Merrick [Mass Market Paperback]

This, of course, sets forth for some great historical horror like only Rice could write. The reason to read this book is that it tells us a lot about Talbot's past. Talbot has always been a mysterious character of which we didn't knew much. But this book sheds light on a lot of questions I had about this character. Plus, the book also introduces Merrick who will undoubtedly become a major figure in the series from now on. Merrick is a great character, one that Rice will have a lot of fun with in future novels. Finally, the book also holds some great romantic scenes between Merrick and Talbot, which only thickens the plot even more.

And finally, any fan of the Vampire Chronicles should read Merrick to know what happened to our beloved Claudia, the beautiful vampire child who was murdered in Interview With The Vampire. The end of the book is shocking, sad and very touching.

Merrick is some of Rice's best writing. It is her best book since Servants of The Bones, a great ride which any fan of Rice's work will not soon forget.

My fears were unfounded. This latest edition of The Vampire Chronicles not only lived up to my hopes, it opens the door to a new and exciting future: the beginning of a fusion of The Vampire Chronicles with the Mayfair Witches and the Talamasca. What a wonderful direction to take her world of Supernatural characters and entities!

In typical Anne Rice fashion, I had to READ the first third of this book. I found it difficult to assimilate everything being told because the story seemed to be fragmented. Did this stop me? Of course not! This is the style I have come to love from Anne Rice. I almost have to force myself to get part way through, and then BANG! It all starts to come together and make perfect sense. (Remember The Queen of the Damned?)

Some of my favorite characters are back. David Talbot, who is the perfect storyteller, starts in the present, takes us back to a time before he became the David Talbot he is today, and introduces us to a fascinating character: Merrick Mayfair.

Descended from the (in)famous Mayfair Witches, Merrick is a witch, a temptress, and a riveting part of David's past. This part of the story is told passionately by David, as he recounts the tale of his life as Superior General of the Talamasca, in terms of his contact with Merrick.

David has come to see Merrick in the present day to ask her to help his friend (and one of my favorites) Louis de Pont du Lac. Louis is still grieving for, and possessed by Claudia, the child vampire he and Lestat created. David asks Merrick to call Claudia's spirit for Louis, who wants to know if she is suffering.

Even though this happens late in the book, it is an essential part of the story. I will not ruin the book by saying any more, but, suffice to say, it is possibly the most important thing to happen to Louis since he was made a vampire. The result of the "coming" of Claudia changes and reshapes him forever.

And best of all, Anne give us (drum roll) The Return Of Lestat de Lioncourt! Of course, this happens near the end, but we know there will be more to come.

The Vampire Chronicles Will Continue!