holley_cornetto's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect. It turns out that Dacre Stoker takes the legacy of his family very seriously, and this book is a reflection of that. The book was a labor of love written by Stoker and J. D. Barker, and it has a very authentic feel to it. It is true to Stoker's work, with the growing dread and unease, and beautifully Gothic atmosphere.
The authors' notes reveal that much of what is included here came from Stoker's notes, as well as the recently translated to English Icelandic version of Dracula, Powers of Darkness. I'd highly recommend this to any fans Stoker, or those who enjoy Gothic literature.
The authors' notes reveal that much of what is included here came from Stoker's notes, as well as the recently translated to English Icelandic version of Dracula, Powers of Darkness. I'd highly recommend this to any fans Stoker, or those who enjoy Gothic literature.
lawli37's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
rossigencheva's review against another edition
5.0
For the past 6 months, I've been looking for a book that even comes close to my absolute favorite, Annihilation. I've finally found it – Dracul is now my favorite horror/thriller book of all time.
This book wasn't just creepy. It filled me with dread, made me feel like I was surrounded by darkness as I was reading. We're getting dramatic here, but seriously. Over the course of the almost 500 pages, I never shook the feeling that someone was behind me, watching. I started reading this before bed and had to stop and watch puppy videos after ten minutes, hoping I hadn't destroyed my chances of getting to sleep that night.
If you want scary, this is it. Any time an author is able to write a jump scare, I consider that excellent horror/thriller writing. In addition to the creepiness, the characters are well-developed and interconnected, the story unique and exciting. It never once started to drag. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days. Highly recommend!!
This book wasn't just creepy. It filled me with dread, made me feel like I was surrounded by darkness as I was reading. We're getting dramatic here, but seriously. Over the course of the almost 500 pages, I never shook the feeling that someone was behind me, watching. I started reading this before bed and had to stop and watch puppy videos after ten minutes, hoping I hadn't destroyed my chances of getting to sleep that night.
If you want scary, this is it. Any time an author is able to write a jump scare, I consider that excellent horror/thriller writing. In addition to the creepiness, the characters are well-developed and interconnected, the story unique and exciting. It never once started to drag. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days. Highly recommend!!
dalia21's review against another edition
5.0
Super recomendado para todos los amantes de los verdaderos vampiros
mandalabunny's review against another edition
4.0
It’s so nice to read a vampire book that doesn’t involve a love story. This book seems like it could easily be nonfiction which makes it that much better. My only reason for knocking off a star is I’m not a fan of nonlinear stories because they can be confusing at times, and I feel like this book could’ve been shorter. I think there were several chapters, especially in the present time, that could’ve been removed altogether. Even with those small issues it was a great read, I definitely recommend.
aschwartz184's review against another edition
5.0
HUGE fan of the Dracula myth and really enjoyed how these two authors wove a rich tale about Bram Stoker's life that *might* have happened?
One of the best fictional works I've read in a very long time.
One of the best fictional works I've read in a very long time.
jamiezaccaria's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted this to be great but it was just OK. The best part was the ending that explained parallels between this book and the real Bram Stoker's life. Perhaps if I had known how realistic this (sort of) is, I would have been more entertained? Either way, I felt the writing to be too over-explanatory, especially when it came to the character's dialogue. I also didn't feel a concrete threat from Dracula and felt the storyline was a bit disjointed. Not bad but not great either.
ashtronomic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A fantastically written historical fiction about the Life of Bram Stoker, which perfectly replicates the moody atmosphere of the original Dracula.
This book exceeded expectations. Written by the great-grand nephew of Bram stoker himself, Dacre Stoker has successfully emulated the gothic style and eerie ambience of the original dracula books.
Descriptive writing makes it easy to feel immersed in Stoker’s sinister version of mid-19th century Europe. The pacing is consistent, a great balance between action, suspense and character development. The plot has many little twists and turns, which prevent the novel from being overly predictable.
The book is enjoyable the entire way through, however the book’s epilogue is exquisite and really brings the entire novel to life. A delightfully indulgent conclusion to a great novel.