What do you think?
Rate this book
Dhampyr Heritage
It is 1909. Four years ago, Christian died. Gideon was sent to Portugal, to be safe. Now, it is time to return home, to England - to face his family, Christian's family, and the truth of Christian's death. But Christian does not just haunt Gideon's memories, he's flesh and bone - and still twelve years old - a vampyr. And then, there is Zola, with her smile and strange words, whose guardian just may be the one responsible for Christian's current existence.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
65 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 12, 2012
This is a very clean story. I am not a huge fan of Vampire stories
but this kept my interest and was very well-written. It also put
a different 'twist' to the usual vampire theories. I would definitely
let a Young Adult read it if they desired and feel comfortable in doing so.
but this kept my interest and was very well-written. It also put
a different 'twist' to the usual vampire theories. I would definitely
let a Young Adult read it if they desired and feel comfortable in doing so.
July 5, 2012
First off I promise that the ridiculous amount of time it took me to read this book is not a reflection on the book itself, and I apologize for being so slow about finishing it.
3 1/2 stars.
I'm going to start with the cons because it's always good to get the bad out of the way first, yeah?
-- The most obvious and least aggravating issue were the typos and the mistakes in the binding of the book. This one didn't really bother me, but it might bother others.
-- Something that did slightly affect my enjoyment of the story was word choices. 'Smirked' is used in ever situation where someone smiles, but for me smirking is associated with something more condescending than a smile. This is just one example of this, but there were a few more like it. Overall, not a big deal, but it did cause me to snap out of the story a few times.
-- Characters frequently treated a blood-sucking, immensely strong, murderous monster skulking about as a minor annoyance as opposed to a deadly situation.
-- Again the editing; there were several occasions where I didn't know who was talking and got confused. Or where there were slight jumps in the story that weren't really accounted for or explained.
-- The story itself was compelling and a good read. I enjoyed the characters that populated, it even if I sometimes wasn't sure what the point of a particular side-story was. The interactions between Gideon and Zola were believable and reminiscent of real life budding friendships/relationships. Many of the scenes are beautifully described and well-painted.
-- It isn't exactly for a younger audience as there are some fairly dark events that occur, which for me is a plus. I'm very tired of fluff "monster fantasy" for young adults. I rarely enjoyed such things as a young teen and I don't enjoy them much now. The author didn't shy away from making it a real story which is great.
-- Some scenes literally gave me chills, which is impressive as I'm not easily moved by most things. The ending (while wrapping things up a bit too neatly) was good and struck at the heartstrings a little. Especially Strazca's decision, it was an ending that will stay with me for quite a while.
To wrap this up: with some more editing I could easily give this book 4 full stars and buy it for my younger sisters :)
**I received this book as a First Reads giveaway in exchange for my honest review**
3 1/2 stars.
I'm going to start with the cons because it's always good to get the bad out of the way first, yeah?
-- The most obvious and least aggravating issue were the typos and the mistakes in the binding of the book. This one didn't really bother me, but it might bother others.
-- Something that did slightly affect my enjoyment of the story was word choices. 'Smirked' is used in ever situation where someone smiles, but for me smirking is associated with something more condescending than a smile. This is just one example of this, but there were a few more like it. Overall, not a big deal, but it did cause me to snap out of the story a few times.
-- Characters frequently treated a blood-sucking, immensely strong, murderous monster skulking about as a minor annoyance as opposed to a deadly situation.
-- Again the editing; there were several occasions where I didn't know who was talking and got confused. Or where there were slight jumps in the story that weren't really accounted for or explained.
Time for the pros :)
-- The story itself was compelling and a good read. I enjoyed the characters that populated, it even if I sometimes wasn't sure what the point of a particular side-story was. The interactions between Gideon and Zola were believable and reminiscent of real life budding friendships/relationships. Many of the scenes are beautifully described and well-painted.
-- It isn't exactly for a younger audience as there are some fairly dark events that occur, which for me is a plus. I'm very tired of fluff "monster fantasy" for young adults. I rarely enjoyed such things as a young teen and I don't enjoy them much now. The author didn't shy away from making it a real story which is great.
-- Some scenes literally gave me chills, which is impressive as I'm not easily moved by most things. The ending (while wrapping things up a bit too neatly) was good and struck at the heartstrings a little. Especially Strazca's decision, it was an ending that will stay with me for quite a while.
