Carmilla: The First Vampire Paperback – February 28, 2023

When Sheridan Le Fanu published Carmilla back in the 19th century, no one could've imagined his masterpiece, a book published years before Dracula and introducing the world's 1st literary vampire, would be loved by horror fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community around the world.Over one and a half centuries later, Carmilla's retold anew in Amy Chu and Soo Lee's timely adaptation.While Chinese Americans are getting ready to celebrate the year of the Fire Rat, social worker Athena Lo investigates the murders of LGBTQ+ women, the clues leading to a nightclub named after Le Fanu's bloodsucking villain. Despite her supportive grandfather's warnings about Carmilla's, Athena becomes focused on solving the murders, stealing a copy of the book from the library, and forming a relationship with a club employee named Violet... only to discover that when nightmares come true, the real monster is the one she least suspects.Inspired by Chinese mythology and depicting minorities' ongoing fight for their rights, Carmilla: The First Vampire is a must read for horror fans of all shapes and sizes.

Spoilers:At first I hated the ending but then I realized there was a sequel. I felt like I understood why Morgan had to die, from Vi's POV anyway, but it didn't make too big if an impact and I wish it had. Also mai tai didn't have to die & tbh it didn't make much sense that she did. Also there was negative emotional impact on that as well. Idc abt the detective. The grandpa was sad, but also felt random.Anyway, enough complaining abt the things I didn't like and on to the things I did. I loved the quotes from the original, I also loved the fmc and how dedicated she was to her community and helping ppl. Tho it hurt me that she cheated on Morgan and felt contrary to her base character, I guess it's fine bc it shows she's complex and flawed. I also loved the Chinese folklore interwoven into the story, tho I wish it had more of a concrete place within the storyline.Overall, I enjoyed this and recommend it if you're into sapphic vampires.

Less a retelling than a continuation, sort of, of Sheridan Le Fanu's original story Carmilla, set in the modern day (well, the late 1990s). I'm all for the Chinese culture rep and the queer (vampire) rep, but the story felt very rote, and too many plot points made little sense. I'm sure the subject matter will carry enough weight to entertain many readers but it failed to enthrall me.

The year is 1990, but the story is ancient. A series of young women turn up dead and an idealistic social worker--Athena--tries to track down the killer. In her hunt for the truth, she ends up at Carmilla's, an underground club. There she meets the alluring, mysterious, and perhaps unstable Violet who works as a coat check girl. Soon Violet draws Athena away from her loving girlfriend, Morgan, and Athena becomes even more determined to solve the murders. But when her grandfather falls ill he reveals secrets about Athena's past and her destiny that drive her further into danger.Amy Chu's beguiling story along with Soo Lee and Sal Cipriano's evocative art will ensnare readers quickly. While some parts may be a bit rushed, Carmilla: The First Vampire is a mesmerizing read leaving readers wanting even more.

Amy’s taken a classic, timeless tale even more powerful by making the flaws of both her characters and our time pop out — painfully colored and vividly familiar. Great work and meant to be shared.

storytelling and illustrations. I enjoyed the perspective and realness and learning more about NYC and Asian Americans. can't wait for pt 2

The original Carmilla by J. Sheridan LeFanu is my all time favorite novel. I have absolutely no idea why this books claims to be an adaptation of "Carmilla". It has almost next to nothing to do with the original book, and it feels like it was an original story that had the title of a public domain work slapped on it for marketing. It's giving "American Psycho 2" or "Kindergarten Cop 2".