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Karstein Chronicles #1
Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria
When fate draws together the lives of two young women, their mutual attraction quickly flourishes into a bond which threatens the boundaries of social etiquette in 1860’s Styria.
As their relationship continues to develop further, they remain oblivious to the growing horror which surrounds them, as throughout the province other young women begin dying in mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, others are falling victim to the apparently random attacks of a rampaging pack of wolves. When, finally the truth is revealed, the scene is set for a battle between two ancient evils.
Years before the publication of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu produced a haunting gothic mystery called Carmilla. David Brian has used much of the original narrative to create a very different version of Carmilla. Introducing an array of new characters, and touching on subjects which would have been considered taboo in the 1800s, Brian has succeeded in bringing a whole new level of horror, and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla.
As their relationship continues to develop further, they remain oblivious to the growing horror which surrounds them, as throughout the province other young women begin dying in mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, others are falling victim to the apparently random attacks of a rampaging pack of wolves. When, finally the truth is revealed, the scene is set for a battle between two ancient evils.
Years before the publication of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu produced a haunting gothic mystery called Carmilla. David Brian has used much of the original narrative to create a very different version of Carmilla. Introducing an array of new characters, and touching on subjects which would have been considered taboo in the 1800s, Brian has succeeded in bringing a whole new level of horror, and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2012
23 people are currently reading
2575 people want to read
About the author
David Brian
19 books382 followersOfficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-...
Once More with Feeling
"There are people in the house. They have the children. What should we do?"
Available October 17th, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDMCLZVQ
I was born into a world of horror... Well, not quite, but almost! To be more precise, my 'very sudden' arrival into this world came about via a broken cinema seat. It was a seat into which my heavily pregnant mother found herself wedged. Once it had collapsed beneath her bulk, the resulting chaos of attempting to free her - perhaps not surprisingly - induced a rather rapid labor.
Talk about a grand entrance.
I'm guessing it was something of a talking point among those present, and probably for many years after.
Oh, yeah, and the film that was showing? It was The Phantom Of The Opera!
I have had a fascination with all aspects of the horror genre since my childhood, and it is a major driving force in my desire to write entertaining stories.
Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria is my first novel; It's the story of Laura Bennett, who finds everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger first enters her life...
A novel length re-imagining of J.S. Le Fanu's original novella, Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria draws on much of the original narrative, but also introduces an array of new Characters to bring a whole new level of horror, and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla.
The novel is co-authored by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and David Brian.
Collections of my short stories can be found in the fantasy books Dark Albion, Kaleen Rae, and The Cthulhu Child.
Once More with Feeling
"There are people in the house. They have the children. What should we do?"
Available October 17th, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDMCLZVQ
I was born into a world of horror... Well, not quite, but almost! To be more precise, my 'very sudden' arrival into this world came about via a broken cinema seat. It was a seat into which my heavily pregnant mother found herself wedged. Once it had collapsed beneath her bulk, the resulting chaos of attempting to free her - perhaps not surprisingly - induced a rather rapid labor.
Talk about a grand entrance.
I'm guessing it was something of a talking point among those present, and probably for many years after.
Oh, yeah, and the film that was showing? It was The Phantom Of The Opera!
I have had a fascination with all aspects of the horror genre since my childhood, and it is a major driving force in my desire to write entertaining stories.
Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria is my first novel; It's the story of Laura Bennett, who finds everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger first enters her life...
A novel length re-imagining of J.S. Le Fanu's original novella, Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria draws on much of the original narrative, but also introduces an array of new Characters to bring a whole new level of horror, and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla.
The novel is co-authored by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and David Brian.
Collections of my short stories can be found in the fantasy books Dark Albion, Kaleen Rae, and The Cthulhu Child.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 15, 2015
Alright, so I know the main character is more Austrian than English, but was I the only one who read this out loud in a British accent? It was a lot more fun than it sounds.
This is the second book by the same author that I have read and I’m fast becoming a fan of his writing. The story is told via a number of letters, and journal entries from the main characters and I thought this was rather well done. It got the point across without any plot holes by which I mean I didn’t ask myself, how the hell does Laura know all this when she wasn’t told anything by her father.
The story centre’s around two young women and their relationship with each other amidst strange happenings of women dying in their province due to mysterious causes. These mysterious causes are made all the more, well mysterious if like you me you haven’t read the original Carmilla or the blurb of this book. If like me, you are also a fan of historical and classic fiction especially Victorians, then you will enjoy this book. The writing itself was flowing and just the right amount of descriptive.
