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jennlongb's review against another edition
I just couldn’t get into it. The language used as a bit of a barrier to getting engrossed.
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
4.0
I am more than a tiny bit alarmed by how much I loved [b:Jane and the Damned|6493406|Jane and the Damned (Immortal Jane Austen, #1)|Janet Mullany|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1301576411s/6493406.jpg|6684844]. I almost certainly would not have read it, had it not come up on a randomly generated list created precisely for the purpose of directing me towards books I might otherwise not read. I cannot remember how it ended up on my to be read list in the beginning.
All that aside, I really enjoyed this book. It was better than [b:Pride and Prejudice and Zombies|5899779|Pride and Prejudice and Zombies|Seth Grahame-Smith|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255569929s/5899779.jpg|6072122] in that it was more than just the insertion of a set of key phrases into a pre-existing work. [a:Janet Mullany|441453|Janet Mullany|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1240751141p2/441453.jpg] took the core conceit of Jane Austen becoming a vampire and created a funny tale that appeals to every bit of my adolescent adoration of cheesy Regency romances, tales of the marauding French, and sexy vampires. In other words, it's an absurd and brainless book, but sometimes that's all we want, right?
All that aside, I really enjoyed this book. It was better than [b:Pride and Prejudice and Zombies|5899779|Pride and Prejudice and Zombies|Seth Grahame-Smith|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255569929s/5899779.jpg|6072122] in that it was more than just the insertion of a set of key phrases into a pre-existing work. [a:Janet Mullany|441453|Janet Mullany|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1240751141p2/441453.jpg] took the core conceit of Jane Austen becoming a vampire and created a funny tale that appeals to every bit of my adolescent adoration of cheesy Regency romances, tales of the marauding French, and sexy vampires. In other words, it's an absurd and brainless book, but sometimes that's all we want, right?
lyrareadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I can't help but wonder if this would have been a more enjoyable book of the heroine were Jane Smith aspiring writer rather than Jane Austin. There was a great deal to like in here, but ultimately the Jane Austin baggage seemed too create unnecessary weight that kept this from a delightful airy story.
literary__escapism's review against another edition
5.0
The year is 1797 and in one flirtatious moment Jane Austen goes from being mortal to becoming one of the "Damned" when she is bitten by a stranger, a Mr Smith. The only cure to her condition is to drink the miraculous waters in Bath, so Jane and her family head off to cure her of her "vampirism". However before Jane can take the cure she meets a vampire, a Mr Luke Venning, who convinces her to feed on him, as she won't be able to take the cure if she is weak. Before she can continue with her initial plans to take the cure she gets caught up in the war between England and France, and must fight with the Damned to save the town of Bath and her family.
I absolutely adore Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice rates as one of my favourite books of all time. I'd seen this book floating around the blogosphere the last few years and hadn't had a chance to pick it up yet, but decided to do so recently when I was craving some Austen.
Let me start by saying I'm not a purist. While I do love my Jane Austen original novels and movies (hello Colin Firth as the best Mr Darcy ever), I also love some of the Jane Austen sequels and paranormals that have been released in recent times. I went into reading Jane and the Damned with an open mind. I knew there would be vampires and I knew that it wouldn't be exactly like Jane's original novels and I absolutely loved it for what it is - a fantastic take on Jane as a vampire.
The war breaking out between England and France while Jane is in Bath gave this story a great adventurous feel. I got to see a different side of Jane, not just the sedate authoress, but the Jane that is willing to fight for her country - even if it means ripping out the throats of her enemies!!
The romance is high in Jane and the Damned, as Jane falls in love and then must choose if she stays as a immortal or takes the cure. Her deciding factor is that as a vampire, they don't have the talents for the arts the way that they do as mortals, so she must choose between love or her writing...
"You write a few books that entertain your family and you win a little fame, perhaps even some money, while you live. And after, what then? Your books languish forgotten on dusty bookshelves and you are but a name on a binding that disappears with decay and time. You think your books offer a chance at immortality?"
I loved Jane and the Damned and once I started I just couldn't put it down. The war-time action, the romance and well simply the wonderful Jane Austen and it all added up to a great book. I'm so pleased that there is a sequel, Blood Persuasion. I can't wait to see what Jane Austen gets up to next.
I absolutely adore Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice rates as one of my favourite books of all time. I'd seen this book floating around the blogosphere the last few years and hadn't had a chance to pick it up yet, but decided to do so recently when I was craving some Austen.
Let me start by saying I'm not a purist. While I do love my Jane Austen original novels and movies (hello Colin Firth as the best Mr Darcy ever), I also love some of the Jane Austen sequels and paranormals that have been released in recent times. I went into reading Jane and the Damned with an open mind. I knew there would be vampires and I knew that it wouldn't be exactly like Jane's original novels and I absolutely loved it for what it is - a fantastic take on Jane as a vampire.
The war breaking out between England and France while Jane is in Bath gave this story a great adventurous feel. I got to see a different side of Jane, not just the sedate authoress, but the Jane that is willing to fight for her country - even if it means ripping out the throats of her enemies!!
The romance is high in Jane and the Damned, as Jane falls in love and then must choose if she stays as a immortal or takes the cure. Her deciding factor is that as a vampire, they don't have the talents for the arts the way that they do as mortals, so she must choose between love or her writing...
"You write a few books that entertain your family and you win a little fame, perhaps even some money, while you live. And after, what then? Your books languish forgotten on dusty bookshelves and you are but a name on a binding that disappears with decay and time. You think your books offer a chance at immortality?"
I loved Jane and the Damned and once I started I just couldn't put it down. The war-time action, the romance and well simply the wonderful Jane Austen and it all added up to a great book. I'm so pleased that there is a sequel, Blood Persuasion. I can't wait to see what Jane Austen gets up to next.
margaretkearney's review against another edition
3.0
Absolutley loved it.I struggled with my last book but I immediately fell into this book.A well written and fun read.Recommended read.
flappermyrtle's review against another edition
3.0
After having read the `Jane Bites Back´ series, the concept of Jane Austen as a vampire does not strike me as odd anymore. Or, maybe, not too odd anymore. The interesting thing about this novel is that it is set in the Regency era, with the London ton being high-born vampires rather than just high-born dandies. Taking the waters at Bath is considered the only cure for vampirism, which is why the place is so very popular.
Jane is made a vampire, then left by her creator to figure things out on her own. She and her family repair to Bath so she can heal from her 'illness', which is when the French attack and take over England. All quite alright, slightly historically incorrect, but clever enough. What bothered me, as an avid reader of Anne Rice and the like, was the absolute lack of vampire rules and laws - some terms are thrown around, but the structure of the vampire circle Jane moves in never becomes clear, nor do the reasons for certain matters.
Mullany managed to put in some scenes and dialogues reminiscent of Jane's later books (e.g. when Margaret is trying to put Jane off about Luke - very Lady Catherine de Bourgh), even though the context is radically different. It is done with flair and very naturally, so I highly commend that.
The ending is not plausible. That may sound a bit critical, considering the subject matter of the novel, but it just doesn't fit with the rest of the story. Too dramatic, too illogical. The novel as a whole was enjoyable, the idea worked out well, but eventually it does not stand out in the crowd of Austen spin-offs.
Jane is made a vampire, then left by her creator to figure things out on her own. She and her family repair to Bath so she can heal from her 'illness', which is when the French attack and take over England. All quite alright, slightly historically incorrect, but clever enough. What bothered me, as an avid reader of Anne Rice and the like, was the absolute lack of vampire rules and laws - some terms are thrown around, but the structure of the vampire circle Jane moves in never becomes clear, nor do the reasons for certain matters.
Mullany managed to put in some scenes and dialogues reminiscent of Jane's later books (e.g. when Margaret is trying to put Jane off about Luke - very Lady Catherine de Bourgh), even though the context is radically different. It is done with flair and very naturally, so I highly commend that.
The ending is not plausible. That may sound a bit critical, considering the subject matter of the novel, but it just doesn't fit with the rest of the story. Too dramatic, too illogical. The novel as a whole was enjoyable, the idea worked out well, but eventually it does not stand out in the crowd of Austen spin-offs.
mountie9's review against another edition
4.0
The Good Stuff
* Jane Austen style but quirky, fun and not so polite and dry (To me anyway)
* Could have been awkwardly written but so wasn't
* Great storyline kept you interested (and kept me from going to bed as it was so delightful)
* Never was a fan of reading Austen's works as they were always overly polite (Yes I know that is how people spoke in those times, but I am not from those times and it was difficult to read for someone who isn't overly polite and flowery) Loved watching the movies though
* The vampires didn't have the typical aversions to sunlight, garlic etc
* Lively and fun and delightfully quirky
The Not so Good Stuff
* Kept me up reading it because I wanted to know what happened
* Didn't "love" the ending but it was a good ending
* Cover is dull
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"I assure you my reputation will not suffer. If anything, it is you who will be talked about and speculated upon for a good many days, but as you are a visitor to the neighborhood, that would happen anyway."
"You may be one of the Damned, but you are still my daughter." He blew his nose and gave her a brave smile. "Not a word to your mother."
"How she longed for an etiquette book for the damned."
"Good God, you females need no encouragement whatsoever not to fight like gentlemen."
What I Learned
* I would have gone completely insane in the 1700's with all the politeness and lack of interesting things for women to do. That and I wouldn't do to well with the whole women weren't equal thing
* Vampires are hot -- ok that is so not new, I've had a thing for Vampires since I was in Grade 3 and was introduced to Dracula
* I may now be willing to try and read Austen again -- no never mind off to the video store to rent Persuasion with Ciaran Hinds
Who should/shouldn't read
* Die hard Austen fans may be upset or irritated by this whole concept
* Those who need things historically accurate may also be offended by the alternative reality of late 1700 England
* Other than that I think there is something for everyone
4 Deweys
I received this from HarperCollins in return for an honest review -- no money changed hands and no bribes were offered (unfortunately).
* Jane Austen style but quirky, fun and not so polite and dry (To me anyway)
* Could have been awkwardly written but so wasn't
* Great storyline kept you interested (and kept me from going to bed as it was so delightful)
* Never was a fan of reading Austen's works as they were always overly polite (Yes I know that is how people spoke in those times, but I am not from those times and it was difficult to read for someone who isn't overly polite and flowery) Loved watching the movies though
* The vampires didn't have the typical aversions to sunlight, garlic etc
* Lively and fun and delightfully quirky
The Not so Good Stuff
* Kept me up reading it because I wanted to know what happened
* Didn't "love" the ending but it was a good ending
* Cover is dull
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"I assure you my reputation will not suffer. If anything, it is you who will be talked about and speculated upon for a good many days, but as you are a visitor to the neighborhood, that would happen anyway."
"You may be one of the Damned, but you are still my daughter." He blew his nose and gave her a brave smile. "Not a word to your mother."
"How she longed for an etiquette book for the damned."
"Good God, you females need no encouragement whatsoever not to fight like gentlemen."
What I Learned
* I would have gone completely insane in the 1700's with all the politeness and lack of interesting things for women to do. That and I wouldn't do to well with the whole women weren't equal thing
* Vampires are hot -- ok that is so not new, I've had a thing for Vampires since I was in Grade 3 and was introduced to Dracula
* I may now be willing to try and read Austen again -- no never mind off to the video store to rent Persuasion with Ciaran Hinds
Who should/shouldn't read
* Die hard Austen fans may be upset or irritated by this whole concept
* Those who need things historically accurate may also be offended by the alternative reality of late 1700 England
* Other than that I think there is something for everyone
4 Deweys
I received this from HarperCollins in return for an honest review -- no money changed hands and no bribes were offered (unfortunately).
invisibleninjacat's review against another edition
4.0
Fun stuff! I liked the vampire community and the associated worldbuilding. It was also fun to see where Jane would pull characters and lines from for her novels.
knewton7's review against another edition
2.0
I haven't finished this book yet and I'm not planning to until the second book is released. I have a feeling this one is going to end on a cliff hanger and I will want to be able to go directly to the next book once I finish this one!