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Kitty Norville #15
The Immortal Conquistador
From Carrie Vaughn, author of the beloved Kitty Norville werewolf talk-show host series, comes the vampire origin story of Kitty's famed ally, Rick--and his sudden turn to darkness in the seventeenth century. More than 500 years before his friendship with Kitty, noble Ricardo de Avila's life met a fate-changing twist, and his morally-complex, blood-soaked existence as an immortal began. Before being turned, Ricardo de Avila would have followed Coronado to the ends of the earth. Instead he found the end of his mortal life--and a new one, as a renegade vampire. For over five hundred years as an immortal, Ricardo has followed his own moral code, upsetting the established order in the demon world. He has protected his found family from marauding evil, joined up with a legendary gunslinger, tended bar, appointed himself the Master of Denver, and discovered a church buried under the Vatican. The life of a vampire is frequently long, but for Rick, it is never easy.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2020
62 people are currently reading
1898 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Vaughn
280 books4,523 followersCarrie Vaughn is the author more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories. She's best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. In 2018, she won the Philip K. Dick Award for Bannerless, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery. She's published over 20 novels and 100 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She's a contributor to the Wild Cards series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin and a graduate of the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 28, 2020
Yes it's shorter than some books out there but I absolutely loved this. Ricardo or Rick as we know him in the Kitty Norville series is a very reluctant Vampire. Here we get his back story and learn about some of his adventures from his time as a Conquistador to his part in the American dream as history comes to life. Rick is without a doubt a true gentleman, never a monster and always his own man. Vampires traditionally rule through strength but Rick listens to his heart and conscience and does the unthinkable and that is to care about people and make friends. Yes he does make enemies but in his own inimitable way he deals with anything thrown at him. If you haven't read the Kitty Norville series about a very unusual Werewolf then I can say most definitely that you are missing out !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
July 27, 2020
This is a fix-up novel with four novelettes framed by Ricardo explaining his story to the vampire powers-that-be in the Vatican. Rick is the vampire master of Kitty Norville's city, and has gradually become her friend and ally through the series of books. His origin and history is explained here, from his arrival in Mexico with Coronado, to his becoming a vampire and eventually encountering others, through his move to the north with an interesting couple of stops to meet Doc Holliday and become the master of Santa Fe along the way. He's an interesting and complex character, and I enjoyed reading his development. This one leads into the final volume, Kitty Saves the World, and is a good addition to the series. Vaughn enjoys taking the genre tropes and upending them. (Put on Neil Young's Cortez the Killer or Procul Harum's Conquistador to put yourself in the mood.)
October 21, 2019
I know that I have yet to read the last two Kitty Norville installments. But when Carrie Vaughn announced that The Immortal Conquistador would reveal Rick the vampire's origin story, I knew I wanted to sink my teeth into this one ASAP! Portions of this work first appeared as short fiction pieces in SFF magazines, with new ones added on to cobble up a book that stands rather well on its own.
Needless to say, this one is for readers familiar with the original book sequence. Rick is an important character and I relished the opportunity to discover the backstory of this mysterious vampire. The Immortal Conquistador is the perfect companion book for fans of Vaughn's signature series.
Here's the blurb:
Discover the thrilling, deadly chronicles of the noble immortal who becomes Rick, ally to bestselling author Carrie Vaughn’s fan-favorite, Kitty Norville.
Ricardo de Avila would have followed Coronado to the ends of the earth. Instead, Ricardo found the end of his mortal life, and a new identity—as the Vampire Conquistador.
For over five hundred years, Ricardo keeps unwillingly upsetting the established order. He has protected his found family from marauding demons, teamed up with a legendary gunslinger, appointed himself the Master of Denver, and called upon a church buried under the Vatican. He has tended bar and fended off werewolves.
As the Master vampire of Denver, Rick is a major player in the Kitty Norville books. Although we know that Rick has traveled with Coronado’s expedition as a young man, thus making him more than five centuries old, little else is known about him. Rick has dropped a few hints in various Kitty installments, but he has mostly kept his past to himself. Much to Kitty's disappointment, it goes without saying! Yet here is our chance to discover how he was turned into a vampire and what ultimately led him to Denver.
The Immortal Conquistador starts off with Rick flying to Rome. During this visit to the Vatican he will meet with the Abbot of the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows. These scenes occur following the events of Kitty Rocks the House, when Father Columban traveled to Denver to try to recruit him into the order. It turns out that the enigmatic Rick is an anomaly in the vampire world and the abbot would like to hear his tale. Hence, those sequences act as interludes meant to bridge the various pieces of Rick's backstory so they can form a more or less self-contained whole.
"Conquistador de la Noche" is Rick’s origin story and recounts Ricardo de Avila's early years in New Spain. It focuses on how he was turned into a vampire and the repercussions this had on his life. "El Hidalgo de la Noche" picks up years later and recounts Rick's first encounter with other vampires since being turned into one himself. His visit to Mexico City will make him realize that he's an unusual vampire and will set him on a path that will change his life forever. "Dead Men in Central City" picks up in 1848. It begins by recounting Rick's meeting with Doc Holliday, the infamous gunslinger and gambler. But it soon grows into something much bigger and it tells the tale of what forced Rick to move on to Denver.
As Carrie Vaughn explains in her author's notes, she inadvertently made Rick a witness to the entire history of European colonization and settlement of the American West. And this is what makes the inscrutable vampire such a fascinating character. My only complaint would be that Rick's backstory stops there, with just a hint that he ended up in Virginia City in 1860, running The Bucket of Blood Saloon. There is obviously a lot more to Ricardo de Avila's tale and I would have loved at least another piece taking place closer to the events of the Kitty books. Alas, it was not to be. Still, The Immortal Conquistador was a captivating read that finally shed some light on one of the most interesting and secretive characters from the Kitty universe.
This book is sure to please all the Kitty Norville fans out there!
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
Needless to say, this one is for readers familiar with the original book sequence. Rick is an important character and I relished the opportunity to discover the backstory of this mysterious vampire. The Immortal Conquistador is the perfect companion book for fans of Vaughn's signature series.
Here's the blurb:
Discover the thrilling, deadly chronicles of the noble immortal who becomes Rick, ally to bestselling author Carrie Vaughn’s fan-favorite, Kitty Norville.
Ricardo de Avila would have followed Coronado to the ends of the earth. Instead, Ricardo found the end of his mortal life, and a new identity—as the Vampire Conquistador.
For over five hundred years, Ricardo keeps unwillingly upsetting the established order. He has protected his found family from marauding demons, teamed up with a legendary gunslinger, appointed himself the Master of Denver, and called upon a church buried under the Vatican. He has tended bar and fended off werewolves.
As the Master vampire of Denver, Rick is a major player in the Kitty Norville books. Although we know that Rick has traveled with Coronado’s expedition as a young man, thus making him more than five centuries old, little else is known about him. Rick has dropped a few hints in various Kitty installments, but he has mostly kept his past to himself. Much to Kitty's disappointment, it goes without saying! Yet here is our chance to discover how he was turned into a vampire and what ultimately led him to Denver.
The Immortal Conquistador starts off with Rick flying to Rome. During this visit to the Vatican he will meet with the Abbot of the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows. These scenes occur following the events of Kitty Rocks the House, when Father Columban traveled to Denver to try to recruit him into the order. It turns out that the enigmatic Rick is an anomaly in the vampire world and the abbot would like to hear his tale. Hence, those sequences act as interludes meant to bridge the various pieces of Rick's backstory so they can form a more or less self-contained whole.
"Conquistador de la Noche" is Rick’s origin story and recounts Ricardo de Avila's early years in New Spain. It focuses on how he was turned into a vampire and the repercussions this had on his life. "El Hidalgo de la Noche" picks up years later and recounts Rick's first encounter with other vampires since being turned into one himself. His visit to Mexico City will make him realize that he's an unusual vampire and will set him on a path that will change his life forever. "Dead Men in Central City" picks up in 1848. It begins by recounting Rick's meeting with Doc Holliday, the infamous gunslinger and gambler. But it soon grows into something much bigger and it tells the tale of what forced Rick to move on to Denver.
As Carrie Vaughn explains in her author's notes, she inadvertently made Rick a witness to the entire history of European colonization and settlement of the American West. And this is what makes the inscrutable vampire such a fascinating character. My only complaint would be that Rick's backstory stops there, with just a hint that he ended up in Virginia City in 1860, running The Bucket of Blood Saloon. There is obviously a lot more to Ricardo de Avila's tale and I would have loved at least another piece taking place closer to the events of the Kitty books. Alas, it was not to be. Still, The Immortal Conquistador was a captivating read that finally shed some light on one of the most interesting and secretive characters from the Kitty universe.
This book is sure to please all the Kitty Norville fans out there!
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
November 22, 2020
A mix of previously published short stories and new material, together they tell us more about Rick and how he became who and what he is. Not a good starting point if you are new to the Kitty series but a good addition to it.
January 6, 2020
A tale of the reluctant Vampire. Ricardo di Avila, the son of a lesser Nobleman .. accompanies and survives the doomed and disappointing expedition of the legendary Conquistador Coranado to New Spain in search of wealth and fame. Being one of a few to survive, he is tricked by a previous friend into the lair of the ancient Vampire, Fray Juan. He is transformed into a bloodsucking monster with the aim of him joining the minions of Fray Juan. Refusing to accept this curse, he cunningly destroys his maker and minions. Accused by the minions as being "holier than thou" ... he will not abandon God and "prays" for his own soul. With scruples and a conscience he sets out on a 500 year journey from the seventeen century. Unlike his supposed brethren , he refuses to kill to obtain his sustenance of blood.
Vaughn traces his intriguing journey through history encountering the famous and infamous ... making friends and loved ones along the way .... instead of bloodless corpses. This tale was enjoyed as a stand alone ... admittedly I have not previously been entertained by the words of Carie Vaughn. I intend on rectifying this mistake by delving into the adventures of Kitty Norville ... reportedly his friend and ally. Thanks to NetGalley and Tachyon Publications for providing an electronic ARC of this tale in exchange for an honest review. ( at readersremains.com )
Vaughn traces his intriguing journey through history encountering the famous and infamous ... making friends and loved ones along the way .... instead of bloodless corpses. This tale was enjoyed as a stand alone ... admittedly I have not previously been entertained by the words of Carie Vaughn. I intend on rectifying this mistake by delving into the adventures of Kitty Norville ... reportedly his friend and ally. Thanks to NetGalley and Tachyon Publications for providing an electronic ARC of this tale in exchange for an honest review. ( at readersremains.com )
February 24, 2024
The Immortal Conquistador
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Publishing Date: 2020
Pgs: 184
=====================================
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Genre:
Urban Fantasy
Fiction
Vampires
Paranormal
_______________________________________
The Feel:
The early chapters give me vibes like the movie Priest. I know very different settings and circumstances, but just a feel.
Favorite Scene:
His meeting at the Crossroads.
Favorite Concept:
His realization what it meant when the Abbott tells him who the man at the Crossroads really was.
Tropes:
The problem with the heroic, tragic vampire narrative is that when the author starts giving you characterization of the “family” they have built up a symbiotic relationship within Act One, you know that all of those characters are grist for the mill of the story, either in the beginning of Act Two, or as the crux of Act Two.
Missed Opportunity:
Wish there were more vignettes between the aftermath of Coronado's expedition and the modern day, but it makes sense from the characterization of him wanting to stay out of history’s way and be left alone.
_______________________________________
Pacing:
Well paced.
Last Page Sound:
That's a damned good book.
Author Assessment:
Definitely in for the Kitty Norville series.
Reading Experience Overall 2024:
So far, I’ve been surprised. While 2023 was The Year of the Put Aside Book, I’ve only had one DNF, so far, knock on wood. Maybe I’m just making better choices. Course it is February, I should STFU.
=====================================
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Publishing Date: 2020
Pgs: 184
=====================================
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Genre:
Urban Fantasy
Fiction
Vampires
Paranormal
_______________________________________
The Feel:
The early chapters give me vibes like the movie Priest. I know very different settings and circumstances, but just a feel.
Favorite Scene:
His meeting at the Crossroads.
Favorite Concept:
His realization what it meant when the Abbott tells him who the man at the Crossroads really was.
Tropes:
The problem with the heroic, tragic vampire narrative is that when the author starts giving you characterization of the “family” they have built up a symbiotic relationship within Act One, you know that all of those characters are grist for the mill of the story, either in the beginning of Act Two, or as the crux of Act Two.
Missed Opportunity:
Wish there were more vignettes between the aftermath of Coronado's expedition and the modern day, but it makes sense from the characterization of him wanting to stay out of history’s way and be left alone.
_______________________________________
Pacing:
Well paced.
Last Page Sound:
That's a damned good book.
Author Assessment:
Definitely in for the Kitty Norville series.
Reading Experience Overall 2024:
So far, I’ve been surprised. While 2023 was The Year of the Put Aside Book, I’ve only had one DNF, so far, knock on wood. Maybe I’m just making better choices. Course it is February, I should STFU.
=====================================
March 20, 2020
Much like Kitty I have been enthralled by Rick and wanted to know more, especially when he would drop little nuggets about his life. This book really covers who Rick is at his core, a good guy, who happens to be a vampire. I loved how so many of those he encountered saw that of him and helped him out when they could.
I think my favorite part of this book is when as Rick was telling his story he stunned the Abbott, something that has probably never happened to that man. Of course it helps that Rick was out living his life instead of recording others adventures.
I would love to see more Rick stories, but better would be Rick telling Kitty and seeing her mind blown.
I think my favorite part of this book is when as Rick was telling his story he stunned the Abbott, something that has probably never happened to that man. Of course it helps that Rick was out living his life instead of recording others adventures.
I would love to see more Rick stories, but better would be Rick telling Kitty and seeing her mind blown.
March 4, 2020
The Immortal Conquistador takes us back to the world of werewolf Kitty Norville and her favorite vampire. Rick is an unusual vampire and through a series of vignettes we find out why he is the way he is and it only makes us love him more. This book looks like it is the beginning of a spin-off series and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it is so.
March 6, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
It's been five years since Kitty Saves the World and now we get the story, past and present of her good friend, Rick. I saw The Immortal Conquistador and knew I must read it. I remember not being sure about Rick initially and certainly unsure of other vampires in Kitty's world. But Rick always seemed to help Kitty when he could.
Starting at the beginning, when he has just fought with Coronodo's men in Mexico, we found out how Rick became a vampire. His faith in God and the Catholic church is very strong and he believed he was a demon, a monster. So he kept to his own code, trying to never hurt others.
The past is interwoven with the present as Rick is in Rome and is telling his past to the Abbott. The Immortal Conquistador is set right after Kitty Rocks the House, when he is recruited to the Order and will fight with Kitty to save the world.
I really loved this with its rich history of the settlement of North America. Kitty is not in this book, only mentioned. Rick is not quite like anyone else and I came to love him in Kitty's world. There is some great humor here, too.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
It's been five years since Kitty Saves the World and now we get the story, past and present of her good friend, Rick. I saw The Immortal Conquistador and knew I must read it. I remember not being sure about Rick initially and certainly unsure of other vampires in Kitty's world. But Rick always seemed to help Kitty when he could.
Starting at the beginning, when he has just fought with Coronodo's men in Mexico, we found out how Rick became a vampire. His faith in God and the Catholic church is very strong and he believed he was a demon, a monster. So he kept to his own code, trying to never hurt others.
The past is interwoven with the present as Rick is in Rome and is telling his past to the Abbott. The Immortal Conquistador is set right after Kitty Rocks the House, when he is recruited to the Order and will fight with Kitty to save the world.
I really loved this with its rich history of the settlement of North America. Kitty is not in this book, only mentioned. Rick is not quite like anyone else and I came to love him in Kitty's world. There is some great humor here, too.
"See? You have friends. You have had friends for five hundred years. You're not supposed to have friends! You're supposed to have servants and thralls! You're a vampire, and you have the gall to have friends?"
March 4, 2020
A stand-alone book about Rick in the Kitty Norville books.
This short book reveals the backstory of the Rick, or Ricardo de Avila. I’ve only read the first three books in the series, so I haven’t encountered him before. Still, the book works.
Ricardo is over 500 years old but he’s always wanted to be on his own so he doesn’t know much about vampires and especially about vampire politics. In fact, he lived over a hundred years before he even heard the word “vampire.” He thought he was a soulless demon which was a huge blow to him because he’s a Catholic.
Three short stories are incorporated into the book: “Conquistador de la Noche”, “El Hidalgo de la Noche”, and “Dead Men in Central City”. In the framing story, Rick arrives to the Vatican to meet the Abbot of the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows. Rick is very curious to find out more about these supposed vampire monks but the Abbot insists on hearing Rick’s story instead of telling about the order’s history.
Rick is the son of a lesser Spanish nobleman and he came to New Spain with Coronado. In the ten years he spent following his commander, his dreams of gold and glory died. When a friend he hasn’t seen in years betrays him, he loses his life but becomes a vampire. He’s still fiercely independent and when his new “Master” tries to control Rick, Rick refuses.
Rick lives on his farm for a couple of generations but when more vampires arrive from Spain, they’re very interested in him. He still isn’t interested in serving anyone else. He must defend his life, and friends, from the newcomers.
In 1868, Rick arrives just before dawn to Central City after his horse has broken her leg. With his supernatural powers, he manages to secure a safe place to sleep the day, but attracts the attention of Doc Holliday. Rick stays in the saloon as a bouncer for a week and talks with the Doc. Then an eager young gunfighter challenges the Doc.
“El Conquistador del Tiempe” is original to this book and in it Rick tells what happened 1848 in Santa Fe. He was there with a dying friend when he was warned that someone terrible is coming.
These short stories, without an overarching plot, really feel like moments in Rick’s life. Even though he’s a vampire, he respects life and doesn’t want to kill anyone. But when required, he defends himself and his friends. He’s very different from other famous vampires, because he has compassion for the people around him and wants to have friends, rather than servants.
This was a very good introduction to the character and I loved all the historical refrences. My only complaint is that there’s still quite a large gab between 1868 and modern days. Perhaps more stories? I’m sure many Kitty fans will also like this book a lot.
This short book reveals the backstory of the Rick, or Ricardo de Avila. I’ve only read the first three books in the series, so I haven’t encountered him before. Still, the book works.
Ricardo is over 500 years old but he’s always wanted to be on his own so he doesn’t know much about vampires and especially about vampire politics. In fact, he lived over a hundred years before he even heard the word “vampire.” He thought he was a soulless demon which was a huge blow to him because he’s a Catholic.
Three short stories are incorporated into the book: “Conquistador de la Noche”, “El Hidalgo de la Noche”, and “Dead Men in Central City”. In the framing story, Rick arrives to the Vatican to meet the Abbot of the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows. Rick is very curious to find out more about these supposed vampire monks but the Abbot insists on hearing Rick’s story instead of telling about the order’s history.
Rick is the son of a lesser Spanish nobleman and he came to New Spain with Coronado. In the ten years he spent following his commander, his dreams of gold and glory died. When a friend he hasn’t seen in years betrays him, he loses his life but becomes a vampire. He’s still fiercely independent and when his new “Master” tries to control Rick, Rick refuses.
Rick lives on his farm for a couple of generations but when more vampires arrive from Spain, they’re very interested in him. He still isn’t interested in serving anyone else. He must defend his life, and friends, from the newcomers.
In 1868, Rick arrives just before dawn to Central City after his horse has broken her leg. With his supernatural powers, he manages to secure a safe place to sleep the day, but attracts the attention of Doc Holliday. Rick stays in the saloon as a bouncer for a week and talks with the Doc. Then an eager young gunfighter challenges the Doc.
