Would you recommend this series?

[Tami]

I liked most of the vampire and witch books. I also liked the werewolf book. I'm waiting for another one.

[Angie]

I've just downloaded wolf gift so I'm looking forward to reading this, but at the same time got The Master of Rampling Gate. This is only 65 pages long but it has 6 mini videos with it. Anne rice is interviewed, thoughts on her vampires and stuff. She even has the doll that she wrote about in Taltos. It only cost about 2.99 (pounds)Its well worth the money, the vampire in it was great.

[[deleted user]]

Anne Rice was years ahead of the curve and set the standard for this type of writing. Her language is rich and varied as the culture in her hometown of New Orleans. She gives glimpses into interesting bits of history throughout the stories, and her work definitely reflects her inner struggle with her Catholic heritage and beliefs. I've read all but one or two of her books and loved them all. Both the vampire series and the Mayfair witch series did 'age' a bit at the end, but after all my years following the thread I had to keep reading.

[S.K.]

I read her Lives of the Mayfair Witches series first and was glad that I did. "The Witching Hour", "Lasher", and Taltos". I loved her writing style so very much that I read The Vampire Chronicles even tho I did not fancy vampire stories. She writes descriptively seductive and with intelligence. She did succeed very well in connecting the two series through the Talamasaca. An Observational Order of the Occult. I also liked that she created whole novels to tell the histories of all of the different significant vampires in her mainstream story line. She became one of my most favorite authors. Tho her work of late leaves something to be desired, without so much of the passion of her previous writing. Her Life of Christ series, while full of history and culture of the ancient Jewish traditions, the novels seem short and stale in comparison to previous works. The more recent Songs of the Seraphim, "Angel Time" and "Of Love and Evil" were better reads to me.

[J.T.]

I read them out of order and having been a big fan of vampire stories, Queen of the Damned was amazing when I read it 20 years ago which was the first one I had read. I really loved the mythology she created for vampires which was unique since not too many authors explored this possibility at the time. I liked the premise. I also enjoyed Interview. I never read Lestat but collected the comic books and read those. It gave a cool background to him. My other favorites is Memnoch the Devil and The Tale of the Body Thief. I believe that Rice was one of the first authors to humanize vampires and make you feel for these monsters. If you like rich backgrounds for your characters and enjoy vampire stories that have well-developed plots, I do recommend this series. To me, it set the stage for many of the vampire tales today (some good and some not so good). ;)

[S.K.]

I would recommend them all to anyone who loves intriguing stories of the occult. I think Rice was quite a Master at making it become real in history and contemporary society. I would also recommend them to anyone who desires to write about the occult.

[J.T.]

S.K. wrote: "I would recommend them all to anyone who loves intriguing stories of the occult. I think Rice was quite a Master at making it become real in history and contemporary society. I would also recomme..."

S.K., I second what you just said. After having read nearly all the books in this series, I had traveled to New Orleans and felt like Lestat was going to make an appearance any any moment around a corner! Her details for the setting and characters are drawn so well, I felt like the vampires were real and that I knew New Orleans intimately. Definitely a must-read for writers of the occult too.

[Angie]

so J.T. I only read memnoch the devil once whilst I have read the others lots, do you recomend I give it another chance. I still have it sat on the book case with all the others.

[J.T.]

Angie wrote: "so J.T. I only read memnoch the devil once whilst I have read the others lots, do you recomend I give it another chance. I still have it sat on the book case with all the others."

I do recommend it for another read. In fact, I should pick it up again. I haven't read it for several years. Having bee raised Catholic like Rice, I pick up on themes taken from Catholicism and I got the sense that she was working out her questions about religion and good vs. evil in this book.

[Kathy]

I read them when I was in High School and I really like the books but I have not read them in a while.

[Sanna]

I'm stuck with Tale of the Body Thief. I don't get why Lestat is everywhere. I liked the first one though it seemed to last forever. I liked the second a bit more though it did last forever. I didn't like most of the third, there were too much details and characters without proper introduction, SO frustrating. And now I'm stuck with Body Thief. I still have Armand in my book shelf. I wish I could like Anne Rice's books but for me, they seem to get somewhere way too slowly. I guess I'm too impatient reader :/

[Leslie]

Yes, read Interview. If you don't like it, quit.
What kept me going was the view of history as really just one long night, never ending, and what that perspective does to what had begun as a human outlook.

