Review
PUBLISHER: THE WRITERS’ CAFÉ PRESS
PUBLICATION DATE: JANUARY 5, 2009
ichard couldn’t be happier to have the vampire curse lifted after what seems like an eternity of hopelessness. Likewise, his sister, Ceese, is once and for all thrilled to have the werewolf curse removed from her troubled life. Their celebration of freedom is cut short when they realize Dr. Henderson has turned himself into a vampire using Richard’s cursed blood. To make matters worse, Henderson has cursed one of their new friends and the only way they can help is to take him back to Richard’s castle in England. Once they arrive back in England more trouble finds them as unexpected guests and startling discoveries bombard them at every turn. Richard and Ceese may be curse-free, but the real danger has only just begun.
Sue Dent hooked me with her delightful debut, Never Ceese, and ever since I have anxiously been awaiting the sequel. Forever Richard continues to showcase Dent’s clever storytelling and witty dialogue. Once again we are treated to many familiar elements of vampire and werewolf lore that are handled with ease. The strong characters we fell in love with are back and as engaging and mysterious as ever. Dent also introduces some new characters that are worthy additions bringing a whole new level of mystery and mayhem to the story.
While Sue Dent’s writing was never intended to fit perfectly into the Christian Fiction mold, you can’t help but notice the powerful messages of hope, love, and sacrifice that are so evident. I’m always drawn to fiction that uses the exploration of darkness to effectively shine the light and I have certainly found that with this series.
My only complaint about Forever Richard is that I wanted more. I wanted more story, more character development, and more witty dialogue. I needed more action and mystery, especially more vampire and werewolf interaction. Dent has already proven how engaging her writing can be, however this time around I felt like I was getting a Cliffs Notes version of a longer and more fleshed out story. The 246 page count easily felt 100 pages too short, and in the end I was left scratching my head at the rushed nature of the entire story.
To be fair, I don’t know if this is more of a reflection on Dent’s writing or on the publisher or editor. All I know is that I wanted more. I do know this is only the beginning of the “Thirsting For Blood” series, and maybe Dent is cleverly letting out just enough line to get our attention and reel us in for more. In the end we are left with a nice little cliffhanger and a little taste of what’s to come. My interest is piqued and I’m on my knees begging. Next time can we have just a little more please?
–Jake Chism
The publisher of Forever Richard went under. The “industry standard return policy” killed them. Black Bed Sheet Books has republished both Never Ceese and Forever Richard as well as my new title Electric Angel. For more general market work that hits a chord with readers of CBA-type fiction do go to: http://blackbedsheet.goshopper.net/i/247311/forever-richard.htm Sadly it doesn’t look like sites like this ever venture outside the realm of CBA publishers very often so you most likely won’t see anymore reviews of mine even with all the readers from this market that I have. Love y’all though. Wish I had better access to you but that’s up to you. I’ve done all I can do.
What! I don’t like that! I’m glad this interview is still posted here because people ought to read this book! It’s amazing!
Sure it doesn’t fit into the Christian ‘mold’ but that’s what’s great about it. Jeesh, God works outside the box all the time, why shouldn’t writers?
Keep it coming, Ms. Dent!
Also this book made the British Fantasy Society long-list in 2009 as well as being short-listed for a 2009 Pluto Award. I had an opportunity to re edit it a bit with the help of another editor before republishing it through Black Bed Sheet Books. The new edition was just released in January 2012!