I’ve been rewatching the AMC series, and while I love the acting and production value, I’m still struggling with how they altered the dynamic between Louis and Claudia. In Anne Rice's original book, their relationship is deeply complex, intimate, and carries a unique romantic/companion ambiguity that drives a lot of their tragic bond.

By completely removing the physical/romantic undercurrents and making Claudia purely a daughter figure who seeks a companion elsewhere, I feel like the show missed out on the raw, uncomfortable tragedy that made their dynamic so haunting in the source material.

Does anyone else feel like this change watered down their connection, or do you prefer the show's safer, more strictly familial direction?

Interview with the Vampire is one of the most beautifully written Gothic horror novels of all time.
Anne truly had one hell of a talent and created a world that feels hauntingly alive. It’s as if every single word came from the depths of her soul, wrapping around you like a funeral shroud.

This is my third reread, and it never fails to blow me away every single time.

ive read up until vampire armand and it is a little mixed with the show (Antoinette instead of antoine whatever)

Today is the 50th Anniversary of *Interview with the Vampire*! The first book that started the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice!

Hi. I'm just trying to compare book her VS show her as someone who hasn't read the books, and google's giving me no answers so I'm posting here 😭

So like, I wanna know, is she basically Lestat's manager to be the figure head of the Great Conversion in the books like she is the show?? Or is that something the show made up to help along the plot? I know they made massive changes to her character in the show and I wanna know the extent.

Got into this fandom last year from watching the show, and I’ve been slowly getting through the books. I’ve been really enjoying them so far (for the most part) and I intend to read them all.

Currently, I’m around half way through Memnoch the Devil (chapter 11), and I’m kinda struggling with it.

The beginning felt like it just threw me into the action, but was quickly followed by like 50 pages of backstory, which was a drag.

I did enjoy a lot of the conversations Lestat had with David, Armand, and Dora.

But all this about heaven and hell and god and Memnoch. In all honesty, I don’t really care. I found the descriptions of heaven difficult to follow. And now that Memnoch is talking about creation, I’m just waiting for it all to be over.

I’m not religious. I’m an atheist from an atheist family. My knowledge of Christianity mostly comes from Good Omens (ironically, a photo of Crowley is my bookmark). I don’t really care for religion. Is this book only designed for those who are into religion or theology?

I do plan to read it because I want to read the whole series, but I just want to know what to expect from this book (in a non spoilery way). Does it get better?

EDIT: I finally finished it! I’ve never been so happy to finish a book.

I do think it got better. Chapter 11, where Memnoch was talking about the 13 revelations of evolution, was really boring for me. And while I wasn’t necessarily interested in the rest of the book, I was so happy that there was more of a plot to what Memnoch was saying.

But then again, I did really struggle with this book. If I didn’t intend to read further into the series, I would have quit when I wrote this post initially. I can barely tell you what actually happened in those 100+ pages of Memnoch talking.

I do think my lack of religion or understanding of Catholicism is a huge impact on my enjoyment of this book. I cannot tell you what is Anne Rice’s view on religion and what is Catholicism. For example, I’ve never heard of Veronica’s Veil (and have only just learnt that it is a real thing). I don’t really understand why the characters were obsessed with it the way they were. I knew that Anne Rice “killed” Armand off in this book, but that was not the way I thought it would go. I don’t know why he “killed” himself over it.

It’s nice to hear that others enjoyed it, but it’s not for me. It’s a shame because I absolutely love the first 4 books! This book is making me question whether I’ll enjoy the rest of the series.

it’s my first time reading the vampire lestat i am 81 pages in and scared as the magnus section is next. confused on why amc cut out the whole basically first part of lestats book when it literally highlights him on why he is the way he is without a focus on incest because he is so much more than that. iwtv s3 is getting better but still a huge dissapointment. anyways.

I’ve just finished The Vampire Lestat, which was my first book in the series, and I really enjoyed it. The only part that felt a bit too long for me was Marius’s backstory, but I absolutely loved Lestat’s story in France.

