Angelina thought she had her life figured out: teach her college archeology classes, visit her aunt, and go home alone. But then she met Jude. After following her for years, Jude finally reveals himself to be the king vampire, and he would like Angelina to be his queen. After getting to know Jude, as well as some of his historically-famous brethren, Angelina knows her life is about to change forever and everything she thought she knew about history is no more.

I loved the potential A History of Vampires had. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much else that I truly enjoyed about this book. I did make myself finish the book in case the ending changed any opinions, but reading was slow going and I honestly struggled to pick it back up. I usually devour paranormal romances, but I acknowledge that just because this one wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean others will have the same reaction. Here are some of the issues that I personally had while reading:

The connection between the two main characters. Jude and Angelina are supposed to be courting, but I struggled to find any chemistry between the two of them. Angelina went on and on about how attractive she found Jude to be, but there was just very little chemistry when they were actually together. It felt like Angelina spent more time around Jude’s family/friends than around him, so that might have contributed to the on-page chemistry.

The vampire lore. There was a lot of potential to really create a new and unique vampire lore, but it felt like Lewis hit just the tip of the iceberg on the background and history of vampires and then gave up trying to flesh it out. The first book in a series really needs to lay the foundation of any new world if readers are going to be swept away into the story, but there was just too much that was briefly mentioned and then never touched on again. When creating a new vision, especially one so different than normal vampire lore, fleshing out the details is important.

The writing style. I was very conflicted over the writing style versus the intended audience of this book. The writing style itself came off as very YA, but Angelina, at 35, was too old to be the main character of a YA novel. The writing style seemed very disconnected to the actual characters. I wasn’t sure if this was meant for adults and came off as younger writing, or if this was meant for younger audiences and just featured older characters; either way, the combination put me off the story a bit. There were also phrases that Lewis kept repeating, and even using synonyms instead of the same phrases over and over would have freshened up parts of the writing.

Character perspectives. Lewis included a few, random chapters told from secondary character perspectives. I appreciated that these chapters were meant to provide an alternative look at Jude’s history, rather than him telling Angelina himself. However, I wish Lewis would have either committed to the alternative perspectives more or left them out altogether. By only including a few throughout the whole book, they felt out of place and interrupted the natural flow of Angelina’s narrative.

Famous historical figures. I really liked that Lewis included these famous historical figures in the story. Discovering that all these famous people she had studied in history books were really vampires was probably the part I found most interesting about Angelina’s story. However, Lewis made it a point that these characters aren’t the same people we’ve read about and studied; in fact, they were very different from everything ever written about them. I appreciated this approach to historical figures - it definitely added a new layer to both them and the story. But, some of the new character traits were hard to really believe, and those disjointed traits often pulled me out of the story. It was interesting, but I’m not sure these secondary characters were more helpful or harmful to Angelina’s narrative.

I enjoyed the overall idea behind the story, and the potential for this new vampire lore. But, there were a lot of areas that just hit wrong or just skimmed the surface of what the story could have been. I wish Lewis would have provided more detail, grounding the characters in this new world and fleshing them out. The first 80% of the book was just Angelina and Jude committing to being in a relationship, and no real conflict was introduced until the epilogue. A History of Vampires included a lot of fluff, and I would have loved this story if there was more chemistry between characters and more actual action in the plot. Sadly, this story just didn’t do it for me, but readers who enjoy lighter paranormal romance might enjoy Amanda Lewis’s new series.

There's a lot of potential in this story but I didn't liked the characters and the story fell flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

2 Stars - Spoilers ahead

This book had some great things I would normally read; history, vampires, and romance! While I found the blurb intriguing when I requested it, this book fell short for me.

I wanted to DNF in Chapter 2, but I also wanted to give the book a solid chance. It’s a short read so there’s that. When I requested this book I thought I was getting an adult romance with vampires, which I did since the MC is 35, but it’s closed door sex and it’s insta love which isn’t for me. So if you’re looking for romance without actual sex this is it.

And while I don’t mind there not being sex in a book, what really made me question the book is when the MC is questioning her vampire’s motives about the night ahead and this is her inner thought:

“Get ahold of yourself, what’s wrong with you? You’re not a slut and don’t start acting like one on the second date!”

Like WHAT?!

I’m not for slut shaming in any capacity and I felt like that was this. If she had sex the first night meeting him, she wouldn’t have been a slut. For them supposedly having insta love and him wanting to marry her, this was so uncalled for. I just didn’t appreciate that being in the book personally. She could have said “I’m not ready for that…” It really irked me.

Also around the 80% mark a whole new plot line of the already minimal plot was introduced - basically its setting up for the next book in the series, but unfortunately I won’t be reading it. Nothing in this book grabbed me and made me want more.

Like I said this book isn’t for me, but it might be for someone else!

I wish I could love this book but it was quite disappointing and I probably won't be continuing it when the next one comes out.
I tend to judge a book by its cover so I thought this book was definitely for me, but I wasn't really a fan of the characters and I don't really think there was any plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is just my opinion.

The book description had me very intrigued in the beginning but it did not deliver in the end.

