Tomes of Shadowstalking
Tomes of ShadowstalkingWelcome to the land of shadows, where evil is the greatest power, where nightfall marks the birth of terror, where your very soul is at risk. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with black magic and dark souls and encounter the monsters rule these wicked places.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
When death arrived for Vlad Tsepesh (a.k.a. "Vlad the Impaler"), it was turned back by a dark and terrible covenant forged between Vlad Dracula and the forces of darkness. But to continue his unholy existence, Vlad needs the corruption of the eldest surviving son of each generation. For a time Arkady Tsepesh succeeded in escaping the fate that his heritage decreed for him, escaped it long enough to travel to England, marry, and father a child. His father's sudden illness and death, however, serve to lure him back to Transylvania and his childhood home, and it is here that he is brought face to face with the terrible deeds the covenant demands of him. For it is up to him to satisfy with unsuspecting travelers his dark ancestor's unholy desires, or those whom he loves will be slain instead. What can Arkady do but succumb? He could resist, of course, and do his absolute best to deny Dracula his sustenance. But the question is: will Dracula let him get away so easily?
Covenant with the Vampire spins a compelling narrative about the heritage of Dracula's ancestors and descendants, and the horrifying pacts and covenants made to preserve his undead existence. Backed with historic fact and interwoven with fantastically real fabrications, this is the beginning of a trilogy well worth the read.
Like Dracula, this book takes the form of a collection of journals and correspondences, providing readers with a series of first-person narratives. And between those narratives, the author concocts a spell-binding tale that does not detract from the original Stoker text; indeed, it only adds to it, offering suggestions as to exactly what led to Dracula's interest in mimigrating to England. The author has plainly done her research, adding verifiable historic facts to sustain her characters' actions and beliefs. In its way this book is as enjoyable a extension of the Dracula mythos as Fred Saberhagen's books--starting with The Dracula Tape--are.
Covenant with the Vampire is a definite read for any Dracula fan or fanatic, and not just because it's about The Vampire himself. I'm sure you'll find the history and reality behind the legend just as interesting and compelling to read as the supernatural deeds associated with him. So go ahead, pick up the book...if you dare!
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