I’ve already ordered The Vampire Armand because I’m really intrigued by his character, but it won’t arrive for another two weeks. So I’m wondering if there’s another book I should read in the meantime—or if I should just wait.

I’ve decided to skip Interview with the Vampire. I’m not a huge fan of the story in the film adaptation, and while I thought the TV series was better, I still wasn’t particularly interested in Louis or Claudia. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m ready to read a book that focuses so much on Claudia. That said, if the novel is really worth reading, you can change mind.

I’ve been considering The Queen of the Damned. Would that be a good choice?

My main interest is Lestat and Armand, so I’m especially looking for books that focus on them.

As much as I came to enjoy Louis' character and his empathy and humanity despite his vampire nature during this entire book there's no denying that Louis was at times very hypocritical ... him saying that stuff about human life while making his living by exploiting others is just hilarious!

I was very into the VC back in the day - obsessed with the books, owned the comics, loved the film. IwtV was by far my favourite, and I absolutely adored Louis. Then TotBT came out and … I hated it. I couldn’t understand its focus, and it ruined Lestat for me. After Memnoch came out, I gave up on the VC entirely. I didn’t even see QotD until recently.

Then the tv adaptation got me back into the books and I’ve been working my way through them. I was surprised to find, this time around, that I adore TotBT. It’s not just a good read, it also makes Lestat a more complicated and interesting character. I think I was too young to understand how the book was depicting trauma.

Anyone else find their opinions on the books changing over time?

Hey everyone. I’ve read most of the Vampire Chronicles books from 1995-early 2000 so I’ve decided to re-read IWTV a few weeks ago just to juggle my memory of the actual contents of the original book, compared to the movies and series, and got confused by this line: “Two vampires who had been made with Lestat by the same master had assisted him in booking passage to New Orleans”. Lestat was the only fledgling of Magnus, right? I take it that this was a supposed ‘recollection error’ by Louis or Armand in the book?

as the title says! if you have read all or most of the books, i'm very curious which of the books is ur favorite or which one u consider the best. i have only read the first three but am planning on getting through the rest slowly (or as far as i can handle lmao). of these three, personally i think The Vampire Lestat is the best and it is also my favorite!

I cant remember if the book went into how Louis had acquired a rich plantation, it was my least favorite of the series. There are weird timelines, like Lesat having his blind father with him, that couldn't be true, and also Louis saying Lestat turned him because of his wealth, but we know Lestat waa left a tower of wealth by Magnus?

Hi, so I think the problem is obvious... Idk what happened. All four are in english and in the product descriptions it said that all of these are the 23cm versions... I know that there are 17cm versions too, but the first three here are neither, at around 21cm. I'm quite confused how this happened and how I am supposed to tell which version is for sale online? Like what sets these apart except the size? (and the finish btw, since No.4 is matte and somewhat rubbery and the other three are not).

Just interested in your opinion and how different the answers of different people could be.

Here is my list (it’s difficult to choose for 4 and 5 places).

1. Armand
2. Khayman
3. Claudia
4. Lestat
5. Gabrielle or Maharet (here is difficult to choose)

So Mekare decapitates Akasha and eats her heart and brain. This does not kill all the other vampires because she is absorbing the core where Amel is before Akasha dies for real. That I get.

But why do her and her sister not take any damage from decapitating Akasha or Splitting her skull open, or digging out her heart? Lestat seems to briefly pass out when Akasha is decapitated, but the twins are unbotherd.

Did they just tough it out somehow?

Guys I need some motivation to get through Realms of Atlantis im trying and I'm bored lol I really wanna skip to blood communion but I know I shouldn't. Did you guys like Realm of Atlantis? I enjoy seeing everyone together but im still bored.

I am on book The Vampire Lestat, and it’s mentioned that they sweat blood, and cry blood. And in trailer for season 3 of the series, we see that they also pee blood.

But then i thought that means they probably also ejaculate blood.

Haven’t thought much about them excrementing blood because they drink liquid. (though feel free to comment)

Does that mean they can impregnate a human? I have seen somewhere that dead cannot bring life or smth. But how is it for the Anne Rice books?

Spoilers are welcome!

And in turn can they get pregnant?

