Dark Ages Nosferatu, DA Clan Novel #1

Rating:
Summary: Gherbod's Nosferatu (DA) falls short.
Review: I loved Fleming's Nosferatu from the clan novel series, but I'm unimpressed with this kick off to the Dark Ages series. The story slugs about for the first 150 pages where we witness Malachite getting bitch slapped about for the entirity of it's pages. Malachite seems to reflect none of the resourcefulness that his character and clan seem to define. Malachite's conflicts are prodominantly internal and while fine in the core of a series it is an odd way to kick off a series. This book seems more like the written collection of a few amateur players' game sections. I could heardly hear Malachite's religious conviction for the constant wailing of the appetite of the beast. This I'm sure is the author's intent, but it just made the story seem to revolve around the character's indulgence (a trait better suited for Toreador.) I wished they had focused on the humility and steadfastness of the clan. The female mortal doctor was an odd addition to the cast of characters. I wonder why she was even added. Malachite's comatose child takes up too much text. I'm disappointed. I think Fleming does good work though and I expect his future work to make up for this little stumble.

Rating:
Summary: Good start to an interesting series.
Review: The historical setting of Nosferatu is a good place to begin this series. The sack of Constantinople marks a turning point in history and marks the end of an era, for both Cainite society and human civilizations. Refugees flee the burning city, while a new power supplants the old. Thus is introduced Malachite, leader of one of the scion families formerly of the Triumvirate, which has fallen with the loss of Michael and the disappearance of the Dracon.
Malachite attempts to salvage what is left of The Dream and believes the key to this lies in finding the Dracon. We are introduced to some important characters who will be central in novels following Nosferatu in the series. The telling of Malachite's embrace and the independent scenes involving examples of savagery and heroism are well written and create vivid pictures with words. If you removed the vampire element, this book would still be an engaging book to read ~ the fact that the characters are vampires give them additional depth and afford the author creative latitude in weaving a wonderful tale that is worth the telling.
Get this book and begin a journey that will leave you wanting to learn more about many of the things introduced on each page. You won't be disappointed.