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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
Not bad for a vampire book, definitely not cliche (e.g. like other vampire stories)
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
HARD DNF FROM ME
I was really excited about this one, but what an annoying let down. The main character was so annoying, I think he was supposed to be funny and he very much was not. This book was full of misogyny and crude humor. Not my jam.
I was really excited about this one, but what an annoying let down. The main character was so annoying, I think he was supposed to be funny and he very much was not. This book was full of misogyny and crude humor. Not my jam.
I VERY much enjoyed this book. It's not going to win any pullitzer's but as a fun fairly well thought out (scenes all work, logic is coherent, etc). Yes, the premise is a bit "really? he's a SPECIAL vampire"? but I think the author handles it really well and it works with the great cast of characters. Anyone who has EVER flavored themselves as a geek and likes a little fangs and blood with their books should give this a try.
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was published over 10 years ago and some of the humor didn’t age well but it’s a slapstick vampire story
I loved this book. It was both fun and funny. I need to read the next one soon.
There are reasons we fear the night. This guy is not one of them.
Bill Ryder is your average dweeb; he’s a computer programmer, gamer geek, and absolutely hopeless when it comes to the opposite sex. All he’s ever wanted in life was to hang out with his friends, collect his paycheck, and one day meet the woman of his dreams.
Bill’s life takes an unfortunate turn when he meets Sally. She was mysterious, aggressive, and beautiful – the poor sod never stood a chance. When she invites him to a party, he initially has his reservations but goes anyway. Too bad the party is a trap and when Bill awakens he’s now a member of the undead. And at the bottom of that particular food chain.
The head vampire has given him a 90 day ultimatum – either prove he belongs or be killed in a more permanent manner.
Poor Bill is in way over his head but he’s not about to go down without a fight. He’s got more than one trick up his sleeve; along with some unlikely allies and a severe attitude problem. The one bit thing Bill has going for him is a vampire like him hasn’t been seen for over 500 years. With all this going for him, Bill just might make the 90 day deadline, if he doesn’t get his teeth kicked in first.
Bill the Vampire is one of those books that was recommended to me several times but I never got around to reading. Upon reading it though, I see why I put it off for so long.
Allow me to be blunt, dear reader – Bill is a jerk.
Bill and his roommates embody everything of the stereotypical neck beard. And not in a good way. They believe themselves to be “witty” and “snarky” yet they are anything but. They are misogynistic, viewing the women around them as items to be ogled over and little more. And should any woman give them a dirty look or other verbal smack down, she is immediately labelled a “bitch”.
On the other side of the fence are the vampires. They are the diametric opposite to Bill and his friends. Led by the the self named Night Razor, they embody the age old enemy to freaks and geeks – the jock. Every one in the small group is beautiful; the women looking like they walked out of a print ad with the men looking they spend all their time at the gym.
Overall, Bill the Vampire is a decently written book. But that is about all it has going for it. Bill, as well as every other male character, were assholes (pardon my language). There were slight differences to separate the vampire from the humans, but they all felt alike. Much can be said for the few female characters as well, their actions and personalities were so alike it was only their names and physical descriptions that set them apart.
Personally, I think Gualtieri is either trying too hard with the character Bill, or not trying enough. The premise itself was truly promising, but the execution fell woefully short.
Should a person wish to read this first book of the series, I would advise them to tread carefully. The story itself is a virtual minefield of questionable language and other problems. And while it’s been compared to Revenge of the Nerds meets Return of the Living Dead, it’s not a good comparison. The movies are far more enjoyable.
This book was fun and silly and actually made me laugh. Bill, a total nerd with some loyal nerdie friends, is turned into a weird but with a few cool if not exactly perfect Vamp powers. Goofy book but a fun read.
Overall the book was well written and it was a good introduction for the series. Unfortunately I prefer Alpha male type main characters (Sandman Slim, John Geary, etc.) which is definitely not Bill nor any of his friends. For me it was hard to get past a weak vamp. However, the dialogue and the overall storyline was enough to ensure that I will at least read the next one.
I enjoyed the overall story, but that did nothing towards saving it from the idiotic misogyny and homophobic language and opinions of the main characters. Constantly shooting down women for not being perfect, beautiful models and making fun of each other for "being gay" only served to make me cringe, not laugh. If I were 18 I'm sure this would have all been hilarious to me.