Daughters of Darkness: Lesbian Vampire Stories

Rating:
Summary: Lesbian vampire tales of horror and dark eroticism.
Review: Daughters of Darkness includes the most popular lesbian authors of erotic fiction--Katherine V. Forrest, Pat Califia, Jewelle Gomez, Robbi Sommers, Karen Marie Christa Minns--as well as the most famous lesbian vampire story of all time, "Carmilla," written in 1871 by J. Sheridan LeFanu. "In Daughters of Darkness, lesbian vampires woo, seduce, and otherwise overpower their intended. There is lovemaking in zero gravity, vampirism transposed to the S/M scene, and steamy encounters in a variety of locales. But take away the supernatural aspect and Daughters of Darkness becomes a tribute to an even more compelling subject: the sexually aggressive woman and her archetypal roles, from nurturing goddess to dangerous predator." --The Advocate

Rating:
Summary: An Important Contribution for Hard Core Fans of Queer Horror
Review: For those of us interested in the Queer Horror Genre, Daughters of Darkness is yet another of Keesey's exceptional contributions. First, the editorial introduction provides more insight into the genre, a map to seeing more between the lines of the stories -- in what has become a rarity in writing about literature -- an easy to read, accessible format. I actually _learned_ about what I was reading in the stories that followed. Second, the book provides an outlet for what are historically and contemporarily undervalued authors of meaningful horror stories, all respectful of the positive contribution of lesbian imagery and ideas in literature. No, this isn't an erotic pulp novel. It is also NOT the usual feminist PC approach in which all lesbian vampires are made out to be evil or pornographic characters. Instead, sexy and empowering images of lesbian vampires is celebrated in another luscious volume.

Rating:
Summary: Should have been SO MUCH BETTER!!!
Review: How can you miss with a book about lesbian vampires?!!! This should EASILY have been both scary and intensely erotic --- but it was NEITHER!!! Problem #1: Too many P.C. authors, trying to make their lesbian vampires champions of the political plight of lesbian women --- BORING!!! Problem #2: Very poor mixing of terror and sensuality, which like terror and humor can very often mix together very well! Problem #3: Isn't the whole vampire thing usually portrayed as an older evil guy rapaciously pursuing innocent, virginal young women? So what's so hard about replacing the older guy with a beautiful slightly older woman, having her seducing pretty young women with or without their consent? No, this book was a failure because Ms. Kesey tried to go the politically correct route, and the result is a disappointing, very un-erotic collection of so-so stories.

Rating:
Summary: Daughters of darkness
Review: I never imagined myself that I would buy a book of erotic vampire stories but I have. Several years ago I saw Kim Deal reading Pam Keesey's book in the pages of a magazine. I admit I was curious about the book being the huge vampire fan that I am. I try to avoid the more cartoonish, horror vampire novels that plagues the book market (i.e Tanya Huff). I found a copy of the book at a local bookstore and decided to get it, not so much for the titilation of the sexual depictions described in the book but more from a feminist point of view in terms of female empowerment. In the introduction, Pam explores female empowerment through mythology, namely the supernatural as in vampires and other demons. I was tired of reading the same ridiculous cheesy vampire novel where women were usually the helpless victims or the sultry demon. I was more interested in reading stories of female vampires and how they differentiate from their male counterparts. I thought the stories were interesting to say the very least. And they are definitely different. One of the more interesting stories in the book was "Lousiana: 1850" by Jewelle Gomez. This particular story wasn't something I was expected. Normally I am used to reading about vampires who kill without prejudice and without conscience. Gilda was far from any vampire character I have read in any book. She didn't get off on killing people, let alone kill her victims. She merely would take a drink from her victim and leave. "Lilith" is more in tuned with any modern vampire novel where the vampire's intentions is completely sinister. The vampire seduces her victim and vamps her. The one story I didn't enjoy was "Carmilla" which honestly I found to be a complete bore. I have tried to read it in its entirety but I could not muster up the energy to finish the story, let alone get into it. Otherwise I enjoyed the majority of the stories in "Daughters of Darkness" (as well as in "Dark Angels"). If anything, Pam Keesey's books weren't entirely intended for titilation because the stories certainly underline female empowerment or feminism in some sort of way. As a vampire fanatic, I enjoyed Pam's books. They are a big guilty pleasure of mine.

Rating:
Summary: Great collection of lesbian vampire stories
Review: I really enjoyed this book a lot. I read a lot of vampire stories and this book really stood out above all the others. Not only was the original lesbian vampire story "Carmilla" included, but a whole slew of other interesting stories too.

Rating:
Summary: This book was not what I had imagined.
Review: I was disappointed in this book. Daughters of Darkness did not get under my skin, I'm still waiting to be bitten with a tale of desire sharply erotic.

Rating:
Summary: TWO GREAT ONES!
Review: Of course, "Carmilla" is the queen of lesbian vampire stories; its subtlety is something to savor. But I must confess, I really loved "O Captain, My Captain." Its sci-fi angle (interstellar travel) is well-researched; its protagonist is a very plausible, likable young woman; and its love scenes are DELICIOUS. These two stories alone make the book worth buying.

Rating:
Summary: TWO GREAT ONES!
Review: Of course, "Carmilla" is the queen of lesbian vampire stories; its subtlety is something to savor. But I must confess, I really loved "O Captain, My Captain." Its sci-fi angle (interstellar travel) is well-researched; its protagonist is a very plausible, likable young woman; and its love scenes are DELICIOUS. These two stories alone make the book worth buying.

Rating:
Summary: TWO GREAT ONES!
Review: Of course, "Carmilla" is the queen of lesbian vampire stories; its subtlety is something to savor. But I must confess, I really loved "O Captain, My Captain." Its sci-fi angle (interstellar travel) is well-researched; its protagonist is a very plausible, likable young woman; and its love scenes are DELICIOUS. These two stories alone make the book worth buying.