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Rachel Caine said this in her recent newsletters

MIDNIGHT BITES, the new Morganville Vampires short story anthology! It will bring together almost everything that I've written in short form about Morganville ... though I did leave out some of the original "diary" entries that appeared on an earlier version of the Morganville website, simply because they were just scenes and not stories, and were generally really short snippets. This is all short fiction, and it's been carefully organized into the timeline, so you can read from the earliest adventures (some of which belong to vampires) all the way through some post-Daylighters goodies.

MIDNIGHT BITES includes a total of more than 50,000 words of brand new content, which makes me very happy indeed (and I hope will also make you happy, too). From stories featuring our favorite bunny-slipper-wearing mad scientist to a mystery solved by police chief Hannah Moses, I think you'll find this is a diverse group of stories that will shine a little more light in the murkiest corners of Morganville.

540 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2016

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Rachel Caine

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
Profile Image for ~Tina~.
1,092 reviews156 followers
June 18, 2016
Wow, the memories guys! The Morganville series has a very special place in my heart. It's the kind of escape where you never want to stop reading, miss it when it's over and crave for the next book. Rachel Caine has written 15 books in this world and then I had to say goodbye, so you can imagine my crazed reaction when I found out that she's not quite done with this extraordinary universe!
Now before I begin, I'd like to say that there is a reason I don't read very many novellas or anthology's. I always, and I mean always, want more. I'm a greedy little reader and want the big books to pour myself into, but this book is different and truly a wonderful treat to any existing Morganville fans or new readers.

Midnight Bites, is a collection of 22 short stories, 16 of which were previously released and 6 brand new material to sink our teeth in. I really loved that that each story is in order of the timelines within the series and that Caine introduces each story with her thoughts. I remembered a lot of the stories from before, but there are a few I had forgotten about and it was a really blast to come back to this world. Myrnin still holds the record for most zany and eccentric character I've ever had the pleasure of reading and I can't believe how much I've missed this wacky vampire. Sam's story made me sad, but of course it had nothing to do with his chapter. It was cool to find a story about Hannah Moses but the best parts would still have to go to my favorite foursome and the heart of the Morganville series, Shane, Claire, Michael and Eve's stories. Ah, I've missed my friends. These guys still have the best connections and chemistry and when reading about them (old and new) it felt like it never ended. My favorite story was a new one called, Pitch-black Blues, it's a Shane/ Myrnin story ('nuff said) but it was so fun to see Shane and Myrnin working together, or well, trying to. Given the history here I think they've come a long way but it was also so wonderful to see that after a year, Shane and Claire are still happily married and they still do stupid things to my heart.

Bottom line, I loved this book. Midnight Bites is the perfect collection and a must have for any Morganville fans new or old. It makes me feel sad and happy to have read this but one thing is for sure, it's still the most funnest times I ever had reading a book and I still have hopes that Caine will come back to this universe one day and give us all another round of thrills, chills, friends, action and romance. It's still very much a place, I never want to leave! Beautifully done.
Profile Image for Darinda.
9,137 reviews157 followers
April 7, 2019
A collection of 22 short stories from The Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine. Entertaining and fun reads. Stories are from various points of view, and give a little more insight into some of the characters. A must-read for fans of this series.

Read the series before reading these stories. Some can be read before the series, but familiarity with the characters is necessary to better understand these stories. Also, some of these contain spoilers if you haven't read the books yet.

The stories:
1. Myrnin's Tale ★★★★
Myrnin's childhood is explained - his father's mental illness and how/why Myrnin left his home.

I enjoy learning more backstory on favorite characters, so this was an entertaining read for me.

2. Nothing Like an Angel ★★★★
Backstory on Myrnin. His descent into madness and his meeting Lady Grey.

A good story on Myrnin and his history.

3. Sam's Story ★★★★
Sam Glass's backstory - his history and how he became a vampire.

A good read that gives some wanted information about a favorite character.

4. Grudge ★★★★★
An emotional story about Shane's sister Alyssa. This short read gives background on Shane and his relationship with his sister, her death, and how he handled it.

This short story is a great addition to the series.

5. New Blood ★★★★
A story from Eve's point of view. A lot going on with Eve, Michael, and Shane - a blood drive at school, Monica causing trouble, Eve's crush on Michael, and the death of Alyssa, Shane's sister.

An entertaining and fun look back at Eve, Michael, and Shane in high school, before they were enmeshed in the town of Morganville and its craziness.

6. The First Day of the Rest of Your Life ★★★★
Eve turns eighteen and must decide if she will sign a Protection agreement.

A quick and entertaining read that gives a little history about Eve.

7. Amelie's Story ★★★
A story from Amelie's point of view. She and Oliver discuss Shane and his family.

A nice addition to the series that shows a little of Amelie and Oliver's relationship.

8. Wrong Place, Wrong Time ★★★★
Told from Richard's point of view. An out-of-towner is interrogated by the police about a crime.

An entertaining read from an outsider's viewpoint.

9. Dead Man Stalking ★★★★
Told from Shane's point of view. Shane's dad is back, Michael is a vampire, and Shane has to save the day.

An exciting story with zombies. Well, not exactly zombies, but still fun.

10. Lunch Date ★★★★
Told from Claire's point of view. Lunch at home is always an unknown. Also, a little romance between Claire and Shane.

A fun story that gives a glimpse into Claire and Shane's growing romance.

11. All Hallows ★★★★★
A Halloween party! Michael is supposed to meet up with Eve, Shane, and Claire at the party. When he doesn't show, they go looking for him.

A fun and exciting story with the Glass House residents.

12. Murdered Out ★★★★
Told from Shane's point of view. Shane decides it is finally time for him to get a car. It goes smoother than planned, except when it doesn't.

A story with a little humor. Typical Shane and Morganville craziness.

13. Worth Living For ★★★★
Shane and Michael rekindle their bromance with fighting vamps and saving the day.

A good short story that focuses on Shane and Michael's friendship - the difficulties since Michael has become a vamp, but also their long friendship and desire to both be heroes.

14. Drama Queen's Last Dance ★★★★
Told from Eve's point of view. Gloriana comes to Morganville, and has a thing for Michael.

A good short story that adds to the series.

15. Vexed ★★★★
Told from Myrnin's point of view. Myrnin and Oliver track down a vampire.

A creepy and interesting story. Enjoyed the combination of Myrnin and Oliver on the hunt together.

16. Signs and Miracles ★★★★
Told from Hannah Moses's point of view. A mystery about anti-vampire drugs and tainted blood.

An entertaining story featuring Hannah. Monica also makes an appearance.

17. Anger Management ★★★★
Shane seeks help for his anger issues. His therapist is a vampire.

A fun and humorous story about Shane.

18. Automatic ★★★★
Told from Michael's POV. The blood bank now has vending machines for blood, and Michael is the guinea pig to try it first.

A story where Michael has to learn to control his urges. A quick and entertaining read.

19. Dark Rides ★★★★
Told from Eve's point of view. A carnival is in town, and Eve and Michael go on a mission for Amelie.

A fun story featuring a favorite couple, Eve and Michael.

20. Pitch Black Rules ★★★★
Shane and Myrnin working together.

As expected with this duo, a humorous and entertaining story.

21. A Whisper in the Dark ★★★★
Told from Michael's point of view. Eve may have a family connection to vampires.

An interesting and entertaining read.

22. And One for the Devil ★★★★
Told from Claire's point of view. Myrnin is trapped in a hotel room. Claire and Eve must rescue him

An interesting read. I always enjoy Myrnin and Claire together.
Profile Image for Ferdy.
944 reviews1,287 followers
June 1, 2017
It wasn't terrible, the problem was that all the stories were very samey, and none of the characters had a distinct voice, they all sounded so similar to each other. Also, Shane and Michael really pissed me off, I didn't realise before just how awful they actually were. Eve and Claire could have done a lot better than them, I still find it ridiculous how they were both happy to marry their rubbish boyfriends when they were all only teenagers. I mean they hadn't even dated other guys or gone out into the world or done much with their lives apart from fight vampires. Beyond silly.
Profile Image for Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~.
Author 20 books565 followers
May 9, 2016
Yay! I'm finished!

I would have loved to have this collection when I was reading the series. Whenever I finished a book I wasn't quite ready to leave the characters behind, so I would search out the Morganville short stories online and in anthologies. Some of them I found, but some I didn't. It's exciting to have them all in one place!

Although I do love this series and the characters, I have to say that they can be a teensy bit sexist. Especially Shane. Apparently I didn't notice before, but I cringed a couple times reading this. And it does get very lovey-dovey at times. But there's Myrnin! And creepy creatures! And even Oliver was amusing!

I'm glad to have this volume to round out my collection. Yay Morganville!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
339 reviews89 followers
October 4, 2017
The Morganville Vampires
Midnight Bites
Rachel Caine




Myrnin's Tale
In this quick five page long shot story we find out a bit more of Myrnin's past.
As a small child till age ten Myrnin was taken by his mother to a wooden shack, to see his father. Myrnin's father had a disability, but due lack of knowledge in Myrnin's time people just assumed he was insane so therefore locked away and forgotten till he passed.
After this his mother gave him away to be an apprentice, out of fear he would end up like his father; Myrnin was taken by a young man dressed head to toe in black leather.
His name was Gwion was the oldest Vampire at that time, older than Bishop and his daughter Amelie in France.

I am Myrnin, son of a madman, apprentice to Gwion, and master of nothing.
A content I am to be that.


5/5*





Nothing Like An Angel
This one is longer than the last and once again about Myrnin, and is meeting with Lady Grey (Jessie.)

We find Myrnin who has been locked away in a cell for ten months, deprived of food and slowly succumbing to madness; until Lady Grey turns up looking like an Angel.
She saves him and takes him to a keep for Vampires, where she gives him a bath, food and takes him to Amelie, and promises to see him again.

Amelie takes Myrnin away and he doesn’t see Lady Grey again for three hundred years.
Where Myrnin decides that he can survive on his own and befriended a fellow Alchemist, and stupidly in his trust tells him he is a Vampire, thus he finds himself locked away and used for experiments.

I don’t believe we are told how long he was there for, but his jailor seams to age before his eyes; until he doesn’t turn up.

Once again Myrnin's saving Angels has turned up again, and released him from his prison, looking worse than he did before.

Unable to control his instincts upon leaving Myrnin bites a human and ensues a fight in which Lady Grey saves him.
The two of them have travel to keep in which they visited once before.

