by Michael Thomas Ford
Paranormal
299 pages
published: 2010
For: the halibut
4 of 5 stars
Here is another example of me being swayed by book blogger I recently started reading. I really have no idea why this appealed to me. Perhaps my sense of humor? Irreverence? My love of Austen? Because it sure isn't my love or experience with vampires. Other than Twilight, I have read not a single vampire story. One Literature Nut was just persuasive!
About?
Jane Austen didn't die. She ran off for a romantic interlude and found herself changed into a vampire instead. She was forced to fake her death and eventually to remove to America. In the present day, Jane "Fairfax" runs a bookstore and keeps lots of secrets. She has the pesky vampire problems of needing blood and keeping her distance and she has to watch her work exploited and adored while she gets no royalties! To make matters worse, much worse, she can't get her latest book published. Suck. Throw in the bad guy who betrayed her in the first place, a couple of love interests, and someone with a vendetta and you have quite a story.
Reaction?
I was hooked in the first chapter, though I was also horrified. I was soon grateful that the vampires in this world and not as dark as I think vampires often are. Once I was okay with that (this strikes me as funny at the moment...) I sat back for the ride and I had a great time.
What I loved:
- The plausible characterization of present day, much more experienced, Jane Austen.
- The fun and confusion of today's publishing world.
- The literary references.
- The quick moving, simple to access writing.
- The unexpected twists.
- The resolutions of relationships.
- The humor. Come on! Jane Austen a vampire! That is just funny.
Recommended for?
??? These are pretty mild vampires and the story quick and approachable so I keep thinking YA, but then I remember that there is a fair amount of sex. Definitely a parent preview required at least.
I've read a lot of Jane Austen fan fiction in the last several months but this sounds a bit different. I think I'll give it a try. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteIt seems we reviewed the same book on the same day! I had already ordered Jane Bites Back when I read Becky´s blog, it´s true though, her reviews are persuasive.
ReplyDeleteI´m glad to read you like the book as well. You named so many of the reasons that I liked it. I do agree that some of the characters could do with a little more characterisation. But overall, I wholeheartedly agree, great and light read.