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34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for Vampire Fans!, January 8, 2003
This review is from: Dhampir (Noble Dead) (Mass Market Paperback)
I've read one previous novel by Barb Hendee, Blood Memories, and was impressed enough by the experience that I decided to read Dhampir. Let's begin by saying that I am not regretting that decision. This is the first novel of a series, the next of which will not be available until January 2004. She is writing with her husband this time, J.C. Hendee, but the integration of their writing styles is seamless. If you liked the writing style of Blood Memories, you won't even notice that J.C. Hendee has come aboard. I count this as a good thing, because I liked Blood Memories quite a lot. The story revolves around Magiere and her partner, Leesil (a half-elf), who are an awsome vampire slaying duo. Magirere is more special than she realizes; let's just say that she has some interesting ancestors. When the two decide to retire, their peaceful plans are interrupted by a trio of undead who know more about Magiere's birthright than she does herself. This novel is set more in Tolkien's universe than in Laurell K. Hamilton's, Tanya Huff's, or P.N. Elrod's, but it should still satisfy fans of those authors. Still, it is one of the best introductory novels I've read in a long time. I hope that the rest of the series lives up to the promise.
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fantastic new vampire story! Two thumbs way up!, March 3, 2003
This review is from: Dhampir (Noble Dead) (Mass Market Paperback)
For several years Magiere, Leesil, and Chap have been moving from village to village, earning their living by ridding frightened and superstitious people of the undead creatures that plague their lives. But the whole thing is merely a sham, an elaborate game they have concocted, and Magiere is no true Hunter. Or is she? Finally tired of playing `the game' for so long, Magiere is ready to call it quits and settle down to a simpler and easier way of life, running a tavern. But what she and Leesil don't realize is that Magiere really is a Dhampir, a Hunter, and what they have been playing at for so many years will soon become a shocking reality. Vampires (and other undead creatures) really do exist, and they have decided that the Hunter is a threat that must be eliminated. I am very, very impressed with how the authors have created a vampire story set in a true fantasy world. It felt real and natural, and was a refreshing change from the norm! The world building was very well done, the characters were vivid and compelling, and it had a nice dash of mystery and intrigue. There was also lots of great action, humor, sadness and grief, and questions of selfishness, sense of duty, and honor (or doing 'the right thing'). The story sucks you in from the very beginning and there is never a dull moment. I read this one from the first page to the last, without ever putting it down. I loved how Magiere and Leesil's relationship was portrayed, and how they were both far from perfect, even as far as having secrets that they knowingly, or unknowingly, kept from each other. We are introduced to them at an important junction in their lives, and along the way we are given tantalizing glimpses into their past which, amazingly, never breaks the flow of the story. And it was a joy to watch them grow and evolve, and learn to understand each other better, even though when we meet them they have already been companions for several years. We even get fascinating glimpses into the thoughts and motivations of the villains that make you feel very sympathetic towards them at times. All in all, it makes for a very complex, engaging, and emotional story that is not just as simple as good vs. evil. Towards the end of the book I was feeling a little disappointed that the adventure would soon be over. But to my surprise, and delight, it looks as though Dhampir will be the first in a series (or will have a sequel at the very least). I can't wait to read the next installment that holds the promise of more mysterious revelations, and greater things to come. Please don't miss this one, I HIGHLY recommend it!
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35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Action-packed!!, June 2, 2003
This review is from: Dhampir (Noble Dead) (Mass Market Paperback)
STORY: The "charlatan" vampire hunters Magiere and Leesil go from town to town exploiting the fears of the locals. Magiere is tired of such a life and without Leesil's knowledge buys a tavern on the coast announcing to him that she is retiring and he is coming with here. Little do either know, that the little coastal village where they are headed is a nest of vampires. Through the story Magiere finds out she is specially equiped to fight vampires for real and not pretend. Aided by Leesil, their "special" hound Chap and some townsfolk they fight for thier lives and future dreams. MY FEEDBACK:
1) Setting - Could have used a map of the world. Each time a place is described I wanted to start drawing so I can get in my head where every city, town, or region is in relation to the others. This fantasy setting only has humans, quick reference to elves and of course vampires...no other races or monsters referred to. With that said, I didnt feel at any point that the story needed these things, YET. There is so much room for the authors to take and create a more vivid world. What they've created here is a functional envioronment that is very small in scope and works for this first story installment. 2) Characters -
a) Protagonists - I really liked the three main protagonists: Magiere, Leesil, and their hound Chap. Each had their strenghts, weaknesses, and secrets. It was a nice twist that all three have travelled several years together, yet there is so much they don't know about each other or themselves. Nice character growth and relationships through the story.
b) Antagonist - The best thing about the vampires is that each one comes into his/her mental abilities differently. The authors played up on such strengths which helped define the individual vampires from the rest. Overall, the authors kept to most classic forms of killing vampires (garlic, stakes, etc) which was totally acceptable. 3) Story - Great Action! Believable dialogue and decisions made by characters. The story is written to be the first book in a series. The nice thing is 98% of all story conflicts are resolved in the end so even if they never get around to writting more in the series this book is a self-contained story. No real major plot twists and turns or comments on society and life...it was simply a straight forward action story, which was ok with me. OVERALL: If you like what I said above, then you won't be disappointed by getting your hands on this book. I'm keeping this book in my collection and recommending it to friends. Fun story that I read in two-day's time. I'll be looking for any future installments of the Dhampire series.
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