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Beguiled by Night #1
Beguiled by Night
The convoluted chronicle of Vauquelin — a queer, ancient vampire — unfolds in a tapestry of paradoxes. Born into the tumultuous backdrop of elegant, monied, 17th-century France, an ill-fated broken carriage wheel alters the trajectory of his life for eternity.
After centuries of ennui, his blood-stained past provokes him to seek new horizons: he emigrates to the United States. There he witnesses Los Angeles evolve from primitive dirt roads into its present-day incarnation: a sprawling, soulless metropolis. His life in self-imposed exile is peaceful and relatively carefree: until one night it's abruptly shattered. The very fabric of time itself begins to unravel without explanation, casting him adrift in the chaos of mid-century LA and beyond.
Vauquelin fumbles his way through history in reverse, ripping the scabs off of old wounds and mourning the loss of his futurepast joys, while attempting to keep certain skeletons firmly locked in their closets where they belong.
But the past has a way of making its presence known, especially when one is reliving it. As the threads of his history fray, the vampire finds himself ensnared within the fragmented labyrinth of his existence. Vauquelin’s mundane modern existence is systematically erased, compelling him to confront all his missteps over the last three centuries and acknowledge his defeats. The cobblestoned streets of old Paris beckon, and he is obligated to confront his own macabre history: but with newfound clarity.
An unanticipated glimmer of hope emerges amidst the chaos of his unravelling timelines: a chance for reconciliation, for atonement, tantalisingly presents itself. Yet even as the wheels of time threaten to grind to a halt, uncertainty looms large. As he regresses through time, he surrenders to his brutal nature and faces an unexpected choice that could alter his life completely, and in turn, extinguish the only true happiness he ever knew.
What will become of Vauquelin when — and if — time begins to march forward again? He has two choices: emerge from the wreckage reborn, or be forever ensnared within a bloody web of his own making.
After centuries of ennui, his blood-stained past provokes him to seek new horizons: he emigrates to the United States. There he witnesses Los Angeles evolve from primitive dirt roads into its present-day incarnation: a sprawling, soulless metropolis. His life in self-imposed exile is peaceful and relatively carefree: until one night it's abruptly shattered. The very fabric of time itself begins to unravel without explanation, casting him adrift in the chaos of mid-century LA and beyond.
Vauquelin fumbles his way through history in reverse, ripping the scabs off of old wounds and mourning the loss of his futurepast joys, while attempting to keep certain skeletons firmly locked in their closets where they belong.
But the past has a way of making its presence known, especially when one is reliving it. As the threads of his history fray, the vampire finds himself ensnared within the fragmented labyrinth of his existence. Vauquelin’s mundane modern existence is systematically erased, compelling him to confront all his missteps over the last three centuries and acknowledge his defeats. The cobblestoned streets of old Paris beckon, and he is obligated to confront his own macabre history: but with newfound clarity.
An unanticipated glimmer of hope emerges amidst the chaos of his unravelling timelines: a chance for reconciliation, for atonement, tantalisingly presents itself. Yet even as the wheels of time threaten to grind to a halt, uncertainty looms large. As he regresses through time, he surrenders to his brutal nature and faces an unexpected choice that could alter his life completely, and in turn, extinguish the only true happiness he ever knew.
What will become of Vauquelin when — and if — time begins to march forward again? He has two choices: emerge from the wreckage reborn, or be forever ensnared within a bloody web of his own making.
389 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2020
About the author
Nicole Eigener
4 books60 followersNicole Eigener is the author of
Beguiled by Night: A Vampire Tale
(Polidori Press, 2020) and
CITIZENS OF SHADOW: Beguiled by Night
Book Two, in which Vauquelin’s story continues. They are also co-author, with Beverley Lee, of
Crimson is the Night: A Vampire Novelette
and the forthcoming novel series
A Conclave of Crimson
(2024), featuring a meeting of characters from Lee’s Gabriel Davenport series and the
Beguiled By Night
series.
Nicole is a lifelong student of French history and the macabre. Their love for haemovores became a beautiful marriage to their obsession with French culture, specifically of the seventeenth-century, which features prominently in their work. Nicole lives in Southern California. Visit their website for book extras including French pronunciations and a soundtrack.
Nicole is a lifelong student of French history and the macabre. Their love for haemovores became a beautiful marriage to their obsession with French culture, specifically of the seventeenth-century, which features prominently in their work. Nicole lives in Southern California. Visit their website for book extras including French pronunciations and a soundtrack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 20, 2021
5 stars
I love it when a book surprises me. I love it even more when a vampire book surprises me!
May I introduce you to Beguiled by Night and The Vampire Louis de Vauquelin. Born to darkness in the year 1668, we first meet Vauquelin in modern day Los Angeles, where he has just donated his extensive collection of clothing to a museum.
And then everything changes....
The mystery grabs you. Why? What purpose is there in making a vampire relive his life?
I'm not going to go into the details because they're best left for a reader to discover, but we learn, through a catalogue of vivid scenes and events, exactly how Vauquelin came to be. We learn of his loves and his losses. Of his mistakes.
Beautifully written and with sumptuous historical detail, Beguiled by Night is a feast of Gothic delight and a worthy addiction to any vampire lover's library.
I very much look forward to the next offering from this author.
I love it when a book surprises me. I love it even more when a vampire book surprises me!
May I introduce you to Beguiled by Night and The Vampire Louis de Vauquelin. Born to darkness in the year 1668, we first meet Vauquelin in modern day Los Angeles, where he has just donated his extensive collection of clothing to a museum.
And then everything changes....
The mystery grabs you. Why? What purpose is there in making a vampire relive his life?
I'm not going to go into the details because they're best left for a reader to discover, but we learn, through a catalogue of vivid scenes and events, exactly how Vauquelin came to be. We learn of his loves and his losses. Of his mistakes.
Beautifully written and with sumptuous historical detail, Beguiled by Night is a feast of Gothic delight and a worthy addiction to any vampire lover's library.
I very much look forward to the next offering from this author.
October 22, 2021
“𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀. 𝗘𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗧𝗼 𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲, 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝘆 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁.”
𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 holds a special place in my heart. I read it back in February, and it’s the book that made me fall in love with vampires all over again.
This month, I was lucky enough to read it again with Nicole (screams) and my friend Elizabeth and it was such an amazing experience.
This is a story about love and loss. The heavy burden of guilt that lives deep in your heart. It is a story about Vauquelin who was made vampire in 1668 when he was 30.
And it’s unique. While reading you get to slowly see the life that Vauquelin has created; the loneliness and isolation, the possessions he covets. You time travel to different eras, and eventually you meet Yvain, his maker. Part of the reasons I love vampire tales so much is the making.
When I truly love a book, I have such a hard time putting my thoughts together. And this is one of those times.
