Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
First the earthquake then the weather left the city of New York devastated. Ironblood Armondo Moreno knows that the death of millions was not caused by a freak of nature, but that Glynis lives and has brought death and destruction to millions. Having spent several lifetime alone fighting vampires, Armondo wonders if Glynis' offer of hope for him is worth taking to end his isolation. She cannot convert an Ironblood into a vampire, but the mingling of their bloods would lead to a new superior being that would allow the two of them to rule the world.
To prove his worth and loyalty, Armondo must bring in the innocent human Christine Ferranti carrying the unborn who will serve as the matriarch of the super race. Christine does not want the child and Glynis projects feelings of inadequacy to Christine, enhancing the pregnant woman's doubts. Adding to her woes is an army of vampires searching for her as well as the nearly invincible Ironblood, who has doubts of his own.
VAMPIRE'S WALTZ is an entertaining apocalyptic horror tale. The exciting story line is well written although Thomas Staab tries to bring in too many concepts thus occasionally stalling the plot. In spite of his over enthusiasm, the tale for the most part remains taut and succeeds because readers believe in the terror gripping Brooklyn due to the authentic feel of the characters. Mr. Staab is a talented writer providing vampire lovers with a fresh, modern tale in some ways reminding the audience of Ira Levin's work.