Posts
Title: Mr. Darcy, Vampyre
Author: Amanda Grange
Format: Review Copy
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Fiction/Horror/Romance
Rating: 3/5
My Review and Description:
This was my first book from Sourcebooks to review and I requested it for a few reasons. One, it's about Vampires/Vampyres and tis' the season for all things spooky. I thought it would fit my mood. Second, I was interested in reading about Mr.Darcy and Elizabeth. Now I going to throw out a huge admission on my part and I'm sure that a giant chunk of the blogosphere will come back at me with a loud "WHAT?!"
Here goes...
I have never read anything by Jane Austen nor have I seen any movie in full based off of her books. I just know that I am supposed to love Colin Firth.
GASP! Horror! What? Are you kidding?
No, I am not. And I am sad to say that I had to consult my best friend on the lure of Darcy and Elizabeth. My best friend is a gay man who feels, along with probably about 98% of the female population, that theirs is one of the greatest love stories ever told. He simply said "Michelle, I don't know if we can be friends anymore after a question like that".
Well, forgive me for not jumping on the Austen bandwagon earlier. I'm here now, aren't I?
Anyway, all humor aside, this was my introduction to their love story and I did indeed feel their love throughout. First, the book starts off after Darcy and Elizabeth get married. They are taking off on their wedding tour. Darcy makes a quick change of plans and takes Elizabeth instead through France and Italy. Throughout this time Elizabeth finds herself in many strange places meeting very different people and not feeling 100% comfortable with the so called wedding tour. But she loves Darcy and trusts him and makes the best of it.
Though attentive and lovely during the day, Darcy is not visiting Elizabeth at night which leads her to believe that there is something wrong with their marriage. What is he hiding? Does he not love me? Why won't he join me in our marriage bed? These are questions that fill Elizabeth's head as they journey on.
I won't give away any teasers but the story does come to a climax about three quarters of the way in. Secrets are revealed, danger lurks around every corner, friends can not be trusted.
I can't tell if I was the best or worst person to read this novel. My lack of knowledge of Darcy and Elizabeth gave me a fresh look at the novel and I didn't have any preconceived ideas of any characters. I found Darcy to be dashing and Elizabeth to be charming and smart. But at the same time I wish I knew a bit more because there were times where I felt the past was touched on briefly and I felt a little left out.
This book is being marketed to Austen fans and the author has a previous novel titled, Mr. Darcy's Diary. I do think fans will enjoy this book. I found it to be a quick read and had the dark mood for Halloween. The writing was easy to follow and the settings were glorious in description. Because it's not typically a genre I would seek out or buy, I rated it a 3.
Check out AustenFans.com and Amanda Grange's website.
Anna at Anna's Book Blog has an interview with the author on her blog. Check it out!
Happy Reading!
* red headed book child
10 comments:
I am so with you on this subject. I hear everyone talking about it and I still haven't gotten around to reading it. LOL..I guess I will have to break down and read it.
I will need to check this book out but then I did read P & P before hand and love watching both versions of the movie. Love the music from 2005 version but can watch Colin firth anytime.
I love Jane Austen's books so much I'm not sure I want to read these new Jane Austen remakes, with zombies, and vampires. Your review made me think I could possibly give it a try. Was it ridiculously done?
I gave it the exact same rating, and I'm a definite Austen fan! Nice review, and I'll choose to ignore that "never read a book by Austen" comment. :)
I have really wanted to read this book! I think you coming in and not having read any Austen does give you a fresh perspective. I'm really glad you enjoyed it, because now I know I really need to get to it, and definitely before Halloween :)
Oh, and you had me laughing at the beginning there :D
This is from my friend Rachel, from her email.
*You cannot read a book about Darcy before your read The Book About Darcy. I am serious.
By the way - I am sort of a blasphemous Austen fan. I like Sense and Sensibility much better, and Colin Firth is way more awesome as Darcy than Austen wrote him. That's right. I said it. Who wants to fight???
I would not kick Colin Firth out of bed for eating crackers, that is all I have to say about it.
So, when we get together, I am bringing the bbc series. And the movie. And the book. And wine.
Here is the infamous scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hasKmDr1yrA&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=3D312066256A17D5&index=5
Hope everything is well with you. How is your little guy?
Rachel
Chelle I'm still horrified by your lack of love for Darcy....it's a crime against Literature! But I loved your review and I know you'll read P&P VERY SOON.
Have fun reading these!
These covers are nice and bloody...LOL
Great review! I ♥ Pride and Prejudice so I'm really tempted to give this a try. :)
Post a Comment