Customer Reviews

The Vampire's Heart

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

 

 

I read this over a week's time...and though it held my interest...i wondered about a few things. 1. Why was it necessary to constantly remind the reader that the main character was puny? We figured it out the first few times. 2. Where did the author locate his information on vampire's? 3. Why did the rules change so much regarding how many times it took one to be bitten before turning into a vampire? 4. If Kelly is the main character's best friend, where was she in the entire novel? I understand the author wanted to lead the reader into the heartache of vampire and desired to compare the life of a vampire and a gay boy...all in which I believe was done well, but I hoped to learn more about Josiah...and not just how he became a vampire (which was clumped together all too quickly and finally lost me at the end) but the other part of Josiah..the boy trapped inside. And what were this boy's interests? And why was the main character's gay uncle only assessed at one point in the script...I was hoping to see their bond grow. The ending seemed a bit contrived and wasn't explained in depth. I won't ruin in for other readers, but I'm sure other's could see it. I commend Mark for a smooth read that was delightful at moments. It's nice to see a gay book on the market that isn't all about sex and I loved the innocence surrounding the main character. Mark is definately on his way as a great gay writer...just keep them coming...

If you're looking for an Anne Rice clone or have a hankering for blood, cruelty and horror, I don't think "The Vampire's Heart" is for you. However, if you have a taste for "gay teen romance" with a uniquely supernatural flavour, VH is definitely a darned good read.

I have read all of Mark's books, finishing VH last night. In all honesty, I can say that it is not his absolute best. But I include it with "A Better Place" and "Someone Is Watching" as among my top three favourites. Its "defects" (if one can use that misleading term) lie not in any failure in the writing or plot or handling of the theme. Rather, VH's sole shortcoming is that it is ... well ... too *short*. VH seems to be a case where the storyteller does not take quite as long to go into the depth of his tale and its characters as he (and his readers) might have actually wished. To my mind, it is an "abridged" version of a longer story which cries out to be told in full. Perhaps Mark will do us that favour one of these days.

I highly recommend "The Vampire's Heart" to all readers who enjoy positive and ultimately heart-warming stories about gay teens. It is fun; it is suspenseful; it is a thoroughly enjoyable (albeit all too short) adventure.

That said, I must however disagree with Mark on one point. The author states in the book's Introduction that VH is *not* a part of the Gay Youth Chronicles set in and around Verona, Indiana. I believe that other fans of GYC who read "The Vampire's Heart" will understand my rather bold and presumptuous disagreement with the author's disavowal. Based on many "coincidences" in VH and on a plethora of speculations that arise about "what if...", this story definitely *could* be a part of GYC. In my opinion, it *should* be a part of them. In my heart and mind, it *is* a part of them. In other words, if you are a fan of the Gay Youth Chronicles, you will not need to fear that VH is entirely divorced from them. Indeed, if your imagination and love for Mark's other characters and creations matches my own, you will find subtle and perhaps even ethereal links to GYC. And as was the case for me, perhaps these links will make "The Vampire's Heart" an even more enjoyable reading adventure than it already is.

One of the best romance novels. Very innocent, gay vampire love story, definitely worth reading.

The Vampire's Heart is a stand-alone story--not a part of the Gay Youth Chronicles for which Mark Roeder is famous. The main character is very young and just beginning to realize that he is gay. This youthful outlook carries him through the discovery of his feelings for a certain very odd boy at school--who just happens to be a vampire. The story is odd, but told very well and with great tenderness. A refreshingly light and uplifting story, more rewarding than other, more well-known, gay vampire stories. There is no reveling in darkness here, despite the supernatural themes--just the same old search for love and companionship that we all face. Do yourself a favor and allow yourself to enjoy this sweet tale.

I just finished reading "The Vampire's Heart" a few days ago, and I loved it. I must admit I was a bit leary about this book, as I am not into vampires. But Mark has created a gay teen romance that really moves you, and as with all his works, you feel the pain, the love, and the horror, the two lovers feel. I have to admit this is one vampire story that I do like. One of the reviewsrs who obviously is in to vampires did not like this book, and recommended other vampire books to read. I don't want vampire stories I want gay romance stories, and Mark has again delivered the goods. This books stands proudly with his other works. You library is not complete without "The Vampire's Heart".

Although the book does have it's grammatical errors (associated with Roeder), it is the plot that counts - and this story has a wonderful one. Graham is a fragile teen coming to grips with his homosexuality, throw into that the School Stud taking a liking to him, with a mysterious European kid named Josiah. And you get a formula for a great piece of literature.

This was a HUGE disappointment. I do not understand why readers love this guy. It cant be his writing. It just cant! The characters were so cliche here. Like they were pulled from another book of his, given a different name and hair color and yet they're the same. The exact same. Check out Brothers of Blood or Desmond for a good gay vampire story.