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The Passion of the Immortals

There are many stories about vampires. Some are erotic, and others pure romance. Few carry any semblance to the classic vampire stories in the style of Dracula, the classic story of seduction mixed with terror. The typical vampire of today follows the footsteps of Dracula's nobility mixed with the looks and sophistication of Bela Lugosi, the link, not missing, between the ancient characterization and the new. While I enjoy these stories--yes, such as Twilight--and have been inspired somewhat by them, I do like the raw vampire who can only find his love through blood.

C.V. wrote: "The Passion of the Immortals

There are many stories about vampires. Some are erotic, and others pure romance. Few carry any semblance to the classic vampire stories in the style of..."

I think many good ideas fall under the 'vampire' umbrella. Stoker's line "I too can love, you yourselves know it" is an effective lead. My own interest is the primeaval fear of the dead returning, and the superstitions surrounding that: bury him at the crossroads so he can't find the road to the village, carry his coffin out head first so he can't see the route to come back, sprinkle the path with poppy seed, and so on.

Margaret wrote: "C.V. wrote: "The Passion of the Immortals

There are many stories about vampires. Some are erotic, and others pure romance. Few carry any semblance to the classic vampire stories in..."

I see. The type more focused on legend than in the new extravaganza of vampire-themed stories.

I first look for the necessities; plot Characters, and continuity of the book as a whole. Then I want as much detail as possible, what kind of vampires are present? Tall ominous and feared; or more civilized and romantic like those found in more modern culture. While intriguing, moreover how consice and detailed is the attack? Does the words tell how and why teeth are used or is this left to the imagination of the reader. For lme, leaving this unexplained is a mistake.Feeding is the drive of vampires and this seemingly known action pushes the story forward. On to another point. keeping hold of their humanity (or not) can change the readers view entirely. learning to live among humans implies understanding, and invites compassion. Although the same cannot be said for stories in which they are only considered monsters who hide under the cover of night. Mostly it comes down to preference.

You’re right Kaileb. Detail is missing nowadays, of the nature you speak about, in several stories. And yet they’re part of the times. People can’t wait to be entertained. They like detail that creates movement, not pause. And yet there is beauty in strategic details. I don’t know if you’ve ever read Ivanhoe. The rich detail in that story is a jewel for historians who might otherwise be guessing about the old wardrobe of a shepherd and the distinct construction of a mere table or a room. The story gives us a historical loupe into the beginnings of our English language, which originated from the necessity of the English Saxon’s to communicate with their conquerors, the Normands, and for the conquerors to communicate with the conquered Saxons. Like Sir Walter Scott wrote for the times, so do we. I made the mistake with my first book, part of a non-completed series. The style was originally very much geared for the intellectual, even though it’s a fantasy story. I still consider it my best work, and my most beautiful child. And so do others, if they get past a certain point in the story.

We even get stories about 'good' vampires who don't consume human blood. Bram Stoler would turn in his grave at the thought!

I look for things that are different than the norm for this genre. Most vampire books follow a very similar set of characters (Appearances, motives, and somehow all seem to be trained in either kung-fu and/or MMA, lol) and plots, so I like to see creativity.

What books do you recommend that are in line with your tastes, Peter?

Kaileb wrote: "I first look for the necessities; plot Characters, and continuity of the book as a whole. Then I want as much detail as possible, what kind of vampires are present? Tall ominous and feared; or more..."

The fang / teeth thing seems to have come from a folklore species called the Nelapsi but not all species have fangs - Some like the Uperczi have a hook under the tongue

Spare us any more Vampire stories please. Bram Stoker wrote the best one and it should have been the last one.

Alan wrote: "Spare us any more Vampire stories please. Bram Stoker wrote the best one and it should have been the last one."

Bram Stoker merely opened the flood gates for the likes of Anne Rice lol

I think it all depends on the reader when it comes to what they are looking for in Vampires, if it's a younger reader/tween then they are more likely going to want to read a love story with an emotional, self-aware, empathetic, sensitive Vampire. They want the bad boy who struggles with his demons, yet turns into Prince Charming when his true love is near.

Adult readers that like Vampire books are mainly looking for the dark side to these creatures, whether that's in the form of cruelty, barbarity or just the lack of concern for human life. Most women are either looking for the Alpha Vampire or the sophisticated gentleman. He's either dark and dangerous, or cultured and educated.

I think we can all say our reading material has grown with us over time, there's a huge difference between "The Southern Vampire Mysteries" and "Twilight" because both were targeted at a vastly different reader/audience. It also depends on the author, what kind of Vampires do they enjoy writing the most?!

So, my answer to your question is I prefer all the things that come with the dark and depraved now. But, if you asked me the same question 15 years ago..........

What I have found missing is the how and the consequences of being a vampire.

Example: If you were turned into a vampire today, wouldn't the thought cross your mind on how or why all of this got started? Who was the first? Why was that person turned?

If you didn't lose all of your humanity, what parts remain and why? Are you a mindless biting machine or as many suggest today, you can love and be a good guy. Why? Why is this option available to the vampire?

Where did the powers come from? How do you discover these powers?

There are a ton of "what if's" that could take the whole vampire story in a different direction.

Thrill, adventure, romance, horror, evil, happy ending

Sterling wrote: "What I have found missing is the how and the consequences of being a vampire.

Example: If you were turned into a vampire today, wouldn't the thought cross your mind on how or why all of this got ..."

Questions I've often pondered myself actually, there are a few attempts in book series to explain the origin of Vampires from a mythological stand point and complete fantasy based one also. Some have worked and some haven't I'd say.

I, for one, do not expect stakes through the heart to be a staple anymore.