijacking his undead existence seemed perfectly acceptable to him.
Now, Matheus spends his nights running for his life, questioning his sexual orientation, and defying a mysterious new threat to the vampires within his city. Not that he set out to do any defying; he just wanted to be left alone.
Unfortunately, that was never going to happen.
Volume One of Real Vampires Don't Sparkle
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2013
42 people are currently reading
1,157 people want to read
About the author
Amy Fecteau
5 books97 followersAmy Fecteau grew up in the wilds of suburbia, along with a younger sister and brother. As a child, Amy wanted to be a doctor-farmer-princess, but unfortunately the market for doctor-farmer-princesses just isn’t what it used to be. Also, Amy was born in the United States, severely limiting her chances to become royalty.
Amy wrote her first story at age twelve, the stirring tale of friendship and witch burning. She was cruelly robbed of first place in the district writing contest by April C., whose story of a handicapped girl overcoming her disability was nothing but a blatant grab for the judges’ sympathy. Fifteen years later, Amy would like to say, “Suck it, April,” but that would be petty and childish, so she will refrain.
Amy lives in southern Maine. She collects keychains, owns a cat (named CAT) and creates eclectic art in her spare time. Currently, she is studying computer science. She blames her love of sarcasm and snark on her large, strange, wonderful family.
Amy wrote her first story at age twelve, the stirring tale of friendship and witch burning. She was cruelly robbed of first place in the district writing contest by April C., whose story of a handicapped girl overcoming her disability was nothing but a blatant grab for the judges’ sympathy. Fifteen years later, Amy would like to say, “Suck it, April,” but that would be petty and childish, so she will refrain.
Amy lives in southern Maine. She collects keychains, owns a cat (named CAT) and creates eclectic art in her spare time. Currently, she is studying computer science. She blames her love of sarcasm and snark on her large, strange, wonderful family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
February 18, 2020
Oh the sarcasm is strong in this one! It's so strong that the book has more than a couple of 1-star reviews from people who just couldn't handle that much attitude. So strong that even I got annoyed at the MC a couple of times. And, I love me some snark.
But, omg, it was soooo funny!
I was laughing my ass of at some points in this story.
Okay, so the deal is there is a guy, Matheus, who gets killed and turned into a vampire against his will by a 1,700 yr old Roman vamp named Quin in the beginning of the book. At first I thought, "oh great, it's going to be all Stockholm Syndrome, gay-for-you, body-betraying bullshit!" oh, but don't worry about any of that because:
A) The MC's not gay*
B) He never shuts up about being killed against his will
C) there is NO sex or even romance in the book.
There is, however so many great lines that I highlighted half the book.
A few items to share:
After our MC, Matheus, states that he's not gay* for the millionth time:
"You sociopathic son of a bitch," Matheus said. "I'm not fucking gay."
"I know," said Quin. "People in Zambia know. The anal-probing aliens that pick up hicks on back roads know. When they buzz by in their invisible spaceships, they go, 'oh, not Matheus Taylor. We can't pick him up. He's not gay'"
.......
"Invisible spaceships?" he asked
"If your mission was to explore the rectums of a primitive species, would you want the rest of the universe to know?" asked Quin.
When Quin's ex shows up and tries to beam him in the head with a glass sculpture, and Matheus comes to the rescue:
"Here," said Matheus, handing Alistair a candlestick. "Aim for his head."
When Quin wakes Matheus up for the night, but he's already awake and talking to his bestie about whether he might have slightly gay* leanings:
The door to the next room over opened. "I don't think..."
A series of bangs shook the door in its frame.
"Get up, Sunshine!" Quin yelled.
"Fuck off!" Matheus shouted back.
Unintelligible curses leaked through the gap beneath the door. A low bang vibrated the door; Matheus guessed Quin gave it a kick before stomping off....
"We have a complicated relationship," Matheus said.
*
I'm not sure about whether I will read the next book because I saw that the main not-a-couple separate for that book. I'm not a fan of when that happens. But, this one was awesome fun!
But, omg, it was soooo funny!
I was laughing my ass of at some points in this story.
Okay, so the deal is there is a guy, Matheus, who gets killed and turned into a vampire against his will by a 1,700 yr old Roman vamp named Quin in the beginning of the book. At first I thought, "oh great, it's going to be all Stockholm Syndrome, gay-for-you, body-betraying bullshit!" oh, but don't worry about any of that because:
A) The MC's not gay*
B) He never shuts up about being killed against his will
C) there is NO sex or even romance in the book.
There is, however so many great lines that I highlighted half the book.
A few items to share:
After our MC, Matheus, states that he's not gay* for the millionth time:
"You sociopathic son of a bitch," Matheus said. "I'm not fucking gay."
"I know," said Quin. "People in Zambia know. The anal-probing aliens that pick up hicks on back roads know. When they buzz by in their invisible spaceships, they go, 'oh, not Matheus Taylor. We can't pick him up. He's not gay'"
.......
"Invisible spaceships?" he asked
"If your mission was to explore the rectums of a primitive species, would you want the rest of the universe to know?" asked Quin.
When Quin's ex shows up and tries to beam him in the head with a glass sculpture, and Matheus comes to the rescue:
"Here," said Matheus, handing Alistair a candlestick. "Aim for his head."
When Quin wakes Matheus up for the night, but he's already awake and talking to his bestie about whether he might have slightly gay* leanings:
The door to the next room over opened. "I don't think..."
A series of bangs shook the door in its frame.
"Get up, Sunshine!" Quin yelled.
"Fuck off!" Matheus shouted back.
Unintelligible curses leaked through the gap beneath the door. A low bang vibrated the door; Matheus guessed Quin gave it a kick before stomping off....
"We have a complicated relationship," Matheus said.
*
I'm not sure about whether I will read the next book because I saw that the main not-a-couple separate for that book. I'm not a fan of when that happens. But, this one was awesome fun!
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 16, 2015got to 3% and decided not to continue. It wasn't that there was anything wrong, but I wasn't enjoying the writing particularly, and I didn't connect with the MC. I guess I'm much more demanding now: I've got about 4680 weeks left to live, give or take, and I only want to spend them with really good books. Sadly, for me, this wasn't one.
July 19, 2020
4.5 Stars
Review:
As much as I enjoy the typical vampire tropes, I also like when those tropes are turned on their heads, and that was one of my favorite things about this book. For one thing, these vampires were not all perfect and porcelain. In fact, Matheus described Quin as, "Not even his mother would have called him handsome, but people would have had a hard time forgetting his features." (But Matheus liked his snaggletooth <3) He also had darker skin, rather than the usual pale, because he was Roman. And Matheus was the clumsiest character I've ever read about---he must've tripped and fell 27 times throughout the book. For another thing, Quin didn't abandon Matheus or treat him horribly, the way sires often do. I'm also always thinking about how I want more books with baby vamps who grew up in current times and are just kind of adjusting to life as a vampire, and that was exactly what Matheus was. It was also funny that Quin was not a morning (or night, I guess) person since you just never read about vampires struggling to wake up and mumbling and trying to go back to sleep. Last but not least, feeding wasn't sexy, it was just feeding, which was admittedly disappointing since I like that trope, but still.
I have to admit though, I found this book funnier the first time I read it than I did the second. That's probably partly because I already knew the jokes, but I think it's also partly because I realized this time how judgmental and based-on-stereotypes some of Matheus's thoughts and jokes were. That was the only thing that bothered me about the book.
There was still lots of other humor too though. Matheus, as I said, could be judgmental, and immature, but he was relatable in other ways as well as quippy and sarcastic. Quin was even more sarcastic when he wanted to be though. Not only is he funny, he's just unhinged and deadly enough that he's the type of character who's likeable if you're on his side but terrifying if you're not. All the characters are great though with their own personalities, motivations, emotions, and complexities.
But for all the humor, there was some deeper emotion and questioning of morality as Matheus struggled with becoming a vampire, like when he killed for the first time, and after the traumatizing experience in woods. There was also some darkness and intensity, like when they were being hunted and during various other scenes I can't explain because of spoilers. And the author didn't shy away from disturbing, gritty things in the darker scenes. It was kind of an odd juxtaposition, but it worked, and those scenes managed to suck me in even more than the funny ones.
But oh, the romance (or lack thereof) was the best part! Talk about a slow burn. I believe the anticipation of things is half the fun. So yes, please do torture me by drawing out the romance until I feel like I'm going to explode if they don't JUST KISS ALREADY AND DAMMIT, MILO, COULD YOUR TIMING WITH INTERRUPTIONS BE ANY WORSE??? What was I saying? Oh yes. I love it because, once they do kiss, *sigh* it's that much better. And this book was delightfully torturous in that regard.
My thoughts exactly.
Not only that, Matheus and Quin made the perfect couple. And by couple, I mean not a couple. And by perfect, I mean they constantly bickered and only half-teasingly threatened to maim each other (as you do when you're a vampire). But I have never read about two characters who just seemed to fit and complement each other so perfectly. Their senses of humor, their temperaments, and their personalities balanced and meshed so well. And I swooned so hard when Quin explained why he calls Matheus by the nickname Sunshine. Even though turning Matheus without consent was wrong (he's a vampire, he's been alive 1,700 years, I don't expect paranormal/immortal creatures to act using the same set of morals as humans), Quin was good to him, taught him, tried to give him space, and did do some sweet things.
