Customer Reviews

Vampire's Waltz

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

 

 

I have read this book from cover to cover. It is one of the best fiction books I have read in years.It definately has everything it takes to keep you reading more. And I find it hard to put away while traveling to work. I 've almost missed my stop on the train being so wrapped up in this book. I can't wait til' Mr. Staab comes out with his next book.

I'm a ravenous reader, a major collector of vampire fiction and, admittedly, somewhat critical when it comes to reading material. Despite that, I've never before felt compelled to air my grievances until this book, which was an extremely unsatisfying read. I kept wondering throughout whether or not the publisher actually EMPLOYS a copy editor - the occasions of synonym-abuse were so prevalent throughout that it was downright distracting. There were the traditional errors in this regard such as using "there" when he should have used "their", but one notable example used "insight" rather than "incite" as in "the attack began to insight his blood..." Among my other complaints are that the author bludgeons you with too many descriptions for the same thing - piled on top of each other - leaving the action for so long that you nearly forget what was happening before he overwhelmed you with metaphors for a single emotion. He also tended to refer to characters who had not yet been introduced, leaving me to wonder whether I had missed something and then explained who that person was a couple of pages later. I enjoy a challenging read, following plot twists, deciphering foreshadowing and discarding red herrings. But this one was just too much work for too little payoff. If you want the best in vampire fiction, check out Brian Lumley or Laurell K. Hamilton. If you want to be annoyed and frustrated, wade through the mire this book creates.

First the earthquake then the weather left the city of New York devastated. Ironblood Armondo Moreno knows that the death of millions was not caused by a freak of nature, but that Glynis lives and has brought death and destruction to millions. Having spent several lifetime alone fighting vampires, Armondo wonders if Glynis' offer of hope for him is worth taking to end his isolation. She cannot convert an Ironblood into a vampire, but the mingling of their bloods would lead to a new superior being that would allow the two of them to rule the world.

To prove his worth and loyalty, Armondo must bring in the innocent human Christine Ferranti carrying the unborn who will serve as the matriarch of the super race. Christine does not want the child and Glynis projects feelings of inadequacy to Christine, enhancing the pregnant woman's doubts. Adding to her woes is an army of vampires searching for her as well as the nearly invincible Ironblood, who has doubts of his own.

VAMPIRE'S WALTZ is an entertaining apocalyptic horror tale. The exciting story line is well written although Thomas Staab tries to bring in too many concepts thus occasionally stalling the plot. In spite of his over enthusiasm, the tale for the most part remains taut and succeeds because readers believe in the terror gripping Brooklyn due to the authentic feel of the characters. Mr. Staab is a talented writer providing vampire lovers with a fresh, modern tale in some ways reminding the audience of Ira Levin's work.

Harriet Klausner

Granted I don't read many vampires stories so I may not have the same point of reference as some of the other reviewers here but other than the typos (which the author's website said are being fixed for the next printing) I really enjoyed this story and the characters. Pretty good for a first book in my opinon. Also the ending was far from expected, not your typical "hollywood" happy ending.

My orginal review was not that good, I basically blasted the book, however I was discussing vampire fiction the other day and realized this was one of those books I was talking about. So it can't be all that bad!

This book was poor. It usually takes me a week or less to read a book, at lunch or whenever, this one took me four weeks. I just couldn't get through it. I kept on reading in hopes it would get better. It did have some interesting spots, so don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad enough to stop and never pick it up again. I would suggest to borrow it from somebody, don't waste your money on buying it!

I purchased this book from the author at a convention two years ago. Reading it was a somewhat painful experience. Although there are some excellent concepts, his use of language is immature and highly repetitive. Everything is "like" something else. Some of his comparisons are so far-fetched, even after long pondering, the point is lost.

I believe this must be a first effort and a self-published book. It is in need of the blue pencil of a good editor, and at least one re-write.

As a collector of vampire tales, I am happy to have it in my library, but I would be hard pressed to recommend this to anyone but a hard core reader of tales of the undead.

An amazing book that pulls you in... and keeps you. The characters are some of the best you will find in any novel, all of them are complex and with a purpose. At the same time the action is "edge of the seat". If you enjoy fiction novels this one is a must.