As a Romanian-born reader who is fascinated by Vlad the Impaler's life and folklore I was drawn to Grigorcea's presentation of the ancestral homeland and Dracula's haunting legacy. Her portrayal of a post-communist society still grappling with its past echoed my own experiences and observations.
The atmosphere is eerie, dreamlike in places, and the lines between history and fiction are blurred. But Grigorcea's exploration of fate and the enigmatic figure of Dracula adds depth and complexity to the story. Yet it is not a bloodthirsty vampire novel or a modern Dracula à la Bram Stoker - which I appreciated.
It's a novel that delves not only into the historical and supernatural, but also into the enduring power of Romania's cultural heritage. Overall, a captivating and evocative read that held my attention.
In post-Communist Romania, on the border with Transylvania, the sleepy little town of B. is losing its young people to the West.
A young painter returned from Paris and her eccentric great-aunt seem unconcerned with the decline of the town, until a mutilated corpse is found in the family crypt of Prince Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula.
As the world's attention turns to B., the mayor and his son take advantage and turn the town into a vampire-inspired theme park. Tourists flock, but beneath the surface ancient horrors live on.
This is a breathtaking, atmospheric tale of revenge,…
Thrillers that combine cutting-edge forensic science with a dash of wit delivered by a female protagonist are always at the top of my reading list. Kathy Reichs' The Bone Hacker was one of my 2023 highlights.
This book delves into the mind of a ruthless serial killer, whose twisted obsession with hacking their victims' arms adds a chilling layer to the story. The exotic and well-developed settings add a magical touch to the reading experience.
The book's premise, cybercrime, is both current and terrifying, emphasizing how easily modern technology can be abused. The duality of the title, The Bone Hacker, was a brilliant stroke of genius that kept me guessing until the very end.
A writer can tell a story with words, but a forensic anthropologist can solve a murder by studying the victims' bones - and this has always fascinated me.
From Number One Bestselling author Kathy Reichs comes the new high-stakes thriller featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan.
EVEN ON AN ISLAND PARADISE, DANGER STILL LURKS
Called in to examine what is left of a body struck by lightning, Tempe traces an unusual tattoo to its source and is soon embroiled in a much larger case. Young men - tourists - have been disappearing on the islands of Turks and Caicos for years. Seven years ago, the first victim was found with both hands cut off; the other visitors vanished without a trace. But recently, tantalizing leads have emerged and only…
To be honest, I discovered Weyward by Emilia Hart through a book review subscription. I burned my lunch after reading the Amazon Sample. This is the first time this year.
I was immediately immersed in three richly detailed historical settings. Its connections to witchcraft and the natural world (which I was already immersed in due to my WIP and blog research) piqued my interest. Mesmerized by the heroines' strength in a world besieged by misogyny (three times over). This book stayed with me.
It's a must-read for anyone looking for an atmospheric, spellbinding journey through history and the supernatural from a strong feminist perspective with an empowering message.
An Indie Next March 2023 Pick • A LibraryReads March 2023 Pick • An Amazon "Best Books of the Year So Far" 2023 Pick
"A brave and original debut, Weyward is a spellbinding story about what may transpire when the natural world collides with a legacy of witchcraft." ––Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The London Séance Society
I am a Weyward, and wild inside.
2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the…
Journey into the aftermath of a giant's forbidden love, the chilling fate of a maiden turned to stone, the mystery surrounding the lost Dacian treasure, or the true reasons behind the terror inspired by Vlad the Impaler. Uncover hidden truths and well-guarded secrets behind these legendary stories of "happily ever after," chilling origins, elusive warriors, and the enigmatic figures that have shaped Transylvania for millennia. Dreamland reveals the epic narratives and whimsical photography behind the legends we thought we knew, inviting you to dive deeper into a world where history meets myth.
Discover the untold tales that shaped history and folklore in Dreamland through well-crafted 100-word stories: “A Captivating Read”, “Delightful and Fascinating”, “A magical tour through Romania's history and folklore.”
