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The Crypt of Dracula
For too long, evil has slumbered. But now, the prince of darkness has arisen…and he thirsts.
THE CRYPT OF DRACULA
In 1899, master stone craftsman Andreas Wagner takes a job restoring an old castle in the rural mountains of Hungary. He and his mute young wife are hoping to find a new life, after the traumatic death of their infant daughter from a strange wasting disease in Munich. The eccentric Count who owns the castle, a suave but distant man, keeps strange hours. Still, Wagner settles in to the work nicely.
But then strange things start to happen in the remote castle on the cliff. The Count’s manservant is alternately elusive or confrontational. The locals are secretive and suspicious. Wagner is nearly killed by inexplicable falling masonry. A giant bat attacks his companions. Ghostly apparitions of women with claws and fangs prowl the halls of the gloomy castle late at night. When his friend falls ill from the same disease his daughter died of, Wagner decides it’s time to leave and look for a doctor, even if it means abandoning gainful employment.
But Count Dracula and his minions have other plans. For Wagner, what began as a simple job, soon becomes a frantic battle for survival and a race against the setting sun to rescue his wife and stop the spread of an ancient evil.
“All the hallmarks of a great 1970s classic creature flick are here: spooky castle, the gentleman creature of the night, and harried villagers poised to grab pitchforks and torches. Gilmour brings Dracula back, with a dash of 21st century adventure and a twist you won’t see coming.” —Jeremy Bishop, #1 bestselling horror author of Torment and The Sentinel
“THE CRYPT OF DRACULA is how a vampire novel should be written. It’s suspenseful, frightening, dark, and realistic. It harkens back to the day when ‘monster’ movies played at Saturday matinees and at midnight showings. Somewhere, Bram Stoker is smiling. He’s beaming from ear to ear because someone finally got it right, and that someone is Kane Gilmour.” —Mark Adduci, Suspense Magazine
“If you are a fan of the old-style Dracula stories, you will definitely enjoy reading THE CRYPT OF DRACULA by Kane Gilmour. Kane did an amazing job recreating the feel of Stoker while adding his own style. Travel to a magnificent castle perched dangerously on a cliff in Romania, with a very dark and dangerous secret. Within the walls hide your worst nightmares, blood-thirsty and evil. Finally, a vampire that makes you weak in the knees and afraid of the dark. There are definitely no emo, glittering vampires in this book! Be prepared to sleep with the lights on.” —Carol ‘Pixie’ Brearley, author of RISE OF THE DARK ANGEL
“Experience the Count again...for the first time! Gilmour’s version of Dracula is both homage to the classic Hammer films and a re-imagining that will have you peeking out your covers at night, while at the same time giggling like Renfield with each turn of the page. Don’t let the sun go down before getting this awesome book!” —J. Kent Holloway, author of DEVIL’S CHILD and THE CURSE OF ONE-EYED JACK
THE CRYPT OF DRACULA
In 1899, master stone craftsman Andreas Wagner takes a job restoring an old castle in the rural mountains of Hungary. He and his mute young wife are hoping to find a new life, after the traumatic death of their infant daughter from a strange wasting disease in Munich. The eccentric Count who owns the castle, a suave but distant man, keeps strange hours. Still, Wagner settles in to the work nicely.
But then strange things start to happen in the remote castle on the cliff. The Count’s manservant is alternately elusive or confrontational. The locals are secretive and suspicious. Wagner is nearly killed by inexplicable falling masonry. A giant bat attacks his companions. Ghostly apparitions of women with claws and fangs prowl the halls of the gloomy castle late at night. When his friend falls ill from the same disease his daughter died of, Wagner decides it’s time to leave and look for a doctor, even if it means abandoning gainful employment.
But Count Dracula and his minions have other plans. For Wagner, what began as a simple job, soon becomes a frantic battle for survival and a race against the setting sun to rescue his wife and stop the spread of an ancient evil.
“All the hallmarks of a great 1970s classic creature flick are here: spooky castle, the gentleman creature of the night, and harried villagers poised to grab pitchforks and torches. Gilmour brings Dracula back, with a dash of 21st century adventure and a twist you won’t see coming.” —Jeremy Bishop, #1 bestselling horror author of Torment and The Sentinel
“THE CRYPT OF DRACULA is how a vampire novel should be written. It’s suspenseful, frightening, dark, and realistic. It harkens back to the day when ‘monster’ movies played at Saturday matinees and at midnight showings. Somewhere, Bram Stoker is smiling. He’s beaming from ear to ear because someone finally got it right, and that someone is Kane Gilmour.” —Mark Adduci, Suspense Magazine
“If you are a fan of the old-style Dracula stories, you will definitely enjoy reading THE CRYPT OF DRACULA by Kane Gilmour. Kane did an amazing job recreating the feel of Stoker while adding his own style. Travel to a magnificent castle perched dangerously on a cliff in Romania, with a very dark and dangerous secret. Within the walls hide your worst nightmares, blood-thirsty and evil. Finally, a vampire that makes you weak in the knees and afraid of the dark. There are definitely no emo, glittering vampires in this book! Be prepared to sleep with the lights on.” —Carol ‘Pixie’ Brearley, author of RISE OF THE DARK ANGEL
“Experience the Count again...for the first time! Gilmour’s version of Dracula is both homage to the classic Hammer films and a re-imagining that will have you peeking out your covers at night, while at the same time giggling like Renfield with each turn of the page. Don’t let the sun go down before getting this awesome book!” —J. Kent Holloway, author of DEVIL’S CHILD and THE CURSE OF ONE-EYED JACK
230 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Kane Gilmour
31 books57 followersKane Gilmour is the international bestselling author of The Crypt of Dracula. He co-authored Ragnarok and Omega, the fourth and fifth novels in the Jack Sigler/Chess Team series. He also writes his own thriller novels, including the popular Jason Quinn novel, Resurrect.
In addition to his work in novels, Kane works with artist Scott P. Vaughn on the sci-fi noir webcomic, Warbirds of Mars. He lives with his family in Vermont.
Visit him online at:
kanegilmour.com.
In addition to his work in novels, Kane works with artist Scott P. Vaughn on the sci-fi noir webcomic, Warbirds of Mars. He lives with his family in Vermont.
Visit him online at:
kanegilmour.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 6, 2013
Every once in a while I come across a book that is pure genre fun. Being a big fan of classic monster movies, I've been disappointed at the way vampire fiction has devolved in recent years. The target audience appears to have shifted and with it the content and quality of the fiction has degraded. Whatever happened to classic vampire fiction? I want the really old school stuff like Bram Stoker's original novel, Dracula— or the low budget Hammer Horror films. The current trend in vampire fiction is enough to turn me off the topic altogether.
If you've been feeling like I have, there's great news! Kane Gilmour's, The Crypt of Dracula, is a novela that is just what we've been waiting for. It's the tried and true vampire story that gets your heart pounding and once again brings life to the things that go bump in the night. This is the kind of story Bram Stoker would write if he were still alive and kicking. Very much in the same vein (sorry, it had to be done) as Stoker's original Dracula tale, this is a period story which takes place in Transylvania. A grieving stone mason is hired by a mysterious Count to repair his damaged and neglected castle located outside a remote village populated by troubled, xenophobic farmers who have come to fear the night.
I think you can see where this is headed. The story is true to vampire lore in the classic sense. It goes back to a time when vampires were evil and horrifying; when the concept of a vampire wasn't commonly understood by all who farmed the land. A time when people were superstitious and fearful, suspicious and vengeful.
In short, this is a classic vampire story that does the lore justice just as it does Bram's Stoker's original vision proud. Can Kane Gilmour fix everything that's wrong with vampire fiction in its current form? Sadly, no. But with more books like this, old school vampire fans like myself might yet live to see another sunrise.
If you've been feeling like I have, there's great news! Kane Gilmour's, The Crypt of Dracula, is a novela that is just what we've been waiting for. It's the tried and true vampire story that gets your heart pounding and once again brings life to the things that go bump in the night. This is the kind of story Bram Stoker would write if he were still alive and kicking. Very much in the same vein (sorry, it had to be done) as Stoker's original Dracula tale, this is a period story which takes place in Transylvania. A grieving stone mason is hired by a mysterious Count to repair his damaged and neglected castle located outside a remote village populated by troubled, xenophobic farmers who have come to fear the night.
I think you can see where this is headed. The story is true to vampire lore in the classic sense. It goes back to a time when vampires were evil and horrifying; when the concept of a vampire wasn't commonly understood by all who farmed the land. A time when people were superstitious and fearful, suspicious and vengeful.
In short, this is a classic vampire story that does the lore justice just as it does Bram's Stoker's original vision proud. Can Kane Gilmour fix everything that's wrong with vampire fiction in its current form? Sadly, no. But with more books like this, old school vampire fans like myself might yet live to see another sunrise.
November 5, 2014
This is one of my very favorite books! Mr. Gilmour captures the creepy fun of the old Dracula movies in a new fresh way.
July 29, 2013
This book represent what would happen if a Hammer House movie was turned into a book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it's what a true Dracula tale should be but "old school" style. It has all the ingredients of a gothic horror, the castle, the ghoulish man servant, the sexy vampire women and of course the brave priest. Not to mention the little village near by with the only inn with rooms to let with a large cross on the door, full of silent locals drinking and a land lord that suggests you should leave.
Some may dismiss this sort of book as a little cheesy, but weren't the Hammer House films. It is what it is and I liked it a lot and of course the ending has a little twist.
I think you wouldn't pick this book up if it wasn't your cup of tea, so if Dracula is one of your favourite monsters give it a go, it's great!
Some may dismiss this sort of book as a little cheesy, but weren't the Hammer House films. It is what it is and I liked it a lot and of course the ending has a little twist.
I think you wouldn't pick this book up if it wasn't your cup of tea, so if Dracula is one of your favourite monsters give it a go, it's great!
May 4, 2013
If you're at all a fan of the original Dracula, or old Vampire movies or just evil blood-suckers in general this book is a must read. It takes you back in time to when the Vampires were the evil bad-guys. A very well written book that keeps you riveted from start to finish.
April 29, 2013
If you are a fan of the old style Dracula stories you will definitely enjoy reading 'The Crypt of Dracula' by Kane Gilmour. Kane did an amazing job recreating the feel of Stoker while adding his own style.
Travel to a magnificent castle perched dangerously on a cliff in Romania with a very dark and dangerous secret. Within the walls hide your worst nightmare, blood-thirsty and evil. Can anyone stop his terror before more die?
Finally, a vampire that makes you weak in the knees and afraid of the dark, there are definitely no EMO glittering vampires in this book! Be prepared to sleep with the lights on.
Travel to a magnificent castle perched dangerously on a cliff in Romania with a very dark and dangerous secret. Within the walls hide your worst nightmare, blood-thirsty and evil. Can anyone stop his terror before more die?
Finally, a vampire that makes you weak in the knees and afraid of the dark, there are definitely no EMO glittering vampires in this book! Be prepared to sleep with the lights on.
September 5, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! Kane Gilmour introduces many new characters and develops them quite nicely. I was absolutely STUNNED by one of the acts in the book.. not wanting to give a spoiler.. all I can say.. is if Kane Gilmour were to come to my home.. I'd HIDE my library! :) You'll have to read the book to find out WHY!
The book is very descriptive and well written. I enjoyed every word of it! Kane fleshes out the characters so well.. that you can almost hear the blood pounding through their veins!
The book is very descriptive and well written. I enjoyed every word of it! Kane fleshes out the characters so well.. that you can almost hear the blood pounding through their veins!
November 8, 2014
How refreshing it is to read a vampire story where the vampire barely manages to present a civilized front but is actually evil and nasty and driven by his thirst for blood. There is no teenage love triangle and the vampires hide from the sun instead of sparkling when it hits them. The story was fast-paced and entertaining and I enjoyed every bit of it!
July 18, 2014
This time I must agree with others: this is pure Hammer delight with same lush settings and atmosphere of Gothic romanticism. The right elements are here: the vampire castle in 19th century Transylvania, bats, stakes, garlic and gorgeous heroine.
January 3, 2015
A great read, not just for vampire fans but anyone who likes a good classic story but with a very cool spin on things.
Lots of scary moments, great characters, and I loved the ending.
One of the better books I've read in a while for sure.
Lots of scary moments, great characters, and I loved the ending.
One of the better books I've read in a while for sure.
September 28, 2013
A good fun old fashioned horror story. Creepy and massively atmospheric, it keeps you turning the page to get to the final showdown.
April 29, 2013
As I started to read this story, I was immediatly transported back in time to Transyvania - actually I felt I was right in the middle of a Bram Stoker movie! I closed the book and looked at the title and author to make sure I was indeed reading Kane Gilmour!
