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A Prince to be Feared: The Love Story of Vlad Dracula
Europe’s most fearsome prisoner, Vlad Dracula, gifted military commander and one time Prince of Wallachia, the notorious Lord Impaler himself, is about to be released after twelve long years, in order to hold back the tide of Ottoman aggression. The price of his new alliance with his Hungarian captors is the king’s cousin Ilona.
Ilona does not wish to be married. In particular, she doesn’t wish to marry Vlad. Gentle, faded and impossibly vague, Ilona is hardly fit for court life, let alone for dealing with so difficult a husband.
But Ilona’s wishes have nothing to do with Vlad’s reputation and everything to do with a lifelong love affair that finally broke her. Ilona’s family blames Vlad; Vlad vows to discover the truth and sets out by unconventional means to bring back the woman who once enchanted him. Among court intrigues, international manoeuvrings and political deceptions, Vlad reveals himself more victim than villain. But he’s still more than capable of reclaiming his lost rights to both Wallachia and Ilona; and Ilona, when it counts, has enough strength for them both.
Ilona does not wish to be married. In particular, she doesn’t wish to marry Vlad. Gentle, faded and impossibly vague, Ilona is hardly fit for court life, let alone for dealing with so difficult a husband.
But Ilona’s wishes have nothing to do with Vlad’s reputation and everything to do with a lifelong love affair that finally broke her. Ilona’s family blames Vlad; Vlad vows to discover the truth and sets out by unconventional means to bring back the woman who once enchanted him. Among court intrigues, international manoeuvrings and political deceptions, Vlad reveals himself more victim than villain. But he’s still more than capable of reclaiming his lost rights to both Wallachia and Ilona; and Ilona, when it counts, has enough strength for them both.
332 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
39 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lancaster
139 books519 followersMary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 4, 2025
Oh, I have things to say. I HAVE THINGS TO SAY.
I am a very demanding creature when it comes to historical novels. I am even more of a demanding creature when it comes to the character of Vlad Dracula — many things have been written about him, many things have been written featuring him. He is a man that does not stop fascinating people even 594 years after his birth. Even since his life, we have been given much about him. He was a hero; he was a villain. He was a victim; he was a perpetrator. He was this. He was that. Somehow, he was everything and all at once. Only now, six centuries later, we are truly beginning to take away the filth and debris and propaganda to learn more about this enigmatic man.
What many artists seem to forget is that, despite being a larger-than-life figure... he was still a man. Mary Lancaster has captured this perfectly. There are very little works about Vlad I am willing to bestow five stars upon; this one undoubtedly deserves it.
First of all, the sheer amount of research that clearly went into crafting this novel astonished me in the most positive sense of the world. Sure, every fiction has to be tweaked and moulded a little — a lot of information is still unclear or missing, and then you have to also make it fit the storyline — but despite these changes (perhaps she could have left some of his harsher deeds intact — Wallachia was a very cruel part of the world at that time), there is a lot of information that is true indeed and accessible only when you dig much deeper than Wikipedia. She also paints a perfect idea of the regional politics of the time, as well as establishing clearly and understandably why Wallachian voivodes had to go back-and-forth between the Hungarian and Ottoman alliances. Wallachia was a buffer zone between two great political leaders; Vlad was a voivode of such a country. The reader understands his reasoning perfectly and gets a peek into the brilliance of Vlad's political prowess, often overlooked in favour of his military one. This was marvellous to see as he is often seen mainly as the soldier, while his diplomatic successes and policies tend to be pushed aside. Lancaster perfectly encapsulates both.
As for the actual romance plot, I have to admit that I am not a fan of romantic novels... and this one changed my mind. This one is precisely the type of romance novel I have been searching for for years. Ilona is a wonderful character, a level-headed, curious, and intelligent bright soul, perfect for a man like Vlad. Throughout their journey, they unmistakably carry the unique core of themselves and the sense of self, they stand out as two full-bodied and complex individuals that simply work well and organically together as a couple. Their relationship never takes from the other but enhances them instead. Ilona's story also sheds more light on what life was like for women of those times, and Lancaster treats this topic with great care and levity, balancing the highs with the lows, keeping the strength in the environment that was rarely generous to women.
A marvellous, marvellous read, one of the best there is about Vlad Dracula. This work does him great justice and fleshes him out in the way his historical figure deserves. For that, I thank you wholeheartedly, Mary Lancaster.
I am a very demanding creature when it comes to historical novels. I am even more of a demanding creature when it comes to the character of Vlad Dracula — many things have been written about him, many things have been written featuring him. He is a man that does not stop fascinating people even 594 years after his birth. Even since his life, we have been given much about him. He was a hero; he was a villain. He was a victim; he was a perpetrator. He was this. He was that. Somehow, he was everything and all at once. Only now, six centuries later, we are truly beginning to take away the filth and debris and propaganda to learn more about this enigmatic man.
What many artists seem to forget is that, despite being a larger-than-life figure... he was still a man. Mary Lancaster has captured this perfectly. There are very little works about Vlad I am willing to bestow five stars upon; this one undoubtedly deserves it.
First of all, the sheer amount of research that clearly went into crafting this novel astonished me in the most positive sense of the world. Sure, every fiction has to be tweaked and moulded a little — a lot of information is still unclear or missing, and then you have to also make it fit the storyline — but despite these changes (perhaps she could have left some of his harsher deeds intact — Wallachia was a very cruel part of the world at that time), there is a lot of information that is true indeed and accessible only when you dig much deeper than Wikipedia. She also paints a perfect idea of the regional politics of the time, as well as establishing clearly and understandably why Wallachian voivodes had to go back-and-forth between the Hungarian and Ottoman alliances. Wallachia was a buffer zone between two great political leaders; Vlad was a voivode of such a country. The reader understands his reasoning perfectly and gets a peek into the brilliance of Vlad's political prowess, often overlooked in favour of his military one. This was marvellous to see as he is often seen mainly as the soldier, while his diplomatic successes and policies tend to be pushed aside. Lancaster perfectly encapsulates both.
As for the actual romance plot, I have to admit that I am not a fan of romantic novels... and this one changed my mind. This one is precisely the type of romance novel I have been searching for for years. Ilona is a wonderful character, a level-headed, curious, and intelligent bright soul, perfect for a man like Vlad. Throughout their journey, they unmistakably carry the unique core of themselves and the sense of self, they stand out as two full-bodied and complex individuals that simply work well and organically together as a couple. Their relationship never takes from the other but enhances them instead. Ilona's story also sheds more light on what life was like for women of those times, and Lancaster treats this topic with great care and levity, balancing the highs with the lows, keeping the strength in the environment that was rarely generous to women.
A marvellous, marvellous read, one of the best there is about Vlad Dracula. This work does him great justice and fleshes him out in the way his historical figure deserves. For that, I thank you wholeheartedly, Mary Lancaster.
