Ghosts of Memories (Vampire Memories, #5)

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Ghosts of Memories (Vampire Memories #5)

by Barb Hendee (Goodreads Author)

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 · rating details · 57 ratings · 10 reviews

"Hendee has a gift for intricate psychological plots, and her characters are some of the best in current fantasy."
—Booklist

With her vampire protector Philip Branté and their human companion Wade Sheffield, a former police psychologist, Eleisha Clevon searches the world for isolated vampires — and offers them sanctuary. She wants to provide a home where she can teach them t...more

Paperback, 1st Edition

Published October 2nd 2012 by Roc

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Oct 09, 2012 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, arcs, urban

This is my second of the Vampire Memories series, and I am reminded by how much I enjoy this alien and slightly disturbing series. Eleisha and Phillip remain as much co-dependent as in love, Eleisha's altruistic quest still sends them out into danger to help others, but in GHOSTS OF MEMORIES a new danger emerges from the shadows. While IN MEMORIES WE FEAR focused on the dynamic of Eleisha's group, GHOSTS OF MEMORIES takes us out into the memories of a few new characters... and a potential new vi...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Melliane rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5/5

Mon avis en Français

My English review

And here it is, the fifth book in the Vampire Memories series by Barb Hendee. We find our group as usual with one more person: Maxim, a character we've met in the previous volume. He has changed a lot since they found him and has evolved gradually towards the person he should have been. Of course, he is still very fragile and can’t afford to support Eleisha in her missions.

Wade has discovered the presence of two new vampires in Seattle. Christian is a na...more 3.5/5

Mon avis en Français

My English review

And here it is, the fifth book in the Vampire Memories series by Barb Hendee. We find our group as usual with one more person: Maxim, a character we've met in the previous volume. He has changed a lot since they found him and has evolved gradually towards the person he should have been. Of course, he is still very fragile and can’t afford to support Eleisha in her missions.

Wade has discovered the presence of two new vampires in Seattle. Christian is a name that resonates within Philip as a person from his dark past. A person he wants to know and also fears to meet. A vampire he does not remember about but he is far from knowing the determination of his companion who thinks it is her duty to gather all the vampires and help them. So they will go with Wade in Seattle to meet this indicator and his assistant and try to convince them to come and live with them. But not all vampires are nice and lost causes and we can quite see that with this new character. He has a special gift that allows him to defend and handle all those close to him. And when he sees Eleisha for the first time, he is determined to stole her to Philip and take her with him instead of his assistant. And the more we progress in the story the more we understand that the idea is his ultimate goal.

It is quite sad to see how Christian is able to manipulate them all without them noticing it. He is really good at what he does and it will take some time before the others really understand what is happening. Of course, as we have an elder, we also have our dear Julian, determined to stop them all, along with Mary. It’s heartbreaking to see Mary like that, she is so naive throughout the story in the hope of finding her beloved, deceased. I was surprised she does not understand what is happening.

It was nice to discover this novel, it allows us to learn more from the Philip’s past, something we had not yet had the chance to really discover as he keeps things for himself. I was surprised by how the story finished, I did not expect it at all and it is true that I wonder if this volume is the last one of the series. I will surely keep an eye on the releases to determine if this is really the case or not.(less)

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Oct 23, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror

Ghosts of Memories is the fifth and final installment of the Vampire Memories series, so the review here will contain spoilers for the previous books. If you haven't dug into the other books yet, though, you're out of excuses since the entire series is now out for you to glom, so you may want to go do that, starting with Blood Memories.

Every time I review one of these books I talk about how much I like what Hendee's done with Eleisha, and this is no exception. So many urban fantasy novels rely o...more Ghosts of Memories is the fifth and final installment of the Vampire Memories series, so the review here will contain spoilers for the previous books. If you haven't dug into the other books yet, though, you're out of excuses since the entire series is now out for you to glom, so you may want to go do that, starting with Blood Memories.

Every time I review one of these books I talk about how much I like what Hendee's done with Eleisha, and this is no exception. So many urban fantasy novels rely on physical strength above everything else when it comes to the main female character, where it seems being able to swing a sword or handle a gun is far more important than being able to count to ten. In this way, Eleisha is very different from your typical urban fantasy heroine. She's sweet and gentle, and this becomes her strength. She couldn't beat anyone up, at least not physically, but there's an inner steel there, especially when someone is threatening her friends. Her entire mission is one based on a genuine kindness, wanting to find "lost" vampires and help them, but she's by no means a pushover. The complex combination of strength and fragility makes for a fabulous character, and one more relatable than most of the urban fantasy heroines lining the shelves.

