Book Review: Roman Dusk

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s novels about the heroic vampire, Count Saint-Germain, tend to follow a certain pattern and this one is no exception. In most of her books the vampire is living in exile, he rescues a woman in danger and in spite of his kind and charitable nature he attracts suspicion and runs afoul of the authorities.

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What sets her novels apart is the historical detail. Each book transports readers to a different era and place and Yarbro’s research is meticulous. The romance and vampirism take a back seat to the history lesson. In ROMAN DUSK Yarbro’s lyrical prose and absorbing narrative paints a vivid portrait of the Counts activities, and a detailed picture of life in the Roman Empire of 160 AD emerges.

Ragoczy Germainus Sanct-Franciscus, a vampire living in third-century Rome, is tending to an ailing noblewoman, the well-to-do Domina Adicia, This is not your typical alpha-male bloodsucker. Sanct-Franciscus is compassionate and noble – a merchant and a healer. The woman’s virgin daughter, Ignatia tempts him into a romantic interlude. He’s accused of corrupting the daughter and her zealous brother threatens to destroy him. Meanwhile as a foreigner, he comes under scrutiny of a corrupt tax collector who targets him for tax evasion and a spy is placed in his household. He intends to leave Rome, but Ignatia’s brother, a fanatical convert to Christianity, has other plans for him. And Sanct-Franciscus finds his life is threatened by the true death – fire.

There’s more political maneuvering than action, but the plot is still engrossing. The setting is authentic down to the smallest detail – politics, food, and style of dress. A glossary and gazetteer are included for those unfamiliar with the time period. Some readers may find the attention to detail and vocabulary distracting – but history buffs will be thrilled.

ISBN: 978-0765313935
Publisher: TOR (Jan 2008)
Pages: 352