Armand is my favourite character too, and i was so disappointed when Antonio Banderas played him in the film version. Armand was supposed to be 17, not 37
HA! I know exactly what you mean. I'm sure they could have found someone much better to play that role, but for some reason they didn't.
In regards to Blood Canticle, I don't suggest reading it if 1) you don't approve of/like the way Lestat is transforming. (Personally I don't but I still read the book.), and 2) if you're not at least remotely interested in the Witch series as it ties up the loose ends for that set of books as well. All that being said, I didn't really mind BC so much. Not one of her best, but at that point she was tired of writing about the vamps so I don't think she made it as good as she could have. Then again, what the hell do I know? It's not like I have a book published.
If you haven't had the chance to read Blood and Gold you should read that one, IMHO anyway. It's dealing with Marius and you get a little bit more info on Armand as well (which I adore). Albeit, not a whole lot more, just from a different perspective. I do like Marius' story though, particularly the whole "Those Who Must Be Kept" details which we never had before.
Have I rambled enough yet? I think I'm done for one day.