yomireads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I have never, and likely will never enjoy a plot centralized on an incredibly powerful character yearning for normalcy.
My love for Lestat's character crumbled in that moment, and the rest of the book I struggled to enjoy the story at all. I want to say I appreciate the way it showed how flawed a man and monster he is, but, honestly, that could have been done without
I enjoyed some bits in the middle, especially with how it reflects the distinct differences between mortal and vampire. I loved the exploration of his relationships, and how impotent his anger can be.
But the ending? Come on. What I love(d) most about Lestat was, to a degree, his sense of justice and mercy.
What saved this was entirely the exciting evolution of lore and world building, the thrilling depiction of Anne Rice's vampires, and the commitment of characters to the ideas they have of themselves.
Spoiler
But at least in this instance Lestat recognizes pretty quickly how much he romanticized his own mortality.Spoiler
Also, the rape? Disgusting.Spoiler
having him become an apologetic rapist who makes amends with jewlery.I enjoyed some bits in the middle, especially with how it reflects the distinct differences between mortal and vampire. I loved the exploration of his relationships, and how impotent his anger can be.
Spoiler
I was especially in love with his and David's rapor.But the ending? Come on. What I love(d) most about Lestat was, to a degree, his sense of justice and mercy.
Spoiler
The dichotomy in the violent taking of his choice at his dark birth, and the offering of free will to his own creations was so well established in the previous books... for that to just be tossed aside at the last moment? For him to bring violence upon a friend whom he harbors no I'll intent towards? A destruction of character imo. And then to whine and cry about it, "I don't know why I did it" is so cheap and painful. If I wasn't utterly in love with his and David's relationship, I'd be done reading this chronicles right now.What saved this was entirely the exciting evolution of lore and world building, the thrilling depiction of Anne Rice's vampires, and the commitment of characters to the ideas they have of themselves.
Spoiler
lestat believes himself evil, so he enact evil upon his loved ones. David believes himself morally upright, so denies the truth of his carnal desires.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Biphobia
econsidine's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There are other reviewers who put it better, but this feels like the book where Anne Rice really, really wanted to remind readers that her main character Lestat is a terrible person. He's a fan favorite, since he's charismatic as hell and an entertaining narrator, but it's easy to forget that he's done and continues to do some horrendous things to the people he claims to care about. If you love Lestat and see him as a misunderstood/tortured soul, this will be a tough read. If you enjoy him as a character/narrator but would hate to meet him in real life, you'll probably still enjoy this one.
There's nothing really new or surprising if you've read the first three, unless you've been reading this character with major rose-colored glasses on, but this book really hammers home his selfishness, violence, and complete lack of respect for other people's bodily autonomy. In this book he (vague spoilers ahead; see tags). As narrator, he acts like all of this was on impulse and he had no control over himself, immediately regretting all actions afterward, though I'd argue none of this is portrayed as okay or redeemable in the text. The "Body Thief" of the title very much refers to Lestat in a LOT of ways other than the obvious.
If you're okay reading all that, then you'll get a few beautiful moments with Louis (in his best taking-no-bullshit-era), Claudia haunting everything, and one of the best dog characters ever. Otherwise it is a lot of Lestat being horrible and having conversations with his old man friend David. Which really doesn't interest me. All that to say, gonna pause here with the series for now.
There's nothing really new or surprising if you've read the first three, unless you've been reading this character with major rose-colored glasses on, but this book really hammers home his selfishness, violence, and complete lack of respect for other people's bodily autonomy. In this book he (vague spoilers ahead; see tags)
Spoiler
rapes a woman, burns his lover's house down, and turns someone into a vampire against their will. He also murders a lot of people as vampires tend to doIf you're okay reading all that, then you'll get a few beautiful moments with Louis (in his best taking-no-bullshit-era), Claudia haunting everything, and one of the best dog characters ever. Otherwise it is a lot of Lestat being horrible and having conversations with his old man friend David. Which really doesn't interest me. All that to say, gonna pause here with the series for now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury, Rape, Child death, Classism, Death, Grief, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse, Racism, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Blood, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Biphobia
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