Siege Perilous (The Lord Richard, Vampire)

Rating:
Summary: Worth a read...but not at a hardcover price.
Review: First off, I've read every one of Pat Elrod's books, including the other d'Orleans novels, and have enjoyed most quite a bit. I'm biased a little, since I am already a fan. However, in this case, I assume she only provided some guidance on this one.

First I gotta mention, I found the cover to be so geeky-queer that I had to remove it before carrying it around. Okay, on to the general comments: I got the feeling that the author was maybe writing along with his thoughts, without having much of a plan mapped out. There were sections of drawn out description (needlessly drawn out) followed by quick jumps from scene to scene. There was a lot of "Otherside" talk, which I think is just license for "make up anything as you go along and reason it away as 'Otherside' metaphysical psycho-babble". I think the plot pretty much rambled until there was no other way to resolve things other than just throw in some banal "Otherside" reasoning. I have to admit, the ending was rushed, kind of out of the blue...and very unsatisfying. There were also several plot building-blocks that just didn't make sense to me, even after the weak ending...or else left me with that "Ummm...so that was it?" feeling. I hate that.

Also, this is very loosly a vampire's tale. The vampire thing is kind of on the periphery and is not written with Elrod's usual panache. Yes, this particular series has a little more "fantasy" in it, but I still look for better cohesiveness in my stories.

All-in-all, I still enjoyed some of the read if only for the genre. I'd pick this one up in softcover but would avoid the hardcover (unless used and cheap).

Rating:
Summary: Nail biting, can't put this one down, page turner!
Review: It is hard to get a five star rating from me - this one truly deserves it. Actor Nigel Bennett ('LaCroix' from FOREVER KNIGHT) and award-winning writer P.N. Elrod ("The Vampire Diaries") team up again as they continue the adventures of vampire hero Richard Dun, once known as Lancelot. His old enemy Charon is back, and this time threatening not only Richard, but Richard's friends and even daring to take on gods. As Charon's diabolical laughter echoes throughout the book, Richard finds himself not only trying to protecting his pals, but teaming up with them in a battle that takes them from this world to the Otherside. There's plenty of swordplay (of both kinds) and nail biting suspense. The location descriptions are so real the imagines formed in my mind as if I was there. From taxi drivers to government officials to teenage boys to vampires to gods, the characters come alive with realistic personalities. Sharon Geary is also back, and on quite the adventure of her own. Readers also learn more about Richard's mortal past in exciting yet touching flashbacks. I would be amiss to not mention the beautiful cover by artist Jamie Murray. Fans are likely to find themselves staring at it in wonder.

Rating:
Summary: Breath-taking!
Review: This book, the third in a trilogy by authors Nigel Bennett and P. N. Elrod, finishes the series beautifully. The authors weave elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance into a
spine-tingling novel that captures the reader. The use of myth and symbolism is an added feature that brings depth to the characters. For anyone interested in vampire lore or just a good read, this book is a must.

Rating:
Summary: Great read!
Review: What a great book, which teaches a lot about vampire and human nature. Excellent characters and suspense. Highly recommended!