The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn. 4 stars

This is wonderful interlude that provides the backstory for Rick, the Master of Denver. As part of the cast of characters of the Kitty Norville series, Rick or Ricardo has always been a great, but mysterious ally. I am glad that this novel explains some of his history. I’m sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg, I hope that there will be more stories of this intriguing vampire.

Thank you Netgalley and Tachyon Publications for this ARC.

Oh Ricardo, I could read about you all day. The only problem with this book is that there isn't more of it!

One of my favorite series is by Carrie Vaughn! I’m never disappointed when reading about Kitty or her friends. The Immortal Conquistador is no exception. Getting to know a character and how they became who they are if fascinating and this time we get to go way back with Rick. If you have never read a Kitty novel by Carrie Vaughn and enjoy shifter romance, suspense, drama you are so lucky you can start at the beginning and read, read, read and not have to wait for the next book in the series. Thanks to NetGalley the author and her publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of The Immortal Conquistador!

I haven't finished the Kitty Norville series and it's been awhile since I read one. Yet, when I saw the previews for this book, I was excited. This was a well written book that filled in the backstory of Rick. I'm not usually interested in American history, but this book brought a different twist to it that was really good. Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this early.

A tale of the reluctant Vampire. Ricardo di Avila, the son of a lesser Nobleman .. accompanies and survives the doomed and disappointing expedition of the legendary Conquistador Coranado to New Spain in search of wealth and fame. Being one of a few to survive, he is tricked by a previous friend into the lair of the ancient Vampire, Fray Juan. He is transformed into a bloodsucking monster with the aim of him joining the minions of Fray Juan. Refusing to accept this curse, he cunningly destroys his maker and minions. Accused by the minions as being "holier than thou" ... he will not abandon God and "prays" for his own soul. With scruples and a conscience he sets out on a 500 year journey from the seventeen century. Unlike his supposed brethren , he refuses to kill to obtain his sustenance of blood.
Vaughn traces his intriguing journey through history encountering the famous and infamous ... making friends and loved ones along the way .... instead of bloodless corpses. This tale was enjoyed as a stand alone ... admittedly I have not previously been entertained by the words of Carie Vaughn. I intend on rectifying this mistake by delving into the adventures of Kitty Norville ... reportedly his friend and ally. Thanks to NetGalley and Tachyon Publications for providing an electronic ARC of this tale in exchange for an honest review. ( at readersremains.com )

The Immortal Conquistador
by Carrie Vaughn

Carrie Vaughn states in her blurb about the book that she wasn’t interested in writing about Vampires. Through her Kitty books about werewolves she found she had to. Her thrown off comment of her character Ricardo de Avila, Le Conquistador had met Doc Holliday was a story begging to be told. It’s funny how writers find inspiration in their own thrown out comments and ideas. Carrie brings to life the idea of a historical vampire, one on the edge of American history, and namely Colorado history. She uses her ability to research and find the perfect background to her characters that make them seem almost real. A history buff, she is amazing in what she pulls out of her hat.
Ricardo de Avila, is a dynamic character in this book, a reluctant vampire. Changed against his will to become what he feared most, a heartless, soulless monster. The redeeming factor of his nature is that he uses this curse to protect others, to benefit others yet would never inflict it on another human being, no matter how much he loves them. It's an inspired twist to the old tale, with redemption and release without the death of the main character.
I would recommend the story to those who are addicted to her Kitty series, those who have read her award winning Bannerless series, or just someone who loves a good story.

Finally, the origins and history of the mysterious vampire Ricardo de Avila, aka Rick, master of Denver in the Kitty Norville series, are revealed! Rick has been one of my favorite characters in that series, and is one of a few notable vampire fictional characters who has retained his humanity over a very long un-life. This was a very quick and satisfying read. I wish it were longer, but still enjoyed it immensely. My thanks to NetGalley and Tachyon, who provided an eARC in return for my honest opinion.

This is a spin-off from Ms Vaughan's popular Kitty Norville werewolf books which basically recounts the origin story of vampire, Ricardo de Avila. Told in flashbacks we learn that though Rick was turned, he never lost his religion or his moral code. For over 500 years he's defied the definition of what it is to be a vampire. This finished way too soon, just when I was getting into it and wondering where the backstory was leading. It reads like the set-up for a much bigger storyline. in which Rick will have his own adventures..

I'm a long-time fan of the Kitty Norville series, though I have lost touch with it a bit lately, so when this side-story came up on Netgalley I requested the chance to read and review it. Thanks to the publisher for granting the request.

Here we get the full backstory of Rick, the 500-year-old vampire and decent guy who's one of Kitty's allies. Turned against his will by an acquaintance who knew him back when they were both on Coronado's unsuccessful expedition to find the Cities of Gold in Mexico, Rick is determined to be bad at vampiring; he has friends, not victims, and only uses his powers to protect people.

Naturally, this doesn't come easily, but it helps that he spends the first hundred years in complete isolation from other vampires, so nobody tells him how he's supposed to do it. Even in the present day, there's a lot he doesn't know, and he's still determined to be a good man (and a devout Catholic) insofar as that's possible for someone like him.

Carrie Vaughn is an excellent storyteller - her short stories are highly skilled, even though she's probably primarily known as a novelist, and in part this book is what used to be called a "fixup," joining several short stories together into a longer, multi-part narrative. The frame story isn't just a frame, though, but expands into something more.

The very early part, when Rick is turned, is darker and more horrific than I usually prefer, but it sets up a contrast that the author uses well. The essential goodness of a character who fights against the evil imposed on him to remain, in important ways, himself shines through powerfully throughout.

Although I've read a number of the Kitty Norville books, you could read this book without having done so and be fully oriented; the events of those books are only referred to briefly, some of the many adventures that Rick has had over his long life, and Rick himself is at the heart of the story. He's an appealing protagonist, and I enjoyed reading this. Perhaps I'll go back and read some more of the main series.

Taking place in the world of the Kitty Norville series, this book delivers into the origins of the vampire, Rick.

As with Ms. Vaughn's other urban paranormal novels, this is an interesting story that delivers into the main character, providing in depth insight into his character.

I was given an advance copy of this book. I am leaving my honest review.

OMG! Rick's story FINALLY! I've been dying to know so much about him throughout the Kitty series, and NOW we get to find out everything! And what a ride! Carrie Vaughn knocks it out of the park AGAIN!

Thank you!

The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn, a quick read that is hard to put down. This is the story of Ricardo (Rick) how he was turned, and an insight into his life in Frontier.

An okay set of short, connected narratives about Rick from Vaughn's Kitty the werewolf series. Nice background and origin stories, a mildly entertaining read, but it does feel like it should have been parter of a larger work with a strong plot, rather than just exposition.