Hendee's plots are complex, nuanced things, but they never feel forced or difficult to follow. The plot always seems to spawn from the characters and their personalities and their decisions rather than trying to force them along a pre-determined route, which makes for a more natural feeling story. There's a lot going on, and a lot of characters acting on their own interests, but they're both vivid and distinctive enough there's no effort to keeping them all straight.

And the all-important question: how is it as the series finale? Well, it helps that wrapping the series up with book 5 was the author's idea, so the loose ends are tied up rather than leaving holes for a sequel that never comes. Both the plot points from this particular book and the bigger arcs that span the series are handled with finality. They're not tied up improbably tight, though; you can believe the characters will continue happily, but they'll keep busy.

Final verdict? Satisfying and enjoyable ending to a series I've been delighted to return to with each installment. I'd be hard pressed to find another series to compare The Vampire Memories to, and in the overcrowded urban fantasy market, something with that kind of originality is a gift.(less)

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Dec 17, 2012 Jenifer1223 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite

The only complaint I have about this book is: It's the end of the Blood Memories series.

I can't even find the right words to say how much I enjoyed reading this. Barb Hendee really does let it all loose on this one; if she wanted this series to go out with a bang...she did it.

There were actually 2 people I would call villains in this book...the traditional, "I'm going to kill you" type, and then a more subtle one that is more like..."hmmm..I wonder if I can get you to do what I want..." type. T...more

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Oct 21, 2012 All Things Urban Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: october-2012-hotp, reviewed-by-julia

This is my second of the Vampire Memories series, and I am reminded by how much I enjoy Hendee’s alien yet human vampires. Eleisha and Phillip remain as much co-dependent as in love, Eleisha’s altruistic quest still sends them out into danger to help others, but in GHOSTS OF MEMORIES a new danger emerges from the shadows. While IN MEMORIES WE FEAR focused on the dynamic of Eleisha’s group, GHOSTS OF MEMORIES takes us out into the memories of a few new characters… and a potential new villain.

GHOS...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Michelle Leah Olson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: literal-addiction-books, pub-arc, reviewed

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*ARC provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ghosts of Memories is the 5th installment of Barb Hendee's VAMPIRE MEMORIES series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel.

In this installment, Eleisha, our sweet & charming 'vampire social worker' is still on the hunt for others of their kind to offer them refuge at the Underground, the shelter she runs out of a church with her damaged protector and lover...more Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*ARC provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ghosts of Memories is the 5th installment of Barb Hendee's VAMPIRE MEMORIES series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel.

In this installment, Eleisha, our sweet & charming 'vampire social worker' is still on the hunt for others of their kind to offer them refuge at the Underground, the shelter she runs out of a church with her damaged protector and lover Philip and heroic human partner Wade. She's also still making a home for Maxim, Rose, and their ghost Seamus, while helping each to heal in their own way. They've become more than just a group helping one another. They've become a family.

Unfortunately, there's still a diabolical and unstable vampire out there whose only goal is to wipe out any and all vampires whom he sees as competition, and in his head, that's pretty much any vampire except Eleisha, whom he feels he needs to track down those remaining of their kind - in order to eliminate them all.

When Wade and Eleisha find Christian and Ivory, two vampires running a bit of a con game, they set out to make contact and try to convince them to return with them to the Underground where they can keep them safe and introduce them to others of their kind. Things don't go quite as planned, however, and those that they're trying to help just might end up being more trouble than they're worth.

I loved the way that Barb introduced more than 1 villain into this story, and even though the greatest threat started out as Julian in continuation with the books before, it became clear that a calculating vampire with a God complex and an unbalanced sense of self-righteousness is a much greater threat than any crazy psycho with a blade.

I also loved how she used flashbacks to give us more character information and introduce additional emotion into the story. The overlapping histories were a beautiful spin as well and made the interaction between the characters in this release that much more compelling.

While one storyline of the series may have been wrapped up in this installment, the door was opened for a multitude of other possible plotlines for either this series or a spin-off and I can't wait to see where Barb takes us next in this unique and gripping world.

Ghosts of Memories was a wonderful 4 1/2 skull read. I love these characters and I love the emotion that Barb brings in every book!(less)

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Dec 14, 2012 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-releases, borrowed-library

*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3-3.5

*Review*

It is with sad heart that I announce that Ghosts of Memories is the fifth and final installment of the Vampire Memories series. Barb Hendee’s series has been like a comfortable pair of shoes for me. You pretty much know what is going to happen and you still expect nuisances to jump up and bite you in the ass on the way to the completion of the story.

