Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Good summary book of the Vampire Chronicles
I have to admit that I'm a bit torn in my review of this book. Overall the book is a good summary of many of the stories and concepts that were touched on in previous books. But new ground is not broken, in my opinion. It is a mile-marker book, a potential segue. And although I found this to be an enjoyable read, I felt as if I'd just read the "flashback episode" of The Chronicles. Anne Rice does a terrific job of describing the ancient world. It's obvious that she's worked a long time to develop her knowledge of Western culture and history (particularly Roman). In fact, while others may not like Rice's Pandora and Vittoro books, I found their biographical and historical qualities to be quite intriguing. To each their own, right? The oft-spoken-of character of Marius is the central character of this book. He is the keeper of the "Divine Parents" (prior to to Queen of the Damned), maker of Pandora, maker of Armand, and student of Art, History, Literature, and Culture. He makes his appearance throughout history and learns to live among mortals, even befriending the artist Botticelli. He becomes a socialite, while preserving the secret of his blood-drinker Nature and the secret of the Divine Parents ... for the most part. He is hounded by the continual appearance of the Satanic cult of vampires, which his beloved Armand eventually joins. And, inevitably, his heart is broken time and again by the ones he loves. That's the gist of it. The story behind it all? I'm still not sure. Readers who are not familiar with Rice's previous additions to the Chronicles will be a bit lost, as this book cannot stand alone. Readers of the Chronicles may find this to be an acceptable supplement to those other vampire stories. Rice is a master wordsmith, and this book will draw you into it by virtue of the language alone, even if it doesn't draw you to a conclusion. Perhaps the book is just a tool to segue into a new realm for the blood-drinkers. If so, this book has served its purpose. If not, then perhaps it's time to place a solid "The End" on the Chronicles before another "flashback" story comes out.
Rating:  - Blood and Gold = FANTASTIC!
This book is absolutely fantastic. It has it all - A wonderful, fast-paced plot -Plenty of vampires (many old faces given new life and vitality by their appearance in this book, as well as awesome new vampires) - Plenty of action - anguish driven feuds - A deliciously moving love story - truly tragic moments - and an amazing ending. It is without question the greatest thing Anne Rice has written since 'The Witching Hour' - and I'd even go so far as to put it on the same level as 'The Queen of the Damned' and 'Interview with the Vampire'.
Marius is a fantastic protagonist and Mael, a vampire that I never really payed much attention to in previous vampire chronicles, is absolutely awesome in this book. If it were a movie, I'd give him best-supporting actor.
I cannot praise this book enough. As soon as I was finished with it I let my sister borrow it. She just now called me and said 'This book is awesome!! This is the best thing Anne Rice has written in a long time!!!'
Even if you've never read one of the Vampire Chronicles, this is the perfect place to jump in. Absolutely spellbinding!!!! I only hope that Anne Rice's next novel can maintain the level of excellence found in 'Blood and Gold'.
Rating:  - A Definite Improvement
As an avid Anne Rice fan I was ecstatic to learn that she was writing a book about Marius, a central character in the Vampire Chronicles. After Merrick, which was one of the worst books Anne Rice has ever written, I was not disappointed. She really managed to give Marius a belivable voice, making him seem both the logical scholar and the doubting vampire searching for the meaning of life. I especially loved the way that Rice interwove the characters Armand and Pandora into this story, and the love that Marius felt for both of them was tragic and heartbreaking. The only real problems I had with this book was the character of Thorne, and Marius's almost childish hatred for Santino. Thorne was never really fleshed out as a character, but at least he wasn't that boring know it all David Talbot! As to Marius's need for revenge, it seemed almost forced, considering that he has always stood for reason and logic. To carry a grudge for more than 500 years seems a bit much. In all a good book and much more enjoyable than the last offering of the Vampire Chronicles
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