Customer Reviews

Thief of Lives (Noble Dead)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I read Dhampir, I wasn't sure if it was intended for an extended run or not, but here is the next volume of what now appears to be at least a trilogy. This is good news, as the Hendee's have managed to create two strong characters and put together a plot that still maintains it's mystery and draw at the end of two volumes. Magiere is a dhampir, daughter of a vampire and a human. At the end of the previous volume (in which a vampire killing scam suddenly turns out to be serious) she discovers that dhampirs have significant and deadly powers of their own. Her companion is half-elven Leesil who also hides many mysteries. Trained as an assassin, Leesil was happily pursuing a life of crime until he met Magiere. Just for a moment, at the beginning of Thief of Lives, the couple has settled into the routine of running an inn.

Nothing lasts, of course, and in short order Magiere, Leesil, and Chap the wonder dog have been maneuvered into heading for the capital city of Bela to hunt the vampire responsible for killing the daughter of a prominent councilman. They arrive to discover that they are not particularly welcome - even less so when they announce that the killer may be one of the privileged classes. And instead of one vampire there are two, or maybe three, or ... Add a dog with unexpected skills, another elven killer, some mages, and a return visit by Welstiel Massing (who has hidden agendas of his own) and you have a good picture of what life is like for Leesil and Magiere.

Not counting their own relationship, which has become clouded by their discovery that being a dhampir is more than having a funny ethnic designation. The events of the previous volume (which include Leesil feeding Magiere his own blood to save her life) have triggered a series of psychological and physical changes in the young woman. Not feeling in control of herself, Magiere has taken to avoiding Leesil out of fear that she might hurt him. This has put their normally close alliance is under a strain and has left both of them prone to emotional mistakes.

The Hendee's manage this complex set of factors like long time writers, and the result is an active, flowing plot with a wealth of character and setting detail. While revealing a lot, they always manage to hold enough back so that there is always something new on the horizon. While this is a Gothic world, with Gothic vampires, there is a fresh newness to the plot that defies the stereotypes it works with. The book stands fairly well on its own, generally explaining what it inherits from the previous volume, but you are best of starting from the beginning - if for no other reason than the first book being equally enjoyable.

If Dhampir could be considered a good breakfast, this sequel is definitely a hearty lunch. Herein we return to the world of Magiere (half vampire), Leesil (half-elf) and their "dog" Chap. Hoping to settle down in their new home after ridding the town of its vampire nest, fate, their reputation, and meddlers intervene. To save their small community, they travel to Belas to find and destroy its vampire, who is now killing among the nobles. As they succeed, they find out more about their own hidden or unknown pasts, meet new companions, and identify their quest and at least one of their enemies. There's fast action and character development, even among the vampires.

This time I didn't hesitate when I saw there was a new book. I bought it and read it immediately. Mind you, not too many books or authors get this treatment. Some, like Cherryh, get bought immediately and set aside until I have time to savor her dense storylines. But for light entertainment, especially when recovering from a cold, this is as good as it gets, if you like vampires, well-written fantasy, and a promise of more to come. Although this can be read without doing so, I recommend you read Dhampir first.

It still feels like someone's fantasy role-playing campaign, but it's a campaign in which I would have liked to play. I await for dinner with appetite...

Dhampir was one of those novels that I wished had a few more chapters. I hated to close the book. So after a year's wait I was thrilled to be able to pick up pretty much where our sometimes gallant, sometimes conniving trio left off.

The Hendees spread their literary wings a little on this outing and take the reader on a ride to the city of Bela where a vampire is eating pieces of the Upper Crust. With lashings of mystery and political intrigue, a few new weapons, some more glimpses into our heros' origins, and almost a high fantasy-noir environment, misfits Magiere and Leesil follow Chap's nose right into the thick of things.

I found the story satisfying. One thing I would really like to see in the next book is a map of the Hendees' world. I hope they can convince their publisher to offer one in the next volume.

The first book was certainly a good and pleasent surprise, so I immediately picked this one up as soon as I put down the first. This book was a great sequel and an excellent stand alone book.

Our three unexpecting heroes, Magiere, Leesil, and Chap, the magical hound, are all trying to settle down to become tavernkeepers. Naturally they can't and are soon sent to the city of Bela, where political intrigue and vampire violence meet them at every turn.

The great thing about the series is that the main characters are so dynamic and round that they constantly surprise you. For instance, Magiere is so calculating and cold, yet she is niave enough to not think that people wouldn't have heard about her exploits. Lessil is a paradox in and of himself. Chap is pile of questions that I certainly enjoy pondering.

The villians in this book aren't as great as the first. Ratboy is back and is not the same Ratboy that we loved to hate. Ratboy's lover, Sapphire, is about as shallow and stupid as they come. Chane is the new face on the block and is the best antagonist next to Westiel Massing. Massing is as enigmatic as ever and just as manipulating too. Chane makes up for the two others in his family, because he is smart and savy enough to almost make you want to like him, but...

The world that the Hendees created is refreshing and savory. Each book expands this great world into something that keeps me coming back for more. Keep up the great work!

This second installment in the Dhampir saga is much improved over the first novel ("Dhampir"), which was a book built around a great idea but which was rather stiltingly written. The key characters in Thief of Lives become much more three dimensional, the plot is interesting and - when appropriate - action packed. This book excellently advances an alternative fantasy world, and describes and explains the cultures of other countries and humanoids (elves, humans, vampires, and hinted at "others"). There are many hints that the next novel will describe the Elven nation and culture, and that Leesil will address his heritage and his mother's legacy. Good work, overall. I greatly look forward to the next novel.