To wrap this up: with some more editing I could easily give this book 4 full stars and buy it for my younger sisters :)
**I received this book as a First Reads giveaway in exchange for my honest review**
July 11, 2012
Dhampyr Heritage is a old-school vampire book. These vampires are not the sexy and sweet ones that you find in novels these days. They are evil. This is also a YA book. It is set in the early 1900′s. It starts with Christian and Gideon as young boys of around 12. Christian has a secret to share with Gideon, a secret that he is not supposed to tell anyone. He tells Gideon because they are best friends and share everything, and tells him to meet him out by the pear tree. This is no juvenile secret though, as it has dire consequences. Gideon witnesses Christian being turned into vampire. In an effort to keep Gideon safe and twart the rumors that Gideon had something to do with Christians death, his family sends him away to his grandmothers.
Fast forward four years and the vampires have found Gideon. Gideon realizes that his family has known all along that vampires exist. His family is actually a family of vampire hunters! Deciding to journey home, Gideon meets a girl, Zola, on the boat that takes him home. Zola has many secrets of her own. (I know something you don’t know!) Once home, Gideon realizes that Christian is indeed a vampire, and that he still looks twelve years old. Christian is trying to fight his vampire nature and it is an eternal struggle.
The book centers around a variety of secrets, lies and danger. Gideon is on a journey that no teenage boy should ever have to go through. At times funny and sweet, with a clean YA budding romance, it also has the added edge of page-turning anticpation to know what is going to happen next.. This is a new twist on vampires and is very well-written. I really enjoyed this book even though it is not my usual type of book. I prefer more modern books but this made me think I should give more books like this a chance. I give this book 4 stars!
Quotes from the Book:
“A man. A powerful man. He is going to share his power with me, and then I will share it with you.”
“Never be ashamed of those tears. To feel sorrow at another’s pain or death is not a weakness. What is weak is to let it pull you into your own despair. There is always hope. Remember that.”
“Because, yes, being with Zola made him feel like he could toss a pear core clear across the meadow and beyond.”
FOR MORE REVIEWS OF GREAT BOOKS CHECK OUT MY BLOG!
http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com
Fast forward four years and the vampires have found Gideon. Gideon realizes that his family has known all along that vampires exist. His family is actually a family of vampire hunters! Deciding to journey home, Gideon meets a girl, Zola, on the boat that takes him home. Zola has many secrets of her own. (I know something you don’t know!) Once home, Gideon realizes that Christian is indeed a vampire, and that he still looks twelve years old. Christian is trying to fight his vampire nature and it is an eternal struggle.
The book centers around a variety of secrets, lies and danger. Gideon is on a journey that no teenage boy should ever have to go through. At times funny and sweet, with a clean YA budding romance, it also has the added edge of page-turning anticpation to know what is going to happen next.. This is a new twist on vampires and is very well-written. I really enjoyed this book even though it is not my usual type of book. I prefer more modern books but this made me think I should give more books like this a chance. I give this book 4 stars!
Quotes from the Book:
“A man. A powerful man. He is going to share his power with me, and then I will share it with you.”
“Never be ashamed of those tears. To feel sorrow at another’s pain or death is not a weakness. What is weak is to let it pull you into your own despair. There is always hope. Remember that.”
“Because, yes, being with Zola made him feel like he could toss a pear core clear across the meadow and beyond.”
FOR MORE REVIEWS OF GREAT BOOKS CHECK OUT MY BLOG!
http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com
May 26, 2012
Christian and Gideon are best friends, but Christian has a secret. He shares his secret with Gideon, he has a friend that is going to make him strong. He tells Gideon to meet him at the pear tree and that is where Gideon witnesses the brutal attack and sees his best friend turned him into a vampyr. Gideon’s family, in an attempt to protect him, send him away to his Avo (grandmother’s) to keep him safe.
Four years later, the monsters have found him at Avo’s. This is when he discovers that not only does his grandmother know about vampyr but that some of his family members are immune to the vampire virus and actually hunt and destroy them. He learns that his grandfather was killed by a vampire and left journals on how to hunt them.
His family decides he’s been away to long and that he should return home. He now is no safer in Portugal than England. His father provides passage on a ship to England for his return. On this ship he meets Zola. Zola is an intriguing girl that immediately captures Gideon’s attention. But Gideon soon discovers that Zola’s guardian may just be the vampyr responsible for Christian’s attack and now he and Zola are being hosted by Christian’s family in a neighboring estate.
Gideon also discovers that Christian is still around and now fighting his vampyr nature. Who is attacking Christian’s friends and family and how can he keep them safe?
Fabulous story telling by E. G. Gaddess. She brings a new twist to the “vampyr” story and gives us some evil and maybe not so evil vampires. Dhampyr Heritage is an enjoyable read of friendship, family and growing up.
This copy of Dhampyr Heritage was given to me by Goodreads First Reads and E.G. Gaddess in exchange for an honest review.
