The Nymphos of Rocky Flats
A Novel
| Price: |
$24.95 |
| On Sale: |
12/05/2006 |
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Formats:
Trade PB
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The first and only vampire book to be declassified
by the federal government . . .
Felix Gomez went to Iraq a soldier. He came back a vampire.
Now he finds himself pulled into a web of intrigue when an old friend prompts him to investigate an outbreak of nymphomania at the secret government facilities in Rocky Flats. He'll find out the cause of all these horny women or die trying! But first he must contend with shadowy government agents, Eastern European vampire hunters, and women who just want his body . . .
Skewering sexual myths, conspiracy fables, and government bureaucracy, The Nymphos of Rocky Flats reveals the bizarre world of the undead with a humorous slant and a fresh twist.
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Author Extras
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Reader Reviews from First Look
"Although there has been an abundance of books, written in the last few years, about Vampires living among Humans, Mario Acevedo has managed to create an original story with an original set of characters. The characters are engaging and well defined. The story is amusing, but not as important as the characters and the supernatural paradigm. The main character has some serious emotional baggage, and the language is somewhat rawer than you might expect in a typical Vampire 'cozy'. It is a good juxtaposition of comedy, fantasy and real emotions. I would imagine that this will be a series with the main character, Felix, the detective vampire taking on different cases in each book. I enjoyed the book and I would certainly be interested in watching the characters continue to develop as they play out quirky mysteries."
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Dorie (Edison, NJ)
"Although there has been an abundance of books, written in the last few years, about Vampires living among Humans, Mario Acevedo has managed to create an original story with an original set of characters. The characters are engaging and well defined. The story is amusing, but not as important as the characters and the supernatural paradigm. The main character has some serious emotional baggage, and the language is somewhat rawer than you might expect in a typical Vampire 'cozy'. It is a good juxtaposition of comedy, fantasy and real emotions. I would imagine that this will be a series with the main character, Felix, the detective vampire taking on different cases in each book. I enjoyed the book and I would certainly be interested in watching the characters continue to develop as they play out quirky mysteries."
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Dorie (Edison, NJ)
"If I hadn't felt obligated to finish this book, I probably wouldn't have. There isn't much emotional depth and unlike many other vampire novels Acevedo didn't really make any aspect of the 'experience' really come alive for me. I never cared about what was happening with the nymphomaniacs and felt the repetition of Felix's investigation wasn't helping...he would visit someone he wanted information from, hypnotize them, get a little infoormation and then every time need to use his fangs to stop a situation from going out of control. This happened I believe, around six or seven times and each time nothing really new was added. The sudden alien element also didn't do anything for me. The writing was concise but I never had a good grasp of what any of the characters looked like esp Felix. Overall I was disappointed."
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Caroline (Chicago, IL)
"The Nymphos of Rocky Flats was a very enjoyable read, a real page turner. It was full of action and hard to put down. The characters were interesting and fun. I really think this novel would make a great movie. I hope Mario continues to write more adventures for Felix Gomez."
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Debra (Levittown, PA)
"Mario Acevedo's novel, The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, was synonymous to watching a good action film unfolding in front of you. The humorous outlook present within the novel helped to really bring the story home. It was unlike any other government/war based novel I've ever had the pleasure to read!"
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Melanie (Southgate, MI)
"Add to a guilt-filled vampire private eye the following: a sexy dryad, vampire hunters, Roswell, New Mexico, Area 51, three (at least) nymphomaniacs, aliens, the Department of Energy, and a detailed description of a vampire's diet, shake them all up and you'll get this book -- funny, exciting, compulsively readable. I read it in a day and a half and thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm hoping it'll be the beginning of an enjoyable series."
