Rating: Summary: Elven Blood Review: An epic tale of mystery and gothic horror in the deadly realm of Ravenloft. Follow the quest for light of a different kind of vampire. You will learn that not every creature of the shadows is utterly evil. By far the best book in the Ravenloft genre
Rating: Summary: Truly Amazing Book. You won't be able to put it down Review: Jander Sunstar is a true hero. The author did an amazing job adding SO much depth to the characters..poor jander...The ending will make you cringe. You will get goosebumps, you will smile...TRUST me..you won't be able to put this one down..amazing work. I applaud the author
Rating: Summary: A book that you simply must read Review: I'd give this book a 100 if I could, such a gripping tale, christie really knows how to make you feel for the characters, poor Jander...reminds me kinda of loui from interview with the vampire, torn and distraught at what he has become (vampire) the book ends just how you hoped it wouldn't have and I found that it added alot to the books final point, about the horrors & reality of ravenloft and although saddening, it really "made" this book what is is, one of my all time favorite TSR books, all time favorite ANY books for that matter....you MUST READ IT
Rating: Summary: Even After Eight Years... Review: I suspect that this book's detractors were either (a) looking for something else entirely or (b) smoking large amounts of crack. This book is a gem, something I ran into at a used book-shop, something more a rarity these days than it was eight years ago, what with the advent of online purchasing. It was tucked away in a dark corner with a glut of other vampire literature, and as I sat perusing these books and their contents, I came to know Jander Sunstar. Jander, next to Louis in Rice's "Interview With the Vampire" (and ONLY this book), really struck me as a powerful metaphor on so many levels. The metaphor of a self-loathing vampire has only been explored successfully in these two books and in the Batman graphic novel trilogy (Red Rain, Bloodstorm, and Crimson Mist).We have a metaphor here for depression: vampirism. They wander alone, they hate themselves for their needs, yet cannot escape them. I have lived a very similar life, though nothing nearly so fantastical. Jander really broke my heart, the way he spoke with one girl that Strahd had left for him: "You know that I will hurt you as little as possible, and take only the minimal amount I need, right?" And even after calming her, he hates himself for taking what he needs. Jander and Batman were taken by treachery amidst noble deeds, Louis seduced at his point of greatest sorrow: the point is, they hate what they are, yet see no way out. They do what good they can amidst evil they know they will have to pay for. Whenever I get good and depressed, not leaving my room for days at a time or speaking to another living soul, I find myself thinking of Louis, the transformed Batman ...and of Jander Sunstar. Jander, who loved music and light, and all growing things. Jander, who haunted the night and the ruined castle like a sorrowful ghost given substance. Jander, who loved deeply, who felt deeply, yet could only be harmed by this conscience he took with him everywhere. Yet, perhaps his sorrow could be his penance for the horror that he had become... Like "Interview," this book shows what time means to a vampire, how swiftly it can pass. Yet it also shows how a single day can decide the tempo and color of decades to come, as well. I prefer Golden's depiction of Strahd, feeling that later books seek to make him less of a monster, but at least in my opinion, failing miserably. No amount of explanation can make Strahd even an anti-hero, let alone account for the horrors he has perpetrated. And I am not entirely certain that the personal hell he lives in is sufficient to make up for the things he has done....
Rating: Summary: Amazing book. A *must* read. Review: This was the first Ravenloft book I read and I absolutely loved it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy reading and especially if you enjoy reading about Vampires. The main character is extremely entertaining and the "bad guy" (Strahd) is equally interesting. This book set the "bar" very high for all the Ravenloft books that were to follow. Buy it if you can find it. I've read it 3 times.
Rating: Summary: A different kind of vampire Review: Jander Sunstar is a unique Vampire. Not only is he a gold elf, he is also a vampire the reader can get emotionaly envolved with. He has a love of beauty, music, nature, and has feelings for others. His numerous adventures will keep you turning pages. There are many twist and turns in the story as well as a few surprises. I enjoyed the book very much and found it hard to put down. I like Jander so much that I hope to see him in another novel soon.
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: Amazing book Review: I absolutely loved this book. Easily one of the best books I've ever read. It's hard to believe that Golden's a first time author. The character development was remarkable, particularly with Jander. Unlike the contrived endings of so many works of fantasy, this left a lot to the imagination with its open-endedness. When I finished, I couldn't wait to learn more about Barovia and the world of Ravenloft. I'm trying to read all the books sequentially. Too bad so many are out of print and hard to find...
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