The Vampire King

The Kings Series, Book 1

By: Heather Killough-Walden

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

It was immediate for Roman. In 3,000 years, he'd never lost control of his emotions, or his heart. But the moment he laid eyes on Evelynne Farrow, he knew she was the woman who haunted his dreams. And everything changed. Everything. Evie Farrow has always loved a good vampire romance. In fact, she makes a living writing them. While sitting in a coffee shop and working on her next mega-hot book, Evie is approached by a tall, dark, and handsome man who could have been pulled directly from one of her novels.

Unbeknownst to her, Roman D'Angelo is exactly what he appears to be - a vampire, and not just any vampire, but the king of vampires. Unfortunately, while Roman is both ancient and invulnerable, Evie is flesh and blood. Just as Roman decides that he and Evie have a date with destiny, for reasons of their own, an ancient god and a homicidal vampire take an equally strong interest in her. Can Roman fight off the incredible forces that would have Evie as their own long enough to win her heart? Or will destiny betray him and destroy everything he has ever dreamed of?

©2012 Heather Killough-Walden (P)2013 Tantor

Where was the romance?

Would you try another book from Heather Killough-Walden and/or Antony Ferguson?

Yes, but I'm done with this series. Great writing, but there was no connection between the charatcers

Has The Vampire King turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I like the vampire aspect and the magic added a nice touch

Ugh!

Fell apart from the middle to the end. Could have been great, just didn't make it. Don't know what else to say. Save your money.

This could have been so much more

I was really excited. Great narration. Interesting backgrounds on the kings... but it was so fragmented. I really thought I was getting into Roman and Evie, Then I thought they'll build on them in book 2, but book 2 is about the next king. Evie's parents disappear from view.. you really lose a lot of the intimacy. We needed brief outlines and descriptions of the other kings and then full focus and dual POV's from Evie and Roman here for a fulfilling story. I was left wanting so much more. So much promise..

Seems like a good foundation

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book intrigued me enough that I'm downloading the second in the series to see where it's going. As a stand-alone novel I don't think I would consider recommending to others, but I like the world/ situation that is set up so I'm willing to ride this out a little further.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I'm curious to see what the 13 realms are, and how the overarching plotline is going to develop. The only problem I had was the romance between the two main characters. It didn't feel very passionate or real, just contrived for the sake of the story. I'm hoping (as is often the case) that the first book/ pairing is more about getting readers adjusted to this world than anything else.

What three words best describe Antony Ferguson’s voice?

British, Attractive and British some more.

Any additional comments?

I am really torn about the narration for this book. I definitely liked the tone, cadence, etc. of Antony Ferguson's voice, but ALL of the characters in the books were done with a British accent. If the story took place in England, or the characters had all been clearly ID's as Brits that would be cool, but the story takes place in Oregon, and so it's weird to hear everyone sounding like they're from the UK. I'm hoping this was some sort of producer/ directional oversight, and there will be more variety in The Phantom King. Although, like I said, he does have a nice voice, so even though that's annoying, he puts a lot of inflection and thought into his performance, so I'm willing to suffer through it. In my book, a British accent makes everything sound better!!

Love It!!!

Amazing audiobook. I really enjoyed listening to it. It’s really good from start to finish. I need more please!!!

Evie and Roman?

I wanted to love this book so much. Don't
get me wrong, it's not that the book was horrible, I enjoyed the story line. I only wish Evie and Roman's relationship would've had more time to flourish. I still enjoyed the Vampire King claiming his Queen, and seeing that he had to go through some struggles to get her back. Oh, and the power that Evie has is refreshing, in many ways she is more powerful than Roman, and who doesn't love a strong woman? Just a heads up this first book was a lot of information, I understand the need for the preparation of the following books, but at one point I forgot what book I was reading due to the information being thrown at me.

I am still intrigued enough to see what happens in the second book, will the King and Queen have to fight once again for their love and will we get to see any other relationships form? We'll just have to find out in the next book.

Great book

It took a bit to get going but after that it was great
A must Read or like I a great audible

Interesting story but...

What did you love best about The Vampire King?

It was an interesting start to the series. I liked the unique take on Vampire mythologies, incorporating magic was a great touch.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Vampire King?

I'd have to say the interactions with each vampire, I wanted to know more of how their power worked.

How could the performance have been better?

My problem with this book was the narrator. How do I explain this, Anthony put a definite pause/punctuation at the end of every sentence. So instead of it sounding like a continuous story it sounded more like bad slam poetry. It made it so very difficult to get into the story, I KNOW I would have liked it more if someone else was reading it. And since he is narrating all of them I'll have to read them instead. I can't bring myself to pay money for that experience again.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not particularly

Any additional comments?

I just wish someone else had read these books, someone else could have made them great. As is, it was more of a chore to get through.

Enjoyable variation on vampires.

I liked the other world building of the supernatural and the differences from the classical vampire traits.
The story falls somewhat with the romantic leads that they make them seem to have an arranged marriage instead of an epic fated love and ends with a boring sexual finish.
So if you’re looking for a romance novel then I’d say skip but if you desire a good fantasy world then it’s a recommendation.

loved it.

I loved this book . I can't wait to find out what happens next with the vampire King.