Four years later, the monsters have found him at Avo’s. This is when he discovers that not only does his grandmother know about vampyr but that some of his family members are immune to the vampire virus and actually hunt and destroy them. He learns that his grandfather was killed by a vampire and left journals on how to hunt them.
His family decides he’s been away to long and that he should return home. He now is no safer in Portugal than England. His father provides passage on a ship to England for his return. On this ship he meets Zola. Zola is an intriguing girl that immediately captures Gideon’s attention. But Gideon soon discovers that Zola’s guardian may just be the vampyr responsible for Christian’s attack and now he and Zola are being hosted by Christian’s family in a neighboring estate.
Gideon also discovers that Christian is still around and now fighting his vampyr nature. Who is attacking Christian’s friends and family and how can he keep them safe?
Fabulous story telling by E. G. Gaddess. She brings a new twist to the “vampyr” story and gives us some evil and maybe not so evil vampires. Dhampyr Heritage is an enjoyable read of friendship, family and growing up.
This copy of Dhampyr Heritage was given to me by Goodreads First Reads and E.G. Gaddess in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2012
3 1/2 Stars
This was a fun book, reminiscent of some of the older vampire stories, before vampires became hunks-of-burning-love. (Don't get me wrong -- those can be fun, also.) The vampires are scary, blood-sucking monsters. Even those who seem to have some control are dangerous.
The characters are interesting. The MC grows and changes throughout the story. Other characters are developed well enough to be easy to follow.
The story is fast paced and entertaining.
This would have been a four-start rating if a good book editor had gotten their hands on it before it went to publication.
There were places in the story that got bogged down by far too much description of every movement that the characters made. It doesn't add anything to the story and can break the mood of the scene. As well, as minor continuity issues and rapid, radical changes of emotions on a page.
All-in-all, a good book that I'd consider recommending to any younger reader interested in reading a vampire story fashioned after the older style of vampire tales.
In compliance with FTC guidelines: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This was a fun book, reminiscent of some of the older vampire stories, before vampires became hunks-of-burning-love. (Don't get me wrong -- those can be fun, also.) The vampires are scary, blood-sucking monsters. Even those who seem to have some control are dangerous.
The characters are interesting. The MC grows and changes throughout the story. Other characters are developed well enough to be easy to follow.
The story is fast paced and entertaining.
This would have been a four-start rating if a good book editor had gotten their hands on it before it went to publication.
There were places in the story that got bogged down by far too much description of every movement that the characters made. It doesn't add anything to the story and can break the mood of the scene. As well, as minor continuity issues and rapid, radical changes of emotions on a page.
All-in-all, a good book that I'd consider recommending to any younger reader interested in reading a vampire story fashioned after the older style of vampire tales.
In compliance with FTC guidelines: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 25, 2012
So why this vampire book? In the last few years vampires have been the good guys, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. This book puts them back to villain status, almost.
Gideon, our hero, has witnessed the horrific death of his best friend by a monster and been sent away for his safety which dos not work as anticipated.. I don't want to spill all the details because this book is definitely worth reading.
The characters are real! The family had definite issues and dimension. They bicker and siblings fight just like real families. The pace of the story is good, the writing flows and I did not want to put the book down until I had finished. And to make me happy, there is a love story at the heart of the book. Even better, a clean love story!! Thank you! I know this is tagged as young adult, but as an older adult I enjoyed getting lost in this world and going along for a very fun ride.
Gideon, our hero, has witnessed the horrific death of his best friend by a monster and been sent away for his safety which dos not work as anticipated.. I don't want to spill all the details because this book is definitely worth reading.
The characters are real! The family had definite issues and dimension. They bicker and siblings fight just like real families. The pace of the story is good, the writing flows and I did not want to put the book down until I had finished. And to make me happy, there is a love story at the heart of the book. Even better, a clean love story!! Thank you! I know this is tagged as young adult, but as an older adult I enjoyed getting lost in this world and going along for a very fun ride.
August 23, 2017
I received this book as a first reads winner. I enjoyed this book. Wasn't sure if I would. The writing kept you interested in the plot and the characters. Very good descriptions. It was different having vampires (vampyrs) portrayed as pure evil. With the way vampires are shown on TV in Vampire Diaries and True Blood you think they can be your friends. But in this book you can not look away from them, you need to be on guard at all times.
I enjoyed the characters and the internal struggle Gideon dealt with. It made me cringe and want to yell "don't go outside" whenever he would venture outside at night. This was enjoyable and I would recommended it. It is a young adult novel which I didn't realize until I read other reviews. Didn't feel like one but since the main character is 15, makes sense.
I enjoyed the characters and the internal struggle Gideon dealt with. It made me cringe and want to yell "don't go outside" whenever he would venture outside at night. This was enjoyable and I would recommended it. It is a young adult novel which I didn't realize until I read other reviews. Didn't feel like one but since the main character is 15, makes sense.
