Books Like...
Educated in the Florence of Cosimo de' Medici, trained in knighthood at his father's mountaintop castle, Vittorio inhabits a world of courtly splendor and country pleasures a world suddenly threatened when his entire family is confronted by an unholy power. In the midst of this upheaval, Vittorio is seduced by the vampire Ursula, the most beautiful of his supernatural enemies. As he sets out in pursuit of vengenace, entering the nightmarish Court of the Ruby Grail, increasingly more enchanted and confused by his love for the mysterious Ursula, he finds himself facing demonic adversaries, war and political intrigue. Against a backdrop of the wonders both sacred and profane and the beauty and ferocity of Renaissance Italy, Anne Rice creates a passionate and tragic legend of doomed young love and lost innocence.
Plot A weak and very constructed plot with occasionally gaping holes. Most of the story simply isn't believable, in particular the relationship of Ursula and Vittorio that is expected to carry most of the plot. The book feels very unfinished and does not reach a true ending. Characters A completely new cast of vampires, but none of them are interesting in any way. Characterization is skipped over whenever it doesn't concern religious or sexual issues, and even there it is done crudely. No love was involved when these characters were created. Style The plot is too weak to carry the story, and the descriptions weigh it down further. The setting in Renaissance Italy could have been so much more interesting than it is if it had been fleshed out a little more. The religious aspect is not as heavily enforced as in later books, but it is enough to suffocate the writing. Plus Occasional nice writing. No re telling of past books. Minus The book fails to generate any interest whatsoever. Turning the last page is done with a faint feeling of relief that the boredom is finally over. Summary It's not really part of the Vampire Chronicles, and needs to be read only for completion's sake.
If you liked Vittorio, The Vampire, here are the top 24 books to read next:
(We also have 32 recommendations for the series: New Tales of the Vampires)
- #1
The Vampire Armand by Anne Rice is a book that delves into the life of the character Armand, providing insight into the world he was dragged into and his desperation to leave it behind. The narrative follows Armand from his birth in Kiev Rus, his time as a coven leader under the Paris tombs, to his encounters with Marius and the Theater of the Vampires. The writing style includes detailed descriptions, historical references, and a focus on Armand's internal struggles and relationships with other characters.
They'd seen her ghost now and then, the child. But none of these vampires could see spirits, really, at least not the way that I could see them. No matter. It wasn't the company of the child I wanted....
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #2
Blood and Gold by Anne Rice is a part of her Vampire Chronicles series where Marius the Romanus recounts his life story, including his relationships with Pandora, Those Who Must Be Kept, and Armand. The book delves into Marius' journey from Ancient Rome to various cities, exploring his loves, losses, and interactions with other vampires. The writing style is described as detailed, historical, and filled with introspection, focusing on Marius' perspective and experiences throughout the centuries.
His name was Thorne. In the ancient language of the runes, it had been longer—Thornevald. But when he became a blood drinker, his name had been changed to Thorne. And Thorne he remained now, centuries...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #3
The Tale of the Body Thief follows Lestat, the brat prince of vampires, as he embarks on an adventure to swap bodies with a mortal and experience human mortality once again. However, this decision leads to unexpected consequences and a search to reclaim his vampire soul. The novel is described as a mix of humor and sadness, with a focus on the relationship dynamics between characters like Lestat, David, and Raglan James. Anne Rice's writing style is noted for its richness in detail and historical context, making the vampire world she creates feel believable and immersive.
MIAMI—the vampires’ city. This is South Beach at sunset, in the luxurious warmth of the winterless winter, clean and thriving and drenched in electric light, the gentle breeze moving in from the placi...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #4
Blackwood Farm by Anne Rice is the 9th book in her Vampire Chronicles series, intertwining the world of vampires with that of the Mayfair Witches. The story follows Quinn Blackwood, a newly turned vampire haunted by a spirit named Goblin, as he seeks help from the legendary vampire Lestat and powerful witch Merrick. The book is primarily told in a flashback style, with lush detail and extensive backstory, focusing on Quinn's journey to rid himself of the malevolent spirit.
The writing style in Blackwood Farm is described as detailed, descriptive, and occasionally long-winded, with a focus on historical and genealogical information. The plot weaves together elements of love, lust, darkness, and revenge, creating a story that is both captivating and horrifying. The book brings back familiar characters from the Vampire Chronicles and the Mayfair Witches trilogy, providing twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the end.
I sat listening to the inevitable sounds of Sugar Devil Swamp, my eyes on the pages before me, noting against my will the boring regularity of the handwriting, the muted lamps around me reflected in t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #5
In 'Prince Lestat' by Anne Rice, readers are reunited with the popular vampire Lestat de Lioncourt as he faces a new danger in the world of the undead. A mysterious voice plagues Lestat and other vampires, inciting them to kill their own kind. As the vampires come together to tackle this threat, the book delves into the turmoil within their world and the need for Lestat to lead them. The story unfolds with a mix of suffering and joy, staying true to Anne Rice's signature descriptive and sensual writing style.
It was after Queen Akasha had been destroyed and the mute red-haired twin, Mekare, had become “the Queen of the Damned.” I’d witnessed all that—the brutal death of Akasha in the moment when we all tho...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #6
'The Queen of the Damned' is the third book in 'The Vampire Chronicles' series by Anne Rice. The novel follows the awakening of Akasha, the Mother of Vampires, by Lestat, leading to a series of events that involve a cast of characters with intricate stories spread over thousands of years. The book delves into the rich history of vampires, introducing new characters and exploring the complex relationships among them. The narrative weaves together past and present storylines, creating a mosaic of vampire lore and history that captivates readers.
The writing style of Anne Rice in 'The Queen of the Damned' is described as thought-provoking, evocative, and seductive, offering a disturbing yet intriguing vampire story that prompts readers to examine society through a different lens. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions, intricate character development, and the way it handles a large ensemble cast, leading up to a climactic confrontation at the end that ties up various subplots.
BOOK ONE: Interview with the Vampire, published in 1976, was a true story. Any one of us could have written it-an account of becoming what we are, of the misery and the searching. Yet Louis, the two-h...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #7
'Slave of My Thirst' by Tom Holland is a historical fiction novel that weaves together real historical and biblical figures in a fictional narrative involving vampires, mystery, murder, and historical locations like old-time London. The story follows Dr. John Eliot, a British philanthropist and medical doctor, who becomes entangled in a tale of a terrible disease that leads to a compulsion to drink blood while on a military expedition in a remote area of India. The narrative shifts to London, where Dr. Eliot faces more horrors as he investigates the disappearance of a friend and uncovers a force older than civilization that threatens him and his loved ones.
The writing style of the book is described as engaging, filled with mystery, deceit, and wonderful character descriptions that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The narrative is fast-paced, with a tremendous climax that leaves readers both afraid and expectant, showcasing the author's skill in creating a complex and gripping storyline.
I come now to perhaps the most extraordinary episode of my whole long career in India. In the late summer of 1887, when the boredom of garrison duty had become almost unbearable, I received an unexpec... - #8
Blood Canticle by Anne Rice is the last book in her Vampire Chronicles series, intertwining the vampires and Mayfair Witches. The book follows Lestat as the narrator, continuing the story from the end of the Mayfair Witches trilogy and providing more information on the Taltos. The plot involves a convergence of characters in Blackwood Farms and Haiti, with a mix of action, mystery, and exploration of morality.
I want to be a saint. I want to save souls by the millions. I want to do good far and wide. I want to fight evil! I want my life-sized statue in every church. I’m talking six feet tall, blond hair, bl...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #9
In the fifth book of The Vampire Chronicles, titled 'Memnoch the Devil', the vampire Lestat encounters the Devil himself and is presented with the opportunity to explore heaven and hell. The novel delves into theological arguments, religious beliefs, and the eternal battle between good and evil. Lestat is faced with a choice between serving the Devil or God, leading to a philosophical and introspective journey that challenges his beliefs and questions the nature of reality. The writing style is described as heavy on theology, rich in detail, and thought-provoking, with a focus on religious themes and the exploration of Christian mythology.
ISAW HIM when he came through the front doors. Tall, solidly built, dark brown hair and eyes, skin still fairly dark because it had been dark when I’d made him a vampire. Walking a little too fast, bu...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #10
'Dracul' by J.D. Barker and Dacre Stoker is a prequel to Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', based on allegedly true accounts and Bram Stoker's diary. The book delves into a fictional history of the Stoker family, including Bram's discovery of a terrible secret in his youth that inspired his iconic novel. Written in an epistolary style, the narrative balances two timelines, one following Bram as an adult trapped in a tower and the other exploring the unexplained experiences of Bram and his siblings from a young age.
Bram stands up from the chair, the only furniture in the room, his eyes locking on the thick oak door. Had it moved? He thought he had seen it shudder, but there had been no sound. Not the slightest o...