Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar

By: Clay Griffith, Susan Griffith

Narrated by: James Marsters

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Paranormal, 2013

1870. A time known as The Great Killing. The vampire clans arose and slaughtered humanity with unprecedented carnage in the northern parts of the world. Millions perished; millions were turned into herd animals. The great industrialized civilizations of the world were left in ruin. A remnant fled south to the safety of the ever present heat which was intolerable to vampires. There, blending with the local peoples, they rebuilt their societies founded on human ingenuity, steam and iron. The year now is 2020. The Equatorian Empire, descendant of the British Empire, stretches from Alexandria to Cape Town. Princess Adele, quick witted, combat trained and heir to throne is set to wed the scion of the American Republic, a man she has never met. Their marriage will cement an alliance between the nations and set the stage for war against the vampires in an attempt to retake the north. Prepared to do her duty she finds herself caught in a web of political intrigue and physical danger.

The Greyfriar, a legendary vampire hunter from the north, appears ready to rescue the Princess and return her home—but he harbors secrets of his own. As the power struggle between the vampires and humans increase Adele and The Greyfriar are caught in the middle, on the run, being hunted, and fighting for not just their own lives, but for future of humanity.

©2010 Buzzy Multimedia Publishing Corp. (P)2012 Buzzy Multimedia Publishing

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Nominee, Paranormal, 2013

The Greyfriar Rocks!

Would you consider the audio edition of Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar to be better than the print version?

Yes, although I enjoyed the print version the added dimension of James Marsters narrating was impressive. I always love him in the Dresden Files but oh my what he does with this makes me impatient for the next book in the series (I've read the Riftwalker and am waiting for the 3rd book to come out) They even have a little bit of Ney music leading in and ending the book which makes me think of of Princess Adele as a child and her Persian mother.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My boyfriend's favorite was Flay and I guess it is because she is so sexy while being so deadly. For myself it has to be the Greyfriar himself. He is obviously on the classic hero's journey and sometimes it is painful to watch. He is by no means perfect except in the struggle.

What does James Marsters bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

James Marsters puts in a performance, not just some sort of mellifluous voice. He handles womens voices so well that I forget it is a man who is doing the reading. He nails the ethnic voices making the Japanese tutor/mystic Marmaru sound more like Lord Toranaga than Mr. Miyagi, his Colonel Anhault, a Gurkha officer who heads the Royal Guard sounds as if he sprang right from the sub-continent and he even does convincing voices for the Persian female mystic and an African sorceress who are members of the cabal. He draws the smallest of characters so vividly that you can feel the warmth folksy appeal of the elderly couple that open their poor home to the Greyfriar and Princess Adele even at great risk to themselves. Guess you know that I've been following James Marsters since he played Spike on Buffy and Angel and he has done nothing other than improve. He never dissapoints.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The first paranormal Steampunk Adventure

Any additional comments?

The balance of action adventure, mystery and romance makes this audio worthy of your Audible credits.

Author Review

What did you love best about Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar?

Believable story and the outcome was always pending. Their has to be a book 2 and 3 because it can't endthat way. The pompass so called ego maniac can not end up with the princess.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar?

The kiss in front of the ego maniac. heheeeheeehee. Loved It!!!!

What does James Marsters bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

The reader was into the characters. He tapped into their minds and brought them to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

WHen the baby was taken from the vampire unfortunately.

Any additional comments?

Very good story delivered with a reader who grabbed the backbone of the Author and ran with it... NICE!!!!

felt at a loss when it ended

Where does Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

along with dresden files & carnival of souls

What other book might you compare Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar to and why?

dresden files & carnival of souls no boring parts james marsters is amazing

Which character – as performed by James Marsters – was your favorite?

greyfrier

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

insane not to see it

Any additional comments?

can't get enough of james marsters he brings book to life. makes one neglect to remember the brillience of the authers

Slow to start, but well worth keeping at it!

The characters are both lovable and despicable, but they make this story compelling. Can't wait to start the next one!

More than a book it it's a delightful experience

Extremely well written. this story is rich in plot and emotion. the sensations and personality of the characters are so well described that you are instantly drawn into this fantasy with an uncanny sense of realism. the reader's voice seems to only add to the richness of the tale giving each character an individual voice with admirable talent.

James Marsters has hit it out of the Ball Park!

Fresh take on the Vampire story and masterfully narrated by Mr. Harry Dresden himself! I adore his voice and the story kept me listening with interest. love the way he does different voices so well, they are entirely believable and the first book prompted me to immediately buy the next two. i thoroughly enjoyed this story.....and i am halfway thru the second book already!

Great Narrator; Good Twist on Vampire Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar to be better than the print version?

Great audio because James Marsters is one of the best narrators I've listened to. If you like him then listen to the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.

Would you recommend Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar to your friends? Why or why not?

Better than average vampire story. Good twists in story line although the love interest story line has been done many times before. I will read the next book though as it is interesting & keeps you wanting to know how the characters will develop.

What does James Marsters bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

He is exceptional at defining characters through accent, dialect, & emotion. I am listening to this book because I enjoyed him so much in the Harry Dresden books. His narration helps define the characters for me.

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

No

Any additional comments?

Very enjoyable. Worth a listen!

Genuine and fun

Really entertaining twist on Vampires and Humans. Mature love story, but by no means the focus. Really well rounded story, well told, just awesome. Would recommend.

Great story and great reader

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the ideas and James Marsters was awesome as always.

I am exceptionally happy with this audio book.

This is very helpful book love this book very much thanks author for your good creation.