Mr. Darcy Vampyre

If you are a Vampire fan you might want to pass on this

My dearest sister Jane, Well, what a crock, as they say in 21st century America! I've had to delve a full 250 pages into Mr. Darcy Vampyre to find out what was going to happen to us. And then the plot was so rushed and jumbled that I never did received an adequate explanation of how vampyres came to be, or what exactly Mr. Darcy ate in order to survive for 150 years. Upon my honor, Jane, I am aware that men are not particularly conversant when it comes to giving out details, but I'd had no notion that Mr. Darcy suffered from a verbal disability. He could not for the life of him adequately explain his strange tale. In describing one of the most important events of his life - that of turning into a vampyre - he took all of 21 words. (STOP!: Major Spoiler Alert: "The woman turned to me, her fangs dripping red and then she was next to me and my neck was pierced").

Ms. Anne Rice took pages to describe the writhing tormenting death that humans go through to turn into vampyres, and even Ms. Stephanie Meyers hinted that the transformation was quite unpleasantly painful, but all I got from Mr. Darcy was twenty one itty bitty little words. In addition he made it sound as if turning into a vampyre was an ordinary event, with Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper, choosing to join the merry Pemberley vampyre band, although, to give Ms. Grange her due, my husband's face WAS shadowed as he related these events.

Any discerning reader knows that Ms. Meyers can't write her way out of a paper bag, but at least with Twilight she told a rousing good tale. Ms. Meyers also gave the reader ample glimpses of Edward Cullen's mental torment and extraordinary physical skills. Ms Grange's story of my life with Mr. Darcy is, frankly, missing the otherworldly touches and sensuality that vampyre fans have come to expect as their due. (Either that or humor, which is also absent. And you know how I am renowned for my BITING wit, hah!) Her hints about my husband are so thinly scattered in 5/6th of the book that they left me feeling confused rather than threatened. To say that suspense was lacking in our tale is to state the obvious. In the instances when Ms. Grange eschewed Bram Stoker's lore, her vampyre rules seemed jerry-rigged, for they sprung up from nowhere, unsupported by a well thought-out back story. I could never quite tell (except in a few meagre scenes at the end) which super powers my husband had supposedly acquired, how ancient vampyres ruled their vampyre empire, or how conflicted Mr. Darcy felt watching those he loved grow old and die whilst he lived on forever.

Never was a more sensual and sensuous vampyre created than The Vampire Lestat, and I felt that my Mr. Darcy deserved at the very least the rich, decadent and multi-layered descriptions that Anne Rice gave to her own vampire. But it was not to be. There was a lot of telling in this book, but very little showing, and scent and touch were largely missing. Ms. Grange turned Mr. Darcy into a milque toast vampyre when I frankly would have preferred someone darker. There's more but I have run out of room. For a good vampire story I recommend the products sitting below. Mr. Darcy and I are headed for England and the hallowed halls of Pemberley, for I am genuinely concerned about your last letter. Your cryptic statement informing me that our friends the Misses Dashwood were abducted by a giant octopus leaves me leaves me most anxious to use my zombie slayer warrior skills to save them. Love, Lizzie

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Too much description not enough relationship!

Has some exciting scenes and the writing style is good. That said, she spends an inordinate amount of time describing places in Europe that she probably traveled to and every conversation between Darcy and Elizabeth relates back to Pride and Prejudice! I kept waiting for more to happen and by the time the end occured it seemed to wrap up pretty quickly compared to the hundreds of pages I had to read to get there.
If you like alternate reality for Pride and Prejudice minus the vampire angle, I really liked Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Abigail Reynolds.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Good read.

This is another book I was unsure of when I first saw it. I didn't like the idea of one of literature's greatest heroes being turned into a vampire. Though, I must say the idea is far better than randomly throwing zombies into Jane Austen's actual work. The creator of THAT monstrosity should be ashamed of themselves. However, this book .. I must give credit where credit is due. The author took a very well known story and rewrote it to make the whole vampire thing work. Mr. Darcy definitely beats Rice's Lestat and Meyer's Edward hands down in the sexy vamp category. I definitely recommend this book to any Jane Austen fan who might be looking for something a little different than the every day P&P variation.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Not good

After reading Grange's Mr. Darcy's Diary I thought that this would be similar, it wasn't. Just because vampires are the "thing" now doesn't mean that good writers should write about them. If you want a great book with Mr. Darcy as a vampire read Regina Jeffers book called Vampire Darcy's Desire.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Mr. Darcy Vampyre is another Amanda Grange Gem!

Received Mr. Darcy, Vampyre for my birthday. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down. It is suspenceful, romantic, trilling, touching and just an all around great read. I have read other books by Amanda Grange and would recommend her books to anyone who truly love Jane Austen.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY!

