Midnight Thirsts

4 short stories - Ford's story I really liked enough to find other works by him; Herren's story was, as usual, pretty OK; Ridge's story did not appeal, though it was well written; and I still in the middle of Wolfe's story.

2 1/2 stars Greg Herren - The Nightwatchers
Phillip Rutledge and his best friend Rachel discover there's more to the night than either of them thought possible when a vampire begins stalking Phillip, believing him to be the reincarnation of a long dead lover ...
--While I like Herren's stuff, I wonder what he finds so fascinating about guys who spend half their lives in the gym is? Any rate, this a nice little story, with good atmosphere and interesting characters, namely Rachel and the Nightwatcher who tries to save show more Phillip from his stalker. As usual, Herren is good at describing New Orleans in an interesting and lovely way.

4 1/2 stars Michael Thomas Ford - Carnival
Joe Flanagan is satisfied with his life in the carnival where he maintains the rides and other machines with which he seems to have an almost supernatural affinity. When an new attraction joins the carnival, a type of freak show which is more than a little sinister, Joe finds not only a new friend, but his suspicions rising about just what type of man Mr. Star, the owner, is.
--This is the first story I have ever read by Mr. Ford, but, by golly, not the last. I liked his story so much I went looking for more stuff and am currently reading [bc:Jane Bites Back|6570140|Jane Bites Back (Jane Fairfax #1)|Michael Thomas Ford|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1310580959s/6570140.jpg|6763198]

2 1/2 Stars Timothy Ridge - The Vampire Stone
A stone enchanted by a master vampire becomes the obsession for Roland Weir. The more he becomes attached to the stone, the more he falls under the power of the vampire until he finally does the ultimate act which makes him realize just how far he's fallen.
--While solidly written, I admit that the subject matter did not appeal and the ending let me with a bad taste in my mouth.

2 1/2 stars Sean Wolfe - Vampire, Inc.
Chritiano Montez is one of the most respected and feared vampires in the world. When he arrived in Denver on his way to Chicago, he finds that he not only likes Denver more than he expected but also finds a new love and a new direction in his life.
--Mr. Wolfe is not one of the best writers I've ever come across. Not bad, but not great either.

And the winner is ... Thomas Michael Ford. It's not often an anthology like this pops a new author in my path, but it happened and I'm glad. show less