Your view on vampires and art is spot on, exactly what Rice said in an interview. That vampires being outside humanity can never create the same kind of vibrant art as mortals.
I love this book, I remember reading it as a young boy and it’s spurred my love of the Renaissance ever since! And yes, her journey with religion is very much reflected throughout her books! I’m also on an Anne Rice reading journey, about halfway through.
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Oh good! I’m anxious to read it, I think she had recently left the church when she wrote it? Or maybe my timeline is wrong and she left the church waaaayyy before that!
So glad to see you are back, and with a review of Blood and Gold! The story of Marius I really did feel was a great balance of the previous works in the Vampire Chronicles series. Anne Rice did such a great job bringing his character to life. I also appreciated how past events were knitted together in a fresh way without feeling too tired or glossed over as you said. In some ways it reminded me a lot of the second book Vampire Lestat where we have a blend of new and past events being retold from a different perspective. In some ways I may have enjoyed this book more because Marius had a much longer life span, which provided more canvas to fill with new stories and events that connected the more familiar milestones. As much as Pandora was a let down, I felt I was able to appreciate her story more in that certain events were referenced and built upon in Blood and Gold. It does make me wonder though what Pandora would have been like with the same level of treatment Blood and Gold had. One small observation that I felt was a improvement was the framing of the main narration. The introduction using Thorne as the lead in prior to the main narrative felt more natural and organic than the previous works in the series, especially the last few where David is dictating the story. I felt like the framing of the last few novels was disjointed and detached from the main narration, so I enjoyed the approach Rice took this time around. I do agree Marius may be my favorite narrator. I know a lot of people love Lestat, but I found Marius to be a bit less dramatic and irrational, and more grounded as you said. I almost felt that he was a nice balance between Louis and Lestat. Marius could be prone to melancholy like Louis but he held more of a drive to his character, probably due to being one of the strongest vampires. I’m curious now about the next one, Blackwood Farm, as that’s supposed to be the tie in with the Mayfair Witches.
Yeah I am inclined to agree with you that Marius is a better narrator than Lestat. I think in a way he has a lot more depth than Lestat. I certainly feel more empathy for Marius than I do for Lestat, and I definitely trust him more as a storyteller. I think in a way sometimes Rice's love for Lestat is a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because it allowed her to craft such a vivid character, but a curse insofar as he sometimes comes across as a vampire that can do no wrong; whereas all her other characters are more complex and flawed. I'll have to read The Vampire Lestat and this one back to back and see which I prefer. It could just be that I read this one more recently which is why I love it. Interesting point about the framing narrative. I hadn't thought about that really, but you are right that it is a bit better integrated. Especially more so than in Merrick, where they didn't gel much at all.
I agree, the flawed nature of Marius makes it easier to connect with and sympathize with him as a character. Rice’s love of Lestat does tend to make it more difficult to feel the depth of his character. That would be interesting to go back and read selected books from this series after reading Blood and Gold. Especially to see the perspective of Lestat, Louis and Armand. A lot of what drove the first few novels was the mystery around the vampire’s origins. Reading those first stories again having those dots already connected could be interesting as well.
New sub…here reliving my beloved Blood & Gold before I dive into i Blackwood Farm. What an interesting perspective. Thank you. ✨✨✨ Marius is a reliable narrator IMO. 🐐 I loved the historical Roman/Byzantine backdrop…
*6:30** like she does w quin & mona.* & gabriel absolutely. _JC it was nice to see more of bianca & some of those early conflicts w others, who dont even know thr powers. _JC
Rereading the books for the first time since 2012 Blood and Gold is definitely one of the most reread of the vampire chronicles for me Marius quickly became one of my favourite characters in the second book he seems to be the most soulful yet optimistic of the vampires I've reread it more than most of the rest next to the first 4 and he's the most interesting character next Lestat
While not a major part of “Blood and Gold”, it was amusing to me when Marius debates whether or not he should make Botticelli into a vampire and when other vampires practically threaten him not to do it. It makes me wonder where the story would have gone if he did decide to go through with it.
Hello Joshua Just thought of you because I've just finished reading "The Blood Communion" so I can say I've already read Vampire Chonicles in its entirety. For some reason my YT stopped showing me your new videos months ago, though I subscribed to your channel etc, so I thought you stopped making videos altogether. I'm happy that you haven't and now I have some catching up to do. P.S. My theory is that you belong to Talamasca - you have all the right qualities. 🙂🙂🙂
Excellent, was it worth the read in the end? I just finished Blackwood Farm which I thought was excellent. Glad you managed to find your way back to the videos!
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Actually the last book isn't very good by itself but as an extention of both Prince Lestat books and to sum up the whole series it works all right. It ties some lose ends and rounds the whole thing up quite nicely. It also looks nice on the shelf 🙂 Yes!! Blackwood Farm was very good, even although I have one personal issue with it which involves certain personal quality of Quinn and the presence of one Mona Mayfair (who didn't become any smarter or less annoying) - the next one in the series will continue that issue. I will write about it another time. I'm also glad I'm back. 🖐
Blood and Gold was one of the best of the later Vampire Chronicles novels. It also contains one of the saddest scenes of the series where a beloved companion is lost forever to Marius. I enjoyed Blackwood Farm and detested Blood Canticle.
Joshua, I just completed Blood and Gold. Lots of thoughts and confusion and feelings. What is your take on the ending, specifically, Thorne's destruction of Santino and offering up his eyes to Maharet, with his final request that she keep him close? Not sure if you have time or interest in going back to give your thoughts like this, but I cannot find anyone who has addressed the ending. Donnie
It's been a while and I rarely remember the framing devices in most Vampire Chronicles books. I think I was glad of Santino's death, but that's about it. I have nothing analysis wise about it though I'm afraid. What made you conflicted about it?
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Thanks for taking the time to respond. Not conflicted so much as confused: how were readers to square Thorne's initial desire for revenge, followed by Marius' tale and the lesson regarding what anger cost him, then Marius still wanting to kill Santino in the end, Thorne doing it for him and offering up his eyes in payment for his actions . . . and then choosing to be kept bound by Maharet? On the surface, it narratively doesn't make sense ("I am mad at her for making me a blood drinker/I'll commit an act that I know is going to be met with punishment and then offer up my eyes to this very person and then ask to spend the rest of my life bound in her presence.") I wondered if maybe I was missing some message or lesson that Rice was imparting. Something you might've picked up? Anyway, it was a great book, and I'm working on my review of it, and that'll be the end of The Vampire Chronicles for me.
@@DonaldGibson-r6p It might just be erratic writing; it is unfortunate but as the series progresses, it does become more erratic, peaking with Blood Canticle and never really recovering after. I'm still to read the last two books, so maybe they get better. If I ever read them, I'll let you know!
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Roger that. Maybe I'm giving her more credit than I should. Yes, I'm keeping up with your videos and will be interested in your reactions once you get through the final two.
Blood and Gold is actually my favorite Anne Rice book! I fell completely in love with it the first time i read it. Really nice review!
Glad you liked the review. I can see why it would be your favourite. It is fantastic!
Mine too!!!
Anne is so good at creating mysterious supernatural forces and excels at delving into ages past. Your reviews are very good, got me feeling nostalgic.
Your view on vampires and art is spot on, exactly what Rice said in an interview. That vampires being outside humanity can never create the same kind of vibrant art as mortals.
Thanks! I didn't know that, but I'm glad that I'm on to something haha :P
You definitely make me want to reread this one. I am saddened there will be no more Rice novels.
Good to have you back Joshua ! Never read any Ann Rice. but I listened to it cuz it's you :)
Haha it's good to be back, and thank you! :)
I love this book, I remember reading it as a young boy and it’s spurred my love of the Renaissance ever since! And yes, her journey with religion is very much reflected throughout her books! I’m also on an Anne Rice reading journey, about halfway through.
It's one of the best books, hope you're enjoying your read through!
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Starting Memnoch the Devil now!
@@charliemgray A controversial one, but I liked it
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Oh good! I’m anxious to read it, I think she had recently left the church when she wrote it? Or maybe my timeline is wrong and she left the church waaaayyy before that!
So glad to see you are back, and with a review of Blood and Gold! The story of Marius I really did feel was a great balance of the previous works in the Vampire Chronicles series. Anne Rice did such a great job bringing his character to life. I also appreciated how past events were knitted together in a fresh way without feeling too tired or glossed over as you said. In some ways it reminded me a lot of the second book Vampire Lestat where we have a blend of new and past events being retold from a different perspective. In some ways I may have enjoyed this book more because Marius had a much longer life span, which provided more canvas to fill with new stories and events that connected the more familiar milestones.
As much as Pandora was a let down, I felt I was able to appreciate her story more in that certain events were referenced and built upon in Blood and Gold. It does make me wonder though what Pandora would have been like with the same level of treatment Blood and Gold had.
One small observation that I felt was a improvement was the framing of the main narration. The introduction using Thorne as the lead in prior to the main narrative felt more natural and organic than the previous works in the series, especially the last few where David is dictating the story. I felt like the framing of the last few novels was disjointed and detached from the main narration, so I enjoyed the approach Rice took this time around.
I do agree Marius may be my favorite narrator. I know a lot of people love Lestat, but I found Marius to be a bit less dramatic and irrational, and more grounded as you said. I almost felt that he was a nice balance between Louis and Lestat. Marius could be prone to melancholy like Louis but he held more of a drive to his character, probably due to being one of the strongest vampires.
I’m curious now about the next one, Blackwood Farm, as that’s supposed to be the tie in with the Mayfair Witches.
Yeah I am inclined to agree with you that Marius is a better narrator than Lestat. I think in a way he has a lot more depth than Lestat. I certainly feel more empathy for Marius than I do for Lestat, and I definitely trust him more as a storyteller. I think in a way sometimes Rice's love for Lestat is a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because it allowed her to craft such a vivid character, but a curse insofar as he sometimes comes across as a vampire that can do no wrong; whereas all her other characters are more complex and flawed.
I'll have to read The Vampire Lestat and this one back to back and see which I prefer. It could just be that I read this one more recently which is why I love it.
Interesting point about the framing narrative. I hadn't thought about that really, but you are right that it is a bit better integrated. Especially more so than in Merrick, where they didn't gel much at all.
I agree, the flawed nature of Marius makes it easier to connect with and sympathize with him as a character. Rice’s love of Lestat does tend to make it more difficult to feel the depth of his character.
That would be interesting to go back and read selected books from this series after reading Blood and Gold. Especially to see the perspective of Lestat, Louis and Armand. A lot of what drove the first few novels was the mystery around the vampire’s origins. Reading those first stories again having those dots already connected could be interesting as well.
Thanks for the review! I first read Interview with the Vampire last year and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading the rest!
New sub…here reliving my beloved Blood & Gold before I dive into i Blackwood Farm. What an interesting perspective. Thank you. ✨✨✨
Marius is a reliable narrator IMO. 🐐
I loved the historical Roman/Byzantine backdrop…
*6:30** like she does w quin & mona.* & gabriel absolutely. _JC it was nice to see more of bianca & some of those early conflicts w others, who dont even know thr powers. _JC
Rereading the books for the first time since 2012 Blood and Gold is definitely one of the most reread of the vampire chronicles for me Marius quickly became one of my favourite characters in the second book he seems to be the most soulful yet optimistic of the vampires I've reread it more than most of the rest next to the first 4 and he's the most interesting character next Lestat
I’ve only read and loved the Mayfair witches trilogy. You inspire me to read her vampire chronicles! Loved your review❤️
You definitely should, it's worth it! Glad you liked the review :)
I'm so glad you enjoyed this book. Marius is one of the best characters in the series. Great review as alswsys.
Glad you enjoyed the review! :)
Love your username 😎👍
Josh.0 keep reading, my favorite in Blackwood Farm :)
Keep doing your thing, I'm hooked
While not a major part of “Blood and Gold”, it was amusing to me when Marius debates whether or not he should make Botticelli into a vampire and when other vampires practically threaten him not to do it. It makes me wonder where the story would have gone if he did decide to go through with it.
Haha, I wonder if Anne Rice wrote a secret alternative version where he does! :P
Hello Joshua
Just thought of you because I've just finished reading "The Blood Communion" so I can say I've already read Vampire Chonicles in its entirety.
For some reason my YT stopped showing me your new videos months ago, though I subscribed to your channel etc, so I thought you stopped making videos altogether.
I'm happy that you haven't and now I have some catching up to do.
P.S. My theory is that you belong to Talamasca - you have all the right qualities. 🙂🙂🙂
Excellent, was it worth the read in the end? I just finished Blackwood Farm which I thought was excellent. Glad you managed to find your way back to the videos!
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Actually the last book isn't very good by itself but as an extention of both Prince Lestat books and to sum up the whole series it works all right. It ties some lose ends and rounds the whole thing up quite nicely. It also looks nice on the shelf 🙂
Yes!! Blackwood Farm was very good, even although I have one personal issue with it which involves certain personal quality of Quinn and the presence of one Mona Mayfair (who didn't become any smarter or less annoying) - the next one in the series will continue that issue.
I will write about it another time.
I'm also glad I'm back. 🖐
Talamasca, that’s a great comment! I could see it😀
Yes! Blood and Gold is so good.
Blood and Gold was one of the best of the later Vampire Chronicles novels. It also contains one of the saddest scenes of the series where a beloved companion is lost forever to Marius. I enjoyed Blackwood Farm and detested Blood Canticle.
What if someone didn’t want your spoiler? Think
@@tanakinskywalker7089 The novel was published over twenty years ago. I revealed as little as was necessary.
Joshua, I just completed Blood and Gold. Lots of thoughts and confusion and feelings. What is your take on the ending, specifically, Thorne's destruction of Santino and offering up his eyes to Maharet, with his final request that she keep him close? Not sure if you have time or interest in going back to give your thoughts like this, but I cannot find anyone who has addressed the ending. Donnie
It's been a while and I rarely remember the framing devices in most Vampire Chronicles books. I think I was glad of Santino's death, but that's about it. I have nothing analysis wise about it though I'm afraid. What made you conflicted about it?
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Thanks for taking the time to respond. Not conflicted so much as confused: how were readers to square Thorne's initial desire for revenge, followed by Marius' tale and the lesson regarding what anger cost him, then Marius still wanting to kill Santino in the end, Thorne doing it for him and offering up his eyes in payment for his actions . . . and then choosing to be kept bound by Maharet? On the surface, it narratively doesn't make sense ("I am mad at her for making me a blood drinker/I'll commit an act that I know is going to be met with punishment and then offer up my eyes to this very person and then ask to spend the rest of my life bound in her presence.") I wondered if maybe I was missing some message or lesson that Rice was imparting. Something you might've picked up? Anyway, it was a great book, and I'm working on my review of it, and that'll be the end of The Vampire Chronicles for me.
@@DonaldGibson-r6p It might just be erratic writing; it is unfortunate but as the series progresses, it does become more erratic, peaking with Blood Canticle and never really recovering after. I'm still to read the last two books, so maybe they get better. If I ever read them, I'll let you know!
@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Roger that. Maybe I'm giving her more credit than I should. Yes, I'm keeping up with your videos and will be interested in your reactions once you get through the final two.
One of my favorites…