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Empty Cargo: A Renfield Story
Renfield is an experienced sailor - he has held his own against the worst the seas have to offer, but all of the sea sickness and bland food in the world could not prepare him for what the Demeter had in store for him.
In this throwback to classic horror, author Ashley Grant welcomes you aboard the Demeter.
Like Renfield and his crew mates, however, you are not alone - the suave and manipulative Count Dracula is stowed away, ready and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.
In this throwback to classic horror, author Ashley Grant welcomes you aboard the Demeter.
Like Renfield and his crew mates, however, you are not alone - the suave and manipulative Count Dracula is stowed away, ready and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2024
4 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 6, 2024
If you like old school vampire stories, stories set on the seas, or just want another great chapter in the Dracula universe, you'll absolutely love this book.
This is really Renfield's origin story if you will, but Dracula plays a major role (of course) aboard the Demeter. We get to see how Renfield went from a simple deckhand to becoming the servant of, arguably, the greatest vampire in horror fiction.
This didn't happen without consequences, brutality, and even thoughts of betrayal. There's plenty of gruesome deaths at Dracula's hand as Renfield becomes a reluctant witness and participant as his ship mates are horrifically dispatched.
It's the relationship between the two that really makes the heart of this novel. At first appearing as a stoic stowaway, Dracula promises things to Renfield in exchange for seemingly innocent favours. But these soon turn to empty promises as the two become connected to one another.
This is a shorter novel and having another well written, bloody, and heartfelt chapter in the neverending mythos of the Count is always a treat. I highly recommend this for all the vampire lovers out there!
This is really Renfield's origin story if you will, but Dracula plays a major role (of course) aboard the Demeter. We get to see how Renfield went from a simple deckhand to becoming the servant of, arguably, the greatest vampire in horror fiction.
This didn't happen without consequences, brutality, and even thoughts of betrayal. There's plenty of gruesome deaths at Dracula's hand as Renfield becomes a reluctant witness and participant as his ship mates are horrifically dispatched.
It's the relationship between the two that really makes the heart of this novel. At first appearing as a stoic stowaway, Dracula promises things to Renfield in exchange for seemingly innocent favours. But these soon turn to empty promises as the two become connected to one another.
This is a shorter novel and having another well written, bloody, and heartfelt chapter in the neverending mythos of the Count is always a treat. I highly recommend this for all the vampire lovers out there!
March 27, 2024
I loved Ashley Grant's tale of Renfield. It was nice to see him before the madness overtakes him, and his relationship with Dracula is interesting. I loved all the details of his dissent into madness, and how he tried to avoid it to no avail. I loved all the twists and turns in the story, and I don't want to spoil anything but the ending in the epilogue is really heartbreaking.
December 17, 2025
This book is my favorite of Ashley’s. She writes with heart and passion, incorporating experience and elements of history and creatures of the night. When an author writes with heart and believes in what is written wholeheartedly, the story unfolds with seamless talent. Ashley shows that here. Give it a read. You will not be disappointed.
February 17, 2024
I enjoyed this dark horror novel!
Definitely recommend this great look into the dark, lonely, and terrifying life out at sea! You truly can feel Renfield's despair and anguish as the Demeter makes its way to its destination.
Definitely recommend this great look into the dark, lonely, and terrifying life out at sea! You truly can feel Renfield's despair and anguish as the Demeter makes its way to its destination.
April 7, 2025
A fascinating and action packed adventure featuring Renfield of “Dracula” fame! Horror fans especially will want to read this!
July 11, 2024
There have been many stories written about Count Dracula, but this is the first book that I have come across that focused on Renfield, which was a nice change.
Empty Cargo is a well written book, with the author doing a fine job of painting the grim life for sailors aboard a cramped ship navigating stormy waters.
I also enjoyed reading Renfield's slow descent into madness as he falls under the thrall of of the iconic Count. For me, this was the highlight of the whole piece.
The only real problem I has was that it all felt a little familiar. This is not the fault of the author, but rather has to do with how many Dracula stories I have read over the years. With that in mind, Empty Cargo is still well worth reading.
Empty Cargo is a well written book, with the author doing a fine job of painting the grim life for sailors aboard a cramped ship navigating stormy waters.
I also enjoyed reading Renfield's slow descent into madness as he falls under the thrall of of the iconic Count. For me, this was the highlight of the whole piece.
The only real problem I has was that it all felt a little familiar. This is not the fault of the author, but rather has to do with how many Dracula stories I have read over the years. With that in mind, Empty Cargo is still well worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews