'The Last Vampire' ('Thirst #1') by Christopher Pike (Book Review)

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[CelestialGalaxy]

I read this as a young teen and I loved every single one of them. First time I ever heard of Krishna and Alchemy was because of this book series. Sita and her adventures are engrained in my memory forever.

[noedgeshere]

I remember reading this in middle school and it always stayed with me but, I do remember she was in her 30's. Just her being an adult i liked. Also that her bf had something to do with nasa and mars. So it had real potential to add religion, space, aliens, vampires and all. I think it letting your imagination run was so fun about it. The cover caught my interest, it was pink and she was beautiful and hand drawn.

[bindruk]

I read these books in 2010, as a Hindu I was struck by the copious amounts of research and accurate research at that ! which went into the making of these novels, so many years before twilight. Large parts of this series of novels has elements of Hindu mythology which probably escape most western audiences. These names Yaksha, Sita, Krishna, Rama ( these are characters from our mythological/historical stories - the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, The Puranas and of course the Vedas for instance ) are rife with symbolism, metaphors and allegories which to be honest, can be thrilling to read for someone already well versed in Indian lore. What is remarkable is that there is absolutely nothing taken out of context ...not one bit and for that alone Mr. Kevin Christopher McFadden deserves a standing ovation. Real shame most Indians have never heard of him. We would have overdosed on him like we did Harry Potter, Christopher Paolini and so many others over the years.

[jaysotho]

I still loveee this series, especially having indian and Egyptian roots i loved how much it took from my culture and roots. I also want to say a lot of the times she told people she was a vampire, they ended up dead..lol Literally in loveee with sita's daughter and thinking about what she could've been, how powerful she could've been.

[AlanaBananaCanada]

This has been my favorite book series since I was a teen. I'm re-reading it now as a 35 year old, i went and found all the old copies on amazon and bought them as I lost them long ago. Love it just as much this time :)

[jedi]

Reading up on Hinduism will help, specifically the Bhagavad Gita.

Sita (prnounced See-ta) is actually a central character in Hindu mythology, in an epic called the Ramayana.

As for the Christianized version of Krishna in the and no. There is a discipline in Hinduism called bhakti (devotion) in which a believer can receive blessing by simply submitting to Krishna. This stands in contrast to the way disciplines of knowledge (jahna) and action (dharma) as alternate paths to enlightenment.

Pike had a big thing for Hindu themes and more specifically the theme of reincarnation.

[cortaziacausey]

Read this in 7th and 8th grade, best books I ever read. Read them all in a few days. My mom couldn't veg me to put the books down. I am 21 now.

[matthorton]

I am hopeful that this series will be made into a TV adaptation but I am also scared they would ruin it. I read it when it first came out and the concept of making vampires snake-like and based in Hindu mythology rather than bat-like from Christian mythology was brilliant. The first book is clearly a love story and I had to know what would happen with Sita and Ray. Every book was brilliant and moves Sita's character along in a different path along her character arc right up until the final book. Let's be honest the writer's of Marvel's Infinity Wars read the ending of the last book in the 1990's and were inspired by how Sita's story ended (I am referencing the parallel to how they ended Steve Roger's story - going back in time to be with someone the lost that drove their character). I admit that trying to re-read them as an adult and it's not the same. But these books were amazing and I hope young readers discover them too!!!!

[taurinokohoo]

My favorite chapter is when she pretends to get her period and escapes

[chiquitayoungblood]

I read this book and a few in the series years ago like in 95 and so on, I was around 10-11yrs old and I was obsessed for a while and used to wait for the next book in the series to come out. I am curious now and might go back and reread these books to see if it is as good as I remembered. I also used to love Christopher Pike books and R.L. Stine’s Fearstreet books around that time in my life...(long time ago).

[jacqleenabobeena]

its pronounced “Seeta” I thought and book one is one of my favorites out of the series! I’m like personally offended that you were disappointed by it im sorry 🥺I’m just obsessed... this series is like a work of art

[rainbowhiker]

I didn't think much about the Chrishna referances as they seemed a back story, background, and not important to all the stories. Read then in my 50's. The later stories spoke more about Chrishna but they didn't interfere with the story telling. Your simply overthinking this series. I love these stories. I'd give them 4 out of 5 if I were rating it. I really enjoyed them and still do.

[claytonjames]

I think you mean to say westernized Hinduism as opposed to a christianized Hinduism but I think people will understand what you mean. Also, Christopher Pike's books in the 90s were towards a young adult audience. Thirst is also "juvenile fiction". That's why these reads were so short

[AlanaBananaCanada]

I think the reason of her telling everyone she's a vampire nowadays speaks to how she's changing as a person. As you get through the series, in the flashbacks she has to the past, you see that she didn't used to do that, she was more secretive. I think the fact that she does it now speaks to her self sabotage which is extremely apparent as the book goes on. She's tired, she's done with life, and she's losing her way and feeling far from gods grace.
Also your view on Hinduism in this book I found interesting because I'm totally in disagree - as now I'm 35 reading this book, I've done a lot of digging into different religions especially Hinduism since being a teen and first reading this series, I think Christopher Pike did very well at accurately depicting the symbolism in that religion.
At the end of the day many mainstream religions are extremely similar at their core, so maybe that's why you felt a similarity to Christianity.
I agree that the first book is NOT the strongest one, its really a series that you have to finish to really appreciate it, especially to appreciate her religious and personal growth.

Just my thoughts! I read it so many times as a youth, and I just finished book 3 and I'm reading it with my guy friend this time so it's great to have in depth conversations about religion and fantasy!
❤

[brendarodriguez]

Can you give more information on the art hanging on the wall behind you?

[NickyisMaxxie]

I wouldn't say it was an insta love. It never came off as love at all to me actually, I felt more that was just drawn to him. I really don't see the problems. And just because someone speaks a certain way doesn't mean they're gonna think she is a vampire lol. Honestly disagree on every point.

[blinkspacestudio]

Yeah I grew up on these books and they really shaped the person I became. The morals in the main character are really great, Sita is SUCH a bad ass. I am 40 now and have recently repurchased the entire series. I cant wait to read it all over again, I am sure I will remember every single line because I read the hell out of out of them. My favorite is Red Dice and Creatures of forever but truely they are all amazing with some brilliant stand out moments. My friend used to hound mem to finish a book so she could read it too.

[JulianLuigiNocamasi]

SO U dont like it? TSHH well i love it REAL GENIUS writer!!!

[lorelylopez]

I've been looking for this series. Is it worth buying?

[khalifakenta]

The word Christ (Greek Khristos) is derived from Krishna
Christ comes from the Greek word 'Christos', which means "the anointed one". Again, the word 'Krishna' in Greek is the same as 'Christos'. ... Krsta is a Sanskrit word meaning attraction. So when we address God as Christ, Krsta, or Krishna we indicate the same all-attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead. The Krishna cult is older then Christiananity... Krishna was born 3000 years before the Christ., . When you read all the holy books you'll come to realize the all tell the same tale