I have to admit that I was very, very skeptical. I am a Jane Austen freak and a purist and am especially protective of Eliza and Darcy. Anyone mess with my favorite literary couple...BEWARE. I picked up this book and was extremely delighted! I think that Amanda Grange has picked up on all the wonderful mannerisms that make Eliza and Darcy who they are and who I love. In this seemingly absurd plot Amanda Grange doesn't change the way Eliza and Darcy were in P&P but only adds to their experiences and how they react to things in the book is how I picture the P&P Eliza and Darcy reacting as well. I saw the 1996 movie version with Firth and Ehle and I found myself picturing them acting out this book and visualizing them as I read - they are the quintessential Eliza and Darcy and I think Amanda Grange captures their spirits and nuances. If you had previously told me that Pride and Prejudice could be concluded with a vampire theme I would have told you that you were crazy but dang....it works. I still can't really believe it but I loved the book! I think Jane Austen with how intrigued she was with the graphic novel would have also appreciated it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Better than I thought

I love P & P and thought this would be an intresting spin for these characters. I didn't have a lot of expectations for the book. I went in reading the book with an open mind and I'm glad I did. You can't take the book too serious because at times it seemed a little silly. I found the ending lacking but overall a good read. I respect the author for taking such a gamble with our beloved Mr. Darcy.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Dragging and boring, no passion

I was REALLy disappointed in this book, especially with a topic that could have made it unique and interesting. The story dragged greatly and I felt sorry for Elizabeth and all that she had to put up with in this story. Not recommended for P&P fans or vampire fans.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Darcy has a dark secret. Who knew?

Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice may be one of the most famous love stories in literature. Their uneasy courtship was wrought with misconceptions skillfully played out by Austen's acerbic wit and romantic tension. When they finally realize they are in love, their wedding seems to insure a happily-ever-after that Austen is famous for. What Elizabeth had envisioned as their carefree wedding tour in the Lake District is altered by her new husbands dour mood and abrupt change of destination. They will now travel to the Continent and visit Darcy relations in Paris, Switzerland and Italy, making the Grand Tour.

As they travel Elizabeth sees a dark change come over her husband. He is preoccupied and incommunicative; not at all the man that she grew to love during their courtship in England. Moreover, Darcy's formidable relations are more than just a bit odd and events along the way are unsettling. While in Paris Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam privately admonishes him for marrying her. On the road to Switzerland his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh surprisingly appears expressing her displeasure at his disgraceful alliance and begging him to end it. As their carriage climbs the mountain road, the local people jump away and cross themselves as they pass. When they arrive in the Alps at his uncle Count Polidori's castle, an axe displayed above a doorway mysteriously falls missing Darcy by inches. The servants say it is a sign that Elizabeth will cause his death. Later, a fortune teller warns her to beware. "There are dangers all around you .Not all who walk on two legs are men. Not all who fly are beasts." When the castle is stormed by angry villagers, Darcy and Elizabeth flee into the mountains where they are attacked by the mob. In the confusion of the fight they are separated. Against all odds the crowd is subdued. Darcy is disheveled and unharmed except for the blood on his mouth. Elizabeth is horrified, thinking he is hurt. We, suspect otherwise.

Their journey continues to Venice, and on to Rome. The descriptions of the countryside and cities are similar to a vintage travelogue. The scenes of the castle in the Alps, the fortune teller and the angry mob play gentle homage to the Gothic novels so popular in Jane Austen's time and parodied in her own novel Northanger Abbey. The difference here is this novel is not a burlesque or a spoof. It is dead serious, and that is one of its foibles. Lack of humor. No Catherine Morland in her nightgown peering into a ponderous chest. Only poor Lizzy unhappily dragged about Europe, neglected by her husband, and totally unaware that his indifference is a front to his dark secret. When did our spirited and clever Lizzy become willing to put up with such treatment? She used to taunt and tease him into submission. Now she can't seem to find him to put him in his place. Yes, he is a vampyre and he is tormented over not being able to tell his wife about his terrible curse, but there still needs to be some conversation to develop their relationship. Over three quarters of the way into the book and I was still impatiently waiting for the big reveal. Is this really a vampyre novel? Where's Darcy's coffin with a bit of Pemberley terra firma thrown in?

I will attempt to forestall any reproof and readily admit that I admire Amanda Grange's courage and creativity. The novel was a bold move that unfortunately did not quite fulfill my expectations.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Good vacation read

I loved this book. I was a bit skeptical after how terrible Pride Predudice and Zombies was, but this is much better. I love vampire stories and Jane Austen. This was good since it doesn't try and rewrite the story and shove the undead into the already good story, but rather takes a look at what happens next. Highly recommend.

A sequel with a dark twist

As Elizabeth Bennett anticipates her marriage to Mr. Darcy, she imagines a life of quiet comfort and domestic felicity as mistress of Pemberley. She has no idea what mysteries and adventures are in store for her as his wife, or of the dark secret that her betrothed carries. The mysteries begin on her wedding day and continue to plague her until Darcy's secret is revealed to her. While readers will not be surprised about Darcy's true nature, given that it is revealed in the title, Mr. Darcy, Vampyre will still lead them on an exciting journey with two of literature's most beloved characters. Grange's novel begins on the morning of Elizabeth's and Darcy's wedding. After a lovely double ceremony with Jane and Bingley, they embark on their wedding tour. In the first of his many puzzling actions, Darcy abruptly changes their destination from the Lake District of England to Paris, and his strange behavior continues on their journey to Dover and across the Channel. Upon reaching Paris, they attend parties and enjoy their time together as man and wife. Yet even amid the lovely scenery and new fashions of Paris, which Grange describes in beautiful detail, Darcy often seems disturbed and Elizabeth cannot understand his unhappiness. Darcy proposes a trip to see his uncle in the French Alps, where he hopes to get advice on a problem, the nature of which he will not reveal. The Count's dark and ancient castle, surrounded by forests full of wolves, proves a cold and dispiriting place for Elizabeth, and she begins to believe her marriage to Darcy was a mistake. An attack on the castle by a peasant mob forces the two of them to flee, and they cross the Alps on mules and escape to Italy. A respite in Venice leads to an invitation to a prince's country estate, where a strange, mesmerizing man shows his interest in Elizabeth. A violent encounter between him and Darcy finally reveals Darcy's secret to Elizabeth. Her surprise is overshadowed by relief, as she finally understands the reason for all of Darcy's strange behavior. A search for a possible cure for Darcy's condition leads them on a final adventure, promising hope that they can truly be man and wife. Mr. Darcy, Vampyre is an exciting and energetic read. Grange's plot is full of imaginative twists and turns, full of more action and danger than Elizabeth could ever have imagined experiencing in her quiet world of Hertfordshire. Elizabeth remains as spirited and likeable as ever, and Darcy's macabre secret is fitting for his proud and taciturn personality. Grange describes the exotic locales vividly, conjuring lovely images of cultured Paris salons or the wild beauty of the Alps. Her adaptation of the vampire mythology is original and interesting. While few, if any, could match the greatness of Austin's writing in Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy, Vampyre is still an entertaining story, and fans of both Austin's works and vampire stories should find it highly enjoyable. Quill says: A sequel to a timeless classic with a dark twist, Mr. Darcy, Vampyre combines history, romance, danger, and fashion in an adventure as lively and charming as Elizabeth herself.

Simply amazing.

The grearest predecesor to pride and prejudice ive read yet!

Not very good

This was a very disappointing read. Elizabeth is totaly out of charater. Don't waste your time on this one

Pretty good but...

Elizabeth and Darcy are on their wedding tour and she notices that her husband is hiding a secret but what could it be? There are references to Pride and Prejudice. While it was well written, it did get slow at times and the ending seemed to just go by. I don't know. It seemed a little disappointing. I was thinking, that's it? If you like books with vampires or any of Jane Austen's books then you'll probably like this.

the summary on this site.

i was reading the summary for this site, for this book, and i noticed that there was a spelling mistake. well, not spelling exactly... it was a grammar mistake, there was a missing comma. i am very disappointed B&N.

Kimberly O'Sullivan
thirteen years of age

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Not as good as I thought until the end.

I've seen this book at Barnes and Nobles numerous times yet, I have always been quite skeptic about placing Darcy in the role of "Vampire". Having read Twilight when it first came out I have began to feel that too many books are coming out with the same theme and story plot. In Mr. Darcy Vampire Darcy is your stereotyped vampire. Though the plot is somewhat dry in the beginning it begins to get "juicy" near the end. I would have given it a higher rating except I felt that Elizabeth wasn't the same. In this book she is oblivious of every hint given, and still doesn't realize who Darcy is. Though the end makes up for everything. Very romantic and thrilling. Worth the read. Just wish Ms. Bennet had a little more oomph!

Mr. Darcy. Vampyre

I picked this up fromt he Jane Austen table at my local B&N while I was shopping for some other books, I am slowly reading through Ms. Austen's books and I thought this would be a new interesting take on things, plus I love vampire books! This book is written in todays english, so if you find the writing style for other Jane Austen novels difficult to follow you won;t have that problem with this read. It gives a uique spin to the reelationship b/w Elizabeth and Darcy and what happened after happily ever after. I think this is a great rainy day in between other books read, it kept my attention and I really enjoyed the story and the way the author handled the characters. This is not a very "vampirey" story so don't expect any Anne Rice or J.R. Ward types scenes.

Mr. Darcy Vampyre...enjoyable

I enjoyed this novel dealing with vampyre's and of course having Mr. Darcy as one! This is a keeper in my library and plan to re read it as well. I liked having Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy fighting against the unknown and still keeping their love alive for each other. It was a little long in the middle of the novel, but it all pulled in together in the end.

Mr. Darcy Vampire

I found this novel at Barnes and Noble one day and was so excited to read it because a) it was about Mr. Darcy b) it was about him being a vampire and c) Amanda Grange had written it. I really enjoyed her novel Mr. Darcy's Diary and figured why not. I was incredibly disappointed with the novel. It dragged on for forever. It takes place after Darcy and Lizzie's wedding and throughout the whole novel I just kept saying to myself - when is it revealed that he's a vampire, when are they going to say it. The novel just dragged on for me and wasn't as captivating for me, as was my first Grange novel. I do however encourage you to make your own decision.

Mr Darcy Vampyre

My daughter loved this book