I first read this series in ebook form, but I’ve also listened to the audiobooks, so here are my thoughts on the audio for the whole series. The narrator, James Patrick Cronin, is good at narrating, has a nice voice, and does a fairly good job of differentiating characters with voices and accents. I’d try more audiobooks by him. But I didn’t like how he voiced Quin and Alistair throughout the series. I didn’t mind the voices so much as the way he spoke in a less natural, more dramatic way. Their tone didn’t always match the emotion and situation behind the words, in my opinion. Maybe I’m just being extra picky because this is one of my favorite series, but it made it hard for me to sink into the emotional scenes with those characters. The other characters sounded ok though. And the narration and Matheus’s dialogue were still good. But I’d recommend reading the normal way if possible if you’re a picky listener like I am.
So overall, some of the humor was a little iffy, but I loved the slow burn romance, and the story and characters kept me hooked until the end! And having read this whole series multiple times, I can tell you that the story only gets better and is one of my favorites.
*I’ve read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 1st read, slightly updated after my 2nd and 3rd reads.*
Reread Ratings:
4 Stars (1st Read – 2016)
4 Stars (2nd Read – 2017)
4.5 Stars (3rd Read – 2020)
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes M/M vampire books, sarcastic characters with fun banter, slow burn romance, and a good combo of darkness, intensity, emotion, and humor.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
As much as I enjoy the typical vampire tropes, I also like when those tropes are turned on their heads, and that was one of my favorite things about this book. For one thing, these vampires were not all perfect and porcelain. In fact, Matheus described Quin as, "Not even his mother would have called him handsome, but people would have had a hard time forgetting his features." (But Matheus liked his snaggletooth <3) He also had darker skin, rather than the usual pale, because he was Roman. And Matheus was the clumsiest character I've ever read about---he must've tripped and fell 27 times throughout the book. For another thing, Quin didn't abandon Matheus or treat him horribly, the way sires often do. I'm also always thinking about how I want more books with baby vamps who grew up in current times and are just kind of adjusting to life as a vampire, and that was exactly what Matheus was. It was also funny that Quin was not a morning (or night, I guess) person since you just never read about vampires struggling to wake up and mumbling and trying to go back to sleep. Last but not least, feeding wasn't sexy, it was just feeding, which was admittedly disappointing since I like that trope, but still.
"You’re looking for a meal, not a date. Don’t confuse the two.”
“I thought that was part of the package.”
“Tell me, did you usually make out with your hamburgers before you ate them? The answer better be no, or you are on your own.”
I have to admit though, I found this book funnier the first time I read it than I did the second. That's probably partly because I already knew the jokes, but I think it's also partly because I realized this time how judgmental and based-on-stereotypes some of Matheus's thoughts and jokes were. That was the only thing that bothered me about the book.
There was still lots of other humor too though. Matheus, as I said, could be judgmental, and immature, but he was relatable in other ways as well as quippy and sarcastic. Quin was even more sarcastic when he wanted to be though. Not only is he funny, he's just unhinged and deadly enough that he's the type of character who's likeable if you're on his side but terrifying if you're not. All the characters are great though with their own personalities, motivations, emotions, and complexities.
The man took a half-step back. Matheus didn’t blame him. No one wanted to trifle with someone who could smile through a shattered cheekbone.
But for all the humor, there was some deeper emotion and questioning of morality as Matheus struggled with becoming a vampire, like when he killed for the first time, and after the traumatizing experience in woods. There was also some darkness and intensity, like when they were being hunted and during various other scenes I can't explain because of spoilers. And the author didn't shy away from disturbing, gritty things in the darker scenes. It was kind of an odd juxtaposition, but it worked, and those scenes managed to suck me in even more than the funny ones.
But oh, the romance (or lack thereof) was the best part! Talk about a slow burn. I believe the anticipation of things is half the fun. So yes, please do torture me by drawing out the romance until I feel like I'm going to explode if they don't JUST KISS ALREADY AND DAMMIT, MILO, COULD YOUR TIMING WITH INTERRUPTIONS BE ANY WORSE??? What was I saying? Oh yes. I love it because, once they do kiss, *sigh* it's that much better. And this book was delightfully torturous in that regard.
"What happened?”
“Nothing. Milo interrupted.”
“Damn Milo.”
My thoughts exactly.
Not only that, Matheus and Quin made the perfect couple. And by couple, I mean not a couple. And by perfect, I mean they constantly bickered and only half-teasingly threatened to maim each other (as you do when you're a vampire). But I have never read about two characters who just seemed to fit and complement each other so perfectly. Their senses of humor, their temperaments, and their personalities balanced and meshed so well. And I swooned so hard when Quin explained why he calls Matheus by the nickname Sunshine. Even though turning Matheus without consent was wrong (he's a vampire, he's been alive 1,700 years, I don't expect paranormal/immortal creatures to act using the same set of morals as humans), Quin was good to him, taught him, tried to give him space, and did do some sweet things.
I first read this series in ebook form, but I’ve also listened to the audiobooks, so here are my thoughts on the audio for the whole series. The narrator, James Patrick Cronin, is good at narrating, has a nice voice, and does a fairly good job of differentiating characters with voices and accents. I’d try more audiobooks by him. But I didn’t like how he voiced Quin and Alistair throughout the series. I didn’t mind the voices so much as the way he spoke in a less natural, more dramatic way. Their tone didn’t always match the emotion and situation behind the words, in my opinion. Maybe I’m just being extra picky because this is one of my favorite series, but it made it hard for me to sink into the emotional scenes with those characters. The other characters sounded ok though. And the narration and Matheus’s dialogue were still good. But I’d recommend reading the normal way if possible if you’re a picky listener like I am.
So overall, some of the humor was a little iffy, but I loved the slow burn romance, and the story and characters kept me hooked until the end! And having read this whole series multiple times, I can tell you that the story only gets better and is one of my favorites.
*I’ve read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 1st read, slightly updated after my 2nd and 3rd reads.*
Reread Ratings:
4 Stars (1st Read – 2016)
4 Stars (2nd Read – 2017)
4.5 Stars (3rd Read – 2020)
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes M/M vampire books, sarcastic characters with fun banter, slow burn romance, and a good combo of darkness, intensity, emotion, and humor.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
August 3, 2016
The book bored me silly. I thought with a satire title the book would be funny. It wasn’t. Oh, there was one joke at Twilight’s expense but it was more of a nod to the title than a true attempt at humor. Other than that, the book had nothing that could be deemed funny whatsoever. The book was 90% filler, 10% plot, and I’m being lenient.
+ the characters
Matheus was whiny and reckless. He never persisted in seeking answers as he should have. Many questions should have been answered on the spot for the sake of the plot. Those answers would have educated him and more importantly, the reader. They would have explained what the fuck that was going on. It was absurd how Quin repeatedly and voluntarily put himself in danger with Matheus rashly chasing after him as if both had a death wish. I hated how despite his attraction to Quin, Matheus kept insisting that he was not gay and that being gay is all right but he’s not gay. The dude protested too much. Nobody was fooled.
Quin humored Matheus too much. He acted too mellow and patient with Matheus’s crap to be convincing as an antediluvian master vampire. I wished he took more care to discipline Matheus because the dude needed it, if not for Matheus than for me and my patience. However, what I truly took issue was his reticence. Quin was not a silent person but rarely did he ever say things that mattered, things that revealed his motives for all the seemingly random actions that he did. I never learned why he turned Matheus and claimed him as his soul mate.
+ the plot
There were a lot of things that I never learned that the book should have told me. Dialogues were rarely meaningful. In the rare occasions that they were and gave long-desired answers, they didn’t have the impact on the characters that they should have. “Oh, my ex-girlfriend/childhood friend was a werewolf all along? Okey dokey. Let’s return to chatting about meaningless shit.” Virtually everything, from the dialogue to the action, was delivered in a deadpan way.
The plot lacked that pull that keeps a reader reading. The reasons I finished the book at all were because of my unreasonable distaste to leave a book unfinished and my obligation to review the book. Not until the last third of the book did the plot finally seemed like it was going in a direction instead of wandering around like a bored kid. On the rising action part of the plot, readers learn a war was being waged between vampires and vampires-hating humans, something so incredibly important it should have been declared immediately in the beginning.
What was worse was that it was not until the last minute did the relationship between Matheus and Quin made an inch of progress. I knew this book was not a mm-romance, but FFS. I couldn’t believe it took so long for Matheus to even consider accepting his feelings for Quin. I couldn’t believe Quin never made a move and communicated his feelings towards Matheus. It was cliché how it took something seriously dangerous, with both men on the edge of life and true death, for them to open up to one another.
Equally bad was the fact that the ending was left open. The villains weren’t defeated. Nothing was resolved. Nothing.
In Conclusion
I rate Real Vampires Don’t Sparkle 2-stars for it was okay but only because I was bored and not actively annoyed. Though the writing was competent, the storytelling was crap. The book was a pointless time-suck. Do not recommend.
+ the characters
Matheus was whiny and reckless. He never persisted in seeking answers as he should have. Many questions should have been answered on the spot for the sake of the plot. Those answers would have educated him and more importantly, the reader. They would have explained what the fuck that was going on. It was absurd how Quin repeatedly and voluntarily put himself in danger with Matheus rashly chasing after him as if both had a death wish. I hated how despite his attraction to Quin, Matheus kept insisting that he was not gay and that being gay is all right but he’s not gay. The dude protested too much. Nobody was fooled.
Quin humored Matheus too much. He acted too mellow and patient with Matheus’s crap to be convincing as an antediluvian master vampire. I wished he took more care to discipline Matheus because the dude needed it, if not for Matheus than for me and my patience. However, what I truly took issue was his reticence. Quin was not a silent person but rarely did he ever say things that mattered, things that revealed his motives for all the seemingly random actions that he did. I never learned why he turned Matheus and claimed him as his soul mate.
+ the plot
There were a lot of things that I never learned that the book should have told me. Dialogues were rarely meaningful. In the rare occasions that they were and gave long-desired answers, they didn’t have the impact on the characters that they should have. “Oh, my ex-girlfriend/childhood friend was a werewolf all along? Okey dokey. Let’s return to chatting about meaningless shit.” Virtually everything, from the dialogue to the action, was delivered in a deadpan way.
The plot lacked that pull that keeps a reader reading. The reasons I finished the book at all were because of my unreasonable distaste to leave a book unfinished and my obligation to review the book. Not until the last third of the book did the plot finally seemed like it was going in a direction instead of wandering around like a bored kid. On the rising action part of the plot, readers learn a war was being waged between vampires and vampires-hating humans, something so incredibly important it should have been declared immediately in the beginning.
What was worse was that it was not until the last minute did the relationship between Matheus and Quin made an inch of progress. I knew this book was not a mm-romance, but FFS. I couldn’t believe it took so long for Matheus to even consider accepting his feelings for Quin. I couldn’t believe Quin never made a move and communicated his feelings towards Matheus. It was cliché how it took something seriously dangerous, with both men on the edge of life and true death, for them to open up to one another.
Equally bad was the fact that the ending was left open. The villains weren’t defeated. Nothing was resolved. Nothing.
In Conclusion
I rate Real Vampires Don’t Sparkle 2-stars for it was okay but only because I was bored and not actively annoyed. Though the writing was competent, the storytelling was crap. The book was a pointless time-suck. Do not recommend.
March 28, 2016
Post read: Full review to come. Not as good as I was hoping it would be, but it had some interesting moments. I read this (finally!) during the three-week hiatus I had from the internet. Thinking over the rating still, but I'm settling between 2.5 and 3 stars.
Pre-read:
I requested this on NetGalley, and admittedly, from both the title and blurb, this sounds interesting. I hope I get a chance to read it.
Edit: YAY!!! I got the galley! This should be on my reading list very soon. :P
Pre-read:
I requested this on NetGalley, and admittedly, from both the title and blurb, this sounds interesting. I hope I get a chance to read it.
Edit: YAY!!! I got the galley! This should be on my reading list very soon. :P
May 4, 2016
Matheus Taylor just wanted to disappear. He's pretty sure getting himself murdered was the epitome of "be careful what you wish for" coming to haunt his newly undead ass. But he can't undo his undeadness, no matter how hard he wishes. Or how hard he wants to send his murderer straight into the daylight.
Except, Quin--asshole, murderer, and annoying temptation--just might be waking parts of Matheus that he thought long, long dead. Not that Matheus is gay. Nope. And that whole annoying erection was just a reflex action. Besides, Quin is a murdering asshole. Wanting to be flat on his back while Quin's body pins him between mattress and pure frustrating temptation...well, that's just the bond talking. Right?
There is no time to spend on protestations--or prostrations--though, 'cause something or someone is picking off the undead. And, unfortunately, Quin seems intent on throwing himself into situations that require Matheus to save his ancient ass. Not that Matheus has any clue how to go about doing that. Or why he would want to.
Sometimes, death makes life look like a freaking cakewalk. And, sometimes, life after death makes cake look like soggy biscuits.
Matheus and Quin are my favorite type of vampires. Quin has lived long enough to realize that he is who he is, and that while it isn't the best situation in the world, he's not going to go all emo about being a vamp. And Matheus, who totally hates what has happened to him, dislikes what he has to do to survive, but--and thank god for this--doesn't spend the entire book whining about how he has to drink blood now, and he is a monster and a whole bag of Woe Is Me! It is a relief to read a story where I don't have to spend the whole book wanting to pry open the mouth of the vampire and just poor blood down their throat so that they will stop being such an annoying ass.*
Life hasn't been kind to either man, and well, death seems intent on kicking both of their asses, but I love how they refuse to bow down and die. Matheus has a few moments of weakness, of wanting to do anything to go back to his old life--where at least everything was sane, if not happy--but he pulls himself together and sees that a life spent trying to be something he's not is far worse than making a life out of something he never wanted. And Quin refuses to stop fighting, even when he thinks he's fighting Matheus.
I have a bit of a thing for supernatural bonds, but I'm not a big fan of the whole insta-love that comes with it sometimes. Not that that is a problem here. Insta-hate, or fear, or just plain annoyance, would be a better descripter of what these two feel when they--or really Quin--bind themselves together. We are never really told clearly why Quin does it, and Matheus certainly wishes he hadn't, but I like the connection between them. This undefined link between them serves as a link binding two people that would, at times, rather kick than kiss each other. There is not a whole lot of romance in this book, but there is an awful lot of heat, and want, and almost touches, that you get the feeling that no matter how much Matheus want to deny he's gay, or Quin wants to be all mysterious and aloof, that they are going to collide and when they do it is going to be magnificent.
If there is any downside to this book it is that bloody cliffhanger. I didn't want the story to stop, and when it did I felt like crying, or going back and reading it all again. I'm a big fan of snark, a huge fan of sexual tension, and a believer that vampires should only sparkle if you dump a bucket of glitter on them (and then, of course, they'll eat you, but they'll be sparkly when the do it!). I like the darkness in this story and that it never goes full on black-out because you have the wonderful snide jokes and simmering lust between Quin and Matheus. It kept me reading straight through the night, and right up until dawn. Rather fitting for a book about two of my new favorite vampires. 5 stars, and a pleading note to publish the second book quick. Please.
*Might, sometimes, have the same impulse around vegans, but I don't look good in orange, and I think one member of my dad's family parading around behind bars is quite enough.
Except, Quin--asshole, murderer, and annoying temptation--just might be waking parts of Matheus that he thought long, long dead. Not that Matheus is gay. Nope. And that whole annoying erection was just a reflex action. Besides, Quin is a murdering asshole. Wanting to be flat on his back while Quin's body pins him between mattress and pure frustrating temptation...well, that's just the bond talking. Right?
There is no time to spend on protestations--or prostrations--though, 'cause something or someone is picking off the undead. And, unfortunately, Quin seems intent on throwing himself into situations that require Matheus to save his ancient ass. Not that Matheus has any clue how to go about doing that. Or why he would want to.
Sometimes, death makes life look like a freaking cakewalk. And, sometimes, life after death makes cake look like soggy biscuits.
Matheus and Quin are my favorite type of vampires. Quin has lived long enough to realize that he is who he is, and that while it isn't the best situation in the world, he's not going to go all emo about being a vamp. And Matheus, who totally hates what has happened to him, dislikes what he has to do to survive, but--and thank god for this--doesn't spend the entire book whining about how he has to drink blood now, and he is a monster and a whole bag of Woe Is Me! It is a relief to read a story where I don't have to spend the whole book wanting to pry open the mouth of the vampire and just poor blood down their throat so that they will stop being such an annoying ass.*
Life hasn't been kind to either man, and well, death seems intent on kicking both of their asses, but I love how they refuse to bow down and die. Matheus has a few moments of weakness, of wanting to do anything to go back to his old life--where at least everything was sane, if not happy--but he pulls himself together and sees that a life spent trying to be something he's not is far worse than making a life out of something he never wanted. And Quin refuses to stop fighting, even when he thinks he's fighting Matheus.
I have a bit of a thing for supernatural bonds, but I'm not a big fan of the whole insta-love that comes with it sometimes. Not that that is a problem here. Insta-hate, or fear, or just plain annoyance, would be a better descripter of what these two feel when they--or really Quin--bind themselves together. We are never really told clearly why Quin does it, and Matheus certainly wishes he hadn't, but I like the connection between them. This undefined link between them serves as a link binding two people that would, at times, rather kick than kiss each other. There is not a whole lot of romance in this book, but there is an awful lot of heat, and want, and almost touches, that you get the feeling that no matter how much Matheus want to deny he's gay, or Quin wants to be all mysterious and aloof, that they are going to collide and when they do it is going to be magnificent.
If there is any downside to this book it is that bloody cliffhanger. I didn't want the story to stop, and when it did I felt like crying, or going back and reading it all again. I'm a big fan of snark, a huge fan of sexual tension, and a believer that vampires should only sparkle if you dump a bucket of glitter on them (and then, of course, they'll eat you, but they'll be sparkly when the do it!). I like the darkness in this story and that it never goes full on black-out because you have the wonderful snide jokes and simmering lust between Quin and Matheus. It kept me reading straight through the night, and right up until dawn. Rather fitting for a book about two of my new favorite vampires. 5 stars, and a pleading note to publish the second book quick. Please.
*Might, sometimes, have the same impulse around vegans, but I don't look good in orange, and I think one member of my dad's family parading around behind bars is quite enough.
January 10, 2023
I read it just for the title ...
Well ... aside from Lover At Last, I'm not into homo-sexy-vampire books ... but this one seemed funny and witty, so I gave it a try .. (The title ... ok??? it was the title!!)
Quin and Matheus are pretty much a modern version of my first vampire love (I'm not kidding ... I was in love with vampires the moment I watched Interview with the Vampire).
Lestat and Louis!!!!
This amazing pic was drawn by Satomi-Chan
Quin is the cool dangerous and sexy gay vamp (Lestat), he turned whiny Matheus (Louis). Quin tries to teach Matheus the way to be a vamp but Matheus is reluctant to assimilate his new vamp side... or his gay side... ohh and he also has daddy issues ... courtesy of Matheus true identity ... (I'll shut up now ... no spoilers)
Well ... that's when the similarities between IWTV and RVDS ends ...
The banter between the characters is pretty good, I was laughing so hard a couple of times :P
Quin is the bad ass old powerful openly gay vampire, and he has the patience of a saint!!! He puts up with Matheus whining and childish tantrums ... also with his denial "To be or not to be gay?". 'Cause Quin wants Matheus, but Matheus does not want to want Quin.
And Matheus ... poor guy, he got rid of his controlling father just to be turned vampire against his will and having Quin telling him what to do. On top of that, he now has to fight the attraction to Quin ... see ... Matheus swears he's straight.
There are other fun characters, like Bianca and Alistar ... ahh Bianca drunk on pain killers thinking the stuffed teddy bears were plotting against her ... that was hilarious ...
The book ending was very ... mhhh ... abrupt ... I mean ... that was no ending ...
Here is the rest of the story
http://curiosityquills.com/real-vampi...
If you want a light funny reading with gay vamps, werewolves and some crazy fanatics ... give this book a chance!!!
Net Galley!!!! provided me the book in exchange for my honest review.
------------------
IG @cafecitoxlibros
Well ... aside from Lover At Last, I'm not into homo-sexy-vampire books ... but this one seemed funny and witty, so I gave it a try .. (The title ... ok??? it was the title!!)
Quin and Matheus are pretty much a modern version of my first vampire love (I'm not kidding ... I was in love with vampires the moment I watched Interview with the Vampire).
Lestat and Louis!!!!
This amazing pic was drawn by Satomi-Chan
Quin is the cool dangerous and sexy gay vamp (Lestat), he turned whiny Matheus (Louis). Quin tries to teach Matheus the way to be a vamp but Matheus is reluctant to assimilate his new vamp side... or his gay side... ohh and he also has daddy issues ... courtesy of Matheus true identity ... (I'll shut up now ... no spoilers)
Well ... that's when the similarities between IWTV and RVDS ends ...
The banter between the characters is pretty good, I was laughing so hard a couple of times :P
Quin is the bad ass old powerful openly gay vampire, and he has the patience of a saint!!! He puts up with Matheus whining and childish tantrums ... also with his denial "To be or not to be gay?". 'Cause Quin wants Matheus, but Matheus does not want to want Quin.
And Matheus ... poor guy, he got rid of his controlling father just to be turned vampire against his will and having Quin telling him what to do. On top of that, he now has to fight the attraction to Quin ... see ... Matheus swears he's straight.
There are other fun characters, like Bianca and Alistar ... ahh Bianca drunk on pain killers thinking the stuffed teddy bears were plotting against her ... that was hilarious ...
The book ending was very ... mhhh ... abrupt ... I mean ... that was no ending ...
Here is the rest of the story
http://curiosityquills.com/real-vampi...
If you want a light funny reading with gay vamps, werewolves and some crazy fanatics ... give this book a chance!!!
Net Galley!!!! provided me the book in exchange for my honest review.
------------------
IG @cafecitoxlibros
June 25, 2013
The title first caught my eye with its not so subtle dig, and the summary sure sounded very interesting, so I requested the galley. Thanks, Curiosity Quills, for the approval.
The book has a somewhat interesting plot, what plot there is, but enough snarky dialogue to keep me entertained throughout.
Matheus and Quin, his Sire, have an antagonistic relationship from the start, what with Quin killing Matheus and turning him into a vampire, something that Matheus doesn't quite appreciate. Both of them are rather adept at keeping secrets from each other, and both pay the price for doing so.
The author wrote a character driven novel that relies on both Matheus and Quin primarily to keep it going. And while Matheus questions his attraction to Quin, and thus his sexuality, not knowing whether the appendage in question even still functions, now that he's undead, he also learns about how to be a vampire.
Quin is a very complex but secretive character, and since we only see him through Matheus' eyes, the reader has to be watchful for the subtle hints that show his real persona. Matheus is mostly whiny, demands to not be treated as a child but acts like one, and never seems to persist in asking the questions he needs answered. He doesn't seem to want to admit that he has to rely on Quin for support, and refuses to let Quin buy him gifts (oh, hello, Bella Swan). He also refused to listen to reason, and feels compelled to go against what he's been told at most opportunities. It wasn't entirely clear whether that's because he has Bella Swan syndrome or is just hellbent on acting like an idiot. Oh, wait...
The supporting cast is nothing much to write home about either. A few other vampires, a werewolf and some bad humans have a role to fulfill in this book. In actuality, most of the humans in this novel, with only two exceptions, were portrayed as horrific examples of their race, and those two were also not much explored. One was looked upon like some loon who had the hots for Matheus, and the other is mostly brainwashed by her father. The rest of the humans in this book are despicable, horrible and outright evil creatures to the extent of being caricatures.
Still, the best parts of the novel were when Matheus and Quin snark with and at each other. And even though there are a couple of kisses, and a very confused Matheus, this isn't a romance.
This book was cruising towards three star territory, and would have gotten there, if it hadn't been for a couple of issues:
- If you choose to use German in your novel, please do not rely on online reviewers/betas to provide you with the proper spelling or expressions. I found numerous errors, that would have been avoided by a native speaker. I am one, and it's one of my pet peeves when a non-native tries to insert a language they are not familiar with. Google Translate is not your friend, and more often than not incorrect. Always, always, always triple-check with more than one native speaker.
- There are also grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors inside that a proofreader should have caught. I hope these errors were fixed prior to publication.
- The endingsucked left me very unsatisfied. It seemed to stop in the middle of a chapter, without explanation, and certainly without a promise of a continuation. While it came after the climax of the story, it still didn't provide the closure I expected.
- Then, I found out, by the author's admission at the end of the book, that this was a story previously posted on FictionPress.net, an online fiction archive, which is supposedly where the author is continuing the story, or where the continuation can be found. This so very much explains why the book is full of meaningless, yet snarky and thus entertaining dialogue, and in dire need of a thorough edit to tighten the narrative, remove the scenes that serve no purpose and make this book, with the great potential it had, into something that's worthy of four stars.
I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
The book has a somewhat interesting plot, what plot there is, but enough snarky dialogue to keep me entertained throughout.
Matheus and Quin, his Sire, have an antagonistic relationship from the start, what with Quin killing Matheus and turning him into a vampire, something that Matheus doesn't quite appreciate. Both of them are rather adept at keeping secrets from each other, and both pay the price for doing so.
The author wrote a character driven novel that relies on both Matheus and Quin primarily to keep it going. And while Matheus questions his attraction to Quin, and thus his sexuality, not knowing whether the appendage in question even still functions, now that he's undead, he also learns about how to be a vampire.
Quin is a very complex but secretive character, and since we only see him through Matheus' eyes, the reader has to be watchful for the subtle hints that show his real persona. Matheus is mostly whiny, demands to not be treated as a child but acts like one, and never seems to persist in asking the questions he needs answered. He doesn't seem to want to admit that he has to rely on Quin for support, and refuses to let Quin buy him gifts (oh, hello, Bella Swan). He also refused to listen to reason, and feels compelled to go against what he's been told at most opportunities. It wasn't entirely clear whether that's because he has Bella Swan syndrome or is just hellbent on acting like an idiot. Oh, wait...
The supporting cast is nothing much to write home about either. A few other vampires, a werewolf and some bad humans have a role to fulfill in this book. In actuality, most of the humans in this novel, with only two exceptions, were portrayed as horrific examples of their race, and those two were also not much explored. One was looked upon like some loon who had the hots for Matheus, and the other is mostly brainwashed by her father. The rest of the humans in this book are despicable, horrible and outright evil creatures to the extent of being caricatures.
Still, the best parts of the novel were when Matheus and Quin snark with and at each other. And even though there are a couple of kisses, and a very confused Matheus, this isn't a romance.
This book was cruising towards three star territory, and would have gotten there, if it hadn't been for a couple of issues:
- If you choose to use German in your novel, please do not rely on online reviewers/betas to provide you with the proper spelling or expressions. I found numerous errors, that would have been avoided by a native speaker. I am one, and it's one of my pet peeves when a non-native tries to insert a language they are not familiar with. Google Translate is not your friend, and more often than not incorrect. Always, always, always triple-check with more than one native speaker.
- There are also grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors inside that a proofreader should have caught. I hope these errors were fixed prior to publication.
- The ending
- Then, I found out, by the author's admission at the end of the book, that this was a story previously posted on FictionPress.net, an online fiction archive, which is supposedly where the author is continuing the story, or where the continuation can be found. This so very much explains why the book is full of meaningless, yet snarky and thus entertaining dialogue, and in dire need of a thorough edit to tighten the narrative, remove the scenes that serve no purpose and make this book, with the great potential it had, into something that's worthy of four stars.
I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
March 27, 2018
That ending, are you kidding me? CLIFFHANGER alert!!!!!! :O They are riding off in a stolen BMW, be petulant children and not talking to each other. Hilarious? Yes. Satisfying ending? No! What to do next? Jump right in to book 2, duh! LOL :D
Rambling review ahead - warning - if you want a more sensible review, read someone else's. My heads just not in it and am letting thoughts spill out messily.
I was able to "read" this thru KU and the audio was a free companion so I went the audio route. Whew, this was a long audio. Over 17 hours! I was able to listen to the bulk of this (~80%) on Saturday doing household chores. I was a little distracted for some of the story, so I didn't hang on every word spoken, but I got the gist of the story. And it made me laugh so I will definitely be reading book 2 (really reading because I don't think the audio is a free KU companion going forward). I've read reviews for book 2 and I understand Quin doesn't play a big role in the next book, which - shame. But I am looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble Matheus can get himself into.
Overall this was good and I really enjoyed the narration.
Story 4 stars
Narration 5 stars
The book likely could have been trimmed down and the story wouldn't have really changed. However, if you are going to buy this audio or use a credit, I think this one is well worth it because for the length of it, this is really a good story. You will definitely get your money's worth. :)
Rambling review ahead - warning - if you want a more sensible review, read someone else's. My heads just not in it and am letting thoughts spill out messily.
I was able to "read" this thru KU and the audio was a free companion so I went the audio route. Whew, this was a long audio. Over 17 hours! I was able to listen to the bulk of this (~80%) on Saturday doing household chores. I was a little distracted for some of the story, so I didn't hang on every word spoken, but I got the gist of the story. And it made me laugh so I will definitely be reading book 2 (really reading because I don't think the audio is a free KU companion going forward). I've read reviews for book 2 and I understand Quin doesn't play a big role in the next book, which - shame. But I am looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble Matheus can get himself into.
Overall this was good and I really enjoyed the narration.
Story 4 stars
Narration 5 stars
The book likely could have been trimmed down and the story wouldn't have really changed. However, if you are going to buy this audio or use a credit, I think this one is well worth it because for the length of it, this is really a good story. You will definitely get your money's worth. :)
February 25, 2015
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I really enjoyed it. On the other hand, both Matheus and Quin annoyed me at times. Yes Matheus did whine more than I liked, but I enjoyed his humor a lot. Quin is a dick, but I liked his interaction with Matheus.
Be warned, this book is cliffhanger! Part of me is mad that I read the book because now I must read the second. Overall, I did enjoy the book.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I really enjoyed it. On the other hand, both Matheus and Quin annoyed me at times. Yes Matheus did whine more than I liked, but I enjoyed his humor a lot. Quin is a dick, but I liked his interaction with Matheus.
Be warned, this book is cliffhanger! Part of me is mad that I read the book because now I must read the second. Overall, I did enjoy the book.
June 17, 2013
Just like the title suggests this is not your typical vampire story. There is no love at first sight. No tame "vegetarian" vampires. What there is though is a gruesome story about a guy who was turned against his will, bonded to his Sire and must come to terms that the things that go bump in the night are real.
"Forget what you saw in the movies. We don't turn into bats, we don't sparkle, and we don't have sex with our prey."
The book is written in Matheus' point of view and I must say, I am not a Matheus fan. He whined throughout the entire book. Every chance he got he complained that Quin turned him. He must have called Quin a "bastard" at least 40 times in the story if not more. All he did was bicker with Quin and whine about his circumstance. He also was thoroughly confused about his sexuality the entire time. He would feel things for Quinn but then push him away, and sulk in his room. He constantly would say "I'm not gay" to the point that I just wanted him to shut up.
"People in Zambia know. The anal-probing aliens tha tpick up hicks on back roads know. When they buzz by in their invisible spaceships, they go, 'oh, no Matheus Taylor. We can't pick him up. He's not gay.'"
I thought Quin's character was really interesting. He is but isn't your typical vampire. Granted he has no qualms about killing humans for his food, he has a code and he sticks to them. For instance he will not attack pregnant women or children. There's even a part in the book where Quin senses a pregnant women is about to become a meal and he kills the vampires who were about to attack her. He also gives Matheus spaces when he needs it, buys him the car that he wanted but knowing that Matheus wouldn't accept a car from him, he says he bought it for himself but since he doesn't drive, Matheus will have to drive the car for him. But at the same time he was conniving and ruthless when it came to getting answers or when dealing with other vampires. He was by far the glue that kept the story together.
"Quin's smile was open and innocent and as fake as the tits on a stripper."
I liked that there weren't butterflies and rainbows to this story. There was a lot of action between the hunt (hunters who release vampires in a remote area and hunt them for sport), vampire conflict and then the big climatic point in the story, there was a lot going on. I really wish that Matheus wasn't such a pansy the entire time but he seemed to finally come to terms with the hand he's been dealt both with the vampirism and his sexuality. The one sucky part about this book though, it literally just ends. I was a little confused when I flipped to the next page and found the acknowledgments section. There has got to be another book after this since there are so many questions left unanswered. The bad guy (to the vampires) is still loose and at large. If the author does write another book to this story I will definitely pick it up. I just hope to God that Matheus grows up in that book.
Favorite quote...
"You're a stalker. That's creepy. Really goddamned creepy. Stop following me. They give out pamphlets about that kind of behavior. Showing up in a pamphlet is never good, Quin."
"Forget what you saw in the movies. We don't turn into bats, we don't sparkle, and we don't have sex with our prey."
The book is written in Matheus' point of view and I must say, I am not a Matheus fan. He whined throughout the entire book. Every chance he got he complained that Quin turned him. He must have called Quin a "bastard" at least 40 times in the story if not more. All he did was bicker with Quin and whine about his circumstance. He also was thoroughly confused about his sexuality the entire time. He would feel things for Quinn but then push him away, and sulk in his room. He constantly would say "I'm not gay" to the point that I just wanted him to shut up.
"People in Zambia know. The anal-probing aliens tha tpick up hicks on back roads know. When they buzz by in their invisible spaceships, they go, 'oh, no Matheus Taylor. We can't pick him up. He's not gay.'"
I thought Quin's character was really interesting. He is but isn't your typical vampire. Granted he has no qualms about killing humans for his food, he has a code and he sticks to them. For instance he will not attack pregnant women or children. There's even a part in the book where Quin senses a pregnant women is about to become a meal and he kills the vampires who were about to attack her. He also gives Matheus spaces when he needs it, buys him the car that he wanted but knowing that Matheus wouldn't accept a car from him, he says he bought it for himself but since he doesn't drive, Matheus will have to drive the car for him. But at the same time he was conniving and ruthless when it came to getting answers or when dealing with other vampires. He was by far the glue that kept the story together.
"Quin's smile was open and innocent and as fake as the tits on a stripper."
I liked that there weren't butterflies and rainbows to this story. There was a lot of action between the hunt (hunters who release vampires in a remote area and hunt them for sport), vampire conflict and then the big climatic point in the story, there was a lot going on. I really wish that Matheus wasn't such a pansy the entire time but he seemed to finally come to terms with the hand he's been dealt both with the vampirism and his sexuality. The one sucky part about this book though, it literally just ends. I was a little confused when I flipped to the next page and found the acknowledgments section. There has got to be another book after this since there are so many questions left unanswered. The bad guy (to the vampires) is still loose and at large. If the author does write another book to this story I will definitely pick it up. I just hope to God that Matheus grows up in that book.
Favorite quote...
"You're a stalker. That's creepy. Really goddamned creepy. Stop following me. They give out pamphlets about that kind of behavior. Showing up in a pamphlet is never good, Quin."
March 19, 2019
This manages to be funny without getting on my nerves, which is a rarity, but, wittiness aside, it's a lot darker than I was expecting. I didn't always like Matheus, but I guess he's a work in progress. I suspect that things are going to get worse before they get better, but at least there will be jokes.
June 21, 2015
3.5-4
Это первый роман, который я могла спокойно отложить и при этом вернуться, сохраняя интерес. Книга вызвала неоднозначные эмоции и впечатления.
В новинку для меня стала подача вампиров как таковых. Название говорит само за себя - настоящие вампиры не сверкают (да, были отсылки к Сумеркам). Они показаны без прикрас, без романтики. Вампиры не обладают ни сверхсилой, ни паранормальными способностями, ни божественной красотой. Они - те же самые люди, только с клыками, на диете из человеческой крови, засыпающие мертвым сном на восходе и сгорающие на солнце.
Матеус был обращен не по своей воле. И радоваться жизни в новом качестве причин у него нет - надо убивать людей для питания, остерегаться охотников, других могущественных вампиров и людей, которые ставят опыты на таких как он. И это не считая жизни с самим Квином, который его обратил по неизвестным причинам, не дает ступить шагу самостоятельно и не объясняет свои поступки и намерения.
Отсутствие объяснений является одним из недостатков сюжета. Почему обратил, куда пошёл, как попал в плен, что было в пакете, зачем нужны документы и т.д. Вопросов очень много, а ответов почти нет.
Другим минусом книги является бессмысленность сюжета на протяжении большей части. Когда читаешь любовный роман, то ждёшь развития отношений и HEA. Если это приключения или саспенс - то поиска, расследования, спасения от чего-то или кого-то. Какая-либо цель у повествования обычно вырисовывается на раннем этапе.
Здесь же ничего не объясняется, и поэтому сюжетной линии не видно, не понятно для чего все происходит. Живут, спят, питаются, общаются, попадают в непонятные передряги. Более-менее что-то определилось во второй половине книге, и тут я читала без перерыва на другие романы.
Много-много разговоров, что для некоторых станет еще одним минусом. Мне эти перепалки, иначе не назовешь, не мешали. Матеус все свои мысли и слова приправляет сарказмом, и диалоги с его участием забавляют.
Романтическая линия здесь только наметилась. Мы имеем полтора поцелуя и ни каких обещаний развития.
Что касается, самих героев, то и они тоже далеки от совершенства. Квин, загадочный и скрытный, часто бесит свои нежеланием отвечать на вопросы. Матеус периодически ведет себя как подросток, но его можно понять в сложившихся обстоятельствах. Другие персонажи интересны в своем разнообразии.
И еще один недостаток у книги, а точнее у серии в целом - это концовки. Первая книга просто неожиданно обрывается, про вторую пишут, что она заканчивается клифхэнгером, а третья еще и не издана. Мне интересно продолжение, но я не возьмусь читать дальше, пока не выйдет третья и в отзывах не напишут, что там будет развязка. Хорошо, что она хоть уже написана.
Это первый роман, который я могла спокойно отложить и при этом вернуться, сохраняя интерес. Книга вызвала неоднозначные эмоции и впечатления.
