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The Dracula Chronicles #1
The Dracula Chronicles: For Whom The Bell Tolls
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS is Book #1 in The Dracula Chronicles
A WAR RAGES AROUND US EVERY DAY. THE STRUGGLE TO SAVE ALL MANKIND. THE ULTIMATE EVIL.
An epic historical novel of Gothic horror, violence, political corruption, dark paranormal fantasy, strong emotions and deep romance set in the 15th Century Balkans.
DESCRIPTION
The battle for souls has raged since the truce that followed the First Great War of the Angels. God has struck the ultimate blow and sacrifice to gain the advantage and defeat His fallen angel and estranged son, Lucifer. As Lucifer stands at the foot of the Cross that drains the last ounce of life from Christ and eradicates man's sins, he realises that his work must begin anew.
In time, he comes to understand that his only chance to win this battle will be to destroy the institution of the Catholic Church to turn man against God, once and for all. He searches for more than a millennium for the candidate to see his plan through to an end and finally discovers the one that can cast that final blow.
On a cold night in December 1431 in Sighisoara an old gypsy woman delivers a prophecy to the great Vlad Dracul. She tells him he is about to sire two sons, one an angel and the other a devil.
He returns to his fortress just as his wife bears him a son, whom he names Vlad. In the very same moment across the country on the border between Transylvania and Hungary a gypsy girl gives birth to another son, Andrei. The die is cast. The twin souls are born. The young Vlad Dracula becomes the instrument of the forces of Darkness. To balance this, the baby Andrei is blessed by the angels and bestowed with awesome powers.
This is their story.
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS is a dark and powerful page-turner that may make you realise the value of your soul.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2013
11 people are currently reading
2411 people want to read
About the author
Shane K.P. O'Neill
9 books1,498 followersShane KP O’Neill is the writer of two upcoming series, Path To Decay and Flesh And Blood.
The Path To Decay series follows the lives of Vlad Dracul and his family and his fight to win the throne of his father in Wallachia, while becoming a pawn in the bitter struggle between the Holy Roman and Ottoman Empires for supremacy in the 15th Century Balkans. Written in a more literary style than contemporary, these novels of historical fiction and dark fantasy contain strong elements of love, betrayal, tragedy, war, religious conflict, and political intrigue to bring the period alive in its entirety.
In Flesh And Blood, O'Neill brings alive the Antediluvian world in a series of sprawling epics. A world inhabited by angels, demons, giants, dragons, and other creatures, it is the story of the divide in Heaven and the Great War of the Angels. This struggle manifests through the bloodlines of Cain, the son of Sammael, and Seth, the son of Adam. It follows the true story of the Hebrew line of Adam and their struggle to survive and make their way against the evil designs of Sammael and his Fallen minions. It tells the story of how the line of Cain dominated and ruled over humankind, culminating with the daughters of Cain cohabiting with the Watcher angels led by Azazel, the true Beast of Revelation, and the aftermath that ensued with their creation of the hybrid race of giants and the great Sumerian traditions. Novels of love, tragedy, betrayal, survival, death, blood drinking, Luciferian ritual, and encompassing the world's most ancient evil, they are an exposé of the many truths the religions of the modern age have striven so hard to keep hidden. This series draws on Scripture, the writings in the ancient Hebrew texts and the Sumerian Cuneiform tablets, the stories of Atlantis and Greek Mythology, as well as from recent archaeological discovery to piece together the real story of the ancient world and our true origins.
Away from writing, the author indulges his lifelong passion for history and theology as is reflected in his extensive library. His love of books is matched only by his love of the countryside and of course, his family. As an added note, he has lived and travelled all over the world, a pursuit that has allowed him to spend time in the locations his readers will become familiar with in his books.
The Path To Decay series follows the lives of Vlad Dracul and his family and his fight to win the throne of his father in Wallachia, while becoming a pawn in the bitter struggle between the Holy Roman and Ottoman Empires for supremacy in the 15th Century Balkans. Written in a more literary style than contemporary, these novels of historical fiction and dark fantasy contain strong elements of love, betrayal, tragedy, war, religious conflict, and political intrigue to bring the period alive in its entirety.
In Flesh And Blood, O'Neill brings alive the Antediluvian world in a series of sprawling epics. A world inhabited by angels, demons, giants, dragons, and other creatures, it is the story of the divide in Heaven and the Great War of the Angels. This struggle manifests through the bloodlines of Cain, the son of Sammael, and Seth, the son of Adam. It follows the true story of the Hebrew line of Adam and their struggle to survive and make their way against the evil designs of Sammael and his Fallen minions. It tells the story of how the line of Cain dominated and ruled over humankind, culminating with the daughters of Cain cohabiting with the Watcher angels led by Azazel, the true Beast of Revelation, and the aftermath that ensued with their creation of the hybrid race of giants and the great Sumerian traditions. Novels of love, tragedy, betrayal, survival, death, blood drinking, Luciferian ritual, and encompassing the world's most ancient evil, they are an exposé of the many truths the religions of the modern age have striven so hard to keep hidden. This series draws on Scripture, the writings in the ancient Hebrew texts and the Sumerian Cuneiform tablets, the stories of Atlantis and Greek Mythology, as well as from recent archaeological discovery to piece together the real story of the ancient world and our true origins.
Away from writing, the author indulges his lifelong passion for history and theology as is reflected in his extensive library. His love of books is matched only by his love of the countryside and of course, his family. As an added note, he has lived and travelled all over the world, a pursuit that has allowed him to spend time in the locations his readers will become familiar with in his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 31, 2016
"The Dracula Chronicles: For Whom The Bell Tolls" by Shane KP O'Neill is a very well written historical account of the early days of Vlad Dracula in Transylvania from 1431 onwards. Although young Vlad will later on become a Vampire and the figure that inspired other Dracula stories, O'Neill sticks with this book to the historic figure and describes only the first years of Vlad's existence.
