Jenni wrote: t's so silly that most of this vampire lore has been around for centuries and here I read one little book, which turned into four, and I've dismissed all previous vampire lore and now hold to the new lore like it's gospel!
One of the things that I enjoyed most about Twilight was the new twist on the vampire mythology. I've never been a big fan of vampires (other than Buffy and that was mostly about the snark for me) so I liked the new perspective and the closer ties to reality. (at least pre-BD).
But since reading Twilight,
somethingblue has forced me to read so many vampire books. I guess I'm developing the ability to compartmentalize the rules of each type of vampire just as I used to the physical laws of each scifi book I read.
Each mythology provides something new I like. (NOTE: MINOR SPOILERS for several vampire series to follow!)
I like the Stephenie's ideas about talents (being tied to human strengths) and the unchanging nature of vampires (with the philosophical and religious implications that brings.) And I kinda like the sparkles.
I like the marks in the House of Night series, particularly how they are influenced by one's gifts or services to the goddess. And I like Nyx the Goddess as well. I like the elemental aspects and other gifts too. (I just finsihed book four in this series and really loved it.)
I like the bonding in JR Ward's Brotherhood books with the feeding coming from one's partnership instead of feeding on humans and I like the Scribe Virgin too. I like how the Brothers serve their race and protect it. It gives them a goal and makes them the good guys instead of the bad guys vamps traditionally are.
I like the concept of human Breedmates and their unique gifts in Lara Adrian's books. Again with this one I like the concepts of service. And I like the idea of the bloodlust/Rouge dynamic. It's a good metaphor for any human addiction. And that's what vampire stories traditionally were, cautionary tales to warn us from too much passion. (usually sexual.)
When it comes to Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris (and the True Blood TV version) I like Eric. And his..... Okay unique to the mythology....I like how the book deals with the coming out of vampires and the sociopolitical aspects of that..
I guess I really like talents, powers and gifts don't I.