Hendee’s vampires are unique in that they are on a mission to locate and teach wayward vampires the four...more *Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3-3.5

*Review*

It is with sad heart that I announce that Ghosts of Memories is the fifth and final installment of the Vampire Memories series. Barb Hendee’s series has been like a comfortable pair of shoes for me. You pretty much know what is going to happen and you still expect nuisances to jump up and bite you in the ass on the way to the completion of the story.

Hendee’s vampires are unique in that they are on a mission to locate and teach wayward vampires the four laws that were once important to the secrecy and safety of the vampire race. They have created an underground of sorts where they can learn not only the 4 laws, but be safe and not have to worry about being eliminated.

Each vampire, except for one, has a psychic ability that manifests itself after being turned. Each is expected to learn, and pass on the 4 laws which include but are not limited to: NO vampire shall kill to feed. NO vampire shall make another without the expression consent of the new fledgling.

So, this is my farewell to arms, as it were. We will no longer hear from Eleisha Chevon who is one of the more unique and intriguing characters in the UF genre. Eleisha has the unique ability to make everyone around her feel sorry for her. She has survived for a very long time because nobody believes she is dangerous.

Nor will we see the flippant and devilishly handsome Philip Brante who loves Eleisha to her core and does everything in his power to protect her even at the risk of his own life. Nor will human psychic and former police department psychologist Wade Sheffield crash our pages in a protective mode over Eleisha while working with Seamus the Ghost in locating lost vampires.

There will be no more of Julian Ashton jumping in at the last moment possible and killing off 50 percent of the vampires that Eleisha and crew have tried to help out and bring to their underground refuge for wayward vampires. We also don't to worry about Ghost Mary Jordane now that Julian has been tied up in a bow and dealt a final death blow due his stature of this series major pain in the ass.

I know in my heart that this is the last book in the series, and that questions and evil villains needed to be wrapped up tightly and shown the exit by slicing off their heads once and for-all! Hendee goes out in style by introducing yet another egomaniac character in Christian LeFevre. Christian is a piece of work. Once he sets his mind and his sights on something, there’s no deferring his actions. Probably the one character I could relate to, in a way, is Ivory Daniels who was stuck with Christian for over 200 years after being forcibly changed. She feels trapped and hopeless until Wade comes along and opens her eyes to the reality of pure freedom.

Ghosts of Memories works pretty well for a standalone novel. Hendee make sure she revisits certain aspects of her series, and adds just enough action to keep readers occupied and happy until the end of the novel. However, I would definitely recommend that readers take the time and get to know Hendee’s world building and her unique characters. I think that once you do, you will come to appreciate them as much as I do.(less)

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Mar 24, 2013 Racquel rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 15, 2012 Anika rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have to wonder if this is this end of a series considering one of the main characters in the book died and it looks like the other side/Elisha is free to do what she wants without anyone getting in her way. I liked the book and was wondering if this was another book where the only difference was a different vampire involved. It seemed that way until one of the main characters who has been in all the books was killed and he was the reason why Elisha's group couldn't focus on their plain but now...more

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Dec 16, 2012 Nocturne Romance Reads rated it 4 of 5 stars

Read Tiffany's review @Nocturnereads!
http://www.nocturnereads.com/2012/12/...

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Sep 11, 2012 Chrissy marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: para-romance, books-i-own, rao-reviews, speculative-fiction, to-review-pile, urban-fantasy, vampires

received for review: 11 Sept 2012

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Apr 02, 2013 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-fiction

Elisha and Wade have found a new vampire but his gift can be more than they can handle with Julian hunting them all down.

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May 17, 2013 Rachel marked it as to-read

May 10, 2013 Kendra marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: wanted

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Apr 19, 2013 Sromero rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 17, 2013 Meagan marked it as to-read

Shelves: barb-hendee

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Mar 28, 2013 Wong Yuping rated it 3 of 5 stars

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About Barb Hendee

[See both BarbHendee.org and NobleDead.org]

Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.

Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Co

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Dhampir (The Noble Dead Saga, Series 1, #1)

Thief of Lives (Noble Dead, Series 1, #2)

Sister of the Dead (Noble Dead, Series 1, #3)

Traitor to the Blood (Noble Dead: Series 1, #4)

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