Customer Reviews

Kiss of Death (Morganville Vampires, Book 8)

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Kiss of Death" is another strong entry into the Morganville Vampire series. Things in Morganville, TX have died down since Bishop was taken care of, but there is still enough drama to go around. Michael gets an offer to record a CD in Dallas, & Amelie grants the gang (plus Oliver) passes to leave Morganville for a few days. Of course, their trip to Dallas pretty much turns into the road trip from hell. After Oliver insists on stopping at a gas station in a backwoods town, things take a turn for the worst. Eve incites some of the locals into a near fight, & Oliver disappears claiming to do Amelie's bidding. He later turns up bloody & beaten at the gang's hotel room.

"Kiss of Death" is a nice departure from being in Morganville, TX the entire book. Poor Eve was so excited to leave Morganville for the first time that I felt kinda sorry for her. Claire & Shane's relationship becomes more serious, while Eve & Michael continue to struggle with his life as a vampire. Oliver figures heavily into this book, which I enjoyed. All in all, another great visit with Claire & friends. I'll be waiting impatiently for the next book.

One of the best things about the Morganville Vampires series is the continuity. Everything Claire and Co. say has a consequence and sometimes that consequence is more than they bargain for. I love it. You can tell, almost immediately, when one of them says or promises something that will come back to bite them in the butt (such as their promise, in Fade Out, to Morley and his motley gang). That is just their luck quite frankly.

The beginning is slower then I expected, but that makes sense given the high octane ride that was Bishop, and the post-high crash that was Ada. I wouldn't say things were exactly perfect for the Glass House Gang, but their only concern was Morley. Michael was getting a deal, they were all getting out of Morganville for a little while (even if Oliver had to tag along, for obvious reasons) and they were almost guaranteed a vampire free weekend...not including Michael or Oliver of course. What could go wrong?

Oh practically everything. Oliver has his own agenda, from Amelie, that lands them group in Boondocks, Texas. They all decide to hit up the local truck stop and wind up in a whole heap of trouble that just keeps escalating from there on out. Once the action begins it doesn't really slow down. However the trademark wit and devilry is still very much in attendance. I laughed everytime one of them would, almost as a positive mantra, chant "We've been in worst situations". The amount of times Claire has to think to herself that Bishop was a worst situation is sad. Coupled with the fact she begins missing crazy Myrnin after a while. Though I missed Myrnin. There wasn't enough of him in this book.

Some of the more mundane things are aired out (issues between Eve and Michael, Claire's parents and even some uncertainties that Michael is feeling about his and Eve's future) in and around the rest of the plot, but a solid chunk is given over to cleaning up one more mess Bishop left behind.

This was a transition book, setting up many of the storylines that the ninth book, Ghost Town (due out in November 2010) will expand upon, as well as bringing to a close some other looser threads that would only get in the way of a larger story arc. Once again I greatly enjoyed this installment of the Morganville Vampires series. This series has, without a doubt, become one of my favorite series to follow and wait for.

Another great book in the series. Claire, Shane, Michael and Eve finally get a temporary pass out of Morganville and they do not get far before the trouble begins. I love how Claire's strength and character has developed. On the surface at the beginning of the series, she seemed like such an easy target. She continues to surprise me, and, apparently, her housemates and everyone else. I love the relationships and interactions between Claire, Shane, Michael and Eve ... Some of the dialogue makes me laugh out loud.

Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine was the 8th fun, action packed installment for the Morganville Vampires. Things are tame in Morganville, no one is on the verge of losing a life- and that's not fun is it? Nope, so it's time for a road trip! Michael has been made an offer from a record label in Dallas, so the group receives permission from Amelie to take a trip... under one condition. Oliver gets to chaperon. And just like a normal day in Morganville- their much anticipated road trip becomes the trip from hell. They stop at a town a couple hours outside of Dallas and everything starts spiraling out of control. Eve angers some locals, Oliver disappears, their car is destroyed and then they're arrested for murder. Talk about it all hitting the fan at once. Do these kids ever get a break?

Kiss of Death took place outside of Morganville for the entirety of the book and I was just as refreshed as Claire and the crew to get out of town. It is a little depressing that they're all so excited to leave town, but end up having one crisis after another. This made me roll my eyes a little, I mean, come ON. I know things are like this in Morganville, but everywhere? Just like in Fade Out, the action didn't start until about 100 pages in. Then it unfolded like a typical (and awesome) horror flick. I can deal with a few slow chapters if the end really kills it for me! Spoiler. Eve gets a new car! A hearse! I loved this, it is about time that girl gets a hearse!

So our little Claire is finally growing up, she's beginning to really look and act like the strong woman she is and Shane notices. As their relationship grows stronger, Michael and Eve struggle to keep theirs together. Eve is increasingly insecure with Michael as a vampire and musician. Eve drives me a little nuts, less Eve more Myrnin! Yes, I was upset because our eccentric vampire Myrnin did not make much of an appearance in this book. But it was nice to see Oliver as such an involved character- still didn't make up for the void that Myrnin once filled... and Monica too. Did not think I would miss her dreadfully selfish attitude.

