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HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERon 8 February 2006
Anne Rice revamped vampire fiction in "Interview with the Vampire," the first volume of her bestselling Vampire Chronicles. But the highest point of the entire series was "Queen of the Damned," an epic vampire story full of sensuality, terror, and a haunting picture of greed and power's effect.
Not only are vampires everywhere having odd dreams, but they are getting peeved about Lestat's music videos, which reveal secrets about vampire history. Some even plan to kill him. But those same music videos wake Akasha, the mother of all vampires, who kills her sleeping husband and casts Marius into an icy prison.
Then she goes on a rampage, setting vampires on fire and finally escaping with the Brat Prince himself. The vampire cast thus far gather together, hoping to defeat the malignant Akasha; elsewhere, Lestat begins to think the same when he finds that Akasha is a mad megalomaniac. But Akasha cannot be destroyed without killing every vampire on earth...
Out of her entire bibliography, Anne Rice wrote only one epic story -- one that spans the world, time, and three novels' worth of characters (Armand, Gabrielle, Marius, Louis...). Lots of fictional memoirs, but no more epics. Perhaps she should write more, because this book remains not only her finest novel, but a stirring, creepy read on its own.
Rice's lush prose is well-suited to many characters, whether they're rogue Talamasca or biker vampires. She skips effortlessly from ancient Egypt to a hard-rock concert, with the same level of skill. And most importantly, she creates a stunning explanation for why the vampires exist, wrapped up in ancient Egyptian imperialism and malevolent spirits.
The plot twists and winds itself every which way, before finally smoothing out into a finale that makes perfect sense. And the present scenario is just as gripping, with Lestat realizing that Akasha plans to kill off 99% of the men in the world, and be a goddess. That's what happens when you run off with strange women, Lestat.
The large cast in this means that almost everybody gets a turn in the spotlight -- Armand, Marius, Louis, Pandora, the guy who recorded Louis's story in the first book, and Gabrielle. Not to mention a few new ones, like the ancient Maharet and Mael. And the Brat Prince shines the most brightly of all, in his nastiness, naivete, and delight in his own unlife.
"Queen of the Damned" is a remarkable epic novel, despite the spotty series it was a part of. This is Anne Rice at her peak: thrilling, chilling, and almost magical.
Not only are vampires everywhere having odd dreams, but they are getting peeved about Lestat's music videos, which reveal secrets about vampire history. Some even plan to kill him. But those same music videos wake Akasha, the mother of all vampires, who kills her sleeping husband and casts Marius into an icy prison.
Then she goes on a rampage, setting vampires on fire and finally escaping with the Brat Prince himself. The vampire cast thus far gather together, hoping to defeat the malignant Akasha; elsewhere, Lestat begins to think the same when he finds that Akasha is a mad megalomaniac. But Akasha cannot be destroyed without killing every vampire on earth...
Out of her entire bibliography, Anne Rice wrote only one epic story -- one that spans the world, time, and three novels' worth of characters (Armand, Gabrielle, Marius, Louis...). Lots of fictional memoirs, but no more epics. Perhaps she should write more, because this book remains not only her finest novel, but a stirring, creepy read on its own.
Rice's lush prose is well-suited to many characters, whether they're rogue Talamasca or biker vampires. She skips effortlessly from ancient Egypt to a hard-rock concert, with the same level of skill. And most importantly, she creates a stunning explanation for why the vampires exist, wrapped up in ancient Egyptian imperialism and malevolent spirits.
The plot twists and winds itself every which way, before finally smoothing out into a finale that makes perfect sense. And the present scenario is just as gripping, with Lestat realizing that Akasha plans to kill off 99% of the men in the world, and be a goddess. That's what happens when you run off with strange women, Lestat.
The large cast in this means that almost everybody gets a turn in the spotlight -- Armand, Marius, Louis, Pandora, the guy who recorded Louis's story in the first book, and Gabrielle. Not to mention a few new ones, like the ancient Maharet and Mael. And the Brat Prince shines the most brightly of all, in his nastiness, naivete, and delight in his own unlife.
"Queen of the Damned" is a remarkable epic novel, despite the spotty series it was a part of. This is Anne Rice at her peak: thrilling, chilling, and almost magical.
HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERon 8 August 2003
The Queen of the Damned is strikingly different in both form and substance from the first two books of The Vampire Chronicles. Several new characters are introduced, a number of truly old vampires we have only heard of up until now become part of the action, and the story is woven together into a mosaic much more wide in scope from what has come before. This is essentially Lestat's book, but he is not really the focus of the tale; while he narrates his own role in events, much of the book is written in the third person. This, plus the addition of so many new characters and the truly elaborate scope that is covered, makes this novel much less cohesive than the first-person narratives of the first two books. The action is spread out over six thousand years from one end of the world to the other, with a lot of mythology and pondering taking the place of the thrilling, energetic action of the earlier novels.
The book begins a week or two before Lestat's legendary rock concert and the ensuing mayhem that erupted outside the auditorium on that night. We follow the paths of other vampires in the days prior to this, including Armand and Daniel, the young man from Interview With the Vampire. We also learn that the immolation of vampires that Lestat, Louis, and Gabrielle saw that night had actually begun several days earlier, as a number of covens were destroyed by Akasha, the newly awakened Queen of the Damned. After the story of her awakening is told, the book takes on a somewhat mystical air. Almost all vampires are dreaming of two red-headed young women preparing to feast upon their dead mother, only to be taken prisoner by soldiers while their village is destroyed around them. The true significance of the red-headed twins does not become clear until the final hundred pages of the book, for their tale is an integral part of the story behind vampirism's very existence. We already knew that Enkil and Akasha, ancient rulers of Egypt, were the first vampires. Now, the whole history of the King and Queen is revealed, including the curse that accompanied their transformation. Rice goes out of her way to explain the beginning of vampirism in a unique way, although the facts of the matter seem a little too elaborate and far-fetched to me.
The one real weakness I find in the novel is Akasha's agenda. She is not exactly the altruistic type, and her mission to save mankind sounds ingenuous at best. It is also a rather laughable plan; having spent the past six thousand years in contemplative thought, I would have expected a character of her strength and moxie to have come up with a plan much better than this one. The final conflict, one prefigured for hundreds of pages in the slow unveiling of the Legend of the Twins, ends so quickly I was forced to stop and make sure I hadn't somehow skipped a paragraph or two. Basically, it's all over in one sentence. Even Lestat is not himself here; I actually enjoyed the stories of the other vampires and the history of the accidental birth of vampirism in Akasha more than I enjoyed the action related first-hand by Lestat. Certainly, Rice is to be commended for vastly expanding her vampire universe and having her characters deeply examine their lives and their purposes on earth, but I just could not fully connect with this novel. Still, it is an essential book for Anne Rice fans, as it offers up loads of information about the vampires who roam the world of her creation and explains the very origins of vampirism itself.
The book begins a week or two before Lestat's legendary rock concert and the ensuing mayhem that erupted outside the auditorium on that night. We follow the paths of other vampires in the days prior to this, including Armand and Daniel, the young man from Interview With the Vampire. We also learn that the immolation of vampires that Lestat, Louis, and Gabrielle saw that night had actually begun several days earlier, as a number of covens were destroyed by Akasha, the newly awakened Queen of the Damned. After the story of her awakening is told, the book takes on a somewhat mystical air. Almost all vampires are dreaming of two red-headed young women preparing to feast upon their dead mother, only to be taken prisoner by soldiers while their village is destroyed around them. The true significance of the red-headed twins does not become clear until the final hundred pages of the book, for their tale is an integral part of the story behind vampirism's very existence. We already knew that Enkil and Akasha, ancient rulers of Egypt, were the first vampires. Now, the whole history of the King and Queen is revealed, including the curse that accompanied their transformation. Rice goes out of her way to explain the beginning of vampirism in a unique way, although the facts of the matter seem a little too elaborate and far-fetched to me.
The one real weakness I find in the novel is Akasha's agenda. She is not exactly the altruistic type, and her mission to save mankind sounds ingenuous at best. It is also a rather laughable plan; having spent the past six thousand years in contemplative thought, I would have expected a character of her strength and moxie to have come up with a plan much better than this one. The final conflict, one prefigured for hundreds of pages in the slow unveiling of the Legend of the Twins, ends so quickly I was forced to stop and make sure I hadn't somehow skipped a paragraph or two. Basically, it's all over in one sentence. Even Lestat is not himself here; I actually enjoyed the stories of the other vampires and the history of the accidental birth of vampirism in Akasha more than I enjoyed the action related first-hand by Lestat. Certainly, Rice is to be commended for vastly expanding her vampire universe and having her characters deeply examine their lives and their purposes on earth, but I just could not fully connect with this novel. Still, it is an essential book for Anne Rice fans, as it offers up loads of information about the vampires who roam the world of her creation and explains the very origins of vampirism itself.
