First things, first!
The first question anyone asks about a new Anne Rice book: Is Lestat in it?

YES!

Let me clarify before you get too excited. Yes, Lestat returns in Blackwood Farm, but don't be fooled, this book is not about Lestat's life - that's already been done. Blackwood Farm is a life story, following the theme of her latest books: Blood and Gold was Marius' story, told to some random old guy, Vittorio the Vampire told his own story, and both Pandora and Merrick told their stories to David Talbot. This particular story gets recounted to Lestat.

I completely understand why Anne Rice did this. After the disappointments of those last novels, she needed to bring her readers back, and if there's one thing all readers have been clamoring for, it's more Lestat. I mean, take me as a fine example. I hated Blood and Gold, but was ecstatic when Lestat rose from his comatose state at the end. It made the book worthwhile, and made me think "ooh - maybe the next one will have Lestat in it too!"

The irony in this? This story could have been told to Count Chocula and it would've held its own. It's that good.

Plot summary? Meh!
I thought to give a plot summary, but I've decided not to do that. Instead, I'll just tantalize you with my top 5 reasons of why it was so good.

1. Real Time
   The story is of Tarquin (Quinn) Blackwood. He was a mortal for approximately 21 years, a vampire for maybe a year. He lives in our time. This isn't a foray into the Renaissance Age, the Stone Age, or the French Revolution. The people who raised him buy him clothes from Wal-Mart. (And yet they're very rich... must be a Southern thing?) Quinn loves Kenneth Branagh. (How excited he must be over Harry Potter!) Because this is an Anne Rice book, he isn't what you would term a "normal" child, but that's part of the charm in his story. Even when Quinn relates the story of his ancestors, he doesn't do so for very long. Most of the story takes place in my lifetime. This is very important. I read Anne Rice for fun, not for a history lesson.

2. I See Dead People
   Quinn sees ghosts and they play a central part in this story. Always a cool plus!

3. The Others
   The supporting characters in Quinn's life: Aunt Queen, Jasmine, Goblin, Lynelle, Nash, Old Ida, Big Ramona, Clem, Rebecca... they're all wonderful! And... Stirling Oliver. Some may remember him as a member of the Talamasca!

4. They're Back!
   Rowan Mayfair, Michael Curry, Ryan Mayfair, and Oncle Julien return as minor but important characters. And they're doing pretty well. I never realized how much I missed s until now. Merrick Mayfair, the vampire with witchy ancestors appears too! And she's not boring!

5. Lestat
   Come on, as much as he didn't need to be around to uphold the story, I loved having him back!!!!

And back he is, and maybe... dare I hope... around to stay?

My final advice: READ THIS BOOK!

It is Anne Rice at her best. The writing is exquisite, the imagery amazing, and at last the story lives up to all that.

The Skarfe Rating Scale:

* = I didn't even bother to finish it
** = I tried to get into it and couldn't
*** = I can't believe I finished it and I'm so depressed that I did
**** = Not bad, pretty good, nice potential
***** = Good, enjoyed it, will look for other books by this author
****** = Great book! What fun! Would recommend to friends
******* = Loved it! It was so good I read it twice because I didn't want it to end so soon!

My final review for Anne Rice's Blackwood Farm: ******

Content: ******
Style: ******

The probability that I'll read her next book? 100%! She's been redeemed!!!