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New Tales of the Vampires #1-2
Pandora / Vittorio the Vampire
In Pandora, fledgling vampire David Talbot chronicles the history of Pandora, a two-thousand-year-old vampire, and in fifteenth-century Renaissance Florence, Vittorio finds his world shattered when his entire family is destroyed in an act of unholy violence and embarks on a desperate quest for revenge, in Vittorio, the Vampire, in an omnibus edition.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
656 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Anne Rice
326 books26.1k followersAnne Rice (born Howard Allen Frances O'Brien) was a best-selling American author of gothic, supernatural, historical, erotica, and later religious themed books. Best known for The Vampire Chronicles, her prevailing thematic focus is on love, death, immortality, existentialism, and the human condition. She was married to poet Stan Rice for 41 years until his death in 2002. Her books have sold nearly 100 million copies, making her one of the most widely read authors in modern history.
Anne Rice passed on December 11, 2021 due to complications from a stroke. She was eighty years old at the time of her death.
She uses the pseudonym Anne Rampling for adult-themed fiction (i.e., erotica) and A.N. Roquelaure for fiction featuring sexually explicit sado-masochism.
Anne Rice passed on December 11, 2021 due to complications from a stroke. She was eighty years old at the time of her death.
She uses the pseudonym Anne Rampling for adult-themed fiction (i.e., erotica) and A.N. Roquelaure for fiction featuring sexually explicit sado-masochism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 23, 2018
When this book came out in 1998 I was distracted by family issues and moving. I purchased it because I have always been a huge Rice fan but never got around to finishing it.
Well I'm glad I did. Pandora, the vampire made by Marius (his first) reads like a true historical chronicle and has an aged tone and authenticity which I loved in Blood and Gold. This book, along with Armand round out the image and character of Marius while showing us that more women than Maharet and her Jessica are potent and deadly.
This is an all senses origin story that is not to be missed. I'm sorry it took me so long to read it. Be prepared to hear from several ancient immortals and feel the rounding out of the real Chronicles as never before.
A must read for the Coven of Lestat fans.
Well I'm glad I did. Pandora, the vampire made by Marius (his first) reads like a true historical chronicle and has an aged tone and authenticity which I loved in Blood and Gold. This book, along with Armand round out the image and character of Marius while showing us that more women than Maharet and her Jessica are potent and deadly.
This is an all senses origin story that is not to be missed. I'm sorry it took me so long to read it. Be prepared to hear from several ancient immortals and feel the rounding out of the real Chronicles as never before.
A must read for the Coven of Lestat fans.
December 3, 2017
i was so excited when i got the book then started reading and i gave up
it just couldnt hold my attentoin and it was boring to me
it just couldnt hold my attentoin and it was boring to me
October 23, 2019
pandora = meh
vittorio = beautiful
vittorio = beautiful
April 30, 2023
I read this book twice. These tales were great and entertaining. I do admit that I loved the Pandora tale more than Vittorio. These tales were beautifully written in all the details, descriptions of each period settings, and the captivating plots. The character that Pandora I found very enchanting, sweet, sorrowful sometimes & clever at times. I loved her interactions with Marius and I wish they remained together. As for Vittorio this tale was interesting and got hot & thrilling half way into the tale.
Anne Rice created these characters with similarities of the chronicles. She written these tales beautifully, but no surprise coming from Anne Rice. I would recommend anyone to read this book. I rate it with 5 stars & two dumbs up.
Anne Rice created these characters with similarities of the chronicles. She written these tales beautifully, but no surprise coming from Anne Rice. I would recommend anyone to read this book. I rate it with 5 stars & two dumbs up.
April 11, 2014
I finished Pandora but could not face more than a few pages of Vittorio. Yes, Pandora was a likable and interesting character but not enough to carry a book of this length. Many times I felt like I was just forcing myself to keep reading. I would have said this was good (but still too long for the amount of actual plot contained) if it had been fan fiction. I do not recommend this at all.
June 11, 2016
These two stories were ok. They would have been shorter if Rice didn't go off on history speels. I pretty much skimmed over those parts because they were dry and boring. I do not really remember Vittorio in The Vampire Chronicles but he had a more interesting story than Pandora, to me at least.
