Dracula's Apprentice

by Mike Zimmerman, Daniel Bauer (Illustrator)

In the mid-1700s, vampire hysteria is sweeping across Eastern Europe. A war is being led by multiple fronts, by government monarchs, the Catholic Church, and privately. For Leon these battles are personal, as he is forced to ingest the ashes of the vampire in order to resist the temptation to become a vampire himself. His allies include Milos, an old man who has been combatting the undead since his days in the military, and Suzanna, a woman who might just be looking to use the two men for her own personal vengeance. Together the three hunt the vampire responsible for Leon’s potential transformation, who is trying to impress a far more sinister and sadistic power who resides up the Borgo Pass in Transylvania.

Genres: Horror

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2013

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book when reading about it in a thread by the author who made it sound quite interesting. I will say that when I started reading the book I was pulled right in. The main character Leon doesn't know who he is and is acting irrational which to me is always a good way to start a book, make the person paranoid. The characters are very thought out and each possesses their own beliefs and morales which really show thoughout the book. The book was very detailed even when it came to talking about small things. My favorite character was Suzanna who had alot of heart and integrity for a woman in that time. The story goes based off of journal entries which I found to be a delightful change of view from a character. I loved the way the story went by and the way it was told. The characters all meshed together quite nicely.

Some lines in the book just really moved me or really made me think. They were either strong or very intelligent which shows the author really puts thought into his characters words and not just their actions. My only dissapointment about the book is Dracula himself is not very much a part of it. He is mentioned but not actually in the book at all. It focuses on Petru the apprentice I would assume hence the title. Other then that I very much enjoyed the book and would like to thank the author Mike Zimmerman for the recommendation. If you like well thought out books with strong willed characters and some good ole fashioned horror with vampire slaying then this my friends is the book for you. I definitely think it's a book worth checking out and you'll come to enjoy it.

[Pat aka Tygyr · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning was interesting though a bit frustrating. Leon keeps asking questions and getting no answers and I wanted the same answers. By the middle of the book I was making myself read a chapter when I could. The book is mostly told through journal entries of several characters so the point of view keeps changing. Leon is vampire, but if he doesn't drink blood, does drink an elixir a priest makes fresh daily, and can kill his maker, he will save his soul and be saved from becoming a vampire. By the middle of the book I ceased to care. It takes place not far from Dracula's (Vlad's) Castle and in his time. Though he is mentioned, he is never in the story. Those chasing the vampires were consistently late in the daylight to get to their prey making for the only real tension in the book. I kept wondering why they were so stupid as to put off their hunt until it was almost too late to be safe. I am guessing the "apprentice" was Petru, the vampire they kept trying to find. But one priest claims Dracula had no use for Petru. So even the title left me with questions unanswered. The book ends in such a way that there could be a sequel. If there is, I will not be reading it.
NOTE: I am trying to change the date I started this book, if I don't manage it, know it took me 2 weeks, not one day to wade my way through it.

[Leah Speller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummmmm....okaay so this was a strange one for me. I did like the characters and the story arc was different though it took a bit to find out exactly what it was. Like the main character you had a lot of questions and not many answers. Then when you did get some answers all it lead to was more questions.

I believe the hardest thing for me was determining when you were not reading from their journal entries. Or perhaps their journal entries were that detailed. I know when I do read I like to have a settled feeling even if it is one that keeps me on the edge of my chair. I still have a rooted feeling. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone but this book never gave me that rooted feeling. I know I did not fully connect with any specific character, for I felt there was something between us that I normally do not get between me and books that I read. I cannot put a finger on it so there it is.

Was it a good book? yes
Would I recommend it? perhaps, but with hesitance, perhaps get a sample first, I admit I got for free
Was it a waste of time? no

Hope this helps...(shrugs)

[Mike Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book! Please take a look at some of the reviews it has gotten!

http://www.amazon.com/Draculas-Appren...

Click above for reviews on amazon.com

"I love this story and am so glad you have left it open for a sequel.”
-Adele Brinkley, editor, WithPenInHand.net

“Dracula’s Apprentice is a mixture of historical facts and fiction. Zimmerman intertwines the two for a compelling read.”
-Ross Raybin, contributing writer, The Advisor and Source

Only $1.99 on kindle, or you can borrow it from the kindle library. Please give a new up and coming author a try!