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Kathryn (Richmond, VA)
"I did not like this book, but I am not giving it a bad review. Perhaps I just like to have my cake and eat it too. I feel like the author has alot of potential and future offerings along these same lines may fare better for the reader. I am an avid reader of what I like to call 'weird fiction' and I feel that I am qualified to give this kind of a review. I cite authors such as Terry Pratchett, Christopher Moore, Jasper Fforde, and Kurt Vonnegut as writers who have done justice to the genre of 'weird fiction.' As far as I can tell from the 'about the author' notes it appears that this is Mr. Acevedo's first novel. It shows, but that is not a a sin; many great writers have less than perfect first offerings. I liked the concept of this book and the writing, I just felt like it could use some cleaning up (example: the main character's personal asides to the reader were too obvious, etc.) Anyways, I did not mean to write this much. I really appreciate the opportunity to review this book and I would be interested in picking up on this character's second or third outing later down the road. Thank you so much for choosing me as a reviewer, I hope my honesty was helpful."
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Blair (Arlington, TX)
"The Nymphos of Rocky Flats is fifty percent science fiction, fifty percent mystery and one hundred percent fun. Mario Acevedo provides us with an original twist on the vampire tale set in Denver Colorado. His characters are complex and compelling, especially Felix Gomez the vampire PI who we see coming to terms with his past as a soldier and his future as a vampire. This fast paced novel, peppered with witty observations and shocking surprises, never fails to delight."
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Cynthya (Mooresville, IN)
"This has to be absolutely the most interesting book that I have ever read in my life. Where else do you find military vampires and nymphos. Not to mention a whole slew of other interesting characters. There was never a dull moment. I was intrigued enough in Felix (the main character) that I would enjoy learning more about him. The plot seemed well thought out and flowed well too. A definate page turner. Not to mention some great humor too."
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Jolene (Altoona, PA)
"The Nymphos of Rocky Flats is a fast-paced, engrossing read. The first line is priceless, a great introduction to a witty, well-written novel. The characters are well-developed and human, including the vampires, with the exception of the villains of the piece (vampire killers, government bureaucrats, and military leaders), who of course are pretty two-dimensional, being the evil ones. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope that Felix Gomez is working on his next novel."
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Sara Leigh (Arlington, VA)
"This book was definitely different, but it was a fun change to read. I was pleasantly surprised."
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Chad (Kokomo, IN)
"A mix of fantasy, mystery and science fiction, Mario's Acevedo's debut novel packs a lot of punch. His style of writing makes for an easy and enjoyable reading experience. The storyline was unusual and creative. I immediately liked Felix and enjoyed meeting the other characters in Mr. Acevedo's novel. The book got off to a great start and although the science fiction bent to the story seemed like an odd direction to go, it still worked. I would definitely be willing to read more by this author in the future."
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Wendy (Riverside, CA)
"Nymphos and vampires and aliens oh my! Suspend your disbelief and enjoy the story of a vampire private investigator as he unravels government conspiracies and murderous vampire hunters. A well written story that is perfect for a day at the beach or a long flight."
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Carol (North Bergen, NJ)
"This book has it all: government conspiracies, UFOs, dryads, and a detective that would fit in with Spenser or Elvis Cole, if you substitute blood for the usual beer. Compulsively readable, Acevedo gives us a new twist on vampire fiction within the familiar framework of a detective novel."
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Denese (St. Ann, MO)
"Oh, wow, What a ride. This book is an enjoyable read, and a fast read, and a funny read. So many of the conventions of the vampire novel are set sideways so they fit in the 'film noir' style of hard-nose detective novel, that you don't know what is coming next. Then we really slide of into futureland with the ending. Much like one of the funny episodes of The X-Files, this story will have you thinking and laughing at the same time. I look forward to more adventures of Felix Gomez, wherever he may travel."
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Susan (Thornton, CO)
"Mario Acevado's style in 'The Nymphos of Rocky Flats' reminds me of the not-yet-out-of-the-closet dinosaurs in Eric Garcia's 'Anoymous Rex' of a few years ago. This was a fun, but engaging read, with unique multi-dimensional characters in a multi-layered plot. Although the title implies otherwise, the sex was tame enough for the most modest of readers, yet intriguing for those looking for more. I'd definately recommend this one and will be looking for more books from this author."
