Review: Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat -- Book

 

I am a huge fan of the TV series Interview with the Vampire. So much so that less than two weeks after the last episode aired, when the first trailer for the third season popped up, I had to go watch it. Sam Reid in all his Rock Star Vampire glory — and that song, “Long Face.” I was mesmerized. I stopped breathing, bending forward to stare at the screen as if it was never going to let me go.

And it didn’t. Not until the last note, the last slide. Only then did I remember to breathe.

The first thing out of my mouth was: “I gotta read that book.”

Season three, titled The Vampire Lestat, finally pushed me over the edge. I sat down to read. It took me a while, but damn. Holy f**k me blonde.

Everyone who told me the series gets better with this book? You were so right. Lestat is… well, let’s just say I trust his narration far more than I trust Louis’.

We meet the Vampire Lestat in 1984, the year of his great and glorious massive concert. His band is far more popular than the television version, and they’re building toward the concert that will herald — in the show — the Great Conversion. In the book, it’s Lestat’s tell‑all. His announcement to mortals that vampires really do exist. And the rule is the same in both: you don’t confess to mortals and let them live.

But Lestat stops there to take us back to his beginning — to show us how he got here. Nicholas Lenfent. Magnus, the vampire who kidnapped him and turned him against his will. Marius, who turned Armand and later befriended Lestat when he needed guidance, introducing him to Those Who Must Be Kept — just as in the series, but in a different setting. Lestat’s backstory is far more interesting than Louis ever lets us believe.

Lestat as a character vacillates between cynicism and childlike wonder. In the end, he’s both. Louis is guilt turned outward — blaming everyone else for his vampiric life. Lestat is guilt turned inward — believing that if others see him as a monster, then he must be one.

It would take a lifetime to understand this match made in a Freudian psych ward. And yet, Lestat is so desperate to be loved that he gives his love freely.

And I love him for it. The Vampire Lestat sets up the ending of the television series and the launch of Queen of the Damned really well, too. I'm salivating to read it now.

Anne Rice wove a brilliant story with intricate characters, rich melodic storylines, and pacing that keeps you hooked to the last word. TVL, as fans call it, breathes life into a fictional society living in the fringes of darkness and makes them as real as you or me. The mark of a great author is the building of a world greater than our own — a mythology that captures the imagination so deeply that we want to live there.

I know I do.

If you haven’t read it — if, like me, Interview left you cold because there’s not a lot to like in those characters — then The Vampire Lestat will restore your faith in vampire lore and prove that Anne Rice knew exactly what she was doing.

Five out of five stars.

The Vampire Lestat is available in ebook, hardcover, paperback, and audio book through Amazon by clicking here.

Review: 2026 Masters of the Universe movie, starring Nicholas Galitzine

 

If you're expecting the big bash 'em up, lots of action, superhero kinda flick, you're not going to like this one at all. 

But! If you're looking for a big bash 'em up, lots of action, superhero kinda flick that makes fun of itself, gives you the giggles, and makes you long for the days of old when such things were pretty cut and dried and good guys were really good and villains weren't morally ambivalent characters but were truly evil...? Oh baby, have I got a movie for you!!

Yes, I was, and still am, a huge fan of the original with Dolph Lundgren as He-Man. I loved the campy, hokeyness of that film. Great cast, so much action and adventure, and characters to root for. What's not to love? And the idea of doing a remake in an industry that's forgotten how make original stories? Sacrilege.

But if the truth be told, Nicholas Galitzine makes one fine successor to Dolph Lundren's loin cloth. As origin movies go, this one has a lot going for it. 

So, yeah, the character of Prince Adam is woke. He's a bit of a stereotypical nerd. The kind you feel sorry for. The kind that makes the bullies wanna slap him around. Which, of course, is always a stupid mistake. But Prince Adam finds his sword, finds his bestie from childhood, and the He-man is awakened. Trust me; he has the power! And I found myself on the edge of my seat, rooting for the good guy to kick some Skeletor ass!

I thought the writing was great with a tight script that wasn't afraid to show its silly side for a deceptive moment before all hell breaks loose. Especially when it's about to get down and dirty, heavy as hell. The acting was also great -- everyone playing it serious, everyone having fun with the characters. Galitzine has proven himself to be a damn fine comedic actor as well as a damn fine dramatic one. Mary & George showed off those dramatic chops being honed to a fine edge. Not to mention Red White & Royal Blue and The Idea of You showing off some Rom-Com muscle too. I adore that man. 

But then again, Having Idris Elba and, yes, that's Jared Leto as Skeletor. I think I like Frank Langella better, but Jared did a great nasty, evil job. Not to mention a cameo by the original, Dolph Lundgren, at the beginning. Passing the torch! 

And will there be a She-Ra movie in the offing? That credit teaser scene seems to indicate. As long as He-Man is there. ;-)

So, yeah. The movie failed in the theater, but Amazon announced that streaming the movie has it at #1 after two days. I love it. And I plan on a couple more watches.

And I'm giving it 5 out of 5 stars. A must watch and a damn fine time.

Masters of the Universe is available on Amazon Prime