Feel free to discuss any part of La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock

Finished it! The book definitely picks up the pace after chapter 10, doesn't it?

Though the romance formula is present (the story of a courtship), the mystery takes priority, I think. And this courtship may take a few books for both people to accept.

The author is clearly paving the way for a more in-depth and serious story. On my second read through, I think that is what stood out the most; this was a "normal-gal-dips-her-toe-in-the-water-of-adventure" story. Clearly, Cesca's life is going to get more complicated. Haddock set up the romantic conflict between Triton and Saber for the next novel, not to mention "The Void," whatever that's going to turn out to be. Cesca's going to be challenged to accept a life she can't totally order and control, plus accepting some of her Vampire nature while maintaining her own personality. Saber's going to be challenged to accept his love of a vampire as Cesca becomes more vampire-like. There's plenty of opportunities for these characters to have their world shaken to the roots.

And, again, that's what I like about UF. The characters are faced with ideas and realities so far outside their world view that they have to reevaluate everything they thought they knew and come to a new acceptance of themselves, others, and the world in general.

I think Haddock is fairly new in the genre, but her writing is so clear and clean that its obvious she has experience writing something (or a good editor!). There's no esoteric inner monologue, surreal sensations, overdone sex antics, or confusing action scenes that you sometimes find in UF. The descriptions are clear, the pace is consistent, characters are believable, no one's moaning or moping. It's such a clean, fun, entertaining read that I can't wait to see what happens next. This series goes on my Amazon pre-order list for sure!

I finished this book last night, and I can't make up my mind whether I really like the book or is just so-so about it.

I find the heroine unique in some ways, but I cannot see myself emotionally involved with her life. I didn't find the hero (Saber) really interesting, and his "ignorance" about vampires irritated me. Wasn't he supposed to be some kind of preternatural expert?

Still the writing was clear and crisp, the mystery was well thought out, and there are enough plot lines thrown out to make a reader be interested in the next book.

I'm not panting to get my hands to the sequel, but I might check it out when I have the chance.

I guess I can say, it was a decent read.

I second Jennifer's review, and add that I'm also looking forward to seeing how Cesca stands up to Ike in the future. She's going to have to make some decisions fast, or he's going to push her into making them.

I'm still very much liking Saber and Cesca together, and am wondering where Triton will fit into the whole mix. What is he that he needs to be protected?

I'm interested enough to put the next novel on my Amazon shopping list.

I'm in the same camp as Yz. I finished this up this morning and was left feeling a bit ambivalent about it. It was an enjoyable read, but I don't see myself rushing to get the next book.

I realize that the Triton bits and the sections with the old man and Cat were setting up for the next book, but they didn't mesh well with the overall story and I found them more of a distraction than anything else, as they didn't seem to add anything.

I agree that Cesca was a refreshing take in that she didn't have a massive chip on her shoulder and was trying to find her place in the world without suffering from an embarassing naivety. But maybe I need my characters to be a bit more dark and tortured and that was why I wasn't as drawn in. I'm not sure...

I agree with Jennifer hoping that the author is setting us up for a more indepth story to come. As this particular book left a little to be desired. It was funny but light and fluffy with no real depth to it. I wasn't keen on a sequel until the final chapter or so of the book. Now I want to see what happens between Cesca and Deke, Maggie and Neil, and what the hell is up with Triton and Cat?

All that gobble-de-gook with the old man didn't add anything to the story and actually detracted from it. I found myself rushing through that to get back to the mystery.

Hopefully the next book picks up the pace and delves into the background story a little more so we can finally find out what the heck is going on.