August 17, 2012
This is a very good book, the characters are well rounded individuals that complete the story in a way many books lack. Each character is distinct and well portrayed without overpowering the other characters or swallowing the plot entirely.
The setting is just quirky enough to keep a reader interested and well entertained without crushing the reader with insane concepts of extreme porportions of the 1900s in Portugal or England.
This book would go well on a shelf full of Steampunk, Paranormal, Sciencefiction, Fantasy, or Romance, definitely a GOOD READ!
The setting is just quirky enough to keep a reader interested and well entertained without crushing the reader with insane concepts of extreme porportions of the 1900s in Portugal or England.
This book would go well on a shelf full of Steampunk, Paranormal, Sciencefiction, Fantasy, or Romance, definitely a GOOD READ!
August 18, 2014
An excellent addition to vampire lore. Set in the 1900s, this YA story of a teenage boy who must battle a vampire while trying to figure out his own past and connections to vampires is fun, literate, atmospheric, and reminds me of the original Dracula by Bram Stoker. I like how Dhampyr Heritage's author assumes her readers are intelligent and that the story does not rely on cheap romantic love triangles to provide a satisfying story.
May 18, 2012
This is a great book. For anyone who likes to read books about Vampires with a twist, this is the book for you. This is the second book that she has written that I have read and I will read anything that this author writes. I may be a little partial being that the author and cover artist are close friends, but everyone should read this book.
July 21, 2012
This is a well written 'old school' vampire tale. If you enjoy turn of the century, historical fiction that also has vampires then you will highly enjoy this novel. Highly recommend!
*Received as a librarything.com member giveaway*
*Received as a librarything.com member giveaway*
May 20, 2020
It took me a while to get into it, and I felt like there were quite a few places where miscommunication was used to create easily solvable drama, but once the main conflict of the story really popped off I had a hard time putting it down. When Christian got time on the page and when Gideon really took an interest in Edwin I was also more drawn in. I think I'd recommend this book to teen boys; I think they'd have less trouble getting into the book than I did just based on demographics.
August 25, 2021
Very good read
I highly recommend these Dhampyr books. It is as if you are transported to another place and time. The description is wonderful and the vampyrs not too scary. A really great coming of age novel.
I highly recommend these Dhampyr books. It is as if you are transported to another place and time. The description is wonderful and the vampyrs not too scary. A really great coming of age novel.
September 4, 2012
When I first started to read this book, Dracula came to mind. For me it was in the same vein, only better. *confession: I've never finished Dracula* The feel of the book makes me think it- it is not step up in a series of journal/letter entries. The characters in this book are fabulous! I love the dynamics and interactions. In fact, when I went to sleep last night after finishing it around 2 am, I had a very hard time. I am super imaginative, and her vampyrs were real to me. I felt like a little kid. The story is done well as it follows Gideon- a name not easily pulled off in literature, by the way. I felt for him and all the things that are thrown at him. But I wanted more. I felt like the book needed a little more backstory- what all did his grandfather put in the book? Maybe a few more stories from the childhoods? I don't know what it was- I loved the story, please don't get me wrong- I just wanted more. Maybe that is just the problem... I didn't want it to end. There were a few spots where the transitions weren't quite smooth, but I don't know if that's because I was reading an ARC or if they just weren't smooth. I truly hope to see more from this author. I think she did a great job at making vampyrs that weren't the good guys. Her twists are fun and unexpected and the characters are very connectable. I definitely recommend this book to those that like all things vampire.
March 6, 2013
When E.G. Gaddess contacted me in regards to her book. I gladly accepted it. It sounded very interesting and I enjoyed every bit of it.
The characters were very believable and easy to relate too. Each character is very unique and compliments the story line as well as the other characters. I love how the family in this story has very raw moments and how each of those moments creates a wonderful and real experience.
This is a fresh take (at least for lately) on Vampires. This story takes Vampires back to evil creatures, well mostly.
The pace and plot were very good. There were some unexpected twists and turns that kept the story moving. I truly had a very hard time putting this book down.
The characters were very believable and easy to relate too. Each character is very unique and compliments the story line as well as the other characters. I love how the family in this story has very raw moments and how each of those moments creates a wonderful and real experience.
This is a fresh take (at least for lately) on Vampires. This story takes Vampires back to evil creatures, well mostly.
The pace and plot were very good. There were some unexpected twists and turns that kept the story moving. I truly had a very hard time putting this book down.
September 4, 2014
Enjoyed reading a vampire book with evil vampires. The lack of glitter and twinkles was a welcome change. This is a YA book, but written well enough to keep the interest of an adult.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews