The first introduction in English devoted wholly to Varda and aimed at a general and student audience. Places Varda's major films in the context of her whole oeuvre and follows the development of important themes across her work.

In Jewel's world, vampires walk side by side with humans. They are hidden in the shadows but never completely gone from society. Many vampires worry about what would happen if their existence were to be broadcast to the human world. Would humanity accept them or declare them monsters? While some have renounced killing humans, others still delight in it.

For the powerful and devious vampire matriarch, Monique, this is the way it should be. She believes vampires are the superior species. The vampire Anton, in contrast, detests Monique's despicable actions. He valiantly saves...