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Cynthia (Carmichael, CA)
"A very entertaining book about vampires and other human and non-human characters. A good mystery with lots of action. A new spin on vampire lore."
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Karin (Minneapolis, MN)
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Acevedo's witty writing style reminds me of Tim Sandlin and Christopher Moore. The only disappointment- this is his first book, so I will have to wait for the next one!"
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Jennifer (Portland, OR)
"Watch out Christopher Moore and Eric Garcia there is a new author in town! The main character, Felix Gomez, is the typical gutsy detective with one slight difference...he is a vampire. His adventures with other vampires, government goons, dryads (look it up), and outer space creatures makes for a lively read. This isn't in the bookstores yet and I am ready for the sequel. Highly recommend!"
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Robin (Richmond, TX)
"Mario Avevedo's novel is both an interesting and fun read. It definitely was a page-turner, and I found myself wondering what would come next. The Nymphos of Rocky Flats is an entertaining edition to the world of vampire and detective stories, and I certainly can't wait to see what happens to Acevedo's characters next."
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Brianna (Naperville, 1)
"What an intriguing book. An American soldier turned vampire in Iraq, comes back to the US and his adventure begins along with the laughs. This was a surpising read that I enjoyed immensly and look forward to reading more by Mario Acevedo whose imagination transforms itself right before you on the pages. A great read for all!!!!"
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COLLEEN (South Amboy, 1)
"I enjoyed The Nympho's of Rocky Flats well enough, it wasn't either as funny or a sexy as I thought it would be, but I didn't read it for the humor or the sex, I read it for the vampires, and vampires it delivers. Acevedo's main character Felix Gomez, an Iraqi war veteran who returns home with a case of vampirism was highly likable in the role of tortured soul. There were some original takes on the vampire with Felix and his contemporaries regularly partaking of animal blood (usually eschewed by vampires) and eating regular food drowned in blood, wearing contact lenses to protect the casual passerby from being hypnotized, and allowing the vampires freedom out in the daylight as long as they are covered in a high SPF sunblock. Felix is a private investigator called to Rocky Flats by an old friend who wants him to look into the sudden outbreak of nymphomania at the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons base. He fairly quickly blows his cover and seems to fumble about a bit which I am not sure was Acevedo's intention. What ensues is a race to find out what is in a container that holds the secret to the nymphomania before it leaves the base, fight off the fanatical vampire killers and rescue his would-be girlfriend, the climax is very good and was by far my favorite part of the book. Some readers may be disappointed that the sexually alluring title has little to do with what goes on in the book, the nympho's themselves get about three paragraph's of action and there is surprisingly little sex going on for a vampire novel. What Acevedo does pull off is a fast paced adventure and a mystery with many twists and turns and a somewhat surprising ending. All in all a decent way to pass an afternoon. I think Acevedo may well find an audience and if he does this I feel this promises to be just the first in Feliz Gomez series."
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Lisa (Henryville, IN)
"Irreverent, twisted and downright hilarious, Gomez's novel is a great read. Not only does it have a catchy title, but the book itself is well written and also a great diversion and page turner. I enjoyed it immensely, and having lived in Denver for several years, I liked the local color that Gomez added to the story."
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Brent (Carlsbad, CA)
"Like Sparkle Hayter's 'Naked Brunch', this book is unique and fun, a fluid read and a surprising page-turner with loads of action. Acevedo's hero, Felix Gomez, is not your average vampire. A former soldier turned private detective, he uses his special vampire abilities to help him solve the mystery of a nymphomania outbreak at a government facility while vampire hunters and an unknown assasin threaten his life. I was particularly impressed with the opening scene in Iraq and the descriptions of bland government facilities (very accurate, from my experience), as well as the unusual and very wacky blend of characters. A roller-coaster ride of a novel, full of surprises. Incidentally, I'm checking 'yes' that I think the cover represents the book well because there's no 'maybe'. I don't like the cover and I don't recall a scene in which Felix smokes (my son and I debated whether the cover art showed a cigarette or a lit match, actually). I think the smile with a fang showing would have been fine on its own. The cigarette or match detracts from the overall effect, in my humble opinion."
