I actually treat this series as my bible. That said, this and the last book in the series are the best, although I suggest you read them sequentially. They go beyond the silly, gory, snootyness of vampires and actually are more a critique of humanity and its history. Sita is a creature who has managed to witness firsthand 5,000 years of humanity's history, and has a lot to say about it. This book brought me out of a severe depression and actually helped me enjoy life. Highly recommended.
Highly Recommended
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I just finished reading The Last Vampire again after having read it about 8 years ago. I without a doubt enjoyed it even more this time as I was too young to appreciate it before (I must have been about 12 at the time). What I love most about the book is that Pike tells the story through the eyes of the vampire herself. Throughout the narration, "Sita" debunks many of the myths and stereotypes associated with vampires and reveals the true nature of this extraordinary being. And because she is as old as history itself, Sita recounts major historical events and points out some innaccuracies in the written tradition. I especially liked her recollection of her past meeting with Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula, and the irony involved. Pike litters the novel with a variety of such anecdotes which makes the story that much more fun. I honestly believe that this story would make an excellent movie and would especially appeal to mature audiences in light of Pike's use of graphic content. But unfortunately, Pike seems to be virtually unrecognized in the literary world and this idea would never make it to film, despite its brilliance.
The Last Vampire: The BEST Vampire Book... Ever?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Vampires. Creatures of the Night--those groovy ghoulies you love to hate, sexy and silent killers, stars of film and literature... There is so much mythology surrounding the vampire that it is indeed a unique thing to be struck with something new. I have read scores of books on the subject, some good, some great. There are however many more trite than creative stories--more predictable ones than original. This is the reason why I was so impressed with Christopher Pike's "The Last Vampire." Not only does it manage to give you a compelling and gripping story with characters that are both real and complex--it's actually refreshing. A refreshing story about vampires. And you thought it was all corpses and cobwebs!Alisa Perne isn't new to the vampire scene, having lived it for over five thousand years. She is fleet and strong, has the keenest senses imaginable--and she's a babe. The stories you've heard about vampires? Well, some are true; most are false. Sunlight hardly effects her. She wears a crucifix as jewelry. Garlic, holy water, coffins? Stories concocted to make us feel secure. Of course, how would we feel if we knew there was nothing we could do to protect ourselves--that these terrifying creatures were real and stronger than we'd ever imagined?Of course, vampires have problems too. There is the pesky business of keeping your identity hidden. Amazing powers aside--if the whole world knew the truth, it would be tough to do anything but hide in a cave for a few centuries. Or, you could just kill everybody. But then you come to the human factor. You used to be one, and somewhere there's still a little bit left. Some feeling, love even. It's tough to watch those you love die all around you--especially at your own hands. But the need for blood is always there. You can only prolong the inevitable. Alisa knows this all too well.When a human detective appears with strange questions about her background--Alisa is cautious. Who is this man, and how much does he know? Has he told others? Though not a mind-reader, she knows the answers to these questions. His body, sweat, breath--they tell her everything. Someone else knows. But who?A few decisions and swift actions later, a life is ended... and new questions begin to form. An intricate knot of time and mystery begins to loosen. New dangers will confront her--make her question everything she's learned and everything she is. New faces will torment her--filter her perception, change her resolve. It has been many centuries since she felt the emotions she will feel...I've visited many Pike shrines and websites that claim "The Last Vampire" is one of his best--and I couldn't agree more. There is so much to say positively about this book I couldn't possibly write it all. The praise you've heard is deserving. Now, it has won my acclaim.This book has EVERYTHING. The action is artfully played and exciting! Alisa is an expert fighter, faster and more cunning than any predator. Her prowess is uncanny; her grace tra
An exellent book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Sita, a beautiful young women who appears to be around 20 years old, is accually a 5 thousand year old Vampire who has a great love for life and God. In this first book Sita fall in love witha young man named Ray, who she thinks is the reincarnation of her lost love Rama. A twist comes when she finds out that she is being followed by a foe from her ancient past, Yaksha. Yaksha is Sitas creater and the most powerful Vampire that ever walked the earth. Sita must battle Yaksha to save Ray and her life. She realizes, in the end, that she loves him as much as he loves her.
Truly a collection of his best works.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I do not see how anyone could rate this book any lower than a 5 star. Such compelling writing. I truly was moved. The way he lead you on with Sita's daughter Kalika. The surprises around every corner. And the ending. Oh book six was so moving. My I have to say that a good book you can't put down. But the best book MAKES you put it down because it is soo good you can't go on for a bit. You have to stop and consider or reread what has happened. He could not have come up with a better ending. The epiloge was a great way to end it with Seymour. You have simply got to read his whole series. The whole shabang of things. From The Last Vampire to The Last Vampire 6: Creatures of Forever. You will never regret reading such a book. My compliments to Christopher Pike. As I young writer you are such an inspiration and I truly could not compare to your work. Read the first collector's edition and then read this one. You won't regret it.
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