Better in the Dark: A Novel of Count Saint-Germain [Paperback]

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 1995

Here at last is a long-hinted-at chapter in the undead existence of the immortal Count Saint-Germain: the story of Ranegonda of Saxony, one of the three great loves of Saint-Germian's life.

937 A.D. The Saxon fortress of Leosan is under the almost unheard-of rule of a woman. The Gerefa of the fortress has become a monk, leaving his sister, Ranegonda, to rule in his name as best she can--and to deal with his embittered, headstrong wife as well. Into this tense and dire situation comes Saint-Germain. Shipwrecked on the Baltic shore, near the true death, he is found by Ranegonda, whom he will come to love for the gift of blood she gives him, and for her own indomitable spirit.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Here at last is a long-hinted-at chapter in the undead existence of the immortal Count Saint-Germain: the story of Ranegonda of Saxony, one of the three great loves of Saint-Germain's life.

From Publishers Weekly

Set in 10th-century upper Saxony, Germany, this entertaining but uninvolving addition to the Count Saint-Germain series starts with the vampire Saint-Germain shipwrecked and washed ashore near a Germanic keep. He is found there by Ranegonda, the princess of the local castle, who has been in charge--against prevailing custom--since her brother abandoned his post to join a monastery. Cut off from his friend Roger and other potential helpmeets, Saint-Germain is held at the castle until his ransom can be paid (a standard practice of the time). While there, he comes to love Ranegonda and joins her in battle to protect her holdings from the ever more dangerous displaced hordes who threaten the castle. Smooth and well-crafted, the tale showcases Yarbro's eye for historical detail and for bringing the ways, customs and conflicts of another time to life, but the plot is simplistic and predictable. The story lacks the freshness and spark of earlier volumes in the series.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Orb Books (August 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312859783
• ISBN-13: 978-0312859787
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,254,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Saint Germain Novels always a winner, November 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Better in the Dark: A Novel of Count Saint-Germain (Paperback)

"Better in the Dark" does not have the fast pace that many of the early Saint Germain novels have. However, as any true fan of the deliciously mesmerizing count, I could not put it down. Many will be put off by the historical content and details, but I found that it is those attributes that make Yarbo's books so compelling and realistic. It is a welcome change from the over-done kill/maim, I-want-to-drink-your-blood and oh-do-I-have-a-soul? vampires. Like many Saint Germain fans, I will read any book containing the count that I can get my hands on, and I have never been disappointed. This is no exception.

V. Canfield

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grabs you by the throat before you know what's happened, July 30, 2001

By 

R. Snare (Williamsburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Better in the Dark: A Novel of Count Saint-Germain (Paperback)

Don't let the title, or the awful cover (Who *are* these people? They certainly aren't the characters in the book!), nor the fact that it's a "vampire" novel put you off. This is, quite simply, one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year. Well drawn characters, atmosphere you could cut with a knife, a richly detailed plot, coupled with one of the strongest female leads I've ever encountered in a novel make this for a fantastic read. Add to that a plot which builds to a truly shattering climax and I suspect no purveyor of fine fiction could ever put this book down unsatisfied. While none of Yarbro's Saint-Germain novels are bad, this one stands up and grabs you by the throat, but not in a way so's you'd notice until it's too late. Oh yeah - has one of the most satisfying "just desserts" scenes I've encountered in recent memory.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent demonstration of religion forced, May 27, 2000

By 

Tibor Kun - See all my reviews

This review is from: Better in the Dark: A Novel of Count Saint-Germain (Paperback)

Though I was originally drawn to Yarbro's books by my love of vampire lore, I was swept away by her history instead. I love the way she chooses not to show the Christian church in that time as the superstitious religion it then was. Her brutal objectiveness through Saint Germain's character is always refreshing and intelligent, and this book led me to read many more of her novels.

Those who are looking for a quick vampire horror story won't likely appreciate this novel, but those looking for a novel with depth and historical accuracy will no doubt gobble it up and cry out for more! -tk