What are reviewers saying about Immortal Gifts?
Editorial Reviews:
One of Villyard’s strengths as a storyteller is her skill in using vampire mythology to explore themes of otherness and persecution. Thomas, for instance, embodies centuries of antisemitic violence, declaring that “Eternal life is a blessing and a reward—a reward for Christian faith. A gift that Ludwig accidentally cheapened and debased by giving it to the unworthy.” The theme of exclusion runs throughout the novel, particularly in how Abraham’s vampirism affects his ability to practice his faith—as shown when he explains that “I couldn’t walk to synagogue in the daylight…I couldn’t participate in religious services any more.” This physical limitation becomes symbolic of his feelings of exclusion and otherness, reinforcing Villyard’s use of supernatural elements to explore very real historical patterns of religious persecution.
–Edward Sung for IndieReader
Immortal Gifts invites readers to re-evaluate the meanings of things such as life, death, freedom, hate and love from the first page. Katherine Villyard manages to capture some of the most poignant questions we ask ourselves as we go through our individual lives. Is it worth being able to live forever if, in the end, we’ll lose the ones we love to mortality? Is Death really the ultimate enemy to life, or is death just life’s misunderstood old friend? To stop hate, do we need to restrict our freedoms? This book makes readers ask and answer tough questions not only about the characters and plotline, but about their own beliefs, understandings, and dreams.
–Megan Weiss on Reedsy Discovery
In effect, Immortal Gifts defies the usual formulaic writing of the genre to return to the meat of a superior vampire novel: good tension, wry humor, psychologically deep characters, and the allure, promises, and pitfalls of immortality.
–D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Reader Reviews:
This was a strong start to the Immortal Vampires series, it uses the vampire element in a way that worked with the overall storyline being told. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed how they worked in this world. I enjoyed how good Katherine Villyard’s writing was and was glad I got to read this start. I’m excited for more in this series and from Katherine Villyard.
–Kathryn M on NetGalley
This was such a unique book and genre mash up. Part romance, part horror, part historical fiction, part mystery. A literary vampire story with multiple times lines and POVs that tackle romance, grief, sadness/depression, love, acceptance, religion and even vampire pets. Pacing was a little off but the parts that dragged didn’t last long. This book made me chuckle out loud a few times but is also so much about grief and losing those you love deeply. Such an interesting way of looking at relationships when people are in different religions and how love and respect within those relationships can make it work. Probably one of the weirdest books I’ve read this year but also one I’ll think about for a while.
–Nikki on Goodreads
Immortality has never been introduced in this way. I appreciated the heart, love, humor and tragedy that was swirled within the pages. The lengths one must go to to keep the gift a secret and the moral dilemma when you want to give it away. This stirring novel was all at once witty, gritty and surreal. I will be recommending this read to everyone!
–Tracey S on NetGalley
Omg this is the best book ever epic , you get three main characters telling you what was happening from their point of view, I shed a few tears along the the way and laughed too this has a cast of great animals that could have a book of their own , I couldn’t recommend this book more highly it will stay with you forever I think 5 stars is a paltry amount but that’s all I can give it but a bright shiny 5 stars it’s got from me
–Margaret on Goodreads
Abraham has a gift for music.
Born in the 1800s, he lied about being Jewish to attend the Berlin Academy of Music and secure a patron. But, it also gets him turned into a vampire. When his lie is found out, it puts him in the crosshairs of zealous bigot. His tale spans centuries of him trying to be true to himself, his religion, and coming to terms with death.
At the heart of all of this, the story is one about death and grief. And while these are not unusual themes to be found in a story with vampires in it, I thought it was handled beautifully. Each character handled their grief and pain differently and each had their own thoughts on what it meant to be immortal.
–Rose on Goodreads and Instagram
I do not typically read vampire or fantasy books but I LOVED this book! The main character, Abraham, is a talented violinist, vampire, and Jew. From this book I learned a lot about Jewish traditions, something I did not expect from a vampire book! The story is told from the point of view of several different characters. Personal relationships and love are highlighted throughout the story. This book far exceeded my expectations and was a joy to read!
–Michele on Goodreads and Bookbub
I must admit, at first, each short chapter starting at a different date and in the words of a different character was a little jarring. However I’m glad I persevered because I loved this book and know that you will as well.
–Diane on Goodreads
This was a lot of fun to read. The periods of time that it takes place in keeps it interesting. The characters are at times complicated. Good backstory which is nice to have.
–Timothy on Goodreads
When I started reading this book, I knew it was a vampire story, but I didn’t expect to find the most original vampire story I’ve ever seen.
The story is told through three characters: Abraham, a Jewish vampire who loves animals; Ludwig, an asexual vampire friend; and Destiny, Abraham’s wife, a human, vegetarian, and veterinarian. We follow their lives in the past and present.
I loved the story and especially the pets that participate in it. 🐱 🐶
–Junia on NetGalley and Instagram
This is a most wonderful retelling of Jewish history, the rituals, beliefs, and ceremonies are discussed and fully explained. It is a story full of emotional loss, the fear of losing a much loved partner, the love and desires as seen by both sexes, and how the war time events impacted upon the Jewish population down the many centuries described, and the resilience shown despite all the years of suffering, which gives the reader pause to think about long held attitudes.
–Daphne on NetGalley