“El Conquistador del Tiempe” is original to this book and in it Rick tells what happened 1848 in Santa Fe. He was there with a dying friend when he was warned that someone terrible is coming.
These short stories, without an overarching plot, really feel like moments in Rick’s life. Even though he’s a vampire, he respects life and doesn’t want to kill anyone. But when required, he defends himself and his friends. He’s very different from other famous vampires, because he has compassion for the people around him and wants to have friends, rather than servants.
This was a very good introduction to the character and I loved all the historical refrences. My only complaint is that there’s still quite a large gab between 1868 and modern days. Perhaps more stories? I’m sure many Kitty fans will also like this book a lot.
November 4, 2024
I think this has been on my tbr since 2022. I know it came out in 2020, but I didn't know that at the time. I thought the series was finished when I read it all in January of 2018....yes I had to look up that date. I devoured this series when I read it. This shorter on and it feels like a few short stories put together. These are stories from Rick's life. I think i tried picking it up in 2022 but failed. Falling back into a series I thought was finished after a few years of being gone isn't always easy. Also, this one is different. It's about Rick. Not Kitty. Still worth reading and I did still enjoy it. And the ending is great
November 15, 2020
If you love Kitty Norville books, and I do, you know that they would not be the same without Rick, vampire extraordinaire. In the Immortal Conquistador, Carrie Vaughn gives us Rick's story, from sailing with Coronado to becoming the vampire master of Denver. As always, an excellent read that left me wanting more.
March 19, 2020
This is a collection of four novellas (and a framing narrative that picks up the story from when Rick left Denver in the Kitty series) about the past adventures of Rick, the vampire from Vaughn's Kitty Norville books.
Rick has always been one of my favourite characters from this universe, so it was great to get to know more about him (his origin story, "Conquistadore de la Noche", has been around for a while and been previously published in "Kitty's Greatest Hits", but the other stories here are new or less well known). The individual stories are told in chronological order and we experience Rick's life story against the backdrop of the development of Mexico and what would become the American West over several hundred years. It's fascinating.
Highly recommended for fans of Carrie Vaughn's Kitty universe. Should work as a standalone work but it's probably more fun when you are familiar with the series.
Rick has always been one of my favourite characters from this universe, so it was great to get to know more about him (his origin story, "Conquistadore de la Noche", has been around for a while and been previously published in "Kitty's Greatest Hits", but the other stories here are new or less well known). The individual stories are told in chronological order and we experience Rick's life story against the backdrop of the development of Mexico and what would become the American West over several hundred years. It's fascinating.
Highly recommended for fans of Carrie Vaughn's Kitty universe. Should work as a standalone work but it's probably more fun when you are familiar with the series.
December 12, 2019
I'm a long-time fan of the Kitty Norville series, though I have lost touch with it a bit lately, so when this side-story came up on Netgalley I requested the chance to read and review it. Thanks to the publisher for granting the request.
Here we get the full backstory of Rick, the 500-year-old vampire and decent guy who's one of Kitty's allies. Turned against his will by an acquaintance who knew him back when they were both on Coronado's unsuccessful expedition to find the Cities of Gold in Mexico, Rick is determined to be bad at vampiring; he has friends, not victims, and only uses his powers to protect people.
Naturally, this doesn't come easily, but it helps that he spends the first hundred years in complete isolation from other vampires, so nobody tells him how he's supposed to do it. Even in the present day, there's a lot he doesn't know, and he's still determined to be a good man (and a devout Catholic) insofar as that's possible for someone like him.
Carrie Vaughn is an excellent storyteller - her short stories are highly skilled, even though she's probably primarily known as a novelist, and in part this book is what used to be called a "fixup," joining several short stories together into a longer, multi-part narrative. The frame story isn't just a frame, though, but expands into something more.
The very early part, when Rick is turned, is darker and more horrific than I usually prefer, but it sets up a contrast that the author uses well. The essential goodness of a character who fights against the evil imposed on him to remain, in important ways, himself shines through powerfully throughout.
Although I've read a number of the Kitty Norville books, you could read this book without having done so and be fully oriented; the events of those books are only referred to briefly, some of the many adventures that Rick has had over his long life, and Rick himself is at the heart of the story. He's an appealing protagonist, and I enjoyed reading this. Perhaps I'll go back and read some more of the main series.
Here we get the full backstory of Rick, the 500-year-old vampire and decent guy who's one of Kitty's allies. Turned against his will by an acquaintance who knew him back when they were both on Coronado's unsuccessful expedition to find the Cities of Gold in Mexico, Rick is determined to be bad at vampiring; he has friends, not victims, and only uses his powers to protect people.
Naturally, this doesn't come easily, but it helps that he spends the first hundred years in complete isolation from other vampires, so nobody tells him how he's supposed to do it. Even in the present day, there's a lot he doesn't know, and he's still determined to be a good man (and a devout Catholic) insofar as that's possible for someone like him.
Carrie Vaughn is an excellent storyteller - her short stories are highly skilled, even though she's probably primarily known as a novelist, and in part this book is what used to be called a "fixup," joining several short stories together into a longer, multi-part narrative. The frame story isn't just a frame, though, but expands into something more.
The very early part, when Rick is turned, is darker and more horrific than I usually prefer, but it sets up a contrast that the author uses well. The essential goodness of a character who fights against the evil imposed on him to remain, in important ways, himself shines through powerfully throughout.
Although I've read a number of the Kitty Norville books, you could read this book without having done so and be fully oriented; the events of those books are only referred to briefly, some of the many adventures that Rick has had over his long life, and Rick himself is at the heart of the story. He's an appealing protagonist, and I enjoyed reading this. Perhaps I'll go back and read some more of the main series.
March 19, 2020
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did not connect with this book. I like Rick in the kitty books, but none of the characters or story grabbed me.
I ended up skimming it.
I did not connect with this book. I like Rick in the kitty books, but none of the characters or story grabbed me.
I ended up skimming it.
November 23, 2019
An okay set of short, connected narratives about Rick from Vaughn's Kitty the werewolf series. Nice background and origin stories, a mildly entertaining read, but it does feel like it should have been parter of a larger work with a strong plot, rather than just exposition.
April 4, 2020
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
I've been a fan of the Kitty Norville series since the debut in 2005, and one of the supporting characters that fans seem most enamored of—and are given the least information about—is Kitty's vampire ally, Rick (the Master of Denver).
For those (like me) who need a little brushing up on some of what went on toward the end of the series, Rick leaves Denver for a while in order to explore a different way to take on Dux Bellorum (the series' Big Bad).
This book gives the reader some insight into what Rick was up to during this time. The book stitches together four short stories about Rick's origin (some previously published, some not) while Rick introduces himself to the Order of Saint Lazarus.
I'd already read the first story, "Conquistador de la Noche," in the collection Kitty's Greatest Hits—but it worked really well in this setting, too—this sets the stage for the rest of Rick's history and tells about him becoming a vampire. The next two stories show what happens when he first encounters the Vampire sub-culture and is first exposed to the rules (most) Vampires live by and how Rick skirts the edges of those rules and starts to make both a name for himself and build his different kind of power base.
The fourth story is my favorite detailing what happens when Rick meets a legendary Old West character. It was just a great story with an element of fun. It's also something the reader is told that Rick's never told anyone about before. It's precisely the kind of thing that Kitty would kill to hear, she's constantly asking vampires and other supernatural types for stories like this. That Rick would go out of his way to deprive her of this story (but we get to read it) was a little extra dash of fun.
I don't know that this gave me a much better picture of Rick—the novels had pretty much done that. We know his character, we may not understand his past and what he was—but we know who he is. But this book rounds out our understanding of the man and gives the reader a little hope for his future.
Once I cottoned on to what Vaughn was doing—stitching together short stories—I was a little skeptical of the format. But I came around pretty quickly and decided it worked really well. It's better than a simple short story collection, essentially giving us a bonus story. The stories (including the framing device) feel different from the Kitty series, but not so much that it doesn't feel like the same world.
A cool bonus of this—you can read it totally independent of the Kitty Norville series. It's not dependent at all on the events or people of the series (there are references to certain antagonists, but not in any way that makes familiarity with the series necessary for understanding).
I do have to wonder about the timing of this—the series ended almost five years ago, so I'm not sure I get why we're getting this material in this format now. But that's just me being curious, not complaining. Did I (or the series) need The Immortal Conquistador? No. But I'm very glad I got it.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley in exchange for this post —thanks to both for the opportunity.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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I've been a fan of the Kitty Norville series since the debut in 2005, and one of the supporting characters that fans seem most enamored of—and are given the least information about—is Kitty's vampire ally, Rick (the Master of Denver).
For those (like me) who need a little brushing up on some of what went on toward the end of the series, Rick leaves Denver for a while in order to explore a different way to take on Dux Bellorum (the series' Big Bad).
This book gives the reader some insight into what Rick was up to during this time. The book stitches together four short stories about Rick's origin (some previously published, some not) while Rick introduces himself to the Order of Saint Lazarus.
I'd already read the first story, "Conquistador de la Noche," in the collection Kitty's Greatest Hits—but it worked really well in this setting, too—this sets the stage for the rest of Rick's history and tells about him becoming a vampire. The next two stories show what happens when he first encounters the Vampire sub-culture and is first exposed to the rules (most) Vampires live by and how Rick skirts the edges of those rules and starts to make both a name for himself and build his different kind of power base.
The fourth story is my favorite detailing what happens when Rick meets a legendary Old West character. It was just a great story with an element of fun. It's also something the reader is told that Rick's never told anyone about before. It's precisely the kind of thing that Kitty would kill to hear, she's constantly asking vampires and other supernatural types for stories like this. That Rick would go out of his way to deprive her of this story (but we get to read it) was a little extra dash of fun.
I don't know that this gave me a much better picture of Rick—the novels had pretty much done that. We know his character, we may not understand his past and what he was—but we know who he is. But this book rounds out our understanding of the man and gives the reader a little hope for his future.
Once I cottoned on to what Vaughn was doing—stitching together short stories—I was a little skeptical of the format. But I came around pretty quickly and decided it worked really well. It's better than a simple short story collection, essentially giving us a bonus story. The stories (including the framing device) feel different from the Kitty series, but not so much that it doesn't feel like the same world.
A cool bonus of this—you can read it totally independent of the Kitty Norville series. It's not dependent at all on the events or people of the series (there are references to certain antagonists, but not in any way that makes familiarity with the series necessary for understanding).
I do have to wonder about the timing of this—the series ended almost five years ago, so I'm not sure I get why we're getting this material in this format now. But that's just me being curious, not complaining. Did I (or the series) need The Immortal Conquistador? No. But I'm very glad I got it.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley in exchange for this post —thanks to both for the opportunity.
May 22, 2020
Don Ricardo de Avila y Zacatecas a/k/a Rick finally spills all of his secrets in Carrie Vaughn’s The Immortal Conquistador! Kitty has been trying to weasel information about Rick’s past during the entire Kitty Norville series (14 previous books) so it’s great that Rick finally gets his own book! As a reader of the series I was excited to learn more about Rick’s previous 500+ year existence.
As this is the 15th book in the series you may be slightly confused if you decide to start with this one, but it does tell details about Rick’s entire existence, human years and vampire years. Vaughn shares stories of Rick’s most memorable moments that really highlight how he became such a noble vampire. From his start as a member of Coronado’s company all the way to his living in Denver where he meets Kitty. This book clearly highlights just how unusual Rick is compared to other vampires. If you’re a fan of the series this is absolutely not a book you should miss!
Spoilers start here:
While I was reading I kept thinking about how Rick is similar to Carlisle Cullen from Twilight. Both are considered very honorable vampires, but I still think Rick is better. Even though Carlisle is a doctor and has other noble qualities, Rick still didn’t do something Carlisle did. Carlisle turned his family out of loneliness, while Rick never did, not even to save their lives. Instead Rick decided to let his family live as humans, because he honestly believes it is the better existence. He is very aware of all of the power he has available to him as a vampire, but he still calls it his “cursed existence” and he doesn’t feel those he loves should have to suffer with him. The only time he even offers to change someone is Doc Holliday and I think Rick was happy when he denied the offer. This is strongly connected to Rick’s religious beliefs, but Carlisle I feel also has strong morals and beliefs too. Anyway that is where my mind wandered off to while reading. Any thoughts?
As this is the 15th book in the series you may be slightly confused if you decide to start with this one, but it does tell details about Rick’s entire existence, human years and vampire years. Vaughn shares stories of Rick’s most memorable moments that really highlight how he became such a noble vampire. From his start as a member of Coronado’s company all the way to his living in Denver where he meets Kitty. This book clearly highlights just how unusual Rick is compared to other vampires. If you’re a fan of the series this is absolutely not a book you should miss!
Spoilers start here:
While I was reading I kept thinking about how Rick is similar to Carlisle Cullen from Twilight. Both are considered very honorable vampires, but I still think Rick is better. Even though Carlisle is a doctor and has other noble qualities, Rick still didn’t do something Carlisle did. Carlisle turned his family out of loneliness, while Rick never did, not even to save their lives. Instead Rick decided to let his family live as humans, because he honestly believes it is the better existence. He is very aware of all of the power he has available to him as a vampire, but he still calls it his “cursed existence” and he doesn’t feel those he loves should have to suffer with him. The only time he even offers to change someone is Doc Holliday and I think Rick was happy when he denied the offer. This is strongly connected to Rick’s religious beliefs, but Carlisle I feel also has strong morals and beliefs too. Anyway that is where my mind wandered off to while reading. Any thoughts?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2020
Ricardo de Avila, third son of a minor nobleman, followed the Spanish conquest to the New World in 1539, where he joined Coronado's expedition in search of the rumored Cities of Gold. Unfortunately, they found only the desert southwest of what is now the United States, inhabited by primitive Indians with little or no gold. Disillusioned, they retreated to Mexico, where Ricardo became a government messenger. Next we find out how became a vampire. This is told in the story Conquistador de la Noche. (I had previously read this story somewhere else, so it wasn't a surprise to me.)
A hundred years later in El Hidalgo de la Noche, he first meets other vampires and learns the name for his condition, not demon, but vampire.
In Dead Men in Central City we meet his one historical personage as mentioned to Kitty: Doc Holliday, gambler and gunslinger. One question here: Ricardo refers to Doc's medical knowledge, but Doc was a dentist, not a medical doctor. Another question, from El Hidalgo de la Noche, why does his servant have a French name, Henri, instead of the Spanish Enrique?
In El Conquistador del Tiempo, Rick meets again one of the vampire women he met in Mexico City. He's in Santa Fe to give his current companion a place to rest up and perhaps get better. Apparently vampires are planning to move in, two separate factions in fact. Here Rick/Ricardo first meets werewolves.
The frame story is Rick/Ricardo telling his history to the Abbot of the Vatican-based Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows, all vampires. We learn little about the Order itself, just a lot about Rick.
Recommended for those who have followed Kitty the werewolf through her adventures and like me were intrigued by her vampire friend.
A hundred years later in El Hidalgo de la Noche, he first meets other vampires and learns the name for his condition, not demon, but vampire.
In Dead Men in Central City we meet his one historical personage as mentioned to Kitty: Doc Holliday, gambler and gunslinger. One question here: Ricardo refers to Doc's medical knowledge, but Doc was a dentist, not a medical doctor. Another question, from El Hidalgo de la Noche, why does his servant have a French name, Henri, instead of the Spanish Enrique?
In El Conquistador del Tiempo, Rick meets again one of the vampire women he met in Mexico City. He's in Santa Fe to give his current companion a place to rest up and perhaps get better. Apparently vampires are planning to move in, two separate factions in fact. Here Rick/Ricardo first meets werewolves.
The frame story is Rick/Ricardo telling his history to the Abbot of the Vatican-based Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows, all vampires. We learn little about the Order itself, just a lot about Rick.
Recommended for those who have followed Kitty the werewolf through her adventures and like me were intrigued by her vampire friend.
July 27, 2021
I recently finished reading the Kitty Norville UF series, so I was very excited about reading this book.
Ricardo de Avila, also known as Rick the former Master of Denver and new member of the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows, is one of those interesting characters that always stands out. He's different and a trusty ally, plus one of Kitty's good friends. Reading about his early life, how he became a vampire and the hardships he was forced to endure just to be left alone because he wanted to live his own vampiric life, was a truly awesome experience.
The book is broken up into four parts and each follows Ricardo through the centuries. Every single one is as good as the one before and helped me to get to know Rick in such intimate detail, that it confirmed he really is nothing like other vampires.
While he might be considered cursed and thought of as a monster, he kept his wits and is a kind-hearted being who never forgot his faith and saw humans as friends rather than slaves. He also stumbled into some pretty fantastic situations and never once realised how strong and powerful he really is. He's totally kick-ass, too.
He's a vampire who doesn't like other vamps and refuses to put up with their BS.
Yeah, I love Rick. He's such a lovely character.
Oh, and I a got a real kick out of the Doc Holliday tale. It was SO much cowboy fun! 🤠
I enjoyed this book A LOT. It's one of the best origin stories I've read. A lot of times I feel origin stories ruin secondary characters, but this one deepened and strengthened one of my favourite vampires.
One last thing, asides from how wonderful this book really is, I also thought the writing was fantastic!
Ricardo de Avila, also known as Rick the former Master of Denver and new member of the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows, is one of those interesting characters that always stands out. He's different and a trusty ally, plus one of Kitty's good friends. Reading about his early life, how he became a vampire and the hardships he was forced to endure just to be left alone because he wanted to live his own vampiric life, was a truly awesome experience.
The book is broken up into four parts and each follows Ricardo through the centuries. Every single one is as good as the one before and helped me to get to know Rick in such intimate detail, that it confirmed he really is nothing like other vampires.
While he might be considered cursed and thought of as a monster, he kept his wits and is a kind-hearted being who never forgot his faith and saw humans as friends rather than slaves. He also stumbled into some pretty fantastic situations and never once realised how strong and powerful he really is. He's totally kick-ass, too.
He's a vampire who doesn't like other vamps and refuses to put up with their BS.
Yeah, I love Rick. He's such a lovely character.
Oh, and I a got a real kick out of the Doc Holliday tale. It was SO much cowboy fun! 🤠
I enjoyed this book A LOT. It's one of the best origin stories I've read. A lot of times I feel origin stories ruin secondary characters, but this one deepened and strengthened one of my favourite vampires.
One last thing, asides from how wonderful this book really is, I also thought the writing was fantastic!
April 15, 2020
Apparently most of this book is an assembly of short narratives that have appeared in Ms Vaughan's other novels about the background of the main character Ricardo, or Rick, de Ávila, who started out as a young man as a member of the expedition of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado in search of Cibola.
Firstly, I have to say how refreshing it is to have a main character from the times when Spain was conquering the New World who is not some bloodthirsty overambitious monster. In fact if there is anything that characterises Rick it is that he is the most mellow and laid-back of vampires, this too, is refreshing. Rick is balanced and reasonable and only fights when he has to to defend either himself or innocents. He is simply another person in search of a quiet life.
As befits its origin, the book is episodic, jumping between Rick's different adventures in different times. Obviously some parts are more interesting than others, I think my particular favourite rather than some of the major conflicts was Rick's encounter with Doc Halliday.
As a fluent Spanish speaker I have to say some of the Spanish is slightly suspect and repetitive. I think the author would benefit in future by using a Spanish speaker to fine tune her use of the language.
Altogether, this is a good solid vampire tale does not overstay its welcome. Rick makes for a compelling main character. I hope to read more about him in the future.
