Synopsis: Lucy Weston tracks down the novelist Bram Stoker in her search to reveal the dark force who made her a vampire–and regain her humanity in the process.In the steampunk world of Victorian London, Lucy Weston, a character in “Dracula,” seeks out Bram Stoker to discover why he deliberately lied about her in his popular novel. With Stoker’s reluctant help, she tracks the creature who transformed her from the sensual underworld where humans vie to become vampires to a hidden cell beneath a temple to madness and finally into the glittering Crystal Palace where death reigns supreme. Haunted by fragmentary memories of her lost life and love, Lucy battles her thirst for blood as she struggles to stop a catastrophic war that will doom vampires and humans alike. Ultimately, she makes a choice that illuminates for her–and for us–the true nature of what it means to be human.
review: I was completely carried away by this new story.Emma Cornwall had some fabulous ideas. When I Read the summary I confess that I didn’t expect to have a novel like this one. I thought I would have a lot of references in relation toDracula which was ultimately not really the case.But we have however many references in relation to the Arthurian story which was a complete surprise. It’s finally this that will lead the story throughout the book. Of course everything is questioned and the author brings her own ideas to this mythical legend.
Overnight, Lucy Weston finds herself in the skin of a vampire, something she didn’t think possible. But the strangest fact is that nobody is there to help her understand her condition, nor guide her in this new life. And it’s with difficulty that we discover this young woman so different from others, who enters in a world she does not know anything about. And so many new elements and characters will then appear to us. Our young heroine will be hosted by Lady Blanche, an ancient vampire whosewe instantly mistrust. I must say that we quickly feel that she wants something from her and she just waits for the right time to implement her plan. With the help of two other characters: Felix and Marco, Lucy will understand the true nature of people who lives with her.
I was immediately intrigued by Marco. We don’t know what he wants; what he is and if he is trying to manipulate our new vampire. But as the story progresses, we realize that there are many things we didn’t know. Everything we learn changes our judgment about this man and his motives. I think we understand pretty quickly the reasons of his behavior when we get into the story, but we remain intrigued by his origins, his family and I confess that I would love to learn more about him.
Emma Cornwallintroduces us many characters that we don’t really know and we remaincurious about their histories. And what about Mordred? This character we’re searching throughout the novel?This is a character that I can’t really place, even at the end of the bookand I think it‘ll take more than that for it to be the case. It’s quite hard to tell if he’s a nice vampire or if he finally has a darker and manipulative side. He hides his feelings well and perfectly controls what he presents to the others. I think I’ll stop there; I have too many things to say about the characters, especially about our dear writer, Bram Stoker. It was a real pleasure to have met him here.
This book wasa very nice surprise and I admit that now that it’sfinished, I want to learn more about everything. Many tracks were opened here and we now expectto learn the following events. In fact,I’m sure they will be rich in emotion.
Blodeuedd
Ohh it sounds cool 😀
I was a bit unsure about the whole Dracula Stoker thing but it does seem to work
Melliane
Yeah I think as she doesn’t really write about Dracula but mainly about the Arthurian myth it’s an interesting mix.
Kelly
Thanks for the great review Mel! This one sucked me in with its blurb and your review makes me eager to jump in! An Arthurian myth?! Sounds awesome!
Melliane
Yeah, a lot about it! can’t wait to know your opinion Kelly!
kara-karina@Nocturnal Book Reviews
It was brilliant and dark, wasn’t it, D? Glad you loved it! I thought the twist with Mordred and Bedlam was really good. Looking forward to reading more of this author, lovely review!
Melliane
Me too, thank you darling. I agree with you!
Vivian @ Vivaciously, Vivian
GAAAAAAHH!! I’ve had my eyes trained on this book for so long, so happy to see you’ve reviewed it and liked it! Glad that it has some different ideas from a regular vampire read. I’ve always loved the cover of this as well. The characters sound really great and I cannot wait to read this!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review, Melliane!
Melliane
Me too, I really love the cover! I hope you’ll like it as much as I did!
Mel
I loved Dracula so I have to admit the idea of one of the characters in a new story really intrigues me. Even better it sounds like it’s a great read! 🙂
Melliane
I confess I haven’t read Dracula but saw many movies. I need to.
Aurian
Great review Melliane, glad you liked it so much. Not sure if this is for me though.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh Lucy Weston! I always was curious about her character. This sounds like a great start to a series.