Time repeats itself, with the two doing the exact same thing as before. Lady Grey soothe an inconsolable Myrnin and tells in that the future is worth fighting for.

She pressed her lips to his, a soft whisper of sweetness, and then she sank down next to him, and put his head in her lap, and hummed him into a deep, deep sleep.

And he wasn’t afraid.


⅘*





Sam’s Story
This one is a background story of Sam, Michael's grandfather.
At the age of eighteen, he signed for Protection like everyone else in in (except the few.)
He went to Texas Prairie University.

At nineteen he met Melinda Barnes and fell in love.

At twenty he had a wife , and a baby on the way.
Melinda sadly passed during childbirth.

At twenty one he was a widower with a baby.
He raised Steven, with help from the locals, and a visit from Amelie.

Amelie began to visit a lot with and without her bodyguards, Sam fell in love.

When Steven was three, a man named Edgar Bryan ‘Old Edgar,’ who wasn’t the most sanest man in town. - In this time Sam had become the peacekeeper of sorts and was called to calm thing doesn't with people. - But when Edgar was in the local and waving around a knife Sam was called before the police even got there.
A Vampire named Marion tried to stop him, but Edgar killed her.
When Amelie turned up and he realise he was done for, he charged.

Sam took a knife wound to the gut through to his spine, to defend Amelie.

Sam woke up to find Amelie looking down upon him, with a salt, copper taste upon his mouth… Blood.

Sam has become a Vampire.

Sam blamed Amelie, he ignored her, she put him at arm's length.

He became a terrible father, but Steven turned out great.

Steven didn’t take protection at age eighteen and Sam had to keep an eye upon him.

A few years later Steven fell in love with a girl from out of town called Rose.

Within a year after that they were expecting a child.

He’d been a Father, a Widower, a Dead Man, a Vampire… suddenly a Grandfather.
It seemed too much.

Until he held Michael. He filled that empty space in his heart. He still loved his family.

He watched Michael grow, helped him as he should have helped his son.

When Michael was turned, he hated that. Hated that he was being dragged into that life.
He wanted to protect him from everything.
Even a Vampire can’t promise that.

Though he didn’t feel alone… even if it is selfish.

But just like when I’d held Steven in my arms for the first time, holding my grandson, Michael, on the day of his birth seemed to fill that empty space inside. Love hadn't changed for me. I still loved my family. I still wanted desperately to protect that small, beautiful life.

5/5*





Grudge
Grudge is about Shane. Shane’s past, life before the fire.

In this we see a sixteen year old Shane and Michael, Shane who is currently the object of desire for Monica.

Monica as we know, has a ‘crush’ on Shane, and never took it well when he turned her down, to the point where she tries to get her Protector Brandon to scare him; which in the end backfires on herself.

But we also get a glimpse of Shane and his relationship with his sister Alyssa. Shane is shown to to take the big brother role in his stride, and love Alyssa dearly. He would walk her home from school, play games, and look after her while his mum is at work and their father is at the bar.

Until one night Shane falls asleep and wakes up to the smell of smoke, he runs upstairs to get Alyssa, who he is unable to save as his father then mother drag him out of the house.
No was able to save Alyssa.

Shane and the rest of his family barely get , and Shane forever blaming Monica for the death of his sister; who at the time was standing outside with a lighter, not realising Alyssa was inside (I don’t remember if we found out if she did start the fore or not.)

This carries on till Sam Glass manages to get passes for them to leave town.

‘Where are we going?’ Shane asked. It was the first thing he’d said in hours.

His dad said tightly, ‘Nowhere.’

And he was right about that.


⅘*





New Blood
New Blood is about Eve and Michael Before, During, and After the events of Grudge.

Eve is sixteen super goth as always, and has a major crush on Michael; as always she has problems with Monica especially with her ‘Blood Drive.’

Eve like Shane has problems at home, a drunk father, a oblivious mother, and a creep of a brother who like playing with knives.
Until one night when she sees smoke coming from across town, coming from Shane’s house; stupidly she goes out into the dark to find him. Where she meets up this Michael.

Eve and Michael hug till she has to go home, where for the next couple of days she can’t contact Shane, and finds out from Michael that that there was a private funeral for Alyssa and that Shane has left town.

So the two of them decide to team up and find out Monica is actually doing with the Blood Drive, for Shane.
So they join up and head to the BloodMobile.

Where they cannot get a straight answer from the Vampires, about why they need the blood for the ‘Hospital,’ and guess that it could be for experiments.
When they Vampires are about to kill them for knowing too much, Sam Glass, Michael’s grandfather turned up and saves them.
Then has a go at both of them for being idiots.

Monica is still being bitch, but Eve just flips her off and walked away with Michael who tunes up.

‘I’ve got a gig at Common Grounds. Want to drop in?

‘Sure,’ she said, as casually as if it didn’t mean everything in the world to her. ‘Why not?’

She could worry about the future later.


5/5*





The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
This one is about the day turns eighteen, and she has to decide if she is gonna sign up to her current Protector Brandon.

Eve, as always spends her birthday in Eve fashion, in a van with three others from school, one of which has a younger sister who she drags along… Miranda.

They are hanging around getting drunk, when they decide to go home, but the one who was supposed to drive was unknowingly to Eve, high.

Miranda has a vision, and demands that Eve sits next to her, but they get into wreak.

All three of the kids die, of course except Eve and Miranda.

When she gets home she finds Brandon waiting there for Eve to sign her life away on the contract… She rips it up instead and leaves.
But out in the unsafe dark dragging a suitcase, and being followed by Brandon in a car.

When Eve struggles to think of someone to stay with, and comes up with Michael Glass, a sort of fiend (they had mutual friend Shane, who left.)
They haven’t had much contact with each other since he graduated, but only see each other when she goes to see his concerts.
Deciding that he is a safe option, especially as he lives alone.

Eve quickly makes her way to the Glass House, to the paint she is at a sprint with Brandon chasing her.
Michael drags her into the house, to where he say’s he can stay the night.

At this point he is hinting that he won't be there during the day.
He say’s he’ll think about Eve being a roommate.

‘It’s leftover,’ he warned me. ‘Two weeks at least. So I don’t know how good it is. But happy birthday, anyway. I promise you, things will get better.’

They just had.


5/5*





Amelie’s Story
This is a very short one about the choices of Amelie’s power, and Oliver's disagreement.

It shows that Amelie needs not to be kind, but when it comes to the residents of the Glass House, she feels inclined, as long as it risks her nothing in return.
Also upon Oliver telling her that Shane’s father has returned and in her house, she still will offer protection to the residents.

‘Oh, children,’ she sighed. ‘Whatever shall I do with you?’

⅗*





Wrong Place, Wrong Time
This one surprisingly was about, Richard Morell.

Richard stuck between a corrupt Mayor of a father, and a Bully for a sister, Richard just want’s to be a good cop and do what’s best for the town.

But when someone and his two friends from out of town decided to break into the local bank it all goes wrong.
He hit’s a woman who is in his way, then When his friend shoots a guard and suddenly gets up things start to take a turn for the worse. With his two friends drained of blood.

Richard is there for the clean up, and it’s not easy doing what’s right.
Especially when it was his sister who was hit, and and he decides to let the Vampires have the criminal.

Even harder when Oliver tells him that he will make a great mayor.

It’s justice.

It didn’t really feel that way.


⅗*





Dead Man Stalking
This one is about Shane and his crazy vampire hunting father Frank.

So Shane is minding his own business until he gets kidnapped by Jerome… Who died. Who's now alive. He’s a Zombie.

Turns out Frank is behind this, wanting to raise the dead, and use them against the vampires.
Shane isn’t having none of this especially when Frank kidnaps Michael.

They get away.

‘I’m fighting for humanity,’ he said. His last, best argument. It had always won me over before.

I turned and looked him full in the face. ‘I think you already lost yours.’

I walked out past him, and he didn’t stop me.


⅖*





Lunch Date
Shane come from working at the dump with stinky clothes.

Claire and Shane fluff.

It must be love, she thought, and handed him a can of tomato soup.

⅘*





All Hallows
Eve’s point of a view of when the guys go to a Halloween party, but things take a turn for the worst when Michael went for a blood run and got kidnapped by some jocks.
They find that they have Miranda there.

Apparently Miranda told the jocks that she needed a Vampire to turn her.

But a bunch of other Vampire’s turn up scare of the jocks, try to get the gang, all of whom escape.

But Michael never got his blood, drinks Eve’s with her permission.

‘Hey,’ Michael said, and squeezed my shoulders lightly. ‘Tomorrow’s tomorrow. Okay?’

‘Tonight’s tonight,’ I agreed. ‘And tonight’s good for me.’


5/5*





Murdered Out
This basically about how Shane got his car.

Shane and Claire went to the movies, but on the way home she sprains her ankle, and Shane has to carry her home in the dark. Thus brings the idea to mind about getting a car.

For a little while he looks, but finds one in pretty much perfect condition, takes it the garage to get fixed up; but when he gets back the Vampire who owns the garage decides he wants it.

So Shane gets screwed over by a Vampire, it Rad - the guy who works at the garage - has the exact same car buy in worse condition and needs fixing, so Shane can drive it till he can afford the insurance for it.
Also he got 5000 for the other car.

A chick flick, this time.

In style.


⅗*





Worth Living For
Bishop on the loose.

Shane and Michael bromance.

Michael is sneaking of to to capture Bishop. Shane is sent by Hannah and Richard to see what Michael is doing.

They find Bishop trying to kill a young girl, and they team up to fight him; they manage to stake him, Amelie and her posse turn up and Bishop gets taken away. (I am getting worse at writing these.)

She knew better, but she didn’t argue. Besides, they had more to think about… and none of it involved vampires.

And all of it was… good.


⅗*





Drama Queen’s Last Dance
This is about our favourite Goth Queen Eve.

This is how Glory turned up in town and swept everyone off their feet, and captured Michael.

Glory has a powerful Glamour and used it to get Michael to be her own, but Eve is not having that, so when they go to the welcome to town party, she tries it again.

Eve dances with Oliver, while Glory is dancing with Michael until she drags him away outside.
Eve follows and successfully convinces Michael to come back to her, this pisses Gory off.

Michael proposes to Eve, she says yes, and allows him to bite her.

And then he took off his suit jacket, wrapped it around my shoulders, and walked me back up to the party.

5/5*





Vexed
Myrnin. Murder House. Ghost House. Bad Ghosts. Myrnin Needs To Escape.

