Horror Book Reviews

Compare at: $7.99 (New)
Buy Now: $7.99 (New)

Add to Cart

Title: Valentine's Rising (The Vampire Earth | Book 4)
Score:
Author: E.E. Knight
Rating: Not available
Hits: 131

Review of Valentine's Rising (The Vampire Earth | Book 4)

[ Back to Homepage | Back to Horror Book Reviews Index ]

HellHorror.com not responsible for reviews/comments and they may be removed at any time.

Comments for Valentine's Rising (The Vampire Earth | Book 4)

• Posted on 2009-08-01
  One of the best books of the series so far
  
  I went back and re-read this book after reading the recent Winter Duty release (a good 4 star book in this series, I think it may just be the Tale of the Thunderbolt that leads to another book like this one), and I was struck by how strong this book is. The enemies of this book can't just be shot in the face. They're long term villains that can be beaten or even get a bloody nose, but they will be back. You can feel it in Knight's writing. The fragile nature of the resistance is at the behest of the fractured nature of the enemy. Humanity's hopes and dreams require honorable men to do marginally or very dishonorable things to their enemies. This is an excellent book, with bears and wolves and yes cats who cut and shape and claw and bring a semblance of justice. Heroes in Knight's world don't have to wear capes. Capes are for the bad guys who get a quick jab from a spike of quickwood.
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
• Posted on 2009-03-14
  Remember the Alamo II!
  
  "Valentine's Rising" is the fourth volume (and the best up to now) of the Vampire Earth series; I strongly recommend reading the preceding volumes or at least "Tale of the Thunderbolt" before reading this one.
  Differently to other sagas the author does not repeat themes and sustains permanently tension.
  E. E. Knight (b. 1965) has developed a thrilling saga, the author mix different genres fluently: sci-fi, fantasy, terror, military & thriller giving way to a vibrant & gripping tale.
  
  The story is placed in post-apocalyptic scenery where an alien race, the Kur, has subdued all Earth powers installing a reign of terror & servitude over humankind.
  Some human enclaves still resist and confront Kurian Order. They are backwater regions that stubbornly fight to remain free.
  These free communes are aided by other ancient aliens the Lifeweavers that train humans and develop latent potentialities within them creating Wolves, Cats and Bears to fight the Reapers with some chances to succeed. Wolves work in packs with military organization similar to commandos. Cats are loners that work behind enemy lines as spies, saboteurs or assassins. Bears are dangerous berserks able to kill Kurians almost singlehanded.
  
  The main character is David Valentine. He has been a Wolf (see "Way of the Wolf") afterwards a trainee Cat (see "Choice of the Cat") and an autonomous Cat fulfilling his own mission (see "Tale of the Thunderbolt").
  At this moment he is recovering from an almost fatal ambush and unbearable shock of finding out that the Ozarks are nearly overwhelmed by a Kurian all out attack.
  The exploits narrated in this volume are really thrilling describing Valentine's intent to guide 700 combatants back to the last resistance core of Southern Command.
  He chooses the most improbable mean to do it: to pose as renegade ambitious military leader trying to escalate positions in Consul Solon's army.
  These actions give way to a non-stop adventures rollercoaster.
  
  The author explores in depth the feelings and emotions of Valentine forced to act ruthlessly and cruelly. How can he reconcile this with his natural humanitarian self? Is he justified? The reader will decide, Valentine can't and his conscience tortures him relentlessly.
  
  Another interesting issue of this book is to see a Bears team in action and a couple of very interesting secondary characters as Xray-Tango, Styachowski, Hank and the reappearance of Captain Beck.
  
  This is a book that may be enjoyed by sci-fi, fantasy and action adepts as well as general public too.
  Only one caution (applicable to the whole series): some scenes are really truculent, be warned.
  Reviewed by Max Yofre.
  
  
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
• Posted on 2007-06-27
  No More
  
  I just cannot continue reading this series,as I am getting bored with it.The author just does not hold my attention.I have no feelings one way or the other about the main character.I don't like or dislike him.the author could not bring him to life for me.
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
• Posted on 2007-04-17
  Valentine's Rising captivated me.
  
  I read this book in one sitting. Valentine's tale takes some powerful turns in this volume and he faces some horrific choices. Should he betray some to save others? With the lives of all his men at stake, does he dare to trust his instincts in regards to an enemy captain?
  
  This volume is even better than Tale of the Thunderbolt. It seems each book from this author is better than the last. He's one of my all-time favorites now and I cannot wait to read the next in this series!!!!!
  
  
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
• Posted on 2006-11-09
  Valentine's Rising
  
  I found this to be an excellent follow-on to the first two novels in the series. It is internally consistent with the Author's vision of the post-apocalyptic USA established in the series and was very enjoyable reading. The descriptions and situations were also consistent with a projection of human behavior predictable by survivalist personalities and consequences. Except for the vampire bad-guy it could fit into other novels. The action was also great.
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10