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Avalon Revisited
Arthur has made his existence as a vampire bearable for over three hundred years by immersing himself in blood and debauchery. Aboard an airship gala, he meets Avalon, an aspiring vampire slayer who sparks fire into Arthur’s shriveled heart. Together they try to solve the mystery of several horrendous murders on the dark streets of London. Cultures clash and pressures rise in this sexy Steampunk Romance.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
12 people are currently reading
1489 people want to read
About the author
O.M. Grey
23 books89 followersNestled in the mountains of California, Olivia M. Grey lives in the cobwebbed corners of her mind writing paranormal romance with a Steampunk twist. As a writer, podcaster, and speaker, Olivia focuses her poetry and prose on alternative lifestyles and deliciously dark matters of the heart. Her work has been published in anthologies and magazines like Stories in the Ether, SNM Horror Magazine and How The West Was Wicked.
Her premiere Steampunk BDSM erotica novel, Avalon Revisited, is an Amazon.com Gothic Romance bestseller. She also currently has two other titles available: The Zombies of Mesmer, a YA Steampunk Romance, Caught in the Cogs: An Eclectic Collection of short stories, love poetry, and relationship essays.
Ms. Grey’s poem “New York Rain” made the Bar None Group’s Hall of Fame, and her short story “Dust on the Davenport,” as well as her bestselling Steamy Steampunk novel Avalon Revisited, won the 2012 Steampunk Chronicle’s Reader’s Choice Award for best short story and best novel, respectively. Olivia was voted “Muse of the Fair” at the 2011 Steampunk World’s Fair and has enjoyed being a literary guest at several Steampunk Conventions.
Ms. Grey is represented by the fabulous Louise Fury of the L. Perkins Agency.
Her premiere Steampunk BDSM erotica novel, Avalon Revisited, is an Amazon.com Gothic Romance bestseller. She also currently has two other titles available: The Zombies of Mesmer, a YA Steampunk Romance, Caught in the Cogs: An Eclectic Collection of short stories, love poetry, and relationship essays.
Ms. Grey’s poem “New York Rain” made the Bar None Group’s Hall of Fame, and her short story “Dust on the Davenport,” as well as her bestselling Steamy Steampunk novel Avalon Revisited, won the 2012 Steampunk Chronicle’s Reader’s Choice Award for best short story and best novel, respectively. Olivia was voted “Muse of the Fair” at the 2011 Steampunk World’s Fair and has enjoyed being a literary guest at several Steampunk Conventions.
Ms. Grey is represented by the fabulous Louise Fury of the L. Perkins Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 9, 2010
If you like smut, this'll be for you.
It's set in Victorian England, but anachronisms slide through too often to be convincing. The main character... Well, he annoyed the hell out of me, piping up every few seconds with a lascivious thought. Nothing feels particularly original here, and there are certainly places where I wish an editor had acted freely with the red pen.
If bustles and sex were what attracted you to Gail Carriger's "Parasol Protectorate", then you might be interested in Avalon. But if you enjoyed the PP's wit, characterization, dialogue and pacing? Keep looking.
I'll admit, I wasn't expecting this to be quite so torrid -- the main character spends most of his time thinking about sex, adjusting himself, and throwing himself into incredibly descriptive interludes. He's smug and annoying, we get far too much of his internal narration, and there's a bustle fixation that may be the character's, may be the author's, I can't quite tell. The plot ended up rushed, the resolution was just bizarre, and it's hard to put up with a protagonist who views EVERYTHING through a sexualized lens. Seriously, at one point he's mulling necrophilia with a handy corpse while standing next to his love interest -- what?!
It's set in Victorian England, but anachronisms slide through too often to be convincing. The main character... Well, he annoyed the hell out of me, piping up every few seconds with a lascivious thought. Nothing feels particularly original here, and there are certainly places where I wish an editor had acted freely with the red pen.
If bustles and sex were what attracted you to Gail Carriger's "Parasol Protectorate", then you might be interested in Avalon. But if you enjoyed the PP's wit, characterization, dialogue and pacing? Keep looking.
I'll admit, I wasn't expecting this to be quite so torrid -- the main character spends most of his time thinking about sex, adjusting himself, and throwing himself into incredibly descriptive interludes. He's smug and annoying, we get far too much of his internal narration, and there's a bustle fixation that may be the character's, may be the author's, I can't quite tell. The plot ended up rushed, the resolution was just bizarre, and it's hard to put up with a protagonist who views EVERYTHING through a sexualized lens. Seriously, at one point he's mulling necrophilia with a handy corpse while standing next to his love interest -- what?!
May 23, 2011
My first actual nook purchase! I had been looking forward to reading this book ever since I started following Ms. Grey on twitter. She did not disappoint.
Thank you, Ms. Grey, for giving us a vampire with some real teeth, who's comfortable with his condition and at the same time not a maniacal beast. I, for one, have had enough of angst ridden, remorse laden, drama queen vampires.
My favorite line from the book has to be:
That's not to say Arthur York doesn't have his own inner turmoils, but in this reader's opinion they deepen and strengthen the character rather than comsume him. Her use of a true life historical figure as the basis for her protagonist vampire is expertly done. It even prompted me to read up on my English history a bit.
The only thing that detracted from the delightful experience of reading this story was that the edition I have could stand another pass by the copy editor. There were numerous instances of missing, misused or run together words that while not a deal killer were certainly annoying.
Other than that, Ms. Grey artfully blended the elements of vampire romance in a steampunk backdrop. There were airships, fanciful gadgets and even mad science! All of which wonderfully framed a stirring romantic tale. The intimate scenes are just graphic enough to place this novel firmly in the Adult fiction category - as in "for grownups, no kids allowed" - without being gratuitous or base.
The denoument was satisfyingly tense and while not entirely a surprise did indeed deliver a rewarding conclusion.
Overall, Avalon Revisited is an excellent read. I highly recommend it to anyone who favors vampire stories, Victorian Romance or Steampunk.
Thank you, Ms. Grey, for giving us a vampire with some real teeth, who's comfortable with his condition and at the same time not a maniacal beast. I, for one, have had enough of angst ridden, remorse laden, drama queen vampires.
My favorite line from the book has to be:
The Myths were quite varied. Some were completely rediculous, like the idea that vampires glistened in the sunlight. Perhaps they did the moment before they caught fire. Still one must give credit for originality.
That's not to say Arthur York doesn't have his own inner turmoils, but in this reader's opinion they deepen and strengthen the character rather than comsume him. Her use of a true life historical figure as the basis for her protagonist vampire is expertly done. It even prompted me to read up on my English history a bit.
The only thing that detracted from the delightful experience of reading this story was that the edition I have could stand another pass by the copy editor. There were numerous instances of missing, misused or run together words that while not a deal killer were certainly annoying.