Amateurs.

5/5*





Signs And Miracles
Chief Moses is on the job.

Hannah has to solve a crime where a girl has been hit over the head and left to bleed - yet no Vampires, drank her blood, - and some mysterious thing wrong with her blood.

Turns out her brother and a blood condition and was trying to give it to other people, so their blood wouldn't be as tasty any more.
He gave it to his sister who felt ill from it, and didn’t want to do it anymore.
So he hit her round the head to stop her from going to Oliver.

An age of miracles.

Maybe it was, after all.


⅘*





Anger Management
Shane goes to anger management with Dr Theo Goldman.

Shane must make it through twenty-four hours without seeking, joining, verbal argument.
Which surprisingly he does.

Also Shane drinks a Latte.

It wasn’t twenty-four hours yet, but somehow, I felt like I could probably make it the rest of the way.

Probably.


5/5*





Automatic
The blood bank gets a blood vending machine.

As Michael is the youngest, and most used to technology it has to use it first.

But it has strange side effects, jitteriness, hunger, need for more.
Leading to the point he is tearing apart the vending machine to get to the blood.

He had to be taken away to get weaned off the canned stuff - which had added preservatives etc - which affect the younger Vampires, especially ones who can't deal with not being human again.

Because some things just aren't meant to come out of a can.

5/5*





Dark Rides
Eve and Michael are on a mission for Amelie, to rescue a Vampire from a creepy amusement park out of town.

They find him a child vampire called Jeremy - he’s really old - locked in a cage, with is stupid jailors one of which ends up dead.

They get him out but he stays with the Carnival being a creepy ghost killing people.

It get’s dark.

And I left all the dark rides behind for something much wilder and better.

If you’re smart… you will, too.


5/5*





Pitch-Black Blues
Shane is doing a job for Myrnin, which involves digging up an grave, a skellington that tries to strangle Myrnin, and a device that allows Myrnin to go to the past to (Nothing Like An Angel,) and take the book he had before he can destroy it. Had stuff that can help Morganville in it.

Also Jessie and Myrnin kiss.

From that point on, there wasn’t much talking, really.

5/5*





A Whisper In The Dark
When a sick Vampire turns up at the The Glass House waiting to see Eve, Michael is a bit skeptical but allows it.
He claims to be a an extremely distant relative of Eve’s and that her blood will help him; she allows him a bit of blood.

But some times later Eve sleepwalkers and tries to kill Michael, so he goes and tells Oliver who tells him where he is to get him to ‘Stop.’
Michael finds and kills him.

Eve stops.

And as dawn came, and he knew she was all right, he closed his eyes, and slept with her, in the end.

⅗*





And One For The Devil
Myrnin takes Claire to an abandoned Inn, where he sord something years, and years ago; to room thirteen…
And they have to get out before moonset.

Claire get’s away, but Myrnin gets trapped inside and the room disappears.

Claire thinks the Devil is inside the room, Claire decides to go back with the help of Eve, and one on Myrnin inventions a ‘Moon Gun.’

By using the gun it turns an area into night so in which the door will open.

They manage to get Myrnin out along with devise he wanted.

Myrnin tells Claire the creature in the Inn was ‘him’ if Claire hadn't helped him.

She put the moonlight device down in the spot she’d found it, and smiled, just a little. ‘Let’s find out,’ she agreed.

And they did. Eventually.


⅘*
Profile Image for Rachel Patrick.
301 reviews236 followers
July 27, 2016
This review (and others) can be seen in all its properly formatted glory on my blog Beauty and the Bookshelf.

You know when a series you love comes to an end and you're filled with despair because you'll never get new stories from that world ever again? Can you imagine feeling that and then learning that, almost three years after one of your most favorite series came to a bittersweet end, there was going to be a new installment? I'll tell you what that feeling is. JOY. Pure, unadulterated JOY. But mixed in with some tears because YOU ARE GOING BACK TO MORGANVILLE...or, you know, a favorite series.

Rachel Caine began Midnight Bites with a little note, and in that note she said something that hit me like a stake to the heart: "Because, as you know, once you're a Morganville resident...you'll never want to leave." That's so very Morganville--because you can't actually really leave Morganville, Texas--and it's so very true because I'll always be a part of Morganville and Morganville will always be a part of me. Here's the thing about this now sixteen-book series: it's like home to me. When I read these books, I am home. In a middle-of-nowhere town where all kinds of bad and crazy things happen, and where humans and vampires live, somewhat coexisting, I am home. I can picture Claire, Shane, Eve, and Michael walking down the streets of the real world, I can see them right there. I know them. I love this world and the stories and the characters and everything. Sure, it's not perfect. But I don't really give a damn. Because I LOVE this series. And returning to it was a TREAT.

Midnight Bites isn't exactly new or a continuation of the Morganville Vampires series. This sixteenth installment (that may seem like a large number, but I swear to you it's not. You will never want this series to end, and there will never be enough books) is a collection of Morganville short stories that Rachel Caine wrote for various websites and collections throughout Morganville's publishing reign. And there are SIX NEW STORIES. Six. I loved the older stories because I'd already read most of them, and it was a nice refresher to get to experience them again. But the new stuff? I need all the new stuff. All of it. I am a monster whose hunger can never be satiated, and that hunger is more Morganville, forever and always.

Through Midnight Bites I was really able to see the varying voices of the Morganville characters, for the majority of the books were told through Claire's point of view. I also appreciated the time spectrum--way, way back in the present to post-Daylighters. My favorite short stories are always Claire's or Shane's, because one typically involves the other and THOSE TWO. And of course I adore Michael and Eve. These four are my Morganville Gang, my bedazzled-stake-wielding gang. But the standout was new content from the one and only vampire-bunny-slipper-wearing, mad-scientist vampire Myrnin. The voice and writing was so different from the other stories, but it was also so damn good. Like, wow. It was eloquent and fitting of the times and just worked. I loved it. PERFECTION.

My struggle with this review--and whenever I write about this series--is that it's hard to write anything else except "I love this series." I could write infinite love letters to the Morganville Vampires, and I don't think I'm exaggerating in the slightest. I will note that you could read Midnight Bites before reading the rest of the series, but I would recommend reading it after, for the stories take place all over the series and you will be spoiled. Just know that you should absolutely read this series. I'm not saying vampires will come to your house with the Bloodmobile if you don't, but I'm just saying. And if you're already a fan of this series and haven't read Midnight Bites, what in the bloody hell are you waiting for? Oh, and Rachel Caine? Please return to Morganville again soon. I'm a little homesick. And thirsty for some Common Grounds.

*****
4/9/2015

"Welcome to Morganville. You'll never want to leave."

It looks like the series and Rachel Caine don't want to leave either--not like they can, because MORE MORGANVILLE I AM SO EXCITED I LOVE MORGANVILLE MORE MORGANVILLE MORE MORGANVILLE MORE MOOORRRGAAANVIIILLLEEE.
Profile Image for Nicole.
420 reviews17 followers
October 25, 2018
Nothing Like an Angel

Poor Myrnin, no wonder he goes crazy. Locked in a dark cold cell for so long, I would go crazy too. I mean he doesn’t even really remember his names for gosh sakes! Poor Guy Thank the heavens for Lady Grey.

His response when she asks him if he’s a madman cracks me up.

”It depends on the day of the week. And the direction of the wind.”

No wonder he couldn’t remember his own name, locked in the dark for ten months! I would go crazy too!

Where does the nickname spider come from?

Poor Myrnin for real NO WONDER he was crazy. Spending so much time locked up would drive anyone mad.


Merged review:

Awwww Eve’s school girl crush on Michael. It is too freaking adorable. About time we run into the blood mobile lol.

I completely forgot about Jason Eve’s brother. Psychooooo.

So this novella was really good. We get to see more of Eve and some more of Michael and more of the night Alyssa died., poor Shane. Also we get to see more of Monica. Best part is when she tries to punche Eve…...Karma.


Merged review:

Myrnin’s Tale




Nothing Like an Angel





Sam’s Story



Grudge




New Blood




Overall I loved how short and sweet these were and too see more of a history of some of our most beloved characters from Morganville
Profile Image for Dr. Andy.
2,537 reviews256 followers
October 13, 2017
This saved me from that horrible second book. I think I'll actually finish the series now. I really can't wait to see more of these secondary characters. And see Claire grow older. I think the characters will get better as the series continues.
Profile Image for YA Reads Book Reviews.
673 reviews271 followers
March 10, 2016
Originally posted on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Nichole.

Wow……just wow. It has been a LONG time since I’ve visited Morganville. It’s probably been eight or nine years since I first started reading this series. Not to make myself sound old or anything…

With it being SO long since I’ve read the Morganville books, I will admit that some of these stories confused me. I didn’t automatically remember who everyone was and what was going on. If that’s something that’s really going to bother you, I would highly suggest either re-reading the books or at least skimming over them. Some of you probably remember everything that happened and who everyone was. Others are going to have a slight problem remembering where everything left off and who everyone is.

Another thing that needs to be mentioned is that not every story in the book is equal. Some of the stories I really loved. Other stories, I was bored out of my mind. However, I will say that I mostly really liked and enjoyed this book. It was really the stories about the older vampires that were really tough to get through. I skimmed over Myrnin’s story, because I didn’t like it at all. I also had a really tough time getting through Amelie’s stories. I might just have butchered their names. Sorry, MV fans!

One thing that I really enjoyed about this collection of stories was how it really embraced stories from before the start of MV and during the beginning books. Those stories really made me remember how much I love the Morganville Vamps series and how much I enjoyed those four main characters. I also didn’t need a refresher for those stories. I remembered everything I needed to. I wasn’t confused at all!

On the bright side, for me, I didn’t read any free stories that Rachel Caine featured on her website or any of the stories in previous anthologies. So, all of these stories were 100% new to me. Some of you may have already read some of them, though. That being said, half of this book is completely new stories. So, if you’re feeling hesitant for that reason, just know that there is a huge chunk of new material in this book.

I’m usually not one for re-reading books or series. My TBR pile is larger than life at all times. I have library books, a ton of books in my room, Netgalley & Edelweiss books, plus review requests coming in daily. So, I never re-read books. I just don’t have the time. That being said, this book has made me want to re-read the Morganville Vampires series. And I will. I have every intention of re-reading this whole series this year. I just need to find the time for it. Not to mention that I never actually FINISHED Morganville. So, I have a ton to catch up on and to remember! I’ve very excited to reread this series & share all new reviews with you all!