October 13, 2010
I enjoyed the books, but wasn't wowed by either one of them. Just when I started to feel myself heading into Four Star Land, the tale would either falter or go into way too much esoteric detail. Not bad, but you could give this one a pass and not worry that you'd missed anything.
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June 30, 2009Pandora was just a huge rehashing of the character Marius. It was a trip down memory lane for any QotD readers. Vittorio lost me a bit.
October 5, 2015
Never trust a bunny.
May 6, 2016
About twenty-five pages into this book I remembered why I stopped reading Anne Rice. The constant repetition severely muddles what might be beautifully written prose--if only I could find it.
April 30, 2019
I also enjoy a good Ann Rice vampire story. Easy to read, interesting and entertaining. This did not disappoint.
January 19, 2021
Excellent read! I am glad I picked up more of her books. Love them so far.
August 10, 2020
Pandora ⛤⛤⛤⛤
La historia de Pandora, era la que más deseaba leer, sus esporádicas apariciones en las crónicas vampíricas la hacían ver como un personaje misterioso e intrigante y finalmente su vida resultó ser interesante. Es rápida de leer, tanto así que se hace insuficiente, sobretodo por ese fin abrupto, que deja con ganas de saber más. No recomendable leer sin haber leído Sangre y Oro.
Vittorio ⛤⛤⛤
La historia de Vittorio no está relacionada a ningún personaje de las crónicas, su vida desde la aparición de los 'demonios' es bastante trágica. Hay un evento que hace un guiño a lo vivido por Lestat en Memnoch el Diablo. Es posible leer esta historia sin haber leído nada relacionado a las crónicas vampíricas.
La historia de Pandora, era la que más deseaba leer, sus esporádicas apariciones en las crónicas vampíricas la hacían ver como un personaje misterioso e intrigante y finalmente su vida resultó ser interesante. Es rápida de leer, tanto así que se hace insuficiente, sobretodo por ese fin abrupto, que deja con ganas de saber más. No recomendable leer sin haber leído Sangre y Oro.
Vittorio ⛤⛤⛤
La historia de Vittorio no está relacionada a ningún personaje de las crónicas, su vida desde la aparición de los 'demonios' es bastante trágica. Hay un evento que hace un guiño a lo vivido por Lestat en Memnoch el Diablo. Es posible leer esta historia sin haber leído nada relacionado a las crónicas vampíricas.
August 4, 2018
While I enjoyed Pandora, I was a little disappointed in Vittorio. I reserve 5 stars for outstanding work, like Stephen King, so it's down one star going in. For Pandora, I might have given 4 stars, but too many times I couldn't stay awake trying to make my way through Vittorio. It started out good, but really drug on and on. Too many long, boring parts that couldn't hold my interest. I would recommend Pandora, but not Vittorio.
May 26, 2017
2017 reread: I really loved Pandora, as I did the last time.
Though this time around, Vittorio The Vampire was a little more boring to me than it was the last time. That's why I spent quite a while on it this time. It could have been better.
Though this time around, Vittorio The Vampire was a little more boring to me than it was the last time. That's why I spent quite a while on it this time. It could have been better.
February 12, 2018
I finished Pandora but could only finished a few pages of Vittorio. Pandora was a very strong character. It was an interesting story but it should not be this long.
June 9, 2021
A little disappointed
I was a little disappointed that there really wasn't anything new in this book. Very disappointed and sad. Oh well
I was a little disappointed that there really wasn't anything new in this book. Very disappointed and sad. Oh well
July 25, 2021
Доста по - слаба в сравнение с останалите книги от поредицата. :(
May 8, 2024
Excellent 🤗
August 18, 2024
2.5/5 overall. both these novels are not bad. they're rather average but unfortunately are nothing special. so unless you're a diehard AR fan or a completionist, these are skippable.
Pandora : 1.5/5
Vittorio the Vampire : 3/5
I am quite confused as to why this was a completely new series and not 5.5 or 6.5 respectively as novellas included in the main TVC series.
