Review: A Unique Take On Vampire Mythology!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2013
Since the advent of the Twilight Franchise, agents and publishers alike have warned writers that if they're going to do a vampire story, they'd have to bring something to the table in the vampire mythology that is so unusually unique, they can't help but stand up and take notice. Robert Fuller has crafted just such a story in Valerie: Daughter of the Dragon.The story opens with Valerie being taken care of by her manservant, whose duties among many others is to protect her, and make sure she is fed. As the reader becomes acquainted with Valerie, we are made privy to her lineage and the longevity she has enjoyed as Vampire royalty. As the years have gone by, she has learned to adapt to her surroundings, and in this particular iteration of her long life, she is a clothing designer.Valerie's existence takes an exciting turn when she meets Samantha Hammond, a Display Manager with whom she collaborates on a fashion show. Like everyone who is anyone in fashion, Samantha has heard of Valerie and how eccentric she is. Samantha, who, at forty, is trying to find herself, becomes intrigued with Valerie, and soon they are embroiled in a relationship that takes Samantha on undoubtedly the most exciting adventure she has ever had the good fortune (or misfortune) to experience.On Sabbatical Island, Samantha learns Valerie's secret. Now she experiences Valerie's world as an insider, and knows for sure that there really are things that go bump in the night, that feed on humans, unless one of these creatures happens to love you and consider you their soul mate. However, Pamela Darius, an enemy from Valerie's past emerges and turns Valerie and Samantha's formerly idyllic existence upside down.As Valerie and Samantha's relationship heated up, I found myself being amazed continually at how well a man could write these wonderfully erotic and sensuous scenes between two women. Just when I thought I had figured out what was about to transpire, the author sent the characters in a totally different direction, but in a good way. There is nothing predictable about this vampire story. So hold on to your hats readers, because Valerie Daughter of the Dragon will take you on a saga that is romantic, twisted, dark, surreal, and utterly surprising at every turn.While Mr. Fuller is a masterful story teller and his writing style was very enjoyable, the book is a whopping 700 pages, and could have used a developmental edit to help him whittle it down to a tighter more succinct story. However, if you're a glass half empty kind of reader, your glass will definitely be one hundred percent full with this story. It leaves virtually no stone unturned as you follow Valerie and Samantha on this adventure. Also, the surprise ending will have you writing the author and admonishing him to hurry up with the sequel.