A Feast in Exile: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain

Or fifteenth, if you count "Out of the House of Life", a novel that is primarily a spinoff novel about Saint Germain's vampiric "childe", Madeline de Montalia, but does have some scenes that are flashbacks to the early years of Saint Germain's vampiric life.Or Eighteenth, if you include "A Flame In Byzantium", "Crusader's Torch", and "A Candle For d'Artagnan", the spinoff trilogy about Olivia Clemens, a previous "offspring".This is one of the best books in the series; many of the later books have been much more complex in their scope and plotting that the first four books in the series, all of which had a very strong tendancy toward the "Historic Romance" novel. There is still an aspect of that to be found in the later books, but there is more complexity to the characters, the plots, and the love interests than can be found in the earlier books. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending of this book, but not sufficiently unsatisfied to spoil the enjoyment of a fine story.For those unfamiliar with the Saint Germain series, Saint Germain is a vampire who has lived for over 4000 years; each book places him in a different time period, and a different locale. This book finds him in India around 1400, during the time of the depradations of the man known in the west as Tamerlane (Timur-i locally). Saint Germain is not the antihero or sympathetic villain found in much of vampire literature, such as Lestat in the Anne Rice books; he is a legitimate hero; occasionally, he will make mention of the fact that when he first became a vampire, he was a more traditionally minded vampire, but has learned in his long life to avoid such rampages and bloodshed, as he has learned how to overcome many of the limitations of vampirism. In 4000 years (3400 at the time of this book) he has actually become one of the most civilized beings one could imagine.A fine historical novel, one of the best of a fine series.

The best part of a Saint Germain novel by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro is the feeling of being imersed in the time and place setting of the novel. This is done with the counterweight of a familiar protagonist, Saint Germain. I have been a fan since the 1970s and the first book, Hotel Transylvania. The last book was a major disapointment, but Yarbro is back on track with A FEAST. If you like your vampires of the romantic and gentle nature you will enjoy the book.

In 1400 AD Timur-i leads his Mongol hordes across Asia, taking control of much of India. In Delhi, the world order changes, as the foreigners no longer have their special status. Those foreigners foolish enough to remain behind in Delhi are either insane or in desperate straits because the city is no longer safe for them. Saint-Germain the vampire has lived in Delhi under the name of Sanat Ji Mani. He knows he must flee before the Mongol horde ends his undead life, but he cannot leave yet because his honor requires he must care for his beloved Avasa Dani. Eventually she manages to escape the city, but the Conqueror detains Sanat. Timur-i needs Sanat's medical skills, but refuses to accept night calls only. He demands twenty-four hour healing coverage, which the vampire knows means sunlight and death for him. If somehow he survives, Sanat worries about his cherished Avasa, a woman alone except for a servant in a world gone mad. The latest Saint-Germain novel, A FEAST IN EXILE, is a virtual feast for fans of the series and historical novel buffs alike. The tale brings to life India around 1400, showcasing Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's vast research into the time and place. By installing her hero in Asia, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro refreshes him so that the audience observes Saint-German in a different scenario, which turns A FEAST IN EXILE into one of the best books in one of the superior vampire series.Harriet Klausner

The early Count SG books gave a feeling of great intimacy, of knowing this old-souled creature who is one of the most gentle and kind-hearted creatures of the night some lucky woman or man is ever likely to encounter. I felt for him and with him as much as I ever did in the esteemed and unforgetable FIRST FIVE that began with Hotel Transylvania and ended with Tempting Fate. The devoted reader will be pulled into the adventure, feeling nearly as if she walked alongside our hero through a nearly forgotten period of time and unknown place. I found myself talking to the characters, sometimes shouting to them. At the end, I emerged from 14th century India feeling I had been there too, and was lucky to have experienced it all and still escaped. Don't put off reading this one. You won't be disappointed.

One of Yarbro's newest books avalible, it is a wonderful story set in the 1400's in India. Following the time-honed formula of writting, Yarbro gives her readers an inside view of life and hardships for all people-rich and poor. You follow Sanat Ji Mani as he is again seperated from the ones who know him best and must survive by placating to the whims of generals and ruling sultans. He meets a few women along the way, and you follow how they react to what he is and the life they will have to lead. An incredible novel of hope and disappointment, from every characters' point of view.