Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter Series Targeted for Women But Guy-Friendly

Guys, has this happened to you? You're browsing the book shelf, probably in the "horror" or "sci-fi/fantasy" section of your local bookstore, and your eye catches on a cover that is graced by a beautiful, semi-naked woman. Intrigued, you pick the book up, but as soon as you see the words "beautiful vampire" or "lust and desire" you put the book down quickly, hoping no one has witnessed your transgression. Well, I'm here to tell you, pick the book back up.

Most guys I know, even the ones who do share my appreciation of sci-fi and fantasy, would never consider picking up any of the books in Laurell K. Hamilton's "Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter" series. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that I had to catch a six hour flight and had nothing to read, I probably never would have picked one up myself. Whether Hamilton intended it or not, her series have been increasingly categorized as "Erotic Horror" which tend to be written with a female audience in mind, and can often be described as "bodice rippers with fangs." However, my fear of sitting on an airplane without anything to read was far greater than my fear of being judged for reading a book that was less than manly, so with a slight hesitation, I picked up "Obsidian Butterfly."

Now, admittedly, "Obsidian Butterfly" is the most guy friendly book of the series, since it involves one of Hamilton's more popular characters, Edward, a very normal looking monster killer. But we'll get to Edward later. I recommend starting at the beginning of the series with "Guilty Pleasures" since it will help any reader become immersed in the world of Anita Blake.