Helpful Score: 6
This book was very similar to Raybourn's other novels that center around Lady Julia Gray. Theodora travels to Transylvania to work on a book and offer support for a former school friend. While there, she meets an enigmatic count (who may or may not have some connection to vampires) and deals with a murder.
Not a bad book and the atmosphere was well done. A little spooky and creepy. The hero, the count, was an interesting and flawed character.
My only complaint was that it followed exactly the same story arc as the writer's previous works. Smart lady, dead body, gorgeous enigmatic man, suspicion, romance, mystery solved, happy ending. (Although in her previous books, you had to wait a while for the happy ending.)
Good to pass the time, but ultimately forgettable.
Not a bad book and the atmosphere was well done. A little spooky and creepy. The hero, the count, was an interesting and flawed character.
My only complaint was that it followed exactly the same story arc as the writer's previous works. Smart lady, dead body, gorgeous enigmatic man, suspicion, romance, mystery solved, happy ending. (Although in her previous books, you had to wait a while for the happy ending.)
Good to pass the time, but ultimately forgettable.
Helpful Score: 3
The dead may travel fast...but this books storyline did not. When you try, over a three day period, to read a book and it's better than a soporific at putting you to sleep, you know this is not the book for you. If the author was aiming for Gothic, she missed it by a mile. The story needed more suspense and less mundane triviality. When I reached a third into the story, and neither knew NOR cared what the mystery was, I knew it was time to quit. I'll try this authors Lady Julia books-this series I'll skip.
2 stars.
2 stars.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoy the Victorian mysteries this author writes, so when I saw this title I figured I'd give it a try. I didn't like it as much as her Victorian tales. It's an atmospheric Gothic tale set in Rumania. I think part of the genre is for the reader to not completely know what is going on (are the monsters real or just the stuff of legend?) but I found that perspective irritating rather than spooky. With so many books today assuming the monsters are real for the sake of the story, this one that leaves the question open wasn't that much fun.
Those of you who are familiar with Deanna Raybourns work know how she can create a gripping story that easily pulls you in, and this one is no exception. For those who have not yet read her novels, I hope to persuade you to do so as soon as you are able.
When I first heard that Deanna was going to write a novel that did not feature her beloved Lady Julia Grey, I was disappointed to say the least. I should not have allowed myself to doubt her, because this is certainly on par with a Lady Julia novel. While it started off a little more slowly, I soon found myself wrapped up in the characters and unwilling to put the book down. I even once looked over at my empty water glass, and though I was thirsty, I didnt want to take the time to fill it.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=1958
When I first heard that Deanna was going to write a novel that did not feature her beloved Lady Julia Grey, I was disappointed to say the least. I should not have allowed myself to doubt her, because this is certainly on par with a Lady Julia novel. While it started off a little more slowly, I soon found myself wrapped up in the characters and unwilling to put the book down. I even once looked over at my empty water glass, and though I was thirsty, I didnt want to take the time to fill it.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=1958
Enjoyed this Raybourn gothic story. The mystery wasn't obvious and kept me guessing and Deanna Raybourn writes more interesting characters and better dialogue than your average romance novel.
This book was NOT very good. I had to force myself to finish it; I was just too stubborn to put it down. The premise was OK, but the book struggled in many places and the plot just wasn't paced well enough. The characters were OK, but a bit too much in each case. While this is not part of Mrs. Raybourn's Julia Grey series, it is similar - those who really LOVE the Grey work may enjoy this.
Vampires, warewolves, murder, dark suspense... just not done well enough to make it any good.
Vampires, warewolves, murder, dark suspense... just not done well enough to make it any good.
I feel ripped off. I liked the first two books in her Lady Julia Grey series and LOVED the writing in Spear of Summer Grass, so I bought this one. Half way through, I'm disgusted. It's like she jumped on the vampire/werewolf bandwagon in 2010 to make a quick buck, it's not even as good as the Victorian romance mysteries I read as a child. I trust authors; if I like their writing, I'll buy their books. Looks like I'd better read reviews before buying any more of hers, tho'!
I enjoyed this story. Dark, gothic and in Transylvania, what's not to like.
