Fiction Book Reviews

Book Review: Vlad the Impaler

By Sandy Amazeen Oct 18, 2009, 20:43 GMT

From the bestselling author illustrator team of the 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation comes the truly gory tale of the historical Dracula The Dracula myth has sparked a legacy of endlessly entertaining creepy tales. The fictional character, originally penned by Bram Stoker, was inspired by and named after a real-life fiend-Prince Vlad Dracula, the fifteenth-century ruler of Wallachia-a man infamous for massacring and impaling his enemies. In brilliant four-color illustrations, ...more

With vampires increased popularity and box office appeal it seems only right that Vlad, the bloodthirsty ruler who inspired Stoker’s original tale receive his share of the limelight. Brilliantly illustrated with just enough history and geography to spark further reading, this gritty telling follows Prince Vlad from his imprisonment by a Turkish Sultan where he learned the value of instilling fear, to adulthood and his attempts to regain the throne of Wallachia.

Primarily written for youth and teenagers, the captivating illustrations range from bold to dark and brooding depending upon the storyline. Prince Vlad’s story was smoothed over, just touching on his time spent with the Turks, subsequent attempts to regain his throne and love life. This condensed version provides just enough blood and gore, sex and violence to tantalize readers into searching out more detailed information about a vilified character whose deeds rival anything from Bram Stoker’s imagination, a delightful Halloween read.