Many thanks, as always to Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
Firstly, I have to say how refreshing it is to have a main character from the times when Spain was conquering the New World who is not some bloodthirsty overambitious monster. In fact if there is anything that characterises Rick it is that he is the most mellow and laid-back of vampires, this too, is refreshing. Rick is balanced and reasonable and only fights when he has to to defend either himself or innocents. He is simply another person in search of a quiet life.
As befits its origin, the book is episodic, jumping between Rick's different adventures in different times. Obviously some parts are more interesting than others, I think my particular favourite rather than some of the major conflicts was Rick's encounter with Doc Halliday.
As a fluent Spanish speaker I have to say some of the Spanish is slightly suspect and repetitive. I think the author would benefit in future by using a Spanish speaker to fine tune her use of the language.
Altogether, this is a good solid vampire tale does not overstay its welcome. Rick makes for a compelling main character. I hope to read more about him in the future.
Many thanks, as always to Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
March 7, 2020
Title: The Immortal Conquistador
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Genre: Urban fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Set in the world of Kitty Norville…
Ricardo de Avila---now called Rick---would have followed Coronado anywhere. Yes, that Coronado, the conquistador. But Coronado never found what he sought—and Rick found immortality as a turned-against-his-will vampire.
Five hundred years later, Rick has spent his life going against the immortal grain. While he at first thought he was the only self-named-demon in existence---so ignorant of the truth he didn’t even know he was called vampire---now he keeps to himself and protects his mortal family. He’s spent his days as a bartender, helped a legendary gunslinger, appointed himself Master of Santa Fe, and now discovered a church hidden under the Vatican.
Immortal life is no piece of cake.
It’s been years since I read any of the Kitty books (Looking back, it seems I stopped reading after book six). I enjoyed them, and I have no idea why I stopped reading, so this was run return to that world. I love how different Rick is from traditional or more-popular vampire tropes. He’s a loner, and he’s fine with that. He didn’t even know what he was, thinking himself a demon, but drama and trouble seem to dog his steps. A quick, fun read.
(Galley courtesy of Tachyon Publications in exchange for an honest review.)
More reviews at Tomorrow is Another Day
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Genre: Urban fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Set in the world of Kitty Norville…
Ricardo de Avila---now called Rick---would have followed Coronado anywhere. Yes, that Coronado, the conquistador. But Coronado never found what he sought—and Rick found immortality as a turned-against-his-will vampire.
Five hundred years later, Rick has spent his life going against the immortal grain. While he at first thought he was the only self-named-demon in existence---so ignorant of the truth he didn’t even know he was called vampire---now he keeps to himself and protects his mortal family. He’s spent his days as a bartender, helped a legendary gunslinger, appointed himself Master of Santa Fe, and now discovered a church hidden under the Vatican.
Immortal life is no piece of cake.
It’s been years since I read any of the Kitty books (Looking back, it seems I stopped reading after book six). I enjoyed them, and I have no idea why I stopped reading, so this was run return to that world. I love how different Rick is from traditional or more-popular vampire tropes. He’s a loner, and he’s fine with that. He didn’t even know what he was, thinking himself a demon, but drama and trouble seem to dog his steps. A quick, fun read.
(Galley courtesy of Tachyon Publications in exchange for an honest review.)
More reviews at Tomorrow is Another Day
January 4, 2020
The Immortal Conquistador (Paperback)
by Carrie Vaughn
Carrie Vaughn states in her blurb about the book that she wasn’t interested in writing about Vampires. Through her Kitty books about werewolves she found she had to. Her thrown off comment of her character Ricardo de Avila, Le Conquistador had met Doc Holliday was a story begging to be told. It’s funny how writers find inspiration in their own thrown out comments and ideas. Carrie brings to life the idea of a historical vampire, one on the edge of American history, and namely Colorado history. She uses her ability to research and find the perfect background to her characters that make them seem almost real. A history buff, she is amazing in what she pulls out of her hat.
Ricardo de Avila, is a dynamic character in this book, a reluctant vampire. Changed against his will to become what he feared most, a heartless, soulless monster. The redeeming factor of his nature is that he uses this curse to protect others, to benefit others yet would never inflict it on another human being, no matter how much he loves them. It's an inspired twist to the old tale, with redemption and release without the death of the main character.
I would recommend the story to those who are addicted to her Kitty series, those who have read her award winning Bannerless series, or just someone who loves a good story.
by Carrie Vaughn
Carrie Vaughn states in her blurb about the book that she wasn’t interested in writing about Vampires. Through her Kitty books about werewolves she found she had to. Her thrown off comment of her character Ricardo de Avila, Le Conquistador had met Doc Holliday was a story begging to be told. It’s funny how writers find inspiration in their own thrown out comments and ideas. Carrie brings to life the idea of a historical vampire, one on the edge of American history, and namely Colorado history. She uses her ability to research and find the perfect background to her characters that make them seem almost real. A history buff, she is amazing in what she pulls out of her hat.
Ricardo de Avila, is a dynamic character in this book, a reluctant vampire. Changed against his will to become what he feared most, a heartless, soulless monster. The redeeming factor of his nature is that he uses this curse to protect others, to benefit others yet would never inflict it on another human being, no matter how much he loves them. It's an inspired twist to the old tale, with redemption and release without the death of the main character.
I would recommend the story to those who are addicted to her Kitty series, those who have read her award winning Bannerless series, or just someone who loves a good story.
April 22, 2020
This tale of how one of Cortez’s conquistadors became a vampire, finding his way alone in Mexico and later north to the nascent United States, is a delightful, often poignant twist on the usual vampire tale. After newly turned Ricardo kills his “maker” and the rest of the next, rather than join them in a murder-fest, he has no guidance as to what he has become. Without a community to teach him the hierarchical “rules,” he proceeds to create a life in which he protects the humans upon whom he depends, treating them with fairness and consideration instead of preying on them. From there, each episode focuses on how the differences play out in different historical periods. The ancient European-based vampire masters will not tolerate any vampire not under their control (and concentrated in their cities), and Ricardo will not abandon his “family.”
I love the way this story challenges the usual trope of vampires as (a) intrinsically evil; (b) forever separated from humanity. Ricardo, who is anything but a bloodthirsty fiend, makes the world a better place by his compassion and kindness.
The usual disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book, but no one bribed me to say anything in particular about it. Although, come to think of it, fine imported chocolates and roses might have been nice.
I love the way this story challenges the usual trope of vampires as (a) intrinsically evil; (b) forever separated from humanity. Ricardo, who is anything but a bloodthirsty fiend, makes the world a better place by his compassion and kindness.
The usual disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book, but no one bribed me to say anything in particular about it. Although, come to think of it, fine imported chocolates and roses might have been nice.
June 2, 2020
This is an urban fantasy vampire book for people who don't think urban fantasy (or vampires) have anything to offer.
Although it says book 15, it is really stands alone from the rest of the series, telling the story of Ricardo, a man who came to the new world with Coronado, and was turned into a vampire against his will.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is that Rick / Ricardo struggles with his Catholic faith and what that means how he is a monster.
"His baptism had been burned away from him. The Mother Church was poison to him now. God had rejected him. But I do not reject God, Ricardo thought helplessly."
The story also focuses on something that is a point in the series, which is that an immortal creature would have seen a tremendous amount of history--and have perhaps an immediate personal view of historical figures--in this instance, Doc Holliday.
If you're looking for something different that is theoretically pulp yet that manages to address the issues of sin and damnation, then you might want try "The Immortal Conquistador". You'll lose nothing by a few hours with a good story.
Although it says book 15, it is really stands alone from the rest of the series, telling the story of Ricardo, a man who came to the new world with Coronado, and was turned into a vampire against his will.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is that Rick / Ricardo struggles with his Catholic faith and what that means how he is a monster.
"His baptism had been burned away from him. The Mother Church was poison to him now. God had rejected him. But I do not reject God, Ricardo thought helplessly."
The story also focuses on something that is a point in the series, which is that an immortal creature would have seen a tremendous amount of history--and have perhaps an immediate personal view of historical figures--in this instance, Doc Holliday.
If you're looking for something different that is theoretically pulp yet that manages to address the issues of sin and damnation, then you might want try "The Immortal Conquistador". You'll lose nothing by a few hours with a good story.
November 11, 2020
Am I the only one who sometimes blurs together Rick (w/Kitty), and Stefan (w/Mercy)? I know, I know, terrible of me. I don't have a problem keeping the girls separate, but these 2 non-conformist vampire boys sometimes blur together a bit for me. Sorry.
That said, this was a good one. If you are like me, it is hard not to like Rick - I mean, he likes some people... well, a few people. Okay, select friends and "family." But otherwise he just wants to be left alone. Easy to relate. His imposter syndrome as a vamp, along with his basic uncaring-about-the-opinions-of-others, mean he writes his own rules. What's not to like?
I especially liked how smoothly she slipped in the possible proof of vampires having souls. Neat.
If you liked this one for some of the reasons I liked this one, and you are willing to go a little more hardcore, then you have to read We Who Are About To... by Joanna Russ (if you can find it). No vampires! But it is amusing in a very dark way, and really gets to that whole please-leave-me-alone vibe.
That said, this was a good one. If you are like me, it is hard not to like Rick - I mean, he likes some people... well, a few people. Okay, select friends and "family." But otherwise he just wants to be left alone. Easy to relate. His imposter syndrome as a vamp, along with his basic uncaring-about-the-opinions-of-others, mean he writes his own rules. What's not to like?
I especially liked how smoothly she slipped in the possible proof of vampires having souls. Neat.
If you liked this one for some of the reasons I liked this one, and you are willing to go a little more hardcore, then you have to read We Who Are About To... by Joanna Russ (if you can find it). No vampires! But it is amusing in a very dark way, and really gets to that whole please-leave-me-alone vibe.
March 18, 2023
The Immortal Conquistador is a book I got in an SFF Humble Bundle several months ago. This was one of the many books/authors in that set that was new to me, but it was just too good a deal to pass up. It wasn't until I started the book and shelves it that I realized that the book was not a standalone, like I had thought; oh no, this is book fifteen in a series. I nearly put it down right there, but it's also a prequel so I continued, hoping that there wouldn't be too much context required from previous books and, happily, that did turn out to be the case. There was some setup about some priest that had been killed that I didn't really get, but most of the actual story is told in a series flashbacks as the abbot (politely) interrogates Rick about his life as a lone vampire. And those stories are awesome. I requested the first books of this series from my local library on the strength of this book, and I look forward to reading them. This is a book I very much enjoyed and it's a book that I already recommended to friends who read SFF.
May 31, 2020
The Immortal Conquistador is a collection of four novellas set in the Kitty Norville universe that follows vampire Rick. It was an absolutely fascinating read. Rick was always one of my favorite characters in the series, so I was ecstatic to learn more about him and his past. I liked him even more after finishing this.
Rick is a vampire who never wanted to be one. After he was turned against his will, he strove to be better than those that made him. He did his best to control the monster that he had become. He was afraid he lost his soul, afraid that he lost his connection to God forever when he became a vampire. So he was constantly searching, looking for answers, never giving up hope. He kept fighting for his soul.
These four stories take the reader on Rick's journey from when he first became a vampire to finding the answers he was searching for. It's a must read for fans of Kitty Norville, but even if you haven't read the series yet, this book stands alone just fine.
Rick is a vampire who never wanted to be one. After he was turned against his will, he strove to be better than those that made him. He did his best to control the monster that he had become. He was afraid he lost his soul, afraid that he lost his connection to God forever when he became a vampire. So he was constantly searching, looking for answers, never giving up hope. He kept fighting for his soul.
These four stories take the reader on Rick's journey from when he first became a vampire to finding the answers he was searching for. It's a must read for fans of Kitty Norville, but even if you haven't read the series yet, this book stands alone just fine.
February 29, 2020
Wow! I loved this. We finally get the back story for Rick from the Kitty Norville stories. He was always a very unusual vampire but now with this story, it is clear why. It turns out he’s a very reluctant vampire that just wanted to be left alone. As other vampires try to recruit him and draw him into their schemes, he manages to stick to his principles and doesn’t involve himself in all the scheming. We learn Rick‘s story in bits and pieces as he retells it to the Abbot of the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows. His heartfelt history of friendship and loyalty was genuinely touching to read. Once again Ms. Vaughn has made a supernatural creature lovable. Well done! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 1, 2020
For Kitty Norville readers who are big Rick fans and desperately curious about his life. He always refused to tell Kitty anything about his past, but for some reason blabs literally every detail about his whole life to the head of a secretive vampire organization whom he doesn't know or trust? And absolutely none of it is anything he should have been reluctant to tell Kitty, especially given the revelation that he's had a lifelong habit of having close friendships with humans? Eh.
I do love Carrie Vaughn's commentary on power, both in the broader series (Kitty is a werewolf who literally talks herself out of trouble 75% of the time rather than fighting), and here, where Rick becomes one of the most powerful vampires in the world (apparently) by creating genuine friendships and saying "no thanks" to the power-grabbing vampire way of life.
I do love Carrie Vaughn's commentary on power, both in the broader series (Kitty is a werewolf who literally talks herself out of trouble 75% of the time rather than fighting), and here, where Rick becomes one of the most powerful vampires in the world (apparently) by creating genuine friendships and saying "no thanks" to the power-grabbing vampire way of life.
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