Introductory chapters introduce the theme of the First Great War of the Angels, of Lucifer and his great plan to find the perfect human to carry out his evil plan. The fight between good and evil forces has come to the earth plane and finds itself in the duality which is being set up between a gypsy boy called Andrei and Vlad Dracula junior.
Vlad Dracul senior is the Voivode of Wallachia and at the time in conflict with the Turks. In that regard the book is an excellent account of the historical and political dynamics and dramas on the Balkan and Europe of the time and worth reading for the well researched and competently written historical account alone. The detailed descriptions of the politics and customs of the time are amazing.
This provides the setting for the coming of age of young Vlad and his 'good' counter part Andrei. Vlad is being held hostage by the Turks and during this time has his first romantic and sexual encounters while his father is struggling with both, his allies and his enemies in the Balkan. The relationships between father and son, the son and his captives and the individual characterisations are way beyond what a fantasy / paranormal book might offer. The writing is of literary class.
O'Neill has done a fantastic job at presenting us with the historical Dracula as opposed to the purely fictional books about Dracula, which distinguishes him from less ambitious and accomplished works in the genre.
Dark and atmospheric but without any actual vampires this is an amazing and very unique book that hopefully will appeal to the fans of the vampire genre as much as it did to this satisfied fan of historical fiction.
Introductory chapters introduce the theme of the First Great War of the Angels, of Lucifer and his great plan to find the perfect human to carry out his evil plan. The fight between good and evil forces has come to the earth plane and finds itself in the duality which is being set up between a gypsy boy called Andrei and Vlad Dracula junior.
Vlad Dracul senior is the Voivode of Wallachia and at the time in conflict with the Turks. In that regard the book is an excellent account of the historical and political dynamics and dramas on the Balkan and Europe of the time and worth reading for the well researched and competently written historical account alone. The detailed descriptions of the politics and customs of the time are amazing.
This provides the setting for the coming of age of young Vlad and his 'good' counter part Andrei. Vlad is being held hostage by the Turks and during this time has his first romantic and sexual encounters while his father is struggling with both, his allies and his enemies in the Balkan. The relationships between father and son, the son and his captives and the individual characterisations are way beyond what a fantasy / paranormal book might offer. The writing is of literary class.
O'Neill has done a fantastic job at presenting us with the historical Dracula as opposed to the purely fictional books about Dracula, which distinguishes him from less ambitious and accomplished works in the genre.
Dark and atmospheric but without any actual vampires this is an amazing and very unique book that hopefully will appeal to the fans of the vampire genre as much as it did to this satisfied fan of historical fiction.
November 18, 2013
A must read, you will not be disappointed. Having read the authors first two books of the Dracula Chronicles, which gave us the vampire first, I thought it may be a little strange to then go back to the beginning, but it really works. Mr O'Neill's talented writing brings to life the characters and the brutal age in which they live. It gives real insight into the circumstances which shaped Dracula the man. This is definitely not just another vampire story, there is so much more to it than that. The authors accomplished descriptive writing makes you feel as though you are actually there witnessing events as they unfold and I found it difficult to put this book down! I cannot wait to read more and eagerly await the next book.
September 22, 2014
Well I've been waiting for this book to come out since reading the "Bound by blood" books and it was well worth it.
This book starts the tale of the life of Vlad Tspesh (Dracula) from when he was born. The story is, I'm sure, full of accurate details and reads more like an actual account of his life up until the age of 16.
It also is the start of Lucifer's plans to beat God to the highest amount of souls, which he's failing at because of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and the fact that he died so man could be forgiven. In reply to this Lucifer searches for over a millennia for an agent and begins to groom a young Vlad who since the age of 9 has been held hostage by the Turks with his brother Radu.
This book has no vampires in it and reads almost like a real account, almost! I just couldn't put it down it is so good. There is even a sex scene in it, which I think is the best written and most tastefully done that I have ever read. It certainly gives you all sides of Vlad's character and makes you realize the violent and precious lives they led and why he carried such anger and hatred with him.
I can't wait for part 2 to come out it's just fantastic!
This book starts the tale of the life of Vlad Tspesh (Dracula) from when he was born. The story is, I'm sure, full of accurate details and reads more like an actual account of his life up until the age of 16.
It also is the start of Lucifer's plans to beat God to the highest amount of souls, which he's failing at because of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and the fact that he died so man could be forgiven. In reply to this Lucifer searches for over a millennia for an agent and begins to groom a young Vlad who since the age of 9 has been held hostage by the Turks with his brother Radu.
This book has no vampires in it and reads almost like a real account, almost! I just couldn't put it down it is so good. There is even a sex scene in it, which I think is the best written and most tastefully done that I have ever read. It certainly gives you all sides of Vlad's character and makes you realize the violent and precious lives they led and why he carried such anger and hatred with him.
I can't wait for part 2 to come out it's just fantastic!
December 12, 2013
Having sired two different sons by two different women (as also depicted in the standalone introduction LAMB OF GOD), Vlad Dracul ascends to the honorable title of Voivode of Wallachia. But the throne carries with it an enormously high price, as Dracul finds himself at odds with those who will stop at nothing to strip him of everything he possesses. Old allegiances are broken and new ones forged, and Dracul is forced to contend with crises both personal and political, while his sons Vlad and Radu are left to face the consequences of their father’s actions…
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS differs from Shane K.P. O’Neill’s BOUND BY BLOOD sagas in that it takes place years prior to Dracula’s vampiric existence, but this in no way diminishes the power and intensity of its read. Events unfold with the depth of a historical epic. The characters and their motivations and strategies, on and off the battlefield, are carefully crafted and one easily becomes immersed in the drama. Though the central plot revolves around Dracul, he is subtly shadowed by the ever-scheming Lucifer, who is always looking for an edge in his quest to bring down the Catholic Church, and hence, his fellow angels and even God Himself. The key, so Lucifer believes, lies in the person of the young Vlad Dracula.
