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Vampire Hunter D #16
Vampire Hunter D Volume 16: Tyrant’s Stars - Parts One and Two
In this chilling adventure, Vampire Hunter D has been dispatched to vanquish the ancient vampiric Noble Count Brohj, guardian of an ancient buried treasure. But when a mysterious object crashes into the earth, destroying half of the northern Frontier, D faces an even more terrifying opponent - the renegade vampire Valcua, the Ultimate Noble! Having been exiled to outer space, Valcua took his entire kingdom of strange and deadly creatures with him, and swore that when the time was right they would return to have their revenge. Unfortunately for D, that time is now .
480 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2000
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631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 2, 2022
This was one of my favorite Vampire Hunter D novels so far. 5,000 years ago an evil noble is sent into space as punishment for his heinous crimes. He's so evil even other vampires, who would probably be considered evil themselves, had enough of him.
Then, 5,000 years later, the spaceship he was imprisoned on crashes back to Earth, and he's out for revenge on the nobles that put him there (who are still alive) as well as the ancestors of the human that helped put him away. He recruits a group of evil assassins to seek his revenge, and of course, D ends up in the middle of the entire mess.
This is just the first half, but so far this is really good. Very interested to see how this wraps up.
Then, 5,000 years later, the spaceship he was imprisoned on crashes back to Earth, and he's out for revenge on the nobles that put him there (who are still alive) as well as the ancestors of the human that helped put him away. He recruits a group of evil assassins to seek his revenge, and of course, D ends up in the middle of the entire mess.
This is just the first half, but so far this is really good. Very interested to see how this wraps up.
January 8, 2025
3.5/5
Just good old-fashioned pulpy fun.
Just good old-fashioned pulpy fun.
August 11, 2013
This is a standard D entry. It is equal parts baffling and entertaining. D is accompanying a group of both humans and Nobles as a bunch of freaks attack them. I know that synopsis must be shocking. Kikuchi deserves credit for thinking up all these various abilities.
**very minor spoilers**
The winning line is - 'The movements of this man who'd been chopped through the backbone were so elegant, they could've made the moon itself swoon.'
Honestly, if this was not a D book, it probably would have gotten 2 stars (if not one) for being confusing, lying to the audience, hAvInG a ChArAcTeR wHo TaLkS lIkE tHiS, and incorporating threatened incestuous rape yet again. But D is graded on a different scale - probably because of his blinding good looks. If it entertains me, it's three stars. Despite it's many flaws, I was entertained.
**very minor spoilers**
The winning line is - 'The movements of this man who'd been chopped through the backbone were so elegant, they could've made the moon itself swoon.'
Honestly, if this was not a D book, it probably would have gotten 2 stars (if not one) for being confusing, lying to the audience, hAvInG a ChArAcTeR wHo TaLkS lIkE tHiS, and incorporating threatened incestuous rape yet again. But D is graded on a different scale - probably because of his blinding good looks. If it entertains me, it's three stars. Despite it's many flaws, I was entertained.
October 11, 2020
Let me tell you my story
I really enjoyed the opening scene.
D, the vampire hunter is achingly beautiful
And the group of characters that we have assembled
are interesting
but not as glowingly in physical perfection as D
(they will tell you their story)
even the way the bad guy seemed to be going after them
involving more intriguing characters
that are also not a angelically beautiful as D
But the overarching concept of this antagonist
was just too much
(he also was not as beautiful as D)
I really enjoyed the opening scene.
D, the vampire hunter is achingly beautiful
And the group of characters that we have assembled
are interesting
but not as glowingly in physical perfection as D
(they will tell you their story)
even the way the bad guy seemed to be going after them
involving more intriguing characters
that are also not a angelically beautiful as D
But the overarching concept of this antagonist
was just too much
(he also was not as beautiful as D)
March 14, 2025
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading
; skaitom nakties rezimu
Oh boy. Finally managed to get back to normal-ish book reading schedule, and finished Tyrant’s Stars (1-2) by Hideyuki Kikuchi, 16th book in the Vampire Hunter D series. It was pretty alright, if you can get past the swooning.
My Opinion: The story is simple, and good in its own way. By now there’s a visible pattern in this world, as certain Nobles seem to wake up specifically for D to dispose of. Implying that this Great Ancestor did what he could and sealed certain things for when a better warrior came along. It’s the side-stories that get extremely bothersome. Or, rather, the round-about paths certain characters take, until we finally get to the main battle, main plotline. Actions committed with no explanations are still prominent, expecting you to either know, understand, or assume it’s a great big mystery, when instead it’s just a dull nothing that you’ve witnessed, because you don’t really know what happened. Until much later, that is, when someone deploys their Sherlockian abilities of deduction and goes “ah, so that’s why” this or that, yes. But you know what? It’s still pretty good. All the mess, the chaos, the lore, never-ending world-building that often parts with logic, all the good things.
A 4 out of 5. In this one case I’ll say that these books being hard to read might be a skill issue, try for yourself.
Oh boy. Finally managed to get back to normal-ish book reading schedule, and finished Tyrant’s Stars (1-2) by Hideyuki Kikuchi, 16th book in the Vampire Hunter D series. It was pretty alright, if you can get past the swooning.
My Opinion: The story is simple, and good in its own way. By now there’s a visible pattern in this world, as certain Nobles seem to wake up specifically for D to dispose of. Implying that this Great Ancestor did what he could and sealed certain things for when a better warrior came along. It’s the side-stories that get extremely bothersome. Or, rather, the round-about paths certain characters take, until we finally get to the main battle, main plotline. Actions committed with no explanations are still prominent, expecting you to either know, understand, or assume it’s a great big mystery, when instead it’s just a dull nothing that you’ve witnessed, because you don’t really know what happened. Until much later, that is, when someone deploys their Sherlockian abilities of deduction and goes “ah, so that’s why” this or that, yes. But you know what? It’s still pretty good. All the mess, the chaos, the lore, never-ending world-building that often parts with logic, all the good things.
A 4 out of 5. In this one case I’ll say that these books being hard to read might be a skill issue, try for yourself.
February 25, 2026
I might say...I think this 2 volume story might be better than Journey to the North Sea and Pale Fallen Angel?? Even though it is repetitive and has similar situations like those previous two (like another round of seven assassins), this book's plot was held together better. Every location, every battle, every interaction, and character has a reason to exist.
The opening sequence was crazy spooky. There is a lot of horror and comedic moments too. Left hand is the handiest ever. Yes, it's pulpy and fun.
If you are in the long game reading these novels, or a VHD fan who occasionally reads the books, Tyrant's Stars is a must. Well, onto parts 3 & 4 aka, volume 17, I hope it holds up!
The opening sequence was crazy spooky. There is a lot of horror and comedic moments too. Left hand is the handiest ever. Yes, it's pulpy and fun.
If you are in the long game reading these novels, or a VHD fan who occasionally reads the books, Tyrant's Stars is a must. Well, onto parts 3 & 4 aka, volume 17, I hope it holds up!
February 24, 2015
The divinely handsome D finds himself up against an exiled Noble, one banned to outer space by the Sacred Ancestor himself. As the dangers mount and assassins gather for the kill, the novel piles on the fight scenes, outrageous castles, bizarre enemies and a convoluted plotline that makes it difficult to tell who’s dead and who’s merely faking it. Exciting, aggravating and mind-bogglingly Byzantine, this is a novel for the truly dedicated D aficionados only.
May 13, 2011
I found this to be a great read even though the number of pages advertised and the actual book were 2 differnt numbers. Like all the other VHD books the characters that were in this one all stood out on thier own, each having their own personality, and motive. I'm already looking foward to getting the second part of this later this year.
March 31, 2014
These stories still fascinate me, even though D has changed during the years. He's become more talkative and more social among others; but the coldness within him has grown too. Intriguing character...
May 16, 2024
I read this one and the next one together (as is my wont with these multi-part VHD books) and liked the first one better. The main antagonist, Valcua, is more like a final boss in that we don't actually get to see him and his capabilities until much later. Instead, D and his temporary compatriots have to fight through several of the big bad's retainers and all they have to offer, and this is good stuff.
Then we get into the Ultimate Noble, and it feels like it goes a little downhill from there. There's a new character who is made of questions and no real answers are forthcoming. Valcua sends D through this gauntlet of challenges to gauge his strength, and it comes back over and over more than can be measured. Then there's the final confrontation, which got kind of weird.
But the weird isn't the problem. It's how entirely OP Vampire Hunter D is, that's the problem. Throughout most of the adventures, D is just a hair better than he needs to be, just a shade better than the antagonists, which is okay. But this Ultimate Noble is ridiculously overpowered, and therefore, so is D. And that's the issue. Why was the whole front half such a struggle if D is so everything? And don't think about the preceding fifteen books with this power level, right?
It's the Superman problem, but with D. It really left me dismayed with future adventures. I mean, I'll read the next one, but... eh.
Then we get into the Ultimate Noble, and it feels like it goes a little downhill from there. There's a new character who is made of questions and no real answers are forthcoming. Valcua sends D through this gauntlet of challenges to gauge his strength, and it comes back over and over more than can be measured. Then there's the final confrontation, which got kind of weird.
But the weird isn't the problem. It's how entirely OP Vampire Hunter D is, that's the problem. Throughout most of the adventures, D is just a hair better than he needs to be, just a shade better than the antagonists, which is okay. But this Ultimate Noble is ridiculously overpowered, and therefore, so is D. And that's the issue. Why was the whole front half such a struggle if D is so everything? And don't think about the preceding fifteen books with this power level, right?
It's the Superman problem, but with D. It really left me dismayed with future adventures. I mean, I'll read the next one, but... eh.
January 23, 2023
I made the mistake of waiting four years to read this book. I used to have the urge to read a Vampire Hunter D book immediately after I finished one, but then I lost the love after Dark Road and needed a break.
This felt like coming home. I love how these stories are written and presented. I love watching D grow and change as a character, good or bad, thought the series. His cold demeanor to most people around him, but will listen to the words of a dying woman. (For money of course) And how he so unexpectedly sweet toward children? Always melts my heart.
Not only that, every character in these stories all have their own story and motivations! Nothing in this series is two dimensional. Everything has a purpose. It’s so great and entertaining.
I really have missed this series.
This felt like coming home. I love how these stories are written and presented. I love watching D grow and change as a character, good or bad, thought the series. His cold demeanor to most people around him, but will listen to the words of a dying woman. (For money of course) And how he so unexpectedly sweet toward children? Always melts my heart.
Not only that, every character in these stories all have their own story and motivations! Nothing in this series is two dimensional. Everything has a purpose. It’s so great and entertaining.
I really have missed this series.
February 7, 2018
3.5
I really liked this book. At the end I was like wait what!? I have to find part 3 and 4 now to see what happens. I knew Matthew was going to be a problem since the beginning but I didn't think he'd want his sister like that! Just saying I would be totally fine if he died....I think its cute that Sue likes D, I don't think anything will happen between them but you never know. I love count Boujao (don't remember how to spell it sorry so I'm just going to refer him as Count) he's got a soft spot for Sue even though she's a human, that couldn't help but make me smile. Well hopefully I'll be able to find part 4 and 5 so I know what happens at the end.
I really liked this book. At the end I was like wait what!? I have to find part 3 and 4 now to see what happens. I knew Matthew was going to be a problem since the beginning but I didn't think he'd want his sister like that! Just saying I would be totally fine if he died....I think its cute that Sue likes D, I don't think anything will happen between them but you never know. I love count Boujao (don't remember how to spell it sorry so I'm just going to refer him as Count) he's got a soft spot for Sue even though she's a human, that couldn't help but make me smile. Well hopefully I'll be able to find part 4 and 5 so I know what happens at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2021
I really like Vampire Hunter D, really I do. But these are getting... repetitive. I'll likely read the next one to finish out this particular story, but after that... Well, they won't be priority reads at least.
January 27, 2020
The only worth you’ll get out of this one is if you really love D and Amano’s illustrations.
May 14, 2025
Reads like a graphic novel
September 10, 2016
It took me a long long time to get through this book. Some of that was likely Hunter D burnout, from reading 7 books back to back. the last few books seemed to have similar characters, with a lovely young woman who was in love with D--if not several-- and several human children that either were orphans or became orphans and needed rescuing though they were very brave, a cast of superhuman/Noble creations that were out to kill D, yet always attacked singly or by twos instead of en masse, and some chief baddie who was the ringleader. This was the plot of this book, as well. This is not to say I didn't enjoy the book, as I did...just that I hope the second half of Tyrant's Stars (parts 3-4) have some new twists in store :)
June 28, 2011
Okay - I do NOT get why they seem to be unable or unwilling to put an entire story in one book. Now I have to wait a year or so to read part 3 and the conclusion of this particular episode in D's life. Why?
I'm still enjoying reading these books, but I do not understand how/why the Noblity do not seem to know who D is until it's too late. It's the last few minutes of their lives when they realize he is the Sacred Ancestor's offspring. Why? Are they that oblivious to the fact that he whips their asses in every battle? They seem to know that the Hunder D is someone to take seriously, why hasn't any of them figured out who he is and told the rest? And how many Nobility remain?
I'm still enjoying reading these books, but I do not understand how/why the Noblity do not seem to know who D is until it's too late. It's the last few minutes of their lives when they realize he is the Sacred Ancestor's offspring. Why? Are they that oblivious to the fact that he whips their asses in every battle? They seem to know that the Hunder D is someone to take seriously, why hasn't any of them figured out who he is and told the rest? And how many Nobility remain?
June 3, 2011
this vampire hunter d novel continue to tradition of good solid novels in the series by kikuchi. this one finds d making a promise to a dying woman that he will protect her children from an incredibly powerful noble who has come back and is promising revenge on a family that helped to send him away. along the way is a classic vampire hunter d novel in that there are many enemies and d kicks their collective arses! good book if you're a fan of the series!
October 6, 2016
What is there to say? If you've read one, you've read them all... and I'm really glad that there's a solid audience for the incredibly repetitive tales of the gorgeous dhampir, his possessed left hand, and his cyborg horse. Different strokes, y'all.
June 4, 2011
Delightful book! And I'm looking forward to this story's conclusion in the next volume which should be released in English this Fall.
March 12, 2015
All I can say is: you need a horse? here's a horse.
Continuation in the next instalment.
Continuation in the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews