Wow, these stories are phenomenal. The Lottery is obviously a standout, and for good reason, but every story in this collection was outstanding. Some Wow, these stories are phenomenal. The Lottery is obviously a standout, and for good reason, but every story in this collection was outstanding. Some were brief but deeply impactful, while others took their time impressively. I was just blown away. Not a weak entry in the collection. ...more
It's an ok but uninspired novel. For how passionate the story is, the prose feels lifeless and inert. I wonder if the fault lies in the writing or theIt's an ok but uninspired novel. For how passionate the story is, the prose feels lifeless and inert. I wonder if the fault lies in the writing or the translation. Has a dreamlike atmosphere but wasn't quite transporting....more
It was fine. Not Anne Rice's best vampire story, but a perfectly entertaining trip into that world. Not requisite reading for The Vampire Chronicles tIt was fine. Not Anne Rice's best vampire story, but a perfectly entertaining trip into that world. Not requisite reading for The Vampire Chronicles the way Pandora is, but fun nonetheless. Vittorio is an interesting character, but not particularly exciting or memorable. I can see how he did not become worked into the broader universe....more
A really compelling and interesting book. I was quite uncomfortable with Anne Rice's portraying lust in Jesus, but the reveal that it was temptation fA really compelling and interesting book. I was quite uncomfortable with Anne Rice's portraying lust in Jesus, but the reveal that it was temptation from Satan mitigated that somewhat. Anne Rice's prose is characteristically excellent, and the novelization of Jesus' life is fascinating. I especially enjoyed the end, where key Gospel scenes were dramatized. The development of Rice's theological beliefs from Memnoch the Devil to her Christ the Lord duology is incredible....more
The Mayfair Witches series does not seem to be for me. At least this novel really isn't. It is atrociously paced, badly splot between the plot and theThe Mayfair Witches series does not seem to be for me. At least this novel really isn't. It is atrociously paced, badly splot between the plot and the worldbuilding. I believe the story would be better served as at least two novels: one providing the backstory of the Mayfair family and one telling the story of Rowan, Michael, and Lasher. Had there not been terribly long chapters merely providing the Mayfair backstory, several moments would've been compelling and status-quo-shifting reveals rather than redundant moments of confirmation. Several of the Mayfairs were such interesting characters with fascinating backstories would've made really engaging novels in and of themselves, and it's a shame they were little more than diversions in this lesser novel. Had this not been a prerequisite for the back half of The Vampire Chronicles, I would not have finished this novel....more
It's a compelling and engaging novel. The pacing is excellent, an ideal balance between the various protagonists and timelines. The stories don't quitIt's a compelling and engaging novel. The pacing is excellent, an ideal balance between the various protagonists and timelines. The stories don't quite all connect perfectly, but the novel is nonetheless very compelling. I struggled with Seymour's story, as his actions pushed him beyond the level of sympathy, but every other protagonist was compelling and excellent. I also enjoyed immensely the fictional eponymous Diogenes story. ...more
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