Nigel Bennett Books

As a fellow mole-rat researcher, I found this book to be an extremely valuable resource for information on all of the Bathyergidae rodents. From phylogenetic analysis to an interspecies comparison of sociality, Bennett and Faulkes cover all of the relevant topics and provide an extensive summary of all of the relevant literature. Mole-rats are an excellent group of animals for studying mammalian social behavior and cooperative breeding. This book is a must buy for anyone interested in mole-rats or even animal social behavior for that matter.

I am a fan of P.N. Elrod so I ordered this book and "Keeper of the King". But I found I didn't enjoy reading the book - it seemed slow and sometimes dull. Maybe because I am not a fan of the TV show, having only seen a few episodes. Or maybe because I had to read the second book first as the first book has yet to get to me. It could be that I just don't have knowledge about the background, what type of vampires I am dealing with and no real information about the characters. Richard is not like ANY other vampire in any of P.N. Elrod's other vampire series, so I had no real idea when he was in danger or when he wasn't.
But even taking that away, to be honest, I found parts of the book felt slow, with flashbacks that I didn't think added to the story, and a surprise ending, a twisted ending, that I didn't really believe in. In other words, even if I was a fan of the TV show, I might found it hard to plow thru.
In the end I had to take away three points. Please remember, that I am not a fan of Forever Night, because I don't watch it daily, and fans of the show, or of Nigel Bennett, might enjoy the book more. PLUS I have yet to read "Keeper of the King". But I won't suggest it for P.N. Elrod fans UNLESS they also like the show or have some knowledge of its setting.

This is the second best book I have ever read. The other being Bennett's first book. Who would of ever thought of using the state of Texas as the backdrop for a vampire novel. Mr. Bennett is an excellent writer and I can't wait to get the third book in the series. I have a feeling that it is going to be as good if not better the thr first two.

He was once Lancelot the knight, she was once Sabra the priestess. Now they are vampires sworn to protect the weak, facing a romance and challenge which has lasted the ages. This different fantasy will appeal to any who appreciate a blend of intrigue, romance and fantasy.

This is the second novel from the Nigel Bennett / P. N. Elnod collaboration. The first being "The Keeper of the King" where the character Richard who bears a strong resemblance to Nigel Bennett is introduced. Fans of the "Forever Knight" tv series will recognize Bennett as LaCroix from the series. Although both characters are vampires, this is where the similarities end and this novel series is NOT a tie-in from the "Forever Knight" tv series as the reviewer from the Publishers Weekly incorrectly stated in his review.

"His Father's Son" appeals to the reader of many genres. It is an entertaining tale with a delightful mix of supernatural, Arthurian times, and mystery. There is plenty of romance, history, action, and vengeance to go around. The story takes the reader on an adventure from Arthurian Britain to modern day Toronto and Texas, while Richard confronts dilemmas from the past and present.

I look forward to next and so will you.

In the first book, Keeper of the King, the reader was introduced to Richard d'Orleans, who would become Lancelot of the Round table. Before that, he meets Sabra, the lady of the lake, who Takes him under her wing, so to speak, and makes him a vampire. Now It's 1990's Toronto, and he's still around. So how does the greatest Knight function as a vampire in modern times? Easy, he adapts. But when an old friend is threated, he must come to the rescue. That's what happens in this novel, His Father's son. Being the Knight in shining armor he was born, in both lives, to be. This story is handled with lots of suspense, trists and turns, and plenty of blood drinking. If you love a good vampire, who's romantic and funny at the same time, but also very vengeful, then here's the vampire for you.

The final book of Lord Richard Oreleans. You learn more about his relationship with his brothers, and how Richard actually became champion for the family instead of the middle brother. He became a priest. Richard faces many trials to regain his mortality and Cheron is back and not making things easy for our hero.

The story goes all over the world and people finally learn what Richard is. They accept him, and help him on his quest. One of the women he (Richard) loves is taken from him in a surprising manner. Various Gods make an appearance, and the return of Sharron compleates it all.

Over all I enjoyed the book and couldn't stop reading it. I think it'll join my long list of favroites.

