Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Impossible to review, 29 Apr 1999
I would love to be able to review any book by CQY but as I have only two, very old, battered much loaned and loved books of hers it proves an impossibilty. I cannot buy any books of hers here in England either new or used. Booksellers cannot even find details of Tor Pubishers in their catalogues. Blood Games, one of my favourites, was actually in our Public Library, but (surprise surprise,) it was actually stolen! They cannot replace it and cannot get hold of any more of her books. It seems I will have to go back to Canada to get any new books, not that I mind but it does put the price up!! So please add my name to the list of readers who say - REPRINT!!

Excellent historical fiction, 23 Feb 1999
I am a Saint-Germain junkie.

So perhaps I am not as objective as I could be. Nevertheless, I loved this book.

In Blood Roses, CQY recaptures the style that made me like her older works -- the Palace, Blood Games, and Tempting Fate. The interplay between Our Favorite Count and Roger is back up to speed in this book. Ms Yarbro managed to avoid the pitfalls of her recent works -- relying too heavily on Saint-Germain's insider jokes about "my ...life" and "those of my blood". Instead, this is a fresh book, with sparkling women characters and a long historical perspective. Her research is excellent.

If only we could get those fabulous oldies back into print -- I would pay for at least two hardcover editions of Tempting Fate -- one to keep, one to lend. And Hotel Transylvania... well, I was able to stumble across that in a used bookstore, and it is certainly good enough for re-release. And how about the Palace -- oh, what a story!

Thanks, CQY, for keeping us in Saint-Germain novels. I can't wait for the next one.

The setting of -Blood Roses- is the best part of the book., 23 Jan 1999
Likes: The focus on Saint-Germain's and Roger's friendship. Seeing Saint-Germain in slightly less elegant surroundings. Seeing Saint-Germain placed in a Catch-22 situation. Hugenot Dislikes: Jenfra: she was a brat, and she almost got Saint-Germain killed. Strengths: The historical setting, the feeling of hopelessness, the sheer scope of the plague. Weakness: Even though it's historically accurate, it's difficult to believe (from a 1990's pov) that any culture could be so suicidally stupid.

Yarbro writes great historical fiction!!!, 15 Jan 1999
Let this be a note to Tor: I read everything I can get my hands on by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, in particular the Saint Germain novels. However, I usually end up borrowing them from the library and buying them used or remaindered because I can't afford a series of $15 trade paperbacks. Please, please print these in mass media paper!

I read the Saint Germain novels because I love his loooong view of history, not because it's horror. If you like to read historical fiction, you will be thrilled to find any of these books!

Might be better on the second reading..., 18 Nov 1998
I feel sorry for all those readers who discovered St. Germain after 1990. While I liked this book as well as any of the more recent chronicles, I feel like Yarbro is short-changing her audience. Her earlier novels were much more complex and politically savvy than these recent, plodding stories. Unfortunately, Blood Roses is no exception to this new rule.

In this tale, we have yet another story which contrasts our immortal Count's vast compassion and humanity with the vapid, ignorant and unappreciative masses who persecute him despite (or because of) his service to them. This is an old story from Yarbro, one we've heard many times before (Darker Jewels, Mansions of Darkness, Writ in Blood...is there any difference?)

It seems to me that lately, Yarbro has only point (history is ugly, people are ignorant and savage), and it is one we've seen before. Further, Blood Roses lacks the "strong and exceptional" woman who mitigates Yarbro's brutal attention to detail. We've come to expect these women from Yarbro, yet when compared to Oliva or T'en Chi-Yu, Blood Roses' plague-era women are two dimensional and dull. I'm ready for some new Oliva books; I miss her wit and determination, especially when compared to St. Germain's unchanging compassion.

While I'm totally hooked and always will be, I can only hope that this chapter will grow on me with time (as Better in the Dark has done). In the meantime, I'll remember the 80's fondly and return to Yarbro and the Count in those books when I'm looking for real adventure, political commentary, and love...

Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Impossible to review, 29 Apr 1999
I would love to be able to review any book by CQY but as I have only two, very old, battered much loaned and loved books of hers it proves an impossibilty. I cannot buy any books of hers here in England either new or used. Booksellers cannot even find details of Tor Pubishers in their catalogues. Blood Games, one of my favourites, was actually in our Public Library, but (surprise surprise,) it was actually stolen! They cannot replace it and cannot get hold of any more of her books. It seems I will have to go back to Canada to get any new books, not that I mind but it does put the price up!! So please add my name to the list of readers who say - REPRINT!!

Excellent historical fiction, 23 Feb 1999
I am a Saint-Germain junkie.

So perhaps I am not as objective as I could be. Nevertheless, I loved this book.

In Blood Roses, CQY recaptures the style that made me like her older works -- the Palace, Blood Games, and Tempting Fate. The interplay between Our Favorite Count and Roger is back up to speed in this book. Ms Yarbro managed to avoid the pitfalls of her recent works -- relying too heavily on Saint-Germain's insider jokes about "my ...life" and "those of my blood". Instead, this is a fresh book, with sparkling women characters and a long historical perspective. Her research is excellent.

If only we could get those fabulous oldies back into print -- I would pay for at least two hardcover editions of Tempting Fate -- one to keep, one to lend. And Hotel Transylvania... well, I was able to stumble across that in a used bookstore, and it is certainly good enough for re-release. And how about the Palace -- oh, what a story!

Thanks, CQY, for keeping us in Saint-Germain novels. I can't wait for the next one.

The setting of -Blood Roses- is the best part of the book., 23 Jan 1999
Likes: The focus on Saint-Germain's and Roger's friendship. Seeing Saint-Germain in slightly less elegant surroundings. Seeing Saint-Germain placed in a Catch-22 situation. Hugenot Dislikes: Jenfra: she was a brat, and she almost got Saint-Germain killed. Strengths: The historical setting, the feeling of hopelessness, the sheer scope of the plague. Weakness: Even though it's historically accurate, it's difficult to believe (from a 1990's pov) that any culture could be so suicidally stupid.

Yarbro writes great historical fiction!!!, 15 Jan 1999
Let this be a note to Tor: I read everything I can get my hands on by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, in particular the Saint Germain novels. However, I usually end up borrowing them from the library and buying them used or remaindered because I can't afford a series of $15 trade paperbacks. Please, please print these in mass media paper!

I read the Saint Germain novels because I love his loooong view of history, not because it's horror. If you like to read historical fiction, you will be thrilled to find any of these books!

Might be better on the second reading..., 18 Nov 1998
I feel sorry for all those readers who discovered St. Germain after 1990. While I liked this book as well as any of the more recent chronicles, I feel like Yarbro is short-changing her audience. Her earlier novels were much more complex and politically savvy than these recent, plodding stories. Unfortunately, Blood Roses is no exception to this new rule.

