Brian
Book 5 is all about the mystical and the internal struggle of faith. Paul knows what John did for him, He was there when John 'helped' Mr. Jingles. Yet he doubts his actions. If he is caught, society won't believe him. Is it even the right thing to do? The mystical is very much on display in this installment. It's not in your face mysticism, just the right amount to not destroy suspension of disbelief. Very much a great read.
Book 4.. Oh how I love it. The story continues to build and there is quite a bit of tension that we get to experience from Paul's perspective. King does a great job at making you feel something for a convict sentenced to death for raping and killing. Had he not been able to do that, this particular story would have fallen flat. Side note that does not add or take away from the book... I saw the movie (several times) and am not just reading the books. Eduard's voice from the actor in the move is a perfect fit, and several times when reading his portions in the book, I could hear it in the actor's voice.
Book 3 is a great set-up for things to come. You start seeing the internal struggle of faith and belief from Paul's point of view, and you get great insight into things to come. King, baby steps his way via the serialization of the story and each book tends to age and take larger steps. This is where the story really begins its arc and it leaves you ready for the next installment.
Really enjoying the serial nature of the full story. I'm partially tempted to read the condensed version at some point to see how different it is. I mean it would have to be, so much of this book is a rehash to remind you of what happened in Two Dead girls. I also enjoy a bit of the flashback nature of this installment. A bit of macabre nostalgia. Remembering fondly about his job that had to have been killing him to do.
I've always loved the movie, so I wanted to go back and read the book. I actually remember when the first serial novel came out. I was working at a grocery store and thought it strange and just a money grab to release the book in this way (still might have been, never really know). But I will say that I am enjoying the format now that I am actually reading the serial novel. Book one sets the scene perfectly. Very much like you would expect episode one of a mini-series TV show to do. You get all the background information, characters are developed, and just enough of the over-arching story to get you hooked. TV could learn a few things from this book, honestly.
I read this too late in life. I think it is one of those books that you need to read when you are the age it is meant for. Just like if you watch the ewoks for the first time after you are too old, this book just doesn't land later in life. Do yourself a favor and read it before you get to that point.
This is not a book with a lot of action or intrigue, and that will turn a lot of readers off. It is a book that is setting up a story that spans the entire 13 book series. It is much like a first episode of a TV show. It does that job very well. You are introduced to characters, you learn about the world (The original World of Darkness from White Wolf) and begin to understand how vampires in this world work. You learn about clans, the city hierarchy, and most importantly to the series the war between the Camarilla and Sabbat. This is not a one off story, if you approach it that way you will be very disappointed.
Stewart Wieck does a superb job at building the characters and making them feel real. He is also very adept at painting the scenes and making each moment come to life and feel plausible. You easily forget that this is a fictional world with fantastical creatures. From the very beginning you almost come to believe that this shadow world is real.