Mr. Darcy, Vampyre: Our Reviews

Dear readers, This weekend marks a time when both Laurel Ann and I will be reviewing Amanda Grange's new book, Mr. Darcy, Vampyre. Sourcebooks was kind enough to provide us with advance review copies, for which we are grateful.

Lately much controversy has been brewing regarding the direction of these sequels. While some people are fully on board and enjoy the Jane into Monster sequels, others have deep reservations. You can count me (Vic) among the reserved. While I anticipated reading Ms. Grange's latest offering with some excitement, it took me fully one month to slog my way through her Regency vampyre world. Thankfully, Lizzy Bennet came to my rescue as I sat down to review the novel, for she has written three letters that explain the book better than I ever could. Here then are some links for your edification. As always, please don't hesitate to let us know what you think.

Reviews of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre:

• Vic: Lizzie letter, Review One
• Vic: Lizzie letter, Review Two
• Vic: Lizzie letter, Review Three
• Laurel Ann: Mr. Darcy Vampyre, A Review

Vic's and Laurel Ann's thoughts about monster sequels:

• Laurel Ann: Reflections upon the deaths of Jane Austen and civility
• Vic: Precious Bits of ivory turned into monsters

Controversy in Jane Austen land:

• Kathleen of Meet Me in the Drawing Room: Leave Auntie Jane Alone
• Jane Odiwe and Diana Birchall: In defense of writing Jane Austen sequels

More links

• More Monster-ization of Jane Austen
• Austenblog's favorable review of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre

Upcoming Books

The following descriptions are taken from the publishers' websites. All three books are in our reading queues!

Mr.Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange, August 2009

Amanda Grange's style and wit bring readers back to Jane Austen's timeless storytelling, but always from a very unique and unusual perspective, and now Grange is back with an exciting and completely new take on Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Darcy, Vampyre starts where Pride and Prejudice ends and introduces a dark family curse so perfectly that the result is a delightfully thrilling, spine-chilling, breathtaking read. A dark, poignant and visionary continuation of Austen's beloved story, this tale is full of danger, darkness and immortal love.





Murder at Longbourn, a mystery by Tracy Kiely, September 2009

Planning New Year’s resolutions to rid her life of all things unhealthy, Elizabeth Parker has dumped fatty foods, processed sugar, and her two-timing boyfriend. Indeed, the invitation to join her Aunt Winnie for a How to Host a Murder Party on New Year’s Eve at Winnie’s new Cape Cod B and B comes just in time. But when the local wealthy miser ends up the unscripted victim, Elizabeth must unearth old secrets and new motives in order to clear her beloved aunt of suspicion. By reimagining characters and themes lifted from the treasured classic Pride and Prejudice, and crafting an expert, intricate mystery, Tracy Kiely has brought to life something very special: a new cozy series that is clever, vibrant, and utterly disarming.



Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe, November 2009

Three years after the conclusion of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, domestic bliss is not always easy to achieve. Colonel Brandon's responsibilities for Eliza, the daughter of his first love, regularly take him away from home, and Marianne's passionate, jealous nature threatens to rock the foundations of their marriage. Now Willoughby and his wife have returned to the West Country. When Brandon is called away, Marianne meets Willoughby at a dinner and feels herself once again succumbing to his charm. The more she sees him, the more she's in danger of giving in to her passion. Willoughby has everything to gain in driving a wedge between them. Will Brandon realize in time that his passionate young wife's feelings of neglect may drive her into scandal? Can Marianne find the courage to turn her back on her first love? Or is it too late to save themselves and their marriage?