In this tale, we have yet another story which contrasts our immortal Count's vast compassion and humanity with the vapid, ignorant and unappreciative masses who persecute him despite (or because of) his service to them. This is an old story from Yarbro, one we've heard many times before (Darker Jewels, Mansions of Darkness, Writ in Blood...is there any difference?)

It seems to me that lately, Yarbro has only point (history is ugly, people are ignorant and savage), and it is one we've seen before. Further, Blood Roses lacks the "strong and exceptional" woman who mitigates Yarbro's brutal attention to detail. We've come to expect these women from Yarbro, yet when compared to Oliva or T'en Chi-Yu, Blood Roses' plague-era women are two dimensional and dull. I'm ready for some new Oliva books; I miss her wit and determination, especially when compared to St. Germain's unchanging compassion.

While I'm totally hooked and always will be, I can only hope that this chapter will grow on me with time (as Better in the Dark has done). In the meantime, I'll remember the 80's fondly and return to Yarbro and the Count in those books when I'm looking for real adventure, political commentary, and love...

Things that go bump in the night!, 24 Aug 1998
Practicing storytellers contributed these hair-raising tales, which are divided into the sections, Heart and Horror, Shhh..., Reaching Across, Maximum Nightmare, and Bonestories. Varied and distinct voices tell each creepy tale, and a section at the end provides brief information on the tellers and their tales. There is a story here for every horror fan, but that also means that not every tale will appeal to every reader. Traditional stories such as "Will the Circle be Unbroken" are joinced by contemporary urban myths such as "Room for One More." Should be useful for more sophisticated scary story readers and adults looking for read-alouds or stories to tell that will provide "maximum nightmare." Fun, quick reading.

--S. Thorup

Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Impossible to review, 29 Apr 1999
I would love to be able to review any book by CQY but as I have only two, very old, battered much loaned and loved books of hers it proves an impossibilty. I cannot buy any books of hers here in England either new or used. Booksellers cannot even find details of Tor Pubishers in their catalogues. Blood Games, one of my favourites, was actually in our Public Library, but (surprise surprise,) it was actually stolen! They cannot replace it and cannot get hold of any more of her books. It seems I will have to go back to Canada to get any new books, not that I mind but it does put the price up!! So please add my name to the list of readers who say - REPRINT!!

Excellent historical fiction, 23 Feb 1999
I am a Saint-Germain junkie.

So perhaps I am not as objective as I could be. Nevertheless, I loved this book.

In Blood Roses, CQY recaptures the style that made me like her older works -- the Palace, Blood Games, and Tempting Fate. The interplay between Our Favorite Count and Roger is back up to speed in this book. Ms Yarbro managed to avoid the pitfalls of her recent works -- relying too heavily on Saint-Germain's insider jokes about "my ...life" and "those of my blood". Instead, this is a fresh book, with sparkling women characters and a long historical perspective. Her research is excellent.

If only we could get those fabulous oldies back into print -- I would pay for at least two hardcover editions of Tempting Fate -- one to keep, one to lend. And Hotel Transylvania... well, I was able to stumble across that in a used bookstore, and it is certainly good enough for re-release. And how about the Palace -- oh, what a story!

Thanks, CQY, for keeping us in Saint-Germain novels. I can't wait for the next one.

The setting of -Blood Roses- is the best part of the book., 23 Jan 1999
Likes: The focus on Saint-Germain's and Roger's friendship. Seeing Saint-Germain in slightly less elegant surroundings. Seeing Saint-Germain placed in a Catch-22 situation. Hugenot Dislikes: Jenfra: she was a brat, and she almost got Saint-Germain killed. Strengths: The historical setting, the feeling of hopelessness, the sheer scope of the plague. Weakness: Even though it's historically accurate, it's difficult to believe (from a 1990's pov) that any culture could be so suicidally stupid.

Yarbro writes great historical fiction!!!, 15 Jan 1999
Let this be a note to Tor: I read everything I can get my hands on by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, in particular the Saint Germain novels. However, I usually end up borrowing them from the library and buying them used or remaindered because I can't afford a series of $15 trade paperbacks. Please, please print these in mass media paper!

I read the Saint Germain novels because I love his loooong view of history, not because it's horror. If you like to read historical fiction, you will be thrilled to find any of these books!

Might be better on the second reading..., 18 Nov 1998
I feel sorry for all those readers who discovered St. Germain after 1990. While I liked this book as well as any of the more recent chronicles, I feel like Yarbro is short-changing her audience. Her earlier novels were much more complex and politically savvy than these recent, plodding stories. Unfortunately, Blood Roses is no exception to this new rule.

In this tale, we have yet another story which contrasts our immortal Count's vast compassion and humanity with the vapid, ignorant and unappreciative masses who persecute him despite (or because of) his service to them. This is an old story from Yarbro, one we've heard many times before (Darker Jewels, Mansions of Darkness, Writ in Blood...is there any difference?)

It seems to me that lately, Yarbro has only point (history is ugly, people are ignorant and savage), and it is one we've seen before. Further, Blood Roses lacks the "strong and exceptional" woman who mitigates Yarbro's brutal attention to detail. We've come to expect these women from Yarbro, yet when compared to Oliva or T'en Chi-Yu, Blood Roses' plague-era women are two dimensional and dull. I'm ready for some new Oliva books; I miss her wit and determination, especially when compared to St. Germain's unchanging compassion.

While I'm totally hooked and always will be, I can only hope that this chapter will grow on me with time (as Better in the Dark has done). In the meantime, I'll remember the 80's fondly and return to Yarbro and the Count in those books when I'm looking for real adventure, political commentary, and love...

Things that go bump in the night!, 24 Aug 1998
Practicing storytellers contributed these hair-raising tales, which are divided into the sections, Heart and Horror, Shhh..., Reaching Across, Maximum Nightmare, and Bonestories. Varied and distinct voices tell each creepy tale, and a section at the end provides brief information on the tellers and their tales. There is a story here for every horror fan, but that also means that not every tale will appeal to every reader. Traditional stories such as "Will the Circle be Unbroken" are joinced by contemporary urban myths such as "Room for One More." Should be useful for more sophisticated scary story readers and adults looking for read-alouds or stories to tell that will provide "maximum nightmare." Fun, quick reading.

--S. Thorup

Beautiful History with a touch of Saint-Germain, 08 Apr 1999
Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

Another in a great line of historical cum vampire novels., 30 Nov 1996
The premise of this series allows the reader a tour of history, viewing the action through the eyes of Count Saint-Germain who has lived through the ages -- a human being not trapped in and bound by only his own time. This particular installment takes the reader to Russia during the 1580's. We get a nice flavor of the times, bruitish, superstitious and hard though they were. Many thanks to the author for the rich detail of old Russia.

This story is a must read for all who love vampires., 05 Sep 1996
Set in Russia, Saint-Germain faces the perils of a court gone mad. Forced to marry by the Czar himself, this vampire hero must defend himself and his new bride from the plots of courtiers and clergy alike. C. Q. Yarbro spins a heartbreaking tale of life, love, and unimaginable cruelty.

Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Impossible to review, 29 Apr 1999
I would love to be able to review any book by CQY but as I have only two, very old, battered much loaned and loved books of hers it proves an impossibilty. I cannot buy any books of hers here in England either new or used. Booksellers cannot even find details of Tor Pubishers in their catalogues. Blood Games, one of my favourites, was actually in our Public Library, but (surprise surprise,) it was actually stolen! They cannot replace it and cannot get hold of any more of her books. It seems I will have to go back to Canada to get any new books, not that I mind but it does put the price up!! So please add my name to the list of readers who say - REPRINT!!

Excellent historical fiction, 23 Feb 1999
I am a Saint-Germain junkie.

So perhaps I am not as objective as I could be. Nevertheless, I loved this book.

In Blood Roses, CQY recaptures the style that made me like her older works -- the Palace, Blood Games, and Tempting Fate. The interplay between Our Favorite Count and Roger is back up to speed in this book. Ms Yarbro managed to avoid the pitfalls of her recent works -- relying too heavily on Saint-Germain's insider jokes about "my ...life" and "those of my blood". Instead, this is a fresh book, with sparkling women characters and a long historical perspective. Her research is excellent.

If only we could get those fabulous oldies back into print -- I would pay for at least two hardcover editions of Tempting Fate -- one to keep, one to lend. And Hotel Transylvania... well, I was able to stumble across that in a used bookstore, and it is certainly good enough for re-release. And how about the Palace -- oh, what a story!

Thanks, CQY, for keeping us in Saint-Germain novels. I can't wait for the next one.

The setting of -Blood Roses- is the best part of the book., 23 Jan 1999
Likes: The focus on Saint-Germain's and Roger's friendship. Seeing Saint-Germain in slightly less elegant surroundings. Seeing Saint-Germain placed in a Catch-22 situation. Hugenot Dislikes: Jenfra: she was a brat, and she almost got Saint-Germain killed. Strengths: The historical setting, the feeling of hopelessness, the sheer scope of the plague. Weakness: Even though it's historically accurate, it's difficult to believe (from a 1990's pov) that any culture could be so suicidally stupid.

Yarbro writes great historical fiction!!!, 15 Jan 1999
Let this be a note to Tor: I read everything I can get my hands on by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, in particular the Saint Germain novels. However, I usually end up borrowing them from the library and buying them used or remaindered because I can't afford a series of $15 trade paperbacks. Please, please print these in mass media paper!

I read the Saint Germain novels because I love his loooong view of history, not because it's horror. If you like to read historical fiction, you will be thrilled to find any of these books!

Might be better on the second reading..., 18 Nov 1998
I feel sorry for all those readers who discovered St. Germain after 1990. While I liked this book as well as any of the more recent chronicles, I feel like Yarbro is short-changing her audience. Her earlier novels were much more complex and politically savvy than these recent, plodding stories. Unfortunately, Blood Roses is no exception to this new rule.

In this tale, we have yet another story which contrasts our immortal Count's vast compassion and humanity with the vapid, ignorant and unappreciative masses who persecute him despite (or because of) his service to them. This is an old story from Yarbro, one we've heard many times before (Darker Jewels, Mansions of Darkness, Writ in Blood...is there any difference?)

It seems to me that lately, Yarbro has only point (history is ugly, people are ignorant and savage), and it is one we've seen before. Further, Blood Roses lacks the "strong and exceptional" woman who mitigates Yarbro's brutal attention to detail. We've come to expect these women from Yarbro, yet when compared to Oliva or T'en Chi-Yu, Blood Roses' plague-era women are two dimensional and dull. I'm ready for some new Oliva books; I miss her wit and determination, especially when compared to St. Germain's unchanging compassion.

While I'm totally hooked and always will be, I can only hope that this chapter will grow on me with time (as Better in the Dark has done). In the meantime, I'll remember the 80's fondly and return to Yarbro and the Count in those books when I'm looking for real adventure, political commentary, and love...

Things that go bump in the night!, 24 Aug 1998
Practicing storytellers contributed these hair-raising tales, which are divided into the sections, Heart and Horror, Shhh..., Reaching Across, Maximum Nightmare, and Bonestories. Varied and distinct voices tell each creepy tale, and a section at the end provides brief information on the tellers and their tales. There is a story here for every horror fan, but that also means that not every tale will appeal to every reader. Traditional stories such as "Will the Circle be Unbroken" are joinced by contemporary urban myths such as "Room for One More." Should be useful for more sophisticated scary story readers and adults looking for read-alouds or stories to tell that will provide "maximum nightmare." Fun, quick reading.

--S. Thorup

Beautiful History with a touch of Saint-Germain, 08 Apr 1999
Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

Another in a great line of historical cum vampire novels., 30 Nov 1996
The premise of this series allows the reader a tour of history, viewing the action through the eyes of Count Saint-Germain who has lived through the ages -- a human being not trapped in and bound by only his own time. This particular installment takes the reader to Russia during the 1580's. We get a nice flavor of the times, bruitish, superstitious and hard though they were. Many thanks to the author for the rich detail of old Russia.

This story is a must read for all who love vampires., 05 Sep 1996
Set in Russia, Saint-Germain faces the perils of a court gone mad. Forced to marry by the Czar himself, this vampire hero must defend himself and his new bride from the plots of courtiers and clergy alike. C. Q. Yarbro spins a heartbreaking tale of life, love, and unimaginable cruelty.

A satisfactory but less than compelling novel., 10 Nov 2001
As with most of Yarbro's vampire novels I feel compelled to continue buying them but, once read, they leave me feeling unsatisfied and emotionally 'flat'.

The story itself is interesting and the changed relationsip between the main characters has potential which I hope to see developed in later stories.

My main criticism would be that, whilst her historical research is great and full of thoughtful detail and I feel connected to her characters, her writing style is somewhat detached and her build-up's and climaxes within the plot fail to involve me. It all feels a bit cursory - you know he's a vampire; there will be a love/food interest; powerful people will try to destroy him; he will escape(probably)and start a new life.

So what, you may say? Such plotting is standard in many books and does not detract from the readers enjoyment. It does here. The pace of her writing is frequently as dead as her main character and this is a great shame as the story contains a hugh amount of potential.

As always, I wonder at the reaction from readers who have brought her novels because they are 'horror'. There is nothing remotely 'horrible' about her work, but they are a genuine, if low key, exploration of alienation from general society and effective immortality.

I will continue to buy into her universe and would recommend her books to readers of alternative histories. Enjoy the detail; consider the awful desperation underlying her main characters mechanisms for finding food and hiding thier true nature; mull on the power and futility of love in a long, long life, just don't expect great levels of excitement, that isn't what this book is about.

Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Impossible to review, 29 Apr 1999
I would love to be able to review any book by CQY but as I have only two, very old, battered much loaned and loved books of hers it proves an impossibilty. I cannot buy any books of hers here in England either new or used. Booksellers cannot even find details of Tor Pubishers in their catalogues. Blood Games, one of my favourites, was actually in our Public Library, but (surprise surprise,) it was actually stolen! They cannot replace it and cannot get hold of any more of her books. It seems I will have to go back to Canada to get any new books, not that I mind but it does put the price up!! So please add my name to the list of readers who say - REPRINT!!

Excellent historical fiction, 23 Feb 1999
I am a Saint-Germain junkie.

So perhaps I am not as objective as I could be. Nevertheless, I loved this book.

In Blood Roses, CQY recaptures the style that made me like her older works -- the Palace, Blood Games, and Tempting Fate. The interplay between Our Favorite Count and Roger is back up to speed in this book. Ms Yarbro managed to avoid the pitfalls of her recent works -- relying too heavily on Saint-Germain's insider jokes about "my ...life" and "those of my blood". Instead, this is a fresh book, with sparkling women characters and a long historical perspective. Her research is excellent.

If only we could get those fabulous oldies back into print -- I would pay for at least two hardcover editions of Tempting Fate -- one to keep, one to lend. And Hotel Transylvania... well, I was able to stumble across that in a used bookstore, and it is certainly good enough for re-release. And how about the Palace -- oh, what a story!

Thanks, CQY, for keeping us in Saint-Germain novels. I can't wait for the next one.

The setting of -Blood Roses- is the best part of the book., 23 Jan 1999
Likes: The focus on Saint-Germain's and Roger's friendship. Seeing Saint-Germain in slightly less elegant surroundings. Seeing Saint-Germain placed in a Catch-22 situation. Hugenot Dislikes: Jenfra: she was a brat, and she almost got Saint-Germain killed. Strengths: The historical setting, the feeling of hopelessness, the sheer scope of the plague. Weakness: Even though it's historically accurate, it's difficult to believe (from a 1990's pov) that any culture could be so suicidally stupid.

Yarbro writes great historical fiction!!!, 15 Jan 1999
Let this be a note to Tor: I read everything I can get my hands on by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, in particular the Saint Germain novels. However, I usually end up borrowing them from the library and buying them used or remaindered because I can't afford a series of $15 trade paperbacks. Please, please print these in mass media paper!

I read the Saint Germain novels because I love his loooong view of history, not because it's horror. If you like to read historical fiction, you will be thrilled to find any of these books!

Might be better on the second reading..., 18 Nov 1998
I feel sorry for all those readers who discovered St. Germain after 1990. While I liked this book as well as any of the more recent chronicles, I feel like Yarbro is short-changing her audience. Her earlier novels were much more complex and politically savvy than these recent, plodding stories. Unfortunately, Blood Roses is no exception to this new rule.

In this tale, we have yet another story which contrasts our immortal Count's vast compassion and humanity with the vapid, ignorant and unappreciative masses who persecute him despite (or because of) his service to them. This is an old story from Yarbro, one we've heard many times before (Darker Jewels, Mansions of Darkness, Writ in Blood...is there any difference?)

It seems to me that lately, Yarbro has only point (history is ugly, people are ignorant and savage), and it is one we've seen before. Further, Blood Roses lacks the "strong and exceptional" woman who mitigates Yarbro's brutal attention to detail. We've come to expect these women from Yarbro, yet when compared to Oliva or T'en Chi-Yu, Blood Roses' plague-era women are two dimensional and dull. I'm ready for some new Oliva books; I miss her wit and determination, especially when compared to St. Germain's unchanging compassion.

While I'm totally hooked and always will be, I can only hope that this chapter will grow on me with time (as Better in the Dark has done). In the meantime, I'll remember the 80's fondly and return to Yarbro and the Count in those books when I'm looking for real adventure, political commentary, and love...

Things that go bump in the night!, 24 Aug 1998
Practicing storytellers contributed these hair-raising tales, which are divided into the sections, Heart and Horror, Shhh..., Reaching Across, Maximum Nightmare, and Bonestories. Varied and distinct voices tell each creepy tale, and a section at the end provides brief information on the tellers and their tales. There is a story here for every horror fan, but that also means that not every tale will appeal to every reader. Traditional stories such as "Will the Circle be Unbroken" are joinced by contemporary urban myths such as "Room for One More." Should be useful for more sophisticated scary story readers and adults looking for read-alouds or stories to tell that will provide "maximum nightmare." Fun, quick reading.

--S. Thorup

Beautiful History with a touch of Saint-Germain, 08 Apr 1999
Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

Another in a great line of historical cum vampire novels., 30 Nov 1996
The premise of this series allows the reader a tour of history, viewing the action through the eyes of Count Saint-Germain who has lived through the ages -- a human being not trapped in and bound by only his own time. This particular installment takes the reader to Russia during the 1580's. We get a nice flavor of the times, bruitish, superstitious and hard though they were. Many thanks to the author for the rich detail of old Russia.

This story is a must read for all who love vampires., 05 Sep 1996
Set in Russia, Saint-Germain faces the perils of a court gone mad. Forced to marry by the Czar himself, this vampire hero must defend himself and his new bride from the plots of courtiers and clergy alike. C. Q. Yarbro spins a heartbreaking tale of life, love, and unimaginable cruelty.

A satisfactory but less than compelling novel., 10 Nov 2001
As with most of Yarbro's vampire novels I feel compelled to continue buying them but, once read, they leave me feeling unsatisfied and emotionally 'flat'.

The story itself is interesting and the changed relationsip between the main characters has potential which I hope to see developed in later stories.

My main criticism would be that, whilst her historical research is great and full of thoughtful detail and I feel connected to her characters, her writing style is somewhat detached and her build-up's and climaxes within the plot fail to involve me. It all feels a bit cursory - you know he's a vampire; there will be a love/food interest; powerful people will try to destroy him; he will escape(probably)and start a new life.

So what, you may say? Such plotting is standard in many books and does not detract from the readers enjoyment. It does here. The pace of her writing is frequently as dead as her main character and this is a great shame as the story contains a hugh amount of potential.

As always, I wonder at the reaction from readers who have brought her novels because they are 'horror'. There is nothing remotely 'horrible' about her work, but they are a genuine, if low key, exploration of alienation from general society and effective immortality.

I will continue to buy into her universe and would recommend her books to readers of alternative histories. Enjoy the detail; consider the awful desperation underlying her main characters mechanisms for finding food and hiding thier true nature; mull on the power and futility of love in a long, long life, just don't expect great levels of excitement, that isn't what this book is about.

Very enjoyable!, 10 Jun 2004
This is the third book in Jane Yolen's Tartan Magic trilogy, and picks up soon after the events in The Pictish Child. In this book, Jennifer and Peter, two American children on vacation in Scotland, head off to visit a local graveyard. Peter is rather jealous of Jennifer's newfound magical ability, and wants to find some magic himself. However, when they meet three ghosts, Peter gets more than he bargained for! Now Jennifer is in a race against time to get Peter un-possessed, and put some poor souls to rest.

My thirteen-year-old daughter first introduced me to these books, and I must say that I enjoy them as much as she does. Jane Yolen does an excellent job of bring Scotland to life for the American reader (please remember that there is a Scottish glossary at the back!). In general, the author does not spend too much time on character development (outside of the children and their grandmother, the characters are very two-dimensional), but for many young readers, this will not prove a problem.

So, let me just say that my daughter and I both enjoyed this book, and we highly recommend it to you!

Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Impossible to review, 29 Apr 1999
I would love to be able to review any book by CQY but as I have only two, very old, battered much loaned and loved books of hers it proves an impossibilty. I cannot buy any books of hers here in England either new or used. Booksellers cannot even find details of Tor Pubishers in their catalogues. Blood Games, one of my favourites, was actually in our Public Library, but (surprise surprise,) it was actually stolen! They cannot replace it and cannot get hold of any more of her books. It seems I will have to go back to Canada to get any new books, not that I mind but it does put the price up!! So please add my name to the list of readers who say - REPRINT!!

Excellent historical fiction, 23 Feb 1999
I am a Saint-Germain junkie.

So perhaps I am not as objective as I could be. Nevertheless, I loved this book.

In Blood Roses, CQY recaptures the style that made me like her older works -- the Palace, Blood Games, and Tempting Fate. The interplay between Our Favorite Count and Roger is back up to speed in this book. Ms Yarbro managed to avoid the pitfalls of her recent works -- relying too heavily on Saint-Germain's insider jokes about "my ...life" and "those of my blood". Instead, this is a fresh book, with sparkling women characters and a long historical perspective. Her research is excellent.

If only we could get those fabulous oldies back into print -- I would pay for at least two hardcover editions of Tempting Fate -- one to keep, one to lend. And Hotel Transylvania... well, I was able to stumble across that in a used bookstore, and it is certainly good enough for re-release. And how about the Palace -- oh, what a story!

Thanks, CQY, for keeping us in Saint-Germain novels. I can't wait for the next one.

The setting of -Blood Roses- is the best part of the book., 23 Jan 1999
Likes: The focus on Saint-Germain's and Roger's friendship. Seeing Saint-Germain in slightly less elegant surroundings. Seeing Saint-Germain placed in a Catch-22 situation. Hugenot Dislikes: Jenfra: she was a brat, and she almost got Saint-Germain killed. Strengths: The historical setting, the feeling of hopelessness, the sheer scope of the plague. Weakness: Even though it's historically accurate, it's difficult to believe (from a 1990's pov) that any culture could be so suicidally stupid.

Yarbro writes great historical fiction!!!, 15 Jan 1999
Let this be a note to Tor: I read everything I can get my hands on by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, in particular the Saint Germain novels. However, I usually end up borrowing them from the library and buying them used or remaindered because I can't afford a series of $15 trade paperbacks. Please, please print these in mass media paper!

I read the Saint Germain novels because I love his loooong view of history, not because it's horror. If you like to read historical fiction, you will be thrilled to find any of these books!

Might be better on the second reading..., 18 Nov 1998
I feel sorry for all those readers who discovered St. Germain after 1990. While I liked this book as well as any of the more recent chronicles, I feel like Yarbro is short-changing her audience. Her earlier novels were much more complex and politically savvy than these recent, plodding stories. Unfortunately, Blood Roses is no exception to this new rule.

In this tale, we have yet another story which contrasts our immortal Count's vast compassion and humanity with the vapid, ignorant and unappreciative masses who persecute him despite (or because of) his service to them. This is an old story from Yarbro, one we've heard many times before (Darker Jewels, Mansions of Darkness, Writ in Blood...is there any difference?)

It seems to me that lately, Yarbro has only point (history is ugly, people are ignorant and savage), and it is one we've seen before. Further, Blood Roses lacks the "strong and exceptional" woman who mitigates Yarbro's brutal attention to detail. We've come to expect these women from Yarbro, yet when compared to Oliva or T'en Chi-Yu, Blood Roses' plague-era women are two dimensional and dull. I'm ready for some new Oliva books; I miss her wit and determination, especially when compared to St. Germain's unchanging compassion.

While I'm totally hooked and always will be, I can only hope that this chapter will grow on me with time (as Better in the Dark has done). In the meantime, I'll remember the 80's fondly and return to Yarbro and the Count in those books when I'm looking for real adventure, political commentary, and love...

Things that go bump in the night!, 24 Aug 1998
Practicing storytellers contributed these hair-raising tales, which are divided into the sections, Heart and Horror, Shhh..., Reaching Across, Maximum Nightmare, and Bonestories. Varied and distinct voices tell each creepy tale, and a section at the end provides brief information on the tellers and their tales. There is a story here for every horror fan, but that also means that not every tale will appeal to every reader. Traditional stories such as "Will the Circle be Unbroken" are joinced by contemporary urban myths such as "Room for One More." Should be useful for more sophisticated scary story readers and adults looking for read-alouds or stories to tell that will provide "maximum nightmare." Fun, quick reading.

--S. Thorup

Beautiful History with a touch of Saint-Germain, 08 Apr 1999
Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

Another in a great line of historical cum vampire novels., 30 Nov 1996
The premise of this series allows the reader a tour of history, viewing the action through the eyes of Count Saint-Germain who has lived through the ages -- a human being not trapped in and bound by only his own time. This particular installment takes the reader to Russia during the 1580's. We get a nice flavor of the times, bruitish, superstitious and hard though they were. Many thanks to the author for the rich detail of old Russia.

This story is a must read for all who love vampires., 05 Sep 1996
Set in Russia, Saint-Germain faces the perils of a court gone mad. Forced to marry by the Czar himself, this vampire hero must defend himself and his new bride from the plots of courtiers and clergy alike. C. Q. Yarbro spins a heartbreaking tale of life, love, and unimaginable cruelty.

A satisfactory but less than compelling novel., 10 Nov 2001
As with most of Yarbro's vampire novels I feel compelled to continue buying them but, once read, they leave me feeling unsatisfied and emotionally 'flat'.

The story itself is interesting and the changed relationsip between the main characters has potential which I hope to see developed in later stories.

My main criticism would be that, whilst her historical research is great and full of thoughtful detail and I feel connected to her characters, her writing style is somewhat detached and her build-up's and climaxes within the plot fail to involve me. It all feels a bit cursory - you know he's a vampire; there will be a love/food interest; powerful people will try to destroy him; he will escape(probably)and start a new life.

So what, you may say? Such plotting is standard in many books and does not detract from the readers enjoyment. It does here. The pace of her writing is frequently as dead as her main character and this is a great shame as the story contains a hugh amount of potential.

As always, I wonder at the reaction from readers who have brought her novels because they are 'horror'. There is nothing remotely 'horrible' about her work, but they are a genuine, if low key, exploration of alienation from general society and effective immortality.

I will continue to buy into her universe and would recommend her books to readers of alternative histories. Enjoy the detail; consider the awful desperation underlying her main characters mechanisms for finding food and hiding thier true nature; mull on the power and futility of love in a long, long life, just don't expect great levels of excitement, that isn't what this book is about.

Very enjoyable!, 10 Jun 2004
This is the third book in Jane Yolen's Tartan Magic trilogy, and picks up soon after the events in The Pictish Child. In this book, Jennifer and Peter, two American children on vacation in Scotland, head off to visit a local graveyard. Peter is rather jealous of Jennifer's newfound magical ability, and wants to find some magic himself. However, when they meet three ghosts, Peter gets more than he bargained for! Now Jennifer is in a race against time to get Peter un-possessed, and put some poor souls to rest.

My thirteen-year-old daughter first introduced me to these books, and I must say that I enjoy them as much as she does. Jane Yolen does an excellent job of bring Scotland to life for the American reader (please remember that there is a Scottish glossary at the back!). In general, the author does not spend too much time on character development (outside of the children and their grandmother, the characters are very two-dimensional), but for many young readers, this will not prove a problem.

So, let me just say that my daughter and I both enjoyed this book, and we highly recommend it to you!

Yet more Buffyesque, angst ridden vampire drivel, 12 Nov 2003
I recently picked up a copy of this book to read on the plane, normally I'd run a mile to avoid reading a modern vampire novel, but in the five seconds I had to buy something the blurb read as if it might be Ok, and the setting really sparked my interest.

Despite my initial enthusiasm, I'd have to class this as one of the worst books I've ever read, the author failed to capture my interest so miserably I was flicking through the two thirds of the book and reading alternate pages. There are two big problems with this novel:

1. The author doesn't know anything about the place and era she writes about, the characters read as if they were modern day Americans attempting to enact a period drama for a local amateur dramatics society after reading a (bad) tourist guidebook's account of Indian history, there is no feel of time or place at all... and to be frank she gets a lot of facts wrong... very wrong. A bit of research could have made this book, but obviously the author didn't feel she needed to bother.

2. Vampires are getting rather tired, don't you agree? I mean the novelty has worn off and it's all seeming a bit... samey... it's time to grow up and try something a bit different. Funny how vampires used to be evil bad guys who liked to suck your blood, and now they seem to be all guilt ridden PC pacifists and die hard romantics isn't it?

Maybe none of this matters if you are a 15 year old school girl and a Buffy fan, in which case you might enjoy this book (especially if you like wearing black lipstick and have a face full of metalwork). On the other hand, if your not, avoid this book like the badly written two dimensional bit of PC filth it is.

Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Impossible to review, 29 Apr 1999
I would love to be able to review any book by CQY but as I have only two, very old, battered much loaned and loved books of hers it proves an impossibilty. I cannot buy any books of hers here in England either new or used. Booksellers cannot even find details of Tor Pubishers in their catalogues. Blood Games, one of my favourites, was actually in our Public Library, but (surprise surprise,) it was actually stolen! They cannot replace it and cannot get hold of any more of her books. It seems I will have to go back to Canada to get any new books, not that I mind but it does put the price up!! So please add my name to the list of readers who say - REPRINT!!

Excellent historical fiction, 23 Feb 1999
I am a Saint-Germain junkie.

So perhaps I am not as objective as I could be. Nevertheless, I loved this book.

In Blood Roses, CQY recaptures the style that made me like her older works -- the Palace, Blood Games, and Tempting Fate. The interplay between Our Favorite Count and Roger is back up to speed in this book. Ms Yarbro managed to avoid the pitfalls of her recent works -- relying too heavily on Saint-Germain's insider jokes about "my ...life" and "those of my blood". Instead, this is a fresh book, with sparkling women characters and a long historical perspective. Her research is excellent.

If only we could get those fabulous oldies back into print -- I would pay for at least two hardcover editions of Tempting Fate -- one to keep, one to lend. And Hotel Transylvania... well, I was able to stumble across that in a used bookstore, and it is certainly good enough for re-release. And how about the Palace -- oh, what a story!

Thanks, CQY, for keeping us in Saint-Germain novels. I can't wait for the next one.

The setting of -Blood Roses- is the best part of the book., 23 Jan 1999
Likes: The focus on Saint-Germain's and Roger's friendship. Seeing Saint-Germain in slightly less elegant surroundings. Seeing Saint-Germain placed in a Catch-22 situation. Hugenot Dislikes: Jenfra: she was a brat, and she almost got Saint-Germain killed. Strengths: The historical setting, the feeling of hopelessness, the sheer scope of the plague. Weakness: Even though it's historically accurate, it's difficult to believe (from a 1990's pov) that any culture could be so suicidally stupid.

Yarbro writes great historical fiction!!!, 15 Jan 1999
Let this be a note to Tor: I read everything I can get my hands on by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, in particular the Saint Germain novels. However, I usually end up borrowing them from the library and buying them used or remaindered because I can't afford a series of $15 trade paperbacks. Please, please print these in mass media paper!

I read the Saint Germain novels because I love his loooong view of history, not because it's horror. If you like to read historical fiction, you will be thrilled to find any of these books!

Might be better on the second reading..., 18 Nov 1998
I feel sorry for all those readers who discovered St. Germain after 1990. While I liked this book as well as any of the more recent chronicles, I feel like Yarbro is short-changing her audience. Her earlier novels were much more complex and politically savvy than these recent, plodding stories. Unfortunately, Blood Roses is no exception to this new rule.

In this tale, we have yet another story which contrasts our immortal Count's vast compassion and humanity with the vapid, ignorant and unappreciative masses who persecute him despite (or because of) his service to them. This is an old story from Yarbro, one we've heard many times before (Darker Jewels, Mansions of Darkness, Writ in Blood...is there any difference?)

It seems to me that lately, Yarbro has only point (history is ugly, people are ignorant and savage), and it is one we've seen before. Further, Blood Roses lacks the "strong and exceptional" woman who mitigates Yarbro's brutal attention to detail. We've come to expect these women from Yarbro, yet when compared to Oliva or T'en Chi-Yu, Blood Roses' plague-era women are two dimensional and dull. I'm ready for some new Oliva books; I miss her wit and determination, especially when compared to St. Germain's unchanging compassion.

While I'm totally hooked and always will be, I can only hope that this chapter will grow on me with time (as Better in the Dark has done). In the meantime, I'll remember the 80's fondly and return to Yarbro and the Count in those books when I'm looking for real adventure, political commentary, and love...

Things that go bump in the night!, 24 Aug 1998
Practicing storytellers contributed these hair-raising tales, which are divided into the sections, Heart and Horror, Shhh..., Reaching Across, Maximum Nightmare, and Bonestories. Varied and distinct voices tell each creepy tale, and a section at the end provides brief information on the tellers and their tales. There is a story here for every horror fan, but that also means that not every tale will appeal to every reader. Traditional stories such as "Will the Circle be Unbroken" are joinced by contemporary urban myths such as "Room for One More." Should be useful for more sophisticated scary story readers and adults looking for read-alouds or stories to tell that will provide "maximum nightmare." Fun, quick reading.

--S. Thorup

Beautiful History with a touch of Saint-Germain, 08 Apr 1999
Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

Another in a great line of historical cum vampire novels., 30 Nov 1996
The premise of this series allows the reader a tour of history, viewing the action through the eyes of Count Saint-Germain who has lived through the ages -- a human being not trapped in and bound by only his own time. This particular installment takes the reader to Russia during the 1580's. We get a nice flavor of the times, bruitish, superstitious and hard though they were. Many thanks to the author for the rich detail of old Russia.

This story is a must read for all who love vampires., 05 Sep 1996
Set in Russia, Saint-Germain faces the perils of a court gone mad. Forced to marry by the Czar himself, this vampire hero must defend himself and his new bride from the plots of courtiers and clergy alike. C. Q. Yarbro spins a heartbreaking tale of life, love, and unimaginable cruelty.

A satisfactory but less than compelling novel., 10 Nov 2001
As with most of Yarbro's vampire novels I feel compelled to continue buying them but, once read, they leave me feeling unsatisfied and emotionally 'flat'.

The story itself is interesting and the changed relationsip between the main characters has potential which I hope to see developed in later stories.

My main criticism would be that, whilst her historical research is great and full of thoughtful detail and I feel connected to her characters, her writing style is somewhat detached and her build-up's and climaxes within the plot fail to involve me. It all feels a bit cursory - you know he's a vampire; there will be a love/food interest; powerful people will try to destroy him; he will escape(probably)and start a new life.

So what, you may say? Such plotting is standard in many books and does not detract from the readers enjoyment. It does here. The pace of her writing is frequently as dead as her main character and this is a great shame as the story contains a hugh amount of potential.

As always, I wonder at the reaction from readers who have brought her novels because they are 'horror'. There is nothing remotely 'horrible' about her work, but they are a genuine, if low key, exploration of alienation from general society and effective immortality.

I will continue to buy into her universe and would recommend her books to readers of alternative histories. Enjoy the detail; consider the awful desperation underlying her main characters mechanisms for finding food and hiding thier true nature; mull on the power and futility of love in a long, long life, just don't expect great levels of excitement, that isn't what this book is about.

Very enjoyable!, 10 Jun 2004
This is the third book in Jane Yolen's Tartan Magic trilogy, and picks up soon after the events in The Pictish Child. In this book, Jennifer and Peter, two American children on vacation in Scotland, head off to visit a local graveyard. Peter is rather jealous of Jennifer's newfound magical ability, and wants to find some magic himself. However, when they meet three ghosts, Peter gets more than he bargained for! Now Jennifer is in a race against time to get Peter un-possessed, and put some poor souls to rest.

My thirteen-year-old daughter first introduced me to these books, and I must say that I enjoy them as much as she does. Jane Yolen does an excellent job of bring Scotland to life for the American reader (please remember that there is a Scottish glossary at the back!). In general, the author does not spend too much time on character development (outside of the children and their grandmother, the characters are very two-dimensional), but for many young readers, this will not prove a problem.

So, let me just say that my daughter and I both enjoyed this book, and we highly recommend it to you!

Yet more Buffyesque, angst ridden vampire drivel, 12 Nov 2003
I recently picked up a copy of this book to read on the plane, normally I'd run a mile to avoid reading a modern vampire novel, but in the five seconds I had to buy something the blurb read as if it might be Ok, and the setting really sparked my interest.

Despite my initial enthusiasm, I'd have to class this as one of the worst books I've ever read, the author failed to capture my interest so miserably I was flicking through the two thirds of the book and reading alternate pages. There are two big problems with this novel:

1. The author doesn't know anything about the place and era she writes about, the characters read as if they were modern day Americans attempting to enact a period drama for a local amateur dramatics society after reading a (bad) tourist guidebook's account of Indian history, there is no feel of time or place at all... and to be frank she gets a lot of facts wrong... very wrong. A bit of research could have made this book, but obviously the author didn't feel she needed to bother.

2. Vampires are getting rather tired, don't you agree? I mean the novelty has worn off and it's all seeming a bit... samey... it's time to grow up and try something a bit different. Funny how vampires used to be evil bad guys who liked to suck your blood, and now they seem to be all guilt ridden PC pacifists and die hard romantics isn't it?

Maybe none of this matters if you are a 15 year old school girl and a Buffy fan, in which case you might enjoy this book (especially if you like wearing black lipstick and have a face full of metalwork). On the other hand, if your not, avoid this book like the badly written two dimensional bit of PC filth it is.

Shocking!, 01 Jul 1999
Another great entry into the series, with the most shocking and upsetting ending I've ever read. I had to read it several times to make sure I was seeing it correctly and was very upset about it, but upset in a good way. Ms. Yarbro is simply the best. I love the historical aspects of these books. Betcha didn't know that the Musketeers were real historical figures, didja? Yarbro uses them correctly. Forget Anne Rice, these are the best novels in this genre. It's like Spinal Tap (insert fake British accent) ... these books go to 11!

Vampire Heroine Meets Red-Blooded Hero, 18 Feb 1999
Probably the best entry in Yarbro's two intertwined vampire series. After a while, the long-suffering St. Germain and his endless procession of misunderstood mortal girlfriends becomes a little dull. Yarbro's Roman vampire heroine, Olivia, has a much better excuse; she's living in centuries when a woman without a male protector is one step away from being a social outcast. Behavior that would be maddeningly passive from St. Germain is pleasantly assertive in Olivia. Charles D'Artagnan, who falls in both love and lust with Olivia, gives the book a breath of fresh air. In a series where most male characters are either eunuchs or evil sadists, it's nice to see a testosterone-driven character who is nonetheless honorable and likeable. As in all these books, Yarbro has done her historical homework. Charles is definitely based on the real historical figure, not the book or movie D'Artagnan of the Three Musketeers. Readers who are expecting Dumas will be disappointed (the historical Athos, already dead when the book opens, is dismissed in a sentence) but Charles has much the same energy and enthusiasm you'd expect from a movie D'Artagnan. A fun novel even if you've never read the series; although it's the last book of a trilogy, it reads well on its own.

One of the best vampire romances, 13 Jan 1998
I didn't expect to like this. I intended to be critical when Yarbo paired her vampire heroine with my favorite musketeer d'Artagnan, but it turned out to be excellent and sad. If the both of them had to die, it is nice that they died having found such a lasting love

Nearly perfect., 24 Jun 2000
Great look-up book for fans of genre movies, with more than 1000 pages and lots of nice and rare b/w photos. If you're a Horror or Sci-Fi buff you'll definitely want it, but it doesn't really tell you anything you didn't already know. Preventing it from being among the ultimate of its kind, is the fact that it unfortunately never mentions when a film is in the Scope format. -It would also have been nice with reviews of the films listed; there's none of that, it's strictly all chronology, by-year, cast & crew. (-Of course, it would've been 2000 pages or something then !.) Still, it's a worthy addition to any collection.

Impossible to review, 29 Apr 1999
I would love to be able to review any book by CQY but as I have only two, very old, battered much loaned and loved books of hers it proves an impossibilty. I cannot buy any books of hers here in England either new or used. Booksellers cannot even find details of Tor Pubishers in their catalogues. Blood Games, one of my favourites, was actually in our Public Library, but (surprise surprise,) it was actually stolen! They cannot replace it and cannot get hold of any more of her books. It seems I will have to go back to Canada to get any new books, not that I mind but it does put the price up!! So please add my name to the list of readers who say - REPRINT!!

Excellent historical fiction, 23 Feb 1999
I am a Saint-Germain junkie.

So perhaps I am not as objective as I could be. Nevertheless, I loved this book.

In Blood Roses, CQY recaptures the style that made me like her older works -- the Palace, Blood Games, and Tempting Fate. The interplay between Our Favorite Count and Roger is back up to speed in this book. Ms Yarbro managed to avoid the pitfalls of her recent works -- relying too heavily on Saint-Germain's insider jokes about "my ...life" and "those of my blood". Instead, this is a fresh book, with sparkling women characters and a long historical perspective. Her research is excellent.

If only we could get those fabulous oldies back into print -- I would pay for at least two hardcover editions of Tempting Fate -- one to keep, one to lend. And Hotel Transylvania... well, I was able to stumble across that in a used bookstore, and it is certainly good enough for re-release. And how about the Palace -- oh, what a story!

Thanks, CQY, for keeping us in Saint-Germain novels. I can't wait for the next one.

The setting of -Blood Roses- is the best part of the book., 23 Jan 1999
Likes: The focus on Saint-Germain's and Roger's friendship. Seeing Saint-Germain in slightly less elegant surroundings. Seeing Saint-Germain placed in a Catch-22 situation. Hugenot Dislikes: Jenfra: she was a brat, and she almost got Saint-Germain killed. Strengths: The historical setting, the feeling of hopelessness, the sheer scope of the plague. Weakness: Even though it's historically accurate, it's difficult to believe (from a 1990's pov) that any culture could be so suicidally stupid.

Yarbro writes great historical fiction!!!, 15 Jan 1999
Let this be a note to Tor: I read everything I can get my hands on by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, in particular the Saint Germain novels. However, I usually end up borrowing them from the library and buying them used or remaindered because I can't afford a series of $15 trade paperbacks. Please, please print these in mass media paper!

I read the Saint Germain novels because I love his loooong view of history, not because it's horror. If you like to read historical fiction, you will be thrilled to find any of these books!

Might be better on the second reading..., 18 Nov 1998
I feel sorry for all those readers who discovered St. Germain after 1990. While I liked this book as well as any of the more recent chronicles, I feel like Yarbro is short-changing her audience. Her earlier novels were much more complex and politically savvy than these recent, plodding stories. Unfortunately, Blood Roses is no exception to this new rule.

In this tale, we have yet another story which contrasts our immortal Count's vast compassion and humanity with the vapid, ignorant and unappreciative masses who persecute him despite (or because of) his service to them. This is an old story from Yarbro, one we've heard many times before (Darker Jewels, Mansions of Darkness, Writ in Blood...is there any difference?)

It seems to me that lately, Yarbro has only point (history is ugly, people are ignorant and savage), and it is one we've seen before. Further, Blood Roses lacks the "strong and exceptional" woman who mitigates Yarbro's brutal attention to detail. We've come to expect these women from Yarbro, yet when compared to Oliva or T'en Chi-Yu, Blood Roses' plague-era women are two dimensional and dull. I'm ready for some new Oliva books; I miss her wit and determination, especially when compared to St. Germain's unchanging compassion.

While I'm totally hooked and always will be, I can only hope that this chapter will grow on me with time (as Better in the Dark has done). In the meantime, I'll remember the 80's fondly and return to Yarbro and the Count in those books when I'm looking for real adventure, political commentary, and love...

Things that go bump in the night!, 24 Aug 1998
Practicing storytellers contributed these hair-raising tales, which are divided into the sections, Heart and Horror, Shhh..., Reaching Across, Maximum Nightmare, and Bonestories. Varied and distinct voices tell each creepy tale, and a section at the end provides brief information on the tellers and their tales. There is a story here for every horror fan, but that also means that not every tale will appeal to every reader. Traditional stories such as "Will the Circle be Unbroken" are joinced by contemporary urban myths such as "Room for One More." Should be useful for more sophisticated scary story readers and adults looking for read-alouds or stories to tell that will provide "maximum nightmare." Fun, quick reading.

--S. Thorup

Beautiful History with a touch of Saint-Germain, 08 Apr 1999
Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

Another in a great line of historical cum vampire novels., 30 Nov 1996
The premise of this series allows the reader a tour of history, viewing the action through the eyes of Count Saint-Germain who has lived through the ages -- a human being not trapped in and bound by only his own time. This particular installment takes the reader to Russia during the 1580's. We get a nice flavor of the times, bruitish, superstitious and hard though they were. Many thanks to the author for the rich detail of old Russia.

This story is a must read for all who love vampires., 05 Sep 1996
Set in Russia, Saint-Germain faces the perils of a court gone mad. Forced to marry by the Czar himself, this vampire hero must defend himself and his new bride from the plots of courtiers and clergy alike. C. Q. Yarbro spins a heartbreaking tale of life, love, and unimaginable cruelty.

A satisfactory but less than compelling novel., 10 Nov 2001
As with most of Yarbro's vampire novels I feel compelled to continue buying them but, once read, they leave me feeling unsatisfied and emotionally 'flat'.

The story itself is interesting and the changed relationsip between the main characters has potential which I hope to see developed in later stories.

My main criticism would be that, whilst her historical research is great and full of thoughtful detail and I feel connected to her characters, her writing style is somewhat detached and her build-up's and climaxes within the plot fail to involve me. It all feels a bit cursory - you know he's a vampire; there will be a love/food interest; powerful people will try to destroy him; he wil