A review by bunnypearl
The Vampire Armand by Anne Rice

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Even with all the content warnings, I found this book much more enjoyable than the last couple volumes in the Vampire Chronicles. I always loved the character of Armand and delving further into his backstory was incredibly interesting, his demeanor and actions further explained by the past. 
I thought his relationship with Marius, both mentally and physically, was well-written. Though the reality of it is far from beautiful, the way Rice writes it draws the reader into Armand's mind, making them believe (to an extent) that this love is something that can be perfectly attained--even if it takes a long while. Seeing him go from student to lover to hunter to something impossible to label...it's a long, strange process and Armand's development throughout the story makes this book one of my favorites in the Chronicles.
This story is definitely not for everyone and the content warnings should be checked before reading it, but I enjoyed The Vampire Armand much more than I anticipated.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, and Murder

Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, and Torture

Minor: Fire/Fire injury

One note, though: The way Anne Rice writes women feels...very sexist. Every time they're brought up, there's something about their pale skin or their thinness or (God forbid) how large/small their breasts are. I think my least favorite thing about the whole series is how she describes the women in her books. It comes across as extremely weird and objectifying.