I've always loved books and movies about vampires and with Halloween around the corner, it's pretty easy to find something to give you a nice little "vamp fix". Right now I'm hooked on the HBO series TrueBlood which is based on the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. I haven't read the books but I've hear they are really good. The story revolves around a Louisianna waitress named Sookie Stackhouse. She is a small town southern girl who is considered pretty weird by the townfolk who live in Bon Temps because she can hear everyone's thoughts. The series takes place during a time where Vampires exist and have righ
ts. They are Vampire-American and they struggle against their own kind of racism. People are afraid of them because they are different. They can walk into a bar (just like the one where Sookie works) and order TRUEBLOOD in any "type" they prefer. Sookie's love interest is a vampire named Bill who is not only gorgeous and sexy but his thoughts are "closed" to Sookie. She feels peace, quiet with this vampire who'd been a Son of the South in the War and is a southern gentleman...most of the time. The series is full of quirky, interesting characters along with an action packed plot, lots of graphic sex, mystery and a gothic feel that I haven't seen in a television show or movie in a very long time.Lots of my friends don't get to watch this because they don't get HBO but I'm hoping they'll pick it up when season one comes out in DVD. It's absolutely spellbinding and I wouldn't dream of missing an episode.
What is it about vampires in books and movies that intrigues us so much? Who are some of your favorite vamps and vamp authors? I first fell in love with the whole idea of vampires after reading Christine Feehan's Carpathians and then along came Sherrilyn Kenyon and J.R. Ward. Gotta admit, these alpha heroes are hard to resist. Are you a vamp-fan? What was your first vamp book and who are your faves?
In an aside...any Trueblood watchers out there? What the HELL is Sam? Is he a shifter? What? I'm dying to know.
29 comments:
I'm in love with vampires. They're my favorite paranormal books to read for sure. I'm one of those who don't get to watch Trueblood. I can't wait until its on DVD.
I never got the lure of vampires until about two years ago. I'd never read a vampire romance but thought I would hate them. I mean...blood? fictional creatures? I just thought I wouldn't be able to get into them. I was SO wrong.
I really like Erin Mccarthy's books and I won a free copy of her first vampire romance. I read it and surprise surprise I LOVED it. My friend tried to lure me into the darker books like Kenyon and Ward but I again judged a book when I shouldn't and fought against them. Then one day I broke down and picked up the first Dark Hunter book. I haven't looked back since. I devoured the Dark Hunters, BDB, then later Lara Adrian's Breeds, or any other vampire book I could find. Now I like the darker stuff much better. I actively look for vampire romance every time I go to the bookstore and soon, when I can make the time, I plan to write my first vampire book myself. I can honestly say the vampire paranormals are my favorite sub-genre. And now I try really hard to give all kinds of books a chance. If I hadn't I would have missed out on what are now my favorite books. In fact, I just finished Twilight. LOVED that too and I never thought I'd like a YA.
Okay, I'll stop rambling now....
My first vampire book was one of Shiloh Walker's Hunter series. And then I ordered Christine Warren's first Fantasy Fix book from EC. And... yeah, you know. That's the way it went. I bought all of Delilah Devlin's "Knight" books. Sigh.
And what can I say about Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampires. Wonderful.
Ramble on, darlin'. I sooo completely HEAR you about hesitating over new/different genres. I'm older than you and I remember in the early 90's a friend gave me one of Linda Lael Miller's vamp books. My thought? EWWWWW. It just sounded so creepy to me and hey, I'd been a fan of Dark Shadows when I was a young girl. Anyway,I never read it and now I wish I had.
Then I picked up the first Christine Feehan and loved it. I actually never thought I'd write paranormal at ALL but I DID. Now my Dec. EC release Feral Moon is a shifter/menage but I'd love to write a vamp. Just don't know if I can do it. Playing with the idea.
In the end, it's about being open enough to try something new and different and these days I don't hesitate about that because I realize if I'd held onto that idea, I would've missed out on a lot of good stuff.
Okay. Now I'm Rambing TOO. LOL
Well, Anny you have me convinced to read the Charlaine Harris southern vampire series. I can't wait to buy them up and dig in. I sooo loving TrueBlood on HBO.
I've heard a lot about Shiloh Walker, Delilah Devlin, and Christine Warren. Lordy. EC has some great writers. INCLUDING YOU! :-)
Regina, if you really want to know about I'll send you the answer. Otherwise you'll have to post very big spoiler alerts all over this!!!!
Love the vamps and the shifters and love these books!
Connie
OK, I sent Regina the answer to her question about Sam off loop.
Anone else wants to know, holler my way and I'll tell you too.
Connie
Oooooooooh, I'm wondering about Sam too! But don't tell me! What was that naked streaking thing? There are shifters in these books, right? I haven't read the books but I'm hooked on True Blood! I love JR Ward, thanks to you, Reg and of course Sherrilyn Kenyon. I was first introduced to paranormal romance through Rebecca York's werewolf books so for me, I fell in love with the shifters..and remember Sherrilyn's Bride and Vane..sigh... but now I love vamps just as much!
I loved Blood Ties but they cancelled it. Remember Nick Knight in Forever Night. My favorite vampire book is Fever Dream by George R.R. Martin.
Ahhh Connie! You are sooo sweet. Gotta be a shifter thing going on here. LOL. I personally would LOVE to see Sam and Tara get together. I looooove her character. So sassy.
Hey Alisha my little sweetie pie! I like Rebecca York too. Very good. Damn, I'm so hooked on this series. So far I haven't been able to get DH interested by my daughter and I are just GLUED.
I still love J.R. Ward but the past few books? Umm. NO. My favorite Sherrilyn Kenyon is Night Play. Love Vane and Bride but I still have Acheron sitting here unread so I'm wondering if I'll like it better. Also loved her story with Tabitha and Valerian. Action packed for sure.
Wonder why they cancelled Blood Ties. That was really good. That vamp was so hot.
(I am so gonna get stepped on for this)
Maybe it's the way we're wired or something. I find nothing hot or sexy in vampires, be they male of female.
I grew up reading, "Carmilla", "Varney the Vampire", "Dracula's Guest", the original "Dracula". Bela Lagosi was the best on film, followed closely by Christopher Lee. The latest in a long line of Dracula's, that actually was believable was in "Van Helsing".
Cold blooded killers, fighting to survive in a world where they don't fit in. Tortured souls that hate the living and yet need them for their existence. I see the vampire character as the monster and evil that must be vanquished.
But then again, I'm a guy and really love good horror.
Oh Dr. Karl, my favorite first scary book was Dracula. You've put it exactly right though. Maybe they were our first anti-heroes. A weird Man/Monster combo.
I actually think the 'vamp attraction' hits more with females. Maybe it's the dominance thing. Or the lure of being conquered by something forbidden and dark. Hmmm.
I loved Van Helsing too! And I have to agree. I don't think I ever thought they were too terribly sexy. Oh damn, who was the King of the Vampires in JR Ward's book..the almost blind guy...he was sexy. And now Bill...he's so mysterious and so sweet. I love how he comes running or tries to if it's dark..when Sookie calls for help. So what was the deal when she was being choked and he couldn't leave until night and he came to her and she was asleep. Was she dreaming or what?
Oooh, I've only read two of the JR Ward books...are the last two not good?
I can't say enough about how much I love Rebecca York or Ruth Glick. Love her! Awesome! She turned me on to werewolves and who would have thought they were sexy?
True Blood--I'm addicted! Actually, so is my family. My mother, 19 year-old son, and I are glued to the TV on Sunday nights. Of course, we watch Dexter on Showtime also, so we record one, watch them both. I think Sam must be a werewolf--I pegged it right away. I think someone mentioned a full moon on the last episode, so that would explain the streaking, sniffing the sheats, the fact that Sookie sees images when she tries to read him...anyway, just my guess. I've been dying to know myself and it's a running family debate.
I do and have always loved vamps, and finally decided to try to write one, so I've began working on a w.i.p. I'm trying to do the vamp with a twist, so it's not just another vamp or hunter book-the market is so innundated with them. I wanted to come up with something different, something that hasn't quite been done, which is very, very difficult.
Taylor Tryst
www.taylortryst.com
I don't get HBO, so I don't know a thing about that show. I'm sort of glad though. Every damn time I start to get into a vampire series, they cancel the damn thing. ugh!
I do love vamp books though! Sizemore, Feehan, Ward...and I consider Kenyon in that arena too really. I just love those hunky immortals! LOL
But couldn't Sookie read Sam's mind in the beginning when he was talking to himself about always being in love with her? Or am I confused? I bet you're right though. He must be a werewolf. Is he the killer too? Don't say if you know...those that have read the book. I'm just thinking out loud. I kind of don't want him to get together with Tara because he truly wants Sookie and I feel he'd be using her. And Tara's in love with Jason. I just love this show! That evil vamp lady is horrible..the one that killed Bill and made him a vamp! But hey, that toaster thing was cool! I want one of those for when we camp!
Don't you remember in the first episode when Sookie went out to help BIll when he was being drained by those awful people? Sam said...don't go. But then, he loves her and would've followed her. Instead the DOG shows up. Remember the dog growling in the bushes and jumping up to lick Sookie's face? And Sam is ALWAYS thinking about how good she SMELLS. Sam has got to be the DOG.
The BLIND KING is Wrath, Alisha. Damn but he's HOT. Others may have liked the last couple of Ward books but she's doing some freaky stuff now. Don't think I'm going to buy her again.
Hey Taylor! I'd love to do a vamp story too but I'm like you, I'd want to do something different but damn, there are so many good ones out there with unique twists. I'm just not sure I could do an interesting one. Bet YOU can though! Keep me posted on how it's GOING!!!
TrueBlood is a huge addiction here. My daughter and I run to the tv and "get ready" for it. LOL
Dang. Sorry Alisha...that scene with Sookie choking and Bill was unable to get to her was Bill's nightmare. LOL But wasn't that cool how fast he GOT to her???
I don't think TrueBlood is going to be cancelled for awhile at least, Anne. After the debut of TrueBlood HBO immediately extended the show for a second season. There are at least eight maybe more, of the books so there's no telling about how long this one will continue. You've GOT to see it when it comes out on DVD.
OMG...Sam's the dog!!! And a cutie pie dog at that! Cool! And duh! It was Bill's dream! Double duh! Thanks for explaining it. I think the baby woke up then...or...er...that's what's I'm telling people.
Email me, Reg...I must know about these other JR Ward books. What kind of freaky stuff?
Oh and ya'll should check out the True Blood website. I think you can watch scenes there too, get cool wallpaper...I have Bill!
I haven't had the opportunity to watch True Blood because of no HBO so I'm banking on being able to buy it on DVD.
The only problem I am finding is that they cancel all the great vampire series: Forever Knight and Moonlight for example. I'm so torn about investing time into yet another series I love only to have the big wigs pull them due to what they consider lack of viewers.
I posted this on an email loop but for me, it's about the dark and brooding that makes you want to rescue them from themselves, bring some kind of light back into their lives.
Some paranormal favorites: Nancy Gideon, Amanda Ashley, Rosemary Laurey, JC Wilder, Sherrilyn Kenyon -- just to name a few.
Tabitha Gibson
www.tabithagibson.com
Hey guys,
Do you remember when Tara let herself into Sam's trailer, and he was working on the pipes or something, banged his hand, and was mad. On the way in, she passed the cute dog who was lying by the bushes. (I think) lol
Tara even mentioned him and his cute dog when she said she was 'unboyfriedable' or something funny like that.
I thought he was the dog for a bit too, but then I'm thinking if he's a werewolf, maybe he has a kinship with dogs or something...who knows. I just know I love this show and won't be missing a second of it, and I thought the scene with Sookie running through the cemetery in a white gown, toward Bill, who was waiting for her on the porch was so romantic!
Anyway, then the next morning was the Sam naked and streaking.lol
The only reason I have HBO and SHowtime are because of Dexter and True BLood. I'm addicted to both. Terrible.
Taylor Tryst
www.taylortryst.om
Yes, Sam is a shifter who prefers to shift in to a collie...
I know just what you mean Tabitha! Women want to save the BAD BOY from the forces of darkness.
TrueBlood will be around longer because they've already started filming the second season but I'm heading to Wal Mart to buy the DVD's the DAY they come out.
OMG, Taylor, I loved that scene with the white gown too. I still think something weirds up with Sam. Know the dog you mentioned. There was an episode a few weeks back when the dog ran up and he rubbed his head and said...hello, brother. I looked at my daughter and said, did he just say what I think he said? We watched the episode again just to make sure.
Oh MIchelle, that's too cool. Bet he shifts into other things too. The picture in Sam's office of the collie looking over the little girl as she sleeps is a dead giveaway too.
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