Mr. Gilmour does indeed superbly capture Stoker's feel of the story and the characters. You actually feel like you're right there with the characters as each event unfolds. The story is dark and creepy - yet you want to keep reading, you have to keep reading. This story was very well done, capturing and holding your attention until the end.
I would definitely like to read more of this style from Mr. Gilmour. I have enjoyed his other works immensely as well - Resurrect (excellent!), Ragnorok (co-authored with Jeremy Robinson), all very well written...LOADS of action and adventure!
*****************************************************************************
This book has been released as of April 28, 2013.Kane Gilmour
Mr. Gilmour does indeed superbly capture Stoker's feel of the story and the characters. You actually feel like you're right there with the characters as each event unfolds. The story is dark and creepy - yet you want to keep reading, you have to keep reading. This story was very well done, capturing and holding your attention until the end.
I would definitely like to read more of this style from Mr. Gilmour. I have enjoyed his other works immensely as well - Resurrect (excellent!), Ragnorok (co-authored with Jeremy Robinson), all very well written...LOADS of action and adventure!
*****************************************************************************
This book has been released as of April 28, 2013.Kane Gilmour
July 22, 2016
Ahhh . . . Finally a Vampyre book worth reading ! ! !
Not to make light of other "Vampyre" books; however, I enjoy reading more traditional type stories about Vampyres - such as Stoker's "Dracula". There are too many "undead" reads that fail to write about Dracula and Vampyres in such a manner as Kane Gilmour has mastered ! ! !
From the start, I fell in love with "The Crypt of Dracula" - such frightful and delightfully delicious characters, scenes and theme(s) - - makes you want to cover your head, at least your neck, recheck that all your doors and windows are locked, and yes . . . check in closets and under your bed (shudders and shivers !) before you sleep - that is, if you can after reading this novella.
So excited to read more of Gilmour's work - and by the way . . . thanks so much for the frightmares Mr. Gilmour . . . (WICKED GRIN)
Five ancient gold stars for "The Crypt of Dracula" ! ! !
Not to make light of other "Vampyre" books; however, I enjoy reading more traditional type stories about Vampyres - such as Stoker's "Dracula". There are too many "undead" reads that fail to write about Dracula and Vampyres in such a manner as Kane Gilmour has mastered ! ! !
From the start, I fell in love with "The Crypt of Dracula" - such frightful and delightfully delicious characters, scenes and theme(s) - - makes you want to cover your head, at least your neck, recheck that all your doors and windows are locked, and yes . . . check in closets and under your bed (shudders and shivers !) before you sleep - that is, if you can after reading this novella.
So excited to read more of Gilmour's work - and by the way . . . thanks so much for the frightmares Mr. Gilmour . . . (WICKED GRIN)
Five ancient gold stars for "The Crypt of Dracula" ! ! !
April 29, 2014
Reading this book was like watching an old Hammer production, the one that you missed while growing up. It is a book of dark themes, chilling settings, and a vampire whose dark appeal is dreadful and compelling.
Kane Gilmour has blended together all of the elements of a true Dracula horror and pulled them out assembled in a new and exciting story. It’s not the reinvention of the wheel but a renewed telling of an old favorite. The dark themes remain intact but the action is new and gripping. The atmosphere is disquieting and the setting is dark. Dracula is not the sparkly romantic hero, he is a menacing threat.
There is danger hiding in the shadows, so it is a horror story best read with the lights on.
Kane Gilmour has blended together all of the elements of a true Dracula horror and pulled them out assembled in a new and exciting story. It’s not the reinvention of the wheel but a renewed telling of an old favorite. The dark themes remain intact but the action is new and gripping. The atmosphere is disquieting and the setting is dark. Dracula is not the sparkly romantic hero, he is a menacing threat.
There is danger hiding in the shadows, so it is a horror story best read with the lights on.
March 12, 2014
I gave this book 4 stars because its not the type of book I usually read. Does'nt mean it isn't good, because it is. It really is different from all other vampire novels. Not as scary, but not romantic either. Just a good story with good solid characters. That castle is something I would love to explore, but only in daylight. Would need several friends to go at night! And the Library is to die for. Andreas was the perfect character to be there at that time. The towns people to me were cowards, except for the priest. Poor fellow tried, but failed. Kinda sad at times, but that's the way this type of story goes. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about Dracula and who were fans of all the old movies.
