Darker Jewels [Hardcover]

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1993

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's immortal vampire, the Comte de Saint-Germain, is one of the most popular characters of his kind ever created. Publishers Weekly has called him a "veritable Prince Charming of the darker arts."

In Darker Jewels the Count is sent by the King Of Poland to the court of Russia's Ivan IV, to use his alchemical skills to craft unearthly gems for the mad emperor. there he finds not only dark intrigue and heart-stopping danger, but a breathtakingly beautiful woman to whom he loses his heart.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her rich and complex tale of the further wanderings of the immortal vampire known as Ferenc Rakoczy, Hrabia (Count) Saint-Germain, Yarbro ( Ariosto ) brings to vivid life the dark and bloody 16th-century court of Ivan IV or, more commonly, Ivan the Terrible. In an attempt to gain Russian aid in the war against the Turks, the Polish king Istvan Bathory sends Rakoczy to Moscovy, hoping the count's alchemical skill will win over the half-crazed czar. Despite Russian xenophobia and almost hysterical efforts to discredit him by his fellow envoy, Jesuit Father Casimir Pogner, Rakoczy initially advances in his objective, even marrying a Russian noblewoman at the czar's behest. After Ivan's death, however, the count finds himself in the midst of fierce intrigues over control of the feeble-minded czarevitch Feodor due to his friendship with the half-Tartar regent Boris Godunov. Underlying this absorbing and historically accurate work is a deep melancholy, reflecting both the immortal vampire's lost past and the tortured workings of the Russian soul.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Yarbro's protagonist, Ferenc Rakoczy--the Count Saint-Germain--is a sympathetic vampire, not a monster. He resembles other recent portrayals of vampires as urbane, cultured gentlemen persecuted by society because of their "blood." They also have a great deal of sex appeal, and their victimization of women is as much sexual as parasitic. Yarbro's newest book about the Count, part of a series that includes Out of the House of Life ( LJ 11/15/90), Blood Games ( LJ 2/1/80), and Hotel Transylvania ( LJ 11/15/78), is set in Russia during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. At this time, the country is extremely distrustful of strangers from the West, who arrive seeking trade opportunities. The czar dominates all aspects of daily life, even forcing the Count to marry a local girl. Throughout this adventure, the Count maintains his appearance as a civilized gentleman, despite the minor slights and great cruelties visited upon him. He is an endearing character, and this entertaining read is recommended for most public libraries.
- Kathy Armendt Sorci, ITT Research Inst., Annapolis, Md.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 398 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (March 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312852967
• ISBN-13: 978-0312852962
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,152,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful History with a touch of Saint-Germain, April 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Darker Jewels: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain (Paperback)

Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars surprise new author!, April 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Darker Jewels: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain (Paperback)

I first picked up this book because it was set in pre-revolutionary Russia (which I love). It looked mildly interesting, and I was facing a long ferry ride. Did I ever get the surprise of my life! I have never been a big fan of vampire fiction, but after I read this book I couldn't get enough of it! The Count is a fascinating character, the historical plot is real, something readers can relate to and understand, and I cried my eyes out at the end. I have since read every single Chelsea Quinn Yarbro book in my library (hint: try 'False Dawn,' it's amazing)and have branched out into other authors like P. N. Elrod, L. J. Smith and Anne Rice....but the Count remains an old favorite.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Danger and intrigue!, January 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Darker Jewels: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain (Paperback)

In 1586 Count St. Germain is sent as head of an embassy to the Russian court of Ivan the Terrible. Although he is a reluctant participant and aware of the political and power-hungry jealousies around him, St. Germain does his best to fulfill his mission, even making the "dark jewels" that seem to calm the mad Tsar's mind. As a "reward" he is ordered by the Tsar to marry a terrified young woman with a tragic past. Slowly and gently, St. Germain gains her trust. (Their scenes together are both humorous and tenderly erotic.) Despite the jealous hatred surrounding him in the dark mediveal Russian court, St. Germain also makes a few loyal friends who come to his rescue when he is finally ensnared by his enemies and horrifically tortured. The descriptions of life in mediveal Russia are well drawn and the story compellingly told.