An intellectual and remarkable book, set in Rome around the break of the millenia. An interesting look on religion, politics and culture of the time. It is good to have a knowledge of the characters from the six previous books (The Vampire Chronicles) but it is not necessary to have read them. Part of Pandora's journey is to venture into the Temple of Isis, which speaks of blood sacrifice and other closely related Vampire happenings, but never amounts to much. The queer horror rating is unfortunately low...I want to hear about some girls in at least one of Anne Rice's books! The homoerotic happenings are only alluded to. Otherwise a fantastic insight into history and a great (shorter) story to read!
