Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't get past the first 50 pages of this book. The story was dull, the characters confusing and frankly, it was just all over the place. It didn't follow all of the standards for a good vampire story, and went against what is "believed" about vampires in the first place, at least the ones I have read about. I started this series because it appeared to be good, but i just couldn't make it through.
Helpful Score: 1
A different take on the vampire. Great story!
Miriam Blaylock is an immortal who cannot abide by the thought of being alone. She has the ability to give others immortality, but for them, it comes with a high price--eventually they become so weak that, while they don't die, they no longer have the strength to move. With John, her current companion, rapidly approaching this state, she turns her attentions to developing a new relationship, this time with Sarah, a scientist engaged in sleep research.
This is a really good vampire book. It's not as detailed and in depth as Anne Rice, much lighter reading but a good story.
From Amazon.com:
Most readers know Strieber for his bestselling books about his alleged contacts with aliens (Communion, etc.). Yet before he met the saucerians, Strieber wrote immensely popular horror novels, some of them filmed (as was Communion which, nonfiction or not, is a horror classic). The most imaginative was The Hunger (1980), which posited an ancient race of vampires that created humanity and has directed our species' history. In his first novel in seven years, Strieber returns to the opulent, ferocious world of Miriam Blaylock, the beautiful, powerful and rapacious vampire who dominated The Hunger (and was played by Catherine Deneuve in the film version). It's time again for the vampires' centennial conclaves, and Miriam is in Thailand, hoping to find a mate at the Asian gathering. Instead she encounters a possibly mortal enemy, Paul Ward, a CIA operative heading up a hush-hush team dedicated to wiping out the vampires. The novel's first two-thirds offers a tour de force of mythmaking (as Strieber redefines the world through vampiric eyes) and emotionally intense action (as Ward's team stalks Miriam and her ilk). The last third, set in Manhattan, is less successful, as Miriam, intent on destroying Paul, lures and seduces him and then falls in love, as does he with her. This turn doesn't quite convince, and the contrived ending shrieks sequel. There's much here to admire, not least Strieber's expert modulation of tone and dialogue as POV shifts from Miriam (fluid, refined) to Paul (muscular, slangy). While not as original as its parent, this bloody, lush and gripping novel trumpets a welcome return to fiction by Strieber and could win award nominations.
From Amazon.com:
Most readers know Strieber for his bestselling books about his alleged contacts with aliens (Communion, etc.). Yet before he met the saucerians, Strieber wrote immensely popular horror novels, some of them filmed (as was Communion which, nonfiction or not, is a horror classic). The most imaginative was The Hunger (1980), which posited an ancient race of vampires that created humanity and has directed our species' history. In his first novel in seven years, Strieber returns to the opulent, ferocious world of Miriam Blaylock, the beautiful, powerful and rapacious vampire who dominated The Hunger (and was played by Catherine Deneuve in the film version). It's time again for the vampires' centennial conclaves, and Miriam is in Thailand, hoping to find a mate at the Asian gathering. Instead she encounters a possibly mortal enemy, Paul Ward, a CIA operative heading up a hush-hush team dedicated to wiping out the vampires. The novel's first two-thirds offers a tour de force of mythmaking (as Strieber redefines the world through vampiric eyes) and emotionally intense action (as Ward's team stalks Miriam and her ilk). The last third, set in Manhattan, is less successful, as Miriam, intent on destroying Paul, lures and seduces him and then falls in love, as does he with her. This turn doesn't quite convince, and the contrived ending shrieks sequel. There's much here to admire, not least Strieber's expert modulation of tone and dialogue as POV shifts from Miriam (fluid, refined) to Paul (muscular, slangy). While not as original as its parent, this bloody, lush and gripping novel trumpets a welcome return to fiction by Strieber and could win award nominations.
Saw the movie ages ago. There is a lot more sex in the movie, just in case you were wondering. And if you ever wanted to see Susan Sarandon and Catherine Deneauve make-out, you need to see this movie. David Bowie is in it too. So many vampires, so very minimal sparkling.
But back to the book. I didn't even know the movie was based on a book. I found this in a Little Free Library that I pass very frequently. I always enjoy reading the book versions of movies and vice-versa. I like seeing the differences in the telling of the story. I very, very much enjoyed this book. There is so much more backstory!
But back to the book. I didn't even know the movie was based on a book. I found this in a Little Free Library that I pass very frequently. I always enjoy reading the book versions of movies and vice-versa. I like seeing the differences in the telling of the story. I very, very much enjoyed this book. There is so much more backstory!
