Darker Jewels: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain

I first picked up this book because it was set in pre-revolutionary Russia (which I love). It looked mildly interesting, and I was facing a long ferry ride. Did I ever get the surprise of my life! I have never been a big fan of vampire fiction, but after I read this book I couldn't get enough of it! The Count is a fascinating character, the historical plot is real, something readers can relate to and understand, and I cried my eyes out at the end. I have since read every single Chelsea Quinn Yarbro book in my library (hint: try 'False Dawn,' it's amazing)and have branched out into other authors like P. N. Elrod, L. J. Smith and Anne Rice....but the Count remains an old favorite.

Darker Jewels is a historical novel featuring a vampire. It's one of the more recently written in a series about this character; there are earlier novels in the series that you might want to read first. Those who already know that they like vampire novels, anything at all that features a vampire, can skip this review, and likewise, those who hate the whole idea of vampires can skip it. But for those trying to decide whether or not to read more of this genre, or whether the one vampire novel you've already read was a fluke, it may help if we have some ways to categorize these novels. Thus: BunRab's Standard Vampire Elements. First, most authors of vampire novels approach from one of the main genres of genre fiction; thus their background may be primarily in romance, or in science fiction/fantasy, or in murder mysteries, or in horror. Second, many vampire novels come in series; knowing whether this is one of a series, and where in the series it falls, may be helpful. Then we have some particular characteristics: - Is the vampire character (or characters) a "good guy" or a "bad guy"? Or are there some of each? - Are there continuing characters besides the vampire, through the series? - Are there other types of supernatural beings besides vampires? - Can the vampire stand daylight under some circumstances, or not stand daylight at all? - Does the vampire have a few other supernatural characteristics, many other supernatural characteristics, or none other than just being a vampire? (E.g., super strength, change into an animal, turn invisible) - Does the vampire have a regular job and place in society, or is being a vampire his or her entire raison d'etre? - Does the vampire literally drink blood, or is there some other (perhaps metaphorical) method of feeding? - Is sex a major plot element, a minor plot element, or nonexistent? - Is the entire vampire feeding act a metaphor for sex, part of a standard sex act, or unrelated to sex? - Is the story set in one historical period, more than one historical period, or entirely in the present day? - Does the story have elements of humor, or is it strictly serious? - Is the writing style good, or is the writing just there to manage to hold together the plot and characters?Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's series about the vampire St. Germain starts from the historical romance genre (although Yarbro is equally well known as a science fiction writer), and is a continuing series. St. Germain is definitely a good guy, using the knowledge he's gained in several thousand years of living to help others. There are a few characters that continue from book to book besides him: the women he turns into vampires, and his "servant," Roger, who is a ghoul. Ghouls are the only other supernatural characters who appear in these books. St. Germain can stand daylight with the right preparations. He has unusual strength, but not limitless; unusual wisdom; and is an "alchemist" but there are no overt "magic" powers. In most

Yarbro gives yet another winning tale of Saint-Germain for all his loyal followers. Set in the Russia of Ivan the Terrible, Yarbro has done meticulous research to bring the ideas and period to life. Saint-Germain finds his one and only wife, a surprise to all who know the Count and his reclusive ways. His first book as a diplomat, it is beautifully written and looks deep into the minds and hearts of fifteenth century Russia. One of her best to date.

The premise of this series allows the reader a tour of history, viewing the action through the eyes of Count Saint-Germain who has lived through the ages -- a human being not trapped in and bound by only his own time. This particular installment takes the reader to Russia during the 1580's. We get a nice flavor of the times, bruitish, superstitious and hard though they were. Many thanks to the author for the rich detail of old Russia

Set in Russia, Saint-Germain faces the perils of a court gone mad. Forced to marry by the Czar himself, this vampire hero must defend himself and his new bride from the plots of courtiers and clergy alike. C. Q. Yarbro spins a heartbreaking tale of life, love, and unimaginable cruelty.