Traveling with the Dead

Traveling with the Dead continues Barbara Hambly's supernatural series set in early 20th century Europe. James Asher, a former spy turned professor, follows vampire Charles Farren and a dangerous mercenary from London to Paris, drawn into an investigation that threatens both human and vampire societies. Lydia Asher discovers her husband is heading into a trap and seeks help from vampire Simon Ysidro to save him. The rescue mission spans across Europe to Constantinople, involving a complex web of spies, vampires, and international intrigue. Two parallel journeys unfold as James works with Farren's vampire wife Anthea, while Lydia travels with Ysidro and an unlikely companion. Their paths intersect in a hunt that pits them against forces from both the mortal and immortal realms. The novel explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the blurred lines between duty and personal relationships, set against the backdrop of pre-WWI political tensions. It questions the nature of monsters and humanity while maintaining the Victorian gothic atmosphere established in the series.

Readers rate Traveling with the Dead as a solid continuation of Hambly's vampire series, though not as strong as the first book. Readers praised: - Rich historical details and atmosphere of 1908 Europe - Complex character development of James and Lydia - Intellectual approach to vampire mythology - Detailed descriptions that create immersive settings Common criticisms: - Slower pacing than the first book - Less interaction between main characters - Plot becomes convoluted in places - Some found the political intrigue elements tedious Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,124 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Several readers noted they struggled to follow all the political machinations but appreciated the deeper exploration of vampire society. One reviewer called it "atmospheric but meandering." Multiple readers mentioned missing the chemistry between James and Asher that drove the first book, though they found the expansion of the vampire world interesting.

Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly First book in James Asher series introduces the vampire-spy partnership dynamic and Victorian London supernatural elements seen in Traveling with the Dead.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova Historical vampire novel follows multiple timelines across Europe in search of Dracula while incorporating academic research and political intrigue.

A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny Gothic supernatural tale set in Victorian London mixes espionage with dark creatures and complex alliances.

The Secret History of Moscow by Ekaterina Sedia Combines historical European settings with supernatural creatures and follows characters crossing between mundane and magical worlds.

Anno Dracula by Kim Newman Alternative history vampire novel set in Victorian era features political intrigue and espionage between vampire and human societies.

🦇 "Traveling with the Dead" is the second book in Hambly's James Asher vampire series, which began with "Those Who Hunt the Night" 🏛️ The novel's 1908 setting captures a pivotal historical moment, just six years before World War I would dramatically reshape the European landscape it depicts ✒️ Barbara Hambly holds a master's degree in medieval history from the University of California, which deeply informs her detailed historical world-building 🌙 The book's vampire mythology draws from both Eastern European folklore and Victorian literary traditions while adding unique elements like vampires' inability to cross running water 🗺️ The author spent significant time researching the historical layout and social atmosphere of both 1908 Constantinople and Paris to create authentic period settings