March 5, 2014
Crypt of Dracula is a fun vampire story, the way they should be. Hammer horror, Bram Stoker's, and a bit of Dark Shadows all ground up into a fast, cool vampire tale. Kudos to Kane Gilmour for capturing the right feel and imagery a Dracula story almost requires. Check it out! Also, his book Resurrect and Refuge with Jeremy Bishop, (awesome book, hopefully will be more), and his Chess Team books with Jeremy Robinson(read em in order!), as well as his short stories in Kaiju Rising and Warbirds of Mars: Stories of the Fight! This guy is one to watch!
May 6, 2013
If you are a fan of vampire books, this is a must read.
Kane Gilmore wrote a nice story with a few surprising twists.
He takes you thru a little Transylvania town that feels so real and up to the castle of Count Dracula.
The stone mason Andreas Wagner is there to repair the castle, but finds a nice wine cellar and Count Dracula's minion.
I really enjoyed this story and hope that you will become a fan of Kane Gilmore's also.
Kane Gilmore wrote a nice story with a few surprising twists.
He takes you thru a little Transylvania town that feels so real and up to the castle of Count Dracula.
The stone mason Andreas Wagner is there to repair the castle, but finds a nice wine cellar and Count Dracula's minion.
I really enjoyed this story and hope that you will become a fan of Kane Gilmore's also.
February 7, 2014
Until this book I had never read a book about Dracula. I have to say Kane did a great job of keeping me on the edge of my seat. Did I know what was going to happen, of course, but it still wound me up in anticipation. A good book affects your body and moods and this one sure got my heart pounding. Was a fun read, gruesome at times, but I really enjoyed it.
June 20, 2015
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. It is extremely well written with great, interesting characters. The fight scenes are very well done but not for the weak. I had about 5 chapters to go and needed to sleep but their was no way I was putting the book down until I had read the last page. The book also includes some fantastic illustrations throughout.
July 23, 2013
This novel reminds me of these old Hammer films I used to watch as a kid. Creepy and fun with a hint of sexuality. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing would be proud of this update on their work. Entertaining flick, I mean book.
January 19, 2014
Exciting
Lots of suspense, foreshadowing and action packed episodes make this book a thriller. I loved the unpredictable characters making this book so exciting to read. Kane GIlmour is extremely gifted in describing the surroundings. It's like seeing a movie.
Trish Abbey.
Lots of suspense, foreshadowing and action packed episodes make this book a thriller. I loved the unpredictable characters making this book so exciting to read. Kane GIlmour is extremely gifted in describing the surroundings. It's like seeing a movie.
Trish Abbey.
December 14, 2024
Just bought this really cool book and I'm almost done with it..it really is a great book of horrors..also wonderful illustrations by Scott P "Doc" Vaughn.
September 5, 2013
An awesome take on the Dracula tale. Gritty and violent but not over the top gruesome.
November 22, 2013
The last battle on the roof of castle reminds me of Scars of Dracula.
October 26, 2023
I chose to read this novel because it is a Dracula novel. It came to my attention through a recommendation. To me (and hopefully to other fans of horror), Dracula is one of the core characters of horror. This character is a classic staple in the horror genre and community. Everyone knows who Dracula is. This character and the subject of Dracula and vampires have been done so many times that it’s really hard to find something classic and different at the same time. So often I find that each vampire story is typically the same with little variation. And the story often seems to be told with a certain bias against Dracula. It's the same kind of bias you might find in a typical werewolf story. It is one that accompanies monsters of all eras; these creatures have no feelings, no heartfelt compassion, no soul, and no morals, ultimately projecting the idea that they are entirely inhuman (and always have been) and are not capable of and do not possess any characteristic or quality that is unique to human beings.
This novel is not like other typical Dracula stories, in my opinion. This novelist puts considerable time, effort, and emphasis on the characters, their surroundings, their emotions and experiences, practically everything except Dracula himself. I would liken it to the way we see the shark portrayed in the movie Jaws. We barely see the shark compared to the other characters but have other elements and observations to conclude that the threat is there. However, Gilmore can do this without being longwinded or drowning the reader in insignificant details or irrelevant tangents. This creates a clear picture of the author’s unique individual interpretation of a classic Dracula tale. And it’s the physical but heavily implied absence of Dracula that makes him such a formidable foe, as we see the shark to be in the movie Jaws.
This novel is very well-written utilizing a certain type of language that takes the reader back to a previous era yet the verbiage isn’t cryptic, muddled, or unfamiliar feeling (such as how some people feel about Shakespeare). Although the story does take a little time to develop, the foundation is necessary. Furthermore, once it does get moving along, it doesn’t stop. This author has excellent usage of an extensive vocabulary that conjures up a slew of vivid images.
Within this tale are five essential characters other than Dracula; Petran, Fritz, Wagner, Gretchen, and Anneli. Petran is Dracula’s servant. Wagner and Fritz have been hired to do repairs at the castle of Count Dracula. Anneli is married to Wagner and Gretchen is in a relationship with Fritz but, they are not married yet. As the two gents would be at the castle for an extended period of time, they opted to bring their significant others to join them in staying at the castle.
The story details the strange behaviors of the Count and Petran and the effects of these encounters on the guests of the castle. The odd and mysterious behaviors of these two men aren’t the only things that start to unsettle the two couples. Paranormal activity coupled with peculiar changes in the castle such as items cryptically being moved around the rooms, and objects outside the castle’s living space unexplainedly being put in motion with no discernable force putting the visitors in an unnerving state of alarm and mortal danger.
This novel is packed with suspense, horror, gore, violence, drugs, sex, monsters and creatures beyond this world, seduction, romance, and a small group of unwitting victims. There are intimate encounters, dark and damp hallways, and staircases drenched in fear and precariousness, and grotesque creatures moving about the castle in wickedly unnatural ways. Truly slowly walking the reader through each disturbing brush with the danger that surrounds them.
Gilmore uses some very interesting, and what I would consider unique, word choices displaying an excellent use of his extensive vocabulary which allows for the superb descriptions with which he paints for us the full picture of the time that our characters spend with the Count. Gilmore takes the very common mystical and romantic portrayal of Dracula and sublimely melds it with the true evil of a creature of the undead. Though the personalities of the characters are well defined, within each lies hidden or more subtle traits that must inevitably show themselves through various circumstances, albeit forced or voluntary.
All of these qualities merge together to create descriptions so vivid and meticulous that the reader gets as close to watching a movie as one can while reading a book. The movie that played in my head while reading was steady, interesting, fascinatingly intense, suspenseful, and very satisfying from start to finish. This was truly a joy to read.
RATINGS
5/5 Stars
This novel is not like other typical Dracula stories, in my opinion. This novelist puts considerable time, effort, and emphasis on the characters, their surroundings, their emotions and experiences, practically everything except Dracula himself. I would liken it to the way we see the shark portrayed in the movie Jaws. We barely see the shark compared to the other characters but have other elements and observations to conclude that the threat is there. However, Gilmore can do this without being longwinded or drowning the reader in insignificant details or irrelevant tangents. This creates a clear picture of the author’s unique individual interpretation of a classic Dracula tale. And it’s the physical but heavily implied absence of Dracula that makes him such a formidable foe, as we see the shark to be in the movie Jaws.
This novel is very well-written utilizing a certain type of language that takes the reader back to a previous era yet the verbiage isn’t cryptic, muddled, or unfamiliar feeling (such as how some people feel about Shakespeare). Although the story does take a little time to develop, the foundation is necessary. Furthermore, once it does get moving along, it doesn’t stop. This author has excellent usage of an extensive vocabulary that conjures up a slew of vivid images.
Within this tale are five essential characters other than Dracula; Petran, Fritz, Wagner, Gretchen, and Anneli. Petran is Dracula’s servant. Wagner and Fritz have been hired to do repairs at the castle of Count Dracula. Anneli is married to Wagner and Gretchen is in a relationship with Fritz but, they are not married yet. As the two gents would be at the castle for an extended period of time, they opted to bring their significant others to join them in staying at the castle.
The story details the strange behaviors of the Count and Petran and the effects of these encounters on the guests of the castle. The odd and mysterious behaviors of these two men aren’t the only things that start to unsettle the two couples. Paranormal activity coupled with peculiar changes in the castle such as items cryptically being moved around the rooms, and objects outside the castle’s living space unexplainedly being put in motion with no discernable force putting the visitors in an unnerving state of alarm and mortal danger.
