Scan barcode
jenc5309's review
3.0
I would give this 3.5 stars if I could. I just love this vampire series. Saint-Germane is so world weary.
katmarhan's review
2.0
I'm not a fan of vampire books in general. This book did nothing to change my mind.
I understand this is not the first book in the series and I have not read the previous books, so I expected to be missing some of the references to the past. Still, I found the backstory to be almost nonexistent, which means I was even more confused than I had expected to be. Adding to my sense of confusion was the lack of a map of the Roman Empire at the time of the story and a list of the Caesars and key Senators. Both would have helped a lot.
The author uses various types of correspondence at the start of each chapter. This method of telling, or sometimes just hinting at plot developments, takes the place of actually showing us what's going on. While at times it serves the purpose of condensing the time frame and action, most of the time it defuses the tension of the story. The author also will use a chapter to set up some intriguing situation, only the start the next chapter at some time later, so we never get to watch the situation unfold.
There are some scenes that are very effectively written--usually the action at the Games in the Circus Maximus and some of the love scenes.
I didn't find myself drawn to any of the main characters, but Tishtry, the charioteer, the Egyptian body servant and his replacement were my favorites.
I will not be seeking out any other books in this series.
I understand this is not the first book in the series and I have not read the previous books, so I expected to be missing some of the references to the past. Still, I found the backstory to be almost nonexistent, which means I was even more confused than I had expected to be. Adding to my sense of confusion was the lack of a map of the Roman Empire at the time of the story and a list of the Caesars and key Senators. Both would have helped a lot.
The author uses various types of correspondence at the start of each chapter. This method of telling, or sometimes just hinting at plot developments, takes the place of actually showing us what's going on. While at times it serves the purpose of condensing the time frame and action, most of the time it defuses the tension of the story. The author also will use a chapter to set up some intriguing situation, only the start the next chapter at some time later, so we never get to watch the situation unfold.
There are some scenes that are very effectively written--usually the action at the Games in the Circus Maximus and some of the love scenes.
I didn't find myself drawn to any of the main characters, but Tishtry, the charioteer, the Egyptian body servant and his replacement were my favorites.
I will not be seeking out any other books in this series.
innae's review
3.0
I have now read three of the Saint-Germain series...(I am trying to read them in order, but that may or may not continue) -- I have liked 2 of the 3, (it was The Palace that I couldn't finish)
This one was quite entertaining. I think it could partly be because my husband and I just finished watching season two of Rome, and this (while later in years) has the same feel as the TV series did.
I like that Saint-Germain, while important to the story, was not THE story. We go off on many tangents. I am going to miss a couple characters, but because of how Yarbro writes her tales, they may re-appear in later stories that take place before this one :-).
This one was quite entertaining. I think it could partly be because my husband and I just finished watching season two of Rome, and this (while later in years) has the same feel as the TV series did.
I like that Saint-Germain, while important to the story, was not THE story. We go off on many tangents. I am going to miss a couple characters, but because of how Yarbro writes her tales, they may re-appear in later stories that take place before this one :-).
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
5.0
Besides the Count, this book introduces Olivia, one of the most lively characters ever created. This book gives her back story before she became a vampire.
weremallard's review
3.0
This was a re-reading of this book. I like the Saint Germaine series a lot- the historical settings are well written, and the plots are fun to read, mostly. This is probably my least favorite of the series just due to the senseless violence associated with the arena, but that's more a product of the era than a fault of the author. I remembered what happened, but the settings are still fascinating. Good read if you like historical dramas set in the Roman era and vampire stories.
More...