Like its prequel Daughters of Darkness, Dark Angels reclaims the vampire as a sensual, homoerotic being, whose female essence has been overwritten by Hollywood images of heterosexual seduction.
This anthology has a collection of eleven stories that push graphic edges and dare the reader to look away. Each story delves into the lore and mystery surrounding vampires with a wide range of style and voice. This anthology is not for anyone faint of heart or easily offended, although the best stories shine with their writing and cleverly hidden details rather than bold graphic violence. This anthology won’t be for everyone and those squeamish are likely to avoid more stories than they read, but those readers that thrust for the darker side of erotica wrapped up in titillating erotica this group of stories should satisfy that craving.
The tone of the book is set by a lengthy introduction that goes into great detail regarding the historical significance and power of menstrual blood. The idea that vampires are enhanced by this type of blood over any other intrigues the editor and is echoed in many later stories. Such stories as "Presence" by Melanie Tem skirt the edges of this idea while "Medea" by Carol Leonard and "Daria Dangerous" by Shawn Dell embrace the concept and use that to cement the relationship between two women.
Several stories stood above the rest and are worth buying the book just to read these. These stories contained an elevated writing and clever twists on the theme combined with heated romance that had these tales vibrant and crackling with energy. The story "Cinnamon Roses" blended a contemporary look at a vampire who has to work for a living (New York apartments aren’t cheap) with sizzling erotica as a new woman enters the vampire’s life. The passion was evident and flowed smoothly through each action, making shaving a head of hair suddenly a new erotic experience. Similarly, "Orphans" by Thomas S. Roche about a lesbian couple that struggles to find their relationship.
The boldly graphic and true story of "The Bloody Countess" will be sure to fascinate and leave a ghastly impression. The story recounts true tales of the Countess’ love of torture and murder for young teenage girls. The stark blood and gore account should be read well before you try to sleep. While the sweet love story of "The Tale of Christina" will leave readers with a warm satisfaction. The story has a lovely antique feel to the characters and setting.
Overall the anthology was a definite mixed bag with the better-written stories actually being the less graphic. The level of heat and passion remains high from one story to the next as the tales take you from the past to the present with a variety of interpretations on the theme of the lesbian vampire. From dressing as men to the Harley riding bad girls to the beautiful Countess, there is no question that female vampires have a definite power and allure all of their own. For fans of the genre that enjoy the darker, more graphic edgy tales this may suit your needs.