Friday, July 13, 2012

Review: The Tale of the Vampire Bride

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The Tale of the Vampire Bride
Rhiannon Frater
Series: Vampire Bride, #1
Release date: December 7th 2009
by Library of Horror Press

 

All Lady Glynis Wright ever wanted was the freedom to live her life as she pleased. When her family becomes guests to one of the most fearsome and powerful vampires of all time, Glynis finds her fate is far more terrible than an arranged marriage. The Tale of the Vampire Bride is sure to thrill fans of the terrible, yet romantic vampires of literary past.

I don’t give 5-stars often, in fact, half of the ones I gave this year are all for Rhiannon’s As the World Dies series, so I was a bit afraid to give this a 5 and have you think it’s only because I heart Rhiannon, thus I’m biased, but no, she deserves every single one of these stars. I guess in a way I am biased, she’s just one of those authors who could make restaurant menus the best thing you’ve read all year. She takes a story and gives it heart, filling it with characters who bring it to life; The Tale of the Vampire Bride is no exception.

Set in the 1800s, we go back to the traditional vampire folklore in this old school Dracula tale, which takes us into the life of Lady Glynis Wright and her dark, violent fate as a vampire bride. I was a bit wary at first because I’m not often a fan of stories set in past eras, but once I started reading I could not put it down. The prose is wonderful, I never felt overwhelmed by the old-fashioned ambiance. In fact, I was so entranced by it that the other book I was reading felt too modern. As I keep saying, Rhiannon has a way of addicting you to her words. There is constantly something happening that has you especially intrigued, therefore, you can’t ever bare to quit. From beginning to end, the suspense will keep you on your toes, the horror will leave your eyes wide, but don’t worry, Glynis stumbles into the arms of a sexy, mysterious lover, giving us a romance that will make your heart aflutter.

Lady Glynis Wright, what can I say? I’m absolutely thrilled by her character. She’s stubborn, incredibly determined, and grows immensely throughout the novel. This is another thing I love about Rhiannon’s books, her characters are ALIVE. They have depth, personality; they are imperfect and get right inside your heart. Evil and merciless, Vlad is a despicable villain. However, at the same time, he’s terribly fascinating. I wanted to know everything about him: his intentions, his past, his customs. Sorry to break it to you, though: this one, he doesn’t sparkle.

The setting: I absolutely loved it! The castle, the towns, the carriages – it’s all hauntingly beautiful. We’re taken back into an era where there are no cars, no electricity, small town living; same as her characters, this is all brought to life. I could see myself walking the streets of Buda, and the Castle halls. It really has incredible charm that’s constantly peeking through all the animosity.

Even if you’re not familiar with the classic Dracula tale, vampire fans who are craving for an honest to goodness old school vampire story can truly find it all in The Tale of the Vampire Bride. We’ve got horror, romance, plenty of twists, non stop action, all narrated by a strong, defiant heroine that you will simply adore. 

5 Hot Espressos

Cover Redesign Photoshoot
Be on the lookout for a new cover make-over for this series. Here’s some pics from the photoshoot! I love them so much I just had to share. Who else can’t wait for the finished product? It’s going to be gorgeous!
Photographed by Helena Cruz
 
 
 
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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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29 Responses to “Review: The Tale of the Vampire Bride”

  1. Nick

    You sure do love Rhiannon Frater’s works ! 🙂
    I still haven’t read anything by her yet, but I think I need to fix that asap. Tale Of The Vampire Bride seems to have everything I look for in a good book : awesome characters, solid plot, fantastic setting.
    Plus, it’s got vampires ! It should be really good ! 😀
    Lovely review, Giselle !
    And I agree. Those pictures will make a great cover. 🙂

  2. Amy

    I really need to get this book! I love the cover shoot pics!! The model is gorgeous!! Great review chick!! You know that I will definitely get to this at some point because Rhiannon’s writing is just fantastic!!

  3. Katie @ BlookGirl

    Can’t say I’m surprised that this earned 5 espressos 😉 Rhiannon’s work obviously captures your heart and attention, and that’s great! I really enjoyed Pretty When She Dies and I love a good historical, so I may have to read The Tale of the Vampire Bride. I’m looking forward to seeing the new cover, too!

    Great review, muffin!

  4. Alexa

    I haven’t read anything by Rhiannon yet, but now I feel like I should since you gave her plenty of praise this year! This book sounds fun.

