I've tried to read this book before and for some reason failed. I'm not sure if it was the strange and slow start or the dumpy heroine. I'm so used to Anne Rice only writing about beautiful people; perfection themselves. I think the tone in which she described Triana was off-putting, and perhaps that was the point. Anyway, it took me another try years later to give it a go.

The beginning of the story I loved. It was sad but beautifully written, as always is the case with Anne Rice. She can describe the most everyday things with such grandeur that they seem almost magical. The setting in the beginning, of course in New Orleans, was magically described just like usual. Every time I read a book of hers I want more than anything to live in New Orleans, bless her.

The relationship between Triana and Stefan in the beginning tugged at my heart. Anne Rice has a way with her writing and her characters that make you wish and dream you were the heroine, with these magical creatures showering their affection on you.

************* SPOILER ALERT- Do not read further unless you have read this book! ******************


When Triana takes his violin, however, I started taking more frequent breaks in reading. I was angry with her for taking it and refusing to give it back. After she saw all that he had been through I was so angry with her in being so selfish. I realize his self-prescribed "purpose" was to use his magic to drive humans mad, but it seemed so terrible of her to keep it. I didn't ever feel for Triana, not even with Lily's death, Karl's death.. She was such a baby and had twisted delusions that she "killed" them all. I didn't connect with her at all this entire story until the very, very last part.

The ending pleased me greatly. The entire time I wept for Stefan and hoped only that he would get his violin back. I'm glad he went into the light finally. I could really care less that Triana could still play, as I have stated throughout this review that I couldn't stand her in the least. I'd have preferred that she had no talent again and that her sister Faye was dead, but we can't always have it our way I suppose.

**************** END SPOILERS *******************************************

Overall this book was another magical addition to my Anne Rice collection, though at the moment it is probably my least favorite. I was glad it was short, and I probably won't read it again for a very long time.