Pandora relies heavily on pre-existing characters in the TVC universe and should have logically been a part of the chronicles. To me, because my goals are to read all the books in the universe, there was more allure to read Pandora since she was pre-established. However, that familiarity is to the detriment of the enjoyment of it as a book since nothing exciting or new is gained. (and probably my intense dislike of marius is a cause too)
Vittorio on the other hand has nothing in relation to the gang mentioned in TVC though technically within the same universe. For that, there is less incentive to read it. However, as a novel, it is able to stand on its own much better than Pandora. A new perspective on vampirism and interpretation of lore than what is offered in the main series if that is what you're looking for. It's also very beautifully written.
both really showcase the ability AR has to write historical fiction. like diva really put in the work and effort for the research. historically complete :)
Pandora : 1.5/5
Vittorio the Vampire : 3/5
I am quite confused as to why this was a completely new series and not 5.5 or 6.5 respectively as novellas included in the main TVC series.
Pandora relies heavily on pre-existing characters in the TVC universe and should have logically been a part of the chronicles. To me, because my goals are to read all the books in the universe, there was more allure to read Pandora since she was pre-established. However, that familiarity is to the detriment of the enjoyment of it as a book since nothing exciting or new is gained. (and probably my intense dislike of marius is a cause too)
Vittorio on the other hand has nothing in relation to the gang mentioned in TVC though technically within the same universe. For that, there is less incentive to read it. However, as a novel, it is able to stand on its own much better than Pandora. A new perspective on vampirism and interpretation of lore than what is offered in the main series if that is what you're looking for. It's also very beautifully written.
both really showcase the ability AR has to write historical fiction. like diva really put in the work and effort for the research. historically complete :)
April 20, 2015
Tarde una eternidad para leer este libro, y es que como muchos saben, la fantasía y yo no nos llevamos bien pero decidí animarme a leer este libro ya que mi amiga Ro me lo había prestado.
Esta es una historia muy bien ambientada, con una trama sencilla y un montón de emociones a flor de piel por parte Vittorio. La historia se desarrolla en la Florencia de los Medicci, por eso hay bastante detalles de religión y mucho estilo medieval.
Este libro narra la historia de un joven culto y con profundo sentimiento por la religión y las artes llamado Vittorio, quien presencia el asesinato de su familia por parte de un grupo de vampiros, este queda a salvo por el favor de uno de los vampiros llamada Ursula que queda encantada por su belleza. Vittoria decide buscar a los vampiros para vengarse y en su búsqueda descubre grandes secretos. Es capturado por los vampiros y así puede observar su estilo de vida, pero estos le perdonan. Vittorio entonces descubre que tiene el don de ver angeles y con la ayuda de estos decide tomar venganza matando a todos los vampiros, excepto a Ursula, a quien decide darle una oportunidad de retractarse de su estilo de vida y así ser perdonada por Dios.
Este libro es catalogado como terror, pero en realidad no infunde nada de miedo. Es una lectura sencilla y rápida.
November 12, 2015
I have already finished pandora, I finished it long ago, and liked the solved mystery that is the beautiful blood goddess portrayed in other Anne rice books, and now unto vittorio the vampire what does one say so far when nearing the second half of his story that it is tragic yes, but probably more tragic then the other stories of Anne rice so far losing everything at such a young age as vittorio, and by everything I mean everything the mysteries of what is to come, the forbidden love of the women vampire that has seduced poor vittorio it is a much better read then the vampire Armand, and can't wait to finish it which won't be long now this is the Anne rice I remember. His story is the shortest I ever seen in an Anne rice book, but no less captivating as you read not the history of vittorio, but the tragedy that is vittorios existence a young lord thrown against his will into the fires, and tribulations of hell.. What fate awaits the ancient vampire?
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October 23, 2015I read the Pandora segment (the book I read actually only had Pandora's story) and I took interest in it initially, but as the story dragged on toward the middle/ end I couldn't quite keep my focus while reading. Pandora's fall into madness during her years as a human that subsequently continued on into her fledgling stages of a vampire became a chore to read though. Okay, I get it, she's crazy, a fanatic, obsessive. Then the story kind of swoops into its ending stages (kind of like stepping off a ledge) and leaves the reader with new information about Armand after glossing over the events that lead her to David in present time. ...Okay? So this is to be continued (surprise, surprise). We never truly get all of the details about Pandora's life and that is what really turned me off toward the end. Otherwise, it was an interesting read and I enjoyed the history lesson.