В новинку для меня стала подача вампиров как таковых. Название говорит само за себя - настоящие вампиры не сверкают (да, были отсылки к Сумеркам). Они показаны без прикрас, без романтики. Вампиры не обладают ни сверхсилой, ни паранормальными способностями, ни божественной красотой. Они - те же самые люди, только с клыками, на диете из человеческой крови, засыпающие мертвым сном на восходе и сгорающие на солнце.
Матеус был обращен не по своей воле. И радоваться жизни в новом качестве причин у него нет - надо убивать людей для питания, остерегаться охотников, других могущественных вампиров и людей, которые ставят опыты на таких как он. И это не считая жизни с самим Квином, который его обратил по неизвестным причинам, не дает ступить шагу самостоятельно и не объясняет свои поступки и намерения.
Отсутствие объяснений является одним из недостатков сюжета. Почему обратил, куда пошёл, как попал в плен, что было в пакете, зачем нужны документы и т.д. Вопросов очень много, а ответов почти нет.
Другим минусом книги является бессмысленность сюжета на протяжении большей части. Когда читаешь любовный роман, то ждёшь развития отношений и HEA. Если это приключения или саспенс - то поиска, расследования, спасения от чего-то или кого-то. Какая-либо цель у повествования обычно вырисовывается на раннем этапе.
Здесь же ничего не объясняется, и поэтому сюжетной линии не видно, не понятно для чего все происходит. Живут, спят, питаются, общаются, попадают в непонятные передряги. Более-менее что-то определилось во второй половине книге, и тут я читала без перерыва на другие романы.
Много-много разговоров, что для некоторых станет еще одним минусом. Мне эти перепалки, иначе не назовешь, не мешали. Матеус все свои мысли и слова приправляет сарказмом, и диалоги с его участием забавляют.
Романтическая линия здесь только наметилась. Мы имеем полтора поцелуя и ни каких обещаний развития.
Что касается, самих героев, то и они тоже далеки от совершенства. Квин, загадочный и скрытный, часто бесит свои нежеланием отвечать на вопросы. Матеус периодически ведет себя как подросток, но его можно понять в сложившихся обстоятельствах. Другие персонажи интересны в своем разнообразии.
И еще один недостаток у книги, а точнее у серии в целом - это концовки. Первая книга просто неожиданно обрывается, про вторую пишут, что она заканчивается клифхэнгером, а третья еще и не издана. Мне интересно продолжение, но я не возьмусь читать дальше, пока не выйдет третья и в отзывах не напишут, что там будет развязка. Хорошо, что она хоть уже написана.
February 24, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was an interesting first book for a series that I ended up reading back-to-back. Not cheap to buy in Aussie dollars either so you could say I was engaged. It could have been trimmed down overall, some of the dialogue and introspection removed, some tighter editing, and it would have been a better book for it. Still, it sucked me in enough to read books 1-3 consecutively, over a thousand pages in total, and enjoy it.
Quin's a seventeen-hundred year old vampire who suddenly turns (and claims) a guy who he's had steal something for him. There is no backstory to either of them, it's pretty much straight into the turning. From then on, it's Matheus coming to grips with what's happened to him, being pissy about it. Other issues arise, like Matheus' father, a real peach, and a cast of characters that were slowly developed, clearly to lead into the other books.
There is a lot of humour, Quin and Matheus bicker, boy can they bicker, and Matheus can whine, and the book can be bloody - I happen to enjoy bloody and humorous when combined and written well, which it mostly is. There is action but the pacing wasn't as on point as I would have liked.
Further review at the other blog I review at, one for PNR, UF... and more - Dark Hints.
This was an interesting first book for a series that I ended up reading back-to-back. Not cheap to buy in Aussie dollars either so you could say I was engaged. It could have been trimmed down overall, some of the dialogue and introspection removed, some tighter editing, and it would have been a better book for it. Still, it sucked me in enough to read books 1-3 consecutively, over a thousand pages in total, and enjoy it.
Quin's a seventeen-hundred year old vampire who suddenly turns (and claims) a guy who he's had steal something for him. There is no backstory to either of them, it's pretty much straight into the turning. From then on, it's Matheus coming to grips with what's happened to him, being pissy about it. Other issues arise, like Matheus' father, a real peach, and a cast of characters that were slowly developed, clearly to lead into the other books.
There is a lot of humour, Quin and Matheus bicker, boy can they bicker, and Matheus can whine, and the book can be bloody - I happen to enjoy bloody and humorous when combined and written well, which it mostly is. There is action but the pacing wasn't as on point as I would have liked.
Further review at the other blog I review at, one for PNR, UF... and more - Dark Hints.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 16, 2015Currently free on amazon.
Only got to 2%
I thought from the title this was going to be a light funny romp and perhaps it is; I quite liked the intro but then the story started and there were too many bodily fluids - of the non-blood sort . Seemed more distasteful than funny. Not a book to be starting on your lunch break.
Humour and squicks are both individual - you might like it.
Only got to 2%
I thought from the title this was going to be a light funny romp and perhaps it is; I quite liked the intro but then the story started and there were too many bodily fluids - of the non-blood sort . Seemed more distasteful than funny. Not a book to be starting on your lunch break.
Humour and squicks are both individual - you might like it.
June 6, 2020
This book is leaving me rather confused and conflicted... In the beginning I was ready to almost DNF it but, as I'm a sucker, decided to push on. Then the characters began to grow on me and I needed to know what was going to happen. Then, a bit into the story, Quin's secrecy began to grate. Why not tell us a bit more about what's going on? Why all the cloak and dagger stuff? But of course, by this time I'm invested and I need to know the answers to my questions.
I had hoped to gain a little more info before the cliffhanger, which I knew about before going in. However that was completely dashed when the book ended very abruptly. Even though I knew it was coming, it still took me by surprise.
I will read the next one, but because I have so many mixed feelings, I think I'd do better to wait at least a few days and read something else in between. Otherwise I might still DNF and boot the whole thing if I don't get the info I'm looking for.
I had hoped to gain a little more info before the cliffhanger, which I knew about before going in. However that was completely dashed when the book ended very abruptly. Even though I knew it was coming, it still took me by surprise.
I will read the next one, but because I have so many mixed feelings, I think I'd do better to wait at least a few days and read something else in between. Otherwise I might still DNF and boot the whole thing if I don't get the info I'm looking for.
October 29, 2018
I really don't have words that will do this audiobook justice. The author and narrator were new to me but I must say I will be back for more. This story was great - complex and riddled with humor and snide or snarky comments by both MCs, but primarily Matheus, formerly human, now vampire. Quin, his mentor and creator was equally fantastic.
I loved Matheus's insights into whether or not he is really straight and his commentary on his family, his sexuality, on Quin, pretty much on everything.
This was one of the most highly entertaining audios I've ever listened to. No sex, but the beginnings of what may eventually be a relationship, definitely the stirrings of attraction, and an interesting ending. I definitely plan to get the rest of the audios in the series.
Again, I can't recommend this highly enough. Pure pleasure listening to this one.
I loved Matheus's insights into whether or not he is really straight and his commentary on his family, his sexuality, on Quin, pretty much on everything.
This was one of the most highly entertaining audios I've ever listened to. No sex, but the beginnings of what may eventually be a relationship, definitely the stirrings of attraction, and an interesting ending. I definitely plan to get the rest of the audios in the series.
Again, I can't recommend this highly enough. Pure pleasure listening to this one.
May 15, 2023
Intriguing
July 17, 2013
(I got this book from NetGalley, in exchange for a honest review.)
There are good ideas in this novel, but I think it's in need of serious editing and cutting for the story to become more interesting. While there was some humour in it, and a few dialogue lines that made me smile, things tended to go on for too long in between plot points, without necessarily providing information and/or character growth. It made me feel like the story was dragging on, and in turn, I had a hard time pushing myself to read it.
The characters have their interesting sides, and some dialogues had a nice dynamics—what can I say, I like a dose of healthy snark. On the other hand, too often they behaved like drama queens, with a lot of pouting, glaring and other behaviours I'd associate to teenage girls rather than to grown-up men, especially when those are supposed to have lived for centuries and be all badass otherwise. Matheus struck me as childish most of the time, and only in the very last part did he seem to partly grow out of this. I expected Quin to be less patient with his antics, and show him things the hard way, instead of letting him pout and whine, with the occasional outburst. (Same with Alistair, who in my opinion should have been old enough to get over it.) Not to mention that Quin kept too much to himself, which led to Matheus not understanding, demanding answers, being denied them, throwing a tantrum, then dropping the matter—only to run after Quin when the latter went out to do something dangerous.
As for the plot itself, it's quite hard to define. It was partly too full (the hunters, Zeb's book, Milo's role, Bianca, the 'real bad guys'...), and yet at the same time went too slowly, being glazed over in favour of what I might called "filling up". Also, in the end, several things remained to be solved. Was there a traitor? Why did Quin claim Matheus, what prompted him to turn him instead of just murdering him? Perhaps this story would have fared better if divided between two books, and with less bantering in between turning points. For instance, Matheus discovering the world of vampires, going on his first hunts, being confronted to Grigori and the others, and to the hunters, would've made a complete story in itself. The way things were, I found those aspects weren't explored enough, and left too much room instead to those behaviours I mentioned above—which sure didn't fit well with what the title had led me to expect.
It looks like this is the first volume, and another one will follow, hopefully bringing answers. However, I'm still convinced it would've fared better with more editing, even if this meant going with two books instead of the one. The war mentioned in the last third would really deserve its own story, set apart from the rest—or be made the main plot from the beginning, without all the interruptions in between.
There are good ideas in this novel, but I think it's in need of serious editing and cutting for the story to become more interesting. While there was some humour in it, and a few dialogue lines that made me smile, things tended to go on for too long in between plot points, without necessarily providing information and/or character growth. It made me feel like the story was dragging on, and in turn, I had a hard time pushing myself to read it.
The characters have their interesting sides, and some dialogues had a nice dynamics—what can I say, I like a dose of healthy snark. On the other hand, too often they behaved like drama queens, with a lot of pouting, glaring and other behaviours I'd associate to teenage girls rather than to grown-up men, especially when those are supposed to have lived for centuries and be all badass otherwise. Matheus struck me as childish most of the time, and only in the very last part did he seem to partly grow out of this. I expected Quin to be less patient with his antics, and show him things the hard way, instead of letting him pout and whine, with the occasional outburst. (Same with Alistair, who in my opinion should have been old enough to get over it.) Not to mention that Quin kept too much to himself, which led to Matheus not understanding, demanding answers, being denied them, throwing a tantrum, then dropping the matter—only to run after Quin when the latter went out to do something dangerous.
As for the plot itself, it's quite hard to define. It was partly too full (the hunters, Zeb's book, Milo's role, Bianca, the 'real bad guys'...), and yet at the same time went too slowly, being glazed over in favour of what I might called "filling up". Also, in the end, several things remained to be solved. Was there a traitor? Why did Quin claim Matheus, what prompted him to turn him instead of just murdering him? Perhaps this story would have fared better if divided between two books, and with less bantering in between turning points. For instance, Matheus discovering the world of vampires, going on his first hunts, being confronted to Grigori and the others, and to the hunters, would've made a complete story in itself. The way things were, I found those aspects weren't explored enough, and left too much room instead to those behaviours I mentioned above—which sure didn't fit well with what the title had led me to expect.
It looks like this is the first volume, and another one will follow, hopefully bringing answers. However, I'm still convinced it would've fared better with more editing, even if this meant going with two books instead of the one. The war mentioned in the last third would really deserve its own story, set apart from the rest—or be made the main plot from the beginning, without all the interruptions in between.
August 22, 2024
ETA in 2024: I feared a bit that I would not love the story as much as I did 7 years ago, but lo and behold, this sarcastic story still capture my attention like none other and I am still in love.
Oh, wow. I never expected to fall head over heels in love with this book, but I did. It was almost like a love at first sight as I was completely bewitched by the humour and sarcasm in this book. I laughed constantly and I am completely enamored with Quin and Matheus.
Continue reading my review HERE.
The Book Challengers blog // The Book Challengers Instagram // The Book Challengers Twitter
Oh, wow. I never expected to fall head over heels in love with this book, but I did. It was almost like a love at first sight as I was completely bewitched by the humour and sarcasm in this book. I laughed constantly and I am completely enamored with Quin and Matheus.
Continue reading my review HERE.
The Book Challengers blog // The Book Challengers Instagram // The Book Challengers Twitter
January 8, 2018
There is a pretty great book in there. It needs a bit of tough-love editing (mostly a bit of tightening of the plot). But it's there. Great banter, I like the characters and the story is not half-bad. It just needs some red ink. Still, I chuckled more than once and I kind of enjoy reading it - not all the time but most of the time. So that is a solid 3.4 stars. Good potential and since it's on KU, I'll just jump into the next one.
[EDIT: Also, dear author, or any author who reads this, really, if you need a native speaker to translate a few sentences to German, just give me a shout. The German in this book was not super terrible but also not entirely correct. It's not the end of the world but also easily avoidable. I won't translate whole books because I already do have a job but I can manage a sentence or two now and again.]
[EDIT: Also, dear author, or any author who reads this, really, if you need a native speaker to translate a few sentences to German, just give me a shout. The German in this book was not super terrible but also not entirely correct. It's not the end of the world but also easily avoidable. I won't translate whole books because I already do have a job but I can manage a sentence or two now and again.]
November 14, 2015
I would consider this a more YA book then a MM book. Many YA books saw more sex, not even a ton of sex talk. Just not my thing.
March 29, 2016
4.5 stars!
March 14, 2019
I dnf'd the ebook, but I really liked the audio for some reason, even though some of the voices the narrator did were weird.
December 12, 2017
Good but stagnated
I’ll be honest and say I liked parts of it and didn’t like parts of it.
I like that we’re brought through the story instead of having data dumped at us. I also liked that the author assumed we were smart enough to read between the lines and understand how one character made the decision they did instead of spelling out how Matheus knew Quin was hiding in the outhouse. Lol... I also liked Matheus’ sense of humour. His character cracked me up.
I didn’t like though, that Matheus was so whiny. Even up till the end. He’s had months to come to terms with his undead status. It was getting annoying that his character stayed stagnant. His petulance was becoming less endearing and getting more annoying. Also, it boggles the mind that a 1700 year old vampire would always rush towards danger so much so that he always ends up needing to be rescued by a newbie. I mean, you would think he’s had 1700 years of wisdom and lack of crazy impulse. That made it something that moved the plot line along rather than feeling like an organic progression of the story.
There were a lot of things happening. But it also felt a lot like running on the spot instead of having a destination in mind. There were lots of action. Lots of fighting but, I think we could have gotten further along in the story though...
I do like Matheus, regardless of his bipolar and whiny ways. I also like Quin but like he’s another contradiction. A man who dresses immaculately but slouches like a sloth the moment he’s not standing. Quite a conundrum, both of these characters. But it may not be enough for me to continue with this series... I don’t know. I haven’t decided...
I’ll be honest and say I liked parts of it and didn’t like parts of it.
I like that we’re brought through the story instead of having data dumped at us. I also liked that the author assumed we were smart enough to read between the lines and understand how one character made the decision they did instead of spelling out how Matheus knew Quin was hiding in the outhouse. Lol... I also liked Matheus’ sense of humour. His character cracked me up.
I didn’t like though, that Matheus was so whiny. Even up till the end. He’s had months to come to terms with his undead status. It was getting annoying that his character stayed stagnant. His petulance was becoming less endearing and getting more annoying. Also, it boggles the mind that a 1700 year old vampire would always rush towards danger so much so that he always ends up needing to be rescued by a newbie. I mean, you would think he’s had 1700 years of wisdom and lack of crazy impulse. That made it something that moved the plot line along rather than feeling like an organic progression of the story.
There were a lot of things happening. But it also felt a lot like running on the spot instead of having a destination in mind. There were lots of action. Lots of fighting but, I think we could have gotten further along in the story though...
I do like Matheus, regardless of his bipolar and whiny ways. I also like Quin but like he’s another contradiction. A man who dresses immaculately but slouches like a sloth the moment he’s not standing. Quite a conundrum, both of these characters. But it may not be enough for me to continue with this series... I don’t know. I haven’t decided...
May 31, 2022
A book so full of sass and sarcasm it made my little heart soar. The glares are strong, the blood is flowing and nothing about waking up as a vampire is easy.
I had no idea what I walked in to when I started this book, but I'm so happy I found it.
There is nothing better than Matheus and Quin battling it out verbally, while Matheus finds his footing in a new world which he never asked to join.
The books is the epitome of slow burn, and it suits the theme of Matheus's new found attraction to a man. There is no sexy feeding, euphoria for the victim or anything like that. There are a few grand mansions, and just very much dust. Along with an array of emotionally stunted vampires and at times other creatures.
Though for all the love I have for these two characters, I have no idea how someone who lives so long can get captured so easily.
I jumped straight on to the next book after this one because it ends in a cliffhanger
I had no idea what I walked in to when I started this book, but I'm so happy I found it.
There is nothing better than Matheus and Quin battling it out verbally, while Matheus finds his footing in a new world which he never asked to join.
The books is the epitome of slow burn, and it suits the theme of Matheus's new found attraction to a man. There is no sexy feeding, euphoria for the victim or anything like that. There are a few grand mansions, and just very much dust. Along with an array of emotionally stunted vampires and at times other creatures.
Though for all the love I have for these two characters, I have no idea how someone who lives so long can get captured so easily.
I jumped straight on to the next book after this one because it ends in a cliffhanger
July 26, 2017
Not what I thought but still good
- So... with the title I was expecting some pwp, silly erotic vampire novel. What I got was a completely sex free true horror vampire book with lots of wit and snark. These vampires are the real deal - killing to feed and merciless. And yet Matheus is different. Where it's because of his age or just him in general, he is not happy about his situation. I really liked the characters and although frustrated with the very slow burn, want to read the next book. This one ended quite abruptly and there is so much more to their story!
(One last note, the setting was hard to imagine as there were a lot of britshisms. So many I thought the author was British (she's not, she's from Maine) and the location was originally in England (it's not, I think they're in Florida due to a comment made about a highway, but that doesn't make sense as there was snow...)
- So... with the title I was expecting some pwp, silly erotic vampire novel. What I got was a completely sex free true horror vampire book with lots of wit and snark. These vampires are the real deal - killing to feed and merciless. And yet Matheus is different. Where it's because of his age or just him in general, he is not happy about his situation. I really liked the characters and although frustrated with the very slow burn, want to read the next book. This one ended quite abruptly and there is so much more to their story!
(One last note, the setting was hard to imagine as there were a lot of britshisms. So many I thought the author was British (she's not, she's from Maine) and the location was originally in England (it's not, I think they're in Florida due to a comment made about a highway, but that doesn't make sense as there was snow...)
March 20, 2019
3.5 So sure this was going to be a fave of mine but didn't like the way the plot went in the last part and hearing that Quin isnt in the second one and theres a new love interest dosen't make me want to continue either.
I still enjoyed it but the constant capture got a little too much and disappointed that despite finally kissing because this was a slow burn I fucking loved, the banter and chemistry between the two of them was so on point. And they're going to be over for the majority of the rest of the series, nope I'm out.
I guess I was expecting a romance and it not to have an actual plot so probably that's my fault but still, I wanted just more exploration of the romance I guess, not a screwed up family mess.
I still enjoyed it but the constant capture got a little too much and disappointed that despite finally kissing because this was a slow burn I fucking loved, the banter and chemistry between the two of them was so on point. And they're going to be over for the majority of the rest of the series, nope I'm out.
I guess I was expecting a romance and it not to have an actual plot so probably that's my fault but still, I wanted just more exploration of the romance I guess, not a screwed up family mess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2018
Lots of snark!!! Matheus didn't ask to be turned and lets the world know about it. Unfortunately he has some weird bond with Quin, his murderer/turner, and feels his pain. Someone is trying to eliminate the vampires and Quin is trying to find out who. I figured out the twist early but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the story. Normally I don't like bloody violence but can overlook it easier in fantasy books.
5 stars
5 stars
June 17, 2013
Real Vampires Don't Sparkle Amy Fecteau
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
This sounded interesting from the description. Vampires – a weakness of mine – but in the “old” style, ones that drink human blood and kill, not – as the title says – ones that sparkle and are sweet....
I'm not entirely sure what genre its classed though, definitely fantasy/paranormal but not a deep edge of seat thriller, more an adventure, and it's not a heart-stopping romance though its clear fairly quickly that Quin, who's powerful, very old and openly gay, is more than interested in Mattheus although he's very patient. Mattheus keeps announcing to all he's “not gay!” but finds himself having strange feelings for Quin and wonders if its a latent gay trait or connected to their claiming bond.
There's some great humour too, Him Indoors kept saying “that must be a funny book” as I hadn't realised but several times I was quietly sniggering to myself. I just love the snarky dialogue between Quin and Mattheus. Two well educated people using language to the fullest and adding a richness to the book. Too many novels now are dumbed down to words of very few syllables and its a treat to see an author not afraid to use unusual terminology, and not assuming readers aren't capable of following good literacy.
Poor Mattheus, he thought he'd escaped from an overbearing father then Quin turns him unasked, and he's being told what to do all over again. Quin himself reminded me of Quentin Crisp from The Naked Civil Servant, that extreme compulsion of neatness in dress sense, and the witty, urbane, droll but often incredibly cruel snarkiness when others annoy him. My favourite Q.C. quote is that the dust doesn't get any worse after four years :) Though he shows extreme patience in some ways with Mattheus, he's quickly irritated with others and isn't afraid to let them know it. He has a fearsome reputation in the supernatural world, and Mattheus is one of the few people that dare to argue and shout at him. Quin seems to find it refreshing to have someone who isn't afraid of him and is willing to argue rather than just nod and agree with every word – though Mattheus sometimes goes too far the other way and sounds like a petulant child. That's not a crit BTW but what happens and Quin then makes the most of it.
There were some other fun characters too, Bianca, a long lost friend of Mattheus who turns out to be a supernatural creature – and that shocks poor Mattheus as despite being friends for a long time he had no idea. Then there's handsome Alistair, still languishing over a crush on Quin, epitome of Gayness in his simpering sycophancy that drives Mattheus to some cruel taunts. The man eating (literally and figuratively ) Juliet strikes fear into Mattheus with the way she seems to want to ravish him, the Trio of power holders consisting of the vapid seeming but incredibly cruel Appolonia, frankly just weird Grigori and the collector and vampire genealogy fanatic Zeb. Quin is more powerful than any of the trio but isn't interested in power holding so allows them to keep a balance and feel “in charge”.
Its a novel full of curious ambiguities and political ramifications that mirror so much of real life. The humour is superb, the characters richly drawn and full of “life” – well how else can you describe active and realistic vampires? There's the Hunters – not out to kill through stalking and staking but who want to enjoy the thrill of a chase and enjoy a sort of “paint-ball” game but with vampire targets. They capture and hold vampires ready for their games...The politics of vampire society, the homophobia and openly gay balance, the ethics of vampires killing people to live v humans killing animals to live, and of course the Secrets. It seems everyone is keeping secrets from each other, and it all comes to a head in a quite dramatic finale. The book was a fun read, and from the way it ended I think we may hear more from Quin and Mattheus and the others. Certainly its left open for the secrets that were revealed to have further ramifications. Trust and secrets, and the problems that arise when they come out (unintended pun!) Despite the clear feelings on Quins' side there is a slow burn feel to the romance, with Mattheus struggling with feelings which make him uncomfortable and question his Liberal stance. There's nothing more than a few touches, embraces at times of crisis and finally a few stolen kisses but it shows how one can write romance without being openly graphic. Not that I'm against that, but its good to read a novel where thought is put into how to show feelings without the eternal quick bed hopping so many books contain. Doing it this way must in many ways be more difficult, because it means putting more emphasis on glances, actions and thoughts. I like it though and it works really well here.
At £3.08 for 386 pages its very fairly priced, and for those who want a novel that's more than just sparkly, tweenage, sweetly romantic vampires its well worth reading.
Stars: I'd love to give it five for the fantastic use of the English language thats so rare now in books, but the actual storyline doesn't grab me in the way a five star book needs to. Its a very well deserved four though, and I really hope we hear more from Quin and Mattheus.
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
This sounded interesting from the description. Vampires – a weakness of mine – but in the “old” style, ones that drink human blood and kill, not – as the title says – ones that sparkle and are sweet....
I'm not entirely sure what genre its classed though, definitely fantasy/paranormal but not a deep edge of seat thriller, more an adventure, and it's not a heart-stopping romance though its clear fairly quickly that Quin, who's powerful, very old and openly gay, is more than interested in Mattheus although he's very patient. Mattheus keeps announcing to all he's “not gay!” but finds himself having strange feelings for Quin and wonders if its a latent gay trait or connected to their claiming bond.
There's some great humour too, Him Indoors kept saying “that must be a funny book” as I hadn't realised but several times I was quietly sniggering to myself. I just love the snarky dialogue between Quin and Mattheus. Two well educated people using language to the fullest and adding a richness to the book. Too many novels now are dumbed down to words of very few syllables and its a treat to see an author not afraid to use unusual terminology, and not assuming readers aren't capable of following good literacy.
Poor Mattheus, he thought he'd escaped from an overbearing father then Quin turns him unasked, and he's being told what to do all over again. Quin himself reminded me of Quentin Crisp from The Naked Civil Servant, that extreme compulsion of neatness in dress sense, and the witty, urbane, droll but often incredibly cruel snarkiness when others annoy him. My favourite Q.C. quote is that the dust doesn't get any worse after four years :) Though he shows extreme patience in some ways with Mattheus, he's quickly irritated with others and isn't afraid to let them know it. He has a fearsome reputation in the supernatural world, and Mattheus is one of the few people that dare to argue and shout at him. Quin seems to find it refreshing to have someone who isn't afraid of him and is willing to argue rather than just nod and agree with every word – though Mattheus sometimes goes too far the other way and sounds like a petulant child. That's not a crit BTW but what happens and Quin then makes the most of it.
There were some other fun characters too, Bianca, a long lost friend of Mattheus who turns out to be a supernatural creature – and that shocks poor Mattheus as despite being friends for a long time he had no idea. Then there's handsome Alistair, still languishing over a crush on Quin, epitome of Gayness in his simpering sycophancy that drives Mattheus to some cruel taunts. The man eating (literally and figuratively ) Juliet strikes fear into Mattheus with the way she seems to want to ravish him, the Trio of power holders consisting of the vapid seeming but incredibly cruel Appolonia, frankly just weird Grigori and the collector and vampire genealogy fanatic Zeb. Quin is more powerful than any of the trio but isn't interested in power holding so allows them to keep a balance and feel “in charge”.
Its a novel full of curious ambiguities and political ramifications that mirror so much of real life. The humour is superb, the characters richly drawn and full of “life” – well how else can you describe active and realistic vampires? There's the Hunters – not out to kill through stalking and staking but who want to enjoy the thrill of a chase and enjoy a sort of “paint-ball” game but with vampire targets. They capture and hold vampires ready for their games...The politics of vampire society, the homophobia and openly gay balance, the ethics of vampires killing people to live v humans killing animals to live, and of course the Secrets. It seems everyone is keeping secrets from each other, and it all comes to a head in a quite dramatic finale. The book was a fun read, and from the way it ended I think we may hear more from Quin and Mattheus and the others. Certainly its left open for the secrets that were revealed to have further ramifications. Trust and secrets, and the problems that arise when they come out (unintended pun!) Despite the clear feelings on Quins' side there is a slow burn feel to the romance, with Mattheus struggling with feelings which make him uncomfortable and question his Liberal stance. There's nothing more than a few touches, embraces at times of crisis and finally a few stolen kisses but it shows how one can write romance without being openly graphic. Not that I'm against that, but its good to read a novel where thought is put into how to show feelings without the eternal quick bed hopping so many books contain. Doing it this way must in many ways be more difficult, because it means putting more emphasis on glances, actions and thoughts. I like it though and it works really well here.
At £3.08 for 386 pages its very fairly priced, and for those who want a novel that's more than just sparkly, tweenage, sweetly romantic vampires its well worth reading.
Stars: I'd love to give it five for the fantastic use of the English language thats so rare now in books, but the actual storyline doesn't grab me in the way a five star book needs to. Its a very well deserved four though, and I really hope we hear more from Quin and Mattheus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews