In the early 16th century Conte Franzicco Ragoczy di Santo-Germano lives a comfortable lifestyle in Venezia, but as the owner of Eclipse Press knows the Church and others spy on him and his mistress, composer Pier-Ariana Salier. What follows is the life of probably the most boring, one-dimensional vampire I've ever been inopportune to read.

Saint-Germain is not portrayed as a typical vampire. He requires blood to live but only a small amount, which many of his "victims" (usually female) offer voluntarily. His other victims are usually visited in their sleep, and he can take their blood without awakening them, leaving them with an erotic dream. Unlike traditional vampires, he is discomforted by direct sunlight and by running water, but is only damaged by them when seriously weakened; keeping a layer of his native earth inside his shoes allows him to navigate these hazards with minimal discomfort, and he always imports his native earth to build the foundations of his many homes. The character was inspired by an actual historical Count Saint-Germain, a mysterious figure in 18th century France.

One might want to brush up on history in order to get the book in context; if you have no recollection whatsoever of when the printing press and movable type burst on the scene, and what the issues surrounding Gutenberg's press were, and don't remember a thing about Martin Luther and the 95 Theses, you might want to find a history-notes web site and refresh yourself on these issues.

One can accustom oneself to a great many things, given time and reason enough; not all of them need be onerous.

Book Details:

Title States of Grace: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain
Author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Reviewed By Purplycookie ( )