What do you think?
Rate this book
Dracula Rising #1
Dracula Rising
Presented by #1 bestselling Kindle author, J.R. Rain. An epic tale of honor, adventure and secrets.Four hundred years before Bram Stoker put his pen to paper bad things were happening in Transylvania...deadly things. The king of Wallachia joined a secret society with his intentions unknown. That is, until his son, Prince Vlad the third, begins to unravel the ancient mystery. Are these the deeds of a powerful king or something more sinister? Only Vlad can uncover the truth, one that leads to long buried secrets, unexpected journeys, and a future that pits father against son and loyalty against honor. With the fate of humanity in the balance, Vlad finds himself the centerpiece in a supernatural battle...with the lives of the people he loves most at stake. Bestselling author - H.T. Night "I write vampire novels. I know vampire novels. You, sir, have written a wonderful vampire novel. Atmospheric. Rich descriptions. Spot-on research. I am reminded of The Historian. I think it's safe to Dracula lives!" - H.T. Night, #1 bestselling author of Vampire Love Story GHP - Gemma Halliday "Jackson Stein's untold story of the origin of Dracula had me riveted from start to finish! This bold new voice in the genre takes his readers on a wild thrill ride and I will be buying EVERYTHING from this author now!" - Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling mystery author of Spying in High Heels
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2013
105 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 11, 2015
The story ended at 92% and the rest are 3 chapters from the next story in the series.
What I didn't like:
1. I got bored at the beginning of the book. Vlad III, as I call him V3 kept saying how he misses his father, looking for his father's approval and attention. I get that but did it have to repeat throughout the first half of the book with basically the same words?
2. V3 was way to quick to say the "L" word the first girl he bedded. It irked me because he was too young and too soon..shows how naive he is still.
3. The story line moved like an oiled kept script. As if it followed a guide line with the scenes happening too fast and in order. It seemed linear. Not sure if that makes sense but it was like reading a text book with a story on the side.
What I did like:
1. V3 is a sweet kid. Grateful, doesn't take himself too seriously, you can relate to him being an in between of child and man. He cares for the people that's been with him his whole life like Camille and McGreggor.
2. The other half of the books is where it gets really interesting, where the twist and mystery happens. The action. You see V3 growing up and being happy finding Radu.
3.Not liking that this book feels like a cliff hanger, but it left the ending good enough for me to read book 2 of the series.
I do love my vampire stories and this one was entertaining to the origin of fictitious Vlad the Impaler...AKA...Dracula.
What I didn't like:
1. I got bored at the beginning of the book. Vlad III, as I call him V3 kept saying how he misses his father, looking for his father's approval and attention. I get that but did it have to repeat throughout the first half of the book with basically the same words?
2. V3 was way to quick to say the "L" word the first girl he bedded. It irked me because he was too young and too soon..shows how naive he is still.
3. The story line moved like an oiled kept script. As if it followed a guide line with the scenes happening too fast and in order. It seemed linear. Not sure if that makes sense but it was like reading a text book with a story on the side.
What I did like:
1. V3 is a sweet kid. Grateful, doesn't take himself too seriously, you can relate to him being an in between of child and man. He cares for the people that's been with him his whole life like Camille and McGreggor.
2. The other half of the books is where it gets really interesting, where the twist and mystery happens. The action. You see V3 growing up and being happy finding Radu.
3.Not liking that this book feels like a cliff hanger, but it left the ending good enough for me to read book 2 of the series.
I do love my vampire stories and this one was entertaining to the origin of fictitious Vlad the Impaler...AKA...Dracula.
February 12, 2020
A somewhat okay vampire book. It's not great, it's not bad, but lies somewhere in between. If I hadn't gotten it for free on my kindle app, I probably wouldn't have read it. 3 stars, and we'll see if I want to continue the series.
March 2, 2015
Some people go for zombies, others werewolves and I go for vampires.
I also like to read historical stories of Vlad III, the Prince of Wallachia.
Having said that, this could possibly be the worst book ever written on Vlad III. Everything about this is amateurish and I am wondering if this is meant to be a children's book. I don't mind taking liberty with the time period to tell a good story but when you make things up that are so improbable, it makes for a very poor read for adults.
