Although Rufino Endicott would have convulsions if he were real, I found this green-haired, halfling vampire cute. Vath’s Legacy is the fourth book in The Rufino Factor series by Joshua Rem, and it is amazing. The story begins with getting the reader reacquainted with Rufino. He is innocent, yet knowledgeable about the evil that lurks in dark corners. He isn’t afraid of helping justice find its way to those evil beings preying on the weak. But he is afraid of Kiralyn Frostwhisper and the control she has over him. He would love to never see her again, yet is afraid of never seeing her again. When she proposes a job they could do together, he knows he can’t turn her down.
 
Joshua Rem is a creative writer that draws you to this ugly halfling vampire, and you just have to love him. Vath’s Legacy can stand alone but you will want to read more from this author and about Rufino. I found the characters were well developed with unique personalities. I will remember this novel for many Christmases to come (you would have to read it to find out why). It was enjoyable to read about Rufino and Kiralyn’s adventure to take down a warlord. I would classify this novel as humorous, witty, and original. I love how different Rufino and Kiralyn are and they make an incredible team; where trust and loyalty bind them, but only so far. Snarky sarcasm and a love of food will probably be the reader's lasting thoughts of Rufino; along with... when will book five come out?

Vath’s Legacy (The Rufino Factor: Book 4) by Joshua Rem is the continuation of a fantasy series by this author. Rufino is a vampire who inhabits the world of Ch’ulu and is on the hunt for his missing mobile coffin, which was beneath a cart that he has now lost. It is the eve of the Winter Solstice and humans are celebrating the arrival of the fat man in a red suit, which for Rufino means cookies left out for the jolly man, that he, Rufino, can steal to feed his sweet tooth. Despite his small size, Rufino has performed many acts of heroism over the years and he has a strong moral compass to guide him in what is right and wrong. The beautiful, mysterious, and greatly feared druid-sorceress, Kiralyn Frostwhisper, is both Rufino’s greatest nemesis and his deepest fantasy. Unsure and uncertain of his own attractiveness to Kiralyn, he takes what little affection he can from her, when it is on offer. It is Kiralyn, though, he must unite and work with if the evil Vath's Legacy is to be overcome and defeated.

Vath’s Legacy was a real eye-opener for me. For readers used to fantasy tales full of weird and wonderful creatures who partake in epic battles, author Joshua Rem has scaled that back and focused very much on the characters and their development, especially the characteristics of their makeup that make them do what they do. Rufino is not your typical vampire at all. He cares about doing the right thing and appears not to have an amoral bone in his body. Deeply attracted to Kiralyn, he cannot believe that she could possibly find him attractive and this constant seeking of her approval plays a large part in the story. I am aware that this book is part of a series, but you don’t have to have read any of the other offerings to truly enjoy this story. What this story did make me want to do was read more of this series and of this author. I think that’s the greatest compliment a reviewer can pay an author of a series. Vath’s Legacy is a tale of the underdog, battling against prejudice and seeking acceptance for who he is as an individual, rather than who he is as a race or a species. The parallels to society today are clear and noticeable. I would describe this book as fantasy with a heart and soul. I can highly recommend it.

Vath's Legacy, The Rufino Factor by Joshua Rem is the story of a half vampire called Rufino, who cuts a lonely figure, with no real place in the world. Although this is book four, and I have not read the previous three books, the author gives a brief recap of the events prior to this story, so I was able to understand what was happening and I could follow the story well enough. The world the author has created is detailed and I could really picture it. Rufino knows how to survive in his world, but he is still trying to be a good person. I enjoyed the idea of him swiping cookies that are intended for Santa. He is always on the outside, looking in. I think this would resonate with anyone who has felt marginalized. In fact, most great characters have this feeling, that they are different than the people around them, although this is usually true!

As a reader who enjoyed this book, I feel that Joshua Rem has created an interesting story with Vath's Legacy, The Rufino Factor: Book Four. I know that vampires have been done to death, but Rufino was an interesting character and his story was enjoyable. I think it is well written and the author hints at deeper themes and issues. The dialogue was good and believable. This is the kind of book that would appeal to paranormal and fantasy fans. I think it will do well on the market, especially with young adult readers, although personally I imagine that adult readers would enjoy it too.