I liked that the female mc was 35 which resonated with me. I liked the twists on history with famous characters.

But the rest was just very hard to battle through. The romance was not it for me, and I was expecting a bit of good vampire spice, but meh. I need more of a story that takes you places in you head and puts you in “another world”.

I still think there are a lot of people that would enjoy this book so if you love vampires and history go for it!.

Wasn't really the story for me. Could not get past chapter 2. I like vampire stories as much as the next person but this did not click with me.

Not a big fan of the book and probably won't be continuing it when the next one comes out, I wasn't really a fan of the characters and I don't really think there was any plot (though I can see that the author was setting up the plot for the next book, but I just lacked interest in what was happening). It felt kind of immature in writing.

This book had the potential to be really really interesting. I must admit I did find the story interesting and think that the next book might be an improvement as it won't only focus on the relationship of the two main characters.

I think this was a good attempt but would benefit from the introduction of more characters with developed back stories sooner.

It was an easy read and the author has potential.

I wish I could love this book but it was quite a disappointment. I LOVE vampire themed books and I have to admit that I also judge a book by its cover sometimes so I thought this book was definitely for me but the vampires didn‘t even really act like vampires lmao. Also I couldn’t concentrate on the last few chapters because I didn’t care about the story anymore.

I think this book is not for everyone but it‘s worth a shot, maybe you‘d love it.

I thought i was a huge fan of anything and everything vampire and paranormal but this.. didnt work.
Vampire are the good guys? they dont drink blood? the main female is a 35 year old.. which i freaking doubt.

I really enjoyed this start of the vampire series, it was a great start to the series. It had great characters and a great plot. It left me wanting more in this universe.

As an old die hard vampire fan, when i saw this book i knew i had to read it immediately. I love vampire books and October is the perfect month to read these types of stories.
A history of vampires follows our 35 years old archaelogist, Angelina Bonne who is traveling aroudn the world. During one of her trips, she gets to meet this fascinating man who happens to be a vampire. And not an ordinary vampire, he's the king of them all. Soon, Angelina will see herself immersed in this brand new world, full of creatures and secret societies. However, there's an incoming war and she doesn't know where she fits in this new society. Angelina also develops feelings for the vampire king and that makes everything even more complicated...
First of all I would like to talk about the cover because is stunning. It caught my eye as soon as I saw it and i can not wait to own a psysical copy of it.
The second thing i'd like to share is that i adore the writing. Amanda Lewis is a great story teller and she created an unique story. The vampire genre was really saturated back in 2010 but she wrote a refreshing story, full of complex characters and with two great main leads.
I really enjoyed Angelina's character. Her passion for archeology, her will to travel and meet new people, her love and courageness... I think she was a cool heroine and the perfect match for our mysterious vamp king.
Speaking of, the vamp king was a really interesting and complex character but i wish we got to see more of his background and how the secret societies work. The upcoming was and the reasons were a little bit predictable but I've enjoyed how the author wrote it and it was a compelling plot.
I really enjoyed this book and i think everyone should give it a chance.

I want to start this review by saying that this book has been judged quite harshly party of which is that it’s not thoroughly described/ categorized. While it is a romance, it most certainly isn’t adult. It is very PG with next to no spice. Also it’s a very clean read so don’t go into this thinking vampires= sex, drugs and rock n roll (these vampires don’t drink blood they eat fried food). If you’re looking for any of those things you’d best head off in Jay Kristoff’s direction. The author is known for her Christian Romances, while I haven’t read any of her other book I can say this one is very pure and clean. There’s nothing graphic and aside from kissing there is zero spice.

Now that you’ve been warned and hopefully adjusted your expectation I can go onto what I thought about the book itself.

The story itself is interesting and different, I like inclusion of famous historical figures (Beethoven, Edgar Allen Poe, Anne Frank, Marie Antoinette to name a few). I also enjoyed the globetrotting and historical aspects. The main lesson is that basically it’s very easy to write history in a certain light and the history that was recorded isn’t necessarily how things actually happened.
The downside to the story line is that for the first 24 chapters nothing really happens. As in there isn’t really any plot. Aside from Angelina and Jude’s insta love and the historical retelling of a few of the character’s backstories (they didn’t really die since they’re somewhat alive and living as vampires) there’s really nothing else that happens.

Because of this, the book would have worked better condensed into a novella and labelled as a prequel for whatever the author has planned for the next book. Which we get a taste for in the last half dozen chapters.

Now for the main characters. Angelina is our MFC. She’s smart, educated and an archaeologist which is something I absolutely love and can 100% get behind. However, this all goes out the window when she meets Jude or should I say sees his pretty face. In their first encounter he tells her he’s been stalking her and describes in detail her entire routine and every little detail about her and still she doesn’t question any of that but instead agrees to go to his house for dinner. Honestly it doesn’t get much better from there.

Jude our beautiful 2400 year old vampire MMC is kind, polite and soft spoken. While I enjoy a man who is in tune with his feelings, Jude really need to be a bit more assertive and confident. I mean he’s had 2400 years to learn to not be so self-conscious. He’s also a bit of an oddball, like there’s one scene where Angelina finds him collecting works from the courtyard and putting them in the garden so they don’t get stomped on (while whispering sweet nothings to them). And again it doesn’t get much better form there.

