Merrick Mayfair is a lovely, intriguing character, very much in Anne Rice's style. Yes, the book does have much less of her (and our) old favourite vampires in comparison to the other books in the Vampire Chronicles, but it was just about time for a change in Lestat's little coven anyway, and Anne Rice's introduction of a new character (Merrick) is absolutely perfect. Merrick's voodooienne background makes her all the more alluring and interesting as a character and she does show a deepness in character and strongness in will. Louis's guilt and pain over his lost love is also absolved. Yay! I can't wait for another book. Hurrrrrrrry Anne!