Customer Reviews

Thirst No. 2: Phantom, Evil Thirst, Creatures of Forever

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The story of Sita continues, picking up where Thirst No. 1 leaves off. This is technically books 4-6 of the original series, and I'm glad these have been released in a compilation. The novels aren't very long and the action passes quickly, making this format preferable to the separate books.

In the second half of Sita's story, Pike retains what I think makes these books so enjoyable: Sita's contemplative introspection. Sita is different from other vampire genre characters I have encountered, in a very good way. Her introspective monologues are written in such a way that one can actually believe she has lived as long as she has. There are frequent flashbacks to her history, with each one relating (somehow) to her present predicament; I find this blend of the past and present highly satisfying and very realistic. It's nice to read and understand why she does what she does, and not simply read that she does it.

Be aware that this second half introduces a lot of "new age" themes, and perhaps gets a little too sci-fi. On the other hand, this is a book about vampirism, immortality, and spirituality, so this isn't necessarily surprising. It's simply a matter of personal taste. In spite of my personal feelings for such things, Pike has crafted a memorable tale. The ending is touching and absolutely wonderful, bringing Sita's story full circle. I read these books years ago, but I still think of them often. I really cherish them, and I'm sure you will as well.

I've read (and enjoyed) just about every popular YA vampire series on the market (Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Morganville, House of Night ... get the picture?) and Thirst is my absolute favorite--no contest. Sita is a five-thousand year old vampire, so while she has never been one to chew on bubblegum social issues, her struggle to find personal and spiritual maturity will intrigue any deep-thinking teenager (or adult, for that matter).

The Thirst series doesn't waste time. This vampire's storytelling is concise, always suspenseful, heartfelt and a little ironic. Thirst No. 2 opens with Sita discovering she's human once again. With this she realizes her opportunity to create a child. A blessing that soon becomes a fast-paced nightmare--because after all, once a vampire, always a vampire. Her baby is born thirsty, and Sita's destiny, it seems, is to always be the hunter who is hunted. Without spoiling the wonders of this story, know this: the birth of Sita's child propels her toward a profound understanding of her life, opens her up to an inspired last adventure (a journey into her past!) and ultimately gifts her with an ending that is astonishing and poetic.

Once the final pages have turned, I guarantee you'll miss her. Sita is a vampire unlike any other. And frankly, I wish this was not the end of the series, that she would continue to tell the stories of her long life forever. And ever.

Christopher Pike wrote "The Last Vampire" which turned into a six book series. Not too long ago they re-released the first three books in one, "Thirst No. 1", and soon after the last three were made one, "Thirst No. 2". I wasn't going to buy the first one since I already owned "The Last Vampire" and "Black Blood", and I had previously read the third one, though I did not own it. I purchased the "Red Dice" to complete the first part of the series, and when "Thirst No. 2" finally came out I bought it. Until now, I had not read the last three books in the series so I am glad they re-released them together!

The books are not very long and it's very easy to start one and finish it in one day, two to three hours approximately, depending on how fast of a reader you are.

I just finished the last book and I am VERY pleased. The books were gripping and I was surprised many times while I read them. The most shocking and unexpected part came at the end of the last one!

I have to say I am glad that Christopher Pike ended the series as he did. Many authors start a series and keep them going so long, the characters and stories themselves start to stink.

What are the books about? The books are about a five thousand-year-old vampire named Sita, or Alisa, her most recent name. Though she is a vampire, she does not have fangs, as there is no mention of fangs anywhere in the books, and she takes blood from her victims by cutting a vein open with her nails. She goes through much hardship with friends, old and new, and lovers. If you want to know more about Sita and her vampire ways, get this and the first book.

UPDATE: I just recently learned there is now new books being added to the series. Not sure what they will be like but I picked up "Thirst 3" and will read it. Hopefully the books to come will be just as great as the previous ones.

As I said with my review of "Thirst No. 1", I am happy The Last Vampire series is being republished. For me, Sita is the original kick ass vampire, and this series will always be my favorite in young adult vampire fiction. I read it when it was first published in 1996, and now in 2009-2010, it has withstood the test of time for me. And what's more, I feel it can be read at different levels depending on your age and interests. Especially in "Thirst No. 2," Pike introduces many New Age concepts and different philosophies that are intriguing and that deserve further examination. But you can also read it as an enjoyable story. This omnibus is both - Pike doesn't talk down to his readers.

When I was a youngster and first reading the series, I wanted to *be* Sita. I was envious of her powers, her calm and cool demeanor, and her long fantastic life. Unlike many of the simpering protagonists of today's vampire fiction, Sita is one strong girl, and while she loves, she doesn't allow it to get in her way.

Below are my reviews for the three books contained in "Thirst No. 2," which are "The Last Vampire #4: Phantom," "The Last Vampire #5: Evil Thirst," and "The Last Vampire #6: Creatures of Forever." In my opinion this omnibus is the best way to read the last three volumes of the series, as they flow better as one book, rather than separate books.

Overall rating: 5/5.

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The Last Vampire #4: Phantom, by Christopher Pike

When we last saw Sita, she had used an ancient alchemical process to transform from vampire to human. And so for the first time in 5,000 years, she is human...but is being human what she really wants?

At first it appears so. Minutes after the transformation is complete, Ray, her lover previously thought dead, knocks on the door. Together the two start a life of domestic bliss, and within weeks Sita is pregnant. Finally she will have a child, to replace the one she lost 5,000 years ago.

But her child isn't exactly human, which is quickly obvious when the child is born months before her due date. And when Kalika starts demanding blood, Sita knows she's birthed a monster. But her love for her child prevents her from killing Kalika...

"Phantom" starts a new direction for The Last Vampire series, and at times doesn't seem to quite fit with the previous books. I feel it is best to read this and the next two in the series at once, as if you were reading one book rather than three - it doesn't stand well on its own. Pike introduces New Age ideas and Eastern religions, as Kalika is actually Kali Ma. With "Phantom," Pike sends Sita on a journey of self-reflection that will carry into the next two books in the series.

3/5.

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The Last Vampire #5: Evil Thirst, by Christopher Pike

Back to her vampire self, in "Evil Thirst" Sita faces a difficult decision. She either has to destroy her daughter, Kalika, or give up a precious child, John, who may be the savior of the human race.

Kalika's actions in the previous novel, "Phantom," cast her as the avatar of an evil goddess, but as Sita ponders her daughter's behavior, she wonders if she can redeem her. Or is she wrong, and Kalika is right? It's a difficult situation for her, a vampire who believes in love and redemption. Can a mother's love overcome a child's evil?

Pike experiments further with New Age ideas as he transposes Sita's past in ancient Egypt with the oracle Suzama against her modern conundrum. The baby John, born to her friend after a mystery conception, is rumored to be the reincarnation of Krishna and Jesus, by a scripture written by Suzama. This may sound a bit out there, but Pike weaves a skillful and fast paced tale with all these varied pieces falling neatly into place.

I think it is best to read the last three books of The Last Vampire series in a row, and not look at them as separate books, to get the full effect.

4/5.

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The Last Vampire #6: Creatures of Forever, by Christopher Pike

In "Creatures of Forever," Pike's excellent The Last Vampire series goes a little wonky. More science fiction than vampire tale, Pike continues to mix New Age ideas with aliens and time travel.

Continuing with hints dropped in "Phantom (#4)" and "Evil Thirst (#5)," Pike concludes the story of Sita, the last vampire who has roamed the earth for 5,000 years. In "Creatures of Forever," she learns that in the 9th century actions of hers forever changed the future of humanity. Advanced beings from the future ask Sita if she will travel to the past and fix her wrong, so that humanity may be saved.

Without spoiling too much of the plot, this is the first time Pike focuses a novel on Sita's past. Instead of just flashbacks, the action takes place in the past and I wish it's something he would have done more - shared more fascinating stories of her life interspaced with famous historical events, or even obscure ones.

If you enjoyed Sita's story, you will be sad when this book ends. But at least Pike doesn't leave his fans hanging and does conclude Sita's story. I feel it is best to read the last three books in the series as one, instead of as separate novels, to get the full effect.

4/5.

I read Thirst part one when it came out last August and loved it. Waiting months to find out what happened to Sita in part two was excruciating but well worth the wait. I read the entire book in three days. And everyone is right the ending was really cool. Christopher Pike does a great job in keeping the story as interesting as the first book with lots of twists and turns along the way including Sita's old love reappearing. There isn't quite as much romance as there is in the Twilight books because Sita is pretty busy trying to keep the world safe but I think if Edward ever met Sita that Bella might finally have some competition. Anyway this book is also full of action and has some cool religious slants. I even found myself dreaming I was a vampire because it crept under my skin. I've heard that Christopher Pike's Alosha books are really good too so I'll probably read those next.

I got hooked on "creatures of the night" type books after reading the "Twilight" series. I thought after I read those 4 books I could never find another book that would be as good. (As I REALLY enjoyed them!)

The Thirst series was alot more bloodthirsty, but once you get to know the characters you find yourself really getting into it and hoping she gets out of whatever situation she's in alive!

Definitely a good read, I wouldn't recommend it to a younger child though.

This edition is very interesting, keeps me wondering what's going to happened. I didn't finish yet but what I read so far is great

This series of books is labeled as "teen fiction" but I feel like it can be appreciated even by older readers. The story has a good mix of paranormal and science fiction ideas while also pulling in real history to make the story grounded. I love the twist on vampires. The stories have everything from love, violence, government conspiracy, aliens, mystical forces, etc. Great read!

I rarely find a vampire series that I don't enjoy on some level but as they say there is a first time for everything. I bought the first boo, had a very hard time getting through it and will not be purchasing the second.

I've loved this series ever since I read it. The original series is around 6 books or so.

The author has chosen to combine them into large sets with Thirst 4 coming out later this year.

I have the new Thirst series 1-3 and am purchasing the new one when it comes out.

For fans of Christopher Pike, I'd throw out the small, old paperbacks and invest in the new

ones. They are all of the same size and form a picture on the spine when in order.