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Mozart's Blood
As a young soprano in the eighteenth century, Octavia Voss was bitten by a vampire patroness during a sexual tryst with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and was imbued with the essence of his astonishing musical gifts. Since then, Octavia has enjoyed several careers as a celebrated soprano, taking on new identities to disguise her ageless beauty, and acquiring an assistant and companion in Ugo, a mysterious man who possesses a secret of his own. Together they travel the world for her performances at all the great opera houses. But during a run at La Scala, Octavia draws the attention of a secret vampire hunter who will do anything to make her talents his own.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2010
19 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Louise Marley
35 books129 followersLouise Marley, a former concert and opera singer, has published nineteen novels. As Louise Marley, she writes fantasy and science fiction, including THE TERRORISTS OF IRUSTAN and THE CHILD GODDESS. Writing as Cate Campbell, she published the historical trilogy BENEDICT HALL.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 27, 2010
Free Kindle download--thank you, Amazon!
Very creative, origina, and well written. Dances back and forth through time, but it's easy to follow and clearly done. If you're not an opera fan before you read it, you may well be by the time you're finished. The author obviously cares about the beauty of the art, and that care comes across loud and clear.
Would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story.
Very creative, origina, and well written. Dances back and forth through time, but it's easy to follow and clearly done. If you're not an opera fan before you read it, you may well be by the time you're finished. The author obviously cares about the beauty of the art, and that care comes across loud and clear.
Would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story.
January 27, 2020
DNF, pg 80-something, because I don't care whether anyone lives or dies. (I did read the last few pages to see if it was worth slogging through. It wasn't.)
This should have been awesome, but alas. The characters are bland, the pace is glacial, & the time jumps are confusing. (Dear authors: please, please, PLEASE label time jumps in your novels, at least until the reader can recognize internal markers for themselves. You aren't William Faulkner. Unless there's a very specific reason for the POV character not comprehending time & space, ease of reading demands this small concession to your audience.)
Personal peeve: even if the bio didn't advertise the author's experience in the world of opera & performance, it's all too obvious; every scene with Octavia is an onslaught of infodumps & faux-intimate details that practically set fire to their hair while waving banners that proclaim LOOK AT MY SPECIAL INSIDER KNOWLEDGE!! IT MAKES THIS SO AUTHENTIC, RIGHT?? Insider knowledge of a certain cultural subset (or even hardcore appreciation of it) *can* lend authenticity, but it needs to be woven with some subtlety...otherwise you get scenes like Octavia standing onstage, labeling her fellow singers' voice types in turn, then commenting on their ability to hit their marks & modulate their rehearsal tones to a lower level, because blasting at full volume is zomg such poor form! Etc, etc.
In short: though the concept is great, the execution is lacking. I gave this two chances but neither managed to hook me...so farewell & godspeed, MOZART'S BLOOD.
This should have been awesome, but alas. The characters are bland, the pace is glacial, & the time jumps are confusing. (Dear authors: please, please, PLEASE label time jumps in your novels, at least until the reader can recognize internal markers for themselves. You aren't William Faulkner. Unless there's a very specific reason for the POV character not comprehending time & space, ease of reading demands this small concession to your audience.)
Personal peeve: even if the bio didn't advertise the author's experience in the world of opera & performance, it's all too obvious; every scene with Octavia is an onslaught of infodumps & faux-intimate details that practically set fire to their hair while waving banners that proclaim LOOK AT MY SPECIAL INSIDER KNOWLEDGE!! IT MAKES THIS SO AUTHENTIC, RIGHT?? Insider knowledge of a certain cultural subset (or even hardcore appreciation of it) *can* lend authenticity, but it needs to be woven with some subtlety...otherwise you get scenes like Octavia standing onstage, labeling her fellow singers' voice types in turn, then commenting on their ability to hit their marks & modulate their rehearsal tones to a lower level, because blasting at full volume is zomg such poor form! Etc, etc.
In short: though the concept is great, the execution is lacking. I gave this two chances but neither managed to hook me...so farewell & godspeed, MOZART'S BLOOD.
December 6, 2010
Just when you think you’ve read everyone in horror who matters, along comes Louise Marley with her amazing and lyrical vampire tale, Mozart’s Blood. Gripping, artful, tellingly detailed, and impossible to put down, Mozart’s Blood is that rare kind of horror novel that works on more than one level. It’s visceral. It’s evocative. It’s scary. It envelops you in atmosphere and delivers on its promise to tell a compelling story.
Read the rest of my review at Dark Scribe magazine.
Read the rest of my review at Dark Scribe magazine.
October 20, 2011
She is over 200 years old. Her name is Octavia Voss, and she is an Opera Diva renowned around the world. Her voice is that of an angel, sweet, yet powerful. Her resonance comes from the very blood that flows through her delicate veins, the blood of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The maestro's music, his memories, his every thought and stroke of genius, has poured through Octavia's heart forever since the day they were both bitten in Prague by a Czechoslovakian Countess. Centuries old, the beautiful Octavia has transformed her life time and again, aspiring as one shining Opera star after another, under many names in many places.
She was born Teresa Saporiti in a small Italian village and ran away from home to seek a life of song. Landing in Milan she begins a promising career as her singing talent soon gains for her the life she had always dreamed of. Traveling the world on the opera stage, she finally meets the famous composer Wolfgang Mozart and is entranced by the emotion he weaves into his music. One evening after the curtain falls, sitting next to Mozart and a stunning Countess on his piano bench, Teresa's world soon turns upside down as she feels a sudden bite, and frantically whisks away blood on her throat. With horror she learns she is now a vampire. Mozart was bitten first, followed by Teresa, so now she has shared his blood and will forever have his memories and music pounding her heart and rushing her life blood towards a life of music and living by the thirst. Agelessly moving through time she is Teresa of Milan, America's Helene Singher, Vivian Anderson in Melbourne, and currently Octavia Voss, world's most loved opera queen.
In 1906 while doing her tour in San Francisco, she meets a man who will become her constant companion and protector. His name is Ughetto. Octavia meets this enigmatic handsome man on the docks of the Ferry Building as he emerges out of the fog to tell her he was sent there to watch her by a secret society called La Societa. They are the elders of the vampiric world who watch over their fledglings to ensure that their kind is protected, and that their numbers are kept to a minimum. But as the two new friends endure the tragedy of the 1906 earthquake, Octavia learns that Ughetto also has the gift of voice, and that he too has a hideous secret of his own. In 18th century Tripani Italy, Ughetto was born lupo mannaro, a werewolf.
For this dynamic couple, who although are not lovers, enduring the struggle to survive year after year protecting each other's secrets and sins as they are forced to hunt, drink, and yet shine in the limelight of Opera's most memorable performances, life is precarious. Constantly fleeing from one city to the next, from one century to another as they never grow old, vigilantly keeping themselves from letting loose the demons within them, Ughetto and Octavia cling to their innocence and hide in the shadows when the beasts overcome them and they are forced to drink. Villains chase them wanting immortality, turning their battles into scenes of blood soaked carnage as they are kidnapped, tortured, and forced against their will to transform others into the very dark creatures they have become.
This novel is no chic-lit paranormal romance. This is serious vampire literature and one of the best I've come across in years. Marley's writing is outstanding and very polished. The story bursts with breathtaking passionate scenes of emotional torment, the operatic voices vibrate off the page, her characters are crafted with depth and humanity, and the plot is very inventive. This is a story with soul, one that is a cut above all the rest of the vampire fiction out there now that is being mass produced like paper dolls. Dripping with 18th century history, Mozart's Blood is a sensational read not to be missed for any fans of vampire novels and I personally am hoping for a sequel. Bravo! I stand up and applaud!!!!
She was born Teresa Saporiti in a small Italian village and ran away from home to seek a life of song. Landing in Milan she begins a promising career as her singing talent soon gains for her the life she had always dreamed of. Traveling the world on the opera stage, she finally meets the famous composer Wolfgang Mozart and is entranced by the emotion he weaves into his music. One evening after the curtain falls, sitting next to Mozart and a stunning Countess on his piano bench, Teresa's world soon turns upside down as she feels a sudden bite, and frantically whisks away blood on her throat. With horror she learns she is now a vampire. Mozart was bitten first, followed by Teresa, so now she has shared his blood and will forever have his memories and music pounding her heart and rushing her life blood towards a life of music and living by the thirst. Agelessly moving through time she is Teresa of Milan, America's Helene Singher, Vivian Anderson in Melbourne, and currently Octavia Voss, world's most loved opera queen.
In 1906 while doing her tour in San Francisco, she meets a man who will become her constant companion and protector. His name is Ughetto. Octavia meets this enigmatic handsome man on the docks of the Ferry Building as he emerges out of the fog to tell her he was sent there to watch her by a secret society called La Societa. They are the elders of the vampiric world who watch over their fledglings to ensure that their kind is protected, and that their numbers are kept to a minimum. But as the two new friends endure the tragedy of the 1906 earthquake, Octavia learns that Ughetto also has the gift of voice, and that he too has a hideous secret of his own. In 18th century Tripani Italy, Ughetto was born lupo mannaro, a werewolf.
For this dynamic couple, who although are not lovers, enduring the struggle to survive year after year protecting each other's secrets and sins as they are forced to hunt, drink, and yet shine in the limelight of Opera's most memorable performances, life is precarious. Constantly fleeing from one city to the next, from one century to another as they never grow old, vigilantly keeping themselves from letting loose the demons within them, Ughetto and Octavia cling to their innocence and hide in the shadows when the beasts overcome them and they are forced to drink. Villains chase them wanting immortality, turning their battles into scenes of blood soaked carnage as they are kidnapped, tortured, and forced against their will to transform others into the very dark creatures they have become.
This novel is no chic-lit paranormal romance. This is serious vampire literature and one of the best I've come across in years. Marley's writing is outstanding and very polished. The story bursts with breathtaking passionate scenes of emotional torment, the operatic voices vibrate off the page, her characters are crafted with depth and humanity, and the plot is very inventive. This is a story with soul, one that is a cut above all the rest of the vampire fiction out there now that is being mass produced like paper dolls. Dripping with 18th century history, Mozart's Blood is a sensational read not to be missed for any fans of vampire novels and I personally am hoping for a sequel. Bravo! I stand up and applaud!!!!
August 17, 2010
Free Kindle download. BEAUTIFUL book! The writing is poetic, lyrical, and evocative, and it made me feel as though I were listening to a piece of classical music, or better yet, an opera. It's about vampires and a werewolf, but it's so unlike all the other vampire and werewolf stories out there, the others seem like cartoons after reading this. This book seems more realistic because it's so rich in detail, in history, in music, and in emotion. It's like an oil painting with layers and layers of color; the resulting image has a lot of depth and luminance. It's just ... gorgeous. I could not stop reading it and found myself reading well into the night.
The concept itself is beautiful — the memories of every victim become a part of the vampire, and when one of those bitten is the great Mozart, imagine how that would color a vampire's appreciation of music. And speaking of memories, the book is rich with them; they flow as memories seem to do in our heads, seamlessly, from past to present and back again, and it's a wonderful way of revealing things bit by bit about the characters and their afflictions, and a great way of adding suspense. At first, the story seemed slow, but the suspense builds up as you go, bigger and bigger, until the big conflict. There's a lull before another big conflict, and just when you think the bad guy gets away with things, he doesn't. Even his punishment is beautiful, and you leave the book feeling really satisfied.
I'm really compelled to try the author's other works. The book is just that beautifully done.
Downloaded July 16, 2010. Read August 16, 2010.
The concept itself is beautiful — the memories of every victim become a part of the vampire, and when one of those bitten is the great Mozart, imagine how that would color a vampire's appreciation of music. And speaking of memories, the book is rich with them; they flow as memories seem to do in our heads, seamlessly, from past to present and back again, and it's a wonderful way of revealing things bit by bit about the characters and their afflictions, and a great way of adding suspense. At first, the story seemed slow, but the suspense builds up as you go, bigger and bigger, until the big conflict. There's a lull before another big conflict, and just when you think the bad guy gets away with things, he doesn't. Even his punishment is beautiful, and you leave the book feeling really satisfied.
I'm really compelled to try the author's other works. The book is just that beautifully done.
Downloaded July 16, 2010. Read August 16, 2010.
August 24, 2010
Imagine sharing the memories and emotions of the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through a blood bond that spans centuries. That is the premise upon which this book gets its title, but the story line of this novel is much more complicated and intriguing than that.
Aspiring opera singer Teresa Saporiti leaves her family and her small hometown in 18th century Italy behind to pursue her dream. Landing a position at the opera house La Scala in Milan with the help of a gentle benefactor, Teresa’s career quickly becomes more and more successful, and she eventually finds herself working with the great Mozart himself, becoming infatuated with him despite his married state. After one exceptionally successful performance in Prague, Teresa finds herself sharing a bed with Mozart and a wealthy and powerful Countess, Zdenka Milosch. By the end of the evening, she has shared much more, and having “shared the tooth” with the brilliant composer, her life becomes irrevocably changed.
Young Ughetto was the only son of a poor innkeeper, born after seven sisters. As he nears puberty, he realizes his mother and grandmother are becoming unusually wary around him. Then one day he is sent on a ficticious errand by his mother and grandmother and his life changes forever. Abducted and drugged, Ughetto finds himself in a terrifying situation which eventually lands him in a small school for a unique group of boys. His own association with the world of opera eventually leads him also into a relationship with the enigmatic Countess Milosch.
Ughetto and Teresa meet each other in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake, and after learning more about each other’s existences form a lasting bond. Although their relationship is a platonic one, they soon become inseparable, taking on various personas as the years pass to continue their existence without raising suspicions. Then one day, as Teresa (now called Octavia) prepares to take the stage once again at La Scala, Ughetto (now called Ugo) disappears. The unfolding events following Ugo’s disappearance are intertwined expertly and lyrically with flashbacks of their pasts. As the present story unfolds, the past is filled in for the reader, detail by detail, weaving an impressive and captivating story.
I really enjoyed this novel, and although I previously had very
little interest in opera, I still found the settings spellbinding and actually enjoyed learning about the milieu, both in the spotlight and backstage. The way author Louise Marley adroitly knits together the past and the present made transitioning back and forth easy for me to follow and kept the flow of the story smooth. All in all, this was an entertaining and enthralling tale. I give this book 4 stars.
Aspiring opera singer Teresa Saporiti leaves her family and her small hometown in 18th century Italy behind to pursue her dream. Landing a position at the opera house La Scala in Milan with the help of a gentle benefactor, Teresa’s career quickly becomes more and more successful, and she eventually finds herself working with the great Mozart himself, becoming infatuated with him despite his married state. After one exceptionally successful performance in Prague, Teresa finds herself sharing a bed with Mozart and a wealthy and powerful Countess, Zdenka Milosch. By the end of the evening, she has shared much more, and having “shared the tooth” with the brilliant composer, her life becomes irrevocably changed.
Young Ughetto was the only son of a poor innkeeper, born after seven sisters. As he nears puberty, he realizes his mother and grandmother are becoming unusually wary around him. Then one day he is sent on a ficticious errand by his mother and grandmother and his life changes forever. Abducted and drugged, Ughetto finds himself in a terrifying situation which eventually lands him in a small school for a unique group of boys. His own association with the world of opera eventually leads him also into a relationship with the enigmatic Countess Milosch.
Ughetto and Teresa meet each other in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake, and after learning more about each other’s existences form a lasting bond. Although their relationship is a platonic one, they soon become inseparable, taking on various personas as the years pass to continue their existence without raising suspicions. Then one day, as Teresa (now called Octavia) prepares to take the stage once again at La Scala, Ughetto (now called Ugo) disappears. The unfolding events following Ugo’s disappearance are intertwined expertly and lyrically with flashbacks of their pasts. As the present story unfolds, the past is filled in for the reader, detail by detail, weaving an impressive and captivating story.
I really enjoyed this novel, and although I previously had very
little interest in opera, I still found the settings spellbinding and actually enjoyed learning about the milieu, both in the spotlight and backstage. The way author Louise Marley adroitly knits together the past and the present made transitioning back and forth easy for me to follow and kept the flow of the story smooth. All in all, this was an entertaining and enthralling tale. I give this book 4 stars.
January 18, 2011
Octavia Voss is an ethereal singer whose talent belies her young age. In truth she's a centuries old vampire who once "Shared the tooth" with Mozart himself. Ugo, her ancient friend and protector stalks the streets to find the elixir that feeds his muse's soul. When he inexplicably disappears, Octavia is left to fend for herself, unprotected. When she learns the truth behind his disappearance she realizes too late, that the life hanging most in the balance is her own.
Personal Take.
Beautifully crafted, full of mystery, suspense, and beauty in perfect doses. I loved how Ugo and Octavia had no love relationship aside from companionship and friendship. The appearance of vampires and werewolves was very non-cliche and the mystery behind their past left me wanting to know more. The main character, Octavia was no typical weak miss in need of protection either. She has her own brand of strength, but leans on her friend when in need. All in all, a marvelous read that left me dreamy afterwords.
Personal Take.
Beautifully crafted, full of mystery, suspense, and beauty in perfect doses. I loved how Ugo and Octavia had no love relationship aside from companionship and friendship. The appearance of vampires and werewolves was very non-cliche and the mystery behind their past left me wanting to know more. The main character, Octavia was no typical weak miss in need of protection either. She has her own brand of strength, but leans on her friend when in need. All in all, a marvelous read that left me dreamy afterwords.
January 14, 2011
I have loved Louise Marley's writing since I opened the pages of THE TERRORISTS OF IRUSTAN. I also love opera, and anything composed by Mozart, so MOZART'S BLOOD promised many elements to please me. It delivered beyond my expectations. Marley writes from her own experiences as a musician and professional opera singer (Seattle Opera, Seattle Symphony). Her deep understanding and love for music sings through the book and brings richness to the plot. While other writers have approached the vampire mythos from various angles, Marley transcends them all with her central theme: that with the passing of centuries and the erosion of ordinary human pleasures such as food and drink and sex, only music has the power to touch the spirit and give meaning and joy. And nobody does it better than Mozart.
Check out her essays on Music and Writing here: http://www.louisemarley.com/music-wri...
Check out her essays on Music and Writing here: http://www.louisemarley.com/music-wri...
February 28, 2015
A dark, old style vampire tale (i.e. more concerned with their next feeding than their next romance) as if Ann Rice re-wrote Amadeus. I am not a great fan of vampire novels, but as they go, this would rate as a good one. The story was neither as cheesy as the book cover nor as sappy as a contemporary paranormal romance and contained some rich and engaging characters dealing with tense, high-risk situations. The narrative goes back and forth among several different storylines and time periods. The author handled this complex writing style skillfully and I didn't seem to have much trouble following the various threads until she wove them together.
September 17, 2011
Now THIS is a vampire book! If you’re expecting a slow-paced, gooey-romance you will be disappointed, because this author has offered a fantastically rich, dramatic story of the undead that will grab you by the throat from the very first page…and not let go. A wonderful fact about this novel is that the story’s actual inspiration was the life of Teresa Saporiti, who was an Italian soprano back in the 1700’s who is most famous for creating the role of Donna Anna in Mozart’s famous opera, Don Giovanni.
Octavia Voss is our ingénue in this powerful story. Octavia was turned into a night stalker by a Czechoslovakian aristocrat and has fended for herself for quite a while. Of course the young girl wanted nothing to do with the taking of lives but has tried to come to terms with the fact that for eternal life she does need the hideous human nectar.
During Octavia’s “rise” to the top, as she was trying to explain to others why she looked so young yet had the voice of a mature singer with hundreds of years behind her, she floated into Mozart’s life…and took his away from him, leaving the master to finally leave the earth in hideous pain because of the fact that he could never bring himself to harm another living soul.
In 1906, in San Francisco, Octavia meets up with a frightening man named Ugo who is basically a Sicilian werewolf who wants nothing more than to protect the young opera singer. Life gets better and better for Octavia; the power, intelligence, and artistic genius of Mozart is part of her blood, and she rides the wave of brilliance through each and every generation. The ageless, graceful, beautiful singer seems to have all she could possibly want between the amazing artist living in her soul, to the strange and somewhat terrifying Ugo who haunts the streets to bring back the elixir that his beloved muse needs.
When Octavia’s secret is seemingly uncovered by a snooty ego-driven baritone in the twenty-first century, Octavia’s perfect “lives” begin to unravel. Not only is her secret compromised, but her mighty guard Ugo disappears – kidnapped in order to break Octavia once and for all.
Again, this is one of those dramatic, fantastical stories that come along once in a blue moon. The shifts between past and present – from century to century – are intriguing, but absolutely seamlessly written so that there is no confusion whatsoever. The locations are drawn so magically that readers will almost feel the pure genius of Mozart flooding their own veins as the orchestra comes to life for the duration of this haunting novel
Octavia Voss is our ingénue in this powerful story. Octavia was turned into a night stalker by a Czechoslovakian aristocrat and has fended for herself for quite a while. Of course the young girl wanted nothing to do with the taking of lives but has tried to come to terms with the fact that for eternal life she does need the hideous human nectar.
During Octavia’s “rise” to the top, as she was trying to explain to others why she looked so young yet had the voice of a mature singer with hundreds of years behind her, she floated into Mozart’s life…and took his away from him, leaving the master to finally leave the earth in hideous pain because of the fact that he could never bring himself to harm another living soul.
In 1906, in San Francisco, Octavia meets up with a frightening man named Ugo who is basically a Sicilian werewolf who wants nothing more than to protect the young opera singer. Life gets better and better for Octavia; the power, intelligence, and artistic genius of Mozart is part of her blood, and she rides the wave of brilliance through each and every generation. The ageless, graceful, beautiful singer seems to have all she could possibly want between the amazing artist living in her soul, to the strange and somewhat terrifying Ugo who haunts the streets to bring back the elixir that his beloved muse needs.
When Octavia’s secret is seemingly uncovered by a snooty ego-driven baritone in the twenty-first century, Octavia’s perfect “lives” begin to unravel. Not only is her secret compromised, but her mighty guard Ugo disappears – kidnapped in order to break Octavia once and for all.
Again, this is one of those dramatic, fantastical stories that come along once in a blue moon. The shifts between past and present – from century to century – are intriguing, but absolutely seamlessly written so that there is no confusion whatsoever. The locations are drawn so magically that readers will almost feel the pure genius of Mozart flooding their own veins as the orchestra comes to life for the duration of this haunting novel
August 8, 2011
I’ve been a fan of Louise Marley for many years; she is a gifted storyteller who, as a former opera singer, weaves a theme of music through all her books. This time she gives us immortal vampires, whose only solace in a never ending existence is music. It’s tough to make vampires fresh or original because they have been done ad infinitum. Marley managed to do so by combining some common ideas (burned by holy water) with some not so common (the curse of memory), and above all – the music.
Our protagonists are Octavia Voss, a gifted soprano, and her assistant Ugo, gifted in other ways. Together they travel the world and time, reinventing her as an up and coming singer for each generation – careful to retire and avoid anyone who would notice she doesn’t age. Ugo is kidnapped early on, and readers learn that the true target is Octavia because she once “shared the tooth” with Mozart and it changed her forever.
The setting and world-building are exceptional. The novel alternates between the present time, where Octavia is preparing for an opera and Ugo has been captured, and the past showing us how these two came to be who and what they are. The transitions are virtually seamless, as memory is a key feature of Marley’s vampires. The concept of memory is clever and innovative as used here, and really drew me in. The story is rich in details about locations, time and especially the world of opera. I can’t read music, or carry a tune in a bucket, but I felt the world come alive none-the-less. I imagine readers with knowledge of music would get even more. Also strong is the character development of the two protagonists. Octavia and Ugo come vividly to life – so much so that I worried for Ugo each time we returned to him and his captors! Secondary characters are less developed, but since the story focuses almost exclusively on Octavia and Ugo it does not hinder the novel at all. A fantastic blend of historical fiction, contemporary ideas and vampires.
I do have one criticism of the book – the over use of italics, mostly for Italian words. Unfortunately, much of the book takes place in Italy so many, many words were italicized throughout. At one point it actually distracted me enough that I counted - 11 instances on a single page! I think this was a failure on the editor’s part for not reining it in. Overall, this was a gripping story that I highly recommend (and I loved the cover art – very fitting).
Our protagonists are Octavia Voss, a gifted soprano, and her assistant Ugo, gifted in other ways. Together they travel the world and time, reinventing her as an up and coming singer for each generation – careful to retire and avoid anyone who would notice she doesn’t age. Ugo is kidnapped early on, and readers learn that the true target is Octavia because she once “shared the tooth” with Mozart and it changed her forever.
The setting and world-building are exceptional. The novel alternates between the present time, where Octavia is preparing for an opera and Ugo has been captured, and the past showing us how these two came to be who and what they are. The transitions are virtually seamless, as memory is a key feature of Marley’s vampires. The concept of memory is clever and innovative as used here, and really drew me in. The story is rich in details about locations, time and especially the world of opera. I can’t read music, or carry a tune in a bucket, but I felt the world come alive none-the-less. I imagine readers with knowledge of music would get even more. Also strong is the character development of the two protagonists. Octavia and Ugo come vividly to life – so much so that I worried for Ugo each time we returned to him and his captors! Secondary characters are less developed, but since the story focuses almost exclusively on Octavia and Ugo it does not hinder the novel at all. A fantastic blend of historical fiction, contemporary ideas and vampires.
I do have one criticism of the book – the over use of italics, mostly for Italian words. Unfortunately, much of the book takes place in Italy so many, many words were italicized throughout. At one point it actually distracted me enough that I counted - 11 instances on a single page! I think this was a failure on the editor’s part for not reining it in. Overall, this was a gripping story that I highly recommend (and I loved the cover art – very fitting).
September 12, 2017
See my other reviews at Never Enough Books
Octavia Voss is an up and coming operatic soprano; with an ethereal voice, poise, and talent that belies her young age. The young woman, however, has a secret - she is a vampire and she is over 200 years old. To protect that secret, Octavia relies on her friend Ugo, her friend and assistant who goes out every night to procure the precious 'elixir' she needs.
When Octavia is cast in La Scala, she and Ugo look forward to returning to Rome. When Ugo disappears not long after their arrival, Octavia finds herself in a bind. She has not had to hunt in years and to do so now could risk exposure. Yet with Ugo gone, Octavia knows the show must go on - both on and off stage - even at the risk of her friend's life as well as her own.
I will admit, dear readers, to being a bit disappointed with Mozart's Blood. Listed under 'historical fiction', it unfortunately isn't one. The majority of the story takes place in modern day Rome with only the occasional flashback to either Octavia's or Ugo's younger days.
The portray of vampires is interesting, Marley's vampires are able to walk in the daylight and are able to go several days without blood. For all intents and purposes they appear human, even being able to eat and drink without suffering any ill effects. This is reminiscent of the original Dracula who was able to do some of these things.
The pacing of the story is also reminiscent of Stoker's classic; being rather slow in some parts with the occasional flurry of action. The Italian sprinkled throughout is probably meant to add authenticity to the tale but I found it somewhat irritating.
Mozart and his opera La Scala play a large part in the story and it's evident Marley did her research. She also did a good deal of research on Italy and Rome itself as her descriptions of the areas evoke a sense of being there.
As someone who enjoys classical music and the opera, I enjoyed Mozart's Blood. I wouldn't recommend this to every one, but those who are like me might give this book a try. I found it to be a fairly quick and enjoyable read.
Octavia Voss is an up and coming operatic soprano; with an ethereal voice, poise, and talent that belies her young age. The young woman, however, has a secret - she is a vampire and she is over 200 years old. To protect that secret, Octavia relies on her friend Ugo, her friend and assistant who goes out every night to procure the precious 'elixir' she needs.
When Octavia is cast in La Scala, she and Ugo look forward to returning to Rome. When Ugo disappears not long after their arrival, Octavia finds herself in a bind. She has not had to hunt in years and to do so now could risk exposure. Yet with Ugo gone, Octavia knows the show must go on - both on and off stage - even at the risk of her friend's life as well as her own.
I will admit, dear readers, to being a bit disappointed with Mozart's Blood. Listed under 'historical fiction', it unfortunately isn't one. The majority of the story takes place in modern day Rome with only the occasional flashback to either Octavia's or Ugo's younger days.
The portray of vampires is interesting, Marley's vampires are able to walk in the daylight and are able to go several days without blood. For all intents and purposes they appear human, even being able to eat and drink without suffering any ill effects. This is reminiscent of the original Dracula who was able to do some of these things.
The pacing of the story is also reminiscent of Stoker's classic; being rather slow in some parts with the occasional flurry of action. The Italian sprinkled throughout is probably meant to add authenticity to the tale but I found it somewhat irritating.
Mozart and his opera La Scala play a large part in the story and it's evident Marley did her research. She also did a good deal of research on Italy and Rome itself as her descriptions of the areas evoke a sense of being there.
As someone who enjoys classical music and the opera, I enjoyed Mozart's Blood. I wouldn't recommend this to every one, but those who are like me might give this book a try. I found it to be a fairly quick and enjoyable read.
October 12, 2010
I decided to pick this book up because of a review by someone on Goodreads - a random check - and I'm rather glad that I did. Don't judge the cover - it's somewhat goofy and doesn't portray the sofistication of the story at all. It was a great twist on the vampire story theme, without the usual sexuality the modern versions are so keen on. I thought it kept closer to the original horror of the idea and did a good job of explaining things that makes you wonder if they really could be around in our modern times. It's a well thought out plot and keeps a really good pace with the action moving from the past into the present and back again. A definite recommendation to read.