Don't be put off by the cover. Despite a jacket which makes Leesil the elf, look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy, this book was excellent!

The plot? This novel is a sequel to Dhampir, and begins pretty much where the first book left off. I.E. while trying to create a `normal' life for themselves the vampire hunting duo are sucked once more into the action, working hard to uncover a nest of vampires who are preying on the citizens of a prosperous northern town.

What makes this series succeed (at least for me) are the characters. Magiere and Leesil are likeable. Magiere's stiff emotionlessness and Leesil impulsiveness are a good combination. (And an interesting reversal of the typical fantasy gender roles). I like the fact that the author has not rushed the romance between these two characters, but has allowed it to develop naturally. My favorite of the two main leads is Leesil, whose backstory is quite fascinating. I like the fact that he refuses to take anything seriously except Magiere. Now if he could only stay away from the wine flask!

Peeves? I am at a loss to criticize anything about TOL except the fact that I'd like to see more books. Soon! (Grin). Second: while I don't need anything graphic as an adult reader, I felt romance scene was rushed. Especially after all that buildup. Surely a LITTLE more romance wouldn't be amiss. Finally, I am wondering about Magiere's craving for blood and what impact this will have on the couple's relationship in the future.

This is a wonderful series with very likeable characters. A keeper!

From the authors of Dhampir comes the continuing saga of Magiere the vampire slayer and her companions: Leesil, half-elven and Chap, a dog who is more than he seems. Much to the dismay of the raven haired beauty her dreams of a peaceful life are once again disrupted by a letter from the far off city of Bela. Bela it seems has a problem of the toothy kind.

In their quest to find the killers of a councilman's daughter the trio finds that the vampires aren't the only trouble in town. They must also deal with corrupt noblemen and come to terms with past regrets. Once again the mysterious stranger is meddling in Magiere's affairs and steering her to a path which may claim not only her life but her very soul.

With a little help from friends old and new Magiere may just make it out of Bela alive but what awaits her after is quite the coin toss.

yeah yeah I know.... ANOTHER vampire book. well i'm a hardcore vampire junkie and this is something completely new and i love it ! it takes place in a different world a world like Tolkein's middle earth and that is what has made me fall in love with it. it shows a new breath of imagination that is very refreshing after the same old same old dried out dingy stuff. that and the way the charcters grow is intrigueing to go along with a writing style that I feel wraps the reader into the book and makes him or her feel like they are right there. that is what the beast authors do! i hope whoever reads this book enjoys it as much as i do! hey if you want to yell at me or trade opinios my email is Imagineing@gundamwing.net

A vampire story set in a high fantasy world. Sounds interesting? Then you would enjoy what the Hendee's have created.

Dhampir, published in 2003, was our introduction to Leesil and Magiere. Our heroine is not your typical simpering, scantly clad woman. Magiere caries a falchion, a very bid sword, and a wicked set of canines. No need to fear her unless you are an undead. Magiere is a "dhampir", a child born of a mortal and an undead. Using the gifts given to her by her undead father, she is able to wage war against vampires. Her sidekick and partner is Leesil, a half-elf with dangerous skills and even more dangerous secrets. Leesil is a troubled man. His exploits typically involve copious quantities of booze and gambling. While not the typical leading man/hunk/piece of meat one expects, many of use would gladly volunteer to be Leesil's nursemaid. To round out this group is Chap, who appears to be a dog, but appearances are deceiving. Chap can scent the undead and has a bite that the undead fear.

This unlikely trio embarks on a new adventure in Thief of Lives, published in January 2004. At the end of Dhampir, Magiere has discovered what she is - a dhampir. Manipulation makes her leave the Sea Lion, her and Leesil's new comfy tavern to save the village of Miiska. Magiere, Leesil, and Chap sail to Bela to rid the city of its undead and collect a hefty bounty. This time each of the three will discover how hard killing the undead can be. Myths and folklore don't hold the truths necessary to accomplish the task. To add to the mix, Leesil and Chap finally divulge a few of their secrets.

The story is complex and will keep you guessing until the end. Each character is finely crafted like the weapons they carry. The Noble Dead series is sure to please both fantasy and horror fans. Its unique premises keep your interest level up and nothing is rushed. My only complaint of the book is the cover art. Leesil is my mind should look like Orlando Bloom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Also, the clothing worn on the cover is completely different from the descriptions set in the book. Too bad authors do no have more input on cover art.

Barb & J.C. Hendee are a husband/wife pair of writers. Barb Hendee is the author of another vampire novel titled Blood Memories in 1999. Both authors have written many short stories published. They have a website at www.nobledead.com with many extras for the series. I enjoyed reading the series and look forward to the next book. The next installment will be released January of 2005, Sister of the Dead.

Barb and JC Hendee have managed to come up with a well-written and exciting second entry in the Dhampir series. This story takes up shortly after the first book's conclusion, and uses the consequences from the initial story's ending to get this story rolling. Magiere and Leesil continue to hunt for Noble Dead in this book, and along the way learn more about Westiel, the Elves, and each other. The action never flags, and the characterizations are rich.

An excellent read!