There are vampires (not something I knew going in btw) and werewolves (something I figured based on the title alone but not as I expected them to be) and there is clashing and first love and gruesomeness.
I liked Laura though I would have preferred her to be smarter, her voice was engaging and well defined. Without giving anything away, I wasn’t too happy with her obsession with Carmilla even after she witnessed the scene with the General. Thank goodness I’m not that silly anymore.
I don’t have any complaints about this book apart from how idiotic young love can be, and that isn’t so much the books fault as well, a fact of life.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’m supposed to tell you this in case you think I’m a) being biased and b) hiding that bias. But honestly I’m too sleepy to be anything.
This is the second book by the same author that I have read and I’m fast becoming a fan of his writing. The story is told via a number of letters, and journal entries from the main characters and I thought this was rather well done. It got the point across without any plot holes by which I mean I didn’t ask myself, how the hell does Laura know all this when she wasn’t told anything by her father.
The story centre’s around two young women and their relationship with each other amidst strange happenings of women dying in their province due to mysterious causes. These mysterious causes are made all the more, well mysterious if like you me you haven’t read the original Carmilla or the blurb of this book. If like me, you are also a fan of historical and classic fiction especially Victorians, then you will enjoy this book. The writing itself was flowing and just the right amount of descriptive.
There are vampires (not something I knew going in btw) and werewolves (something I figured based on the title alone but not as I expected them to be) and there is clashing and first love and gruesomeness.
I liked Laura though I would have preferred her to be smarter, her voice was engaging and well defined. Without giving anything away, I wasn’t too happy with her obsession with Carmilla even after she witnessed the scene with the General. Thank goodness I’m not that silly anymore.
I don’t have any complaints about this book apart from how idiotic young love can be, and that isn’t so much the books fault as well, a fact of life.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’m supposed to tell you this in case you think I’m a) being biased and b) hiding that bias. But honestly I’m too sleepy to be anything.
December 27, 2022
I spent Christmas evening rereading the original Le Fanu Carmilla, so that I could better appreciate the changes that British horror author David Brian weaves into the original gothic tale of vampiric female lust.
Color me impressed. Brian starts with the original text, and then skillfully adds in additional dialogue, a few risqué scenes (there's a steamy bathtub), and a colorful cast of new characters to enhance the plot. There are a few changes to minor characters, such as the General Speilsdorf's niece Bertha, who now appears as his doomed fiancé. I particularly enjoyed the additional werewolf plot elements added to the General's story, which updated the tale for a modern take.
Any fan of the original Carmilla would be well served in reading this updated twist on a horror classic. Kudos!
Color me impressed. Brian starts with the original text, and then skillfully adds in additional dialogue, a few risqué scenes (there's a steamy bathtub), and a colorful cast of new characters to enhance the plot. There are a few changes to minor characters, such as the General Speilsdorf's niece Bertha, who now appears as his doomed fiancé. I particularly enjoyed the additional werewolf plot elements added to the General's story, which updated the tale for a modern take.
Any fan of the original Carmilla would be well served in reading this updated twist on a horror classic. Kudos!
June 8, 2013
'Shy and strange was the look with which she quickly hid her face in my neck and hair, with tumultuous sighs, that seemed almost to sob, and pressed in mine a hand that trembled. Her soft cheek was glowing against mine, and I felt again that strangest of aches in the pit of my stomach, for something of which I knew not.'
OPINION
I found this book incredibly interesting. The story is an adaptation of the original Gothic Romance, Carmilla. After reading this, I feel the need to read the original too, because I took great interest in this book. It was refreshing to read a Vampire story that is so different from the modern ones we have now, and I thought that this was incredibly well written full of beautiful language and flowing dialogue.
THE AUTHOR
The original version of this book, Carmilla, was written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu. David Brian, a fan of the original book, adapted it and added his own touch. I was actually given this book for free, through a giveaway from the Author, and I'm incredibly grateful, since it is a fantastic book.
OPINION
I found this book incredibly interesting. The story is an adaptation of the original Gothic Romance, Carmilla. After reading this, I feel the need to read the original too, because I took great interest in this book. It was refreshing to read a Vampire story that is so different from the modern ones we have now, and I thought that this was incredibly well written full of beautiful language and flowing dialogue.
THE AUTHOR
The original version of this book, Carmilla, was written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu. David Brian, a fan of the original book, adapted it and added his own touch. I was actually given this book for free, through a giveaway from the Author, and I'm incredibly grateful, since it is a fantastic book.
