Customer Reviews

Lasher

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book, and found the service from the seller to be awesome also. I didn't read them in order, so this was the last book of that series (the Mayfair Witches) that I read, and I was quite disappointed to find out that there weren't any more to read! :)

Quite a dissappointment! I was enthralled by the Witching hour. I devoured the book in three days and Lasher kept me engulfed in it until the sound anticlamitic dissappointment of the last two chapters. I got the feeling that Anne Rice rushed through the last chapters to get the book finished leaving many loose threads and unexplainable and unjustifiable reactions, from the moral point of view as well as from the humaine point of view. Lasher changes and develops in this book from a playful, sometimes mischivieous, manipulating and sometimes manipulated spirit who is capable to kill and to cheat to suit the plans of his witches, but who proves to be faithful and helpful to them, to a pure creature in the flesh trying to beg for the right to live and for a second chance for him and for his offspring. The way that Michael and Rowan behave with them in the last chapter is abominable, cruel, vicious, self serving and completely anti christian.. those people go to Church and feel so wonderfully superhuman and however are able to commit the worst acts of adultery, violence, and murder to suit their needs. These characters seem to be completely out of the skin of the same chartacters of the previous book The Witched Hour, which is a much better book.
In Lasher, the Mayfair witches and in particular Rowan and the new witch spoiled bratt, petulant Mona, seem to reverse from being the self righteous ones, the ones coverting easily with the "family spirit"( who nonetheless gives them all they want and need and makes them rich beyon belief) to paying him by being cruel, merciless, inflexible, unforgiving, petty and criminal when all that Lasher wants is to be flesh and blood and have a second chance... the Mayfairs seem to be all about getting second chances for themselves but when the time comes to be merciful understanding or ethical, they instead become cold blooded murderers... Ah, and the spoiled bratt Mona is no cutie, Michael is a thick skull, adulterer, self justifying, confused "macho man" with the intelligence level of a school bully and Rowan is an opportunistic, full of herself doctor who has no doubts in taking a life when she feels like it, trying to make up for it by using her gifts when she wants.... Quite a family!.. it is their way or the high way.. the end of this book is totally anticlamatic and absurd.
I only find "salvagable" in this book the part when Lasher tell his history and begs for understanding. From the middle of the book to the end this is dissapointing, poorly written book with a terribly anticlamatic and incoherent ending.
Also, please jump over the long and winding descriptions, they will bore you to tears..we know that the color green is green, no need to explain that you need to mix blue and yellow.. we get it...

'The Witching Hour' was a fantastic book, no question about it. But trying to get through 600 pages of 'Lasher' was like pulling hair.

The mythology was outstanding, I'll give the book that much, and you're left wanting to learn more. However, the character of Mona Mayfair drove me up the wall and I found myself wishing she would be Lasher's next ill-fated victim. I'm not so weak stomached that I can't stand the sexualized child in horror fiction, but this was just ridiculous.

Michael Curry wasn't completely unlikable, but his acceptance of his affair with Mona was just creepy. And, being halfway through 'Taltos' I'm anticipating even more creepiness.

Another star is given for the ending, which was just fantastic and showcases Rice's ability to paint a picture with words.

I know it is probably unfair to compare Lasher with Lestat. But it's difficult not to because Lestat is still far and away Ms. Rice's greatest character. When I read "The Witching Hour" I couldn't wait to find out more about Lasher. What makes him tick? Is he evil, or simply misunderstood like Lestat?

Well, Lasher turns out to be a great big bore. And it's pathetic that all he wants to be is flesh. He's a powerful spirit, and all he wants to be is human so he can participate in some weird occult ritual? Uh, OK. I found myself wishing that he would encounter Lestat and that Lestat would either soundly kick his rear, or hang out with him so that some of Lestat's personality could rub off on him!

Oh well, I still gave this three stars because this book moves along a little more than "The Witching Hour." I would say, read this book if you like "The Witching Hour" and if you are a huge Anne Rice fan. Otherwise, stick to the Lestat stories! He is much more interesting!

This book exceeded my expectations and only made me grin as I read on as Lasher stalked the Mayfair women. Basically, a damn fine sequel. One that I recommend...okay...throw and shove into people's faces. Nah...just the first book. They can buy their own. Great...fantastic...speechless.

A fabulous sequel. I loved it. More mystery, more intrigue, more of everything. I was shocked and horrified at the same time when Lasher explains his life in his own words. Anne Rice makes you love and hate the character at the same time. I was even more shocked about learning more on the Talamasca, the twists thrown in at the end of the book were unexpected and riveting. As soon as I finished this book I picked up my copy of "Taltos" and started reading. I read half of the book in one day. Hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did.

I felt this book was worth reading, the ideas introduced where interesting and I enjoyed the concepts of both science and witchcraft brought together through Anne Rice's story. I also enjoyed her use of actual history in accordance to this novel. It was a bit on the long side, and may be difficult to get through if you have a short attention span, but on the whole it is very well done. Lasher is written in many different voices, from each main characters point of view, and takes place in a few different time periods. I think that style of writing gave it more dimension. I've really enjoyed what I've read by this author, however I was a bit disappointed with this particular novel's ending. It isn't exactly Walt Disney, so if you're into "happily ever after" try not to get your hopes up.

A massive Annie Rice story reader, I am. This book tells of Lasher, the evil one, the seducer. It is a wonderful, wonderful book, as are all of Ms. Rice's novels.

This is not a bad book. But being the sequel of The Witching Hour, which was a masterpiece, it definitely doesn't stand up to expectations. The first 2/3 of the book are actually good, the story continues and you are eager to see how it will develop. But the final part, where Lasher talks about his previous life, is incredibly boring. It might have been interesting if it wasn't so long, because it does give you insights on who he really is and sort of gives a different perspective to a character you thought you had pretty much figured out; but it's way too long and descriptive and it loses impact, so the reader is no longer thrilled to know what really happened, but merely wants to "get to the point". I felt like skipping ahead and didn't just because I was afraid something important would come at some point (and it didn't, really).
But aside from this last section, this is a pretty good book, and you anyway need to read it to know what happens after the incredible ending in The Witching Hour, and you need to read it to get to the last book of the trilogy, Taltos. I think it's worth it :)

Absolute ..., and as far fetched as they come. What a disappointment after The Witching Hour! The series began with a sexy mysterious spirit following the generations of Mayfair Witches through the years(loved the concept). By the second book it was suddenly about a five thousand year old GUMBY! This series made The Vampire Chronicles read like an Almanac.