The first third of the book was slow, dull and boring as you have Vlad excited to be turning 18 years old and waiting for the arrival of his father from the battlefield. He misses his dad. He loves his dad. We get it. However, historically, Vlad's father was already dead by the time Vlad III was 16.
Another major error tells the tale of the turban incident and refers to Vlad II as having done the deed when it was his son who did it. Okay, so maybe that's being picky. how about this - using the word 'okay'. This is supposed to be the 15th century in Wallachia, not the 1840's in Massachusetts. How about 'tomatoes', 'coyotes', 'hooligans', 'chef' and numerous other words that weren't in play in that time period or even in that part of the world.
I can't get over the fact that the manservant was Scottish and called the Prince of Wallachia, Vladdie. Other characters in the story also called him Vladdie. This makes me go with my premise that it's a children's book. The icing on the cake - the castle's caretaker sends Vlad to bed without his supper. Really? The best part may be when Vlad quotes Shakespeare "heavy is the head..." I guess the author didn't know Shakespeare was from England and wrote the play about 100 years after Vlad's time.
Even if the author could have bothered to take the time to do the proper research, it still wouldn't have been a decent story. The characters and plot lacked depth and going by my definition, it wasn't a horror or paranormal book.
One star for adults and two to three stars if you're under 12.
I also like to read historical stories of Vlad III, the Prince of Wallachia.
Having said that, this could possibly be the worst book ever written on Vlad III. Everything about this is amateurish and I am wondering if this is meant to be a children's book. I don't mind taking liberty with the time period to tell a good story but when you make things up that are so improbable, it makes for a very poor read for adults.
The first third of the book was slow, dull and boring as you have Vlad excited to be turning 18 years old and waiting for the arrival of his father from the battlefield. He misses his dad. He loves his dad. We get it. However, historically, Vlad's father was already dead by the time Vlad III was 16.
Another major error tells the tale of the turban incident and refers to Vlad II as having done the deed when it was his son who did it. Okay, so maybe that's being picky. how about this - using the word 'okay'. This is supposed to be the 15th century in Wallachia, not the 1840's in Massachusetts. How about 'tomatoes', 'coyotes', 'hooligans', 'chef' and numerous other words that weren't in play in that time period or even in that part of the world.
I can't get over the fact that the manservant was Scottish and called the Prince of Wallachia, Vladdie. Other characters in the story also called him Vladdie. This makes me go with my premise that it's a children's book. The icing on the cake - the castle's caretaker sends Vlad to bed without his supper. Really? The best part may be when Vlad quotes Shakespeare "heavy is the head..." I guess the author didn't know Shakespeare was from England and wrote the play about 100 years after Vlad's time.
Even if the author could have bothered to take the time to do the proper research, it still wouldn't have been a decent story. The characters and plot lacked depth and going by my definition, it wasn't a horror or paranormal book.
One star for adults and two to three stars if you're under 12.
February 25, 2015
The characters are about as deep and well developed as paper dolls. The writing is horrendous. I got it after the first mention that Vlad loved and missed his father. I can get repeating it a second time, but every two pages for 20-odd pages... Enough already!!
And what are the odds of having a Scottish manservant in mid 15th century Wallachia? A Scottish soldier perhaps, but a servant?? And one who says, Top of the mornin'... Isn't that Irish?
One good point: it was free on Kindle, but I definitely won't be reading the rest of the series..
Give this one a pass people. Definitely not worthy the trouble.
And what are the odds of having a Scottish manservant in mid 15th century Wallachia? A Scottish soldier perhaps, but a servant?? And one who says, Top of the mornin'... Isn't that Irish?
One good point: it was free on Kindle, but I definitely won't be reading the rest of the series..
Give this one a pass people. Definitely not worthy the trouble.
December 9, 2014
A good vampire prequel
Although pretty good, it is at times repetitive and redundant.
I also like heroes to have a little more back bone, but then again I imagine that in future books this kid will be the bad guy and he should not be liked, or something.
Any way, not a bad book to pass the time and the price is right.
Although pretty good, it is at times repetitive and redundant.
I also like heroes to have a little more back bone, but then again I imagine that in future books this kid will be the bad guy and he should not be liked, or something.
Any way, not a bad book to pass the time and the price is right.
February 12, 2015
Amateur writing style. The story felt rushed and basic. The characters didn't exhibit much death and the storyline, while interesting, wasn't detailed enough for my liking. While a good premise for a book, I was disappointed.
June 24, 2015
This story was not I expected. I was hoping for a horror novel, but it was more of an adventure story. I don't plan on reading the rest of the series.
July 9, 2018
Not sure if this is a YA book, but if it is that would explain a lot. The pace, plot and characters are so simple and thin I shook my head several times. The descriptions of sounds and numerous times characters inhaled and exhaled was distracting and weird. Needless to say I won't read any more of this series.
June 6, 2017
Looking forward to reading more of his books.
August 31, 2017
It really needed more of something and less of something else.
January 11, 2018
This book was ok for me. The writing was good and easy to read. I believe it was the storyline for me not that it was bad but not something I normally read is all.
April 29, 2019
This could have used some heavy editing and truthfully I was hoping for more.
April 15, 2023
Very good
This was a very good and quick read. The story kept me interested throughout the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This was a very good and quick read. The story kept me interested throughout the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 9, 2014
Want another take on Dracula then this is the book for you. This is the first time in reading this author and so love to step into their novels to see what delights await me there. I do not think I would call this completely horror either because it does contain a prince who does love. Not really knowing what to expect I ventured forth and to my delight discovered right away this was not going to be your typical tail oh no. This is why it is also wonderful to try authors you have not read before even though have many a book several of those on Dracula you never know. The young prince Vlad is brought forth with a more personal nature than I expected as the story carries you forth. In fact everyone is so written with the realism that you are transported there as a spectator. The adventure alone also is a escape worth going. A father that is not as he seems and events that happen that are a mystery to be solved. Wild animal attacks they think,bah think again but what I like about this author he weaves the tale with the mastery of a expert in telling. Betrayal will also be the order of day and surprise encounter with someone that will be a partner in expelling of evil. The burden that will be placed on the prince's shoulder is quite interesting reading on how he handles it. Nothing will go as you think it should or would in your run of the mill novel of this nature and that is the delight in the reading of this one. Just when you think evil will be conquered the unexpected will occur. Not often does a novel of this nature bring forth many emotions will reading except enjoyment of horror but this one will surprisingly so. That in itself can be said to be a gift of the author writing to wring them out of you. Would so read more from this author any day. Received a copy for a honest review.
September 7, 2013
I was quickly drawn in to this story. It was very atmospheric, interesting and had many nuances of the historic period. The story itself as well as the writing style were interesting. I liked the feel of the book and how the author painted the scenery and mood.
I really liked Vlad and some of his servants. I felt Vlad's emotions. I understood and could relate to him. The emotional depth was handled well. There was so much I appreciated and enjoyed about this book.
I got hooked quickly by the story and continued to read as the story became darker and darker. I basically knew the story of Vlad the Impaler so, I knew this would be pretty rough for me to read.
I'm okay with most gore and blood doesn't bother me. But this book became increasingly uncomfortable for me. I do not like horror and avoid it.
This book became tough for me since I grew to care about the main characters and felt compelled to finish reading. I so want(ed) to know how the outcome of the story came about. I became increasingly conflicted as I read until it was just too much for me.
I did not finish this book. However, it was by no fault of the skilled author. The fact that I got as far as I did past my comfort zone was very telling of his talent to draw me in and keep me there despite my fears and discomfort. This is a high complement.
I highly recommend this book to horror, hardcore vampire and Dracula/Vlad fans. Enjoy.
I really liked Vlad and some of his servants. I felt Vlad's emotions. I understood and could relate to him. The emotional depth was handled well. There was so much I appreciated and enjoyed about this book.
I got hooked quickly by the story and continued to read as the story became darker and darker. I basically knew the story of Vlad the Impaler so, I knew this would be pretty rough for me to read.
I'm okay with most gore and blood doesn't bother me. But this book became increasingly uncomfortable for me. I do not like horror and avoid it.
This book became tough for me since I grew to care about the main characters and felt compelled to finish reading. I so want(ed) to know how the outcome of the story came about. I became increasingly conflicted as I read until it was just too much for me.
I did not finish this book. However, it was by no fault of the skilled author. The fact that I got as far as I did past my comfort zone was very telling of his talent to draw me in and keep me there despite my fears and discomfort. This is a high complement.
I highly recommend this book to horror, hardcore vampire and Dracula/Vlad fans. Enjoy.
November 10, 2023
The book was an interesting read and something a little different from what I am used to reading.
I really liked the main character, Vlad, which is great because the book is told in first person. He is a solid character who is not too emotional but not too arrogant either, but a great mix of both. I also liked his character development as the mystery unfolds itself; going from a young man with traces of childlike characteristics, to a man ready to take on the unknown. However, the change is not sudden or dramatic, but gradual.
The story line is also solid from start to finish. The mystery is nicely revealed throughout the story and there is no unnecessary confusion. I enjoyed the semi-cliffhanger ending. You know what happens, but your not entirely sure how it is going to play out and effect the main character. In the end, making you want to read the next book in the series.
My only complaint is that I would have loved a little more supernatural occurrences and characters to have appeared. I felt that it was dull in that aspect. There was no elaboration on the wolf or the woman found in the cabin.
I was surprised that I enjoyed the book as much as I did. It took a bit to get into it, but I am really glad I gave it a chance.
I really liked the main character, Vlad, which is great because the book is told in first person. He is a solid character who is not too emotional but not too arrogant either, but a great mix of both. I also liked his character development as the mystery unfolds itself; going from a young man with traces of childlike characteristics, to a man ready to take on the unknown. However, the change is not sudden or dramatic, but gradual.
The story line is also solid from start to finish. The mystery is nicely revealed throughout the story and there is no unnecessary confusion. I enjoyed the semi-cliffhanger ending. You know what happens, but your not entirely sure how it is going to play out and effect the main character. In the end, making you want to read the next book in the series.
My only complaint is that I would have loved a little more supernatural occurrences and characters to have appeared. I felt that it was dull in that aspect. There was no elaboration on the wolf or the woman found in the cabin.
I was surprised that I enjoyed the book as much as I did. It took a bit to get into it, but I am really glad I gave it a chance.
July 24, 2014
4 stars. Set in 1447 Wallachia/Transylvania, this is the spooky and gripping story of young Prince Vlad the Third. He grows up alone and lonely in a remote castle watching for his father, the King, to return home from war. There are some really nice period details and overall great storytelling as we become fans of Prince Vlad and wait with him for daddy to show up...
There were a few slow spots here and there as Stein juggles locations and introduces new pivotal characters to the action. But, there were also a couple of very nice plot twists including one at the end that will hopefully lead to many sequels.
Overall, I liked the book quite a bit and look forward to seeing how Stein continues the Dracula legend. If you are a fan of hard vampire historical fiction, as opposed to fluffy sparkly vampire chick lit, then this is your book! I received a copy of the book, the review is my own.
There were a few slow spots here and there as Stein juggles locations and introduces new pivotal characters to the action. But, there were also a couple of very nice plot twists including one at the end that will hopefully lead to many sequels.
Overall, I liked the book quite a bit and look forward to seeing how Stein continues the Dracula legend. If you are a fan of hard vampire historical fiction, as opposed to fluffy sparkly vampire chick lit, then this is your book! I received a copy of the book, the review is my own.
February 25, 2015
Semi paranormal vampire crap. This book tries to make the vampiric curse an underground secret evil element within a christian secret society. It tries to establish the Ottomon Turks as the "good guys" fighting with Vlad's father. While under normal circumstances, I would have enjoyed this book for what it is--a fictional vampire novel. I found the limp plot and the pro-muslim crap tired, worn, and indicative of trying to appease people who have no intention of being appeased.
