Every novel of Saint-Germain is a treat-this is better
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I began reading the Saint-Germain novels in the 1970's. Better in the Dark is one of my favorites. Not a typical vampire novel, not a typical horror novel, Yarbro's treatment of the the dead but undying Count is romance in the tradition of Tristan and Isolde, I Claudius and the Lord of the Rings.
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Boring, no interesting characters, no vampire stuff, dull!
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You call this a Horror novel, a novel about a vampires, what a joke! This book is probably the worst book I have ever read. Not one character was memorable, the ending was uninteresting, and it doesn't leave the reader looking forward to the next one.Too wordy and redundant talk among the characters. This is the first and last book I purchase from this author.
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Saint Germain Novels always a winner
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"Better in the Dark" does not have the fast pace that many of the early Saint Germain novels have. However, as any true fan of the deliciously mesmerizing count, I could not put it down. Many will be put off by the historical content and details, but I found that it is those attributes that make Yarbo's books so compelling and realistic. It is a welcome change from the over-done kill/maim, I-want-to-drink-your-blood and oh-do-I-have-a-soul? vampires. Like many Saint Germain fans, I will read any book containing the count that I can get my hands on, and I have never been disappointed. This is no exception. V. Canfield
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Bored stiff
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If you want an original doorstopper, or need something to prop up a table... this is ideal. I found it tedious, a history lesson I didn't want, and never made it beyond the first 200 pages. One of the worst books I have ever picked up.Thumbs down.
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Yet another wonderful book in the Yarbro collection.
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How best to put the reader in the mind and feelings of the characters? That is the question most authors struggle with, and it is this question that Yarbro has answered. Letters fill this book, ones written by the Comte himself, others by his enemies, allies, even neutral observers. The command of the many and varied languages present is simply amazing, words from people all over the world dotting the pages with hints and clues into the cultures that have long since died away. Saxony is seen with more than a simple hint of believability in this novel, the harsh forests and coast, the stark cold of a monastary, the rabid struggle to survive in a hard land, all brought to the fore. Once again, as in Yarbro's other novels, religion is at the head of the antagonists' side, always fighting against Saint-Germain and his attempts at happiness. It is a book with a heavy emphasis on imagery, and it succeeds in portraying its scenery with vivid life. Unfortunately, less than perfection has been achieved. Despite, or perhaps because of, the high level of content, the book is more than a little slow to read. One has to know the author, and trust that her writing is worth the trouble, to get past the crawling speed. A note of illtiding for those who do not want to take their time with a book, but it still remains a novel well worth that cost.
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