  5. Silverlight

    Love this book, I have yet to finish the 2nd one. Love these pics. great review as usual, muffin!

    Congrats on hitting the 3000 mark!!!!!!!!!!
    *throws confetti* what an accomplishment!!!
    u rock! <3<3

  6. Sam

    I know how much you love this author’s work and it makes me wonder why I haven’t picked up one of her books yet! And this is another one to get 5 stars from you? I need to read it soon! 😀 Amazing review, Giselle. 🙂

  8. Eileen

    Hmm at first glance, I wouldn’t buy or glance at this because of the cover it has, but after your review, it sounds so good! 🙂 I love that the characters change and grow and are dynamic, because some books nowadays just have really flat character arcs, and I’m glad you loved this book! 🙂

  9. Mel - Thedailyprophecy.

    I can’t wait for the new cover! I like the photos a lot 🙂 And this story sounds great and it has to be good, if you gave it 5 stars. I’m familiar with the Dracula story, so I’m going to add this one to GR!

  10. Annabelle Marie Veronica

    I read one of Rhiannon’s books and it was amazing! I’ll definitely be reading more of them soon. This one especially I’m interested in, since you have only good things to say about it! Also, an “old school dracula tale?” Love 🙂 I really love those cover shoot pictures, too. Wonderful review, like always!

  11. Melliane

    OOOh I was wondering about this book a while ago and forgot about it, but now I really need to take it, it sounds so great. And if the characters are alive, what more can I ask for?

  12. ShreShre

    Never heard of this author, but I can tell from your gushing, I really need to check out her books 😉 I love head-strong heroine’s as well, and glad to know the characters this author creates are ‘alive’! 🙂 Great review G! The model’s gorgeous! Love her hair 😀

  13. Mary @ BookSwarm

    OOOH, a 5? That’s incredibly impressive! I so love when a book leaves that kind of impression, especially when there’s a fabulous setting to top it all off (I’m a sucker for a castle).

  14. Kristin @ My ParaHangover

    I loved your review of this book!!! I totally agree with your review; it’s a classic tale every vampire fan should read!

    I’m a huge fan now! Between you and Silverlight, it didn’t take long for me to pick up one of Rhiannon’s books! My hubs, who swore off women writers (yeah, he’s like that), is even reading Last Bastion right now!!!

    Okay, I have to ask… is this photo shoot the precursor to PhatPuppy/Claudia working her magic?!?!?! Just curious ~ I love her before and afters on her site. I can’t wait to buy the books!!! Book 3, book 3, book 3!!!

  15. Giselle

    @Kristin : Yes it’s gonna be PhatPuppy 🙂 At least from what I understood.

    Thanks so much, guys! <3 I hope you all pick this one up and LOVE it 😀

  17. Vegan YA Nerds

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Rhiannon or her books but I can tell you just loved this book! Also, I think the cover re-design is such a good idea because if I saw that cover, there is no way I’d even consider reading it! Great review, Giselle!

  19. Shane

    Love the review and the setting. Anything historical is my cup of tea. That cover redesign should be great i’ve seen the model around a lot and her pose on any book cover is always mesmerizing.

  20. Candace

    This sounds like one I might like. I love historical paranormal! I’ll have to add this to my list. And I cant wait to see the new cover!

  21. Lalaine

    EEEh, I want this, I know you loved this author’s works and I want to read her stuff too. 🙂 This sounds soooo good. I used to watch the Vampire classic tale when I was young, I am quite fascinated with it, so this looks yum! Great review Giselle.

    x
    Ƹ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

  22. Jac

    Old school Dracula?? Where do I sign up? I am dying to read this one!! (And? It’s ok to be a Rhiannon Frater fan-girl!! She is awesome!)

    I haven’t read many historical books lately, and I think I need to! This is the perfect place to start…

    -Jac @ For Love and Books

  23. Michelle @ Book Briefs

    This is such high praise from you. I am so excited that you love her books so much. I have never read any, so now I think I need to change this. Immediately.

    Thanks for sharing a new book with me Giselle!

  28. SacredmOOn

    This series is one of my favorites! I just adore Rhiannon Frater! She’s brilliant! I’ll read anything from her no matter what she writes because I know she has never disappointed me once. 🙂
    DeAnna Schultz