Even though this wasn't an incredibly enthusiastic review, this book was great. Not my favorite in the series, but I really enjoyed myself and I can't wait to see what the next installment, Ghost Town, has in store for us! I have so many unanswered questions- Will Myrnin make a move for Claire? Will Claire and Shane's too-perfect-for-words relationship become lackluster?! Why does Claire's scar ache! If you haven't read any Morganville book yet, I suggest starting with the first one and if you have- you will love this book just as much as the first seven. :)

Kiss of Death picks up with our favorite Morganville residents--Claire, Eve, Michael, and Shane--being issued passes out of Morganville to visit Dallas where Michael will be auditioning for a music executive. Under the chaperoning of baddie vampire Oliver, things of course go awry (inserting understatement), and all four are soon fighting for their lives when a rogue band of vampires is discovered...well, make that two rogue bands actually. Lots and lots of action follows that echoes a horror movie script: hiding in small rooms while blood crazed vampires chase you; a deserted town with its citizens living in terror; a hearse; a creepy motel with local rednecks threatening harm. In other words, business as usual for our friends.

I love the Morganville Vampires series, and this one's no exception. The witty banter is great, and Ms. Caine gives the series an up-to-date feel without making it seem too trendy. I especially love the cameraderie between the four friends, and the relationship between Claire and Shane, which has definitely grown into something much deeper. And I adore Myrnin, though there was far too little of him in this novel, and the foreshadowing of Claire not looking back at him makes me very worried about his future well-being.

Still, I have my quibbles with this entry, though I really tried hard not to. Caution: possible spoilers ahead. Still reading? Okay, here's the deal. I really couldn't understand why all four friends were issued passes because it really didn't make much sense; why not keep Eve in Morganville at least so Michael had a reason to return? And perhaps, if Amelie did mean for Oliver to find the rogue vamps, Claire might have been needed if more serum was necessary. But otherwise it just didn't seem logical. Also illogical was how a busload of vampires--a busload!--was able to escape the strict confines of Morganville (a fact repeatedly hammered home in earlier installments). The whole busload of snacks bit was a little...odd, even for vampires. And the bit about the hearse? Too over the top, even for Eve. Oh, and a number two pencil?

I'm really not complaining because I got to spend time with my favorite foursome, and Caine's writing is tight and exciting all the time. This one's most definitely a set up for the next book, which is fine; it's also very creepy and a good way to see how the characters' relationships are progressing. As always, I can recommend these novels to all and sundry who love vampire books, and I'm ready for Ghost Town to be in my hot little hands as soon as possible.

To paraphrase 50 cent, I love `Morganville Vampires' like a fat kid loves cake....
But I was a little sceptical going into `Kiss of Death' - mostly because this is the first book in the entire series that takes the characters out of Morganville.

It's one of the things I love about this series - the setting. It's kind of a genius way for Rachel Caine to explore tired vampire mythology; by putting a modern `social experiment' spin on it. So yes, I was a bit iffy on the idea of Claire and the gang journeying out of Morganville and taking their show on the road... but as usual, Ms. Caine delivers another incredible instalment that left me hungering for more!

This 8th instalment has our beloved characters going on a road-trip to Dallas, Texas. But oddly enough I would say this book, more than any other, brings the focus back on the town of Morganville and triggers a deeper exploration of the relationships of our protagonists.

For Eve, this road-trip marks her first departure from Morganville. She has grown up around vampires, never knowing anything other than the `eat or be eaten' human hierarchy of the township. It was really interesting to read Eve's reactions to the `outside world', and really put into perspective just how closed off Morganville is.

Caine really explores the deeper issues of Morganville and its human/vampire cohabitation when Claire and the gang come across a small town that's also over-run by vampires. Only difference is: this town doesn't have the same mortal/immortal societal balance... here, the humans are prey and the vampires are bent on mayhem.

It was a really clever way for Caine to both shake things up in the series (by taking it *out* of Morganville) but also examine the heart of the series. By having this contrast between a vampire-run town and a vampire/human run town.

I think `Kiss of Death' has come at the perfect time in the series too. The character are getting older - our protagonist, Claire, is now 17 and in a serious relationship with Shane (19). It makes sense that as our protagonists step into adulthood, they start questioning the norm and their status-quo.

As much as `Kiss of Death' examines the wider theme of Morganville's superstructure, Caine also cleverly brings the story back to focusing on our four main protagonists. Claire and Shane have been dating for quite a few books now, and sleeping together for the last 3. Michael and Eve have also been an item for a good portion of the series. The last few instalments have seen our protagonists fighting big bad guys, and not have a whole lot of time for big relationship questions. But in `Kiss of Death' Caine plants some interesting seeds for future exploration as each character takes stock of their lives and how their romances are evolving. None more so than Michael - the only vampire of the group - who starts to question the longevity of his relationship with the mortal Eve.

