The Immortal Conquistador

January 13, 2020
Vaughn presents a gratifying origin story for Ricardo “Rick” de Avila, vampire Master of Denver and partner to the popular werewolf heroine of her Kitty Norville series. Compelled by the vampire Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows in Rome, Rick recounts a series of menacing and melancholy stories from the past 500 years of his life spent striving to be a bad vampire and a good man. In the 16th century, Rick, then the living teenage son of a Spanish nobleman, accompanies Francisco Vázquez de Coronado on his search for gold in Mexico and the American west, where a betrayal leads to Rick’s transformation into a demon. Repulsed by his condition and ignorant of his newfound powers, Rick traverses the desert territory for centuries, encountering the formidable vampire Mistress Catalina of Mexico City, confronting the devilish Carlos de Luz, and meeting with American gunfighter Doc Holliday. Fans will wish that the short vignettes of Rick’s adventures, which take place between books in the Kitty Norville series, received greater development but will nevertheless admire Rick’s clever battle tactics and compassion toward his companions. This fun character study works as a standalone but will hold special appeal for series fans.

February 1, 2020

Vampires are immortal, which means they have witnessed historic events. Kitty Norville's ally Rick is one such vampire. As he arrives in Rome to talk with the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows, a group of vampire monks that reside under the Vatican, Rick's history unfolds. Born Ricardo de Avila, he was a devout follower of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado on his search for gold--but was betrayed. Rick traded his mortality to become a vampire but was a man of God, not even being undead would curtail his belief. He has lived quietly for more than 500 years, except when he must use his power to protect his found family. The path from conquistador to bartender is filled with battles and death, protection and hope. Vaughn weaves a beautiful tale of a devout man who faces the Devil and wins. VERDICT This fast-paced novella, filled with action and emotion, offers a satisfying entry back into the "Kitty Norville" series.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

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