5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This story blossoms into a beautiful flower, July 30, 2009
This review is from: A Sigh for Life's Completion (Paperback)
It begins with mystery and intrigue and ends with a sense that these characters love you as much as you love them. The characters are real, they have their struggles and imperfections yet the element of humanness is profound. That is why I especially like this story, the vampires are more human than human. They are compassionate, patient, and forgiving, even to those who threaten their way of life. Though the small group has its disagreements, the alpha vampire, Paul, easily keeps them in check and holds them to a high standard of moral and ethical principles! But they do have to feed, creating their dilemma, and so they feed off of the blood of criminals, and they hunt the worst kinds: murderers, rapists, child molesters, and hard drug dealers. While they are opportunists to an extent, they show their victims mercy by numbing the pain, letting them feel tremendous pleasure, and even letting them feel the satisfaction received by their consumer. Paul and his discreet party shape shifts at will, surfs and reads people's thoughts and intentions, telepathically communicate, and heal miraculously. The story unfolds with Paul falling in love after two hundred years to a young bar owner. As he carefully weaves himself into Lauren's life he quests for her love and acceptance before letting her in on his secret, though in the process others take notice. Since Paul has kept Lauren's mind from questioning too much too soon she remains oblivious until she discovers retractable fangs while he sleeps. This subtle manipulation of her emotions causes Lauren to question their nature while Paul yearns to pump her full of venom and evolve her into one of them. Disgusted that they kill people, will Lauren's heart continue to wrap cords around Paul or will she reject him? His worst fear!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A new perspective on a traditional theme, August 1, 2010
This review is from: A Sigh for Life's Completion (Paperback)
I admit it did take me a while before I finished A Sigh For Life's Completion, though each moment I picked the book back up I was instantly thrown back into a story which embraces all of us in its own way. I was delightfully surprised at how Sarah Kuhns' first novel was less of a vampire piece and more of an examination of the humanity within, as well as what makes us all distinct. Kuhns has an unparalleled handle on the truth; she exhibits her unique grasp of the need for acceptance and love, and shows the significance of the simple bonds made amongst unlikely family, while pulling the reader into an effortless story that is both riveting and personal. Most importantly, I found it so refreshing that the relationships amongst the characters surpassed the notion of the sexual, overemotional, or even the intoxicated, and moved toward a very realistic and comforting reality which is not far from ideal.
The way in which Kuhns is able to incorporate the beauty of a life where all are accepted as they are is nothing short of spot-on. She has found a way to allow for the darkest and most real parts of all humans (and non-humans) to be what is also most defining, without beating a dead horse in the genre. I am thrilled to see where the series goes, and what it teaches me about myself.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
From the other side....for a change, April 27, 2010
This review is from: A Sigh for Life's Completion (Paperback)
From The Written Universe:
A Sigh For Life's Completion by Sara Kuhns
ISBN 0-7414-5395-9
Infinity Publishing
Trade paper, $19.95
In a nutshell: if you like vampires and want a new slant, read this book.
Sara Kuhns illustrates the vampire's perspective, making some parts of humanity the real 'monsters' in this story.
Lauren is running a tavern that is barely making ends meet.
Paul enters her life, she makes new friends, business at the tavern turns around and life is good.
But Paul is not what he seems.
Paul is a vampire. A vampire with a conscience for the very humanity he must feed from in order to survive.
Kuhns weaves an intricate story whose characters fairly leap off the page. The characters are all clearly defined and could easily support books on their own. Even supporting players are given enough depth to keep them interesting.
Alex, Lauren's partner in running the tavern, forever the skeptic, but affable; the Twins - Jael and Jaytee who play pivotal parts in the story as it unfolds; Jasper, the quintessential bar fly; Jonathan, Paul's first in command; Lily, Jonathan's lady; Lou, the retired police detective; Jerry, the priest. All these characters are written so distinctly, you'd swear you've been hovering in the background watching the action of this story play out.
While the city is never specified, it's easy to imagine the neighborhood the tavern is located in, the tavern itself, Paul's home...all these places come to vivid life.
Vampires with a conscience is not a new theme by any means, but Kuhns succeeds where I believe Anne Rice failed - none of Kuhns's vampires whine about what they are, and they have a true respect and appreciation for the human condition, oftentimes seeming more human than the humans they move amongst.
Kuhns's vampires are able to push thoughts and emotions to one another and to the humans they encounter. As this capability grew more prevalent as the story unfolded, I got to where I wished it really were that easy to calm someone or communicate with them.
Make no mistake though, these vampires can and do mean business when conditions warrant.
I was happy that certain plot twists didn't twist the way I thought they would and that one of the main conflicts I saw coming took a left turn I wasn't expecting.
Kuhns's writing is sure, painting vibrant characters one really cares about, and crafting a plot that maintains your interest.
I found myself taking a bit longer than usual to read this, not because it lagged, but because I wanted it to last and didn't want to end it too soon.
If you are a dedicated vampire fiction reader, then you do not want to miss this book.
This is Sara Kuhns's first novel. I look forward to more from this gifted writer.
For more on Sara, please go to her website: [...]
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