All the latest Vampire News. . .

Well, new releases anyway.  And there is a lot to look forward to this spring.  I'll put this together chronologically by release date.  That way I show no preference (or have to decide on a preference).

First, the next story in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward was released March 27.  "Lover Reborn" is Tohrment's story.  Personally, I have been waiting for this story.  For those who have not read these books, they are best read in order.  Each book focuses on a particular couples love story set in the overarching storyline of a war for vampire existence.  I really like the big story in these books-- Ward has developed a very unique version of the vampire world.  I guess that I am not alone in this as the books in this series are NY Times bestsellers.  The dialogue is particularly good in these books.  All the slang is great!  Really worth checking out just for that.  In general, this book seems well received by fans.

Typically, some fans of any series always complain that a series has become stale, flat, and used up, but really a series is meant to continue to serve up more of the prior successful formula.  If fans get tired, then it is time for them to move on.  In all of these series, the complaints are the same concerning this, and I for one am getting tired of people making those comments in otherwise positive reviews.

"Deadlocked" is book 12 in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, and it will be released May 1.  There are a lot of Sookie fans out there, so there is a lot of buzz about this book.  These books have gotten a lot of notoriety because of the hit show on HBO "True Blood."  There is already a waiting list at our library.  For me, the books differ significantly from the show.  Though I do like both.  But I think everyone is waiting to see what happens with Sookie and Eric in this next mystery.

The next installment in the Morganville Vampires series, "Black Dawn," will be released on May 1. "Black Dawn" is book 12 in the Morganville Vampires Series by Rachel Caine.  This is one of my favorite series.  The vampires are pretty traditional, but the take here is that they basically all live in a small college town in Texas.  LOL!  Okay, so I did go to college in Texas for awhile, so maybe this hits a particular chord with me.  But this series has great characters and is very plot driven with romance more on the side.  The humans in town have to tithe both cash and blood to the "protection" racket of a vampire sponsor.  These stories definitely need to be read in order.  Most books have cliffhangers from one book to the next.  Can't wait for this one!

"Dark Shadows" will be released on May 11.  Scream!  I can't believe it!  I loved this show, watching it as reruns as a kid.  With Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins directed by Tim Burton, of course, this one is a send up of the show.  A comedy set in the 1970s.  That is actually a relief.  Too much vamp stuff is too serious.  This is a must see for me.  Loved the show.  Love this cast.

"True Blood" (4th season) is released on DVD May 29.  For all those who missed the original airings.  Or those who want to watch in preparation for the next season.  We like to have themed DVD release parties.  Then watch casually from one episode to the next straight through nightly.

"Snow White and the Huntsman" is released June 1.  Okay, so this isn't a vampire movie.  But many vamp fans feel a connection to Kristin Stewart through "Twilight" (obviously).  And this movie looks dark and gothy to me.  It seems to have the promise of entertainment.

"Kiss The Dead" the new installment in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series is released on June 5.  Believe it or not, this is Book 21 for Anita.  This is the original paranormal romance/mystery series-- the genre maker.  I personally think this is still one of the best and a must read for every new addition to the stories.  Of course, again, you will hear many "fans" whine about the storyline changes, etc.  I think it is interesting how much Anita has evolved over the years, actually.  More than many characters do.  This is a must read!  And the Anita T-shirts sold on Laurell K. Hamilton's site are great-- check them out.

"True Blood" returns June 10 at 9 pm.  Okay.   Need I say more?

"Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter" released on June 22.  I am ashamed to admit that I haven't even read the book yet.  I'm going to have to get around to that right away.  Well. . .  after the next few books on my list.  And it is a "Lend Me" for the Nook, so if you know someone, you can get a free e-read of it.    


Okay, zombies are not Vampire News, but they are the undead, too.  And I'm still mourning the loss of "Walking Dead" in my Sunday night routine of mental prep for the week ahead.  I guess the scheduled return is (alas!) in September, but no date is set as of yet.