September 14, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It combines two of my favorite things. Mozart and Vampires. It was a different read for me and I enjoyed the different representation of vampires. It was not all seduction or all blood. I think the one thing that made this book fascinating to me is that I was very fortunate to see Don Giovanni performed and that helped me understand the book more and relate the book to the play. This was a good read that combines opera, vampires, and surviving life.
I would definitely recommend this book to individuals who enjoy opera (especially Don Giovanni) and vampires.
I would definitely recommend this book to individuals who enjoy opera (especially Don Giovanni) and vampires.
November 10, 2011
This story follows a vampire from the time she is "made" through several centuries to her present life. She has had to reinvent her mortal persona several times and has kept up an operatic career throughout all her lives. It deals with the issues of an immortal not being able to age, but having to "retire" and disappear for a time between lives so her secret isn't detected. The story is told in the present tense with flashbacks to previous lives and historical settings. I found it very interesting and well-written. Obviously this author has done her history homework and done a great job of working in historical occurrences with the character's past.
July 31, 2017
An Endeavour award reread because I didn't score it the first time. Actually I liked it better the second time. Basically an opera, vampire werewolf book set in Italy - not really my cup of tea but I like Louise Marley and it is a pretty good read and well written.
August 25, 2011
I got this book free on my kindle and started reading it, not really knowing what I was reading, but I didn't want to stop. I really liked it. yeah there's vampires and stuff but it was a good read.
August 18, 2010
A different kind of daywalking vampire story, the "memory" angle was somewhat of a new twist, and though I'm not a huge opera fan, I really enjoyed being immersed in this world.
October 2, 2010
Absolutely fantastic book, beautifully written. A lot of opera-related context
December 27, 2010
I think this is the best vampire since Lestat. Not quite as good as Anne Rice, but really almost there.
July 22, 2011
Entertaining paranormal about a vampire and werewolf in the thrall of pera: surprisingly unromantic yet compelling tale of passion.
August 5, 2010
Sweeping, lyrical, gripping - can't say enough good things about this one. A must read!
September 12, 2011
Vampires and a werewolf, but NOT a romance, unless you count love of music. Teresa was an ambitious singer in an opera being directed by Mozart, when she and Mozart are both bitten by a vampire. The hook is that sharing blood means sharing memories, so her musicianship is enhanced tremendously by her acquired memories from Mozart. In the current day the renamed Octavia has a werewolf companion who is her blood procurer (very much like an addict) so she doesn't have to bite anyone. But someone also wants Mozart's blood and memories, and is willing to do anything to get it.
November 13, 2010
The plot, characterization, and setting in Mozart’s Blood are superb. My only warning to readers would be that the book contains a great deal of exposition. The scenery truly makes the story, so don’t expect an action-packed bloodfest. While there is action, blood, intrigue, and a fair bit of terror, those elements are woven into the storyline rather than splattered on the walls.
Full review available here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=29306#mor...
Full review available here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=29306#mor...
December 24, 2015
Louise Marley takes a stab at reinventing the vampire myth in this gorgeous story of a opera singer who was turned in 1787, and her werewolf assistant, Ugo. The book weaves scenes from throughout the two characters' history to provide back story and supplement the present-day scenes. Honestly, the contemporary plot line is not very compelling. It's the historical plots that kept me engaged and intrigued. The book made me want to listen to some opera.
But I HATE the cover.
But I HATE the cover.
August 4, 2010
Had I known this was a vampire novel, I might have not given it a second glance as I'm finding that genre somewhat tiresome at this point. This is very well done. Marley interweaves historical people/events well and spends a good deal of time and effort on her characters and on relationships in this novel.
May 12, 2011
I loved how I knew some of the different operas that were listed in the book and how the author used actual real life people like Teresa Sapporiti (forgive me if I spelled it wrong) and Mozart. I loved the writing style of Louise Marley, however I got confused every once in a while when switching back and forth between Octavia's current and her past. I love the character of Massimo Luca!
December 20, 2011
This is an EXCELLENT book! I loved how the stories were entwined with each other! It gives details of life in the opera while a production of Don Giovanni is going. It has a little bit of sci-fi in it, but it is mainly based in a music setting in contemporary times with a hint of historical fiction. It was a hard to put it down!
August 17, 2010
It had it's moments but after awhile all the opera details became a distraction. I freely admit to not caring and skipping over some of it. I also wanted to see more of Octavia's relationship with Ugo. Just ok for me.
November 3, 2010
Brilliant! Review on Mostly Fiction. http://bookreview.mostlyfiction.com/2...
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