This novel is packed with suspense, horror, gore, violence, drugs, sex, monsters and creatures beyond this world, seduction, romance, and a small group of unwitting victims. There are intimate encounters, dark and damp hallways, and staircases drenched in fear and precariousness, and grotesque creatures moving about the castle in wickedly unnatural ways. Truly slowly walking the reader through each disturbing brush with the danger that surrounds them.
Gilmore uses some very interesting, and what I would consider unique, word choices displaying an excellent use of his extensive vocabulary which allows for the superb descriptions with which he paints for us the full picture of the time that our characters spend with the Count. Gilmore takes the very common mystical and romantic portrayal of Dracula and sublimely melds it with the true evil of a creature of the undead. Though the personalities of the characters are well defined, within each lies hidden or more subtle traits that must inevitably show themselves through various circumstances, albeit forced or voluntary.
All of these qualities merge together to create descriptions so vivid and meticulous that the reader gets as close to watching a movie as one can while reading a book. The movie that played in my head while reading was steady, interesting, fascinatingly intense, suspenseful, and very satisfying from start to finish. This was truly a joy to read.
RATINGS
5/5 Stars
September 4, 2019
Less a sequel to Bram Stoker's DRACULA than a loose follow-up to the classic Hammer vampire films starring the great Christopher Lee, THE CRYPT OF DRACULA mostly works as a tremendously atmospheric tale of the Lord of Vampires that eschews many of the genre's modern tendencies. If you like your vampires sensitive, remorseful, and attractive, then this is not a book for you. Kane Gilmour's vampires would never fit in with the TWILIGHT crowd. They are vicious, ruthless, and predatory, diabolic monsters with an insatiable appetite for blood and death. As a result, THE CRYPT OF DRACULA achieves a degree of tension and suspense which most modern vampire novels cannot.
Gilmour makes no bones about the sources of his inspiration. He is delightfully indebted to the aforementioned Hammer films, and many of his book's characters are clearly written with actors from those movies in mind for key roles. Like those films, Gilmour's story is rich in atmosphere, and the descriptions of Dracula's castle and the remote Transylvanian countryside around it are delicious. The characters are well developed and generally sympathetic, and more than one of them harbors dark secrets that are not fully revealed until the final battle between good and evil is played out.
The only real weakness of Gilmour's novel is in the conclusion, and unfortunately that is the worst possible moment for a story to fail. Alas, certain plot choices just don't add up. One seemingly minor character reveals a secret of dire proportions that makes one wonder just what he's been up to all along, for instance, and even worse the novel closes out with a "fake" ending of the sort that sets up the next sequel for modern horror films. Of course, Hammer Films rarely, if ever, cheated their fans in such a fashion, and while one often assumed a sequel would be forthcoming to any given vampire film--especially from the Dracula and Frankenstein movies--all the individual films were more or less self-contained, and in any event always closed out with a definitive climax. Gilmour should have followed suit. It's not a bad enough miscalculation to spoil the whole book, but it does keep his tale from being a really first-class vampire novel and the anti-climax that closes the book out does leave the reader with a bad taste in his mouth.
Still, it's hard not to recommend THE CRYPT OF DRACULA. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and is the closest any modern novel has come to duplicating the feel of those wonderful Hammer Dracula films. Despite the disappointing conclusion, Dracula fans should still enjoy Gilmour's novel and I, for one, would gladly read a sequel if one should appear.
Gilmour makes no bones about the sources of his inspiration. He is delightfully indebted to the aforementioned Hammer films, and many of his book's characters are clearly written with actors from those movies in mind for key roles. Like those films, Gilmour's story is rich in atmosphere, and the descriptions of Dracula's castle and the remote Transylvanian countryside around it are delicious. The characters are well developed and generally sympathetic, and more than one of them harbors dark secrets that are not fully revealed until the final battle between good and evil is played out.
The only real weakness of Gilmour's novel is in the conclusion, and unfortunately that is the worst possible moment for a story to fail. Alas, certain plot choices just don't add up. One seemingly minor character reveals a secret of dire proportions that makes one wonder just what he's been up to all along, for instance, and even worse the novel closes out with a "fake" ending of the sort that sets up the next sequel for modern horror films. Of course, Hammer Films rarely, if ever, cheated their fans in such a fashion, and while one often assumed a sequel would be forthcoming to any given vampire film--especially from the Dracula and Frankenstein movies--all the individual films were more or less self-contained, and in any event always closed out with a definitive climax. Gilmour should have followed suit. It's not a bad enough miscalculation to spoil the whole book, but it does keep his tale from being a really first-class vampire novel and the anti-climax that closes the book out does leave the reader with a bad taste in his mouth.
Still, it's hard not to recommend THE CRYPT OF DRACULA. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and is the closest any modern novel has come to duplicating the feel of those wonderful Hammer Dracula films. Despite the disappointing conclusion, Dracula fans should still enjoy Gilmour's novel and I, for one, would gladly read a sequel if one should appear.
March 17, 2019
Gilmour warns at the outset to the book that he is a big fan of the 70s and earlier incarnations of Count Dracula, and he sticks to that warning throughout the book while doing a superb job of showing what vampires are SUPPOSED to be like.
From the opening scene of the book where a pile of ash gets bloody and a creature arises, to the first time we see our hero and see the reaction of the villagers when they are told where he is going to be working, to the first time we see Castle Dracula, and at every point in this book... you get the dark, mysterious, awe inspiring power of evil that is Vampire.
None of that sparkly, angsty, weak crap here. The only romance you'll see is just a touch of it between our hero and his wife - who are both subsequently put in mortal danger along with a couple of their friends.
Instead, you get intriguing mystery - what happened at this castle? Why is it in such disrepair? Who is the mysterious Count? Why are his servants never seen? - and fast paced action.
With a particularly good ending.
If you want to see what Vempires - and particularly the infamous Count Dracula - are REALLY supposed to be, do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
From the opening scene of the book where a pile of ash gets bloody and a creature arises, to the first time we see our hero and see the reaction of the villagers when they are told where he is going to be working, to the first time we see Castle Dracula, and at every point in this book... you get the dark, mysterious, awe inspiring power of evil that is Vampire.
None of that sparkly, angsty, weak crap here. The only romance you'll see is just a touch of it between our hero and his wife - who are both subsequently put in mortal danger along with a couple of their friends.
Instead, you get intriguing mystery - what happened at this castle? Why is it in such disrepair? Who is the mysterious Count? Why are his servants never seen? - and fast paced action.
With a particularly good ending.
If you want to see what Vempires - and particularly the infamous Count Dracula - are REALLY supposed to be, do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
July 28, 2020
If you like a good traditional horror story you can't go far wrong with this book, a well written, fast paced horror, that encourages one last page turn before sleep. The settings are well described and atmospheric, and the protagonists are fleshed out nicely. Dracula has not been sanitised like he, and other vampires have been in the past.
Make no mistake, whilst this book may not, necessarily break new ground, it is a fresh pair of eyes reminding us why we love to hate the character so much. Well worth a read
Make no mistake, whilst this book may not, necessarily break new ground, it is a fresh pair of eyes reminding us why we love to hate the character so much. Well worth a read
February 20, 2021
Wow! Great follow up to Dracula
I recently read Bram Stoker’s Dracula and enjoyed it, but felt something was missing. After reading this I figured out what it was. The battle scenes with Dracula and others were detailed and believable in this story compared to Stoker’s. At the same time the back story and character development were great in this story. It is a fitting sequel to a great original and I hope it isn’t the last in a series. If you like Dracula, this is a must read. If you haven’t read Dracula then that is a must read followed quickly by this one.
I recently read Bram Stoker’s Dracula and enjoyed it, but felt something was missing. After reading this I figured out what it was. The battle scenes with Dracula and others were detailed and believable in this story compared to Stoker’s. At the same time the back story and character development were great in this story. It is a fitting sequel to a great original and I hope it isn’t the last in a series. If you like Dracula, this is a must read. If you haven’t read Dracula then that is a must read followed quickly by this one.
June 15, 2021
I bought this book as part of a digital collection and so far it has been one of the best. Though any story that includes Count Dracula is somewhat known or predictable, the writing was good and the story moved along.
September 20, 2019
Good read
A good take and interesting read, I hope the author will write a sequal , and it be just as good.
A good take and interesting read, I hope the author will write a sequal , and it be just as good.
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