Pam Keesey

This is an eclectic collection, containing several short stories, a couple of extracts from full-length novels, and the full text of J. Sheridan Le Fanu's "Carmilla". There are all sorts of vampires, from the merely misunderstood to the out and out evil; the settings range from Countess Báthory's Hungary to outer space, via nineteenth century Louisiana; the styles are equally eclectic. I wasn't convinced about the inclusion of novel extracts, which felt a bit unsatisfying to me (while still not really motivating me to go out and find the books).

But overall this was an interesting sampler, and I particularly enjoyed Pam Keesey's introduction, where she gives an overview of the lesbian vampire genre on the page and and the screen. It would be interesting to see an updated edition: this book is getting on for three decades old now, and my assumption (possibly incorrect) is that there would be quite a lot more to add.… (more)

This anthology has a collection of eleven stories that push graphic edges and dare the reader to look away. Each story delves into the lore and mystery surrounding vampires with a wide range of style and voice. This anthology is not for anyone faint of heart or easily offended, although the best stories shine with their writing and cleverly hidden details rather than bold graphic violence. This anthology won’t be for everyone and those squeamish are likely to avoid more stories than they read, but those readers that thrust for the darker side of erotica wrapped up in titillating erotica this group of stories should satisfy that craving. Overall the anthology was a definite mixed bag with the better-written stories actually being the less graphic. The level of heat and passion remains high from one story to the next as the tales take you from the past to the present with a variety of interpretations on the theme of the lesbian vampire. From dressing as men to the Harley riding bad girls to the beautiful Countess, there is no question that female vampires have a definite power and allure all of their own. For fans of the genre that enjoy the darker, more graphic edgy tales this may suit your needs.… (more)

All lesbians all the time every story. So this anthology's title is truth in advertising - though a slightly broader definition of vampire is in play rather than the standard bloodsucker. Though a Cleis Press book, this isn't a book of erotica. Not every story has sex and not all the sex is erotic, and the blood comes in the regular and menstrual variety. As a male reader, I almost think I've learned something about female sexuality and some of the things menstruation means to women.

Here's the rundown, in order.

"Wandering", Amelia G - Lesbian makeup artist reunites, after 15 years, with a goth musician. A hot time ensues with ropes and ice cubes. Didn't much care for the smart-alecky tone of the narrator's voice.

"Blood Wedding", Gary Bowen - Effective, sensual erotica of the swirlings about in Victorian society when a pale and beautiful Russian bride shows up.

"Presence", Melanie Tem - Tem is an interesting writer. This is no exception. Not erotic in the least, it's a story, in brief scenes, of an 80 year old woman's life. Death as the ultimate sexual transport, a reunion with old lovers? Senility or literal vampires? Not sure, but I liked it.

"The Countess Visonti", Cora Linn Daniels - Actually this is an excerpt of the 1891 novel Sardia, a Story of Love. Not a bit of sex here but plenty of erotic tension as the young Lulu becomes psychologically subjugated by Sybil.

"Medea", Carol Leonard - Not erotic and full of Goddess mythology nonsense but its fixation on menstruation was fascinating.

"Femme-de-Siecle", Lawrence Schimel - More of a joke story about vampires and diets. Not a lot of onstage sex and nothing erotic.

"The Tale of Christina", Cecilia Tan - An interesting story, another one erotic with little sex. Vampires, here, are not exclusively bloodsuckers but creatures of generalized wanting, self-created and self-damned to an eternity of needing.

"Orphans", Thomas S. Roche - The meeting of two women at the Orphanage goth club is not very interesting, clear, or erotic.

"Cinammon Roses", Renee M. Charles - One of the better stories here, an erotic day at work for our barber narrator who shaves "heads and tails" and her encounter with one particular customer.

"The Bloody Countess", Alejandra Pizarnik - Condensed novel-like account of the original lesbian vampire (according to legend, at least): Countess Erzebet Bathory. Bloody and horrifying and not in the least bit erotic. Seemingly drawn from Valentine Penrose's The Bloody Countess: Atrocities of Erzsebet Bathory.

"Daria Dangerous", Shawn Dell - Dyke on a bike and the old plot of sexual desire being pursued at all costs, nigh unto death.

Pam Keesey's introduction is somewhat informative on the various sexually rapacious, lethal female figures of world mythology: lamia, Kali, and Lilith.… (more)

I found this anthology generally entertaining, though some stories were just so-so for me. "Dark Angels" collects lesbian fiction about vampires of different kinds, told in different tones. The best piece for me is the most horrific -- "The Bloody Countess" by Alejandra Pizarnik, an account of the gruesome crimes of the historical countess Erzébet Báthory. The tale is absolutely ghastly, and all the more chilling because it is based on fact. I can't exactly say I enjoyed it the most, but it certainly left the most vivid impression. I dreaded going to bed afterward in fear of having nightmares. Among the other stories, I also liked "Presence" by Melanie Tem and Shawn Dell's "Daria Dangerous," which made me smile.… (more)