Other than that, Ms. Grey artfully blended the elements of vampire romance in a steampunk backdrop. There were airships, fanciful gadgets and even mad science! All of which wonderfully framed a stirring romantic tale. The intimate scenes are just graphic enough to place this novel firmly in the Adult fiction category - as in "for grownups, no kids allowed" - without being gratuitous or base.
The denoument was satisfyingly tense and while not entirely a surprise did indeed deliver a rewarding conclusion.
Overall, Avalon Revisited is an excellent read. I highly recommend it to anyone who favors vampire stories, Victorian Romance or Steampunk.
August 24, 2011
The good:
The author went out on a huge limb with the main character in chapter one. It was a bold move, but it paid off in the end. If Arthur had not been so cheeky and engaging, I definitely wouldn't have finished the book.
The plot was well-constructed, with plenty of little twists and turns. The romantic subplot ran very nicely alongside the action subplot, a trick that many authors have problems connecting.
The bad:
The setting is billed as steampunk but the steampunk elements don't really fit in very well. The bits of steampunk gadgetry that show up early in the book are mostly unnecessary, and the larger element at the end seems more inspired by Frankenstein than by Difference Engine. If you are looking for really crunchy steampunk, I don't think this one will satisfy.
The ugly:
The author has a disturbing habit to leave sentence fragments lying around in places where they don't belong. Most especially, she cuts dependent clauses into their own sentences. If you can look past that (or if what I'm saying makes no sense at all to you) then it probably won't be a problem.
In my Kindle version, sometimes the word-wrapping was fouled up. Generally speaking it wasn't an issue.
The author went out on a huge limb with the main character in chapter one. It was a bold move, but it paid off in the end. If Arthur had not been so cheeky and engaging, I definitely wouldn't have finished the book.
The plot was well-constructed, with plenty of little twists and turns. The romantic subplot ran very nicely alongside the action subplot, a trick that many authors have problems connecting.
The bad:
The setting is billed as steampunk but the steampunk elements don't really fit in very well. The bits of steampunk gadgetry that show up early in the book are mostly unnecessary, and the larger element at the end seems more inspired by Frankenstein than by Difference Engine. If you are looking for really crunchy steampunk, I don't think this one will satisfy.
The ugly:
The author has a disturbing habit to leave sentence fragments lying around in places where they don't belong. Most especially, she cuts dependent clauses into their own sentences. If you can look past that (or if what I'm saying makes no sense at all to you) then it probably won't be a problem.
In my Kindle version, sometimes the word-wrapping was fouled up. Generally speaking it wasn't an issue.
January 21, 2011
This was a book I wasn’t real sure how to classify-Paranormal Romance?, Historical Fiction?, Steampunk?, Mystery?, Suspense?- but it didn’t really matter as it was a jewel. It’s the first O M Grey book I’d read and I immediately set out to get more as this was a totally fascinating read.
It was told from Arthur’s (Henry VII’s brother) point of view. He’s living (dead) the good life 300 years later in Victorian England when he meets a woman that reminds him of his first love Catherine. Well she’s not really interested in him until she runs into him several times while searching for the vampire that has murdered several women that he’s had sex with. As Arthur knows he didn’t kill them, well maybe one of them, he decides to help her discover the killer. The suspense and mystery, along with the hot sexy scenes made this book hard to put down and a very fast read for me.
I love books from this era and Grey did a fabulous job describing the clothes, the parties and the houses of this time. I’m hoping this will be a series as the ending really set it up for another book. This was the first Steampunk I’ve read and definitely will not be the last.
It was told from Arthur’s (Henry VII’s brother) point of view. He’s living (dead) the good life 300 years later in Victorian England when he meets a woman that reminds him of his first love Catherine. Well she’s not really interested in him until she runs into him several times while searching for the vampire that has murdered several women that he’s had sex with. As Arthur knows he didn’t kill them, well maybe one of them, he decides to help her discover the killer. The suspense and mystery, along with the hot sexy scenes made this book hard to put down and a very fast read for me.
I love books from this era and Grey did a fabulous job describing the clothes, the parties and the houses of this time. I’m hoping this will be a series as the ending really set it up for another book. This was the first Steampunk I’ve read and definitely will not be the last.
May 12, 2011
I am not quite sure what exactly the quoted reviewer in the Kindle description of this book was thinking when he/she proclaimed that fans of Gail Carriger would love this book. As best I can tell, the only real similarity between the "Parasol Protectorate" series and this novel is that they are based in the same city, and both firmly fall into the "steampunk" genre.
Admittedly, I come bearing quite a bit of bias. It's fairly rare that I enjoy books primarily centered on men, and even less that I enjoy what I think of as "predatory romance", both of which are strikes against this book. I picked it up initially because of a desire to explore more steampunk novels after having so enjoyed Gail Carriger. I was quite dissatisfied, so I will make this quite to the point.
Three Strikes
1. Arthur comes off as an obsessed, near-sociopath sadist. Sure, he's a vampire, to a degree this is the sort of thing we're supposed to think of him. However, in making him the main focus of this book, there really needed to be more evolution and depth to his character. When the author begins the book with Arthur killing one woman after using her for sex, and then follows this with Arthur treating himself to a prostitute, almost patting himself on the back for being less perverse than other johns.
I believe the author was trying to show Arthur going from this to learning to love again because of Avalon, after the betrayal of his long-lost wife. However, because of the constant comparisons to his lost wife, his feelings for Avalon come across instead as an all consuming obsession with the woman, ending with him taking "possession" of her by turning her into a vampire under the guise of saving her life. We're supposed to believe that Avalon returns his "love" and consents to this, but the transition from fear/revulsion to utter devotion and carnal desires is so quick, that it is unconvincing at best, given Arthur's admission that he possesses the ability to sway the minds of the vulnerable, which Avalon has certainly become at this point.
2. There is nothing witty or adventurous about this novel. Instead, it feels more like the macabre tale of the inner-workings of a serial rapist/sometimes murderer, who happens to be a socially high-functioning member of society, as he selects and draws in the inquisitive and challenging Avalon.
3. The "mystery" killings are not so much a mystery. The hints become quite heavy handed after a while.
The only way in which I could possibly read this book as being "redeemed" in any way, would be to take it as a broader allegory for what misogyny has done to destroy women's intellect, education and personal identity. But this really only works when applied very loosely, nor is this really what this novel seems to have been marketed as.
One final note? For all the sass and intelligence Avalon has throughout the book, Avalon's final words are - "Can I have a new dress, too?" while on the way to find "someone to drink".
I think I will never truly understand paranormal romance.
Admittedly, I come bearing quite a bit of bias. It's fairly rare that I enjoy books primarily centered on men, and even less that I enjoy what I think of as "predatory romance", both of which are strikes against this book. I picked it up initially because of a desire to explore more steampunk novels after having so enjoyed Gail Carriger. I was quite dissatisfied, so I will make this quite to the point.
Three Strikes
1. Arthur comes off as an obsessed, near-sociopath sadist. Sure, he's a vampire, to a degree this is the sort of thing we're supposed to think of him. However, in making him the main focus of this book, there really needed to be more evolution and depth to his character. When the author begins the book with Arthur killing one woman after using her for sex, and then follows this with Arthur treating himself to a prostitute, almost patting himself on the back for being less perverse than other johns.
I believe the author was trying to show Arthur going from this to learning to love again because of Avalon, after the betrayal of his long-lost wife. However, because of the constant comparisons to his lost wife, his feelings for Avalon come across instead as an all consuming obsession with the woman, ending with him taking "possession" of her by turning her into a vampire under the guise of saving her life. We're supposed to believe that Avalon returns his "love" and consents to this, but the transition from fear/revulsion to utter devotion and carnal desires is so quick, that it is unconvincing at best, given Arthur's admission that he possesses the ability to sway the minds of the vulnerable, which Avalon has certainly become at this point.
2. There is nothing witty or adventurous about this novel. Instead, it feels more like the macabre tale of the inner-workings of a serial rapist/sometimes murderer, who happens to be a socially high-functioning member of society, as he selects and draws in the inquisitive and challenging Avalon.
3. The "mystery" killings are not so much a mystery. The hints become quite heavy handed after a while.
The only way in which I could possibly read this book as being "redeemed" in any way, would be to take it as a broader allegory for what misogyny has done to destroy women's intellect, education and personal identity. But this really only works when applied very loosely, nor is this really what this novel seems to have been marketed as.
One final note? For all the sass and intelligence Avalon has throughout the book, Avalon's final words are - "Can I have a new dress, too?" while on the way to find "someone to drink".
I think I will never truly understand paranormal romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2011
I've been holding off writing a review of this book. I've gotten to a point where romance novels make me want to throw things and punch people, so I didn't want to give this book a bad review based on genre hate.
This book was well written. I want to make that clear. Any negativity I feel towards RomNovs aside, the prose here was well done and it's a good stand alone novel. While there could conceivably be a sequel, there's a sense of closure at the end, and there isn't a yearn for more. I wasn't enraptured by the characters enough to want another book, but that's not to say they weren't emotionally intriguing. The story was quite brilliant in the way it brought in history far removed from its setting. The protagonist's view of the events surrounding his death and life were uniquely drawn and kept me engrossed in the book. The sexual encounters were neither horribly written nor outstanding in any way. Typical of the genre and I mostly just skimmed them for story info. I really wanted to give this 3 & 1/2 stars as I preferred it over THE IRON DUKE with its rapist romantic lead, but since I can't, it's stuck with the same 3 stars. Because for all Arthur's faults, he's a vampire and you expect him to be at least a bit of a monster. Also, 3 cheers for denouncing sparkling vampires. O.M. Grey won me over with that one.
This book was well written. I want to make that clear. Any negativity I feel towards RomNovs aside, the prose here was well done and it's a good stand alone novel. While there could conceivably be a sequel, there's a sense of closure at the end, and there isn't a yearn for more. I wasn't enraptured by the characters enough to want another book, but that's not to say they weren't emotionally intriguing. The story was quite brilliant in the way it brought in history far removed from its setting. The protagonist's view of the events surrounding his death and life were uniquely drawn and kept me engrossed in the book. The sexual encounters were neither horribly written nor outstanding in any way. Typical of the genre and I mostly just skimmed them for story info. I really wanted to give this 3 & 1/2 stars as I preferred it over THE IRON DUKE with its rapist romantic lead, but since I can't, it's stuck with the same 3 stars. Because for all Arthur's faults, he's a vampire and you expect him to be at least a bit of a monster. Also, 3 cheers for denouncing sparkling vampires. O.M. Grey won me over with that one.
April 18, 2010
Avalon Revisited is a delightful farce! The whole time I was reading it, I couldn't help but share bits with whomever was with in earshot. The only fault I could find in this preposterous comedy was that of a zipper, and I'm not even sure you could call it a fault -- I just didn't think they came into common use until after 1920 (though there are whispers of it as far back as 1851). The best I can figure the book is set somewhere around 1852. Doesn't matter, I laughed my head off at during that particular scene with chartreuse dress. The whole time I'm reading this I can't help but think of it as some paranormal spoof of a Oscar Wilde-esque play. The Steampunk element for me is light -- the best use that seemed to serve the plot was a bloodletting device worn by the butler. (Which reminds me of another adorable cliche that I won't speak about as it will give away part of the ending and this is a must read.) The other novelties mention seemed to be window dressing, but they are nice windows. This is definitely an adult novel as oppose to recent steampunk fare, like Soulless, that would work well with teens.
April 18, 2010
Enjoyable (if explicit/racy) romp through Victorian London with 350-year-old vampire Arthur Tudor (yes, that one) as he flirts, falls in love, and unravels evil steampunk-mad-scientist vampire-werewolf-hybrid plot.
The writing's quite smooth although this e-book version needed a proofreader in the WORST way... I really liked the idea of Arthur Tudor as a vampire, and everything moved along nicely. The one big drawback for me was that I didn't see why it needed to have such explicit sex scenes. Ah, well.
One other minor quibble: the steampunk aspect seemed a bit underdone to me. It felt more like a series of mentions of steampunk-like devices IN ORDER to make it a steampunk book, rather than the steampunk elements feeling like necessities/ordinary elements to that world. (I hope this makes sense.)
Overall, it was a fun, quick read, and I enjoyed it a lot.
The writing's quite smooth although this e-book version needed a proofreader in the WORST way... I really liked the idea of Arthur Tudor as a vampire, and everything moved along nicely. The one big drawback for me was that I didn't see why it needed to have such explicit sex scenes. Ah, well.
One other minor quibble: the steampunk aspect seemed a bit underdone to me. It felt more like a series of mentions of steampunk-like devices IN ORDER to make it a steampunk book, rather than the steampunk elements feeling like necessities/ordinary elements to that world. (I hope this makes sense.)
Overall, it was a fun, quick read, and I enjoyed it a lot.
April 17, 2012
Avalon Revisited has strong paranormal and romance elements with a dash of Steampunk thrown in for good measure. Set in Victorian England, it tells the story of a 300-year old vampire and the woman who captures his fancy, touching his cold, dead heart after centuries of ennui. The bad news for him? She's also a vampire hunter on the trail of several recent, mysterious murders. Our hero had nothing to do with those - or did he?
The book is well paced, has a few solid action scenes, and some rather adult content in several places. It is not without flaws, but these are generally minor - a typo here and there or the occasional stray word - things I find easily forgivable, particularly from small press titles. I enjoyed this book a great deal. I'm usually slow at reading books, but I whipped through this in (for me) a relatively short time.
The book is well paced, has a few solid action scenes, and some rather adult content in several places. It is not without flaws, but these are generally minor - a typo here and there or the occasional stray word - things I find easily forgivable, particularly from small press titles. I enjoyed this book a great deal. I'm usually slow at reading books, but I whipped through this in (for me) a relatively short time.
May 15, 2010
Fans of Gail Carriger will LOVE Avalon Revisited. Steamy scenes, plot twists, intriguing characters, and of course fabulous gadgets and a most impressive airship make for a phenomenal Steampunk adventure! Gray weaves English History, Arthurian Legend, Victorian culture and Supernatural beings into an incredible tale that covers romance, deception, bustles, brass fittings and intrigue. This is especially great for those who need a break from complaining Vampires who lament their monsterhood on a continuous basis. Arthur makes no apologies for who he is- and he has a rather more creative back story than any other Vampiric Hero. Pick it up- it's a great read!
dnf
March 25, 2011So, I admit that I only read the free sample that was available from Amazon, which is why I'm refraining from rating it (at least for now).
That said, that short sample was enough to tell me this wasn't for me. Not just because it opened with the smut, which isn't my thing, but, mostly, because the protagonist seems remarkably unlikable (which reviews suggest doesn't really change), and the anachronisms and Americanisms strewn throughout the writing were painful.
And that was just the first 2-3 chapters.
So, yeah...
That said, that short sample was enough to tell me this wasn't for me. Not just because it opened with the smut, which isn't my thing, but, mostly, because the protagonist seems remarkably unlikable (which reviews suggest doesn't really change), and the anachronisms and Americanisms strewn throughout the writing were painful.
And that was just the first 2-3 chapters.
So, yeah...
September 5, 2010
I liked Soulless by Gail Carriger and based on some Amazon reviews I thought this would be a similar paranormal, steampunk, romance. Well, the only good things I can say about this poorly conceived and written tripe are: 1. I got it cheap for my Kindle, and 2. I managed to finish the book. It may appeal to paranormal romance readers, but it didn't work for me.
September 8, 2011
The characterization of Arthur Tudor is a delight. He's confident, a little brash, and has quite the sense of humor. However, the author forgot every other character in the book because they're definitely underdeveloped. Still, it's an entertaining read if you enjoy light and easy reading of the supernatural variety.
May 11, 2010
I've gushed enough about this one on my blog...and a little on other people's (or, people) blog! Lurve it...
December 17, 2010
It's refreshingly original to have a tale told from a point of view such as Arthur's, a brave choice. This is a sensual, thoroughly engaging read.
January 27, 2012
This book was so poorly written it made my head hurt to read. The vampire in it was one of the most unsexy vampires I have ever read. Please author get your self a editor.
May 25, 2010
Why I read: Review request from publisher
Favorite Quote: Remember Arthur, I rebuked myself. Remember what it’s like to be human. As if I could after so long, but I faked it well enough.
Arthur is a 350 year old Vampire, although he looks like a teenager living in the heart of the English ton. When he was mortal, he was the brother of King Henry VIII, and lover of Catherine, before he died and she became Queen. Arthur is still bitter over Catherine, and refuses to believe in love. He spends his days seducing older women, his life just a game to him. Until he boards a dirigible, his first air ride, and meets Avalon, who to him looks like Catherine reincarnated. From the first glance he wants her, but she is different than any other woman he has met. She refuses his flirtations, which just makes him want her more. Arthur’s life has just got fun.
While reading Avalon Revisited , I became very intrigued by our hero (or maybe a better description would be anti hero) Arthur. The book is in his POV, and as the reader you quickly learn how lonely, bored and far from a human he has become. He is 350 years old, and has forgotten much of his humanity. He can still behave in public, and is still in good graces with the British elite, but he kills without remorse. His morals are long gone. He plots which person will be seduced and killed in advance. He doesn’t necessarily relish in killing, but it’s part of who he is. He is arrogant, judgmental and I really liked that he is different from your standard hero in a book. As I read, I was very curious to see if O.M. Grey would transform him into a hero we wanted to like or if he would stay in his anti hero status. What we get is a muddled mix of the two.
Arthur meets Avalon, who looks like his beloved Catherine from long ago, and he is enamored. He declares himself in love from the get go, and is determined to have her. She makes him work for it, his simple flirtations annoy her rather than have her lifting her skirts. His predatory natures perks at this hunt, and there is no going back for him. Where my intrigue started to wan happens here. First, Arthur displays supernatural strength and speed in front of Avalon and her vampire hunter friend Victor (while he is suppose to be pretending he is mortal), and while Victor kind of questions it, Avalon just accepts it. They are hunting vampires, Arthur displays vampire traits, and they just carry on. This was a huge red flag that should have had Avalon and Victor jumping into action.
Second, Arthur is in love, or so he says with Avalon and knows to get close to her he has to get close to her companion, Emily. While hitting Emily up for information, he also hits her up for sex. Arthur says, “A man has needs.” If it was Arthur taking her blood, or something directly related to his vampire needs fine. But don’t tell me in a romance that Arthur is completely in love and then have him sleep with another woman - guilt free. I couldn’t believe in his love, and want him to be with Avalon when he does something like that. He eagerly has sex with another woman while “in love” with Avalon, so just because Avalon at the end says I love you, we are to expect he won’t do it again? He NOW is reformed? He NOW will feel regret and guilt because Avalon found out about his indiscretion? I don’t buy it. I like his character, he is SO different, I just don’t like him in love.
I think I would have preferred him not to have “caught” Avalon at the end. Her declaration of love is very abrupt and needed more time to evolve. I would have really enjoyed this story if things didn't work out between them. I didn’t buy their love, so the intrigue and great character build up we see at the first half fell flat for me in the second half. I very much enjoyed Arthur’s voice and the story kept my attention throughout. He made me laugh and he said and did outrageous things. However, what could have been a very different book, turns out to be a mediocre love story.
Favorite Quote: Remember Arthur, I rebuked myself. Remember what it’s like to be human. As if I could after so long, but I faked it well enough.
Arthur is a 350 year old Vampire, although he looks like a teenager living in the heart of the English ton. When he was mortal, he was the brother of King Henry VIII, and lover of Catherine, before he died and she became Queen. Arthur is still bitter over Catherine, and refuses to believe in love. He spends his days seducing older women, his life just a game to him. Until he boards a dirigible, his first air ride, and meets Avalon, who to him looks like Catherine reincarnated. From the first glance he wants her, but she is different than any other woman he has met. She refuses his flirtations, which just makes him want her more. Arthur’s life has just got fun.
While reading Avalon Revisited , I became very intrigued by our hero (or maybe a better description would be anti hero) Arthur. The book is in his POV, and as the reader you quickly learn how lonely, bored and far from a human he has become. He is 350 years old, and has forgotten much of his humanity. He can still behave in public, and is still in good graces with the British elite, but he kills without remorse. His morals are long gone. He plots which person will be seduced and killed in advance. He doesn’t necessarily relish in killing, but it’s part of who he is. He is arrogant, judgmental and I really liked that he is different from your standard hero in a book. As I read, I was very curious to see if O.M. Grey would transform him into a hero we wanted to like or if he would stay in his anti hero status. What we get is a muddled mix of the two.
Arthur meets Avalon, who looks like his beloved Catherine from long ago, and he is enamored. He declares himself in love from the get go, and is determined to have her. She makes him work for it, his simple flirtations annoy her rather than have her lifting her skirts. His predatory natures perks at this hunt, and there is no going back for him. Where my intrigue started to wan happens here. First, Arthur displays supernatural strength and speed in front of Avalon and her vampire hunter friend Victor (while he is suppose to be pretending he is mortal), and while Victor kind of questions it, Avalon just accepts it. They are hunting vampires, Arthur displays vampire traits, and they just carry on. This was a huge red flag that should have had Avalon and Victor jumping into action.
Second, Arthur is in love, or so he says with Avalon and knows to get close to her he has to get close to her companion, Emily. While hitting Emily up for information, he also hits her up for sex. Arthur says, “A man has needs.” If it was Arthur taking her blood, or something directly related to his vampire needs fine. But don’t tell me in a romance that Arthur is completely in love and then have him sleep with another woman - guilt free. I couldn’t believe in his love, and want him to be with Avalon when he does something like that. He eagerly has sex with another woman while “in love” with Avalon, so just because Avalon at the end says I love you, we are to expect he won’t do it again? He NOW is reformed? He NOW will feel regret and guilt because Avalon found out about his indiscretion? I don’t buy it. I like his character, he is SO different, I just don’t like him in love.
I think I would have preferred him not to have “caught” Avalon at the end. Her declaration of love is very abrupt and needed more time to evolve. I would have really enjoyed this story if things didn't work out between them. I didn’t buy their love, so the intrigue and great character build up we see at the first half fell flat for me in the second half. I very much enjoyed Arthur’s voice and the story kept my attention throughout. He made me laugh and he said and did outrageous things. However, what could have been a very different book, turns out to be a mediocre love story.
August 13, 2014
First review got lost. Second time's the charm?
So, I really enjoyed Avalon Revisited. I don't think I've used the highlight feature in my Kindle so much, actually.
This is paranormal steampunk romance narrated by a 350 year old sarcastic, witty, and completely dandified vampire. Have you ever read a regency romance narrated by a guy? How about by a Dandy? Yeah me either. Until now.
Arthur's view on British aristocracy and day-to-day Victorian life is nothing short of hysterical. This whole story reads like a jaded aside as his private thoughts, so sarcastic, so completely debauched, are shared with the reader.
One reviewer said "Avalon Revisited is a delightful farce! The whole time I was reading it, I couldn't help but share bits with whomever was with in earshot" and I couldn't agree more. I was LOL'ing at almost every other page.
My favorite scene was, hands down, in Lord Haldenby's tomb.
His chalky skin, even whiter than the marble tomb, glimmered in the flicker torchlight. I pulled up my sleeve to look at my skin, and it didn't shimmer like that. Maybe there was something to those bizarre myths. What was this thing? Could there be different species or "races" of vampires? The man looked over at us, rather dumbfounded.
"I say," he said. "What's all this?" A man of fine breeding. Condescending even after death.
"Lord Haldenby?" Victor said.
"Yes? What is all this about?" he demanded with comfortable authority. "Answer me, young man."
"Forgive us, sir," Victor said, "but you're dead, sir."
I mean, three vampire hunters, one of whom IS a vampire, standing in a British noble's tomb trying to convince him he's dead. Does it GET any better?
As for complaints that this story is too raunchy and that Arthur is too focus on sex,... I think that was the whole point. His casual sexual liaisons and debauchery are admittedly over the top, but as he becomes more enamored with Avalon, Arthur begins to change. His transformation throughout this story is drastic, and that's only possible because he's such a degenerate in the beginning.
I think my biggest disappointment was how one-dimensional Avalon's character turned out to be. She is described as beautiful, her actions show her to be a complete badass, and she generally seems like the kind of heroine I would love to read more about. Sadly, she (and really, everything) takes a backseat to Arthur.
Read this if you're looking for something completely out of left-field, totally unexpected, and different from your average steampunk. This is NOT The Parasol Protectorate. It's barely in the same category. Avalon Revisited is much more spicy!
So, I really enjoyed Avalon Revisited. I don't think I've used the highlight feature in my Kindle so much, actually.
This is paranormal steampunk romance narrated by a 350 year old sarcastic, witty, and completely dandified vampire. Have you ever read a regency romance narrated by a guy? How about by a Dandy? Yeah me either. Until now.
Arthur's view on British aristocracy and day-to-day Victorian life is nothing short of hysterical. This whole story reads like a jaded aside as his private thoughts, so sarcastic, so completely debauched, are shared with the reader.
One reviewer said "Avalon Revisited is a delightful farce! The whole time I was reading it, I couldn't help but share bits with whomever was with in earshot" and I couldn't agree more. I was LOL'ing at almost every other page.
My favorite scene was, hands down, in Lord Haldenby's tomb.
His chalky skin, even whiter than the marble tomb, glimmered in the flicker torchlight. I pulled up my sleeve to look at my skin, and it didn't shimmer like that. Maybe there was something to those bizarre myths. What was this thing? Could there be different species or "races" of vampires? The man looked over at us, rather dumbfounded.
"I say," he said. "What's all this?" A man of fine breeding. Condescending even after death.
"Lord Haldenby?" Victor said.
"Yes? What is all this about?" he demanded with comfortable authority. "Answer me, young man."
"Forgive us, sir," Victor said, "but you're dead, sir."
I mean, three vampire hunters, one of whom IS a vampire, standing in a British noble's tomb trying to convince him he's dead. Does it GET any better?
As for complaints that this story is too raunchy and that Arthur is too focus on sex,... I think that was the whole point. His casual sexual liaisons and debauchery are admittedly over the top, but as he becomes more enamored with Avalon, Arthur begins to change. His transformation throughout this story is drastic, and that's only possible because he's such a degenerate in the beginning.
I think my biggest disappointment was how one-dimensional Avalon's character turned out to be. She is described as beautiful, her actions show her to be a complete badass, and she generally seems like the kind of heroine I would love to read more about. Sadly, she (and really, everything) takes a backseat to Arthur.
Read this if you're looking for something completely out of left-field, totally unexpected, and different from your average steampunk. This is NOT The Parasol Protectorate. It's barely in the same category. Avalon Revisited is much more spicy!
October 27, 2012
Arthur was to be King, before he was changed. Now he watches from the shadows loving different woman for a night or so as years pass by. Three hundred and fifty plus years and he meets the woman on a steam air ship gala that resembles his long lost love. Inserting himself in her investigation for a vampire on a murdering spree Arthur falls in love with the woman she is. And the mystery murders...might be something he should focus on as the victims seem to be affiliated with him, and are now turning into vampires though stronger and slightly different from a normal vampire. Along with solving this mystery and keeping his hearts love safe, Arthur has to try to keep his secret and get the love of his affects to fall for him as well.
The story is a Romance. There are many intimate moments with Arthur and... a few woman. He is stuck in a young fit, active and hormone induced male body after all.
Arthur starts as a man looking for blood and a quick romp with woman. By the end he has evolved, to seem a better man. Not that he was a bad man at the beginning as I really liked his choice in women. He never took the innocent virgin take that many think vampires are hungry for. No, Arthur was always looking for an older, mature woman that is more experienced.
There is a mystery here as well. But first we meet the key characters then get to the mystery. So we start off with the "active" Arthur with one thought in mind over the women he meets. Avalon seems to take to Arthur easier and easier through the book. He seems to be her type of personality when they get talking, finally.
This is set in a Victorian age with some touches of steampunk as well. There are some neat steam and gear contraptions found here. Some created to benefit a vampire as well. The story has a bit of fighting as well. With the vampires, there has to be some fighting. The story has a combo of all things present for readers that want more with their romance.
As for the Podcast:
I like the authors voice as she reads the different characters and accents she makes it sound like the character with accent and attitude they would use. The infliction used in voice makes all the difference in understanding the innuendos sometimes. These episodes are done with about a half hour or less sessions which ends up being a chapter or two at a time. The author doesn't give anything away in speaking the parts and speaks clearly to easily understand her.
I would say whether read or listen, this sounds like a very good Romance with all sorts of extras added in to enjoy.
The story is a Romance. There are many intimate moments with Arthur and... a few woman. He is stuck in a young fit, active and hormone induced male body after all.
Arthur starts as a man looking for blood and a quick romp with woman. By the end he has evolved, to seem a better man. Not that he was a bad man at the beginning as I really liked his choice in women. He never took the innocent virgin take that many think vampires are hungry for. No, Arthur was always looking for an older, mature woman that is more experienced.
There is a mystery here as well. But first we meet the key characters then get to the mystery. So we start off with the "active" Arthur with one thought in mind over the women he meets. Avalon seems to take to Arthur easier and easier through the book. He seems to be her type of personality when they get talking, finally.
This is set in a Victorian age with some touches of steampunk as well. There are some neat steam and gear contraptions found here. Some created to benefit a vampire as well. The story has a bit of fighting as well. With the vampires, there has to be some fighting. The story has a combo of all things present for readers that want more with their romance.
As for the Podcast:
I like the authors voice as she reads the different characters and accents she makes it sound like the character with accent and attitude they would use. The infliction used in voice makes all the difference in understanding the innuendos sometimes. These episodes are done with about a half hour or less sessions which ends up being a chapter or two at a time. The author doesn't give anything away in speaking the parts and speaks clearly to easily understand her.
I would say whether read or listen, this sounds like a very good Romance with all sorts of extras added in to enjoy.
December 27, 2011
O.M. Grey’s “Avalon Revisited” a Steampunk paranormal adventure pulls no punches and grabbed my attention from the very first page. This book lives up to the author’s description of “Blood and debauchery”. True to the Steampunk genre this book is filled with gadgets, weapons and Creatures of the night.
The novel follows “Arthur York” a member of the Victorian elite, who has a dark secret. He just happens to be over three hundred years old and a vampire. Charming and arrogant Arthur revels in his lust for sex and blood, which is fueled by his loss of his previous life as” Arthur Tudor” the brother to Henry VIII. Arthur's pursuit of his prey leads him to an “Airship Gala” from where he meets “Avalon” who completely captivates him. In pursuing Avalon he finds himself smack dab in the middle of an investigation into the latest “Vampire killings”. Arthur must use all his wits about him to keep Avalon in his midst all the while not giving away his true identity.
The author has done a fantastic job at bringing the Victorian era to life along with the darker aspects of this era as well. Her descriptions of the Brothels & the "Chamber of Horrors" where the elite of Victorian society indulged themselves in the darker pleasures of the flesh will chill you to the bone. I sometimes found myself getting caught up in the detail and the descriptions that I found myself rereading to make sure I did not miss a thing. This attention to detail fed my imagination and I found myself riding an “Airship” for the first time and slaying vampires.
The book is written in the 1st person, from Arthur’s point of view, which was really quite enjoyable and extremely funny at times as we see him struggle with new found sense of love and much to his surprise a piece of his humanity. All the characters in the book slowly developed as the story progressed and by the end of the book were all an integral part of the story. The plot line is well paced from the very first page and never stops, and keeps you engaged, horrified and laughing out loud. I love O.M. Grey’s writing style and she her comedic timing was fantastic.
This was my first taste of the “Steampunk” genre and I loved this book! I do want to point out that this is a book for adults. So if you are looking for a dark adventure this book is for you! With that said I give “Avalon Revisited” 4.5 Stars.
4.5 Stars!
Reviewed for Darkissreads. www.darkissreads.com
The novel follows “Arthur York” a member of the Victorian elite, who has a dark secret. He just happens to be over three hundred years old and a vampire. Charming and arrogant Arthur revels in his lust for sex and blood, which is fueled by his loss of his previous life as” Arthur Tudor” the brother to Henry VIII. Arthur's pursuit of his prey leads him to an “Airship Gala” from where he meets “Avalon” who completely captivates him. In pursuing Avalon he finds himself smack dab in the middle of an investigation into the latest “Vampire killings”. Arthur must use all his wits about him to keep Avalon in his midst all the while not giving away his true identity.
The author has done a fantastic job at bringing the Victorian era to life along with the darker aspects of this era as well. Her descriptions of the Brothels & the "Chamber of Horrors" where the elite of Victorian society indulged themselves in the darker pleasures of the flesh will chill you to the bone. I sometimes found myself getting caught up in the detail and the descriptions that I found myself rereading to make sure I did not miss a thing. This attention to detail fed my imagination and I found myself riding an “Airship” for the first time and slaying vampires.
The book is written in the 1st person, from Arthur’s point of view, which was really quite enjoyable and extremely funny at times as we see him struggle with new found sense of love and much to his surprise a piece of his humanity. All the characters in the book slowly developed as the story progressed and by the end of the book were all an integral part of the story. The plot line is well paced from the very first page and never stops, and keeps you engaged, horrified and laughing out loud. I love O.M. Grey’s writing style and she her comedic timing was fantastic.
This was my first taste of the “Steampunk” genre and I loved this book! I do want to point out that this is a book for adults. So if you are looking for a dark adventure this book is for you! With that said I give “Avalon Revisited” 4.5 Stars.
4.5 Stars!
Reviewed for Darkissreads. www.darkissreads.com
February 13, 2011
Contains minor spoilers, but probably safe to read unless you're totally spoiler-phobic.
I wanted to read this book because the author is going to be at a con I'm attending. And I like steampunk romance. I actually didn't realize it was a vampire book until I started it. I have conflicting feelings about this book. The narrator is Lord Arthur York, or Arthur Tudor as he was known when he was heir to the throne of England. He became a vampire and his brother Henry VIII got it instead. The narrator is not really a likable character at all. For the past 350 years he's done nothing other than seduce women for sex and blood, sometimes killing with no remorse. At the beginning of the book, his utter contempt for women and humans in general borders on the disgusting. He's a sadist who uses his hypnotic powers to force women to "consent" to sadistic sex acts. I don't mind explicit sex in novels, and I don't mind S&M scenes, but my feelings on these scenes were more revulsion than titillation.
And then Arthur meets a women who looks like the love of his life that he lost 300 years before. He falls in love with her and then discovers she's actually a vampire hunter. It's at this point that I began to be actually interested in the book. Avalon (yes, that's her name) works with a vampire hunter named Victor who invents neat steampunk gadgets to fight the undead. Arthur scams his way into their confidence and the three soon discover there is something strange going on in London. Vampire/werewolf hybrids are on a killing spree. The novelty of a vampire as a vampire hunter was fairly entertaining. Over the course of the book the "power of love" works to make Arthur a better person. He stops wanting other women and find himself both sexually and vampirically impotent for a time.
Despite my distaste for Arthur's character in general, I found myself rooting for him and for the romance between him and Avalon. I'm not sure I really feel great about how everything turns out, but I did enjoy this as a quick read. I would actually really like to read more by this author without the vampires.
I wanted to read this book because the author is going to be at a con I'm attending. And I like steampunk romance. I actually didn't realize it was a vampire book until I started it. I have conflicting feelings about this book. The narrator is Lord Arthur York, or Arthur Tudor as he was known when he was heir to the throne of England. He became a vampire and his brother Henry VIII got it instead. The narrator is not really a likable character at all. For the past 350 years he's done nothing other than seduce women for sex and blood, sometimes killing with no remorse. At the beginning of the book, his utter contempt for women and humans in general borders on the disgusting. He's a sadist who uses his hypnotic powers to force women to "consent" to sadistic sex acts. I don't mind explicit sex in novels, and I don't mind S&M scenes, but my feelings on these scenes were more revulsion than titillation.
And then Arthur meets a women who looks like the love of his life that he lost 300 years before. He falls in love with her and then discovers she's actually a vampire hunter. It's at this point that I began to be actually interested in the book. Avalon (yes, that's her name) works with a vampire hunter named Victor who invents neat steampunk gadgets to fight the undead. Arthur scams his way into their confidence and the three soon discover there is something strange going on in London. Vampire/werewolf hybrids are on a killing spree. The novelty of a vampire as a vampire hunter was fairly entertaining. Over the course of the book the "power of love" works to make Arthur a better person. He stops wanting other women and find himself both sexually and vampirically impotent for a time.
Despite my distaste for Arthur's character in general, I found myself rooting for him and for the romance between him and Avalon. I'm not sure I really feel great about how everything turns out, but I did enjoy this as a quick read. I would actually really like to read more by this author without the vampires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2010
Having read and loved Gail Carrigers "Parasol Protectorate" books, I was happy, when I came across this book: vampires, steampunk, mystery and romance. Just the mixture I was looking for.
Having read the book, I'm a bit torn. On one hand, it was really fun. Arthur was a vampire hero just after my fancy. Arthur seems quite comfortable with being a vampire, and he doesn't seem to have regrets, scruples or high moral standards. He seduces women, he drinks their blood, and sometimes it happens that he kills one (unintentionally). After tons of whiny teenage vamps and noble vampire warriors, that populate vampire literature these days, meeting Arthur was really a pleasure.
On the other hand, the book has some flaws. The characters (apart from Arthur), even Avalon, remain strangely flat. Avalon would have made a great strong heroine. But the reader gets more of Arthurs raving about her, than the actual Avalon. And Avalon makes not exactly the impression of an intelligent strong woman, most of the time she's rather naive.
With 240 pages "Avalon revisited" is a very short book, the result is that it lacks depth, and parts of it, mostly the last 50 pages, seem very rushed. Which killed, among other things, the romance. Two people saying "I love you" is not necessarily romantic. I missed a (believable) process of falling in love. (Perhaps I'm just not a "love at first sight" person...)
The mystery part of the book was ok, though a bit predictable and not overly imaginative.
And there's the steampunk. Like with Gail Carrigers books, there are steampunk details everywhere, without the book really being a steampunk novel. That's fine with me. As I said in the beginning, I really like the mixture of genres.
I didn't love "Avalon Revisited", but I had fun with it and if there's another book by this author in the future, I will likely be buying and reading it.
Having read the book, I'm a bit torn. On one hand, it was really fun. Arthur was a vampire hero just after my fancy. Arthur seems quite comfortable with being a vampire, and he doesn't seem to have regrets, scruples or high moral standards. He seduces women, he drinks their blood, and sometimes it happens that he kills one (unintentionally). After tons of whiny teenage vamps and noble vampire warriors, that populate vampire literature these days, meeting Arthur was really a pleasure.
On the other hand, the book has some flaws. The characters (apart from Arthur), even Avalon, remain strangely flat. Avalon would have made a great strong heroine. But the reader gets more of Arthurs raving about her, than the actual Avalon. And Avalon makes not exactly the impression of an intelligent strong woman, most of the time she's rather naive.
With 240 pages "Avalon revisited" is a very short book, the result is that it lacks depth, and parts of it, mostly the last 50 pages, seem very rushed. Which killed, among other things, the romance. Two people saying "I love you" is not necessarily romantic. I missed a (believable) process of falling in love. (Perhaps I'm just not a "love at first sight" person...)
The mystery part of the book was ok, though a bit predictable and not overly imaginative.
And there's the steampunk. Like with Gail Carrigers books, there are steampunk details everywhere, without the book really being a steampunk novel. That's fine with me. As I said in the beginning, I really like the mixture of genres.
I didn't love "Avalon Revisited", but I had fun with it and if there's another book by this author in the future, I will likely be buying and reading it.
January 19, 2011
Avalon Revisited, by O.M. Grey, is a wonderfully rich romp through (steampunk) Victorian London. The reader is immediately caught up in the drama and intrigue that is the nobility, but wait, Lord York is a vampire, and there's been a murder, several murders, and the culprit appears to be... A Vampire! What is a rapscallion like Arthur York to do? This will certainly curtail his social life. And just when he's found his true love. But she turns out to be a vampire hunter. Is there no end to difficulties.
This wonderfully written novel is filled with delectable twists and turns that keep the reader, and Arthur, on their toes. We are even graced with a cameo appearance by a certain Victorian physician we immediately recognize. One can't help but loving the scandalous rogue Arthur, and with him we are drawn to the beautiful and mysterious Avalon. The plot is well thought out, and artfully executed by the author. The mystery is enigmatic, the sex is titillating, and the end is emotional and romantic.
In a world of cliché and just-like, Avalon Revisited is refreshingly original. It is steampunk at it's best, and romance at it's finest, wrapped around a murder mystery you can sink your teeth into. O.M. Grey has shown her mastery of speculative fiction and I can't wait to see what is next off the presses.
Bravo, Ms. Grey.
This wonderfully written novel is filled with delectable twists and turns that keep the reader, and Arthur, on their toes. We are even graced with a cameo appearance by a certain Victorian physician we immediately recognize. One can't help but loving the scandalous rogue Arthur, and with him we are drawn to the beautiful and mysterious Avalon. The plot is well thought out, and artfully executed by the author. The mystery is enigmatic, the sex is titillating, and the end is emotional and romantic.
In a world of cliché and just-like, Avalon Revisited is refreshingly original. It is steampunk at it's best, and romance at it's finest, wrapped around a murder mystery you can sink your teeth into. O.M. Grey has shown her mastery of speculative fiction and I can't wait to see what is next off the presses.
Bravo, Ms. Grey.
May 15, 2010
I wanted to read this book since I heard of its release and I was finally able to yesterday. It's a nice quick read, but yet not TOO quick. I love how it was put together and how the steampunk aspect came into play. Lots of mention of gadgets and a nice little ride on an airship (my first!) made this one unique to me. I'm a huge paranormal freak so the combination of two of my favorite things came together perfectly.
I really wasn't expecting this one to be so good. I expected more mistakes or a story that didn't flow well or had poor character development. This had none of those things. The characters were well developed and love-able and the story flowed very nicely. I loved Arthurs history and his ability to love after he was sure he couldn't love again. Everything came together in the story very nicely.
The only thing that I didn't love was the end wrapped up a bit abruptly, in my opinion. It wasn't a huge deal though and I really hope that Grey plans to continue these characters in another book.
Overall this book far exceeded my expectations and made me want to find every paranormal steampunk book out there to read. Luckily I have a couple of others here waiting to be read.
Great job O.M. Grey!
I really wasn't expecting this one to be so good. I expected more mistakes or a story that didn't flow well or had poor character development. This had none of those things. The characters were well developed and love-able and the story flowed very nicely. I loved Arthurs history and his ability to love after he was sure he couldn't love again. Everything came together in the story very nicely.
The only thing that I didn't love was the end wrapped up a bit abruptly, in my opinion. It wasn't a huge deal though and I really hope that Grey plans to continue these characters in another book.
Overall this book far exceeded my expectations and made me want to find every paranormal steampunk book out there to read. Luckily I have a couple of others here waiting to be read.
Great job O.M. Grey!
September 24, 2010
Pretty sappy stuff here. Melodramatic, unlikeable characters, ho-hum plot. I was very disappointed in this so called "steampunk" novel. Other than one brief appearance of an airship, there is no steampunk ingredients to be had. Felt misled by the blurb touting a steampunk romance. The main character of Arthur the vampire is really sort of a ridiculous arrogant Victorian popinjay who is callous and selfish until he falls in love with Avalon the vampire slayer, but even after they meet and team up, his personality is pretty shallow and I found him highly unlikeable, her too. THis plot could have been alright with better execution and more character development but lacking both, I felt it an amateur attempt at yet another vampire novel among thousands that are being pumped out now. Sorry folks...I did not care for this much.
January 27, 2013
I picked up this up because it combines several of my favorite things: vampires, Victoriana, and steampunk, but it has surpassed my expectations entirely!
This is a delightful little book with a cheekily enjoyable vampire protagonist. His point of view feels modern and detached, so his commentary on the Steampunk Victorian London that surrounds him is priceless. Add to this that he's a rake and seducer, and you begin to get a feel for Arthur York.
The novel offers many fabulously enjoyable elements: passion, mystery, atmosphere, romance and humor. I loved the tone and the steampunk ambience. Grey doesn't lay it on too thickly like some authors; the steampunk elements serve the characters and plot.
Fun read.
This is a delightful little book with a cheekily enjoyable vampire protagonist. His point of view feels modern and detached, so his commentary on the Steampunk Victorian London that surrounds him is priceless. Add to this that he's a rake and seducer, and you begin to get a feel for Arthur York.
The novel offers many fabulously enjoyable elements: passion, mystery, atmosphere, romance and humor. I loved the tone and the steampunk ambience. Grey doesn't lay it on too thickly like some authors; the steampunk elements serve the characters and plot.
Fun read.
September 5, 2010
I finished the book which apparently is all that I can say about it. Now I'm not too mad that I got this book, because I obtained it for free thanks to Amazon lovely freebie Kindle book days. That's about the best thing I can say. I thought it was going to be some steamy vampire romance (with a historical flair). However, all I got was some whiny vampire, tepid at best action sequences, and horrible dialouge. Well at least I finished it.
September 5, 2014
Super addicting page turner! Sexy, funny, and yet still manages to pull at your heart strings. Looking forward to reading more from Grey, she has an imagination that's real and all her own. I loved the fact that the main character is a historical figure, it made it that much more intriguing. Also, I must say, I'm so glad Arthur was cool with his existence and not a whiner, he decided to be clever, instead!
January 3, 2013
I was hooked in chapter one. I read the Kindle version over two days during Christmas break. I don't normally like paranormal, but I really got into this one because it was written well. I like the Victorian England almost steampunk setting. I tend to like more scifi in my fiction, but the fast pace of the story kept me interested.
May 3, 2010
This was a good book I picked up on a whim. It was much more vampire than I'd expected, which I liked, though less steampunk than I'd expected. The romance wasn't too sticky sweet for me, also a good thing.
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