I had read this as a teenager and enjoyed it very much then as well. This go around, I probably enjoyed it more, understanding more of it. The voice is just perfectly crafted in my opinion, and the idea of vampires losing themselves through ages and eras passing, and what else there was to go into for the existentialism, I really still feel as fresh. I read plenty of fantasy and most vampire stories still aren’t nearly as compelling. And as a vehicle for queer - other experience, it was doing a lot for me.

My only gripe is that as beautiful as everything becomes because of the strong narrative, I really did want more theme and philosophy going on, in addition to the worldbuilding and plot. Though, the ending was pretty fantastic. I’ve also heard that future books in the series are better, which makes sense to me now. I certainly plan on continuing with it.

Also, I had the voice of Frank Muller in my ear for this, and was perfect. I highly recommend that audio experience. I had tried the sample of Simon Vance and was not at all convinced. Go for Muller or not at all, as far as I can tell.