If you are a fan of The Vampire Chronicles, you will, or have, probably fallen under the spell of the Mayfair Witches, as well. This Witch Chronicles takes us on a journey of hundreds of years exploring the women and men of this eccentric little clan. and, always, there is Lasher. Lasher is the spirit who gives the witches gifts, excites them, and protects them. He both defends and shields the Mayfair Witches while also being capable of bringing them harm. Enter into their world, if you will, and be swept away by their mystery, beauty, love, lust, fear, strangeness, and danger.

'Death be Proud' is a statement which seems to take new meaning in The Mayfair Witches. While you follow the lives and deaths of the New Orleans Mayfair Clan, you will discover that as each witch dies, they strengthen the others with his/her knowledge. In this, the first of the three installments, we are introduced to Rowan Mayfair and the eventual true love of her life, Michael. In flashbacks from this modern time, the Mayfair Clan unfolds exploring the history of Lasher and his witches: Deborah, Charlotte, Mary Beth, Stella, Antha, and many others across hundreds of years. Enter into their world, be taken in by their spell, and live their lives as you explore the true nature of the closeness of this family.

As we continue to be absorbed by the Mayfair Witches, we discover the origins of their hovering spirit, Lasher, while being entranced by his desires and attempts to create his own offspring by using, and eventually killing, most of the Mayfair's female witches. That offspring, a Taltos, is created in this installment by a coupling with Rowan, who has been deceived into loving , and then eventually hating, Lasher. Her true love, Michael, and all of the Mayfair Clan, are awakened to the real diabolical nature of Lasher and the immediate need to destroy him. Meanwhile, the Taltos Emaleth is born with full knowledge and ability to survive and, in rapid succession, grows to it's full height of seven feet tall. Our old friends, the Talamasca, are trying to find this new creature, and, in Lasher, we follow them on this pursuit to the final confrontation between the Mayfairs and their elusive and evil spirit.

In this, the third Mayfair Chronicle, we are introduced to Ashlar, a being of intelligence and power, who, along with Rowan and Michael, attempts to battle evil and make right the long ago suffering of his people. Meanwhile, a coupling between Michael and the witch Mona, has produced the newest Taltos, Morrigan, who has been named the heir to the Mayfair legacy. Taltos continues the tradition of allowing you into the Mayfair Clan to see all of the evil, and, also, enjoy some of the innocence and good.

Here, my friends, is a drawing of the First Street house in New Orleans. This is the current residence of Anne Rice and is the setting of The Mayfair Witches home. If you walk by the house, you can see the side porch where Diedre spent her days in her dreamlike state. If you tour the home, you will see the rooms and gardens and pool which are mainstays in The Witch Chronicles. I have been here and the energy you feel as you are absorbed into the home's aura will definitely bewitch you.

Favorite Quote

Lasher, in the second of the chronicles, aptly titled 'Lasher' is seducing Gifford, which, unfortunately, ends with tragic results. But, this quote is so true to the human condition: "There isn't anybody, darling. That's the secret of the universe. That is my theme, that is my cry. That is my message. And it feels good, doesn't it? All your life you've told yourself it wasn't important. That there were loftier things, and now you know, you know why people risk hell for this, this flesh, this ecstacy. You know that whatever you have been forever or before, you are now alive, and with me, and I am inside you, and you are this body, no matter what else you are."

Interesting Fact:

The Dust Jacket for the American First Edition Hardcover for Taltos is from 'The Temptation on Christ' from Captitl at Cathedral of St. Lazarus, Auton, France.

The Family Tree

Publication Years: The Witching Hour: 1990 Lasher, 1993 Taltos, 1994

Where to find: Obviously, you can go to your local bookstore to purchase them. But, if you're interested in obtaining signed copies, or simply wish to purchase them from a source close to Anne Rice, call or write: Garden District Book Store 2727 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA, 70130-5968 (504) 895-2266

Interesting Link

I have done quite a bit of research into links for The Mayfair Witches, and, while they do not enjoy the popularity of The Vampire Chronicles, there are some wonderful links to be found. For your ease, however, I have chosen to give you the link to one source which will lead you to a few interesting places including a Mayfair Family Tree; the Amelia Street Family Tree; Julien's lines, both one and two; and a wonderful Mayfair site with information and a Web Ring to further Mayfair Places. Enjoy!! But, please be sure to jump back to my Kiss of Darkness when you're finished.