When you read this one, you’ll love Maeve. You’ll love the life they build and your heart might break a little. You’ll hate Delphine, and Arsinée.
This book was beautifully written in all of its gothic glory. The romance isn’t over powering, but it’s there. And it’s FANTASTIC.
Vauquelin, my dear Vauquelin. He shows you what it truly means to be a vampire. The unromantic side, the violent side; finding your perfect kill, disposing of the body and living undetected.
Death made an appearance in this one. It’s one of my favourite parts. She’s a magical reaper.
If you love vampires, I encourage you to grab this one. It’s a slow burn that just twists your insides all around. I promise, you’ll love it.
𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 holds a special place in my heart. I read it back in February, and it’s the book that made me fall in love with vampires all over again.
This month, I was lucky enough to read it again with Nicole (screams) and my friend Elizabeth and it was such an amazing experience.
This is a story about love and loss. The heavy burden of guilt that lives deep in your heart. It is a story about Vauquelin who was made vampire in 1668 when he was 30.
And it’s unique. While reading you get to slowly see the life that Vauquelin has created; the loneliness and isolation, the possessions he covets. You time travel to different eras, and eventually you meet Yvain, his maker. Part of the reasons I love vampire tales so much is the making.
When I truly love a book, I have such a hard time putting my thoughts together. And this is one of those times.
When you read this one, you’ll love Maeve. You’ll love the life they build and your heart might break a little. You’ll hate Delphine, and Arsinée.
This book was beautifully written in all of its gothic glory. The romance isn’t over powering, but it’s there. And it’s FANTASTIC.
Vauquelin, my dear Vauquelin. He shows you what it truly means to be a vampire. The unromantic side, the violent side; finding your perfect kill, disposing of the body and living undetected.
Death made an appearance in this one. It’s one of my favourite parts. She’s a magical reaper.
If you love vampires, I encourage you to grab this one. It’s a slow burn that just twists your insides all around. I promise, you’ll love it.
October 19, 2022
”I have traveled backwards and forth through the centuries to reach you again. And now, I cast my last remaining hope to you, for you are the love of my life.”
This story was enchanting, mesmerizing, dark and lush, haunting and captivating, at times like something from a fever dream. And I simply could not get enough. A story that will stay with me always. Highly recommended and all the stars! (Read on kindle unlimited but have purchased a print copy for my library)
Death was not the Grim Reaper, so immortalized in literature: Death was a black angel, a feminine god -- exquisite and unforgiving, capricious and unprejudiced. She had her orders, and she carried them out without fail despite (or in spite of) prayers and (un)holy cries and despair. Throughout his life as a vampire, not once during any of his kills had he seen Death. No one came for their souls. He was the reaper, delivering them to their afterlives. Where their souls went, he did not know.
This story was enchanting, mesmerizing, dark and lush, haunting and captivating, at times like something from a fever dream. And I simply could not get enough. A story that will stay with me always. Highly recommended and all the stars! (Read on kindle unlimited but have purchased a print copy for my library)
Death was not the Grim Reaper, so immortalized in literature: Death was a black angel, a feminine god -- exquisite and unforgiving, capricious and unprejudiced. She had her orders, and she carried them out without fail despite (or in spite of) prayers and (un)holy cries and despair. Throughout his life as a vampire, not once during any of his kills had he seen Death. No one came for their souls. He was the reaper, delivering them to their afterlives. Where their souls went, he did not know.
July 27, 2022
“Sitting in this familiar room with the living, breathing Delphine, who, twenty-four hours ago had been dead for forty-two years”
How can I describe a book where a vampire travels back thru time as accurate and realistic? I can because Nicole Eigener intelligently infuses clothing design, French politics in the time of Louis XIV, the proper bathing and toilet procedure for noblemen of the late 17th century, and the growth of Los Angeles in the early 1900’s into a bloody manipulative vampire story that spans centuries.
Nicole has come up with a unique vampire ability, combined it with loss and second chances, incorporates her vast cultural knowledge to create a character that you will be so invested in, you will feel his heart ache and cheer him on throughout the book.
The writing is eloquent with an easy flow that keeps you in the story. It feels like it was written by someone who has experienced much, and has poured it onto the page. Compelling tale with realistic emotions of hate, lust, hunger, and longing.
“It was delightfully macabre.” -thoughts from Vauquelin
How can I describe a book where a vampire travels back thru time as accurate and realistic? I can because Nicole Eigener intelligently infuses clothing design, French politics in the time of Louis XIV, the proper bathing and toilet procedure for noblemen of the late 17th century, and the growth of Los Angeles in the early 1900’s into a bloody manipulative vampire story that spans centuries.
Nicole has come up with a unique vampire ability, combined it with loss and second chances, incorporates her vast cultural knowledge to create a character that you will be so invested in, you will feel his heart ache and cheer him on throughout the book.
The writing is eloquent with an easy flow that keeps you in the story. It feels like it was written by someone who has experienced much, and has poured it onto the page. Compelling tale with realistic emotions of hate, lust, hunger, and longing.
“It was delightfully macabre.” -thoughts from Vauquelin
May 11, 2021
Full review to come!
June 7, 2021
Beguiled by Night is a darkly evocative story with a luxurious gothic feel.
I enjoyed this tale far more than I anticipated as I don't usually read vampire fiction, but that is what made this even more of a delicious surprise.
Louis de Vauquelin is a French aristocrat born in 1668 now living in modern-day Los Angeles. After donating his collection of now historical clothing to a museum, his long self-imposed exile away from other vampires is dragged from his grip, sending Vauquelin back into a world he had both hated and loved.
From the first page, the author entices you into Vauquelin's story with beautiful prose, artist notes and lavish historical details to delight all the senses. There is a beautiful quality to the writing; the details are elaborate, fitting the gothic feel, but never over flourished without purpose.
There is no putting this book aside; the vampire calls to you, gets inside your head, tugging at your thoughts. I devoured the book with eager lust. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
I enjoyed this tale far more than I anticipated as I don't usually read vampire fiction, but that is what made this even more of a delicious surprise.
Louis de Vauquelin is a French aristocrat born in 1668 now living in modern-day Los Angeles. After donating his collection of now historical clothing to a museum, his long self-imposed exile away from other vampires is dragged from his grip, sending Vauquelin back into a world he had both hated and loved.
From the first page, the author entices you into Vauquelin's story with beautiful prose, artist notes and lavish historical details to delight all the senses. There is a beautiful quality to the writing; the details are elaborate, fitting the gothic feel, but never over flourished without purpose.
There is no putting this book aside; the vampire calls to you, gets inside your head, tugging at your thoughts. I devoured the book with eager lust. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
September 26, 2021
First of all, this cover! It grabbed my attention the moment I saw it.
