Pale Guardian (A James Asher Vampire Novel, 7) Hardcover – April 1, 2017

Hambly's James Asher series are all a cracking good read complete with memorable characters, historical detail and suspenseful action. But what gives them gravitas beyond the usual vampire story are the moral and ethical themes that underpin the tales.For a slightly different edge, it is Lydia who away from home initiates this adventure and Asher, laid low with illness who is at home in Oxford. World War 1 is in its second year and Lydia (shadowed by her pale guardian, Don Simon Ysidro) is at the front working at an advanced medical station. Lydia and Simon notice evidence of the "Others" that they encountered in Peking and relay the information home to James. Drawn into the investigation, James encounters these creatures in London.As expected, the historical background is accurate and engrossing.( I checked Maconochies war time stew and the St Pancras workhouse). Her descriptions of The Western Front give a genuine, pervasive horror to Lydia's situation. It intensifies when Hambly makes the logical conclusion that with all this misery and easy death, of course, vampires would be attracted to the battlefield. These vampires are not noble or glittery or nice. They are self-centred, cruel and childish in their simplistic view of the world. But even they can be enticed to help when their lives are at risk.The moral choices that Lydia, James and even Simon make are mirrored by the limited self-serving actions of Crowell, Francesca and Grippen. Perhaps the heart breaking and human decisions of the Irish nurse Meagher, and Dr. Lemoine reflect the choice of most of us. I cannot condemn their choice as I wonder what mine may have been.Finishing this book in a rush was like emerging from a black, dank hole. I was relieved to emerge into my clean safe world, but I would not miss this experience for anything.

What’s worse than a vampire or a revenantHumans trying to weaponise themLydia James n Simon struggle to stop the spread of the revenant plague n an evil plan to infect soldiers n civilians that threatens vampires n humans alike ?

Hambly one again crafts a delectable tale, this time of vampires at the front in World War one. Her incomparable prose and brilliant characterization effortlessly transport the reader to the last spring of the war, when an inspired doctor and a desperate vampire collude to meld the Unliving and the Undead into a fearsome army to win the war for England and France. James and Lydia Asher with the enigmatic Don Simon Ysidro predict a different result of the release of hordes of revenants in the trenches, endless war and horrors undreamed. Together they seek to eliminate the spawning nightmare.

If you’ve made it this far, you have fallen under the spell woven by Hambly, and this installment is another gem. Even its narrative of WWI France puts a new perspective on war, while its dark web of mystery pulls you along.

I love Barbara Hambly‘s James Asher Vampire Novel series and look forward to each new story. This one set during WW 1’s trench warfare is a disturbing setting but the storyline premise is truly horrific. Excellent scary storytelling that brings up questions about the morality of war and lesser of evils. Looking forward to another novel in this excellent series.

At this point, it seems so formulaic. Vampires murders, the Others monsters, human bad guys worse monsters. Pain suffering, even more pain and suffering triumph. I guess I've just had enough.

I love Hambly's Asher series. If you're into vampires and haven't read "Those Who Hunt the Night", you're missing a classic. This latest book is set in the trench warfare of WW1 and includes misguided scientists, vicious vamps, and undercover intrigue. I read Hambly's books because of 2 things: she assumes women are capable of multiple roles and she does her historical research for great background flavor.

Barbara Hambly is articulate and a wonderful story teller. A joy to read. I hope she is able to follow the adventures of James, Lydia, and Don Simon for many more years. Maybe Miranda will have adventures also.

Hambly does not disappoint!

nother excellent entry in Hambly’s James Asher series. Lydia is at the Front in France, working in the hospital tents; James is in England, recovering from pneumonia. Both of them encounter revenants - and there should be none in either England or France. Where did they come from, why, and - perhaps worst of all who is responsible?Hambly’s writing is always solid; anything she writes is never less than ‘very good’. And I certainly enjoyed Pale Guardian. So why not five stars? It’s hard to say. There seemed to be something missing - maybe it was the fact that James and Lydia spend virtually the whole book apart, so we don’t get any of their interaction. Maybe it’s that it’s quite a short book with a lot of action taking place in two locations (London and France) so it’s harder to feel connected.In any event, it’s well worth reading - but possibly not the best in the series.

World War I crushes Flandern and Lydia as nurse/doctor. Simon Ysidro, the ancient Vampir, is her pale Guardian. But besides the horror of war, there rise a new one.Another book with James and Lydia Asher and their vampire acquaintance. I really love all of the authors books. Her vampires are really interesting and more realistic than other vampires in other books. For one they don’t sparkle, and can’t turn into bats.Very good story! Recommended for all who liked the other books and to all who like good vampire stories.

I balked a bit about paying full price for this book on my kindle but it was worth every penny. The Asher's and their intriguing Vampire friend have become more rounded and interesting. What a fabulous read its now late at night and I simply couldn't put this book down and had to finish it.