The novel, as all others of the series, is divided into three main parts. The first part of Toreador centers on one of the most important characters in the series, Leopold. Author Stewart Wieck gives is a nice starting point, a vampire filled with self-doubt, too close to his emotions to understand them in context with what he now is. Along the way, we get glimpses of other strange events...the disappeaance of a powerful Giovanni, infighting amongst the Camarilla of Atlanta (specifically the Brujah Theo Bell and Prince Bennison, a Malkavian. We are also given a substantive look at signature Toreador, Victoria Ash, a sensual beauty who is as covert in her mechanations as she is attractive. We are also introduced to a Setite named Vegel and a Nosferatu named Rolph.

The story finally goes into high gear as the Sabbat attack a place where the Camarilla of Atlanta has gathered. The violence and destruction is enormous and powerfully written. The final two pages provides the necessary bite and twist that will bring readers back for more.

By necessity, Clan Novel Toreador spends time setting up the meta-plot. Author Wieck is to be commended for his ability to give us a group of characters that are interesting and typical of their clans. A fantastic, easy and engaging read. Highly recommended.


Looking through the eyes of a Prophet ...   May 12, 2003
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Knowing this book was about a clan known for their mental instability, I approached it with more of an open mind and with a larger reserve of tolerance and patience. Unlike the book 'Catcher in the Rye', I made it through to the conclusion of this story. The entire story follows the disjointed musings of the Prophet of Gehenna as he goes from one place to another in search of something even he doesn't truly know. Often times the same scene will be replayed from a different perspective to lend a more understandable vision of what has transpired within the story. If these weren't included, I doubt I would've had the literary fortitude to complete the book. If it were the author's intent to illustrate the World of Darkness through the stereotypical perception of a Malkavian who is also held captive by his own prophetic visions, then it was a well articulated piece of work. There's really no other way to come away from this book with anything less than a feeling of total confusion.

If anything, reading this book will challenge your ability to decipher prophecy and translate that which is not communicated with a commonly expected level of elucidation.

If you are looking for a straight-forward ...the commonly expected plot, action, and demonstration of WoD mechanics, et cetera - than you might want to take a look at Clanbook:Malkavian FIRST before reading Clan Novel:Malkavian.

If you understand, accept, and actually favour the inner workings of the Malkavian mind - get this book.


Toreador review   February 14, 2003
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I liked this book. It was a decent intro to the world of the Camarilla, in particular, two Toreador vampires. I read reviews of most of the series of 13 novels, and this first book didn't rate real high. If that's the case, I am really looking forward to reading the novels which seemed to rate the highest! Setite, Gangrel, and Ravnos.