My Goodreads review: Dracul
Dracul by Dacre Stoker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
[I was supplied with a NetGalley copy of this book for award voting purposes, and in exchange for an honest review. ]
Despite being marketed as a prequel to Dracula, this novel feels less prequel than "secret history." Bram Stoker, members of his family, and several other real (or possibly real) characters are the focus of an intricately plotted classic horror adventure. Though it ends with a fairly traditional hunt-down of the Big Bad (no spoilers as to how this version ends!), there are enough unusual bits of vampire lore and associated legends to keep even a seasoned reader turning or clicking the pages.
The Authors' Note and Acknowledgements chapters are not to be skipped. In fact, I almost wish I'd read them first, as they explain the research and thought processes behind this nearly-nonfiction entertainment.
I hesitated long and hard between four and five stars for this one, but finally chose four (for most readers) due to a framing device which broke up my attention on the story in progress until it was finally concluded in the last portions of the novel. Readers with more patience, or simply a faster reading pace, may not be troubled.
Recommended for fans of classic vampire horror, Gothic novels, or dark "secret history." Probably essential for those primarily interested in Bram Stoker himself.
View all my reviews