Review: Interesting Balkan Folklore and Vampires!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2013
I chose to read this book, first off, because it was written by a man.  I am always intrigued to read different versions of vampires, and how they are created by the author.  I find that male authors tend toward the violent and savage natures of vampires; Lyons is no exception to this.  His version of the vampire is based on Balkan folklore as far back as the 14th century.  This novel is written during the time of the breakup of Yugoslavia, weaving together the story with flashbacks and real time action.  The flashbacks were begun far into the past, and each time we flash back, the time gets a little closer together, closing the gap between past and present until finally we meet up in a denouement of action and heart-pounding resolution.Lyons gives the reader extensive lessons in Balkan and Slavic history and folklore.  We learn of hideous creatures and life forms based on superstition.  We are taken through these archives with the main character, Steven, a college student in pursuit of a PhD, guided by his mentor to delve into Vampire mythology and legend through the study of Ethnography.  It is through Steven's studies and innocent presentations to his fellow students that we learn how close he's coming to discovering the truth about these `legends'.I enjoyed the beginning of the book, and was hooked fairly quickly.  I like it when the suspense and intrigue is immediate.  I found myself getting bored with the history lesson, and kept pushing myself to keep reading, because I knew this had to lead somewhere.  Finally, I was rewarded!  The action began after what felt like too long to wait, but it never stopped once it got rolling.  There were some plot twists I didn't see coming, suspense, and tragedy.  It was a wild ride to the ending, and you needed all that history in order to appreciate what was happening and why.  The ending gave us closure, but left enough open ended situations to allow for a sequel.  I sure hope James Lyons writes another book in this series; I would certainly buy it.  If you liked "The Historian", you'll love Kiss of the Butterfly.Flames: 0  (there is no romance, only the hint of attraction)Overall rating:  4 out of 5 stars - I was bored during the beginning, but appreciated that entire trip down the road of Balkan history once I completed the book.**Reviewed by Ariel M. for VampireRomanceBooks.com**