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Nancy (Vicksburg, MS)
"Acevedo has an interesting variation on the modern-day vampire story, mixing mystery, action, and a dash of romance. The opening is strong, the writing is clear, and the story intrigues. (I'm not quite done with it yet, sorry!)"
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Kendall (Silver Spring, MD)
"The Nymphos of Rocky Flats pretty much defies genres. It is part horror, part comedy, part private eye and a little bit of romance thrown in as well, not to mention the nymphos. It almost feels like the kitchen sink was thrown in too, but it works, in spite of or because of, this. I thought one of the stand out parts was that instead of all of the vampires being these superhuman creatures most of them have human hang-ups, which is actually fitting, as that's what they were first. Overall I thought it was a great read and if I saw this author's name on something else I would definitely check it out."
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Laura (Baltimore, MD)
"First of all I'd like to thank HarperCollins for this thrill of a first look! Mario Acevedo's writing is a cross between Christopher Moore and Raymond Chandler. Acevedo's debut novel is filled with quirky characters and intriguing plot twists that keep you guessing right up to the end. This wonderful adventure will delight fans of Laurell K. Hamilton, Christopher Moore and Carl Hiassen to a lesser extent. The tale is filled with vampires, vampire hunters, secret government agents, and nymphomaniacs, aliens from Roswell make an appearance as well, and from the way the book ends, we may be in for a second adventure with Felix Gomez. I hope so, he's been a great companion this go-round!"
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Susan (Providence, RI)
"I enjoyed it. A lot. I thought the characters were well developed, I liked the story very much and I think Felix is a killer detective. I really enjoyed the humor in the book, the plot twist was so well done that I never saw it coming. I would like to see more of Wendy and also I would like to see more of the vampirs'e history. I liked very much the notion of the way a vampire has the 'snake' coiled in his chest where his heart used to be and the notion that vampires (particularly Felix) had complex emotions, like guilt. As a character, I liked the emotion coming from the vampires. They didn't feel a lot, but when they did, they were passionate about it. The burning ceremonies weren't just a neccessity, they were almost a funeral. I also enjoyed the notion of them wearing makeup and contact lenses, I thought that was a nice touch. It gave a realism and humanity to them, that a lot of vampires don't have. Felix was very well drawn. I didn't need an actual picture of him to imagine what he looks like. His guilt and his angst came through very clearly, as did his feelings when he was forgiven. Wendy is a character i would like to see more of and I liked very much that she was willing to have a relationship (even if it's only physical) with a vampire. Mario did an EXCELLENT job, his military experience made the book more real to me and the characters came alive. I was almost sorry to finish the book, but will defiately be on the lookout for anything else by him. Thanks, Mario and HarperCollins for a great book and a great set of characters. It was a wonderful read!"
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Lili (Spring Hill, FL)
"In a world where vampire tales are a dime a dozen, it is difficult to find a unique twist to the old tales. This book, however, does just that. It gives us an original slant on an old legend. While remaining true to the basics, Mario Acevedo breathes new life into an undead creature. In this story a man struggles against the seemingly inevitable; all in order to avoid becoming the monster that vampires are understood to be. This fight is not a new one but the way it is handled in this book shows us so much more than a vampire fighting against his bloodthirsty nature. In this struggle we face our own humanity as it parallels the choices we make in our everyday lives. There is so much more to Felix Gomez than a thirst for blood. He has a hunger for justice and forgiveness. With a plot that could have easily become 'over-the-top', Acevedo handles the details gently and gives us a convincing tale of the supernatural. We not only view the monster that Felix may become, we also see the man behind the vampiric eyes. We see the soldier that could have been any of our brothers or friends at war and what they face while stationed in Iraq. We see the conspiracies and intriguing goings-on within the government. This book is much more than a typical vampire tale. It brings us deeply into the world around us and makes us think about the endless possibilities of the universe. 'The Nymphos of Rocky Flats' has a title that may draw giggles from those that first glimpse the book on the shelves, but looking beyond that one will find a story that thrills and holds a reader's attention from beginning to end. I look forward to many future tales from Mr. Acevedo."
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Vikki (Hewitt, NJ)
"As The Nymphos of Rocky Flats opens in present day Iraq, in the middle of 'Operation Iraqi Freedom,' the reader can expect this book doesn't follow the traditional eighteenth century castle-dwelling vampire stereotype. Felix Gomez is a kindhearted United States soldier when he is transformed into a vampire. When Felix returns to the United States, he opens his own private investigation agency, which is incredibly successful, considering he can use his supernatural powers in his investigations. It is client and college roomate Gilbert Odin that lures Gomez to Rocky Flats with a substantially large deposit check, which he backs up with an even larger reward when the investigation is complete. The investigation is within the United States Department of Energy, which means Felix has to pose as a scientist to access internal government secrets and the dangers they possess. His main objective is to discover what is causing a sudden outbreak of nymphomania among a group of female researchers within the DOE. Felix befriends a group of local vampires, who introduce him to another mystery. Vampires are being slaughtered throughout the area in 'vampire hunter' fashion. As he tries to solve both puzzles, the vampire circle aids him in his investigation as much as possible, saving his life in several circumstances. They also introduce him to the love of his life, Wendy Teagarden, who is unique and far from human. Peppered with subtle humor throughout, Felix's adventures are anything but typical. Being a vampire, he must to return to his coffin each night to 'recharge,' while he is able to maneuver among men during the daylight hours with the aid of vitamin supplements, makeup, and lots of sunblock. Contact lenses hide his vampire eyes with hypnotic powers, and he attributes his unusual skin tone and use of makeup to a skin condition caused by Gulf War Syndrome to those who question his health or masculinity. Each character introduced throughout the book possesses a distinct personality and history that draws the reader into a relationship with them. The storyline is packed with adventure that keeps the reader hooked. It's a light read, but one that can't be put down. As Gomez's investigation unfolds, the secrets hidden within the DOE are far greater than anything he had suspected, secrets that could affect all of humanity."
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Sabrina (Rockwell, NC)
"Mario Acevedo has written a winner! Besides being the first in a series, The Nymphos of Rocky Flats is also the debut of this talented and funny Latino author. Felix Gomez went to Iraq to fight for a cause, now he's home a little older, a lot wiser, and afflicted with vampirism. Settling into his new career as a private detective, he travels to Denver when an old friend asks him to investigate strange events occurring at the government installation at Rocky Flats. It seems that all the female workers are turning into nymphomaniacs and nobody knows why. Felix vows to uncover the cause whatever it takes, but may have bitten off more than he can chew. Between the vampire hunters, government assassins and horny women on his tail, he just may die trying. Modernizing the vampire mythos, the author allows his monsters to face the daylight with a liberal dose of SPF 90 sunscreen. The new breed of vamp isn't against using modern technology to get the job done, even if it means blood comes out of a bag and guns are standard issue. Action packed and full of fun, brimming with pop culture and chock full of interesting characters this one has something for everyone. Watch out Christopher Moore, there's a new author on your block!"
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Sarra (Ovilla, TX)
"Nymphos of Rocky Flats was silly but entertaining. I'm looking at people in a whole new way, wondering who among the people I come into contact with could be something other than what they seem. I'm also thinking about people's auras -- the most interesting part about this book."
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Teresa (Scituate, MA)
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The Undead Kama Sutra
Felix Gomez returned from the war in Iraq a changed man—once a soldier, now forever a vampire. So the undead underworld put his skills to work as a private detective, specializing in the sordid, the sexy, and the supernatural. After surviving aliens, nymphomaniacs, and x-rated bloodsuckers,...
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