It is hard to get a five star rating from me - this one truly deserves it. Actor Nigel Bennett ('LaCroix' from FOREVER KNIGHT) and award-winning writer P.N. Elrod ("The Vampire Diaries") team up again as they continue the adventures of vampire hero Richard Dun, once known as Lancelot. His old enemy Charon is back, and this time threatening not only Richard, but Richard's friends and even daring to take on gods. As Charon's diabolical laughter echoes throughout the book, Richard finds himself not only trying to protecting his pals, but teaming up with them in a battle that takes them from this world to the Otherside. There's plenty of swordplay (of both kinds) and nail biting suspense. The location descriptions are so real the imagines formed in my mind as if I was there. From taxi drivers to government officials to teenage boys to vampires to gods, the characters come alive with realistic personalities. Sharon Geary is also back, and on quite the adventure of her own. Readers also learn more about Richard's mortal past in exciting yet touching flashbacks. I would be amiss to not mention the beautiful cover by artist Jamie Murray. Fans are likely to find themselves staring at it in wonder.

What a great book, which teaches a lot about vampire and human nature. Excellent characters and suspense. Highly recommended!

This book, the third in a trilogy by authors Nigel Bennett and P. N. Elrod, finishes the series beautifully. The authors weave elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance into a
spine-tingling novel that captures the reader. The use of myth and symbolism is an added feature that brings depth to the characters. For anyone interested in vampire lore or just a good read, this book is a must.

First off, I've read every one of Pat Elrod's books, including the other d'Orleans novels, and have enjoyed most quite a bit. I'm biased a little, since I am already a fan. However, in this case, I assume she only provided some guidance on this one.

First I gotta mention, I found the cover to be so geeky-queer that I had to remove it before carrying it around. Okay, on to the general comments: I got the feeling that the author was maybe writing along with his thoughts, without having much of a plan mapped out. There were sections of drawn out description (needlessly drawn out) followed by quick jumps from scene to scene. There was a lot of "Otherside" talk, which I think is just license for "make up anything as you go along and reason it away as 'Otherside' metaphysical psycho-babble". I think the plot pretty much rambled until there was no other way to resolve things other than just throw in some banal "Otherside" reasoning. I have to admit, the ending was rushed, kind of out of the blue...and very unsatisfying. There were also several plot building-blocks that just didn't make sense to me, even after the weak ending...or else left me with that "Ummm...so that was it?" feeling. I hate that.

Also, this is very loosly a vampire's tale. The vampire thing is kind of on the periphery and is not written with Elrod's usual panache. Yes, this particular series has a little more "fantasy" in it, but I still look for better cohesiveness in my stories.

All-in-all, I still enjoyed some of the read if only for the genre. I'd pick this one up in softcover but would avoid the hardcover (unless used and cheap).

One rainy afternoon I was looking through the book store bargain table and came across this. At first I thought that it was a tie-in to FOREVER KNIGHT since Nigel Bennett (LaCroix) was co-author but a glance at the inside flap description set me straight. Still the description looked good so I got it anyway, hoping that I wouldn't be disappointed. I wasn't a bit and will be getting the rest of the series....at full price.

The story opens in Normandy, where Richard, a champion knight is at yet another tournament and realizes that no champion lasts forever...until he finds that there are exceptions to everything. He is brought across and begins a new life as champion and companion to the Lady Sabra and protector of the Holy Grail.

The action then shifts to modern day Toronto where Richard has adapted to the modern world. He soon finds himself called to his Lady's service again to safe guard the Grail. He travels across Canada and then returns to England in his pursuit to locate the Grail and then to save his Lady. Along the way he battles both mortal and immortal foes and finds some unlikely allies.

I totally enjoyed this novel, much to my surprise. At times the story did seem to drag a bit, and there was perhaps a bit too much plot. Both flaws are common first novel problems but do not detract from the story too much but kept it from 5 star status. I look forward to Richard's continuing adventures.

I was absolutely captivated by this novel. I didn't expect to think much of it, but in fact it was amazing. I received it Monday and had it devoured by Wednesday.
The goddess elements and mythology used were very accurate. I enjoyed the descriptive quality and word usage. It flowed very well. I like to describe the book as James Bond meets Anne Rice. An enjoyable fun read!

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

PLEASE NOTE: This review is of the abridged audio version of the book.

Richard Dunn is a knight who desperately needs to win the tourney he's competing in if he hopes to make any kind of name for himself. But just as he's about to win, Sabra steps in. The Goddess needs someone to champion for King Arthur and she has chosen Richard for this honor, using her servant Sabra to convert him to a vampire.

Now in present day Richard is working on a case to see why the IRA is after an ancient manuscript. However, at the same time, his beloved Sabra is dying, losing her battle with the vampire beast within. Richard must find the famed Holy Grail to save his love and save himself, for he is also losing control of his beast. With only his failing immortal lover and his new mortal love to assist him, will it be enough to conquer evil once more?

