If anything the second book is better than the first. Dracula returns to England six years after the first book. His adventures coincide with Sherlock's latest case. Chapters alternate between Dracula's unique perspective on events and Watson's almost typical rendition of a Sherlock Holmes mystery.
The two mythic characters eventually team up to bring the evil-doers to justice (rough Dracula-style justice) and save the city of London from a horrible fate.
The mystery aspect of the story makes this second installment more exciting to read. Since this is a Dracula story we are never sure if nothing terrible will happen to Holmes, Watson, or Lestrade. Saberhagen presents the Holmesian characters well and integrate them seamlessly into the Dracula world. The story is well-paced, with good action, restrained gore, and a well-constructed setup and payoff.
Showing posts with label fred saberhagen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fred saberhagen. Show all posts
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Fred Saberhagen - Dracula Sequence 01 - The Dracula Tape
The transcription of a cassette tape found in a car abandoned during a snowstorm in England recounts the story of Dracula as told by the vampire himself. He paints himself as the hero, of course, and Van Helsing as a boorish, evil man.
The story is quite entertaining in that it contrasts 'journal entries' from Helsing, and the Harkers with Dracula's recollection of the events from Harkers trip to Transylvania to events in England, and back to Dracula's castle and his apparent demise. Some of the Victorian language is a bit off-putting, but the story is rather amusing. Saberhagen paints Dracula quite well as a believable and sympathetic character.
Definitely written well enough to read more books in the series. I have 9 of them but there may be more. Also may want to read The Frankenstein Papers, by Saberhagen; as well I should read the original Dracula by Bram Stoker -- see if any of the Victorian language used by Saberhagen is taken directly from the original book.
If your are looking for a vampire series without the teenage angst or kinky sex common in the current crop, then check out the first book of this series.
The story is quite entertaining in that it contrasts 'journal entries' from Helsing, and the Harkers with Dracula's recollection of the events from Harkers trip to Transylvania to events in England, and back to Dracula's castle and his apparent demise. Some of the Victorian language is a bit off-putting, but the story is rather amusing. Saberhagen paints Dracula quite well as a believable and sympathetic character.
Definitely written well enough to read more books in the series. I have 9 of them but there may be more. Also may want to read The Frankenstein Papers, by Saberhagen; as well I should read the original Dracula by Bram Stoker -- see if any of the Victorian language used by Saberhagen is taken directly from the original book.
If your are looking for a vampire series without the teenage angst or kinky sex common in the current crop, then check out the first book of this series.
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