[Christine]

I DEFINITELY would recommend this series! IMO, best vamp series ever, none before nor since has mastered them quite as well as Anne Rice :)

[Jeannette]

I have read this set of books and I loved them but be sure that you like these kids of books they are not like anything else you have probably read before if your anything like me. Its more Adult and sophisticated than any of the books I normally read. I loved them dearly but if your in for a quick read then you will be disappointed

[Angie]

I agree with that completely, and then she adds the Mayfair witches in with the vampire books. It isn't necessary to read these, but it's good to understand a lot of the characters better. Like Mona for example, she is one of the witches, but Lestat turns her into a vampire for Quinn in either Blackwood farm or blood canticle. A lot of people don't like those books but I thought they were ok. We find out lots more of the talamasca history and the history of New Orleans.

[Jeannette]

yeah the Mayfair witches were good but weird i read them all then linden
to them on audio book to make sure i understood what was going on. Even more weird on Audio book. lol

[Angie]

Definitely weird, so much death and people being haunted. That Lashar/Ashar ghost that had spent years and years tormenting the Mayfair family. I loved it though and read it along with her vampire books. But in tales of the body thief, it shows Lestat s close relationship with David, and what David felt in return. Sanna, if you carry on with it you might like the ending, it's a good one. If you want some vampire books where the ending is resolved you could try The Fall series by Guillermo del Toro, there's only 3 of them. Or the Passage, and the Twelve by Justin Cronin,the last one should by out this year. The vampire in these books are definitely not sexy, as far away from Lestat as possible.

[Jpitchi]

I have read everything Anne has written in the vampire series great reads all, read them and make up your own mind!

[Susan]

Kristin wrote: "The Vampire Chronicles
Interview with the Vampire (1976)
The Vampire Lestat (1985)
The Queen of the Damned (1988)
The Tale of the Body Thief (1992)
Memnoch the Devil (1995)
The Vampire Armand (1998..."
I am an older person and let me tell you that Anne Rice was I think the very 1st to start the Vampires. I think Dracula was the 1st. But She was brilliant in every one of the books. My opinion is each book is just off the chain. Lestat is simply an amazing character that lives in the era that he is created and these books all of them are on my great books to read! The Queen book if u saw the movie it was terrible. There was no way that anything in that book could have been put on screen. I loved Tale of the Body Thief. btw I am 63 years old!!

[George]

Yes yes yes yes yes. These are the definitive vampire books of the previous century. I started Twilight and quit half way through as it was horrible.

[Removed]

I starting reading these after The Witching Hour (favorite of all her books), and loved Lestat and Louis, I also thoroughly enjoyed Pandora... These are vampires...they don't have teen angst, and are the seductive romantic vampires one would hope for. Anne Rice is truly brilliant and gifted. And just to comment on the The Queen of The Damned movie, that was payback to Ms. Rice from the movie producers when she initially criticized their choice of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as Lestat and Louis for the first film. I think its the only time I've ever seen a movie made to punish the author. The book was incredible, and the movie simply did not reflect it.

[Susan]

Scott wrote: "I starting reading these after The Witching Hour (favorite of all her books), and loved Lestat and Louis, I also thoroughly enjoyed Pandora... These are vampires...they don't have teen angst, and a..."
Hi Scott, well I think Tom Cruise was terrible!I still say You can't at all appreciate a movie from the book. It's the producers point of you and not yours! We all see and read it different. There are great Vampire books out there to read. I just love how she created a whole new world around Lestat's life and his centuries of being! Also Anne Rice is on fb and you can write to her and chat! And yes people are still critical and opinionated towards Anne well of course because she herself is very opinionated! She is high on my list.
Would love to talk to anyone about Lestat the King of Vampire's (he is always searching for who he is)

[Removed]

Susan wrote: "Scott wrote: "I starting reading these after The Witching Hour (favorite of all her books), and loved Lestat and Louis, I also thoroughly enjoyed Pandora... These are vampires...they don't have tee...