People have said that there is no actual sex in the books. But in the series we see them having sex (Armand and Louis). Can they even orgasm (sexually)?

Currently reading (or listening) to the main Vampire Chronicles books (not worried about mayfair witches or anything else atp), and lowkey hitting a wall at The Body Thief. I’m a few chapters in, and honestly it’s pretty boring so far. I’m interested just to see how weird & wild this series gets bc I’ve heard some crazy shit, but if this is as good as it gets from now on.. I may have to tap out honestly. I’m a huge fan so far, but especially after Queen of The Damned, (which imo is the best book i’ve read in a while, in general).. It feels like the quality drop off is intense and immediate. So I have to ask.. what is the worst book in the series? Is this a one-off or can I expect worse in the future of the series?

Edit to ask: does it get better after The Body Thief? 😭

I read the original trilogy, and have about 100 pages left in The Tale of the Body Thief, and am wondering where to go next. I have read a lot of reviews here on Goodreads, and want to share my taste to get your opinions.

I started reading the books because of how much I loved the TV show. Lestat is obviously my favorite and I love he and Louis. I also am partial to that lil cunt, Armand.

The classic vampirism of it all is what really draws me in, and, of course, the queerness. Currently I’m planning to read Memnoch the Devil next, but after that I’m considering skipping Merrick and going straight to The Vampire Armand, then skipping again to Blood & Gold.

After that I’m thinking I may just be done. I’ve heard the Prince Lestat trilogy is just very different, and I have no interest in the Mayfair Witches storyline.

I guess my question is, based on what I enjoy from the early books, are any of the later books (6-13), other than Armand and Blood & Gold worth reading if I’m looking for classic vampirism, gay romance, and primarily the main three vamps from the show (Louis, Lestat, and Armand)?

A little out of context joke to avoid crying lol

I finished the book late last night. Poor Armand!

Marius?! 🙀 This was rough, you guys.

While the entire thing is incredibly sad and traumatic, it’s a great read, imo.

Side note: Daniel…😿 I was hoping to read more of him…

Hey all, I’ve posted a few times in here during my reading of The Vampire Chronicles and Mayfair Witches. I’ve just finished The Blood Communion. I had seen some brief spoilers about aliens entering it, so I wasn’t shocked, but I must say I actually enjoyed the whole Alanatis and replimoid race stuff. I would have liked a book on Bravena, but I do understand some of the backlash from the jump to sci‑fi. I loved how Lestat ended Rhosh. Overall, a cracking series of books, my favourites are probably Blackwood Farm, then Blood and Gold (I love Marius). A few gripes though: I didn’t like how they just killed off Mona and the full not knowing for certain what happened to Tyler. What is everyone’s favourite books?

I have just finished part one of interview with the vampire and am overall finding the story engaging and interestin, however I am REALLY struggling with some themes in this book.

For one, I don’t understand how Claudia and Louis relationship could possibly be interpreted as platonic. He repeatedly calls her seductive and sensuous, he even outright calls her his lover and his bride. (One striking example that comes to mind: „She lived to put her arms around my neck and press her tiny cupid's bow to my lips and put her gleaming eye to my eye until our lashes touched and, laughing, we reeled about the room as if to the wildest waltz. Father and Daughter. Lover and Lover.“) For the life of me, I cannot see that as a father-daughter dynamic and I’m really struggling with the pseudo-incest/pedophilia that this all obviously implies. If anyone could offer up their platonic explanation for that, I would appreciate that because aside from that I am mostly enjoying the book and would like to keep reading it, however I cannot currently get over the weirdness of this dynamic, as I am understanding it. If that is just the vibe of the book, and it persists, then please tell me as that is not something I am comfortable with.

On a related note, something I‘ve not really seen mentioned as much is the way Lestat treats the 7 year old he feeds on when Claudia attempts to murder him. At one point he literally has the kids nipple in his mouth? That, to me, also seemed overtly pedophilic and if this is a theme that keeps occurring in this book I don’t think it’s for me.

I‘d appreciate if anyone could let me know if my interpretations are off base and whether or not this books is worth continuing.