July 2, 2018
David Brian has done an outstanding job of weaving an alternate ending into Le Fanu's original CARMILLA. I was particularly taken with his skill at blending the language nuances and customs of the time into a tale that leaves the reader shuddering with fear. Brian conjures a vision both brilliant and terrifying -- true nature of werewolves. Imagine a conflict between these demon- beasties and the ancient and powerful vampire, Mircalla (Carmilla)! Will our heroine be saved, or will she die as did Carmilla/Mircalla's other victims. She is failing fast, and in the last chapters, you'll be on the edge of your seat for a ride worth the time, if you dare!
January 25, 2016
"But to die as lovers may,to die together,so that they may live together."
"You will think me cruel,very selfish,but love is always selfish;the more ardent the more selfish."
"Life and death are mysterious states,and we know little of the resources of either."
So much better than the original. I would love to read it again and again. 5/5
"You will think me cruel,very selfish,but love is always selfish;the more ardent the more selfish."
"Life and death are mysterious states,and we know little of the resources of either."
So much better than the original. I would love to read it again and again. 5/5
March 8, 2014
Nice one! Very different to most vampire books!
March 3, 2015
J. S. Le Fanu's Carmilla was, possibly one of the most groundbreaking horror stories in the history of Gothic literature. It is a story which cannot fail to touch the soul of any true fan of the genre, and it will likely retain a fondness within the hearts of many who read it. It has always held such a place in my heart.
Why then, if I am such a fan, would I seek to set down a re-imagined history for Carmilla? The answer is a simple one. As much as I love the original work, nonetheless it was constrained by the times in which it was written. I wanted to release it from those constraints, and to allow a story to develop at its own pace. Also, as the original story is now widely read, I felt it important to let this version travel its own path, and so included an array of new characters and a re-imagined plotline, which I feel adds to the Gothic tenure of the original.
The result of my endeavors is Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria, and it is a book for which I hold a great deal of affection. I can only hope the readers appreciate the tale I have woven within its pages, and that the novel will not be considered as just another mash-up, but rather as a dark, and horrific Gothic mystery.
Laura Bennett will find that everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger enters her life...
Why then, if I am such a fan, would I seek to set down a re-imagined history for Carmilla? The answer is a simple one. As much as I love the original work, nonetheless it was constrained by the times in which it was written. I wanted to release it from those constraints, and to allow a story to develop at its own pace. Also, as the original story is now widely read, I felt it important to let this version travel its own path, and so included an array of new characters and a re-imagined plotline, which I feel adds to the Gothic tenure of the original.
The result of my endeavors is Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria, and it is a book for which I hold a great deal of affection. I can only hope the readers appreciate the tale I have woven within its pages, and that the novel will not be considered as just another mash-up, but rather as a dark, and horrific Gothic mystery.
Laura Bennett will find that everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger enters her life...
March 17, 2015
Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria is based around the original narrative of Carmilla By, Le Fanu but with newer twists from David Brian. The book is based around a girl named Laura who was born and raised in 1860's Styria. She soon becomes friends with a girl around her age named Carmilla, whom she met when she was put under Laura's father's care after her mothers carriage crashes. But while Carmilla and Laura's relationship flourishes, they are unaware of the vicious wolf attacks and the deaths of many young girls. As the story progresses the reality of Laura's beautiful friend comes crashing down on her, even if she doesn't want to believe it.
Overall I found the book enjoyable, I loved that David Brian used passages from the original text. He did a wonderful job keeping the characters similar if not exactly like the originals and adding new parts to the story that blended wonderfully together. I love how he looked farther into the relationship between Carmilla and Laura, and filled in some parts of the story that seemed vague with his own ideas as to what happened. I would recommend the book to those who enjoyed the original book, or to those who would enjoy a romance/mystery semi horror novel that isn't all to long.
Overall I found the book enjoyable, I loved that David Brian used passages from the original text. He did a wonderful job keeping the characters similar if not exactly like the originals and adding new parts to the story that blended wonderfully together. I love how he looked farther into the relationship between Carmilla and Laura, and filled in some parts of the story that seemed vague with his own ideas as to what happened. I would recommend the book to those who enjoyed the original book, or to those who would enjoy a romance/mystery semi horror novel that isn't all to long.
June 27, 2014
Quite enjoyable retelling of Carmilla, mixing vampires, werewolves and nicely period accurate prose in 19th century Styria.
December 20, 2013
David Brian has written a suspenseful scary & often times beautiful read. David managed to weave a sensuous narrative that flows seamlessly and seemingly without effort. Any reader will be hooked from the beginning as one comes to not only learn about his character's but to care for and fear for what will happen next. With a shocking ending to this amazing tale this book is a must read. As a constant reader I personally can't wait to read more of this gifted authors work, a superb story... Holly=+=
March 13, 2016
This was a mistake since I thought I was reading the original Carmilla and not until now I've realized that it was this what I read instead. No wonder now that I thought surprising the amount of different plots this book has (it seemed too much to be a gothic novella). It was fun though, and I've checked the original and it seems rather simmilar, I think I'll read it too, just to compare them.
May 28, 2013
This book was a very pleasant surprise. Like many people I am aware of the tale of Carmilla, and indeed I read it many, many years ago. This version was very different, but in a really good way.
A very enjoyable read, and with some lovely little plot twists.
A very enjoyable read, and with some lovely little plot twists.
April 1, 2013
J. S. Le Fanu's Carmilla was, possibly one of the most groundbreaking horror stories in the history of gothic literature. It is a story which cannot fail to touch the soul of any true fan of the genre, and it will likely retain a fondness within the hearts of many who read it. It has always held such a place in my heart.
Why then, if I am such a fan, would I seek to set down a re-imagined history for Carmilla? The answer is a simple one. As much as I love the original work, nonetheless it was constrained by the times in which it was written. I wanted to release it from those constraints, and to allow a story to develop at its own pace. Also, as the original story is now widely read, I felt it important to let this version travel its own path, and so included an array of new characters and a re-imagined plotline, which I feel adds to the gothic tenure of the original.
The result of my endeavors is Carmilla - The Wolves of Styria, and it is a book for which I hold a great deal of affection. I can only hope the readers appreciate the tale I have woven within its pages, and that the novel will not be considered as just another mash-up, but rather as a darkly horrific, gothic mystery.
Laura Bennett will find that everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger enters her life...
Why then, if I am such a fan, would I seek to set down a re-imagined history for Carmilla? The answer is a simple one. As much as I love the original work, nonetheless it was constrained by the times in which it was written. I wanted to release it from those constraints, and to allow a story to develop at its own pace. Also, as the original story is now widely read, I felt it important to let this version travel its own path, and so included an array of new characters and a re-imagined plotline, which I feel adds to the gothic tenure of the original.
The result of my endeavors is Carmilla - The Wolves of Styria, and it is a book for which I hold a great deal of affection. I can only hope the readers appreciate the tale I have woven within its pages, and that the novel will not be considered as just another mash-up, but rather as a darkly horrific, gothic mystery.
Laura Bennett will find that everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger enters her life...
April 1, 2013
J. S. Le Fanu's Carmilla was, possibly one of the most groundbreaking horror stories in the history of gothic literature. It is a story which cannot fail to touch the soul of any true fan of the genre, and it will likely retain a fondness within the hearts of many who read it. It has always held such a place in my heart.
Why then, if I am such a fan, would I seek to set down a re-imagined history for Carmilla? The answer is a simple one. As much as I love the original work, nonetheless it was constrained by the times in which it was written. I wanted to release it from those constraints, and to allow a story to develop at its own pace. Also, as the original story is now widely read, I felt it important to let this version travel its own path, and so included an array of new characters and a re-imagined plotline, which I feel adds to the gothic tenure of the original.
The result of my endeavors is Carmilla - The Wolves of Styria, and it is a book for which I hold a great deal of affection. I can only hope the readers appreciate the tale I have woven within its pages, and that the novel will not be considered as just another mash-up, but rather as a darkly horrific, gothic mystery.
Laura Bennett will find that everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger enters her life...
Why then, if I am such a fan, would I seek to set down a re-imagined history for Carmilla? The answer is a simple one. As much as I love the original work, nonetheless it was constrained by the times in which it was written. I wanted to release it from those constraints, and to allow a story to develop at its own pace. Also, as the original story is now widely read, I felt it important to let this version travel its own path, and so included an array of new characters and a re-imagined plotline, which I feel adds to the gothic tenure of the original.
The result of my endeavors is Carmilla - The Wolves of Styria, and it is a book for which I hold a great deal of affection. I can only hope the readers appreciate the tale I have woven within its pages, and that the novel will not be considered as just another mash-up, but rather as a darkly horrific, gothic mystery.
Laura Bennett will find that everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger enters her life...
December 2, 2021
I'm a big fan of vampire novels (and movies) and so I thought I'd give this updated version of Carmilla a try. I was surprised to find that Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria actually draws on much of the original material. This being said, it also includes a raft of new characters, and some horrific situations revolving around attacks by vampires and werewolves. It also expands on the lesbian relationship hinted at in the original.
This book may not be for everyone as the story unfolds quite slowly, but it is extremely well written and for anyone who enjoys immersing themselves in historic based horror it is a winner. This is the fifth book I've read by this author and I have enjoyed each of them. I'll definitely keep my eyes open for more of his work.
This book may not be for everyone as the story unfolds quite slowly, but it is extremely well written and for anyone who enjoys immersing themselves in historic based horror it is a winner. This is the fifth book I've read by this author and I have enjoyed each of them. I'll definitely keep my eyes open for more of his work.
April 11, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect from this reworking of JS Le Fanu's Carmilla, although I was hopeful as I've previously read and enjoyed a number of David Brian's books. Much like the original, the story moves at a fairly sedate pace, but there are enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting.
Brian does a really good job of emulating Le Fanu's prose, and it is difficult to separate the new from original material. This may not be for everyone, but it is an enticing mystery and far more graphic than the original. A good book, especially for those who are fans of vampires and werewolves.
Brian does a really good job of emulating Le Fanu's prose, and it is difficult to separate the new from original material. This may not be for everyone, but it is an enticing mystery and far more graphic than the original. A good book, especially for those who are fans of vampires and werewolves.
January 20, 2016
I love reading gothic romances and this is now one of my favorite! I love how dark and mysterious the book is throughout the whole story. Every page was suspenseful and I read the book within a few short days. It's definitely a fast-paced story with a great plot, strong and likable characters, and flows wonderfully.
It's really a must read and I loved everything about the book, from the characters, to the plot. I do recommend this book to others! A fun, suspenseful story.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
It's really a must read and I loved everything about the book, from the characters, to the plot. I do recommend this book to others! A fun, suspenseful story.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2015
I love vampires so I wasn't at all sure about this one, but I had heard good things so thought i'd give it a try. All in all, a very decent updating of an old classic. Incorporating violence, sex, and werewolves (yup werewolves!). but you know what? It actually works fairly well.
and kudos to the author for the profluent victorian writing style.
and kudos to the author for the profluent victorian writing style.
June 13, 2013
I have to say that for an unknown author,(at least to me)David Brian has done a really nice job of retelling CARMILLA.
I loved all of the added material, but especially the total reinvention of the General.
I loved all of the added material, but especially the total reinvention of the General.
January 19, 2015
An interesting hybrid of Victorian Gothic and a more modern tone of horror, with a nicely fluid narrative. It was not obvious which parts were original material and which were part of the additions. I need to reread Carmilla now.
July 10, 2013
This book was won as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Having read the original Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu several years ago - the story of a female vampire seducing her young victim - I was interested to see how this piece of derivative writing would deal with the nineteenth-century text. I was pleasantly surprised therefore by the integration of the modern text with the period writing. Brian has managed to carry Le Fanu's voice well across the additions and twists in this novel and the book reads fairly seamlessly. The additions to the original story were well-thought out too, although the twist in the ending meant that it read a little slower than the rest of the text. I have to admit that this was the part of the novel that I least enjoyed. While the early part of the story was paced fairly well, the latter sixth of the novel got a little too bogged down by all the changes that Brian had made. The presence of the wolves, which added a creepy atmosphere to parts of the novel (particularly in their dealing with the characters of Aberle and Karl Bohm), becomes a bit of a hindrance towards the end as their relevance in the story vanishes fairly quickly and just left me feeling vaguely disgruntled.
A good, atmospheric novel that builds competently upon the original, although it was let down a little for me by the ending. Carmilla - The Wolves of Styria gets 3.5 stars.
Having read the original Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu several years ago - the story of a female vampire seducing her young victim - I was interested to see how this piece of derivative writing would deal with the nineteenth-century text. I was pleasantly surprised therefore by the integration of the modern text with the period writing. Brian has managed to carry Le Fanu's voice well across the additions and twists in this novel and the book reads fairly seamlessly. The additions to the original story were well-thought out too, although the twist in the ending meant that it read a little slower than the rest of the text. I have to admit that this was the part of the novel that I least enjoyed. While the early part of the story was paced fairly well, the latter sixth of the novel got a little too bogged down by all the changes that Brian had made. The presence of the wolves, which added a creepy atmosphere to parts of the novel (particularly in their dealing with the characters of Aberle and Karl Bohm), becomes a bit of a hindrance towards the end as their relevance in the story vanishes fairly quickly and just left me feeling vaguely disgruntled.
A good, atmospheric novel that builds competently upon the original, although it was let down a little for me by the ending. Carmilla - The Wolves of Styria gets 3.5 stars.
May 13, 2013
A friend recommended this book as they know I am a fan of gothic literature, and I am so pleased I took their advice. I am not always a fan of derivative fiction, but the author succeeded in weaving a seamless tale of love, horror and mystery. Even though I knew the story of carmilla, the re-written plot kept me guessing as to whatever exactly was going on?
The story is told via a number of letters, and journal entries from the main characters, and this Adds to the sense of mystery and impending doom.
The biggest compliment I can give this book is to say that I enjoyed the gothic feel of the narrative, which carried the story forwards at a good pace, whilst all the while keeping me guessing as to the true nature of the events which are unfolding. I enjoyed reading this story.
The story is told via a number of letters, and journal entries from the main characters, and this Adds to the sense of mystery and impending doom.
The biggest compliment I can give this book is to say that I enjoyed the gothic feel of the narrative, which carried the story forwards at a good pace, whilst all the while keeping me guessing as to the true nature of the events which are unfolding. I enjoyed reading this story.
June 17, 2013
Twenty pages in I wasn't sure I'd be able to finish this book. The old style language, combined with the journal entries/letters thing, made it a hard start.
But then it drew me in.
An enchanting, mystifying, horrific love story. Actually it is more than one love story!
Very dark, and full of mystery, this book had me thinking about it for days after I finished reading it.
Footnote: I have since read the original Carmilla, and it seemed flat after this.
But then it drew me in.
An enchanting, mystifying, horrific love story. Actually it is more than one love story!
Very dark, and full of mystery, this book had me thinking about it for days after I finished reading it.
Footnote: I have since read the original Carmilla, and it seemed flat after this.
May 17, 2013
Kept me turning page after page:) took me a while just because I was busy working a lot but all I could think of was what's gonna happen next. The plot, the story, the characters all were very well placed and it felt like I was reading the letters and journal entries as if I was there. very very very good book:)
November 27, 2014
I purposely read this before reading the original. I wanted to see if I could differentiate between the new and source material. I couldn't. It actually reads fairly seamlessly. My second successive vampire novel (alongside Draculas), and another good read.
December 9, 2014
I enjoyed this telling of the Carmilla story. I had to re read the original after, just to see where the source material and new additions differed. An interesting updating of an old classic!
July 17, 2014
I expected so much more, so honestly, this was kind of disappointing. And I didnt much care for the werewolf aspect, especially since it really added nothing to the overall story.
July 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this. Very similar to the original story, but with a lot more action ...and werewolves!
September 13, 2025
This was a re-read. I remember liking it a LIT more than I did this time around but I'm wondering if maybe that was just because I didn't have as easy of access to other sapphic books at the time.
Originally I remember thinking David Brian did a great job at blending his writing with Le Fanu's but this go around I'm realizing the final chapters felt so deeply out of place and modernized in a way that's hard to explain.
I didn't hate the retelling, but I definitely feel like the story of Carmilla can be done so much better than this and honestly the story deserves an unambiguous romantic retelling given that the original has kind of become a tragic love story for sapphic women despite its origins as a homophobic tale of warning.
Originally I remember thinking David Brian did a great job at blending his writing with Le Fanu's but this go around I'm realizing the final chapters felt so deeply out of place and modernized in a way that's hard to explain.
I didn't hate the retelling, but I definitely feel like the story of Carmilla can be done so much better than this and honestly the story deserves an unambiguous romantic retelling given that the original has kind of become a tragic love story for sapphic women despite its origins as a homophobic tale of warning.
November 21, 2021
I was excited seeing this because I'm interested about a Carmilla retelling but as another review has said it's just the same as original copy-pasted added with wolves.
I'm giving it a 2 star at least because I did like that there were more scary parts than the original. The wolves just really felt out of place as there was a buildup for them only for it to turn out that they were just kinda hired by the General to hunt Carmilla.
I honestly still prefer the original but I did like that there was more to Carmilla and Laura's relationship here.
I'm giving it a 2 star at least because I did like that there were more scary parts than the original. The wolves just really felt out of place as there was a buildup for them only for it to turn out that they were just kinda hired by the General to hunt Carmilla.
I honestly still prefer the original but I did like that there was more to Carmilla and Laura's relationship here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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