If you're a fan of vampire fiction in the vein of Anne Rice's Interview With a Vampire, then look no further. Vividly portrayed, with exceptional attention to historical detail and vivid settings, Beguiled by Night oozes with the passion Eigener obviously feels for this genre.
Immersive, stylish, the only reason I've given this 4 stars instead of 5 is because I'm not a fan of romantic fiction and this is a little heavy on the romance for my tastes, though necessarily so in this case. That might be the very reason others will devour it.
If you're a fan of vampire fiction in the vein of Anne Rice's Interview With a Vampire, then look no further. Vividly portrayed, with exceptional attention to historical detail and vivid settings, Beguiled by Night oozes with the passion Eigener obviously feels for this genre.
Immersive, stylish, the only reason I've given this 4 stars instead of 5 is because I'm not a fan of romantic fiction and this is a little heavy on the romance for my tastes, though necessarily so in this case. That might be the very reason others will devour it.
March 8, 2022
Love this book! What a relief it’s not just a pretty cover!
November 16, 2020
A lush, eloquently-written novel that will transport you through time. The experiences of Vauquelin, a French vampire made in the year 1668 and now living in modern day Los Angeles, are by turns sensual, disturbing, and poignant.
Fully human in his flaws and longings, while at the same time being much *more* than human, Vauquelin is a singular hero. His journey through the past, present, and “futurepast” makes for a riveting, unexpected story. A unique spin on the Gothic vampire tale. Highly recommend!
Fully human in his flaws and longings, while at the same time being much *more* than human, Vauquelin is a singular hero. His journey through the past, present, and “futurepast” makes for a riveting, unexpected story. A unique spin on the Gothic vampire tale. Highly recommend!
December 12, 2023
I am smitten. This is a book akin to my most fantastical dreams. Vauquelin is a creature to be feared and loved all at once. One could only hope for their demise to befall them at the mouth of this beautiful revenant.
I have a new favorite vampire. His name is Louis-Augustin du Cavernay de Vauquelin. And if I don't get another tale of his immortal life I will have to re-read this one to my heart's desire.
I hope this book receives the recognition it deserves. I will recommend it to anyone looking for a new vampire novel. It's worthy of the favorites list.
I have a new favorite vampire. His name is Louis-Augustin du Cavernay de Vauquelin. And if I don't get another tale of his immortal life I will have to re-read this one to my heart's desire.
I hope this book receives the recognition it deserves. I will recommend it to anyone looking for a new vampire novel. It's worthy of the favorites list.
April 18, 2021
I picked up this book after getting one of its bookmarks through a monthly horror book subscription. The bookmark gave me 90's Scholastic Book Sale vibes (in the best way), so without reading the summary (I just knew it was about a vampire) I ordered a copy.
Beguiled by Night is aboutLestat Vauquelin, a French aristocratic vampire living in America. He likes music and fashion and has a temper didn't I just say he's Lestat?. The book begins in modern day LA, but we quickly find that Vauquelin has been sent back in time for... mysterious reasons. He doesn't know why nor how, and he shows next to no interest in figuring it out. He just kind of accepts it and starts living in that time period while being bored that he doesn't have internet access any more. Through these time-travel hops we learn a lot about Vauquelin and his backstory and the people who were important to him in his (un)life. Also a fair smattering of sex scenes.
Does this sound kind of boring if you stretch it out to nearly 400 pages? That's because it is and you don't get any real plot or answers (or even a whisper of some very important side characters) until the last third of the book.
I want to clarify that I went into this book really interested in seeing the story play out. I was surprised that a time-travel plot had been tacked onto a vampire story, but I was honestly intrigued to see where it would go.
I was disappointed to see where it went.
Vauquelin is a POS. I see a lot of reviews out here thirsting for Goth Lestat and I don't understand why. He has zero redeeming qualities. He gets angry very easily and that goes right into violence. He treats humans like they are the lowest creatures deserving of horrific and callous fates (more on that) while acting like they brought it on themselves for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
As I mentioned above, some of these side characters are apparently VERY important to Vauquelin and have shaped huge parts of his personality and outlook... and we don't hear anything about them until we're two-thirds of the way through this novel. You'd think if his maker was so important to him he would ruminate on it more often, or that his was so traumatic that would come to mind once and a while.
I want to list a quick(?) rundown of some plot points that Made No Sense/Bothered Me:
1. Vauquelin is hundreds of years old and he's a terrible vampire. Terrible as in he's bad at Vampiring. This isn't a world where vampires are a thing--Vauquelin mentions often that they have to keep their presence hidden. Yet within meeting some dude on his first night out in America, within an HOUR the man figures out Vauquelin is a vampire. Vauquelin later thinks about the HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HE HAS MURDERED and how about HALF OF THEM figured out he was a vampire.
2. Vauquelin reminds me of a serial killer. Like, I know he's a vampire who kills nearly 100% of the people he feeds upon (why?), but the details that go into telling us what he does with the bodies are some Ted Bundy shit. He turns his basement into a catacombs completed with a 6' deep vat of acid to clean the bodies and then displays their bones in elaborate patterns. Vauquelin is just rich John Wayne Gacy.
2a. Vauquelin pretty much exclusively feeds on the most vulnerable in our society: gay men (in a time when you could not be out), the poor/destitute, migrant workers, and prostitutes. Like a literal serial killer, he goes after the people that are least likely to be missed or looked for. And he looks down on them. At one point he picks up a prostitute and his internal monologue is about how cheap and gross she is. After he feeds on her and murders her, he then poses her like a doll on his couch and reflects that she looks much better now that he can essentially control her.
2b. Vauquelin DOES NOT NEED TO KILL PEOPLE TO FEED ON THEM. It's established that he can just feed on animals to survive. It's established he doesn't need to drain an entire human body to be satiated. It's established that these vampires have powers (though they're never really elaborated on and new ones are mentioned when the author feels like she needs one to make the story move along). So why couldn't Vauquelin just feed off animals? Why couldn't he pick up a sex worker and tell them he has a blood fetish and let them go? Why couldn't he feed off someone and use his vampire powers to make them forget what happened? I guess he just likes literally murdering 1-2 people a week.
2c. Vauquelin
3. After a while we're told about Maeve, who was the love of Vauquelin's life. Maeve is Not Like Other Girls as we're repeatedly told, and is the tall manic pixie dream girl Vauquelin's been waiting for all his (un)life. To be fair Maeve seems kind of cool but I was getting really tired of being told how she's Not Like Other Girls.
4. It's briefly mentioned that Vauquelin is and then it's never mentioned again and we're never told what that means.
5. There is a subplot mentioned VERY late in the book about
5a. Through the time travel plot we eventually
6. The time travel plot. We FINALLY learn that Vauquelin has been time traveling because It is never elaborated on further.