It is a coming-of-age story for the future Lord of the Undead. Dracula’s early childhood and adolescence are delved into, unveiling several defining moments that seal his fate as an eventual leader of his people, and as a major player in the battle between Heaven and Hell. Vlad is the product of his life and times, and his later actions as both “the Impaler” and as “the King of Vampires” are what eventually result. He cannot escape his destiny, even as his hidden counterpart, the pure-hearted Andrei, cannot escape his.
Andrei is also on a path of self-discovery. A seventh child of a seventh child raised by peaceful gypsies, he is declared from his birth as special, his sole purpose to destroy the evil and ensure the protection and salvation of mankind. It’s unclear as yet how far his powers go, and his time in this story is minimal compared to his brother’s, but the mystery surrounding Andrei is enough to maintain interest, to see in which way this “anti-Dracula” will be further developed.
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS is secure in its place as the foundation for this series, continuing to take advantage of the potential inherent in a melding of the historical Dracula with the fictional Dracula.
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS differs from Shane K.P. O’Neill’s BOUND BY BLOOD sagas in that it takes place years prior to Dracula’s vampiric existence, but this in no way diminishes the power and intensity of its read. Events unfold with the depth of a historical epic. The characters and their motivations and strategies, on and off the battlefield, are carefully crafted and one easily becomes immersed in the drama. Though the central plot revolves around Dracul, he is subtly shadowed by the ever-scheming Lucifer, who is always looking for an edge in his quest to bring down the Catholic Church, and hence, his fellow angels and even God Himself. The key, so Lucifer believes, lies in the person of the young Vlad Dracula.
It is a coming-of-age story for the future Lord of the Undead. Dracula’s early childhood and adolescence are delved into, unveiling several defining moments that seal his fate as an eventual leader of his people, and as a major player in the battle between Heaven and Hell. Vlad is the product of his life and times, and his later actions as both “the Impaler” and as “the King of Vampires” are what eventually result. He cannot escape his destiny, even as his hidden counterpart, the pure-hearted Andrei, cannot escape his.
Andrei is also on a path of self-discovery. A seventh child of a seventh child raised by peaceful gypsies, he is declared from his birth as special, his sole purpose to destroy the evil and ensure the protection and salvation of mankind. It’s unclear as yet how far his powers go, and his time in this story is minimal compared to his brother’s, but the mystery surrounding Andrei is enough to maintain interest, to see in which way this “anti-Dracula” will be further developed.
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS is secure in its place as the foundation for this series, continuing to take advantage of the potential inherent in a melding of the historical Dracula with the fictional Dracula.
June 4, 2014
For Whom The Bell Tolls is a precise, masterful and engaging piece of work. A thrilling page-turner with very real characters, this is an age-old tale told like you’ve never heard it before!
The new craze of ‘teenage vampire angst’ had made me fearful of ever picking up a book with the ‘vampire’ concept ever again, which is why when I started ‘The Dracula Chronicles’, I did so tremulously. Within the first two paragraphs I knew that I had picked up something that was so beyond my expectation, I struggled to put it down.
There is no teenage angst here, only the ancient tale of the war between heaven and earth, personified in a unique, historical setting. For Whom The Bell Tolls draws on historical fact, mythology and religion all at once to create a masterful construction that will have you anxiously turning the page.
A dynamic, richly dimensional story, this book does not sacrifice pace for detail, with O’Neill effortlessly joining the two in a rich text. If I had one complaint, it would be the occasional modern word which appears in the description, but that it’s itself is a weak objection as it does nothing to the quality of the text and the engagement for the reader.
The story follows the tale of two boys, Vlad and Andrei, half-brothers who will in turn become the champions of Good and Evil. And yet, the story begins with them as young boys, privy to human emotions, petty sibling rivalry and childish stubbornness as slowly they become exposed to the cruel world around them and begin to exhibit wondrous powers.
This tale takes no sides and is as much an examination into the human condition, as it is an action-packed origin story of two brothers’ who will battle over the fate of all humankind.
The new craze of ‘teenage vampire angst’ had made me fearful of ever picking up a book with the ‘vampire’ concept ever again, which is why when I started ‘The Dracula Chronicles’, I did so tremulously. Within the first two paragraphs I knew that I had picked up something that was so beyond my expectation, I struggled to put it down.
There is no teenage angst here, only the ancient tale of the war between heaven and earth, personified in a unique, historical setting. For Whom The Bell Tolls draws on historical fact, mythology and religion all at once to create a masterful construction that will have you anxiously turning the page.
A dynamic, richly dimensional story, this book does not sacrifice pace for detail, with O’Neill effortlessly joining the two in a rich text. If I had one complaint, it would be the occasional modern word which appears in the description, but that it’s itself is a weak objection as it does nothing to the quality of the text and the engagement for the reader.
The story follows the tale of two boys, Vlad and Andrei, half-brothers who will in turn become the champions of Good and Evil. And yet, the story begins with them as young boys, privy to human emotions, petty sibling rivalry and childish stubbornness as slowly they become exposed to the cruel world around them and begin to exhibit wondrous powers.
This tale takes no sides and is as much an examination into the human condition, as it is an action-packed origin story of two brothers’ who will battle over the fate of all humankind.
February 27, 2014
Author Shane O'Neill has done what I think is his finest work in The Dracula Chronicles: For Whom The Bell Tolls. Wonderfully explicit storytelling, including a very vivid and tastefully done sex scene, this book is full of story lines that bring the reader to the edge of his or her seat.
Reading the trials and tribulations of Dracul and his sons is very detailed and extremely engrossing. As the story plays out this reader was left feeling conflicted on many topics, always a good sign when reading a book.
