Carmilla: a love story

by Catherine Rose, J. Sheridan Le Fanu

Before Dracula, before Twilight....there was only CARMILLA
Le Fanu’s novella Carmilla originally published as a novella in 1872 is the very first vampire thriller and is acknowledged as a major influence on Bram Stoker's Dracula. Le Fanu, often compared to Poe, was a Victorian writer whose tales of the occult have inspired horror writers for more than a century. In this updated version Ms. Rose has taken the original short work and seamlessly blended new characters, darker plot lines and hinted at erotic scenes that approach the heights of gothic romance literature. Seemingly by happenstance, the mysterious and beautiful Carmilla comes to stay with the young and virtuous Laura. Laura, who has been living a lonely existence with her father in an isolated castle, finds herself enchanted with her exotic visitor. As the two become close friends, however, Laura dreams of nocturnal visitations and begins to lose her physical strength. Through much investigation, the gruesome truth about Carmilla and her family is revealed. Though the basic premise of the story of evil targeting pure innocence is familiar to anyone who is vampire savvy, this haunting tale is surprisingly fresh, avoids clichés and builds well to its heart stopping climax. Gothic horror at its best!

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2014

About the author

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Reviews

[Katrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

:'(
I strongly recommend reading the original, as Catherine made this version less gay. Still enjoyable though.

[Darkholme · Rating 1 out of 5]

Laughably bad. Dry, purple prose and terrible dialogue.