This is one of the books in the CLAN NOVEL series with a strong main character focus rather than a panoramic view of the struggle between the Camarilla and the Sabbat. A problem with this type of book is that the larger sweep of the action may seem to have come to an abrupt halt. Because of the tight focus, it's often difficult to recognize at first that the more dramatic events in these books may have significance for the series as a whole. If you're following the series and especially playing the game VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE make no mistake: what happens in this books turns out to be VERY IMPORTANT for the Gangrel later on.

The strengths of the more character driven books in the series are that these books stand alone better (you don't have to know or care what's happening in the series generally in order to appreciate the story) Here, the main character, Ramona, is a Gangrel neonate who has been abandoned by her sire to fend for herself and learn the realities of vampiric existence in the process. It tells the story of her struggle with her lost humanity and just to survive. A problem with books in this series is that they can get so caught up with sect politics that they lose track of the harsh realities of more basic things like feeding. Sometimes, it almost seems that the characters might just as well not be vampires but some other sort of powerful, scheming supernatural being. Not so here.

The more character driven books, because of their clearer focus, tend to do a much better job of emphasizing the title clan. This books also deals with Ramona's first encounter with her sire since her Embrace and her first encounter with other members of her clan. The justicar Xaviar even puts in an apprearance as do many other interesting Gangrel characters. Overall, it's a somber but fascinating portrait of the Gangrel and their culture. The Gangrel aren't lay about philosphers, so there's plenty of action as well.


Through An Eye, Darkly   December 21, 2004
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

For a change this is very much one character's tale. Ramona is a second year Gangrel, member of a tribe that is more independent than Camarilla, but less dark minded than the Sabbat. They are the wild hunters of the vampire worlds, often used by the elders for enforcement.

Ramona has never really bought into the vampire ethos, and is locked in a perpetual struggle with her beast. Her relationships with mortals and kindred are troubled. Now, her feelings for young Zhavon will drive her to finally face what she has become, at the same time that the bring her to the brink of destruction.

For the Eye of Hazimel, a true instrument of chaos, is loose in the city. Now the possession of the sculptor Leopold, the eye has little patience with vampire sensibilities. It brings insanity and ruin, and has an agenda all it's own. As vampire elders and clans struggle with events leading to a mysterious confrontation at Table Rock, Ramona must find a way to survive.

In something of a turn-about Gherbod Fleming, a long time maker of the Masquerade world, produces an enjoyable action novel. His insights into the life of the Gangrel, on of the games most troubled clan are unique. He is in tune with the grim realities of vampire life, where nothing can be trusted in the night, and sensitivity to the real nobility behind and outlaw clan give this book much of its depth.

Of course, the underlying style is still game-centric, where the novels serve the game. This means the story often makes jagged progress or gets lost in heavy detail. Flemings characters also tend to muse more often than they drink. But this is one of this series better efforts, offering a vision that will challenge many fans.


An interesting look at Gangrel society   May 22, 2002
 4 out of 7 found this review helpful

Gherbod Fleming's portrayal of the vampires in this book I found to be very close to what I had always envisioned. The book hits a few rough patches early on but it all gels really well about halfway through and you won't be able to put it down.


Guess you have to like Gangrel.   February 27, 2003
 3 out of 5 found this review helpful

The third in the clan novel series, this book does not even come close to being as good as the first two books in the series, Toreador and Tzimisce. It does center much more so around one vampire than the first two books, the Gangrel Ramona. She is trying to figure out who she is and what she has become.

The main plot of the series, with the Eye of Hazimel, continues to develop. Leopold, the Torry, has gone completely insane. Other elements of the New York vampires are showing up, namely the Tremere.

I didn't like this novel nearly as much as the first two. Maybe Ramona will develop as the novels progress, but for now, I could care less to read anymore about her. WHERE IS SASHA? Now she was interesting!


Good but not Great   April 7, 2000
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book showed Gangrel society like I always imagined it to be. I liked the character of Romona, but I thought that it didn't show why she had such a connection with Zhavon. The fight scene with Leopold was detailed and exciting, albeit a tad cheesy. All in all the book was good, but not as good as Fleming in the Blood Curse Trilogy.