A great read and wonderfully done, I highly recommend this to anyone interested in not only a great story but a celebration of great storytelling. Excellent work.
Reading the trials and tribulations of Dracul and his sons is very detailed and extremely engrossing. As the story plays out this reader was left feeling conflicted on many topics, always a good sign when reading a book.
A great read and wonderfully done, I highly recommend this to anyone interested in not only a great story but a celebration of great storytelling. Excellent work.
March 21, 2014
An amazingly historic story that tells of Vlad Dracula and his half brother, Andrei, taking us from their youth to the men they became. This novel takes you back to the dark times in 1431 to take you through the battles, loves and losses of Vlad Dracula and his family in graphic clarity. Certainly not a novel for the faint-of-heart. Another superb piece of writing from Shane K.P. O'Neill.
August 12, 2016
It is here I take you back to the beginning and introduce you to the concept that is The Dracula Chronicles.
To end the First Great War of the Angels, God agreed a truce with Lucifer when He could have destroyed His fallen son. Never could He have envisaged the resourcefulness of the Arch Deceiver or have contemplated that Lucifer could challenge in the battle for souls. For to end the war, God agreed that Lucifer could contest the soul of every living being, as long as he never interfered with their free will. If Lucifer should ever control more souls than God at any time, then he could ascend again to Heaven from whence he had been cast out. In the event that did ascend again to Heaven, then the human race which he so despised, would cease to exist.
In His bid to preserve mankind, God sent His son made man, Jesus Christ, to live as a mortal. When he was crucified, Jesus erased man's sin and undid all Lucifer's work. Lucifer stood there and witnessed this great sacrifice, knowing his work had to begin anew. The Catholic Church emerged from that dark day in Jerusalem to serve as a reminder to Lucifer of God's great victory over him. He came to realise in time that if he could destroy the institution of the Catholic Church, then he could turn man against God once more.
He searches for over a millennium for the candidate to achieve his ends. When the crusades begin at the end of the 11th Century, he senses he will find the one he seeks amid the struggle between Christian and Moslem. The crusades end a century later, but it is only when the battle between the two great religions surfaces again in eastern Europe with the designs of the Ottoman Empire, that he finally finds the one.
On a cold night in December, 1431 two sons are born to Vlad Dracul, Voivode of Wallachia. His wife gives birth to the young Vlad, and it is this child that Lucifer identifies as the one. Hundreds of miles away, another son breathes life in the very same moment. Andrei is born to a gypsy woman, who had conceived him after being taken against her will by Dracul. God blesses this child and makes him the one who will be the balance to the great evil Lucifer is about to unleash on the world with the manipulation of his brother.
For Whom The Bell Tolls follows the early lives of these two brothers in a land torn between the warring factions of the Austro-Hungarian and the Ottoman Empires.
To end the First Great War of the Angels, God agreed a truce with Lucifer when He could have destroyed His fallen son. Never could He have envisaged the resourcefulness of the Arch Deceiver or have contemplated that Lucifer could challenge in the battle for souls. For to end the war, God agreed that Lucifer could contest the soul of every living being, as long as he never interfered with their free will. If Lucifer should ever control more souls than God at any time, then he could ascend again to Heaven from whence he had been cast out. In the event that did ascend again to Heaven, then the human race which he so despised, would cease to exist.
In His bid to preserve mankind, God sent His son made man, Jesus Christ, to live as a mortal. When he was crucified, Jesus erased man's sin and undid all Lucifer's work. Lucifer stood there and witnessed this great sacrifice, knowing his work had to begin anew. The Catholic Church emerged from that dark day in Jerusalem to serve as a reminder to Lucifer of God's great victory over him. He came to realise in time that if he could destroy the institution of the Catholic Church, then he could turn man against God once more.
He searches for over a millennium for the candidate to achieve his ends. When the crusades begin at the end of the 11th Century, he senses he will find the one he seeks amid the struggle between Christian and Moslem. The crusades end a century later, but it is only when the battle between the two great religions surfaces again in eastern Europe with the designs of the Ottoman Empire, that he finally finds the one.
On a cold night in December, 1431 two sons are born to Vlad Dracul, Voivode of Wallachia. His wife gives birth to the young Vlad, and it is this child that Lucifer identifies as the one. Hundreds of miles away, another son breathes life in the very same moment. Andrei is born to a gypsy woman, who had conceived him after being taken against her will by Dracul. God blesses this child and makes him the one who will be the balance to the great evil Lucifer is about to unleash on the world with the manipulation of his brother.
For Whom The Bell Tolls follows the early lives of these two brothers in a land torn between the warring factions of the Austro-Hungarian and the Ottoman Empires.
May 31, 2014
This is the third book from Shane that I have read. This particular title is not only the telling of Vlad, Radu and Andrei's developmental years but the story of Vlad's father, Dracul. This story is set before Vlad is left to the devices of Lucifer.
Pros
This Irish born, Norwegian-residing author once again brings the reader no-holds barred storytelling equivalent to the anything goes, raw era that was the Crusades against the Turks and the spread of Islam. He also manages to introduce the reader to the cutthroat savagery that is war and betrayal from every angle and their effects on Vlad and his brothers.
Cons
While the action, the sexuality, and the multiple conflicts within this epic were able to catch my attention, the only thing that really bothered me is that there wasn't enough focus on Andrei. If you've read Bound by Blood, then you know that Andrei plays an important role later on in his life. He felt more like a side character in this particular story.
Pros
This Irish born, Norwegian-residing author once again brings the reader no-holds barred storytelling equivalent to the anything goes, raw era that was the Crusades against the Turks and the spread of Islam. He also manages to introduce the reader to the cutthroat savagery that is war and betrayal from every angle and their effects on Vlad and his brothers.
Cons
While the action, the sexuality, and the multiple conflicts within this epic were able to catch my attention, the only thing that really bothered me is that there wasn't enough focus on Andrei. If you've read Bound by Blood, then you know that Andrei plays an important role later on in his life. He felt more like a side character in this particular story.
