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!
As one of the world's greatest vampires, Dracula is not without power of his own. Still, how can he hope to challenge two of the world's greatest wizards as they struggle for possession of one of the greatest weapons/tools the world has ever known? Very, very carefully. It doesn't help that neither the amnesiac Merlin nor the manipulative Nimue know where to find what they're looking for, or that the former Lady of the Lake has a vampire, a werewolf, and a mass murderer assisting her. OR that the distracted and half-crazed Merlin doesn't trust him and sends the Prince of Wallachia back in time. Does Dracula have a prayer in heaven--or hell--of preventing these warring wizards from destroying all of Chicago?
As with An Old Friend of the Family, I'm not quite certain I understand the Arthurian link. Admittedly, my knowledge of Arthurian lore is limited to Le Morte D'Arthur and Excalibur, but it was something of a stretch to introduce two powerful figures from one set of legends without prior preparation. At least, however, their connection to Dracula is coincidental and unlike Morgan Le Fay's link in the earlier book, which seemed particularly integral to the plot.
After reading Thorn I expected the author to continue dealing with Dracula's existence pre-Van Helsing and his band of hunters. Instead, I found myself floundering along with Dracula as he jumped back and forth in time, courtesy of Merlin's meddling. I suppose it might make sense if I were better versed in Arthurian lore, but I think I'm justified in laying that problem at the author's feet. For example, I have no idea if there was actually a man called Falerin, or Comorr, or Medraut, though the last two seem familiar to me. I did know of the relationship between Merlin and Nimue, but other than that she was responsible for his downfall, nothing more. See what problems there are?
Dracula's the hero--naturally--and this time he's doing something for the good of the world instead of simply the good of the Southerland family. I could wish that some of the supporting cast had survived Nimue's deadly blood rituals--especially Simon Hill, whom the author seemed to invest a lot of time in--but I suppose the author knows what he's doing.
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