March 28, 2014
I loved this book.
I devoured it and was genuinely disappointed when I finished it, how rarely does that happen?!
Over the last 10-12 years I have sought out and read as many books on Vlad as I could find, I have translated works from Romania which address the historical person, the books available widely in Europe and America that seem to just lay out the propaganda printed about him to shock their readers, the absolutely awful 'romantic' fiction that uses the Vampire connections and a small number of really good semi-biographical fiction novels that I cherish, this book is in that pile, sometimes you just want something you can completely delve into, wallow in & enjoy and that totally appeals to that part of the brain that loves to romanticize things.
To put it simply, there's a saying that everyone has a book in them, this is the book I wish I had written.
It's well written, very well researched and isn't salacious for the sake of it - all things I love in a book.
The story splits between two time periods in Ilona and Vlad's life although begins earlier, when they meet as youngsters. Both time periods leave the reader with no doubt as to how women and girls in prestigious familes were used as pawns in a game of chess to secure political connections. Ilona and Vlad have an easy, almost familiar relationship in the sense that their personalites seem to meet in the middle perfectly, she's rather more impetuous with her ideals than she should be, she's not afraid to call him on things and he seems to find it easy to let her see his softer side, after such an awful childhood he must feel as if he has to appear strong, and rather formidable, even to his allies and he would've been, afterall he was set on avenging his father and brothers murders, but in her presence he smiles and laughs easier than I maybe ever imagined he would, I like that about the Vlad in this book.
They come so close in the earlier setting in getting what they both truly want from each other only to have circumstance rip things apart and in the latter setting it appears as if things are going to go the same way, but thankfully a very different Ilona, who is now a product of her family and late husband, seems to come alive again in Vlad's presence. I was now totally invested in this couple and was talking to myself as I read, willing them to get a happy ending. Of course I have studied him, I know there was no happy ending but it was enough to know that they got some years together before his death.
But this book isn't just about the romance, there's enough political drama to keep history fans satiated, it definitely adds to the book to have the reader be aware of what was going on around the two people at the center of the story.
I'm going to read this book so many times, it's going to be my go-to book for long journeys and rainy afternoons, I know I am going to have a battered copy of this book in years to come, I loved it that much and I am SO pleased to read a book involving this man without the slightest hint at vampire legends!!
Also as a small note it was great to read the author's notes at the end, I completely agree with her reasoning for certain characters in this book
I devoured it and was genuinely disappointed when I finished it, how rarely does that happen?!
Over the last 10-12 years I have sought out and read as many books on Vlad as I could find, I have translated works from Romania which address the historical person, the books available widely in Europe and America that seem to just lay out the propaganda printed about him to shock their readers, the absolutely awful 'romantic' fiction that uses the Vampire connections and a small number of really good semi-biographical fiction novels that I cherish, this book is in that pile, sometimes you just want something you can completely delve into, wallow in & enjoy and that totally appeals to that part of the brain that loves to romanticize things.
To put it simply, there's a saying that everyone has a book in them, this is the book I wish I had written.
It's well written, very well researched and isn't salacious for the sake of it - all things I love in a book.
The story splits between two time periods in Ilona and Vlad's life although begins earlier, when they meet as youngsters. Both time periods leave the reader with no doubt as to how women and girls in prestigious familes were used as pawns in a game of chess to secure political connections. Ilona and Vlad have an easy, almost familiar relationship in the sense that their personalites seem to meet in the middle perfectly, she's rather more impetuous with her ideals than she should be, she's not afraid to call him on things and he seems to find it easy to let her see his softer side, after such an awful childhood he must feel as if he has to appear strong, and rather formidable, even to his allies and he would've been, afterall he was set on avenging his father and brothers murders, but in her presence he smiles and laughs easier than I maybe ever imagined he would, I like that about the Vlad in this book.
They come so close in the earlier setting in getting what they both truly want from each other only to have circumstance rip things apart and in the latter setting it appears as if things are going to go the same way, but thankfully a very different Ilona, who is now a product of her family and late husband, seems to come alive again in Vlad's presence. I was now totally invested in this couple and was talking to myself as I read, willing them to get a happy ending. Of course I have studied him, I know there was no happy ending but it was enough to know that they got some years together before his death.
But this book isn't just about the romance, there's enough political drama to keep history fans satiated, it definitely adds to the book to have the reader be aware of what was going on around the two people at the center of the story.
I'm going to read this book so many times, it's going to be my go-to book for long journeys and rainy afternoons, I know I am going to have a battered copy of this book in years to come, I loved it that much and I am SO pleased to read a book involving this man without the slightest hint at vampire legends!!
Also as a small note it was great to read the author's notes at the end, I completely agree with her reasoning for certain characters in this book
July 15, 2013
Also posted at my blog, the TBR MOUNTAIN RANGE, as a Recommended Read!
An absorbing historical love story by a “new to me” author that I highly recommend, A PRINCE TO BE FEARED is my favorite discovery of the year so far.
There’s nothing more thrilling than to stumble upon a book that surprises me from the very first paragraph. Author Mary Lancaster has taken mid 1400s history and made it come alive through her exquisite characterization and storytelling skills. We’re given glimpses of Vlad Dracula as a man, a teenager, a prince of Wallachia, a warrior and an exiled prince jailed for twelve years, awaiting his chance to recover his throne and gain vengeance against those who have denied him his right by birth and accomplishment. Back and forth through history we follow his determination to gain what he feels is rightfully his, including the woman he loves. He’s cruel, he’s compassionate, he’s fearless and he loves with fervor only his future wife can understand.
Ilona Szilagyi is a complete mystery when the reader is first introduced to her. Her sadness is actuated by her dull grey attire and veiled headdress. We know she’s the king’s cousin and is to marry Vlad Dracula but we don’t know why she wants to hide from everyone, including the man she once loved. The setting is perfect; a mystery surrounds the couple who have been separated for years while Vlad has served his time. There have been plenty of atrocities against, as well as done by, Vlad Dracula but who has turned the vibrant Ilona into this sad soul who seems better suited to a convent?
This begins their tale and the reader is transported along with them, embraced by a love story as poignant as Romeo and Juliet. If you love a rich, vibrant historical novel that is a rare find, then I suggest that you run to your nearest eRetailer and grab yourself a copy of A PRINCE TO BE FEARED. I highly recommend this novel as a fabulous rendition of historical events so real that you’ll swear they happened exactly as Mary Lancaster portrayed it. So addictive and captivating that I didn’t want to read the end. More, please!
An absorbing historical love story by a “new to me” author that I highly recommend, A PRINCE TO BE FEARED is my favorite discovery of the year so far.
