Kirkus Review: BLOOD COMMUNION

By Anne Rice; illustrated by Mark Edward Geyer

Pub Date: Oct 4^th, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5247-3264-6

Publisher: Knopf

Lestat, fondly known as ‘ Prince of the Vampires ‘ creates a “safe haven” for all vampires, young and old to live in a community for all eternity. It is a story of a plan for survival.

Lestat narrates the book which he wrote for ‘his fellow blood-drinkers’ so they would know their history, but he realizes mortals would read it and think it a work of fiction. Any reader that is not familiar with the previous books and history will not appreciate the lineage of the vampires comprising their community. He states the story is how ‘‘we vampires came together to form the blood communion.’’ He is not only the prince but the true ruler of the tribe. They have been a ‘parentless tribe’ trying to survive in a human world. Marius, the Ancient Roman Child of the Millennia was against this plan saying, “we are by nature killers and different than humans.” Lestat has a vision for their survival which he puts into play after some ‘Rebel Maverick’ vampires descend upon New Orleans and bully and kill resident vampires. Lestat eliminates them, while evermore convinced of forming this safe haven where all are welcomed.

Unfortunately, the villain, Rhoshamandes, an older vampire, is also against this idea of ‘community’. He believes in living in an atmosphere in secret and detachment with his lover Benedict. When his lover realizes the error of Rosh thinking, he leaves him and willingly ends his life by being drained of his blood and consumed by fire. Rosh blames Lestat and captures Gabrielle, Lestat’s mother, Louis, his lover, and Marius. Lestat thinking them dead combats Rosh and destroys him. Lestat cannot accept the thought of their death, so he with his friends go to Rosh dwelling. They finally discover the three captives, encased each in a coffin, in iron/lead face down with their necks broken and spinal cords detached. All three are restored to their former selves. This spurs Lestat to make his dream a reality. The end of the story finds Lestat and his companions at a grand ball at his dwelling. All vampires, young and old from all over the world have come to join this community. They recognize Lestat, the powerful slayer of Rosh and hail him as ‘Prince of all the vampires’. 

Anne Rice fans who have followed her through the years will be sadly disappointed. This is a ‘horror’ story only in the sense they are vampires, but in truth, it is just a group of loving and faithful followers surrounding and supporting their key figure, Lestat deemed ‘Prince of the Vampires’. This reeks of ‘soap opera’ material. And, they live….happily ever after….fairytale…..

Pub Date: Oct. 4^th, 2018--Page Count: 288pp—Review Posted Online: Feb. 8^th, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-5247-3264-6—Publisher: Knopf—Kirkus Reviews Issue: n/a