Oi...I actually applauded Cruise's performance, it was the first time, and only time that I've seen him do a role, where he seemed more than just Tom Cruise in a different costume...He actually acted. That said...the books are incredibly good...including the last one Blackwood Farm which ties the Vampire novels and Mayfair witches together. Rice was brilliant as always.

[Susan]

Scott wrote: "Susan wrote: "Scott wrote: "I starting reading these after The Witching Hour (favorite of all her books), and loved Lestat and Louis, I also thoroughly enjoyed Pandora... These are vampires...they ..."

yes Scott: loved the Mayfair witches-Blackwood farm. Wouldn't it be nice if Anne did another Lestat in the 2013's? That would be very interesting. Her last couple of books got bad reviews because they were of the Christian/Religion type readers didn't like the change. thanks so much for your input it's great to read what others are thinking. Susan(ps I thought haha that Cruise was a stiff in it haha)

[Angie]

Did you read blood canticle, it was after Blackwood farm, and dealt with Lestat helping Mona Mayfair find her baby, the one the ran of with Ash in Taltos. It was a really good book, but sad in away as there hasn't been any more vampire books. I read the werewolf one a few weeks back and it was ok. Tom cruise as Lestat though, I allways thought it should of been the blonde brad Pitt who should of been Lestat. Tom cruise just didn't seem right to me.

[Leslie]

Susan wrote: "Kristin wrote: "The Vampire Chronicles
Interview with the Vampire (1976)
The Vampire Lestat (1985)
The Queen of the Damned (1988)
The Tale of the Body Thief (1992)
Memnoch the Devil (1995)
The Vamp..."

I've read Dracula three times over the past 40 years and loved it each time. The next best ever is Interview with the Vampire, which I would gladly read again.

[bookbabe]

I found the first book to be very well written on a technical level, but I got tired of it quickly. The characters were well developed but the story just seemed to drag on and on toward the last quarter. I never finished the book,thus didn't bother to read any of the others now collecting dust on my book shelf.

[Susan]

Angie wrote: "Did you read blood canticle, it was after Blackwood farm, and dealt with Lestat helping Mona Mayfair find her baby, the one the ran of with Ash in Taltos. It was a really good book, but sad in away..."
Angie:Yes loved all the books. I totally agree with you and many others did also. Didn't LIKE CRUISE as a Vamp.Lestat was from a Victorian era. I think of him Thin,Sexy,Victorian,the long hair type,Noble, looking.Well he did great as a ROCK STAR now didn't he! Sexy tight pants with jacket hmmmmmm!
:)

[Angie]

Yes but that was Stuart Townsend who played Lestat in the film queen of the damned. Dreadful film, but he kinda got Lestat down just right though. So over the top flamboyant, perfect. Just a shame the rest of the film was so bad. Aliya wasn't to bad but she died half way through, so her role was pieced together with bits already filmed. And making it as if marius turned Lestat, just wrong. Well that was a bit of a rant, I don't normally do that. Sorry. Look at us both , I liked tall, slim sexy rock star Lestat, it can be worth watching a crappy film just to see that.

[Susan]

Angie wrote: "Yes but that was Stuart Townsend who played Lestat in the film queen of the damned. Dreadful film, but he kinda got Lestat down just right though. So over the top flamboyant, perfect. Just a shame ..."

yeah Angie "Stuart Townsend" was much better then Cruise! poor Lestat he to this day I feel was and has been always searching for that Soul you have! I posted up above to someone that I would love Rice to write another Lestat in this era!It would be amazing to see how he handles what is going on. Although he went TO HELL and BACK shall we say Really! :) I sent u email and friended u! Susan

[Saro]

Hmm. I should know better by now, but I’m still surprised when I see that people prefer Townsend’s Lestat to Cruise’s. The opinion in the fandom seems split in the middle.

I find Cruise’s Lestat to be great. I think some may be quick to disagree simply because it is well, Tom Cruise. I am able to forget that when I see the film because he becomes Lestat quite well, I think, in both the subtle and overt ways that the character of Lestat requires, (particularly in IWTV, where the story is entirely Louis’ [totally misconstrued!] POV).

I thought Cruise acted as if he understood far more about the character of Lestat, as if he extended his characterization to what we learn of him in book 2. I’m thinking of one scene in particular, where Lestat looks solemnly out of a window (I think following a fight with/the short disappearance of Louis or something). It showed me the sadness Lestat felt (discussed in book 2) about being unable to connect with Louis in the way that he expected he would, and that Louis was not going to go about being a vampire in the way that Lestat did. And what I love about Lestat’s character is that he is so nonchalant about being a vampire, and that is also shown by Cruise several times throughout the film, as is the cruelty that Lestat is capable of.

Of course it isn’t perfect. He falls short for me in the accent and well, physically is shorter than Lestat should be, but I think his look in the film fits well too (especially when I read again Lestat’s personal description of himself in TVL).

Admittedly, I have not properly analyzed Townsend’s version. My watch through of QOTD was a nightmare full of laughter. I could not take him (or anything) seriously at all.

End rant.

Anyway, to the OP: I recommend this series. Particularly the first four, and if you don’t care to go any further, don't. Some of the later ones are disappointing.

[Christine]

George wrote: "Yes yes yes yes yes. These are the definitive vampire books of the previous century. I started Twilight and quit half way through as it was horrible."

Haha, I agree! We like to make a joke about Twilight -- hundred year old vampire can rule the world, he is smart, savvy, attractive, powerful, he could go anywhere and do anything... and what does he choose to do?? Goes to high school! Yeah right :D

[Angie]

I agree that whilst Tom cruise got Lestat s cruelty and melancholy down as was needed in IWAV, his character had changed in QOTD. He was like this in the books as well, always changing. I found I liked this, allways unpredictable. Once he turns someone he isn't able to read their thoughts , and so thinks he has lost his connection. This makes him continue looking for love. It's why he turned Mona in Blackwood farm, so that Quinn would still have that intimate connection, and so their relationship grows closer.

[Susan]

Sarah-Rose:Angie, I agree Cruise did show his cruelty and we know all about the many moods of Lestat.Also did love that he turned Mona he so loved Quinn!Now the searching hm Memnoch the Devil. That was a wow awakening for Lestat I really loved that book and was scared it was the most opposite Vampire is to Religion book I almost ever read! (i am Jewish)I think trying to remember all the books. Loved the Stories that Lestat can tell he is always searching for that Soul/Love. He is a very interesting Vampire we must say"been there done that" so what is next? He has been in deep sleep somewhere needing to resurface shall I think? We need to get Anne Rice on here and talk to her. Her books aren't in this genre anymore. She seemed to do a 360 like Lestat doe you think? Keep talking and I'll keep chatting. have a great day. Sunny and hot hot in Daytona Beach,Fl.

[Susan]

Susan wrote: "Sarah-Rose:Angie, I agree Cruise did show his cruelty and we know all about the many moods of Lestat.Also did love that he turned Mona he so loved Quinn!Now the searching hm Memnoch the Devil. That..."

PS I know this is about Lestat, but I have also read the LK Hamilton:Anita Blake series and I rather like the JeanClyde sexy Vampire's also. He is also very Old World and does have a Heart of course for Anita! But they are connected. smile

[Angie]

I only read memnoth the devil the once were as I've read the others lots so l can't really comment on that one. I'm intending to re-read it soon. Lestat is allways going for long sleeps isn't he, it would be good if he came back for one more book. How his story ended in blood canticle with Rowan Mayfair. That woman should just stay with Michael, she allways seems to be looking for someone else.
And yes I've read most of lkh Anita Blake books, and yes jean Claude and I think any way Asher are incredibly sexy especially when they're all dressed up. Not Richard though, he complains all the time

[Minnie]

I have mentioned this series before but for our new members, my choice is L.A. Banks's "Vampire Huntress Legends." Each book is a modern-day vampire saga. Damali Richards is the Huntress. Who stole my heart is Carlos Rivera. I have Eric Battle's drawing of this character on my writing area wall. Banks wrote 13 Huntress books.L.A. Banks
The Bitten My favorite.

[Tashann]

Minnie wrote: "I have mentioned this series before but for our new members, my choice is L.A. Banks's "Vampire Huntress Legends." Each book is a modern-day vampire saga. Damali Richards is the Huntress. Who stole..."

Ooh, goody! Another Vampire Huntress Legends fan! I just finished "The Bitten" myself not too long ago and am trying to find the next volume.

[Angie]

I'll have to try that one, I've not heard of the vampire huntress books. I'm always on the look out for new ones.
Have you guys read the Passage and The Twelve by Justin Cronin, the last part should be out this year, or the Fall by Guillermo del Toro?

[Christine]

Leslie wrote: "I highly recommend this series. Interview with the Vampire was the first vampire book I ever read. My personal favorite in the series was Queen of the Damned my least favorite is Memnock the Devil ..."


Feast of All Saints is definitely one of my faves, too!

[Angie]

I like that one as well. Have you read the Servant of the Bones, I thought that was an amazing book. You really feel for Azriel. That he had to exist the way he did from the time of Babylon. One I haven't read is Violin. I own the book as well, I don't know why I haven't read it. Has anyone, is it worth reading.

[Christine]

Angie wrote: "I like that one as well. Have you read the Servant of the Bones, I thought that was an amazing book. You really feel for Azriel. That he had to exist the way he did from the time of Babylon. One I ..."

Haven't read Servant, but I read Violin. I liked it very much! It is really her own story... Anne Rice's life story, but set in a normal world with supernatural happenings. I thought it was very cool. It is not a vamp novel, more 'realistic' than the others, but a great story! I'd say definitely worth reading!

[Angie]

That's really good to know because I've got it next to me. Because of this discussion I've been wanting to re-read the books but couldn't decide which one to start with. I was going to go with The Witching Hour but I'll start with Violin. I didn't know it was basically her life story, if I'd of known I'd of read it years ago.

[Christine]

Angie wrote: "That's really good to know because I've got it next to me. Because of this discussion I've been wanting to re-read the books but couldn't decide which one to start with. I was going to go with The ..."

Yes... if you ever read her book 'Called Out of Darkness' -- which actually IS her autobigraphy, with no fantasy to disguise it -- you will see the parallels. Very interesting, because her life was dark & wrought with tragedy (big surprise eh?) Let me know how you like Violin!

[Angie]

I've just looked it up on Amazon and it does sound interesting, I mean how could it not. With the life she's lead. She's had great loses in her family life that must of been very difficult to overcome. She's written a book called The Master of Rampling House, it's only a short story but it has 6 short videos of her in and about new Orleans. The story l felt could have been developed into a full length novel. Any way l will let you know how I go on with Violin. It shouldn't take me long to read.

[Delia]

Alice wrote: "Back in the day, hell yes! I doubt it has the same impact on readers now. This was the ultimate in the genre..a cult kinda thing as the genre was small."

I agree with you. Back in the day these books were the ultimate in vampire books. Now, there are so many good books out there that they've become outdated. Best book was The Vampire Lestat

[Angie]

There are a lot more vamp.books out there now. I actually like the Dresdon Files books by Jim Butcher. As well as vampires there's all sorts of things, but it's all about war between the wizards and the vampires. Which ones do you like. I like so many of the Anne rice books it's hard to pick a favourite.

[Minnie]

Tashann wrote: "Minnie wrote: "I have mentioned this series before but for our new members, my choice is L.A. Banks's "Vampire Huntress Legends." Each book is a modern-day vampire saga. Damali Richards is the Hunt..."

Tashann, the next book is "The Forbidden." I have a signed copy, this one and "Minion" (the first in the series). Enjoy!

A Funny story. I was in a hospital ER getting a blood transfusion (it was taking forever so I read). The male nurse asked me what I was reading. I had called the ambulance and only had a few minutes to grab a book and dug out "Minion." Crazy huh? The nurse was so excited that it was a vampire book and asked the title. Of course, I gave him a summary about Banks's series. He said I've got to get that, while searching my body for a good vein to insert the IV needle. He looked at my feet and said, you have beautiful veins! I wasn't sure if should stay or jump off the bed and run. Ha! I stayed! I was captive.

He had great bedside manners. Needless to say he made me feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.
And although deceased at the time, Banks gained a new fan.



"Whispers from the Mirror" by Minnie Estelle Miller

[Delia]

Sorry, but I think one of the best series of vampire books are the Dark Hunter books by Sherrily Kenyon or The Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward. If you liked Anne Rice books you'll love both of these of books.

[Angie]

Rhage is my favourite brother but I've never read the vampire Hunter books.