I expect it is rare to have a tome imprint itself onto you in a way that you never forget the title or the author. This is my experience with this next novel. I read The Delicate Dependency in the late 80s early 90s, and I believe that my Aunt Jo gave me the novel. I always remembered that it was brilliant, but over many years I have forgotten many of the details, and in time I lost the copy I had.

The memory of this book would pop up from time to time, and I dreamed it would be wonderful to read it again. However, finding another copy was proving to be hard, so I would give up each time. Then in 2018, I tried again and low and behold I found a digital copy on Amazon! A bonus is that there was also an audiobook version. I could hardly contain myself and was very excited about experiencing this fantastic novel again.
The novel transports us to Victorian-era London. The players are Dr. Gladstone, his eldest, Ursula, his youngest, Camille, Niccolo, a youthful-looking man with angelic beauty, and the strange Lady Hespeth. The talented doctor and his daughters find themselves in an exciting and deadly pursuit, navigating the mystical world of the vampire.

This is not like any modern-day vampire novel you have heard about, and I am in agreement with many others that the late Michael Talbot created by far one of the best vampire novels around. It is compelling, spellbinding, and electrifying. Matt Godfrey is an award-winning narrator and does a fantastic job bringing this tale to life. I really enjoyed his interpretation. If you are into young adult vampire stories, then this may not be the novel for you. If you are up for experiencing a true classic, then this is a book you need to read.

Enjoy!
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It's back in print (or at least in e-print)! ( )

One of my favorite "alternate" vampire novels. The vampires are the Illuminati, guardians and guides and inspiration for all of humanity's advances in science and art. It's set in mid-19th century Europe, especially London, and deals with the virtues and vices and hypocrisies of Victorian England, among other things. A nice read. ( )

This novel is a unique take on the traditional vampire story. Dr. John Gladstone is a London virologist who's research has led him to the discovery of a deadly form of the influenza virus. A seemingly chance encounter with the mysterious Niccolo Cavalanti sets in motion the kidnapping of his youngest daughter Camille and Gladstone's introduction to the world of the Vampire.

There are no bats or "children of the night" in this book but you won't miss them. The writing drags in places: Talbot often gives up and explains events instead of showing them. But the last half of the book is worth the work it takes to get there. An excellent addition to any vampire collection. ( )

One of the best vampire books I have ever read. My brother gave this book to me, I read it and loved it, and my sister in law asked to read it. I sent it to her, she gave it to someone else and I never got it back. The book explains the vampire mythology with very believable statements.
Not the usual vampire book. It's difficult to find a copy, but if you get one, don't let it go. ( )