Book Review: Dhampir

Finally, a good book that happens to have vampires in it. Why are there so few of these?

THE BASICS: For years, Magiere has conned peasants out of their money under the guise of a vampire hunter. In truth though, the "vampire" is her partner, a half-elf named Leesil, who she pretends to kill on a weekly basis. With Leesil's wolf-like dog, Chap, the three had wandered for years using this ruse as a way for easy money. Magiere, though, wishes to retire from the job, and saves up enough to by a tavern in a town near the sea. But their reputation has preceded them, and when three real vampires already living in the town decide to dispose of them, Magiere and Leesil find themselves in a little over their heads.

THE CHARACTERS: The characters are easily the best part of this book and the relationship and personalities of the two protagonists is easily one of my favorite parts. Magierie is condescending and blunt and, with her slightly gothic look, could have easily been a caricature of pretty much all lame fantasy book heroins. But unlike most fantasy heroins, she's well-rounded and isn't a total bee-yotch.

Leesil is funny, friendly, somewhat of an alcoholic, and gives the story the rather dry humor it needs. He's the polar opposite of his surly counterpart and knows just how to push her buttons. Also, despite forever being mentioned second, he's not a secondary character. He's just as much as main character as Magiere, sometimes more so in later books.

The bad-guys of the story, namely the three vampires, are probably some of the greatest villains to ever be written. I liked them. I honestly almost wanted them to win. And in some ways, that was their flaw- they were too likable. This is a problem that continues throughout the rest of the series, namely, almost all the villains are too sympathetic and likable. Although as far as fatal flaws go, I think this is an acceptable one.

TECHNICAL STUFF: The writing is very well done. The perspective changes are great and the voice of each character is unique and fitting. Magiere's point of view is blunt and authoritative. Leesil's point of view is humorous and witty. And all the supporting characters whose views it's ever from is always given a different outlook.

THE THEME: There are several different messages one could get from this book. One of the more uplifting is something along the lines of "sometimes you need to be willing to accept help from others". Also * Potential Spoiler* there is a less positive message and that is "sometimes, you can get away with living a lie". *End Spoiler*

OVERALL: I really loved this book. It hooks you from the start and in my opinion, there's honestly not a dull moment throughout the entire book. It's a great introduction to the "Noble Dead" series, about which more reviews will definitely be popping up, and is highly recommended to all (intelligent) fans of (intelligent) fantasy. (Yes, unfortunately I do have to specify).

GRADE: A