The first time I read the Cassandra Palmer series, I was intrigued by the Vampire system.  Basically, the Best 12 Vampires, who are so powerful that even thinking of going against them is inconceivable form the Vampire Senate.  All of these Senate members have families-these are the vampires that they have brought into their second life.  And each of the senators is accountable for the actions of their children.  And each of them are accountable for their children.   So, every one has someone to look to, for leadership and protection and everyone is accountable.  There are different levels of vampires.  There are regular vampires and then master vampires.  Master vampires have levels. They start at 8th level and each level up is an increase in power of an exponential level.  Once a vampire reaches first level master they continue to grow in power based on their age.

I thought I got this, but it wasn’t until I started reading the Dorina books that I really got it.  We get to see what the lower level vamps are like.  And it made me realize that Cassie is playing in the highest levels.  I feel sorry for her, this young Pythia having to deal with the Silver Circle mages who are 175 yrs old and a 2000 year old consul.  Even Pritkin is 2000 years old.  And Mircea is 600.  It seems a little unfair