April 22, 2015
I found this book at my parents' house, and as much as I love vampires and Anne Rice, I HAD to read it!
PANDORA
I can't comprehend how talented Anne Rice is. I don't have much to say, but Pandora / Lydia's story was just truly amazing. Very detailed in most of the aspects I like. Strong female character, history, the supernatural... What more can a goth girl ask for?
VITTORIO
I have to admit I didn't love this story as much as Pandora, but it was good nonetheless. Vittorio is a 16 year old living in ca. 1400's Italy. He witnesses a massacre that kills everyone he knows, and swears revenge. So we follow him through supernatural adventures. It is rounded off very well into the ending.
I need more Anne Rice to read!
PANDORA
I can't comprehend how talented Anne Rice is. I don't have much to say, but Pandora / Lydia's story was just truly amazing. Very detailed in most of the aspects I like. Strong female character, history, the supernatural... What more can a goth girl ask for?
VITTORIO
I have to admit I didn't love this story as much as Pandora, but it was good nonetheless. Vittorio is a 16 year old living in ca. 1400's Italy. He witnesses a massacre that kills everyone he knows, and swears revenge. So we follow him through supernatural adventures. It is rounded off very well into the ending.
I need more Anne Rice to read!
November 12, 2007
Pandora was excellently written and gave me a glimpse of the Roman Empire I so love. I am having a little bit of difficulty finishing Vittorio, the Vampire. It is also well written, but just doesn't seem to catch my attention like Pandora.
Update 11/12/07:
I finished Vittorio and maybe I just misjudge this one. I think this story may be a little better than Pandora because it shows the conflicts between love and hate; passion and indiffence; good and evil.
Rice's descriptions in both books are vivid and put you right in the midst of the story; as if you were a voyeur watching the whole thing unfold before your very eyes. I really enjoyed these two books.
Update 11/12/07:
I finished Vittorio and maybe I just misjudge this one. I think this story may be a little better than Pandora because it shows the conflicts between love and hate; passion and indiffence; good and evil.
Rice's descriptions in both books are vivid and put you right in the midst of the story; as if you were a voyeur watching the whole thing unfold before your very eyes. I really enjoyed these two books.
October 7, 2023
For Pandora, please see my comments on Blackwood Farm. Oh, I should add that Pandora is one of the three books about female vampires along with Queen of the Damned that Anne Rice has written, though many of her characters are female and fully drawn and complex. The gender of her vampires is probably a subject for someone else to debate.
This is one of those two-for-one books. Vittorio is one of Ms. Rice's vampire novels that plays no part in the Vampire Chronicles. It is unusually violent and creepy even for the horror genre. I believe you have to be a fan to read it.
This is one of those two-for-one books. Vittorio is one of Ms. Rice's vampire novels that plays no part in the Vampire Chronicles. It is unusually violent and creepy even for the horror genre. I believe you have to be a fan to read it.
September 30, 2009
Not worth the time it takes to buy a copy. Incredibly weak and unbelievable, this is Anne Rice at her worst. I had high hopes when I started reading this, but they were dashed before I was even a quarter way through reading Pandora. I decided to read Vittorio and see if things improved, but it was more of the same trite, contrived and watered down mess as in the previous novel. Do yourself a favor and stay away.
December 10, 2013
A good read. It had interesting characters that did come out to life, however, if you are comparing this book with her other Vampire novels, then it's best to not do so. Give this book a chance. It may not be as good as Interview or Queen of the Damned but it's still an enjoyable read. I loved this book mostly because of the time setting. I absolutely ADORED that it was from a really ancient time.
November 19, 2011
this is my favorite Anne rice vampire novel next to Blood and Gold the story of Marius. Pandora brings the female element into the classic vampire like story AND takes the story through love, immortality and classic female vs male personality that makes you have to want more. i love this story and every story that attached my beloved Pandora to it. it was awesome and i cant wait for more.
May 8, 2012
Still trying to figure out the real point of this novel. I struggled to really grasp a theme...or engaging plot. Pandora promises to tell her story but as a narrator, she limits the tale to a few key events told in detail without emotion. There is no way for audience to access any emotional subtext, leaving this novel flat and not just a little dull.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews