Review: intense
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 31, 2012
The main difference between this enjoyable M/M vampire novel and most of those I have read before is that here we have a love triangle, a man, a woman and a (male) vampire who falls for the man.The vampire folklore is fairly traditional and many details are given but it is clear that the main focus of the author's attention lies in the complex relationships among the three main characters.Even if we understand right from the start that the woman does not stand a chance against the vampire's charms it is also clear that the author loves her: beautiful, clever, patient, spirited and self sacrificing. Ofelia is not evil, she does not simply stand in the way of the lovers: she is alive, she is loved and lovely and even the vampire respects her.Events bring these three people together and their meeting has lasting consequences, that is all.The romance among these three is very intense and satisfying. We are given enough details to understand the workings of their minds and feel for them. Characterization is consistent and generally good, even that of the side characters.That said this novel is also flawed. Ms Peters' writing is often redundant, full of unnecessary details (and there are several short episodes which are not really relevant to the plot unless she is planning a sequel). Pacing is encumbered by many flashbacks clumsily woven into the plot, often at the worst of times.The man often accuses the vampire of speaking too much and not acting but the same could be said of the author who tells instead of showing and does not remember that in fiction any sentence must push the plot forward, be it at a leisurely pace.The POV shifts constantly and confusingly among the characters as there is nothing to make the reader aware of the shift, not even the simple device of beginning a new paragraph.Some grammar mistakes, some inconsistencies and a clumsy use of French and Spanish loanwords are also awaiting for a good editor to address them.