Book 4 - The Fangs of Freelance - the Vampire Accountant Series

Having now devoured the fourth book in the series I’m almost surprised that I’m saddened and anxious for the next to come out.

I normally don’t give a hoot about the entire vampire genre. Overused, tired and cliche-ridden, I generally avoid them like the plague. Sadly, this goes for much of the urban fantasy genre as well, to the point of having pretty much given up after series after series of “deadly eight words” reads (I.e. “I don’t care what happens to these people”).

Along comes this series where I can’t even describe why I like it apart from... I DO care what happens to these people. Somehow Drew Hayes has assembled a cast of people that I love and can empathise with.

Despite the well-trodden paths of the genre, despite the Mary Sues, despite plot holes and - if you read this comment Mister Hayes, call me! We need to talk! - the author having a hero who claims to be a wine aficionado but clearly writing from a position of barely knowing the difference between a merlot and a Pinot noir. Utterly lamentable!

The format of the novels is interesting in their breakdown of continuous short stories. It may help keep the series fresh without having to deal with a story arc. Saving the reader a lot of agony and concern about ever reaching the end before the books go bad, the author hitting writers block, being too busy doing TV, or even dying.

Also of note is that Drew Hayes’ writing is improving with each book.

If you can read past the faults and just enjoy the books as a fun, light read, then you may find this a breath of fresh air in all the staleness.

As usual with any of Drew Hayes' publications, I pounced on this as soon as it came out. Love me some Fred & friends.
This volume felt a little more subdued and shorter than usual. There are still some great action scenes, and it ends with a surprise, but I guess I was expecting more impact from Fred and his bunch becoming a clan.
I think this volume was more of a transition, establishing new relations - personal and professional - in Fred's life, and the end of some others, as well as posing some mysteries as to the nature of his being "different" due to his associating with certain entities.
I'll still wait for the next volumes with bated breath.
And what the hell is Arch?

Much like all the others so far, this was another enjoyable audiobook. Fred may be a quiet accountant who's better with numbers than people, but he's honest, sincere, caring, introspective, and self-aware, and I love him for it. He's also very loyal and, despite not liking confrontation, will step forward and put himself at risk if it means helping his loved ones. I will say though, I don't know if it was just because I listened to all four books one after the other, but I did get a bit bored during this one. I think part of the problem was that some of these memoirs (the books are told as kind of a grouping of short stories, referred to as memoirs, I think) just weren't very exciting. Overall though, it was still another light, touching book in the series!

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight (link in profile)

All four of these Fred the Vampire (audio) books are richly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. Fred thwarting the machinations of an ancient clan of vampires with his business prospectus . Blades katana is NOTHING compared to Freds briefcase !
Gideon , ancient King of the West whose draconic power is near cosmic and who enjoys coloring with crayons with Sally , his 6 year old best friend , files a written grievance with the arm of the U.S. government that deals with para-humans when Fred was put in jeopardy by the Agency. Amy , the mage alchemist , who enjoys her own ..uhhh... 'product' :) relys on her friend Fred to renegotiate her mage contract

4 books of this kind of stuff ! Seriously , ive never enjoyed a series of written stories more and heartily recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good natured send-up of monster stories. There IS profanity and violence in these stories so keep that in mind but its not that over whelming .

Take one part humor, one part adventure and one part accounting and you’ve got yourself a great little story. The characters are back and made the story. How they interact with each other and how the author plays on the various para-human types and this society is just great. I hope they keep coming.

And the saga, no the legend continues.
Fred once more shows the world of a vampire accountant with an exotic mix of friends and the unique and, more often than not, bizarre situations he finds himself in.
Only minus points for the book:
a) It was too short. Not for the price, no. But for my appetite. ... what do you mean "I'm insatiable"?
b) Now what am I supposed to do until the next book? That's right - wait. I HATE waiting for next books in good series.

But yeah, good job Drew if you're reading this and cheers!

Much like all the others so far, this was another enjoyable audiobook. Fred may be a quiet accountant who's better with numbers than people, but he's honest, sincere, caring, introspective, and self-aware, and I love him for it. He's also very loyal and, despite not liking confrontation, will step forward and put himself at risk if it means helping his loved ones. I will say though, I don't know if it was just because I listened to all four books one after the other, but I did get a bit bored during this one. I think part of the problem was that some of these memoirs (the books are told as kind of a grouping of short stories, referred to as memoirs, I think) just weren't very exciting. Overall though, it was still another light, touching book in the series!

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight (link in profile)