This book picks up right where Staked lefted off. Eric had been blown up, his car gone, his business destroyed, best friend dead, ex-girlfriend with someone else, the woman he loved for so long betrayed him, and his current lover was up to something... Yet, he was resiliant. He got his body back, considered opening a bowling alley in place of the club, and sought out a demon named J'iliol'lth in hopes to retrieve Marilyn's soul. I actually liked Eric more in this book than the previous one. I felt his fustration. In truth, I think, I would be a prick most of the time too, if I put up with half the crap he did. While he would deny it, I think he was a good guy underneath it all...even under the monster. It was apparent that he was loyal to those he cared about. But, the guy just wanted to be left alone. Yet, people seemed to always betray him or were always after him for one thing or another. Not to mention, Rachel who manipulated him with her tantric magic and cinnamon scent. I really didn't like her.Like its predecessor, this book also had Tabitha's perspective. I was disappointed in her character, although I should have expected it. I didn't like that she pretty much whored herself to the vamps of high society. She seemed fickled, whiny, and didn't seem to have a clue half the time. But, I confess, I loved the showdown she had with Rachel. It was the first time, she showed some actual spirit and potential.I thought the plot to be a bit confusing. Between the vampiric ascensions, the historical background on Eric's family, the curse, and the multitude of people who were manipulating events, I found it hard to keep track of what was going on. That being said, once I figured it all out, I was intrigued. I think, it will be interesting to learn more about the origins of Eric's powers in the next installment.Overall, this series is an acquired taste. Like its predecessor, J.F. Lewis stepped out of normal and traditional vampire sterotypes and created a world that was not only raw and gritty, but filled with dark and sleazy humor. Revamped had bite. Stayed up late last night finishing this. Lewis once again had me going back and forth with my like/dislike for his main characters. More Tabitha this time than Eric. Eric is still very flawed, but we see a softer, more caring side to him this time along with his no nonsense, get down to the nitty-gritty of the situation attitude. Toward the end, I was understanding Tabitha more, but I still want to smack her up side the head at times. And Rachel is a Brat (and I’m being nice here) regardless.I have to admit I was a little concerned when we were introduced to Fang. My first thought was – On no, Lewis is going to go the macho-comic book or Stephen King routine with this. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised that this addition to the story really did work. ( I’m just glad I don’t have to clean out his trunk.) I think Greta really helped with this when she named him. Leave it to her to crack me up at the start of a plot concern. Greta still rocks, as far as I’m concerned, and I would love to see more of her in upcoming books. Or even her own book.Speaking of their own book, Talbot really came more into his own for me in this second book. I’m hoping to see a spin off series for him or his kind.Lewis again came through with an action packed book with a good balance of insight into the characters, a variety of paranormal and comic relief to make this a really enjoyable read for me. I had several laugh out loud moments. The power strip comment on page 46 for one and animal crackers on page 196. The reference to the Little Rascal and other TV shows were also fun. I can tell the author and I grew up in or around the same time from a number of his references. Another thing I like is his vampires’ food infatuations. Those scenes started making me hungry. When Phil and Eric sat down for steaks, I was just about ready to go fire up the grill…even if it was after 10 pm.I always like/want some sort of closure at the conclusion of a book so I appreciate the no “cliff-hanging, Porky the Pig pop out moment” at the end this time. Yes, it keeps us fans coming back for more, but it also makes us want to hang authors up by their toenails and feed you to the Oni. Thank you, Jeremy! Looking forward to the next book.
Do You like book Pour Le Vampire Et Le Meilleur (2012)?
I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked Staked, but it was a lot of fun.
—Chris3922
Awesome new series! New ideas for the genre. Kept me glued to the page.
—RoxanneJane
J.F. LEWIS IS FANTASTIC. LOVE ME SOME VOID CITY:)
—Blueberrygirl1994
