Darkness on His Bones

Name: Darkness on His Bones
Price: 38.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780727894014

✍️ Barbara Hambly

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$38.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A vampire helps a woman save her husband from other vampires in war-torn Paris.

The narrative centers on Lydia Asher, who must secure the help of Don Simon Ysidro to save her unconscious husband. James Asher was found in the Church of St. Clare Pieds-Nus cemetery with severe injuries that suggest a vampire attack. Simon, described as both an old friend and adversary, is the only one capable of protecting them from the vampires of Paris. The story explores the mystery of James’s presence in the city and the cause of his condition. As war approaches, the characters face dwindling chances for survival. Hambly weaves a tale where personal loyalty clashes with supernatural danger. The plot does not rely on action sequences but rather on the tension of uncovering hidden motives. The relationship between Simon and Lydia is central to the resolution of the crisis.

Key Themes

vampire lore Paris cemetery wartime survival

Literary Context

The story is set in Paris during a period when war was descending on the world. It draws on gothic fiction traditions and supernatural themes. The setting includes the Church of St. Clare Pieds-Nus cemetery. The narrative reflects the tension between personal relationships and external threats in a historical context.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Anne Rice · Sheri S. Tepper · Whitley Strieber

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Vampires

🏛 Severn House 📅 2016 📖 384 pages 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780727894014

📝 Description: Darkness on His Bones

James Asher lies unconscious in a Paris cemetery with puncture wounds on his throat and arms. His wife Lydia calls Don Simon Ysidro, an old friend and adversary who is a vampire. This call initiates a desperate effort to protect her husband from other vampires in the city. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of war descending upon the world, raising the stakes for survival. Barbara Hambly, known for her supernatural fiction, constructs this tale around the mystery of why James was summoned to Paris and what caused his attack. Lydia must uncover these answers quickly as James hovers between life and death. The story draws on gothic traditions and vampire lore, focusing on the complex relationship between Simon and Lydia. It examines the tension between old adversaries forced into cooperation by crisis. This book suits readers interested in supernatural fiction that blends personal drama with historical urgency. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted horror or stories without romantic subplots. The narrative relies on the specific dynamic between a vampire and a human couple facing an existential threat. Hambly uses the setting of Paris during wartime to heighten the sense of isolation and danger. The plot moves forward through Lydia’s determination to find the truth behind the attack.

💎 Our verdict on Darkness on His Bones

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Hambly constructs a tense narrative centered on Lydia Asher’s desperate effort to save her husband from vampire threats in war-torn Paris. The strength lies in its focus on hidden motives and the intricate relationship between Simon and Lydia, avoiding reliance on action sequences. This approach suits readers who prefer atmospheric horror and character-driven plots over visceral thrills. The exploration of personal loyalty against supernatural danger provides a rich emotional core. While not suitable for those seeking lighthearted entertainment or stories devoid of romantic subplots, it rewards those willing to engage with its specific dynamic of adversaries forced into cooperation.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate supernatural fiction that intertwines personal drama with historical urgency will find this narrative compelling. The book offers a unique perspective on the vampire subgenre by focusing on the complex dynamic between an old friend and adversary rather than traditional action sequences. It is ideal for those interested in gothic atmospheres and psychological tension, particularly fans of stories where human vulnerability clashes with supernatural power. The wartime setting heightens the sense of isolation, making it a strong choice for readers seeking depth over spectacle.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Hambly constructs a tense narrative centered on Lydia Asher’s desperate effort to save her husband from vampire threats in war-torn Paris. The strength lies in its focus on hidden motives and the intricate relationship between Simon and Lydia, avoiding reliance on action sequences. This approach suits readers who prefer atmospheric horror and character-driven plots over visceral thrills. The exploration of personal loyalty against supernatural danger provides a rich emotional core. While not suitable for those seeking lighthearted entertainment or stories devoid of romantic subplots, it rewards those willing to engage with its specific dynamic of adversaries forced into cooperation.