Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Publisher: Tor
ISBN: 0-765-31390-1

The following review was contribubted by: Emily Veinglory: To read more of Emily's reviews CLICK HERE 

This is the twentieth (yes, twentieth!) novel in the Saint-Germain series.  Some
years ago I spent a lot of money to acquire a grubby Australian paperback
version of the first in the series, 'Hotel Transylvania'.  Now I have in my
hands a handsome hardback copy of the most recent.  Although the books can be
read out of order I suggest struggling to address them chronologically as there
are many recurring characters and skipping books renders a lot of references and
asides incomprehensible.

From the beginning Yarbro wrote dense novels based on meticulous research of the
historical period, which is different in each volume, and centered on the
impossibly suave Saint-Germain.  'States of Grace' is set in Venice at the time
of the Reformation.  Saint-Germain is in the publishing business, but political
and religious events are making his position perilous and more personal schemes
are aimed at robbing and betraying him.  As usual there is a woman involved,
Pier-Ariana a talented musician for whom he acts as patron.

The research is thorough and the events are complex and lovingly plotted.  The
text is the usual blend of third person narrative from various perspectives and
direct correspondence between Saint-Germain and other new and recurring
characters.  Yarbro's writing is, as ever, a multi-faceted jewel – but for me it
is one that seems to be losing its luster.  I spent quite a while pondering on
the possible reasons.

I love a vampire novel, but for me the Count was always a complex but slightly
annoying character who seemed to navigate his daunting perils with an
understandable but somehow unappealing equanimity.  His peculiarly un-phallic
sexual relations with women do not really work for me and romance is generally
an important sub-plot.  For those who find Saint-Germain's masterly and mannerly
ways more attractive 'States of Grace' is a new volume much in the tradition of
earlier works and sure to please.  The surprisingly downbeat ending caught my
attention and keep this story on my mind for weeks afterwards.