OH! Another thing…I totally forgot to mention it. The romance between Shane & Claire and Michael & Eve was BEAUTIFUL in this book. I loved the opportunity to read those stories and to share in their romance. Some of those stories were SO CUTE! So worth it!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint was that some of the stories were difficult for me since I haven’t read the MV books in SO LONG. I also thought some of the stories could have been a little more entertaining. The majority of this book, though, was just like old times!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,254 reviews186 followers
March 27, 2016
Midnight Bites is a collection of short stories from the Morganville Vampires series. Some of these stories were added with permission form the Kickstarter backers for Red Hot Rain, some of them have been previously released in anthologies or other Morganville books. Midnight Bites is the first time these stories have all been collected into one book.

Midnight Bites was a book I wanted to take my time with, enjoying each story rather than racing through the pages, hence why my review is much later than publication date. Below are small reviews for some of my favourite books out of the series.

Nothing Like and Angel
We start with Myrnin locked in a dungeon. He is rescued by Lady Grey, who brings him back to health, and stays when he leaves. Myrnin has several adventures and ends up finding himself trapped again. Nothing Like an Angel gives us a glimpse into their relationship that has stood the test of time, and explains why Myrnin likes her so much.

Sam's Story
This is an introduction to Sam. It tells us about his marriage and his child, the death of his wife, and how he ended up with the Glass House. We see the beginnings of his relationship with Amelie and how it played a part in his death.

Grudge
This is the story of Shane's sister, Alyssa. The story of how she died and is from Shane's point of view. We see what happened and why he feels so guilty and angry about it all.

New Blood
This is told from Eve and Michael's point of view of the events before and after the fire. We also see what happens after it's all over, and learn more about the blood drive.

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
It's Eve's 18th birthday and she has an important choice to make. Whether to sign for protection or not. We see her troubled relationship with her family, and what her choice means to them. We also see how she ended up at the Glass House.


Wrong Place, Wrong Time
This is a very quick story told by Richard Morrell. An attempted robbery has gone awry with Monica involved. Justice is quick and deadly to the offenders.

Drama Queens Last Dance
This is another story from Eve. There is a new visitor in town, Gloriana, and she is an old friend of Oliver, and by old I mean DEAD old. She has her eyes set on Michael and tries to get him in her clutches, but she doesn't count on Eves feisty attitude to get in the way.

Final Verdict
Midnight Bites was a great read, and I really enjoyed getting to revisit this series and read some new stories from the characters. This is a must have addition to fans of the series.
Profile Image for Amber J (Thereadingwitch).
1,165 reviews86 followers
September 20, 2021
Considering how much I loved the Morganville Vampire series. I really thought I would enjoy this one more. Now I'm thinking that short stories, really aren't for me. I didn't think I was going to be able to finish this one. Those last 20 pages were probably some of the longest pages of my life lol.

How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
Profile Image for Mizuki.
3,366 reviews1,398 followers
April 22, 2017
I read a handful of short stories from this collection and I enjoy them, yet I lost interest a short time later because you seriously need to be a fan of the Morganville Vampires series to be interested in some of those stories. 3 stars only.
Profile Image for Shannon .
2,370 reviews161 followers
August 16, 2016
Myrnin's Tale - 3 Stars - No new thoughts or revelations from last time I read it.

Nothing Like An Angel - 3 Stars - I always find Myrnin's thoughts so interesting. I do enjoy reading from his perspective. This story told a lot about his history.

New Blood - 3 Stars - This could be described as the story of Shane, Michael and Eve. It all happens before Claire comes to town.

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life - 3.5 Stars - Read in 2011. Original review here

Amelie's Story - 2 Stars - Read in 2014. Original review here

Wrong Place, Wrong Time - 3 Stars - Read in 2014. Original review here

Dead Man Stalking - 3 Stars - Read in 2012. Original review here

Lunch Date - 4 Stars - Read in 2014. Looks like I didn't write any sort of review, but I did give it 4 start so I guess you can just say I liked it.

All Hallows - 4 Stars - Read in 2014. Original review here

Murdered Out - 4 Stars - Read in 2014. Original review here

Worth Living For - 4 Stars - I love that Shane and Michael are able to repair their relationship.

Drama Queen's Last Dance - 3 Stars - I feel like I had read that before though I know I haven't. Eve and Michael's relationship is so good. Darn Gloriana for trying to mess it up.

Vexed - 3.5 Stars - Told from Myrnin's POV, this tale was super creepy. I'm glad I wasn't home alone reading this.

Signs and Miracles - 3.5 Stars - I like Hannah. I would have loved a more personal story about her however this account of one of her days was interesting.

Anger Management - 4 Stars - Read in 2014. #LoveShane

Automatic - Stars - DNF

Dark Rides - 3 Stars - Read in 2014

Pitch-black Blues - Stars - Did not read.

A Whisper in the Dark - Stars - Did not read.

And One for the Devil - Stars - Did not read.


I didn't read the last four stories because I just lost interest. I've been opening and closing this for a month and making myself do so. One day I'll come back and read them but not today.



Random Thoughts:

Going through this book of shorts I realize my real draw to this series is Claire. Yes these other characters are interesting but I'm not hooked like I've been in the past.
Profile Image for ☆Angel☆.
441 reviews38 followers
March 9, 2016
I couldn't tell you how excited I was to see that Rachel Caine put together a Morganville short story collection! I wasn't ready for that series to end, even though there were fifteen books. It is easily my favorite young adult series. I fell in love with the characters and the storylines were creative and unique.

My most favorite character is Myrnin. He's a crazy genius vampire who wears vampire bunny slippers and is unapologetic when it comes to his actions. In his own way though, he protects the ones that he cares about. This collection showcases Myrnin quite a bit. I loved reading his backstories. It gives a better understanding of the way his mind works and things he went through that shaped him into the Myrnin we know and love.

I really hope Rachel Caine is telling the truth when she says she's not done with Morganville because I would love for more full length novels to be published. However, until that day, these stories will carry you along. If you are a fan of Morganville, you must read this book! All the stories in this collection are fantastic or is that fang-tastic? :)

ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
March 2, 2016
4 1/2 of 5 Stars

I love the Morganville Vampires. So when I saw this book, I had to read it. This is a wonderful collection of short stories that take place at various times throughout the series. The narratives are placed in timeline order. Some I already read and some were new.

I love that before each story Rachel Caine writes a little about what inspired the story. It is nice to get that kind of insight. I also appreciate that the stories are told from various character’s viewpoints. If you love the Morganville Vampire Series, you’ll definitely want this book.

Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon .
2,370 reviews161 followers
March 28, 2021
I picked up this audiobook at the library in an effort to wrap up one of the series I have with unread books. I find it strange I couldn't find a print copy as I'm sure that is how I originally read it. Also I still didn't finish the series as there is at least one story I can't manage to put my hands on it.

Automatic - 3 Stars - A tale of Shane getting his car.

Pitch-black Blues - 3 Stars - Shane and Myrnin go on a strange adventure.

A Whisper in the Dark - 3.5 Stars - Eve has creepy "family" and special blood. Also Michael is a badass.

And One for the Devil - 3 Stars - Kind of creepy. Eve and Claire go to save Myrnin from a strange "monster"


The Random Thoughts:

Profile Image for Chloe Reads Books.
1,210 reviews496 followers
November 2, 2024
I really do love the world of Morganville, but I do think having 15 books might have been “enough” without the short stories. It was very bittersweet to read though, with the passing of Rachel Caine and how many references she made in this book to want to continue writing this story.
Profile Image for Kylie Scott.
504 reviews32 followers
June 18, 2021
I loved this!
I am really going to miss getting lost in this series. I love the characters and really wished there was more adventures
Profile Image for TheGeekishBrunette.
1,429 reviews40 followers
February 22, 2021
Even though this technically isn’t a part of the actual series, I am still labeling it #16 because it does give us more depth to the characters that have introduced throughout the series.

I will say that I didn’t like every short story and honestly, it’s just hard to for me to get into a collection of short stories. Some characters, like Myrnin, I did enjoy hearing more about and we also got a glimpse into his past and who he was before coming to Morganville. He has always been one of my favorite characters. There are other characters, like Jesse aka Lady Gray, who wasn’t introduced until the last two books but we did get to see a softer side to her in a couple short stories.

Overall, it was good but I know that most of it won’t stick with me. It has nothing to do with the book itself. I always enjoy this author’s writing.
Profile Image for jessica ☾.
742 reviews98 followers
January 29, 2019
I really really love Myrnin, he’s probably my favorite character out of he entire series, but this just didn’t do it for me?

Merged review:

This was just okay, interesting to get more insight on their lives before they all lived together, but it wasn’t as engaging as some of the series other short stories.

Merged review:

This seems to get a lot of hate but I'm absolute trash for Eve and Micheal, so I loved this! Probably one of my favorite short stories front this series.

Merged review:

I actually really enjoyed this, what a throwback! Just wish I could’ve had this when I was first reading the series as some details are a bit foggy so many years later.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
March 11, 2016
I had read a couple of these stories before, but for the most of them they were new to me. I liked that most of them had the secondary characters front and center, giving up a different view of many people in the series. But I think the best part of this book were the blurbs the author had before each story, how she came up with them and often who she thanked for the story coming to fruition.
Profile Image for Sarah.
385 reviews12 followers
May 12, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. It satisfied my craving for more Myrnin stories and covered some of the things I was wondering about throughout the series. A lot of interesting characters and plot lines explored. This was a nice finish to the series. Though it may not be the last we see of Morganville!
Profile Image for zaheerah.
555 reviews133 followers
on-hold
May 13, 2016
I'm so damn excited! Rachel's also having a UK tour for this! Hopefully, she comes to/near Brighton
Profile Image for Darinda.
9,137 reviews157 followers
April 7, 2019
Read in Midnight Bites.

Backstory on Myrnin. His descent into madness and his meeting Lady Grey.

A good story on Myrnin and his history.


Merged review:

Read in Midnight Bites.

A story from Eve's point of view. A lot going on with Eve, Michael, and Shane - a blood drive at school, Monica causing trouble, Eve's crush on Michael, and the death of Alyssa, Shane's sister.

An entertaining and fun look back at Eve, Michael, and Shane in high school, before they were enmeshed in the town of Morganville and its craziness.

Merged review:

Read in Midnight Bites.

Told from Eve's point of view. Gloriana comes to Morganville, and has a thing for Michael.

A good short story that adds to the series.
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