occult

This fourth edition to the Vampire Chronicles deals much less with the intriguing acts of vampirism than its prequels. But this chapter in the life of the Vampire Lestat is still a necessary edition. Lestat is finally given the opportunity to experience living as a human again. The most glorious moment in the book is when Rice made Lestat into a Christ figure; meaning, Lestat descended from his god-like vampire status to be reborn in the body of a human. I don't know if this was the writer's intention, but it was still beautiful, nonetheless. Also, Lestat's stuggle with the body thief seems much less important than his newfound appreciation for the Dark Trick.

Rice's style is as florid and lucid as ever, and the story never has a dull moment. The reader doesn't have to struggle with following three or four storylines, as was the case in "Queen of the Damned." No, in this book, Rice returns to that simple but oh-so charming and vivid style of "The Vampire Lestat," except the setting doesn't contain that hint of the otherworldly.

I only gave it four stars because of the whole body thief struggle. It was necessary for Lestat to have this experience, and I cannot see a better way for it to have happened, but the climax is no surprise. What happens is what is expected. But, the reader is rewarded with an unexpected cliffhanger final chapter that jumps up and knocks one in the jaw. I did not see this moment coming, and it makes me hurry to start reading "Memnoch the Devil."

So, if you like Lestat and you like Anne Rice, pick this book up. It's very clever and simple, but surprises await you.

The talented Anne Rice has done it again, the fourth addition of the vampire chronicles is excellent. The modernized vampire Lestat de Lioncourt embarks on yet another journey, this time he meets up with the crafty Raglan James, who offers Lestat the chance to be human again by switching bodies . Lestat considers this offer and tells his mortal friend David Talbot about it. David knows about Raglan and warns Lestat against it, explaining that he is an untrustworthy man. Naturaly, Lestat doesn't listen . Although it was agreed that it was a one day switch, Raglan runs off with Lestat's body for nearly two weeks. During this period Lestat discovers what it is like to eat, think, and yes even defecate like a human again. It all disgusts him greatly
The only part of being human he does enjoy is being able to wander about in daylight once again, and for the first time, make love to a women, and almost a man as well. With the help of David, Lestat is able to track down Raglan, and reclaim his body becoming once more The Vampire Lestat.
This book is amazing, pulling the reader in almost immediately. Being able to be inside the mind of this uncanny creature that ceases to amaze the people he comes in contact with, and the readers who enjoy this book, is such an adventure. With a suprise ending, this book about such a believable and realistic character is a thrill rid from cover to cover. Reading the first three chronicles will help understand the book even better, and each will leave you thirsting for more!

Now, there are very clear words that will tell you whether you'll like it or not. Read the introduction it's all there. Simply, it's unlike the past three. Interview with the Vampire working well as an intro. The Vampire Lestat extending the vampire folklore with many facts. Queen of the Damned introduced us to many character, making it work to follow, still very great.
The new tale was much quicker, it wasn't such a heavy story to handle.
I read a review, mentioning that this book had sections that were boring. I don't agree. The only thing i could imagine being boring to a person was the religious talks between lestat and David, and I, an aetheist, was very into those parts, the beliefs were very interesting, based on christianity.
those parts really open way to Memnoch the Devil. It would be obsurd to read Memnoch without this tale.
Alot happens in this book, I went to merrick first and was completely angry i had missed so much so i didn't proceed until i continued with the order.