7. The last third of this book is when Real Plot happens and I wish there had been more of that. A lot of the book just felt like filler set pieces that did nothing but make me despise Vauquelin.
Okay so that wasn't quick. I DO want to mention things I enjoyed about this book:
1. There are some moments of really unique and interesting descriptive language. Comparing time to a heart, seeing someone's face illuminated by the fires of hell. Those moments were *chef's kiss* and really sold the aesthetic of the book.
2. Eigener is clearly All In with this decadent goth life. The details for things like themed parties and clothing are excellent and there are a few moments of history that we get, I wish she had done more of that.
3. The descriptions of locations felt very authentic, especially of LA. It really felt like someone who had experienced living in that place was telling me about it and I appreciated it.
I'm not saying this is a bad book, but I think there are certainly problems with it. I'm not judging it because it's a vampire novel--I got it because I WANTED to read about a melancholy vampire. But Vauquelin doesn't give you anything to appreciate. It was almost 400 pages of a guy I didn't like, flipflopping between being unnecessarily cruel and lonesome. I don't care about his lost love or his isolation, people are better off without him and he never really learns to be a better person.
If you JUST want to read about a moodyLestat vampire and are just going for that surface-level aesthetic, you might like this book. There are some interesting details in Eigener's vampire world and she's clearly passionate about it. This is her first novel and there's always going to be some road bumps in that regard. I seem to be on my own with my assessment of this book, so maybe it's just not my thing--I just really wish there had been some more consideration on the main character's journey and how it was told.
Beguiled by Night is about
Does this sound kind of boring if you stretch it out to nearly 400 pages? That's because it is and you don't get any real plot or answers (or even a whisper of some very important side characters) until the last third of the book.
I want to clarify that I went into this book really interested in seeing the story play out. I was surprised that a time-travel plot had been tacked onto a vampire story, but I was honestly intrigued to see where it would go.
I was disappointed to see where it went.
Vauquelin is a POS. I see a lot of reviews out here thirsting for Goth Lestat and I don't understand why. He has zero redeeming qualities. He gets angry very easily and that goes right into violence. He treats humans like they are the lowest creatures deserving of horrific and callous fates (more on that) while acting like they brought it on themselves for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
As I mentioned above, some of these side characters are apparently VERY important to Vauquelin and have shaped huge parts of his personality and outlook... and we don't hear anything about them until we're two-thirds of the way through this novel. You'd think if his maker was so important to him he would ruminate on it more often, or that his was so traumatic that would come to mind once and a while.
I want to list a quick(?) rundown of some plot points that Made No Sense/Bothered Me:
1. Vauquelin is hundreds of years old and he's a terrible vampire. Terrible as in he's bad at Vampiring. This isn't a world where vampires are a thing--Vauquelin mentions often that they have to keep their presence hidden. Yet within meeting some dude on his first night out in America, within an HOUR the man figures out Vauquelin is a vampire. Vauquelin later thinks about the HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HE HAS MURDERED and how about HALF OF THEM figured out he was a vampire.
2. Vauquelin reminds me of a serial killer. Like, I know he's a vampire who kills nearly 100% of the people he feeds upon (why?), but the details that go into telling us what he does with the bodies are some Ted Bundy shit. He turns his basement into a catacombs completed with a 6' deep vat of acid to clean the bodies and then displays their bones in elaborate patterns. Vauquelin is just rich John Wayne Gacy.
2a. Vauquelin pretty much exclusively feeds on the most vulnerable in our society: gay men (in a time when you could not be out), the poor/destitute, migrant workers, and prostitutes. Like a literal serial killer, he goes after the people that are least likely to be missed or looked for. And he looks down on them. At one point he picks up a prostitute and his internal monologue is about how cheap and gross she is. After he feeds on her and murders her, he then poses her like a doll on his couch and reflects that she looks much better now that he can essentially control her.
2b. Vauquelin DOES NOT NEED TO KILL PEOPLE TO FEED ON THEM. It's established that he can just feed on animals to survive. It's established he doesn't need to drain an entire human body to be satiated. It's established that these vampires have powers (though they're never really elaborated on and new ones are mentioned when the author feels like she needs one to make the story move along). So why couldn't Vauquelin just feed off animals? Why couldn't he pick up a sex worker and tell them he has a blood fetish and let them go? Why couldn't he feed off someone and use his vampire powers to make them forget what happened? I guess he just likes literally murdering 1-2 people a week.
2c. Vauquelin
3. After a while we're told about Maeve, who was the love of Vauquelin's life. Maeve is Not Like Other Girls as we're repeatedly told, and is the tall manic pixie dream girl Vauquelin's been waiting for all his (un)life. To be fair Maeve seems kind of cool but I was getting really tired of being told how she's Not Like Other Girls.
4. It's briefly mentioned that Vauquelin is and then it's never mentioned again and we're never told what that means.
5. There is a subplot mentioned VERY late in the book about
5a. Through the time travel plot we eventually
6. The time travel plot. We FINALLY learn that Vauquelin has been time traveling because It is never elaborated on further.
7. The last third of this book is when Real Plot happens and I wish there had been more of that. A lot of the book just felt like filler set pieces that did nothing but make me despise Vauquelin.
Okay so that wasn't quick. I DO want to mention things I enjoyed about this book:
1. There are some moments of really unique and interesting descriptive language. Comparing time to a heart, seeing someone's face illuminated by the fires of hell. Those moments were *chef's kiss* and really sold the aesthetic of the book.
2. Eigener is clearly All In with this decadent goth life. The details for things like themed parties and clothing are excellent and there are a few moments of history that we get, I wish she had done more of that.
3. The descriptions of locations felt very authentic, especially of LA. It really felt like someone who had experienced living in that place was telling me about it and I appreciated it.
I'm not saying this is a bad book, but I think there are certainly problems with it. I'm not judging it because it's a vampire novel--I got it because I WANTED to read about a melancholy vampire. But Vauquelin doesn't give you anything to appreciate. It was almost 400 pages of a guy I didn't like, flipflopping between being unnecessarily cruel and lonesome. I don't care about his lost love or his isolation, people are better off without him and he never really learns to be a better person.
If you JUST want to read about a moody
May 25, 2022
Eccentric, introverted, moody, cultured French vampire from the seventeenth century. *swoon* A vampire that is actually monstrous when necessary? *swoon* A love story for the ages? *swoon*
I am extraordinarily picky about vampires. Add in time shifts and it’s likely I will be far from impressed. Eigener, however, has executed both in stunning prose, no less.
Vauquelin is, hands down, my new favorite vampire. He perfectly marries my two other favorites, Adam (Only Lovers Left Alive) and Laszlo Cravensworth (What We Do in the Shadows).