I've been meaning to try PN Elrod for a long time and just never seem to find the time to squeeze her in. So when I had the opportunity to try Keeper of the King I took advantage of it. I loved the whole different twist on vampire lore, having them born as protectors of the Goddess and her chosen ones like King Arthur and everything they stand for. While some of the traditional vampire weaknesses were found here, there were a couple I don't recall seeing before. For example, the idea of having fresh running water like streams and lakes be so dangerous to them. I don't remember ever seeing that before. I also liked the idea that they aren't quite as immortal as everyone, including their own kind, believes. That added a sense of urgency to the story, having Richard in a race against time as well as enemies, to save Sabra.

While the abridgement was well done and the story presented in the audio version felt complete and that it wasn't missing much, there was a noticeable absence of what I can only assume was one of the secondary plots, based on the title. Aside from the King Arthur connection in the conversion of Richard to a vampire and the grail quest, that aspect of the story was absent. The focus of the story was on uncovering the plans of the IRA and their hired assassin and the race to find the grail. I would have loved to see an unabridged version that included more of the Arthurian lore I can only assume was edited down.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, December 2007. All rights reserved.

It's pretty much an episode of Forever Knight. We start back in the middle ages when Richard is made into a vampire and face forward to modern day in the city of Toronto, Canada (best city in the world by the by) and Richard is a security specialist helping to protect Canada's Prime Minister.

My problems with this book are:
1) Unrealistic characters/dialogue.
2) The IRA terror plot is outdated.
3) The vampire is too human and too weak.
4) Not dark enough for a vampire novel.

Still, I like PN Elrod and they can't all be keepers (excuse the pun) but I can't recommend buying a new copy. Get it used.

At one point in the book the evil bad guy, Charon, points out the many shortcomings of this book's hero, and all of it is true. Richard is over a thousand years old and was a champion fighter even before he acquired superhuman powers, but a drunken lout can whip his ass with no trouble. He is incompetent, boorish, not especially bright, and unscrupulous; and his vampire "mother" Lady Sabra is even more repellent--for instance she uses a human sacrifice for Richard's first feeding.

The writing is bad, the period flavor of the period bits unconvincing (King Arthur tends to lead to problems of anachronism, but it could have been handled better) and the characters, "good" and bad alike, repulsive. This is far below the excellent standard Elrod achieves on her own.

Some stories are really good and i agree with one reviewer's comment about multiple personality problems due to multiple authors.
Stories where Dracula rewards the poor lady for hiding his coffin from dracula hunters is very touching.
Overall a good 1 hour read.
Not much thrilling like original Dracula or even Dracula's Guest... but OK.

Not much to say than if you like this book check out Nigel Bennett's books with P.N. Elrod, Keeper of the King His Father's Son and Siege Perilous

I read this around halloween. I enjoyed having some short stories to read. I thought they were all inventive & interesting. This book is worth a read.

We have 16 short stories based on/inspired by the legendary book by Bram Stoker. Each of these stories takes place in a similar setting; namely London of the 1890s. Most of these stories are medicore at best, some of them downright laughable. Dracula acts as some sort of benign Sherlock Holmes helping unfortunates with his "investigations" and further aids them escape authorities or killers in some cases. In one story he even performs in a play on stage! The count singing on stage? How out of character is all this? I found many of these stories to be so far-fetched from the spirit of the original. Some authors make the Count & certain historic figures cross paths, such as Prince Edward (of Wales) And even Mr. Stoker himself, but some of these writers did NOT do their homework. While not important to the overall story, it is implied Nikola Tesla is Hungarian, while he was in fact of Serbian descent. Also, Aleister Crowley was not from Scotland, but from mid-England (Warwickshire), among other things. That's how accurate some of these writers are. The two stories that stood out were Judith Proctor's tale "Dear Mr. Bernard Shaw," where a young actress named Ellen Terry writes a letter about how a foriegn nobleman comes to the theater to admire her craft. There was some interesting philosophy there. My other favorite was "Everything to Order" by Jody Lynn Nye. This story focuses on the three brides of Dracula, who arrange to order dresses for themselves after hours and have their eyes on one of the mannequins. Some other stories were alright, but nothing Earth-shattering. I think there are better Vampire stories out there to read. Most of this book is simply filler. If not for the 2 or 3 stories that were relatively well written this book would've deserved 1 star.

I am a vampire fan and when I found out about this book I have to get it. With such authors as Tanya Huff, Fred Saberhagen, P.N. Elrod and K.B. Bogen, this book is full of great works of the craft. Filled with humor and horror, it has something for anybody.
And if you like somebody's work you can always use the information in the back of the book to find their other works. A must for any vampire library!