Rating: 
Summary: vampire novel reads unlike any other vampire novel
Review: I was drawn to this book primarily because of the author, who is an exceptional writer of fantasy, and it is always interesting to see how a master of one style does when writing in another. Often the cross-over result is lackluster.So I was more than pleasantly surprised by this volume, which is quite different than Brust's other works. And unlike many vampire novels, it is not clear at first that our protagonist is a vampire, nor do we linger on the gory details. Since the writing is the first person perspective of the vampire, much is not spelled out because it is "obvious". In some prose, this might result in a confusing meander through a stream of consciousness, but in "Agyar", this results in a smooth, flowing tale of the life of Jack Agyar. It is a short, compelling read. Highly recommended for both fans of vampire novels, and those who normally don't like them.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Vampire Stories ever written
Review: Steven Brust has long been a favourite of mine, and if you read Agyar, you will understand why. I believe that there are very few vampire stories that are truly worth reading, perhaps it is something about the very nature of vampires that makes them so difficult to handle. However, John Agyar, even as a killer, comes across as a very well- rounded character who evokes the reader's sympathy. The story revolves around Agyar's fight to free himself from the machinations of his mistress, Laura, and his growing love for a talented young dancer named Susan. The ending, while not entirely completely rosy, is none the less very satisfying. A much- recommended read.
Rating:
Summary: Agyar is a superb foray into the supernatural mind.
Review: The complexities of character Brust has worked into his story make it appealing to all sorts of readers and while the supernatural overtones classify it as horror/dark-fantasy, the basic elements of the story make it a wonderful journey no matter what genre you like. The subtlety and ever-present dry wit make this story a beautiful work of literature as well as an engrossing and superb presentation of the well worn vampire path. Demanding the full of your imagination, yet never once stressing it, Agyar is a book I will read many, many times.
Rating:
Summary: Read This Book
Review: There is no better book than Agyar. If you like Vampire books, this makes Rice look heavy-handed and trite. If you HATE Vampire books you will still love this book. When I've loaned it to friends who hate vampire stories I pull off the dust jacket and say "Read this." No one I know who has read Agyar, vampire haters included, have been anything less than rapt in their praise.
Rating:
Summary: Elegance and purity of style
Review: What a book! Despite the fact that I am a slobbering, shameless Brust-fan, I still feel that from an objective standpoint this must be heralded as a work of genius. Anne Rice and Poppy Z. Brite be damned. Agyar gives the world of horror fiction an anti-hero with a brain, a heart, and a convincing agenda. His connection with the modern world is refreshing. John Agyar does not spend thousands of words lamenting ages past, nor does he awkwardly mimic the "normals" surrounding him. He behaves in much the way that one who had hundreds of years' experience ought. In short,the book flows beautifully; the writing is as clean as a Japanese brush-painting, and the plot is elegantly constructed, yet at the same time almost unnecessary due to the striking presence of the characters.
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