on 11 June 1999
I started reading Interview with the vampire about a year ago. I had of course seen the film and enjoyed the story but had never read the book. From the moment I started reading I could not get enough, from the vampire lestat, the body thief and memnoch the devil they all created wonderous pictures so vivid and real I felt that I was part of the story. However by far the most powerful in the vampire chronicles has to be "The Queen of the Damned". Akasha has awoken and stolen Lestat away in a bid to create her utopia, where women rule. The electricity between Lestat and Akasha is incredible, sensual and at times erotic. We watch as Lestat learns to harness his power, but at the same time he slowly comes to realise what he truly is and for the first time he accepts it. Amazing clear and vivid narratives and sensual expressions take you into a realm where evil is love and darkness is eternal. This is simply one of the most spellbinding, mysterious and captivating books I have ever read.
on 28 March 1997
I am seventeen years old and I have been reading Anne Rice's novels since I was fifteen. In my opinion this is the most outstanding book she has ever written! Anne Rice has mastered on how to combine the relentless fever of blood the vampires share, to the morals each one must face within themselves. This book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, you question whether to loathe the vampires and their lust for death or love them for their passion and sincerety.
on 4 February 2002
I only watched Interview with a vampire because I find Brad Pitt & Tom Curise very lovely, but I was amazed by the depth of Lestat, Louis & Claudia. I went out and bought the book striaght away, and now I've read all up to Blood and Gold, but The Queen Of The Damned is by far the best. What really does it for me is how well formed the characters are. I feel as if Lestat is now a close friend of mine, the plot is also amazing taking the reader from one extreme to another. This book a long with the others are by far the best books I've ever read, and I've read a lot! I wouldn't advise you to buy THIS book, I'd advise you to by the box set containing the first four. Even if you think that fairy tales about vampires aren't for you still give it a read because it deals a whole range of interesting and exciting issues. I am waiting desperatly for the follow up to Blood & Gold, as I am dying to know where my sweet Lestat will take me next.
on 7 February 2003
I have read nearly all the vampire chronicles and I would say that this is one of the stand out books of all the 9, but I find it hard to say the best as Lestat's book would have to be my favourite. It is a close second however as it has a brilliant plot line that you just get taken into from the second you start reading. Some people say that the twin parts are too long but that's what I like best about it, as I love being transported back to ancient Egypt and finding out how Akasha and all vampires came to be. I also like the way that it's split up into the differnet sections following each person as they get to the concert. All in all a great book with amazing writing yet again from Anne Rice.
VINE VOICEon 5 July 2010
I really enjoyed the Vampire Lestat in book 2 and couldnt wait to read more but I think this book went down too many avenues and left me confused. I found there were too may charactors to keep track on. The story of the red haired twins and how the first vampire was created 6000 years ago in Eygpt is the backbone of this book. You learn how the mother and father got their powers and what they did to get them. This was very interesting and a must read. The big question from book 2 is during their thousands of years as 'Those who must be kept' were they living statues with feelings and thoughts? Well disappointingly although this question is answered is merely skimmed along while pages are devouted to boring storylines like baby Jenks and Jessie. Lestat plays a big part in book 3 and you wont expect what he sets out to do in the beginning but by the end of the book I didnt like the journey he's been on and where it had taken my favourite charactor. I believe book 4 The Tale of the Body Thief is focussed on what Lestat did next and has far less charactors to follow.
on 3 September 1999
When I first started reading Anne Rice, I did it because of the movie "Interview with the vampire". It was in 1994. Since then I have read all the vampire books and I still read them whenever a new one comes out. My favourite book of these is- no doubt- this one. Here we meet a wide range of persons- immortal as well as mortal, and the web of history, intriques and desires of the vampires are revealed during almost 600 pages. (One of the best parts is the one with Armand and Daniel). All the time secrets and mystries are becoming more and more complexe and wonderfull. My advise is this: Give up your consious self and surrender to the wonderfull Ms. Rice's universe!
on 16 March 2000
I read this book when I was younger and before I had read the two before it and so it was a bit heavy going because you don't know about any of the history of the characters. I read it again a few years later (after I had caught up with the first two books!) and enjoyed it enormously. I would recommend this book very much, but you should read the first two books in the series so you get a feel for what's going on.
