The character of Marius sounds absolutely fascinating. The idea of a vampire who is not just a monster, but a philosopher, a guardian of history and art through the centuries... it's brutal! I'm really drawn to what you say about it being more of a contemplative novel than a horror story, focused on beauty, morality, and the weight of eternity. The way you describe Rice's prose and the atmosphere of the book transports you. You've totally convinced me. I feel like I'm missing out on a real gem of vampire literature. Thank you for such a thorough and well-explained recommendation! I'll definitely add it to my list.