February 22, 2014
Fabulous reading, the author captures the audience reading this book.....well the whole collection actually.....the detail is astounding, makes you feel as though you are there feeling every emotion there.
There are very few books that I have read that has left me wanting more, I look forward to the next publication with anticipation of more excitement, edge of my seat reading.
There are very few books that I have read that has left me wanting more, I look forward to the next publication with anticipation of more excitement, edge of my seat reading.
March 23, 2014
I had to read this after The Lamb Of God. I loved it and read it every chance I got, before work and when I got home from work. I like stories where the historical facts are correct and I can learn something besides being entertained. I find this period of the history of east Europe is very exciting and I understand many important things happened that shaped our world today.
Vlad seems a nice boy but his destiny seems to conspire against him. He tries his best and is very loyal to his father. He feels abandoned and betrayed when he is taken hostage by the sultan, but he doesn't show his father. Many bad things happen to him, but he shows great courage. He was young and people did so many bad things to him, it made him hate and lack trust in people. But I liked him. He is very talented as a warrior, but he does not seem very happy as a person.
Andrei is a mystery, but he is the happy one surrounded by love.
The battle descriptions were great. I could see everything that was happening, like I was there. I could feel the fear in the men facing each other. The overview at Varna was so graphic that you could see the whole battlefield. The writer showed the great importance of this event and what it's outcome meant. It tugged at my heart how Dracula's brother saved the man who would later destroy his entire family. I just wanted to cry.
The great love scene between Vlad and his first love was the best I've read. I never knew a man could be capable of writing with
such sensitivity or emotion. I could really feel the emotion between them, and the strength of their connection even though they were strangers to each other. But I felt very sad for Vlad afterwards.
I found the book dramatic, interesting, exciting, powerful, moving, horrific at times and sometimes very scary. The research and
historical content is amazing and the writing flowed easily. English is my second language but I was able to follow the story well. A very gifted writer with a great story, who I think will enjoy great success in the future.
Vlad seems a nice boy but his destiny seems to conspire against him. He tries his best and is very loyal to his father. He feels abandoned and betrayed when he is taken hostage by the sultan, but he doesn't show his father. Many bad things happen to him, but he shows great courage. He was young and people did so many bad things to him, it made him hate and lack trust in people. But I liked him. He is very talented as a warrior, but he does not seem very happy as a person.
Andrei is a mystery, but he is the happy one surrounded by love.
The battle descriptions were great. I could see everything that was happening, like I was there. I could feel the fear in the men facing each other. The overview at Varna was so graphic that you could see the whole battlefield. The writer showed the great importance of this event and what it's outcome meant. It tugged at my heart how Dracula's brother saved the man who would later destroy his entire family. I just wanted to cry.
The great love scene between Vlad and his first love was the best I've read. I never knew a man could be capable of writing with
such sensitivity or emotion. I could really feel the emotion between them, and the strength of their connection even though they were strangers to each other. But I felt very sad for Vlad afterwards.
I found the book dramatic, interesting, exciting, powerful, moving, horrific at times and sometimes very scary. The research and
historical content is amazing and the writing flowed easily. English is my second language but I was able to follow the story well. A very gifted writer with a great story, who I think will enjoy great success in the future.
November 19, 2013
Shane's has gripping saga and unparalleled writing are a tribute to his vast knowledge and painstaking processes that bring to fruition a grand and elegant tale of darkness and light. A must read for all interesting, spellbinding, and at times makes your breath catch in your throat, for want of what comes next..
Theresa Stuart
Theresa Stuart
July 4, 2014
This book is a great read!
July 10, 2014
This is a difficult book to review. I had extremely high hopes when I started reading this book, due to the nearly perfect ratings. I loved Bram Stoker's Dracula and couldn't wait to see what people were raving about in regards to this series.
For Whom the Bell Tolls actually opens with Lucifer's fall from heaven and the beginning of the battle between heaven and hell. With the crucifixion of Christ, God erased the sins of man, undoing all of Lucifer's work. In response to this defeat, Lucifer chooses Vlad, who at the time was just an infant, as his number one pawn in his fight to take over heaven.
I was blown away by the way Shane K.P. O'Neill opened this novel, but it soon began reading like a biography of Vlad Tepes or a history lesson regarding the war between the Romanians and Turks/Christianity and Moslem religions. It remained extremely well-written and detailed, but simply wasn't overly enjoyable to me.
After I finished reading this, I saw that this series actually started out with books with Dracula as a vampire and the author later wrote this book about Dracula when he was a man. I think I may have actually enjoyed this one more if it was not my first impression of this series. With that being said, I do expect to be extremely satisfied with the books that focus more on the paranormal elements of this story. What little bit of that was present in For Whom the Bell Tolls was immaculately done and gave me the chills.
For Whom the Bell Tolls actually opens with Lucifer's fall from heaven and the beginning of the battle between heaven and hell. With the crucifixion of Christ, God erased the sins of man, undoing all of Lucifer's work. In response to this defeat, Lucifer chooses Vlad, who at the time was just an infant, as his number one pawn in his fight to take over heaven.
I was blown away by the way Shane K.P. O'Neill opened this novel, but it soon began reading like a biography of Vlad Tepes or a history lesson regarding the war between the Romanians and Turks/Christianity and Moslem religions. It remained extremely well-written and detailed, but simply wasn't overly enjoyable to me.
After I finished reading this, I saw that this series actually started out with books with Dracula as a vampire and the author later wrote this book about Dracula when he was a man. I think I may have actually enjoyed this one more if it was not my first impression of this series. With that being said, I do expect to be extremely satisfied with the books that focus more on the paranormal elements of this story. What little bit of that was present in For Whom the Bell Tolls was immaculately done and gave me the chills.
July 19, 2014
For Whom The Bell Tolls (Vlad Dracula, #1) (The Dracula Chronicles, #1) by Shane KP O'Neill is exactly what a classic in its own time looks like. The author has captured the smells, flavours and struggles of 15th Century eastern Europe so perfectly, this reader actually lived every page. The writing of this historical masterpiece is flawless and seamlessly weaves a monumental tapestry of back-stabbing political shenanigans with hints of the supernatural and religious warfare.
This book follows the struggles of Vlad Dracul, Voivode of Wallachia as all around him schemes by the Turks threaten his homeland. But he is a man of honour and this pride of duty forces both his sons into the hands of the Turkish Lord whom he must destroy to save the next great Dracul.
Be prepared for mighty blood-thirsty battles on a scale so immense I gasped for breath at the magnitude and awesome skill of the author. Combine that with brilliant historical facts of this bloody time and you have a historical fiction novel not to be missed.
This FIVE STAR Historical Fiction novel is a must read and very highly recommended. Do not miss out on this masterpiece.
This book follows the struggles of Vlad Dracul, Voivode of Wallachia as all around him schemes by the Turks threaten his homeland. But he is a man of honour and this pride of duty forces both his sons into the hands of the Turkish Lord whom he must destroy to save the next great Dracul.
Be prepared for mighty blood-thirsty battles on a scale so immense I gasped for breath at the magnitude and awesome skill of the author. Combine that with brilliant historical facts of this bloody time and you have a historical fiction novel not to be missed.
This FIVE STAR Historical Fiction novel is a must read and very highly recommended. Do not miss out on this masterpiece.
November 3, 2014
Voivode Dracul is the ruler of Wallachia. He is married and ends up having three boys, a fine legacy to leave behind. It is an assurance that there will be an heir to the throne. However, that throne is continuously threatened by one or another. The Turks on one side of Dracul are always some sort of issue because he has made a truce with them, even though he has made an oath to the Catholic Church to help protect their interests. In an age where the Crusades were fought, the two do not get along and have had many battles. When the church wants a crusade, it calls up those who swore an oath to them and they go off to fight. Not so with Dracul. He is an Orthodox Christian and doesn't believe the way the Catholic church does. Not to mention he regularly ignores Hunyadi, one of the main men leading many of these battles, when he wants Dracul's help.
Because of his truce with Sultan Murad, Dracul ends up imprisoned with his two younger sons, Vlad and Radu. Had he but listened to his wife, his sons would have at least been at home safe and sound. Now they were all at the mercy of the sultan and Dracul's oldest son, Mircea is taking his place trying to rule the country until Dracul's return. But no one knows when that will be, if it ever happens. The sultan would as soon kill them all if it pleased him. All of this over a truce and an oath taken by one man. Bad choices not only affect the one person in this book. It reverberates throughout the family and the country. And Dracul makes a few critical errors that could cost him everything. As it is, his son, Vlad, is becoming friendly with Lucifer without knowing it. Lucifer has plans for the boy quickly growing into a man. He will be something to fear when he is an adult, as long as he reaches adulthood. On the flip side of things, Vlad has a half-brother he doesn't know of that is the exact opposite of him. A good to balance out the evil to come.
Shane KP O'Neill paints us a picture of a life that is difficult even in the best of times and much of the time fraught with ever lurking dangers. A hard life even for the elite in society. Even though they have the good life compared to most, if ever captured, their fates are much worse than a commoner's would be. This is the life of the Voivode Dracul and his family. It is a tragic and devastating story really once you read this first book all the way through. In the end, even his own allies turn against him and there are few to try and help save him. The fall of the mighty is a hard fall indeed.
I enjoyed the fact that this is a historical fiction book. There was an actual man with the name Dracula and he was a very brutal man. This man would have been Viovode Dracul's son, Vlad Dracula. Vlad Dracula was in real life Vlad the Impaler. We don't see a lot of that brutality in this book, but it begins to emerge at the end. He is an insanely gifted warrior and his past struggles have molded him with an iron heart. I do love that O'Neill crafted this story with the main thing being the age old fight of good and evil between God and His angels and Lucifer, A.K.A. the Devil. It is very creative and you can tell that the author has done his research on the 15th century, the Ottoman empire, and the Balkans.
This book IS NOT for anyone under the age of 18. It has some rather graphic parts to it and there is a certain brutality to it that would not be suitable for younger ages. Even as an adult I found some parts rather shocking. And this book is no doubt a shocker as well as an eye-opener to what the real Dracula family might have been like instead of just about fangs and drinking blood. Perhaps that will come later in the series. For now, we have some very human men in the story that make some mistakes and pay the price for it. Unfortunately, in this day and age, the price to pay for mistakes is unbearably high.
Interested in a little more background information on Vlad the Impaler/the real life Dracula? Check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlad_the...
Because of his truce with Sultan Murad, Dracul ends up imprisoned with his two younger sons, Vlad and Radu. Had he but listened to his wife, his sons would have at least been at home safe and sound. Now they were all at the mercy of the sultan and Dracul's oldest son, Mircea is taking his place trying to rule the country until Dracul's return. But no one knows when that will be, if it ever happens. The sultan would as soon kill them all if it pleased him. All of this over a truce and an oath taken by one man. Bad choices not only affect the one person in this book. It reverberates throughout the family and the country. And Dracul makes a few critical errors that could cost him everything. As it is, his son, Vlad, is becoming friendly with Lucifer without knowing it. Lucifer has plans for the boy quickly growing into a man. He will be something to fear when he is an adult, as long as he reaches adulthood. On the flip side of things, Vlad has a half-brother he doesn't know of that is the exact opposite of him. A good to balance out the evil to come.
Shane KP O'Neill paints us a picture of a life that is difficult even in the best of times and much of the time fraught with ever lurking dangers. A hard life even for the elite in society. Even though they have the good life compared to most, if ever captured, their fates are much worse than a commoner's would be. This is the life of the Voivode Dracul and his family. It is a tragic and devastating story really once you read this first book all the way through. In the end, even his own allies turn against him and there are few to try and help save him. The fall of the mighty is a hard fall indeed.
I enjoyed the fact that this is a historical fiction book. There was an actual man with the name Dracula and he was a very brutal man. This man would have been Viovode Dracul's son, Vlad Dracula. Vlad Dracula was in real life Vlad the Impaler. We don't see a lot of that brutality in this book, but it begins to emerge at the end. He is an insanely gifted warrior and his past struggles have molded him with an iron heart. I do love that O'Neill crafted this story with the main thing being the age old fight of good and evil between God and His angels and Lucifer, A.K.A. the Devil. It is very creative and you can tell that the author has done his research on the 15th century, the Ottoman empire, and the Balkans.
This book IS NOT for anyone under the age of 18. It has some rather graphic parts to it and there is a certain brutality to it that would not be suitable for younger ages. Even as an adult I found some parts rather shocking. And this book is no doubt a shocker as well as an eye-opener to what the real Dracula family might have been like instead of just about fangs and drinking blood. Perhaps that will come later in the series. For now, we have some very human men in the story that make some mistakes and pay the price for it. Unfortunately, in this day and age, the price to pay for mistakes is unbearably high.
Interested in a little more background information on Vlad the Impaler/the real life Dracula? Check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlad_the...
December 2, 2014
This is not your grandmother’s Dracula story. In fact, it’s more about his beginnings, and how his formative years led him to become Vlad the Impaler.
And at the end of this story, you will be saying to yourself, “Well, I can certainly understand why he did what he did.”
It starts at the very beginning of the Christian era. Satan, upon having learned that his hold on humans has been destroyed by Jesus’ crucifixion, makes a vow: at some point in human time, he will find the one who will wreak his revenge.
He finds him in the 15th century–the child Vlad Dracula. But what he doesn’t know is that Vlad’s father’s illegitimate child has also been born to the gypsy woman he raped. This child, too, is destined for greatness–but of a different nature.
A masterful mix of history and fiction, this tale is nothing short of genius. It focuses on the early years of the Dracul reign, and a strange curse that falls over both legitimate and bastard child alike. The reader is taken back and forth between historical facts and fictional encounters without any stop in the action.
The military strategies, the protocol, the constant mental chess game that flows in peace negotiations–so much more than is outwardly obvious to the casual reader. But every lift of the eyebrow, every sigh–it means something, whether in defense or in capitulation. And there is always an equal and opposite reaction that carries the reader from one even to the next without a stop.
The historical facts of Vlad’s imprisonment by the Turks, and the possible fiction of his military prowess deeply impressing his captors, the battles, and the results of their outcome, all play a part in this fantastic story.
And then there is the presence of the evil malevolence that seems to overshadow the lives of the Draculs from the very beginning of Vlad’s life. Regarding the crucifixion narrative that starts this story, I was very much gratified by the respect the author has for this very sensitive scene. The connections he makes between the denizens of the dark and the angels of light are very unique.
What impressed me the most was the love the elder Dracul had for all of his sons, and the way he strived to stay faithful to his oaths of defending the Faith. He knew that going against the Turks, which was what he had sworn to do, would be the death of Vlad and his brother. The way he agonizes over this, and how his decision affects both sides, are skillfully told by a man who knows his 15th-century history.
To the squeamish or sensitive, I give fair warning–there are some brutal scenes in these pages. But without them, would we consider war less brutal than it is?
History fans–both of fiction and non-fiction–would love this book.
And at the end of this story, you will be saying to yourself, “Well, I can certainly understand why he did what he did.”
It starts at the very beginning of the Christian era. Satan, upon having learned that his hold on humans has been destroyed by Jesus’ crucifixion, makes a vow: at some point in human time, he will find the one who will wreak his revenge.
He finds him in the 15th century–the child Vlad Dracula. But what he doesn’t know is that Vlad’s father’s illegitimate child has also been born to the gypsy woman he raped. This child, too, is destined for greatness–but of a different nature.
A masterful mix of history and fiction, this tale is nothing short of genius. It focuses on the early years of the Dracul reign, and a strange curse that falls over both legitimate and bastard child alike. The reader is taken back and forth between historical facts and fictional encounters without any stop in the action.
The military strategies, the protocol, the constant mental chess game that flows in peace negotiations–so much more than is outwardly obvious to the casual reader. But every lift of the eyebrow, every sigh–it means something, whether in defense or in capitulation. And there is always an equal and opposite reaction that carries the reader from one even to the next without a stop.
The historical facts of Vlad’s imprisonment by the Turks, and the possible fiction of his military prowess deeply impressing his captors, the battles, and the results of their outcome, all play a part in this fantastic story.
And then there is the presence of the evil malevolence that seems to overshadow the lives of the Draculs from the very beginning of Vlad’s life. Regarding the crucifixion narrative that starts this story, I was very much gratified by the respect the author has for this very sensitive scene. The connections he makes between the denizens of the dark and the angels of light are very unique.
What impressed me the most was the love the elder Dracul had for all of his sons, and the way he strived to stay faithful to his oaths of defending the Faith. He knew that going against the Turks, which was what he had sworn to do, would be the death of Vlad and his brother. The way he agonizes over this, and how his decision affects both sides, are skillfully told by a man who knows his 15th-century history.
To the squeamish or sensitive, I give fair warning–there are some brutal scenes in these pages. But without them, would we consider war less brutal than it is?
History fans–both of fiction and non-fiction–would love this book.
March 5, 2015
I am a huge fan of all things Vlad Dracula. In my time, I've read many good books about him, and equally as many bad. Scarce, however, is the number of GREAT books I've read about the famed tyrant. I am happy to say that For Whom the Bell Tolls proudly shines in my top three favorites. This is s high honor.
The book begins with a history of heaven and hell, and we are introduced into the battle between light and darkness, good and evil. From there we are taken into a world of knights and princes, and young Vlad. One thing I thoroughly enjoyed about this book is the perspective from Vlad's father. He is a "character" that is often forgotten or passed over, and I feel this story pays proper homage to him. We, as readers, are transported back in history with writing that is both readily understandable, and yet loses no incredible detail.
Many times while reading, I lost track of time because I was simply swept away into a time of love, loss, and war. I was taken to a battlefield and saw armies fighting, or the servants odd heaven or hell choosing amongst the slain.
If I could, I would give this book far more than give stars. I quickly bought the next book and am eager to begin reading.
The book begins with a history of heaven and hell, and we are introduced into the battle between light and darkness, good and evil. From there we are taken into a world of knights and princes, and young Vlad. One thing I thoroughly enjoyed about this book is the perspective from Vlad's father. He is a "character" that is often forgotten or passed over, and I feel this story pays proper homage to him. We, as readers, are transported back in history with writing that is both readily understandable, and yet loses no incredible detail.
Many times while reading, I lost track of time because I was simply swept away into a time of love, loss, and war. I was taken to a battlefield and saw armies fighting, or the servants odd heaven or hell choosing amongst the slain.
If I could, I would give this book far more than give stars. I quickly bought the next book and am eager to begin reading.
August 2, 2014
"The Dracula Chronicles: For Whom The Bell Tolls" by Shane KP O'Neill - is a very well written historical account of the early days of Vlad Dracula in Transylvania from 1431. Shane KP O'Neill is exactly what a classic in its own time looks like capturing the smells, flavours and struggles of 15th Century eastern Europe so very well. Very dark and well written, The authors creative and unique approach is amazing and capturing. A fascinating blend of medieval historical facts, myths, and paranormal fantasy by Author Shane KP O’Neill. A recommended read.
July 14, 2014
The Dracula Chronicles: For Whom The Bell Tolls by Shane KP O'Neill is an epic historical novel of Gothic horror, violence, political corruption, dark paranormal fantasy, strong emotions and deep romance set in the 15th Century Balkans.
What else could you ask for in this awesome book!
Very dark and well written, I love the authors creative and unique approach to this outstanding page turner!
I borrowed this book from my daughter and we both plan on buying more of this talented authors books, for me a well deserved 5 stars!
What else could you ask for in this awesome book!
Very dark and well written, I love the authors creative and unique approach to this outstanding page turner!
I borrowed this book from my daughter and we both plan on buying more of this talented authors books, for me a well deserved 5 stars!
August 10, 2014
With so many vampire books hitting the shelves nowadays, it is often difficult to weed out the ones that deserve to be buried forever and find the one that will rise above. O'Neill takes historical fact and merges it with local myth and his own twists to create a fresh recounting of a historical enigma - drives, motivations, and tragic circumstance are all explored in beautiful detail and masterful writing. I can't wait to read the next one.
July 16, 2014
Having already read one of The Dracula Chronicles by Shane O'Neill prior to For Whom the Bell Tolls I was eagerly anticipating another stupendous novel full of the grit and excellent characterisation I've come to expect from the author. And, he does not disappoint. Dracula is an intriguing character and here we meet his twin brother, the good Andrei. With the battles against God, the Catholic church, it's interesting, different and very, very dark. Easily worth 5 stars.
August 1, 2014
Where to begin? This is one of the unputdownable books that crawls into your heart and mind until you almost feel obsessed with knowing what's going to happen next. Seriously, it is like an addiction! The characters are mind-blowing and the writing is so powerful that I couldn't help but be sucked in from the very first page. Can't recommend it high enough! It's really that good.
July 19, 2014
Another fascinating blend of medieval historical facts, myths, and paranormal fantasy by Author Shane KP O’Neill
This is the second novel of this author that I’ve read, and I’m becoming a fan. Dark, epic, full of strong emotions, violence, and suspense, set in the 15th century Europe. Fascinating to the very last page…
This is the second novel of this author that I’ve read, and I’m becoming a fan. Dark, epic, full of strong emotions, violence, and suspense, set in the 15th century Europe. Fascinating to the very last page…
July 12, 2014
I cut my teeth on vampire stories, but this author takes Dracula to a whole nother level. I really enjoyed his take on the legend, the historical setting, and the characters. It all felt so authentic and really made the story come to life for me. O’Neill is definitely a talented writer. Highly recommended.
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2014
This is a great book. Mr. O'Neill has a knack of keeping my interest. This is now my 2nd book I have enjoyed from him. I don't want to give away details of the story, but it is a very unique story.I look forward to reading some more books by the Author. I never thought I would enjoy this book, so there is something about his writing that really is pulling me toward another.
July 18, 2014
This is the second epic novel I read written by author O'Neill.
Like Bound By Blood, For Whom The Bell Tolls revealed itself as a breathtaking page turner.
The writing flows page by page and I felt also a bit sorry when the story ended.
More please!
Like Bound By Blood, For Whom The Bell Tolls revealed itself as a breathtaking page turner.
The writing flows page by page and I felt also a bit sorry when the story ended.
More please!
August 2, 2014
The first book in the Dracula Chronicles, For Whom the Bell Tolls, is just as good as the second. (I accidentally read them out of order!) O'Neill has a nice, flowing style, and his characters and believable and sympathetic. If he keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them!
August 1, 2014
This book is terrific. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the adventures of the characters. I really liked the journey this book took me on. I could not put it down. A great concept and very enjoyable to read. When I finished it was like losing a few friends. Loved the ending.
August 6, 2014
Dark gothic goodness that never fails to satisfy.
An absolute page turner from the first page to the last.
An absolute page turner from the first page to the last.
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