Book Review: Anno-Dracula by Kim Newman

Title: Anno-Dracula
Author: Kim Newman
Published: New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, Inc., 1992 (1993)
Page Count: 359
Total Page Count: 39,551
Text Number: 113
Read For: my own enjoyment, checked out from the library
Short review: In 1885, Count Dracula came to London to spread vampirism into the heart of Victorian England. But in this retelling of (literary) history, Van Helsing did not defeat Dracula; rather, Dracula succeeded, marrying Queen Victoria and becoming Prince Consort. Now, in 1888, vampires fill positions of power—but also the streets of Whitechapel, where a murderer is killing and mutilating young vampire prostitutes. The attempt to catch him brings together a upper class adventurer named Charles Beauregard and an ancient vampire elder named Genevieve Diuedonne. A clever concept that intertwines alternate history with horror and includes many familiar faces (including, of course, Jack the Ripper, known here as the Silver Knife), this is a promising political intrigue enrichened by vampires that, unfortunately, falls flat. Although the horror is indeed gruesome, the plot is detailed, and the vampires are skillfully conceived, the book's premise is impossible to believe and the writing style is cheap at best (and desperately in need of an editor at worst). This is a swift read and holds a lot of promise, but it is also, frankly, quite bad. I don't recommend it.

( Long review. )

Review posted here at Amazon.com.

Book Review: The Flight of the Dragons by Peter Dickinson, Illustrated by Wayne Anderson

Title: The Flight of the Dragons
Author: Peter Dickinson
Illustrator: Wayne Anderson
Published: New York: Harper & Row, 1979
Page Count: 132
Total Page Count: 39,551
Text Number: 113
Read For: my own enjoyment, checked out from the library
Short review: With this highly-illustrated nonfiction text, Dickinson intends to prove the existence of dragons: gigantic, firebreathing, flying reptiles. Through popular and historical descriptions of the beasts, he theorizes everything from dragon lifecycles, to dragon slaying, to the necessary connection between a dragon's form, firebreathing, and flight. He often draws on quotes from his sources, and Anderson's illustrations provide visual interest and help depict the mechanics of the dragon body and flight. Although Dickinson's arguments are often circular and his evidence is self-serving, the straightforward writing and novel theory make this an interesting and thoughtful read. Although neither fiction nor fantasy, it is also entertaining. This book is faulted, but I still recommend it.

( Long review. )

Review posted here at Amazon.com.