Jane and the Damned: A Novel

by Janet Mullany

Overview

The “stakes” are high and vampires rule when legendary author Jane Austen joins the ranks of the undead in Janet Mullany’s bloody wonderful literary mash-up, Jane and the Damned. In the bestselling tradition of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies; Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters; and Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, comes a supremely smart and wickedly fun novel that renders the beloved creator of Persuasion and Emma truly immortal—as Mullany pits a transformed Jane Austen and her vampire friends against savage hordes of invading French!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062013958
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/16/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	306
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

The author of Jane and the Damned, Janet Mullany was reared in England on a diet of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer and now lives near Washington, D.C. She has worked as an archaeologist, waitress, draftsperson, radio announcer, performing arts administrator, proof-reader, and bookseller.

Editorial Reviews

Mullany (Improper Relations) pens an impressively compelling Jane Austen mashup full of humor ("You damned Damned!") and poignant irony. At a Basingstoke dance, the Austen sisters encounter some fashionable Londoners with a taste for blood. Jane is drawn to meet one of the Damned, enigmatic William, who turns her into a vampire against her will. Reverend Austen takes the family to Bath to seek a cure, but when the French invade England, Jane joins the other vampires in putting their superhuman strength and speed to the service of their country. Purists might regret Cassandra's relegation to soppy sister, but the bond between Jane and her father, the small scenes that reflect Austen's novels, the sly humor of a vampire Prince Regent, and an abundance of moral dilemmas and vivid action make this a very satisfying page-turner for vamp-lovers and Austen fans alike. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

After her manuscript is rejected for publication, Jane Austen is determined to find enjoyment at the Basingstoke Assembly. A trio of Damned are in attendance, and Jane accepts an invitation to dance with one of the gentleman vampires. The next day she realizes falling ill at the dance was the beginning of her existence as one of the Damned. Reverend Austen takes the family to Bath so Jane can be cured by the waters. Before her first glass, she is "adopted" by Damned leader Luke Venning, and the French Revolutionary Army invades Bath. Now, Jane is grateful for the active role she can take in the war against the French. VERDICT Historical romance author Mullany (Improper Relations) joins the literary mashup craze with this tepid novel. Her spotty explanations of etiquette in Damned society, not fully developing Prince George's temporary vampire status to preserve the line of succession, and the open-ended nature of the conclusion (hinting at a possible series) make this a less than satisfying read for either Austenites or vampire fanciers. A far wittier take on Jane Austen as vampire is Michael Thomas Ford's Jane Bites Back.—Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH

Library Journal