the 2nd Saint Germain book I've read recently. I enjoyed both of them hugely, these books are more historical fiction that about vampires, though Saint Germain has been a vampire for over 3500 years, living through many periods of history, and it is these periods of history taht Yarbro does extremely well. States of Grace was set in Venice and the Low Lands in 1520-1522 (the other one I read was set in 1704) and really brings alive the religious intolerances there were around at that time, as well as the political intrigue that was rife in Venice. Saint Germain as a vampire can live on the blood of animals (usually his horses, or game), but to get the best nourishment he needs human blood, however, he usually gets this from his lovers at the moment of esctasy he takes what he needs and shares their fulfilment. if he has no lover, he will visit women (usually widows) in their dreams! However, there is a downside for his lovers, he can only be with them this way five times, if a sixth and more, they will become of his blood, in otherwords they will sicken and die, then become vampires themselves. This is a choice Saint Germain always gives to his lovers, he never takes. For a vampire, he is full of humanity and strives to help people where he can. He is usually accompanied in his adventures by his manservant, a ghoul, someone he resuced in Imperial Rome from certain death, Rogerian (or Roger, Ruggier, Ruthger, Hroger) has been with Saint Germain for over 1500 years and is more than a servant, been very aware of Saint Germain's weaknesses.The first of this series I read was many years ago, Hotel Transvylvania, set in Paris in 1743. I will have to go back and reread this when I can.
This is another fantastic book on Saint Germain. I will always love this character. SPOLIER ALERT I am so glad that he got the girl back and that she is safe and he found out about his money and house goods being used for gambling by that man. Just wished people would stop taking advantage of him. He always looks for the good in people and finds the bad in them instead. He needs to stay around his own kind and they help out each other but I know he can't because that would bring on more suspicion to his kind. I would love it if he would find true love for himself and Roger so they can find happiness. But that is wishful thinking on my account. LOL! A girl can dream right. Hope you all love this series as much as I am. Take Care Samantha
What do You think about States Of Grace (2006)?
Well, I am not finishing this book. I bought it in the dollar section of Half Price Books, attracted by the cover and its Venetian setting, and the idea that it was also about vampires! Upon later research, I discovered that it was the 19th book in a series that currently has 24 books. While I hate to read books out of order, I figured that I would start with this one, and then, if I liked it, go back and read the rest. Unfortunately, this book did not in any way catch my interest. It was not poorly written, and the historic detail seemed immaculate, but I am halfway through it and what little plot there is to speak of, I just do not care what happens. There is more historic detail than plot or character development. Anything remotely interesting that is mentioned, is evident that it happened in a past book. There were letters that seemed rather lively, but this last letter that I read: a bill from a tailor, just put me over the edge. Reading this felt like a total waste of time, and as a result, I have no intention of digging up the previous 18 books. Oh, also, there was nothing vampirish about this either... the main character walks in the sunlight and everything!
—Victoria