Overall Angelina and Jude lacked chemistry and their interactions were just odd and awkward. I couldn’t get behind the insta love aspect, it was just too much and over the top but that’s just me. I’m sure there are plenty of people that are into that sort of thing.

I think this book had a lot of potential but was let down by the execution. The next book in the series does promise to be a lot better (if the last few chapters are anything to go by).

I was lucky enough to receive and ARC from the author through NetGalley

I was very disappointed in this book. The description had so much potential but it did not translate into the actual book. The prologue really confused and irritated me. I've never experienced a book that took chapter two and made it the prologue, especially when chapters one and two (three) are all part of the same conversation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Edgar Press and NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

I think the writing in A History of Vampires was really great. The style and quality is truly impressive. The story and the plot however, were all over the place and I found everything really difficult to follow. I think there was promise in some of the ideas, I'd just say the execution left something to be desired.

I really enjoyed this sweetly romantic take on vampires! Who knew vampires could be such good guys?!? I love all the historical characters weaved into this book - so brilliant! The main characters were easy to love and root for. The pacing was great - it kept me hooked. I'm hoping this will be a series!

I love vampire books - and a vampire romance - well sign me up.

Wow - this book was NOT what I expected. The first few chapters were actually really interesting. However, the insta-love was just weird. This man stalks her then tells her he is a vampire and she doesnt believe him, but she decides she can't stay away from him? Huh?

Then they "bring back" these characters from history. They say their deaths weren't real - so you have Beethoven, and Keats, and all these "dead" people running around. The method of storytelling was told from a distance - I felt no real connection to anyone. It was as if someone were narrating a story. Then add in a lame romance, and it was all too much for me. I started skimming, and then just jumped to the end, which of course made no sense to me since I had skimmed and skipped too much.

So why not just 1 star? because if you love history and would love seeing all of these famous people in time come "back to life" this might really interest you.

I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review. I just wish I could have given a more positive review.

Review posted to Goodreads

1.5/5

The first chapter started strong. The writing in it is astonishing, and the author paints an impressive picture in each scene. This may be able to carry you through the book as you are hoping for more of this writing.

Then everything gets bogged down as soon as the two main characters move immediately too fast. If there were 3-4 chapters in there for some leeway it may be at least believable. Or if it was explained that Jude had some superpowers or something because how is she so enchanted and not entirely creeped out - very Bella from twilight & this is supposed to be an intelligent woman! I also don’t like the way he decides she is “good enough”

He also just straight up says “I’m a vampire” but then the idea of a vampire is derogatory.

I do like the idea that vampires are regulated with a bureaucracy - with a funny “turn request”. If this was more of a comedy I think it could be something.

The other thing that stands out is “all history a lie.” Like.. why is Anna Frank there? Doesn’t this somehow feel disrespectful?

Not for me, and I am not sure who the audience is for this but there are parts there that do shine through.

Thank you to Edgar Press and NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

When I first read the synopsis of this story, I was unbelievably excited. My excitement only grew when I realized the publisher had approved my request. It is a vampire read during October - what could go wrong?

I am dejected to say - everything. I could not get through this novel. When it comes to ARCs, I believe everyone deserves a fair chance. But, sadly, I did have to DNF this one at around 50%. From the outside looking in, we were promised an archetypical setting and steamy monster romance. I believed it would be a vampire spin similar to the Enchantress within Suicide Squad. However, it was not executed in that manner, and I should not have let myself get my hopes up.

Also, while this is a personal preference, the writing style was not for me. I am used to reading prologues within the past tense but reading multiple chapters gives me a migraine. I prefer reading stories that transport me to their world, rather the feeling like someone is telling a story around a campfire. The romance didn't enthrall me either (which is crucial for me within "romantacy.")

I have decided to rate this within two stars because I believe it could have the potential for certain members, but it is not for me. This story could also work within an audiobook set.

Thank you once again for allowing me the chance to review it, even if it did not work out.

I really wanted to like this book, I thought it would be an interesting take on a classic vampire tale. Plus it's spooky season, so who doesn't love to read books about spooky stuff? Well, if you're looking for anything remotely spooky or vaguely supernatural this is not the book for you. Not only is this book not very supernatural minus the immortal vampires, I would rate the romance at a PG maybe PG 13. I desperately wanted a steamy scene between Jude and Angelina that was more than some deep kisses.

The only part about this book that I really enjoyed was the historical fiction portion. I really loved the portions of the book that delved into Angelina's work and the various historical figures that turn out to be vampires. I loved the alternative history aspects that followed these figures that are now vampires. I honestly could have read a whole book about historical figures that are now vampires.

While I did enjoy the historical fiction portions of the book, it wasn't enough to save the book. The insta-love portion of the story really did not work for me, it almost seemed a little like Twilight where the main female character is essentially being stalked and then falls in love with the stalker. If there had been some more steam maybe I could have overlooked it, but I just couldn't get into it. I did love the third act twist and I think the overarching premise of this series could be interesting, this book just wasn't great.