And the best thing about `Kiss of Death' is that Caine explores all these relatively `big issues' while still staying true to her series standard. `Kiss of Death' is yet another helter-skelter, action-packed story. There are blood-thirsty vampires, car chases, Claire does some cross-bow action... it's the writing Caine excels at, the edge-of-your-seat thrill ride stuff. And thrown in are some very sweet and tender moments, especially between Shane and Claire.

I love Rachel Caine, and I adore her `Morganville Vampires' series. `Kiss of Death' takes the story out of Morganville, but Caine's incredible writing brings the series focus back to the town and four residents we've come to know and love.

Morganville, Texas was founded by vampires led by Amelia who sought a safe haven for her species from human hunters. The town is a melting pot of sorts but to keep mortals safe, each human resident has a vampiric Protector. Blood is dispensed at blood banks and no one is allowed to leave once you enter although Amelia has allowed one exception; Claire, Shane, Michael and Evie may go to Dallas so that the vampire Michael can record his music.

On their way, their guard and escort Oliver has them stop in Durrram where he and Michael conduct business while leaving Claire alone. However, Morley and his vampiric followers who oppose the Morganville rules hijack them. Michael and Oliver rescue the others, but they end up on the deserted town of Blacke. The Morley vampires attack, but something more feral assaults both sides as zombie vampires seek to dine on each of the combatants.

The eighth Morganville Vampire saga is different than most of the previous entries as the heroes are outside the town so obtain a taste where the local rules do not apply. Thus the audience sees a diverse species as vampires come in different types and philosophies especially re humans. A refreshing and totally entertaining tale, Kiss of Death is a super Texas fantasy as the Rachel Caine's world of vampires expands to the delight of teen readers and us folks in the Twilight of our years.

Harriet Klausner

Let me start by saying I am a huge fan of the Morganville series. Rachel Caine has written her books incredibly well, but I just wasn't feeling the latest installment Kiss of Death. The gang plus Oliver, whose personality I adore, are on a road trip so Michael can start up his music career, but just a few hours into their trip the fun begins. They make a pit stop thanks to Oliver and wind up staying at a motel where a portion of the residents don't take kindly to strangers. But what's worse is that Claire, Shane, and Eve meet up with Morley and other Morganville residents who are taking their freedom to a whole new level.

Kiss of Death is still a good book, but like I said before, I wasn't really into it. There was a lot of action, adventure, and witty comments from all, but it felt as if the plot was dragging along. It did pick up from when they ventured into no mans land, and came across a dead town, literally, but even that wasn't enough to really hold my interest. Plus it felt very...contrived. Like something had to be done with Morley, and this was all she could think of. It was still a good book, but I would check it out from the library instead of purchasing it.

Rachel Caine is back at it again with the newest installment of The Morganville Vampire Series, Kiss Of Death. When the gang gets a temporary pass to leave Morganville, the first thing that comes to mind is freedom; sad to say that they won't have as much freedom as they hoped for. Amelie has sent Oliver to be the group's chaperone. Of course right off the bat the gang does not make it to their destination. Instead they find out that a small town had to endure Bishop on his way to Morganville. But there is something wrong with these vampires because Bishop was sick, the vampires that he created became sick, so to speak, too. (I won't say anymore, you'll just have to read to find out what happens)

What I really like about the Morganville Vampire Series is that there is always some new type of adventure. No matter the situation, Claire and friends always seem to find away out of danger. Now that Bishop is out of the picture, Claire now has to worry about a new danger that is ahead for her and her friends. In Kiss of Death, we find out what Bishop was up to on his way to Morganville. Now the question is will Claire be able to handle all that is coming her way? Is the situation bigger than they think is it or are they making a mountain out of a mole hill?

Claire has grown up since the very first time we meet her in Glass Houses but so has her friends Shane, Eve and Michael. The whole character development through out the entire series is amazing. How each relationship Claire has with everyone has grown since the first book.

I am really excited to see what the 9th book, Ghost Town, has in store for all of us! Ghost Town is due out October 26, 2010 and will be the first of the series to be put out in hardback.

I love these books and cannot get enough of them, but in "Kiss of Death" I must admit to being disappointed near the end. I felt Ms. Caine left the major plot line hanging. When the vampires are attacking our main characters in the garage, all of a sudden they just stop? I re-read the chapter three times, thinking I had missed something- Well, the vamps chased them to the garage, they barricaded the garage, vamps were clawing at the door.... Then, the next thing is that they introduce vamps IN the garage who have been treated, and suddenly the plot line veers to the "Healing vamps" and the vamps outside just magically disappear? The book was fabulous up until this part, and then, it became anticlimatic and terribly disappointing.