I am throughly in love! I will read anything this author puts out—her prose are stunning! And I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment in Vauquelin’s dark and bloody adventures!
I am extraordinarily picky about vampires. Add in time shifts and it’s likely I will be far from impressed. Eigener, however, has executed both in stunning prose, no less.
Vauquelin is, hands down, my new favorite vampire. He perfectly marries my two other favorites, Adam (Only Lovers Left Alive) and Laszlo Cravensworth (What We Do in the Shadows).
I am throughly in love! I will read anything this author puts out—her prose are stunning! And I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment in Vauquelin’s dark and bloody adventures!
January 28, 2021
Immortality, seems simple enough, right? What if you were given the chance to change the outcome of your immortal future, and how far would you go to change what you have been haunted by as the years go by? That is a question that dear Vauquelin, once the son of a French aristocrat, now a creature of the night, but an elegant one... must answer.
To begin with, this story, is entrancing. Readers will quickly find themselves attached to Vauquelin, his elegant way of speaking, and the manner in which he carries himself reminds me of Armand, if you know you know. That doesn't mean that his story doesn't carry weight of it's own. This story is steeped in French history, and I'm not an expert by no means, but there's a certain authenticity surrounding the portions of this story that do occur in France.
The very opening chapters of this book are going to hook you, the mystery behind whats happening will drive you mad, you're going to read this and have to know whats causing everything. I didn't have the most ideal place for reading it, so i found myself rereading certain passages, but once I got to a place where I read unhindered it was off to the races. I found myself turning page after page, consuming every word that I could. The pacing is super quick, and clocking in at 380 pages I feel that it fits well.
My favorite part of the book is air of mystery that surrounds every scene, there are times where you believe that you're certain that you know whats happening, but then things change and its back to the drawing board, so to speak. I find that the writing that Eigener has presented here flows beautifully, from the love scenes down to the more visceral scenes. I've had a hard time formulating my thoughts about this story, there is so much to talk about and just blurting it out isn't the way it should be handled, its special and i think everyone should experience it in their own way.
Vauquelin carries himself with a certain elegance, hes self-aware, assumes that his life is already set in stone. When things become unstable, he begins to question where his life is headed. He is given the opportunity to change certain aspects of his past, whether they improve his feelings at that time or not. The true testament here is whats causing all of it to happen, and the ability to change the course of time for one souls purpose is something that plenty of us would more than likely exploit if given the chance.
I have one small issue, I felt that there were parts that were cut that could have made the story more fluid. With that being said, I adore the fact that Eigener is not afraid to write what she wants to write, and I believe that there very well could be more to this vampires story. I know that I would be interested in reading the new chapter of Vauquelin's story.
I've done my best to avoid all spoilers, and hope that what I've said may influence you to pick this book up and giving it a shot.
To begin with, this story, is entrancing. Readers will quickly find themselves attached to Vauquelin, his elegant way of speaking, and the manner in which he carries himself reminds me of Armand, if you know you know. That doesn't mean that his story doesn't carry weight of it's own. This story is steeped in French history, and I'm not an expert by no means, but there's a certain authenticity surrounding the portions of this story that do occur in France.
The very opening chapters of this book are going to hook you, the mystery behind whats happening will drive you mad, you're going to read this and have to know whats causing everything. I didn't have the most ideal place for reading it, so i found myself rereading certain passages, but once I got to a place where I read unhindered it was off to the races. I found myself turning page after page, consuming every word that I could. The pacing is super quick, and clocking in at 380 pages I feel that it fits well.
My favorite part of the book is air of mystery that surrounds every scene, there are times where you believe that you're certain that you know whats happening, but then things change and its back to the drawing board, so to speak. I find that the writing that Eigener has presented here flows beautifully, from the love scenes down to the more visceral scenes. I've had a hard time formulating my thoughts about this story, there is so much to talk about and just blurting it out isn't the way it should be handled, its special and i think everyone should experience it in their own way.
Vauquelin carries himself with a certain elegance, hes self-aware, assumes that his life is already set in stone. When things become unstable, he begins to question where his life is headed. He is given the opportunity to change certain aspects of his past, whether they improve his feelings at that time or not. The true testament here is whats causing all of it to happen, and the ability to change the course of time for one souls purpose is something that plenty of us would more than likely exploit if given the chance.
I have one small issue, I felt that there were parts that were cut that could have made the story more fluid. With that being said, I adore the fact that Eigener is not afraid to write what she wants to write, and I believe that there very well could be more to this vampires story. I know that I would be interested in reading the new chapter of Vauquelin's story.
I've done my best to avoid all spoilers, and hope that what I've said may influence you to pick this book up and giving it a shot.
November 14, 2021
A Mesmerizing Debut!
BEGUILED BY NIGHT is a sensuous, spellbinding, beautifully-written tale that I blazed through in only a couple of days. It also now joins LOST SOULS, THEY THIRST, and SALEM'S LOT on my list of favorite vampire novels. I look forward to reading more from Eigener in the future. Highly recommended!
BEGUILED BY NIGHT is a sensuous, spellbinding, beautifully-written tale that I blazed through in only a couple of days. It also now joins LOST SOULS, THEY THIRST, and SALEM'S LOT on my list of favorite vampire novels. I look forward to reading more from Eigener in the future. Highly recommended!
January 31, 2023
This was such a beautiful, dark tale <3
I was super curious to find out why all these time skips were happening, and when it was revealed, I wasn't disappointed.
I adore Olivier. May we all find such loyal friendship. I adore Vauquelin and Maeve's love for each other - so much so that it has even sparked an idea in me.
I can't wait to read more by Eigener. Thank you, Bev, for recommending this gem because you knew I'd love it. I did.
I was super curious to find out why all these time skips were happening, and when it was revealed, I wasn't disappointed.
I adore Olivier. May we all find such loyal friendship. I adore Vauquelin and Maeve's love for each other - so much so that it has even sparked an idea in me.
I can't wait to read more by Eigener. Thank you, Bev, for recommending this gem because you knew I'd love it. I did.
August 27, 2021
I will admit this is not my normal read, mainly because it is a vampire story driven by a romance whose effects traverse centuries, and I am not generally one for romance stories, BUT having said that, it is still a very good read. Attention to historical detail is excellent, you can tell the author has a passion for the eras she writes in, and the premise of travelling back in time - of a vampire going back to his turning - although for what purpose I won't say due to spoilers, is an original one. This is a well-crafted story, smoothly told, which also brings in surprising moments of empathy and care from the lead Vauquelin. A definite must for all who enjoy dark fantasy, a love story and a touch of erotica! A great first (I think?) book for this talented writer.
August 18, 2022
Not only is the language precise and the editing succinct, the story is marvelous. A love story stretched across the fabric of time, the story of a tormented, turbulent immortal lusting for meaning in his existence... I was enthralled by this lovely book and can't wait until the sequel comes out next year. Give this one a go. You won't regret it.
May 21, 2021
Vampire Tales, something I will never get tired of!
Beguiled by Night may not be your "typical" vampire story, but I am very much here for it.
Louis de Vauquelin is an ancient French vampire created in 1668 who is now living current day, modern world, Los Angeles.
First and foremost the cover on this book with have your heart going pitter patter. I know they always say not to judge a book by it's cover, but you can't deny it's what first grasps the readers attention.
I couldn't image being immortal! Watching your loved ones around you perish while you live on. Saying goodbye over and over again, having to mourn them all. Needing to adapt with the world as it changes, constantly moving when people start to question why you haven't aged a day. I can understand why Vauquelin wanted to go back in time, to enjoy what he knows and to save some of those he loved the most.
There are many elements of this story I want to share with everyone reading this, however I would (in my personal opinion) be veering into spoiler territory and I don't want that.
Beguiled by Night is more of a romantic vampire tale, or shall I say a story with a romanticised "monster".
Although the romance in this story is not heavy (which I prefer), Vauquelin is this incredible unique, endearing, captivating, gentleman that no one can help but be drawn to. Little do they know he could rip their lives out from under them in seconds. Beguiled by Night has a great balance of sweet yet mixed with the grim dark, gruesome moments.
These characters Nicole has created are absolutely fascinating, you can't help but feel a connection with each of them, whether good or bad.
Nicole's writing is dark, fun, energetic and incredibly cheeky. So easy to get lost in this world she has created.
I did find some of the transitions from setting to setting or year to year a bit confusing at times, however that could completely be the reader. I may have had distractions around me I wasn't aware were pulling my attention from what I was reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to what else Nicole brings into this world.
Thank you so very much Nicole for sending me a copy of your Vampire Tale. It will forever be cherished on my shelves.
Thank you all for reading
Your BLOOD SUCKING Book Worm
Nichi
You can watch my video review here (see time stamps in description):
https://youtu.be/5-IkGJdQKVQ
Beguiled by Night may not be your "typical" vampire story, but I am very much here for it.
Louis de Vauquelin is an ancient French vampire created in 1668 who is now living current day, modern world, Los Angeles.
First and foremost the cover on this book with have your heart going pitter patter. I know they always say not to judge a book by it's cover, but you can't deny it's what first grasps the readers attention.
I couldn't image being immortal! Watching your loved ones around you perish while you live on. Saying goodbye over and over again, having to mourn them all. Needing to adapt with the world as it changes, constantly moving when people start to question why you haven't aged a day. I can understand why Vauquelin wanted to go back in time, to enjoy what he knows and to save some of those he loved the most.
There are many elements of this story I want to share with everyone reading this, however I would (in my personal opinion) be veering into spoiler territory and I don't want that.
Beguiled by Night is more of a romantic vampire tale, or shall I say a story with a romanticised "monster".
Although the romance in this story is not heavy (which I prefer), Vauquelin is this incredible unique, endearing, captivating, gentleman that no one can help but be drawn to. Little do they know he could rip their lives out from under them in seconds. Beguiled by Night has a great balance of sweet yet mixed with the grim dark, gruesome moments.
These characters Nicole has created are absolutely fascinating, you can't help but feel a connection with each of them, whether good or bad.
Nicole's writing is dark, fun, energetic and incredibly cheeky. So easy to get lost in this world she has created.
I did find some of the transitions from setting to setting or year to year a bit confusing at times, however that could completely be the reader. I may have had distractions around me I wasn't aware were pulling my attention from what I was reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to what else Nicole brings into this world.
Thank you so very much Nicole for sending me a copy of your Vampire Tale. It will forever be cherished on my shelves.
Thank you all for reading
Your BLOOD SUCKING Book Worm
Nichi
You can watch my video review here (see time stamps in description):
https://youtu.be/5-IkGJdQKVQ
January 4, 2022
This is a excellent, well written vampire story and it read like a Anne Rice book, which is the highest compliment. The whole book was great but the ending was fantastic. 🧛♂️
November 19, 2020
If you are someone who loves their vamps with a sense of class and elegance, this book is a must have. Beguiled by Night is the story of a vampire who gets to live through the age old question "what would you do if you could do it all over again". Vauquelin is a vampire living in modern day LA, adapted to the world around him but bored stiff. When chance brings him to a point in his life where he has a chance to turn the tide, he is forced to relive his history and recognize what is truly important to him, all while learning that his killer nature is something he cannot and should not deny.
This is a beautifully written book by Nicole Eigener and I hope that it will be one of many to come. The author has a flowing style that fills in the atmosphere with lush detail but never dips too far into over explaining. Her main man, Vauquelin, is likely to draw a natural comparison to Ricean vampires but unlike those vamps, he is far more grounded and aware of the consequences of his actions. He shows both the beauty and the ennui of immortality in a way that makes him a much more complicated and interesting character. And I love that his moral compass is a bit askew. Vauquelin is a killer and a predator, sometimes a rather cruel one when he's in a mood but other times, far more merciful. I love that he is neither all good nor all bad and it creates a kind of genuine unease about him because though he's not pure evil, he's also not necessarily safe either.
I very highly recommend this book. Eigener knocked it out of the park with this one and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future!
This is a beautifully written book by Nicole Eigener and I hope that it will be one of many to come. The author has a flowing style that fills in the atmosphere with lush detail but never dips too far into over explaining. Her main man, Vauquelin, is likely to draw a natural comparison to Ricean vampires but unlike those vamps, he is far more grounded and aware of the consequences of his actions. He shows both the beauty and the ennui of immortality in a way that makes him a much more complicated and interesting character. And I love that his moral compass is a bit askew. Vauquelin is a killer and a predator, sometimes a rather cruel one when he's in a mood but other times, far more merciful. I love that he is neither all good nor all bad and it creates a kind of genuine unease about him because though he's not pure evil, he's also not necessarily safe either.
I very highly recommend this book. Eigener knocked it out of the park with this one and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future!
March 26, 2022
Absolutely delicious. I'd definitely recommend for fans of Anne Rice. The writing is beautiful. This book has romance, horror, and obviously vampires, which means blood and gore. Just my cup of tea.
The story isn't told in your typical point A to point B; it skips around. I found it kept things interesting. I'm hoping there is a sequel.
Also, the author made a playlist to listen to while reading (it's on her website). I highly recommend checking it out.
The story isn't told in your typical point A to point B; it skips around. I found it kept things interesting. I'm hoping there is a sequel.
Also, the author made a playlist to listen to while reading (it's on her website). I highly recommend checking it out.
May 31, 2021
This honestly had me wondering what would happen next, where the story was going. It was such a breath of fresh air for vampire stories! I grew up with lestat so I have a special place in my heart for French vampires, and vampires in general, I try to read all of the wonderful stories about them. I fell in love with vauquelin and I am so enthralled by his story. It had me on the edge of my seat not able to put the book down because I had to know where this was going and what was going to happen next. It has everything: horror,grief,tragedy,redemption,romance,twists and turns. If you’re on the fence about this book, all I can say is it is one hundred percent worth reading.
January 30, 2022
Such a beautiful read. I’ve never read anything like it before. Highly recommended!
July 24, 2021
This novel is absolutely exquisite and one of the best, if not the best, book I have read this year. It is elegant and haunting in all the right ways. An immensely memorable satisfying read.
October 15, 2021
When you are lucky enough to read this book not only with a dear buddy Brittany (bees.horror.haunts) but with the author herself, you need to make this a very poignant book review!
Full transparency: most of my reading is horror or mystery and classic horror tropes and while romance is not my thing THIS story just made it all work. This story was written so well without all the mushy love story all the while weaving through its dark, gothic and sensual details while still maintaining the thrill, horror and seductive violence of the classic vampire trope that I adore. The only added twist; time travel!
We meet Louis-Augustin du Cavernay de Vauquelin, a 400-year-old vampire who lives in modern-day Los Angeles until one day his world is warped and sends him back to his French hometown in 1668. This is story transports you through time, between modern-day American and France. Rich with Parisien aristocracy and elegance, we live through Vaulequin, his history, background even his love affair with a woman with whom he shares so much but perhaps not all. When Vaulequin is given an opportunity to change the outcome of his life by his maker, we wait with bated breath to see which choices he will make and to which directions those choices will take him and that just made for such a captivating read! Nicole Eigener thank you for taking the time and discussing your heart and soul! Please write more!!! 😊
Full transparency: most of my reading is horror or mystery and classic horror tropes and while romance is not my thing THIS story just made it all work. This story was written so well without all the mushy love story all the while weaving through its dark, gothic and sensual details while still maintaining the thrill, horror and seductive violence of the classic vampire trope that I adore. The only added twist; time travel!
We meet Louis-Augustin du Cavernay de Vauquelin, a 400-year-old vampire who lives in modern-day Los Angeles until one day his world is warped and sends him back to his French hometown in 1668. This is story transports you through time, between modern-day American and France. Rich with Parisien aristocracy and elegance, we live through Vaulequin, his history, background even his love affair with a woman with whom he shares so much but perhaps not all. When Vaulequin is given an opportunity to change the outcome of his life by his maker, we wait with bated breath to see which choices he will make and to which directions those choices will take him and that just made for such a captivating read! Nicole Eigener thank you for taking the time and discussing your heart and soul! Please write more!!! 😊
April 27, 2021
Beguiled by Night
Louis de Vauquelin was born in 1638 France but we meet him in modern day LA. He has embraced all the latest tech and toys but is struggling with ennui and isolation. He feels as though he is living someone else’s (very long) life. After an evening at a museum, he goes through some kind of event that takes him back to 1959. Louis de Vauquelin: This is your life. He is reliving the pivotal moments of his life, the points at which important decisions were made. What kind of choices will he make this time around? Is it possible to create a different outcome and does he even want that?
This is a lush, gothic vampire tale. Beautiful prose, enough historical detail to create a sense of place without overwhelming the story, morally complex characters—I was all in by the end of the first chapter. Louis is a fascinating character; introverted, brutal, self aware. I could never be sure about him, he is definitely not a safe choice. I highly recommend this one! Thanks again for sharing this with me Nicole.
Louis de Vauquelin was born in 1638 France but we meet him in modern day LA. He has embraced all the latest tech and toys but is struggling with ennui and isolation. He feels as though he is living someone else’s (very long) life. After an evening at a museum, he goes through some kind of event that takes him back to 1959. Louis de Vauquelin: This is your life. He is reliving the pivotal moments of his life, the points at which important decisions were made. What kind of choices will he make this time around? Is it possible to create a different outcome and does he even want that?
This is a lush, gothic vampire tale. Beautiful prose, enough historical detail to create a sense of place without overwhelming the story, morally complex characters—I was all in by the end of the first chapter. Louis is a fascinating character; introverted, brutal, self aware. I could never be sure about him, he is definitely not a safe choice. I highly recommend this one! Thanks again for sharing this with me Nicole.
February 28, 2021
Beguiled By Night: A Vampire Tale is the quintessential vampire story. It was beautiful, romantic, Gothic, and poetic.
A vampire that can travel through time and change his past to alter his future. That is the premise of the story. The main character Vauquelin unweaves his story, and all the characters he meets along the way that mold him. We get a glimpse of the life of a vampire and his one true love Maeve. I really took my time reading this story, as I was loving every beautiful detail from beginning to end. Is Vauquelin able to right his wrongs of his past? You will have to read to find out. 5 out of 5 stars for this beautifully written tale.
A vampire that can travel through time and change his past to alter his future. That is the premise of the story. The main character Vauquelin unweaves his story, and all the characters he meets along the way that mold him. We get a glimpse of the life of a vampire and his one true love Maeve. I really took my time reading this story, as I was loving every beautiful detail from beginning to end. Is Vauquelin able to right his wrongs of his past? You will have to read to find out. 5 out of 5 stars for this beautifully written tale.
November 16, 2021
The beating bloody heart of Nicole Eigener’s magnificent Beguiled by night, is a 1900’s love story framed within the highly realistic world of a French Vampire, living down through the centuries (I'm sorry if I sound a bit Highlander there, but how often do I get to use that phrase?). The influences of Anne Rice’s highly memorable “Interview with the vampire” are evident, the language, the culture, the flair of that book find their way into BBN, but Eigener brings her own beautifully poetic prose to the fore, and the reader is drowned in atmosphere.
Let’s clear one thing up – I am not a vampire fan. I think the trope has been done – well and not so well – again and again, so when a vampire book grabs my attention, it’s nothing short of miraculous. And that’s what I think this book is – nothing short of miraculous. The main character Vauquelin is a loner, a vampire that refuses to give in to his vampiric nature, that will not sire any other vampire, not condemn anyone else to the darkness that devours him. The detail of his life told through flashbacks and memory, are wonderfully detailed, relevant to the story, and packaged in Nicole’s wonderful prose. And all of that is presented in a mystery, as Vauquelin is pulled mercilessly back through time, for reasons unknown.
And all of that is presented in Omni POV.
Yes, you heard me correctly.
Omni (Omniscient Point of view – we get the thoughts and actions of everyone we care to shine a light on) - The book is written in Omni. How long has it been since I read a book in Omni? Forever. And when was the last time I read a book in Omni that I liked? I can’t actually remember reading one that wasn’t written accidentally in Omni (I.e. The author got things wrong), and certainly not a book.
It’s such a bold step, but Nicole’s voice is sublime. Honestly, this is just wonderful, you think you are reading a book about a vampire, but you are in fact reading a love story, and even then, when you realize that the book is a love story, you don’t want the bubble to burst. It’s pure popcorn, entertainment on a literary level.
The detail of things and people and styles in the past in evidence here is magnificent. Nicole has done her research and poured her love of the time and the place and the people into the book. She has taken vampire lore and shaped it into her own version. The core of the book is a love story, but the whole is so fantastical in its presentation and voice and sweeping poetry, you could be forgiven for thinking this had been written as the high point of someone’s career.
This is her debut novel.
When you read it, and you really should read it, you’ll know that Nicole has poured her heart and soul into the book. That detail, love, the attention to atmosphere, can’t come from any other place. The time you spend in the novel is ultimately rewarding; You do not want to leave the time period Vanquelin lives through, it is frustrating to have to live, work, sleep, spend time away from her world.
Beguiled by night is simply remarkable. Meticulously written, outstandingly edited, enthrallingly presented.
Nicole Eigener likewise - Remarkable, Meticulous. Enthralling.
Sign me up for the next installment. I can’t wait to be beguiled all over again.
5 out of 5 ⭐ ‘s
Let’s clear one thing up – I am not a vampire fan. I think the trope has been done – well and not so well – again and again, so when a vampire book grabs my attention, it’s nothing short of miraculous. And that’s what I think this book is – nothing short of miraculous. The main character Vauquelin is a loner, a vampire that refuses to give in to his vampiric nature, that will not sire any other vampire, not condemn anyone else to the darkness that devours him. The detail of his life told through flashbacks and memory, are wonderfully detailed, relevant to the story, and packaged in Nicole’s wonderful prose. And all of that is presented in a mystery, as Vauquelin is pulled mercilessly back through time, for reasons unknown.
And all of that is presented in Omni POV.
Yes, you heard me correctly.
Omni (Omniscient Point of view – we get the thoughts and actions of everyone we care to shine a light on) - The book is written in Omni. How long has it been since I read a book in Omni? Forever. And when was the last time I read a book in Omni that I liked? I can’t actually remember reading one that wasn’t written accidentally in Omni (I.e. The author got things wrong), and certainly not a book.
It’s such a bold step, but Nicole’s voice is sublime. Honestly, this is just wonderful, you think you are reading a book about a vampire, but you are in fact reading a love story, and even then, when you realize that the book is a love story, you don’t want the bubble to burst. It’s pure popcorn, entertainment on a literary level.
The detail of things and people and styles in the past in evidence here is magnificent. Nicole has done her research and poured her love of the time and the place and the people into the book. She has taken vampire lore and shaped it into her own version. The core of the book is a love story, but the whole is so fantastical in its presentation and voice and sweeping poetry, you could be forgiven for thinking this had been written as the high point of someone’s career.
This is her debut novel.
When you read it, and you really should read it, you’ll know that Nicole has poured her heart and soul into the book. That detail, love, the attention to atmosphere, can’t come from any other place. The time you spend in the novel is ultimately rewarding; You do not want to leave the time period Vanquelin lives through, it is frustrating to have to live, work, sleep, spend time away from her world.
Beguiled by night is simply remarkable. Meticulously written, outstandingly edited, enthrallingly presented.
Nicole Eigener likewise - Remarkable, Meticulous. Enthralling.
Sign me up for the next installment. I can’t wait to be beguiled all over again.
5 out of 5 ⭐ ‘s
November 22, 2021
I absolutely flew through this one. The prose, the story and characters were all beautiful and captured my attention immediately. At its heart Beguiled by Night is a story about love and loss. It asks the question - can we ever truly be atoned from our sins?
Do not mistake Beguiled by Night as being a cheesy love story though. It’s dark, sensual and absolutely dripping in gothic atmosphere. It still weaves in the darker elements of vampires that we know and love. These are not the sparkly vampire types.
Throughout the story you follow Vauquelin throughout his existence as a vampire and watch him navigate throughout life. You’re given insights into the darkest parts of his soul and what makes him tick. He’s a fascinating character - reflective and introverted yet violent. There’s a dark side to him that is frightening yet fascinating. He’s given the opportunity by his maker to travel back in time and possibly change the past.
I was enchanted by all of the descriptions of France in the 17th century and felt like I was there alongside Vauquelin. I’m a huge fan of historical fiction so all of the historical references were appreciated and did not go unnoticed.
Beguiled by Night was absolutely perfect for me as a reader. If I had to describe it in five words they would be - beautiful, gothic, melancholic, dark and sensual. If you enjoy reading about vampires I highly recommend picking this one up.
Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy of this beautiful book.
December 3, 2023
Ahhhh this book was so so good! Imagine the central theme of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - the main character’s life being explored via the connections they have with those that impacted their life, the lush descriptions of different time periods and the pain of lost love. Combine that with a fascinating unwilling time-travel plot a lá Marvel’s ‘Loki’ and a gothic vampire narrative like Ann Rice’s novels and you have Beguiled by Night!
This book follows our main character Vauquelin, born in France in the 1600s, made into a vampire at the age of 30 and then effectively abandoned. The story actually starts in modern day Los Angeles and then jumps around in time, as Vauquelin is dragged unwillingly to key points in his history, as well as dredging up memories of his past. Although the book jumps around in time a lot, I never found it difficult to follow - it was absolutely beautifully written and I felt completely immersed in Vauquelin’s world. Vauquelin is beautiful, queer, disenchanted and full of ennui- everything a classic vampire should be in my opinion! The descriptions of the different time periods, the fashions, cultural norms and locations were perfectly rendered - the author clearly put a lot of love and research into this book.
I don’t want to say a lot about the plot, as a lot of it if best left as a surprise, but it ends on a HFN cliffhanger and I cannot wait to pick up the next book in the series!
This book follows our main character Vauquelin, born in France in the 1600s, made into a vampire at the age of 30 and then effectively abandoned. The story actually starts in modern day Los Angeles and then jumps around in time, as Vauquelin is dragged unwillingly to key points in his history, as well as dredging up memories of his past. Although the book jumps around in time a lot, I never found it difficult to follow - it was absolutely beautifully written and I felt completely immersed in Vauquelin’s world. Vauquelin is beautiful, queer, disenchanted and full of ennui- everything a classic vampire should be in my opinion! The descriptions of the different time periods, the fashions, cultural norms and locations were perfectly rendered - the author clearly put a lot of love and research into this book.
I don’t want to say a lot about the plot, as a lot of it if best left as a surprise, but it ends on a HFN cliffhanger and I cannot wait to pick up the next book in the series!
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