Vintage Soul by David Niall Wilson
The DeChance Chronicles #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Formats: Hardcover & eBook, 233 pages
Published: December 9, 2009 by Five Stars
ISBN: 978-1594147579
Received From: Author in eArc format
Read Chapter One
Donovan DeChance is a collector of ancient manuscripts and books, a practicing mage, and a private investigator. When, despite the finest in natural and supernatural security, a sexy and well-loved, three hundred year old lady vampire is kidnapped right out from under her lover's nose, Donovan is called in to investigate.
He soon finds that there is much more to the case than a simple abduction when an unknown intruder invades his home and steals a very rare, very ancient manuscript. There will be no ransom for the kidnap victim, and if Donovan doesn't prevent an ancient, forbidden ritual from reaching its culmination, far more than a single vampire's undead existence will be at stake.
Calling on his lover and partner, Amethyst, and an odd assortment of contacts, informants, and connections, Donovan follows the ghostly trail of the kidnapper through a winding maze of intrigue-always a step behind-through magical battles, murders, and confrontations with a rogue band of young vampires intent on beating Donovan at his own game.
My Ramblings:
Vintage Soul was a quick, entertaining read filled with magical elements that moves along a good pace with only a few slow spots and a slight touch of romance. The magical aspects of this novel are written in vivid details, making it easy enough for the reader to imagine the scenes. The vamps are your typical strong cold-blooded, beautiful creatures except they have a penchant for drinking aged liquor with a drop or two of distinguished individuals' blood. They considered this type of drink a rare delicacy. By reading the first chapter of this book you get a glimpse of this savoring by the vamps. The mages and wizards, who can be human or preternatural creatures, are capable of being very powerful and brimming with magic, giving the story a touch of malicious mystery.
I haven't read any of the books in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher but I have watched the TV series that's based on these books, and Vintage Soul reminded me very much of this show since the main character Donovan DeChance is wizard like Harry Dresden plus the urban backdrop of the story is parallel to the Dresden Files. That being said Vintage Soul wasn't a very deep read and I don't mean this in a bad way. Usually, I find that first books in a series are more often than not bogged down with back story but this isn't the case here. Wilson left a lot up to reader to imagine for his main characters; the story is told in a here and now tone from various characters with not a lot of information to form an opinion on or give depth to the main characters. Since this is the first book in The DeChance Chronicles, hopeful there will be an expansion on character backgrounds in future novels.
My Rating: 
Places you can find David: Web Site/Blog | Twitter
Other Ramblings:
18 comments:
This intrigued me - thanks for the review. *adds to possible TBB list*
Chris - Oh, I hope you enjoy it if you decide to read it. It's a enjoyable, quick reading.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Donna. Sounds like a different read and I enjoy a male voice every so often.
Nice review!
I won this book from David and am excited to read it. Thanks for the review!
Wow, this cover is incredibly intrigueing not sure if I'm sold enough to buy though...
Sometimes it's a bit disturbing when a novel or storyline mirrors so closely to something else. It becomes hard not make comparisons.
Great review, girl. I hope Lola is doing well!
Hugs, VFG
Lea - Same here. I have several male authros I plan on reading this year. Two of them were rec'd to me by Chris: Charles de Lint and Mark Del Franco.
BookFreak - Love your online handle! I hope you enjoy Vintage Soul.
VFG - Yeah, the cover matches what you read very well and so does the book title. I normally don't make a lot of comparisons between books but this one really stood out to me while I was reading.
Thanks for remembering Lola! She's doing better and walking with only a slight limp now. Still as energetic as ever though. :)
I really enjoyed this book! It bothered me right after I read it that I didn't get to know more about the characters and the world, but now it just has me looking forward to the next book.
LOL - Apparently I need to seek work as a professional enabler... ;)
This does sound like a different kind of read. I think it would be interesting b/c it's from a male perspective. I'm going to have to remember this one.
Amanda - Yeah, same here. Maybe the next book. I tried to find some information on it but was unable to.
Chris - Ah, yes! That must be your new title here. :)
Colette - If you get the chance give it a try.
Hi Donna,
Sounds, dunno, I can't really compare to Dresden but I did watch the first ep and it wasn't for me
B - I really liked the Dresden Files epi. and I was disappointed when the show was canceled - always seems to happen to shows I like. I plan to try the books one day, the series seems pretty interesting.
I've never heard of this author but it sounds like a fun book. The only other male urban fantasy book I read was the first Dresden File book, which I wasn't impressed with, but the idea still interests me. Thanks for the review!
I think BF would love this one!
Thanks for the review!
Lovely review Donna! I haven't read the Dresden Files either, but I definitely want to, along with this one! I'll have to check it out on my next trip to the bookstore! :)
Enjoyed your review! Loved the Dresden books, but never watched the series. Will definitely check out the first chapter. Thanks Donna!
Thanks for sharing this one its a very nice story.
Welcome to Centex HuntClub Hog Hunting
I have this one on my wish list... Something about it intrigues me..
Thanks for your thoughts on this one..
E.H>
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