What we fail to remember thanks to Brahm Stoker is that Vlad is remembered as the George Washington of Romania. The Turks were Muslims attempting to expand their empire and Vlad, a christian prince, used whatever methods of warfare and terror to win. He fought to keep his people free of Turkish rule, he fought and won. A modern general would see him as using his enemies' tactics against them.
I made it through the book, but after coming to understand the subtext, I just couldn't stomach it.
What we fail to remember thanks to Brahm Stoker is that Vlad is remembered as the George Washington of Romania. The Turks were Muslims attempting to expand their empire and Vlad, a christian prince, used whatever methods of warfare and terror to win. He fought to keep his people free of Turkish rule, he fought and won. A modern general would see him as using his enemies' tactics against them.
I made it through the book, but after coming to understand the subtext, I just couldn't stomach it.
February 14, 2015
Started out weak and overwritten but ended with a big boom!
When I first started reading this I had a hard time because the first was so overwritten I kept trying to rewrite each sentence in my head just so it would flow and have some cadence. I even thought about giving up but I thought I'd give It a chance as I hate not finishing a book and Boy am I glad I did! It was almost like someone else wrote that first chapter. The rest of the book just got better and better. Yes It wasn't all excitement at first but that's just how the story goes, you have to learn the history, and boy did it build up!. Yes I am reading book two. If you like vampire book s I think you will like this one, and I can tell each one Will just get better. This first one pretty much tells about Dracula or Vladdy and how he becomes what he is. I'm glad d I kept reading.
When I first started reading this I had a hard time because the first was so overwritten I kept trying to rewrite each sentence in my head just so it would flow and have some cadence. I even thought about giving up but I thought I'd give It a chance as I hate not finishing a book and Boy am I glad I did! It was almost like someone else wrote that first chapter. The rest of the book just got better and better. Yes It wasn't all excitement at first but that's just how the story goes, you have to learn the history, and boy did it build up!. Yes I am reading book two. If you like vampire book s I think you will like this one, and I can tell each one Will just get better. This first one pretty much tells about Dracula or Vladdy and how he becomes what he is. I'm glad d I kept reading.
June 1, 2014
Vlad the Impaler has long been considered to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's tale of Dracula, but this story takes that tale further with the story of King Vlad's son, Vlad III. As young Vlad nears the age of maturity, ready to assume his rightful place besides his father at this time of war with the Ottomans, he notices drastic changes in his father's behavior, as well as an undefined illness that seems to be effecting the young women of his kingdom. Can he prove his worth to his father and also help these stricken young girls? I really enjoyed this story on the origins of Dracula, interwoven with tidbits from the actual legends of Vlad the Impaler. Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2014
I am giving this book five stars as it is well written, the story moves along quickly and makes for an interesting concept. The author has a way with using words to describe a scene so perfectly that the reader cannot help but be drawn into his imagination. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the gothic style of writing and a new introduction to Dracula.
That being said, I personally don't normally read books where the main character is still a teenager as I have a hard time relating to the emotions involving a character that young. Therefore, I can't say I "loved" the book but it still deserves five stars. I hope the author will continue with the series as I would be more interested in the story as Vlad ages.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
That being said, I personally don't normally read books where the main character is still a teenager as I have a hard time relating to the emotions involving a character that young. Therefore, I can't say I "loved" the book but it still deserves five stars. I hope the author will continue with the series as I would be more interested in the story as Vlad ages.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
July 5, 2014
I think you will love Mr. Stein's novel on how Dracula came to be. I gave this 5 stars because I think it is well written. I was drawn in from the first words on the page and couldn't put it down until I reached the end. Mr. Stein is very descriptive in his writing which enables the reader to have a true picture of the authors vision of the story as it unfolds. This book is the back story that tells how Vlad went from admiring and loving his father to despising him. It is because of Vlad's father, that he went from a caring and compassionate young man to become a man that everyone knows as Dracula. I thought it was an interesting take on a well known story. I can't wait to read more books from this author.
March 23, 2015
Not the best Dracula based book I have read, but it was an easy read. While I was reading along, I could not help but notice that the book itself had a lot of strange twists in the plot from going to one point to the next. I didn't feel like the story stayed consistent because there were moments where I was confused about how the events elevated from one thing to the next. I also hating how the ending went because it left me with a really bad cliff hanger that made me not want to follow up with the next book. Needs some major improvements with small grammar errors that were driving me nuts throughout the whole book. Best of luck to others who might read this because it will most likely confuse you.
February 20, 2016
Writing is amateurish and it was obviously not too well researched, but hey what do you expect for a free kindle read?
Over all I found it an entertaining read. A bit slow and sluggish in some places but not enough to make me lose interest. I will be trying the other books since they're super cheap since the trilogy as a whole is not worth more then a few bucks I think.
If you're looking for a good vampire book steeped in historical fact...well this book isn't it. Want a mildly entertaining read that's a short/quick read that's cheap. ..then pick it up.
Over all I found it an entertaining read. A bit slow and sluggish in some places but not enough to make me lose interest. I will be trying the other books since they're super cheap since the trilogy as a whole is not worth more then a few bucks I think.
If you're looking for a good vampire book steeped in historical fact...well this book isn't it. Want a mildly entertaining read that's a short/quick read that's cheap. ..then pick it up.
April 12, 2015
Nice story
I gave this book 4/5 because the story is really entertaining; however, I kept getting distracted by the deep breaths always being taken. It is just too repetitive and takes away from the story. I actually started skipping paragraphs because I was irritated by the lack of imagination and inability to describe ways in which one could calm or steel oneself besides taking a "deep breath."
I gave this book 4/5 because the story is really entertaining; however, I kept getting distracted by the deep breaths always being taken. It is just too repetitive and takes away from the story. I actually started skipping paragraphs because I was irritated by the lack of imagination and inability to describe ways in which one could calm or steel oneself besides taking a "deep breath."
April 21, 2015
Two stars?
I'm a little surprised at myself for including the second star. Really. The characters are flat, the story is slow and plain boring at times, especially at the beginning. Some of the situations are laugh out loud ridiculous. I finished it only because I started it. This would be better suited for children, maybe it is supposed to be a kid's book? Mature readers skip this one.
I'm a little surprised at myself for including the second star. Really. The characters are flat, the story is slow and plain boring at times, especially at the beginning. Some of the situations are laugh out loud ridiculous. I finished it only because I started it. This would be better suited for children, maybe it is supposed to be a kid's book? Mature readers skip this one.
June 17, 2014
This story had me so mesmerized that I had to force myself to put it down just to go to bed. This is the first book I have read by this author but it will definitely not be the last. Matter of fact I can hardly wait to see where this story goes next. Hope, hope, hope there is another one soon.
I received an e-ARC of this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-ARC of this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2015
Typical
While I had high hopes for this book I have to admit that by the end I was let down. It wasn't till the end that the stereotypical cliches that come with Dracula came to play. Coffins, the cape covering the face with the exception of the eyes and so on. Good at first but then just took a down ward spiral in the last quarter of the book.
While I had high hopes for this book I have to admit that by the end I was let down. It wasn't till the end that the stereotypical cliches that come with Dracula came to play. Coffins, the cape covering the face with the exception of the eyes and so on. Good at first but then just took a down ward spiral in the last quarter of the book.
March 27, 2015
PG13
The book is geared towards teens and mature readers. I expected more in the range of adult, but Dracula Rising fell short.
However, I did like the introduction of how Dracula came to be and the history behind him.
Dracula Reigns seems to possibly hold my reading in interest better due to the revelation presented by Grisdela the witch. For this reason I'll keep reading.
The book is geared towards teens and mature readers. I expected more in the range of adult, but Dracula Rising fell short.
However, I did like the introduction of how Dracula came to be and the history behind him.
Dracula Reigns seems to possibly hold my reading in interest better due to the revelation presented by Grisdela the witch. For this reason I'll keep reading.
May 11, 2015
Characters are uninteresting and not really believable (a Scottish servant calling him Vladdie? Is that a joke that just falls flat to me?) For someone who will be a future terror, Vlad cries a lot and forms shallow, childish attachments. I would have enjoyed something a little more historically accurate, or if pure fiction, at least more in keeping with the fearsome legend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews