Rating: Summary: Great book Review: Great character development. Ending was cleverly done. Hard to believe Golden is a first-time author. She was an absolute pleasure to read. I've been hooked on Ravenloft ever since. It's pretty hard to read the books sequentially with so many out of print though.
Rating: Summary: The first is still the best Review: "Vampire of the Mists" was the first novel of the Ravenloft series, and in retrospect, the only one really worth reading. I read many of the later books in the series and always found myself comparing them to "Vampire". They simply don't match up. "Vampire" isn't perfect (it was Golden's first book ever) but solid plotting and deeply compelling characters more than make up for a few rough edges. I loved the gypsy card reading. Also, while many of the later Ravenloft books may only make sense to fans of the role playing campaign setting, "Vampire" can be read and enjoyed by anyone (I knew nothing about the RPG when I first read this book).Oh yeah, one more thing to ponder: in Ravenloft Elven Vampires are active in the day and harmed by darkness rather than sunlight. Makes the ending much more ambiguous don't it? ;)
Rating: Summary: One of the best books ever! Review: I first got introduced to Jander Sunstar reading Forgotten realms and, being a Vampire and elf fan, instantly fell in love with the character, so it was that I was thrilled to find an entire book about him while looking around a book store. This book was great! Being the weird type who likes to see a main character put through torment I emedietly marked this as one of my favorite books. I loved the fact that it really got into the whole vampire world without getting squimish and leaving out any of the good stuff. All of the characters were well done and put together. Christie, unlike most authors, acually got me to really hate Strahd and hope to find him dead at the end of the book. All in all I highly recomend this book and give it five stars.
Rating: Summary: He was more a creature of the light than the dark Review: After reading the two "I, Strahd" books I came to almost like Strahd and think he was a decent guy. But after reading this book, I relearned just how evil Strahd truly is. From the beginning one would think that the book is about Jandar Sunstar's search for vengeance, and the plot may dictate this a lot, but in the end it is simply Jandar coming to realize his true enemy...I will stop there so I don't give it away. Unlike the other Ravenloft novels I have read, this one leave the end open, so that you can come up with your own interpretation as to what really happened. While I was reading the book I thought there was more character development (on Jandar Sunstar), but at the very end it turns out to be just the right amount. The book starts off a little slow, and has some action towards the middle, but the plot does not really pick up until the last couple chapters.
Rating: Summary: the vampire-elf Review: what do you get when you put a powerful vampire elf against strahd in barovia? a thriller. i loved this book and how jander and strahd interacted till the final conflict between them. the author does a great job describing barovia and all that inhabits it. overall a great novel if u like vampires and ravenloft or just looking for a horror and fantasy book my friend jonthan would have been scared cuz he doesn't like vampires, but it's not really that scary just a cool book.
Rating: Summary: The ELVES! THE ELVES! Review: This book is nothing but a packet of pro-elf propaganda! I have had enough with all this elf-loving, tutu-wearing, pointy-eared slop! Christy Golden probably didn't even write this-I'd bet my life that she has been captured by pro-elf terrorists, all of whom carry semi-automatic weapons, and they've shipped her off to Tibet in a box so they can write this book in her name. For years, elves have defiled the fantasy world with thier singing, dancing, nauseatingly moral speeches, and hundreds of old, discarded, pink tutus. Let me tell you the truth about elves-they are viscious. Sure, you THINK they're all sweet and squishy, but when the cips go down, they'll turn on you in the blink of a silver, almond-shaped eye. They might even eat you if you look plump. Our beloved fantasy worlds are in dire danger-the elves plan to take over any day. PEOPLE OF THE REALMS, UNITE! We must work together to banish their evil forces from-ouch! Aaah! Who are you! What do you want! Help! Help! They have pointy ears! They have-Aack!--
Rating: Summary: jander Review: I have read this book 3 times(and plan on reading it many more times) and love it more each time I read it. It's about a vampire elf who fights with himself, he does't want to be a vampire, but he won't end his life because he's afraid of what will happen to him. He is caring and kind. Jander goes through many trials and some tough times. Christie did a great job in writing this book; I feel for Jander as if he were a real "elf." I hope you will give the book a chance.
Rating: Summary: I just love Jander Sunstar (main character). Review: It's a great book to learn of Barovia, how Strahd is viewed by the public, & how the cult of 'The Morning Lord' started. For Christie Golden's 1st Ravenloft novel, I praise her. I always had a soft spot for elven characters & to hear one turned into an abomination; well... it's unheard of & unique. A good book filled with the drama/struggle of Jander dealing with his curse & him opposing Strahd. It has a good plot, characters, atmosphere, & a few twists. This book is a good suggestion for those who enjoy vampire characters who loath their kind & existance.
Rating: Summary: Good introduction to the flavor of Ravenloft Review: I don't usually like fiction based on role-playing games, but I decided to give this one a try. I must say that I was very happy with the decision. It filled me in on the history of Ravenloft itself, and Strahd in particular, in an interesting story that illustrated the world in a way that endless game books could not. The reader gets a feel for the monsters as well as the humans in the realm. Characterization of Strahd is excellent, allowing the reader to understand the making of a monster and his differences and similarities to Dracula, upon whom he is based. Most importantly, the reader is spared the game mechanics of the world, which is a failing in many other RPG novels.
Rating: Summary: What a rookie effort Review: As she herself states, this was her first Novel. While at time it may hint at that fact, the overall piece seems veteran. This, the first novel in the Ravenloft franchise, needs a tad of slack, the rest had a myriad of atmosphere and feel to go on. Soth came from Dragonlance, he had history, he had the attention of so many already. These guys, Strahd, Petya & Jander needed to start from scratch. Enough said on that issue. This novel is a great read, filled with dark emotions, and battles of will. The action that happens within the pages is well planned, and well described, despite the grislieness of what the characters do. The plot arc dealing with Jander transplanting the Lathanderan faith by merely looking like him was a hoot, and Ms. Golden did a wonderful job of making it matter to the story as a whole. Most people focus on the dueling Vampires, but I think the great job she did on the other principles, like Brother Martin & Petya was just as wonderful. I loved it, and it served as a wonderful tie in for Realms fans to the Ravenloft line. This isn't one to miss.
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