Merrick

Rice's prose is still strong, like the previous books in the series. The story is focused on a witch named Merrick, and her relationship with David Talbot. The only Vampire Chronicles element in the book is within a few pages in the beginning and the end.

It does add a bit to the series, because of the ending, which I didn't like very much. Lestat gives his blood to Louis who just tried to kill himself, going against Louis's wishes and making him nearly indestructible. I found Louis suicide befitting with his character, and he has long stopped adding to the series. Armand's resurrection was far more deserving and interesting.

It also introduces what i expect will be an important new character in future stories.