There’s nothing more thrilling than to stumble upon a book that surprises me from the very first paragraph. Author Mary Lancaster has taken mid 1400s history and made it come alive through her exquisite characterization and storytelling skills. We’re given glimpses of Vlad Dracula as a man, a teenager, a prince of Wallachia, a warrior and an exiled prince jailed for twelve years, awaiting his chance to recover his throne and gain vengeance against those who have denied him his right by birth and accomplishment. Back and forth through history we follow his determination to gain what he feels is rightfully his, including the woman he loves. He’s cruel, he’s compassionate, he’s fearless and he loves with fervor only his future wife can understand.
Ilona Szilagyi is a complete mystery when the reader is first introduced to her. Her sadness is actuated by her dull grey attire and veiled headdress. We know she’s the king’s cousin and is to marry Vlad Dracula but we don’t know why she wants to hide from everyone, including the man she once loved. The setting is perfect; a mystery surrounds the couple who have been separated for years while Vlad has served his time. There have been plenty of atrocities against, as well as done by, Vlad Dracula but who has turned the vibrant Ilona into this sad soul who seems better suited to a convent?
This begins their tale and the reader is transported along with them, embraced by a love story as poignant as Romeo and Juliet. If you love a rich, vibrant historical novel that is a rare find, then I suggest that you run to your nearest eRetailer and grab yourself a copy of A PRINCE TO BE FEARED. I highly recommend this novel as a fabulous rendition of historical events so real that you’ll swear they happened exactly as Mary Lancaster portrayed it. So addictive and captivating that I didn’t want to read the end. More, please!
November 9, 2014
My favorite part of this work was the author's characterization of such an iconic figure as Vlad the Impaler. She doesn't hide the negatives in his personality. There's still the vengeful streak and the dark intensity when he's crossed. He's shown to be without mercy at times and isn't afraid to do what needs to be done, even if it doesn't shine that well on him personally. And yet, there's also a man who is almost obsessively dedicated to those he loves, loyal to his last breathe. He takes care of his people, family and subjects, to the best of his ability. He's intelligent and strategic, both good and bad things depending on the situation.
The historical details were wonderful in this book as well. The time period and this area of the world was so chaotic and intense, that it seems almost made for storytelling. The author was able to bring the danger of conflict and the pageantry of the Hungarian/Wallachian courts to vivid and stark life. I enjoyed seeing how the author also brought in stories about Vlad the Impaler and shown them in a new light. They're still brutal and yet not as brutal as history portrays. Gruesome displays still got the story out about Vlad the Impaler and yet the death count was far lower than history would have us believe, especially knowing who was writing that history.
For the romantic element to this book, I'm sure I'm not the only one who looked at the detail of Vlad the Impaler being the romantic lead and going "Really....". Yet the author really does it and does it well. The romance is intense emotionally and just beautiful romantically. The two leads, Vlad and Ilona, balance each other out well. The trials and tribulations of their relationship will make the reader weep in vexation and cheer at the final culmination of their love. And when it comes to romance, isn't emotional intensity the key to success?
This book was more than I expected and executed brilliantly. The characterization, the romance, and the historical details were top notch and made this one of my favorite books so far this year. I don't think I'll hear about Vlad the Impaler's name and see him in the same light again. Definitely check this book out, if you're a historical fiction lover or just a romantic at heart. It's one of those that will stick with you.
The historical details were wonderful in this book as well. The time period and this area of the world was so chaotic and intense, that it seems almost made for storytelling. The author was able to bring the danger of conflict and the pageantry of the Hungarian/Wallachian courts to vivid and stark life. I enjoyed seeing how the author also brought in stories about Vlad the Impaler and shown them in a new light. They're still brutal and yet not as brutal as history portrays. Gruesome displays still got the story out about Vlad the Impaler and yet the death count was far lower than history would have us believe, especially knowing who was writing that history.
For the romantic element to this book, I'm sure I'm not the only one who looked at the detail of Vlad the Impaler being the romantic lead and going "Really....". Yet the author really does it and does it well. The romance is intense emotionally and just beautiful romantically. The two leads, Vlad and Ilona, balance each other out well. The trials and tribulations of their relationship will make the reader weep in vexation and cheer at the final culmination of their love. And when it comes to romance, isn't emotional intensity the key to success?
This book was more than I expected and executed brilliantly. The characterization, the romance, and the historical details were top notch and made this one of my favorite books so far this year. I don't think I'll hear about Vlad the Impaler's name and see him in the same light again. Definitely check this book out, if you're a historical fiction lover or just a romantic at heart. It's one of those that will stick with you.
April 13, 2014
An evocatively rich medieval tale of Knights, great Kings and bloodthirsty battles.
A Prince to be feared tells the story of Vlad Dracula, in all its gloriously detailed realism that’s expertly realized on the page. His life as a prisoner was fascinating; during such a turbulent time of 15th Century in which internal strife, bitter rivalry and danger lurked. Well written and deftly woven this deeply beguiling novel will delight fans of Elizabeth Chadwick and Michael Jecks, and who enjoy exploring noteworthy historical figures in a new light. Mary Lancaster’s version of Vlad and Ilona’s relationship was magnetic and beautifully haunting, and I found overall it an engaging and interesting read.
Wrought with intensity and passion this heartrending love story takes you on an unforgettable romp into the past, which tugs at the heartstrings and lingers upon the mind. I simply loved the spellbinding characters within the lavish backdrop, and so found it easy to loose myself for a few hours in a wonderful story. Vlad Dracula is portrayed in a refreshing and distinctive way, like nothing I have read or encountered before. I found this deliciously detailed debut an assured novel of substance and such promise, by an author whose accomplished ability as unique writing style is commendable.
This riveting read is a welcome edition to the genre and a book that I would highly recommend.
* I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy of her novel to read and review *
A Prince to be feared tells the story of Vlad Dracula, in all its gloriously detailed realism that’s expertly realized on the page. His life as a prisoner was fascinating; during such a turbulent time of 15th Century in which internal strife, bitter rivalry and danger lurked. Well written and deftly woven this deeply beguiling novel will delight fans of Elizabeth Chadwick and Michael Jecks, and who enjoy exploring noteworthy historical figures in a new light. Mary Lancaster’s version of Vlad and Ilona’s relationship was magnetic and beautifully haunting, and I found overall it an engaging and interesting read.
Wrought with intensity and passion this heartrending love story takes you on an unforgettable romp into the past, which tugs at the heartstrings and lingers upon the mind. I simply loved the spellbinding characters within the lavish backdrop, and so found it easy to loose myself for a few hours in a wonderful story. Vlad Dracula is portrayed in a refreshing and distinctive way, like nothing I have read or encountered before. I found this deliciously detailed debut an assured novel of substance and such promise, by an author whose accomplished ability as unique writing style is commendable.
This riveting read is a welcome edition to the genre and a book that I would highly recommend.
* I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy of her novel to read and review *
November 22, 2015
There are few historical figure as controversial and enigmatic as Vlad Dracula. Not the Grand Sire of vampire literature, courtesy of Bram Stoker, but a real 15th century prince of Wallachia. With his reputation for unmatched brutality, it is easy to imagine a soulless monster, however, what we see in this book is a totally different picture. A ruthless, ambitious, canny statesman and warrior, feared and reviled by the enemies and respected by friends, Vlad is also portrayed as a man of great humanity and honor, who felt deeply, hated deeply but also loved devotedly and deeply. And while the reader understands, that this book is not a factual historic account but romanticized historic fiction, at least for this reader, there was a hope that the real man lied somewhere in between those conflicting perceptions. Well researched and beautifully written, this is indeed a story of love that survived and endured years of separation, strife and intrigue. My only criticism is that, for me,the frequent transitions between the time-frames impacted on smoothness of narration. Other than that, I found this book an engrossing, emotional and highly enjoyable read.
March 5, 2017
There's a trend in books and movies that annoys me to no end: jumping back and forth in time. Can somebody just tell a story?! Okay, that said, I did like the characters and love story despite occasional confusion; as someone else pointed out, there's more than one Vlad and sometimes I lost track. Can't tell how much of this tale is historically accurate but I can do my own research if so inclined. Overall, I liked this book enough to read another by this author. (I was just a little disappointed that there were no vampires.) : D
September 10, 2017
Oh my goodness, I LOVED this book! My heart broke so mainly times for Ilona and Vlad. Such a beautiful and heart wrenching story.
Content:
Violence, yes but moderate and not graphic
Language, mild
Romance, moderate but not over the top steamy.
Content:
Violence, yes but moderate and not graphic
Language, mild
Romance, moderate but not over the top steamy.
February 9, 2018
I truly loved this story. It intrigued me because I'd never really read anything in depth about this man, except for the obvious impaler stuff that you encounter in history books. (And the fact that Bram Stoker based Dracula on him, which is ludicrous in retrospect.) This book isn't a "page-turner", the kind of book you can't put down until you finish. Instead, I looked at this book like I do comfort food. After a stressful day at school, I loved coming home and reading a few more pages or a chapter. I loved getting lost in Vlad and Ilona's world for a little while. It took me several enjoyable weeks to finish this book, but that was deliberate on my part. I didn't want it to end.
I've read some criticism of the historical aspect of the book, one person commenting that it didn't contain enough historical references. To counter that criticism, I would say that if you're that interested in Transylvanian history then there are plenty of nonfiction books to satisfy that curiosity. This book was a LOVE STORY first and foremost, and a most unusual one at that. You have to get past the preconceived ideas you have of Vlad the "Impaler" and begin to see him as a human being who loves deeply.
My only complaint of this beautiful book is the abruptness of the ending. This is angst at its very best. The buildup to the two of them finally being together took up nearly 3/4 of the book. I was so happy when they finally were able to consummate their relationship and eventually marry. I just wish the author would have given us some insight into their marriage before the end came. *sigh*
I've read some criticism of the historical aspect of the book, one person commenting that it didn't contain enough historical references. To counter that criticism, I would say that if you're that interested in Transylvanian history then there are plenty of nonfiction books to satisfy that curiosity. This book was a LOVE STORY first and foremost, and a most unusual one at that. You have to get past the preconceived ideas you have of Vlad the "Impaler" and begin to see him as a human being who loves deeply.
My only complaint of this beautiful book is the abruptness of the ending. This is angst at its very best. The buildup to the two of them finally being together took up nearly 3/4 of the book. I was so happy when they finally were able to consummate their relationship and eventually marry. I just wish the author would have given us some insight into their marriage before the end came. *sigh*
January 19, 2022
Absolutely loved this interpretation! Every time I read a Vlad book, my heart breaks a bit more. I do understand the stories of his atrocities, but I also like to think they are heavily manipulated by his enemies. I appreciate this story in making Vlad look more heroic. To his people in Romania now, he is seen as a hero so I believe them. Great story for those in love with historical fiction!
March 29, 2019
Spellbinding
I am an avid reader and yet in all that I have read I believe Ms. Lancasters' account of one of histories most thought of evil people has truly made for the reader a chance to possibly change a part of our thoughts about Vlad Dracula.
I am an avid reader and yet in all that I have read I believe Ms. Lancasters' account of one of histories most thought of evil people has truly made for the reader a chance to possibly change a part of our thoughts about Vlad Dracula.
January 31, 2014
Good writing but kind of slow. Interesting that a man known as "the impaler" had a soft side and truly loved Iilona. Oh, and just a little tid bit, he was not a vampire. Lol
December 10, 2025
Notes to self
So far page 197, 70% done
It’s not a terrible book. The obvious historical research that went into this book is refreshing, but I think I would enjoy it more if I was familiar with the history of the real Dracula.
I’m not a political history gal too and the emphasis on politics is sort of boring to me (& confusing since I am not very familiar).
The writing is really good and it’s one of those books where I can actually see what is being described. I just don’t find myself really wanting to find out what happens~ but at the same time I don’t want to leave the characters in a way. The story is really dragging for me (probably bc of the politics). The back and forth time skipping was super confusing at first (didn’t even realize it was happening since they were only 10 or 20 years difference and the plots were so similar) and I don’t really like it. Idk, it’s just I’m not super super involved to the point where I want to continue reading. Idk we’ll see
~
I finished! I’m happy I familiarized myself with the true history of Vlad Dracula or else I would be been completely lost. But I’m (somewhat lol) happy I finished it. The ending was obviously really sad but I was prepared so it didn’t hit as hard (thankfully😭).
Really enjoyed the characters
So far page 197, 70% done
It’s not a terrible book. The obvious historical research that went into this book is refreshing, but I think I would enjoy it more if I was familiar with the history of the real Dracula.
I’m not a political history gal too and the emphasis on politics is sort of boring to me (& confusing since I am not very familiar).
The writing is really good and it’s one of those books where I can actually see what is being described. I just don’t find myself really wanting to find out what happens~ but at the same time I don’t want to leave the characters in a way. The story is really dragging for me (probably bc of the politics). The back and forth time skipping was super confusing at first (didn’t even realize it was happening since they were only 10 or 20 years difference and the plots were so similar) and I don’t really like it. Idk, it’s just I’m not super super involved to the point where I want to continue reading. Idk we’ll see
~
I finished! I’m happy I familiarized myself with the true history of Vlad Dracula or else I would be been completely lost. But I’m (somewhat lol) happy I finished it. The ending was obviously really sad but I was prepared so it didn’t hit as hard (thankfully😭).
Really enjoyed the characters
February 12, 2024
Note: The book moves back and forward in time, so pay attention to the dates listed at the beginning of each chapter.
Reading the book felt similar to watching a historical drama: not exactly a HEA-smut-filled romance, but also not a documentary. It's well-written and easy to follow, the characters feel very real and don't fall into stereotypes, and the politics are well balanced by the romance (and vice versa).
I feel most inclined to state that this story is both a happy romance and a sad one. As a good book should, the story leaves you sad that it's over, but happy that you read it.
Reading the book felt similar to watching a historical drama: not exactly a HEA-smut-filled romance, but also not a documentary. It's well-written and easy to follow, the characters feel very real and don't fall into stereotypes, and the politics are well balanced by the romance (and vice versa).
I feel most inclined to state that this story is both a happy romance and a sad one. As a good book should, the story leaves you sad that it's over, but happy that you read it.
October 27, 2017
Really like this book, there are a couple of things that I don't really like in this book is that the story seems to jump all over the place with the time period, and then the story is told from a couple of characters, but there are a couple of people that I don't expect from like Maria, so it was a bit confusing sometimes, until towards the end of the chapter until I finally figure out who the story is told by..
But overall, I still like the story, it's not about the Dracula Dracula, but about the real Dracula and her second wife..
But overall, I still like the story, it's not about the Dracula Dracula, but about the real Dracula and her second wife..
September 22, 2017
This book is one of the complicated situation where I would give the story a solid 5+ rating, but the book itself a 3.5.
I love the historical figure Vlad III "Dracula", and the story did not disappoint in its glamor and brutal honesty of what the actual person MIGHT have been like. It goes through a large chunk of Vlad's life, mainly told through the eyes of the love interest, Ilona, which has the advantage of pulling a more romantic feel throughout.
The book does not shy away from mentioning the atrocities Vlad is rumored to have committed, nor does it make light of the tactics he used to instill fear in both his subjects and enemies. However, it also does keep in the vein of a romance so withholds from going into detail. Personally, I would have loved more of the brutal side of Vlad, but in a romance I'm not sure that would be possible.
It was a breath of fresh air to not be beat over the head with how terrible women were treated, or have rape as a focus in their character development. THANK YOU, Mary Lancaster! She successfully maintains a delicate balance of the honesty with a woman's status - Ilona holds no grand thoughts of having a say in her marriage negotiations, for instance - but does not normalize brutalizing the female cast for shock or so-called 'realism'.
Which ties into the next thing I loved, but contains spoilers for Ilona's character, so I'll be vague and say I greatly appreciated the author taking into consideration the mental toll of being abused while, once again, not using it for shock value.
For those reasons I will proudly keep the rating as five stars, but there are some issues I had as well that would keep me from recommending it to any and everyone.
As another reviewer has mentioned: Switching back and forth in time to tell the story. WWWWHHHYYY?????
The pacing of the story. It should have been two books, in my opinion. There were plenty of opportunities to really hit the feels with some characters, but because a lot of events are skimmed through I feel their impact fell flat. I also lost track of who was who at times because there are so many names introduced throughout.
How the couple 'saves the day' at the end and confronts their antagonists didn't make a whole lot of logical sense and had me rolling my eyes at the overt 'for plot reasons'.
Ilona's forgiveness of a certain action Vlad does, that would be a spoiler if told I feel comes much, much too easily.
It was also kind of inevitable, and probably did more good than I'll give it credit for, but Vlad's mystique as a man not to be trifled with all but disappears in the last 10% or so. I missed that part of his character...but at the same time he IS the main love interest, so the reader should probably feel good that they got together...
I also had a minor issue that is more about the realism than any plot or story mistakes, but is also a minor spoiler:
I would totally recommend this to fans of Dracula, Kiersten White's AND I DARKEN trilogy, medieval historical romance lovers, the historic figure Vlad III "Dracula", and those interested in the events of that freakishly tumultuous time period.
I love the historical figure Vlad III "Dracula", and the story did not disappoint in its glamor and brutal honesty of what the actual person MIGHT have been like. It goes through a large chunk of Vlad's life, mainly told through the eyes of the love interest, Ilona, which has the advantage of pulling a more romantic feel throughout.
The book does not shy away from mentioning the atrocities Vlad is rumored to have committed, nor does it make light of the tactics he used to instill fear in both his subjects and enemies. However, it also does keep in the vein of a romance so withholds from going into detail. Personally, I would have loved more of the brutal side of Vlad, but in a romance I'm not sure that would be possible.
It was a breath of fresh air to not be beat over the head with how terrible women were treated, or have rape as a focus in their character development. THANK YOU, Mary Lancaster! She successfully maintains a delicate balance of the honesty with a woman's status - Ilona holds no grand thoughts of having a say in her marriage negotiations, for instance - but does not normalize brutalizing the female cast for shock or so-called 'realism'.
Which ties into the next thing I loved, but contains spoilers for Ilona's character, so I'll be vague and say I greatly appreciated the author taking into consideration the mental toll of being abused while, once again, not using it for shock value.
For those reasons I will proudly keep the rating as five stars, but there are some issues I had as well that would keep me from recommending it to any and everyone.
As another reviewer has mentioned: Switching back and forth in time to tell the story. WWWWHHHYYY?????
The pacing of the story. It should have been two books, in my opinion. There were plenty of opportunities to really hit the feels with some characters, but because a lot of events are skimmed through I feel their impact fell flat. I also lost track of who was who at times because there are so many names introduced throughout.
How the couple 'saves the day' at the end and confronts their antagonists didn't make a whole lot of logical sense and had me rolling my eyes at the overt 'for plot reasons'.
Ilona's forgiveness of a certain action Vlad does, that would be a spoiler if told I feel comes much, much too easily.
It was also kind of inevitable, and probably did more good than I'll give it credit for, but Vlad's mystique as a man not to be trifled with all but disappears in the last 10% or so. I missed that part of his character...but at the same time he IS the main love interest, so the reader should probably feel good that they got together...
I also had a minor issue that is more about the realism than any plot or story mistakes, but is also a minor spoiler:
I would totally recommend this to fans of Dracula, Kiersten White's AND I DARKEN trilogy, medieval historical romance lovers, the historic figure Vlad III "Dracula", and those interested in the events of that freakishly tumultuous time period.
April 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a totally different take on Vlad and his situation in context.This is a fictional love story based on real history that captures exactly that. Takes away the monster and gives you a hero. I thought it was a really good and sad story.
June 1, 2017
I loved this book.
I devoured it and was genuinely disappointed when I finished it, how rarely does that happen?!
Over the last 10-12 years I have sought out and read as many books on Vlad as I could find, I have translated works from Romania which address the historical person, the books available widely in Europe and America that seem to just lay out the propaganda printed about him to shock their readers, the absolutely awful 'romantic' fiction that uses the Vampire connections and a small number of really good semi-biographical fiction novels that I cherish, this book is in that pile, sometimes you just want something you can completely delve into, wallow in & enjoy and that totally appeals to that part of the brain that loves to romanticize things.
To put it simply, there's a saying that everyone has a book in them, this is the book I wish I had written.
It's well written, very well researched and isn't salacious for the sake of it - all things I love in a book.
The story splits between two time periods in Ilona and Vlad's life although begins earlier, when they meet as youngsters. Both time periods leave the reader with no doubt as to how women and girls in prestigious familes were used as pawns in a game of chess to secure political connections. Ilona and Vlad have an easy, almost familiar relationship in the sense that their personalites seem to meet in the middle perfectly, she's rather more impetuous with her ideals than she should be, she's not afraid to call him on things and he seems to find it easy to let her see his softer side, after such an awful childhood he must feel as if he has to appear strong, and rather formidable, even to his allies and he would've been, afterall he was set on avenging his father and brothers murders, but in her presence he smiles and laughs easier than I maybe ever imagined he would, I like that about the Vlad in this book.
They come so close in the earlier setting in getting what they both truly want from each other only to have circumstance rip things apart and in the latter setting it appears as if things are going to go the same way, but thankfully a very different Ilona, who is now a product of her family and late husband, seems to come alive again in Vlad's presence. I was now totally invested in this couple and was talking to myself as I read, willing them to get a happy ending. Of course I have studied him, I know there was no happy ending but it was enough to know that they got some years together before his death.
But this book isn't just about the romance, there's enough political drama to keep history fans satiated, it definitely adds to the book to have the reader be aware of what was going on around the two people at the center of the story.
I'm going to read this book so many times, it's going to be my go-to book for long journeys and rainy afternoons, I know I am going to have a battered copy of this book in years to come, I loved it that much and I am SO pleased to read a book involving this man without the slightest hint at vampire legends!!
Also as a small note it was great to read the author's notes at the end, I completely agree with her reasoning for certain characters in this book.
I devoured it and was genuinely disappointed when I finished it, how rarely does that happen?!
Over the last 10-12 years I have sought out and read as many books on Vlad as I could find, I have translated works from Romania which address the historical person, the books available widely in Europe and America that seem to just lay out the propaganda printed about him to shock their readers, the absolutely awful 'romantic' fiction that uses the Vampire connections and a small number of really good semi-biographical fiction novels that I cherish, this book is in that pile, sometimes you just want something you can completely delve into, wallow in & enjoy and that totally appeals to that part of the brain that loves to romanticize things.
To put it simply, there's a saying that everyone has a book in them, this is the book I wish I had written.
It's well written, very well researched and isn't salacious for the sake of it - all things I love in a book.
The story splits between two time periods in Ilona and Vlad's life although begins earlier, when they meet as youngsters. Both time periods leave the reader with no doubt as to how women and girls in prestigious familes were used as pawns in a game of chess to secure political connections. Ilona and Vlad have an easy, almost familiar relationship in the sense that their personalites seem to meet in the middle perfectly, she's rather more impetuous with her ideals than she should be, she's not afraid to call him on things and he seems to find it easy to let her see his softer side, after such an awful childhood he must feel as if he has to appear strong, and rather formidable, even to his allies and he would've been, afterall he was set on avenging his father and brothers murders, but in her presence he smiles and laughs easier than I maybe ever imagined he would, I like that about the Vlad in this book.
They come so close in the earlier setting in getting what they both truly want from each other only to have circumstance rip things apart and in the latter setting it appears as if things are going to go the same way, but thankfully a very different Ilona, who is now a product of her family and late husband, seems to come alive again in Vlad's presence. I was now totally invested in this couple and was talking to myself as I read, willing them to get a happy ending. Of course I have studied him, I know there was no happy ending but it was enough to know that they got some years together before his death.
But this book isn't just about the romance, there's enough political drama to keep history fans satiated, it definitely adds to the book to have the reader be aware of what was going on around the two people at the center of the story.
I'm going to read this book so many times, it's going to be my go-to book for long journeys and rainy afternoons, I know I am going to have a battered copy of this book in years to come, I loved it that much and I am SO pleased to read a book involving this man without the slightest hint at vampire legends!!
Also as a small note it was great to read the author's notes at the end, I completely agree with her reasoning for certain characters in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2016
I hate to give this a one star, I could not finish this book! I stopped at chapter 13. The writing is wonderful and the story seem good. And I love that this book uses real Romanian history, but this book started to get way too annoying and here is why.
It goes to the present then to the past. One chapter you're in the present, next, in the past, it starts to make the story REALLY confusing. What made this story also annoying for me was the character Ilona, she didn't suffer from "Please help me every second" syndrome. but her not being true to herself that she loves Vlad wears thin. You know she likes him and you know she likes her, but she never says it, and he comes to her more than once waiting for her to say it. Another thing, that was annoying, she was happy to marry Vlad in the present time, but also in the same present time she doesn't want to marry him and you don't know why, because the story keeps going to the present to the past too many times. Also, she is kinda of stupid, I am sorry, but she is. It seem she doesn't get it that Vlad is in the middle of a war and has to do the things he does, she DOES NOT like how he handles things and she complains about it. The things that he must do, turns her off, and you wonder if she likes him in the same way when he does it.
Which is annoying, you think once one would in one of these story they hook Vlad up with a warrior woman. There is a relationship between Vlad and her, and it's a nice one. But as you read you don't get the sense the story as purpose to where it's heading too.
Also, each chapter ends with cliffhangers, so if you think your answers will get answered in the next chapter, they don't. So you sit there wondering what happen to this person and it never seem to get answered.
You'll get lost on who is talking to whom. The author doesn't always make it clear. There are two Vladislav, Vlad Dracula, and another Vlad, which you will get confuse on. If the story was more clearer and had direction, it wouldn't be so bad or hard to understand.
Vlad is one kickass character, love him, but the story could have done better without going into the present than into the past thing, it should have stayed in one time zone. The author did a very nice job of making Vlad very human you can relate to him.
Remember, this is a historical fiction, there isn't a lot information on Vlad's second wife which is this Ilona, The author does not mention Vlad's first wife. In this story Illona is 36 years old. But history says other wise, she was still young when she met him and had his children around 1460 something.
It goes to the present then to the past. One chapter you're in the present, next, in the past, it starts to make the story REALLY confusing. What made this story also annoying for me was the character Ilona, she didn't suffer from "Please help me every second" syndrome. but her not being true to herself that she loves Vlad wears thin. You know she likes him and you know she likes her, but she never says it, and he comes to her more than once waiting for her to say it. Another thing, that was annoying, she was happy to marry Vlad in the present time, but also in the same present time she doesn't want to marry him and you don't know why, because the story keeps going to the present to the past too many times. Also, she is kinda of stupid, I am sorry, but she is. It seem she doesn't get it that Vlad is in the middle of a war and has to do the things he does, she DOES NOT like how he handles things and she complains about it. The things that he must do, turns her off, and you wonder if she likes him in the same way when he does it.
Which is annoying, you think once one would in one of these story they hook Vlad up with a warrior woman. There is a relationship between Vlad and her, and it's a nice one. But as you read you don't get the sense the story as purpose to where it's heading too.
Also, each chapter ends with cliffhangers, so if you think your answers will get answered in the next chapter, they don't. So you sit there wondering what happen to this person and it never seem to get answered.
You'll get lost on who is talking to whom. The author doesn't always make it clear. There are two Vladislav, Vlad Dracula, and another Vlad, which you will get confuse on. If the story was more clearer and had direction, it wouldn't be so bad or hard to understand.
Vlad is one kickass character, love him, but the story could have done better without going into the present than into the past thing, it should have stayed in one time zone. The author did a very nice job of making Vlad very human you can relate to him.
Remember, this is a historical fiction, there isn't a lot information on Vlad's second wife which is this Ilona, The author does not mention Vlad's first wife. In this story Illona is 36 years old. But history says other wise, she was still young when she met him and had his children around 1460 something.
May 6, 2021
A Prince to be Feared is an enjoyable read, entertaining, and sometimes akin to a thriller story. Ilona Szilágy and Vlad Dracula were the two main characters in this book and they were politically betrothed to each other. Although Ilona once harboured a special fondness for Vlad Dracula, twelve years of separation had changed her to be frail, fragile and a shell of her former self. From this point onwards, the story follows two different timeline, the past and the present, jumping back and forth between 1451-1462 and 1474.
I like the way the story was being told since it gave a suspenseful feeling at the end of each chapter. Finding out what happened to Ilona in the past and whether Dracula really was the reason of Ilona’s sudden change of personality was exciting. Lots of cliffhangers in this book which I didn’t mind at all. Dracula’s journey of retaking and retaining his Wallachian throne was richly narrated, full of his gruesome deeds.
And who doesn’t feel enchanted with Dracula’s dark humour? Especially when he wished to impale Ilona’s dressmaker.
My only dislike is the characterization of Ilona. Since Ilona was introduced as someone who was not afraid of speaking her mind and quite versed in political knowledge, I expected Ilona to do something out of the ordinary, perhaps giving valuable insight that will help Vlad Dracula while he ruled over Wallachia but nothing of the sort was happening. All Ilona did was asking questions unabashedly and picking at Dracula’s lack of conscience. Even her aunt, Countess Erzsébet Hunyadi, had shown far more vitality in the court intrigues.
Overall, the book is a fun and entertaining read but a little too short for me.
I like the way the story was being told since it gave a suspenseful feeling at the end of each chapter. Finding out what happened to Ilona in the past and whether Dracula really was the reason of Ilona’s sudden change of personality was exciting. Lots of cliffhangers in this book which I didn’t mind at all. Dracula’s journey of retaking and retaining his Wallachian throne was richly narrated, full of his gruesome deeds.
And who doesn’t feel enchanted with Dracula’s dark humour? Especially when he wished to impale Ilona’s dressmaker.
“And you’re twelve years more beautiful. Though your dressmaker should be impaled.” ~Vlad Dracula to Ilona Szilágy, chapter seven, page 112.
My only dislike is the characterization of Ilona. Since Ilona was introduced as someone who was not afraid of speaking her mind and quite versed in political knowledge, I expected Ilona to do something out of the ordinary, perhaps giving valuable insight that will help Vlad Dracula while he ruled over Wallachia but nothing of the sort was happening. All Ilona did was asking questions unabashedly and picking at Dracula’s lack of conscience. Even her aunt, Countess Erzsébet Hunyadi, had shown far more vitality in the court intrigues.
Overall, the book is a fun and entertaining read but a little too short for me.
May 16, 2013
"A Prince to be Feared" is the story of the infamous Vlad Dracula after he is captured by the Hungarian rulers. Vlad Dracula is a really fascinating figure to me. I have never read anything about his life as a prisoner so it was very interesting to read this book. As with so many ruling families during this time, Vlad's captors were seeking to strengthen their power. They want to marry Ilona, their cousin, to Vlad even though they have imprisoned him and even though his reputation is anything but glowing.
I enjoyed this story. The bones of the story were very good. I always enjoy getting to see famous historical figures in a different light, which you definitely get to see here. The core story in this book is the love story between Vlad and Ilona. I really enjoyed seeing how the characters fell for each other and learning the secrets behind Vlad and Ilona's intricate relationship.
The writing was pretty good. Lancaster is definitely promising as a storyteller. There were a couple sections in the book that could have used some editing. Also, there were several sections in the book where the dialogue felt a little too present day rather than something that would have been said during the time of Vlad Dracula. This kind of took me out of the story a little bit but overall, the story was engaging and interesting. It definitely kept me reading!
Overall, this story shows Vlad Dracula in a new light and will appeal to those who like a little romance along with their historical fiction.
I enjoyed this story. The bones of the story were very good. I always enjoy getting to see famous historical figures in a different light, which you definitely get to see here. The core story in this book is the love story between Vlad and Ilona. I really enjoyed seeing how the characters fell for each other and learning the secrets behind Vlad and Ilona's intricate relationship.
The writing was pretty good. Lancaster is definitely promising as a storyteller. There were a couple sections in the book that could have used some editing. Also, there were several sections in the book where the dialogue felt a little too present day rather than something that would have been said during the time of Vlad Dracula. This kind of took me out of the story a little bit but overall, the story was engaging and interesting. It definitely kept me reading!
Overall, this story shows Vlad Dracula in a new light and will appeal to those who like a little romance along with their historical fiction.
May 13, 2013
International giveaway opportunity May 13 - May 22: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I loved what Lancaster did with A Prince to be Feared. Just the basic idea, the juxtaposition of taking Vlad Dracula, a character largely vilified and humanizing him, is truly captivating. Perhaps it is because I know so little about the history involved, but her work, despite being fiction, really makes you reconsider who this man might have been. Was he the tyrant of legend or a maligned hero?
Another noteworthy aspect of the piece is Ilona. Lancaster counters her larger than life male lead with an equally impressive love interest, balancing his vivid energy against her subtle and steady strength. As a reader, it took me longer to appreciate Ilona, but in the end I think she is actually my favorite of the entire cast.
Perhaps my only true complaint is that the book has no historic note. Granted I read an advanced reader's copy and can't speak to the final edition, but I personally like to reflect on what is fact and what is fiction and unfortunately could not do that without some sort of notation.
Different yet memorable, A Prince to be Feared, offers a unique perspective on the three-time Voivode of Wallachia.
Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I loved what Lancaster did with A Prince to be Feared. Just the basic idea, the juxtaposition of taking Vlad Dracula, a character largely vilified and humanizing him, is truly captivating. Perhaps it is because I know so little about the history involved, but her work, despite being fiction, really makes you reconsider who this man might have been. Was he the tyrant of legend or a maligned hero?
Another noteworthy aspect of the piece is Ilona. Lancaster counters her larger than life male lead with an equally impressive love interest, balancing his vivid energy against her subtle and steady strength. As a reader, it took me longer to appreciate Ilona, but in the end I think she is actually my favorite of the entire cast.
Perhaps my only true complaint is that the book has no historic note. Granted I read an advanced reader's copy and can't speak to the final edition, but I personally like to reflect on what is fact and what is fiction and unfortunately could not do that without some sort of notation.
Different yet memorable, A Prince to be Feared, offers a unique perspective on the three-time Voivode of Wallachia.
October 19, 2013
Vlad Dracula existed. HIs legacy has been drenched in Bram Stoker's famous novel, "Dracula." But they are two very different people. Once I started reading this book I was compelled to go online and do a little research. It seems impossible for any authority to separate the fact from the fiction. Bram's book is consistently referenced and the actual man is somewhat glossed over. Did he deserve his name - Vlad the Impaler? Yes. However, in the interest of fair play, one should consider the time in history. He didn't invent impaling. He didn't even refine it. He learned it. Hmmmm....
Although a book of fiction, this story brings much to light about the man, Vlad Dracula, and how his true legend was forged. This is NOT a story about a vampire. A brutal man, yes. But where was that brutality born? What is his true place in Romanian history? I was surprised. This is a very interesting book and not what I expected.
With all due respect to Bram Stoker, the real Dracula was far more interesting. This story does not ignore the cruelty but it also sheds light on his humanity, his intelligence and his passion.
I love historical fiction. Who knew that Dracula could be part such a fascinating character of history?
Although a book of fiction, this story brings much to light about the man, Vlad Dracula, and how his true legend was forged. This is NOT a story about a vampire. A brutal man, yes. But where was that brutality born? What is his true place in Romanian history? I was surprised. This is a very interesting book and not what I expected.
With all due respect to Bram Stoker, the real Dracula was far more interesting. This story does not ignore the cruelty but it also sheds light on his humanity, his intelligence and his passion.
I love historical fiction. Who knew that Dracula could be part such a fascinating character of history?
August 18, 2013
I found this in the Kindle store as a fluke, and thought the premise was interesting: Vlad Dracula's backstory. I had hoped the execution would be good, and wow, was I not disappointed.
During the 15th century, while the Ottomans were laying siege to eastern Europe, Vlad Dracula, son of Vlad Dracul and raised as a prince of Wallachia, spent his life mostly in captivity or fighting (and winning) in battle. Since a childhood of torture at the hands of his Ottoman captors, he plotted his revenge. During a visit to a supporting nobleman, he meets the teenaged daughter of his friend, Ilona, and thus begins their story.
This epic love story is like no other I've read. This couple were thrown together and torn apart by fortune over the course of many years. My only criticism is that the story goes back and forth in time, and I would get rather confused. Still gets a full five stars for transporting me to another place and time.
During the 15th century, while the Ottomans were laying siege to eastern Europe, Vlad Dracula, son of Vlad Dracul and raised as a prince of Wallachia, spent his life mostly in captivity or fighting (and winning) in battle. Since a childhood of torture at the hands of his Ottoman captors, he plotted his revenge. During a visit to a supporting nobleman, he meets the teenaged daughter of his friend, Ilona, and thus begins their story.
This epic love story is like no other I've read. This couple were thrown together and torn apart by fortune over the course of many years. My only criticism is that the story goes back and forth in time, and I would get rather confused. Still gets a full five stars for transporting me to another place and time.
October 12, 2015
I think this book was a casualty of my recent readings habits. I tend to read a few different books at a time. Some audio, some on my phone, some actual books... This book has a confusing timeline. Well, the chapter headings tell you when and where the action was happening but I didn't pay enough attention. I was pretty lost for a while! But I kept reading because I was really enjoying the book. I think if you have an interest in Vlad Dracula, you will enjoy the story. The author takes an interesting approach (which she explains in an endnote) to the so called "facts" regarding Vlad and his deeds. This story humanizes him, makes him sympathetic and explains that he was a product of his time.
September 11, 2013
The cover attracted me first, then the title and after reading the blurb I had to get a copy. This book kept me enthralled for two days. The love story is one that fits the time period, one characterized by long periods of loneliness, waiting and intrigue. A young woman was at the mercy of her closest relative or the ruler of the moment to determine her future. Marriages were made for how it would benefit the family—happiness was not a factor in most cases.
Spoiler alert:
I loved everything about this book except the end; however, I have to admit, it ended just as it should have to be true to the time period.
Spoiler alert:
I loved everything about this book except the end; however, I have to admit, it ended just as it should have to be true to the time period.
November 10, 2015
Amazing Story
I've just discovered Mary Lancaster. And this is the latest I've read and like the others it is an absorbing love story. What makes it amazing to me is that it is a poignant love story of a historical figure I never before associated a love story with. And the fact that it is believable only shows how good a story teller Ms Lancaster is. We know most of the details are work of fiction but who cares it is a good story.
I've just discovered Mary Lancaster. And this is the latest I've read and like the others it is an absorbing love story. What makes it amazing to me is that it is a poignant love story of a historical figure I never before associated a love story with. And the fact that it is believable only shows how good a story teller Ms Lancaster is. We know most of the details are work of fiction but who cares it is a good story.
September 7, 2013
This story frustrated me from the beginning because I knew what was coming. I was absolutely held prisoner by the unfolding love between Vlad and Ilona. Written with great historical precision and a very believable understanding of the personalities and culture of the people of eastern Europe, I connected immediately.
April 24, 2015
I found this book hard to get into at first, and restarted it several times. I also found the shifts back and forth in time a challenge to keep track of which was when. However, this sympathetic portrait of the little-know historical figure offered some rationale about how the legends may have been skewed. Note to vampire fans: this account does not connect in any way to Dracula as a vampire.
January 17, 2016
Enjoyable
I've casually read about Vlad for about 23 years and it interests me that he is in some places a hero when you read so many horrors. This is a fictional love story based on real history that captures exactly that. Takes away the monster and gives you a hero. I thought it was a really good and sad story. Probably the best I've read about him, no vampires.
I've casually read about Vlad for about 23 years and it interests me that he is in some places a hero when you read so many horrors. This is a fictional love story based on real history that captures exactly that. Takes away the monster and gives you a hero. I thought it was a really good and sad story. Probably the best I've read about him, no vampires.
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