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La dinastia della famiglia Dracula
Quando Joseph Barkeley, esperto di libri rari, viene incaricato di autenticare il manoscritto originale del Dracula di Bram Stoker, non può immaginare neppure lentamente che il suo misterioso cliente sia un discendente della più antica dinastia della Transilvania. Concluso l'acquisto, Joseph ha il compito di recarsi al celebre castello di Bran, in Romania, e consegnare personalmente il manoscritto al suo acquirente. Giunto a destinazione, però, viene fatto prigioniero dal proprietario del castello, il figlio di Vlad Dracul, principe di Valacchia. Per riottenere la libertà dovrà decifrare alcuni messaggi criptati contenuti nel prezioso manoscritto, che porterebbero alla risoluzione di un antico enigma. E presto Joseph scoprirà che la scelta non è caduta casualmente su di lui. Orfano di origini rumene, Barkeley è legato da sempre, indissolubilmente, alla leggendaria famiglia Dracula...
334 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2013
59 people are currently reading
2221 people want to read
About the author
Royce Prouty
3 books39 followersPatrick Royce Prouty is a CPA, business consultant, and Harley-Davidson enthusiast. He and his wife live in Southern California. Stoker's Manuscript is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
July 29, 2013
A Dracula novel should be creepy, atmospheric, and steeped in Old World superstition. Stoker's Manuscript hits the mark in its tale about the rare original manuscript of Bram Stoker's Dracula, a manuscript with parts unpublished. Joseph Barkeley, a resident of Chicago, is a rare manuscript expert who is contacted by an overseas buyer through his representative to authenticate and purchase the Stoker manuscript before it goes to auction. The representative insists on anonymity for the buyer and personal delivery of the purchase. The representative doesn't divulge the buyer's name, but the location is determined to be Dracula's Castle in Romania, and thus begins Barkeley's descent into a world of dark and danger. The fact that Joseph and his brother Bernhardt were rescued from a Romanian orphanage as small children plays into the plot with revealing secrets of they why and how of their parents' deaths. Coming face to face with the unknown son of Vlad Dracul, Joseph must unravel they mysteries of his own lineage as well as those that Dalca demands if he is to survive. However, it soon becomes clear that personal survival pales in comparison to the task that Joseph must choose to either pursue or flee.
The best part of this debut novel by Royce Prouty is the atmosphere he created in which his story plays out. The Romanian countryside and its people are delightfully spooky and superstition-filled. Choosing to accentuate the ruthlessness of the family Dracul, Prouty brings to his readers a cringe-worthy accounting of vampire lore. His descriptions of smells is particularly well executed, along with Joseph Barkeley's reaction to them. Personally, I was introduced to some new items concerning vampires, so it was engaging for me on that count, too. The novel did for me what I had hoped it would, deliver a scary tale with intriguing back story.
The best part of this debut novel by Royce Prouty is the atmosphere he created in which his story plays out. The Romanian countryside and its people are delightfully spooky and superstition-filled. Choosing to accentuate the ruthlessness of the family Dracul, Prouty brings to his readers a cringe-worthy accounting of vampire lore. His descriptions of smells is particularly well executed, along with Joseph Barkeley's reaction to them. Personally, I was introduced to some new items concerning vampires, so it was engaging for me on that count, too. The novel did for me what I had hoped it would, deliver a scary tale with intriguing back story.
June 17, 2014
Royce Prouty received a 2013 Stoker Award nomination for superior achievement in a first novel for Stoker’s Manuscript. Because of the nomination and the fact that Prouty’s protagonist, Joseph Barkeley, is a rare book and manuscript expert, I couldn’t resist.
Joseph Barkeley has always had a knack for spotting rare editions in crowded used bookstores, and is able to tell if a manuscript is genuine without the need for any chemical testing. It’s an ability that makes him the subject of Arthur Ardelean’s search for the right man to verify the authenticity of the original draft of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and to negotiate its purchase if its authenticity is established. (There is some real history behind this scenario, as the original manuscript for the novel was apparently lost, turning up only in 1980 in a Pennsylvania barn.) Ardelean is working on behalf of a principal whom he cannot identify. The manuscript is intended for exhibition in a new museum in Dracula’s Castle in Romania, and Barkeley is also expected to assist in the planning of the manuscript’s exhibition.
The manuscript has an interesting history that Prouty lays out for his readers, though those seeking mere horror will probably find all this talk of epilogues and titles and warehouse fires less than enthralling. For them, the real action will come when Barkeley gets to Romania and meets the buyer, who has promised him an enormous sum of money for his work. It cannot come as a surprise to any reader that this buyer is not entirely human, or that Barkeley soon finds himself in serious danger.
Prouty’s writing is competent but lacks a distinctive style. He annoyingly writes dialogue in Romanian, followed by an English translation, both in italics. He dumps information with no action and no dialogue. Most seriously, his characters are stilted types rather than fully-fledged individuals; this is particularly notable in his protagonist, who is little more than a cipher with an elaborate background. Because this man is so indistinct, it is hard to care much when he is in danger of losing his life. This fault is even more pronounced when it comes to the supporting actors, so that we feel shock when someone dies, but no loss. Prouty weaves a solid story, but could have really benefited from a strong editor.
I find myself once again bemused by the decisions of those who choose the nominees for the Stoker Award. Is this book really one of the best the horror field had to offer in 2013?
Originally published at http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Joseph Barkeley has always had a knack for spotting rare editions in crowded used bookstores, and is able to tell if a manuscript is genuine without the need for any chemical testing. It’s an ability that makes him the subject of Arthur Ardelean’s search for the right man to verify the authenticity of the original draft of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and to negotiate its purchase if its authenticity is established. (There is some real history behind this scenario, as the original manuscript for the novel was apparently lost, turning up only in 1980 in a Pennsylvania barn.) Ardelean is working on behalf of a principal whom he cannot identify. The manuscript is intended for exhibition in a new museum in Dracula’s Castle in Romania, and Barkeley is also expected to assist in the planning of the manuscript’s exhibition.
The manuscript has an interesting history that Prouty lays out for his readers, though those seeking mere horror will probably find all this talk of epilogues and titles and warehouse fires less than enthralling. For them, the real action will come when Barkeley gets to Romania and meets the buyer, who has promised him an enormous sum of money for his work. It cannot come as a surprise to any reader that this buyer is not entirely human, or that Barkeley soon finds himself in serious danger.
Prouty’s writing is competent but lacks a distinctive style. He annoyingly writes dialogue in Romanian, followed by an English translation, both in italics. He dumps information with no action and no dialogue. Most seriously, his characters are stilted types rather than fully-fledged individuals; this is particularly notable in his protagonist, who is little more than a cipher with an elaborate background. Because this man is so indistinct, it is hard to care much when he is in danger of losing his life. This fault is even more pronounced when it comes to the supporting actors, so that we feel shock when someone dies, but no loss. Prouty weaves a solid story, but could have really benefited from a strong editor.
I find myself once again bemused by the decisions of those who choose the nominees for the Stoker Award. Is this book really one of the best the horror field had to offer in 2013?
Originally published at http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
May 22, 2013
*** Received from First Reads giveaways***
I had a hard time getting into the story when I was reading this book. I think it is partially because I didn't think the main character was a very interesting character at all, he was mostly dull and a rather uninspiring hero. The last half of the book the action and the character became more interesting since there was more happening rather than just getting a lot of background history on events that happened in the past. The background history was interesting, but it did slow the book a bit.
A few writing things I noticed that seemed to jar me out of the story was the way the author wrote people's accents. For example he wrote "promis you will heed my warnings." Vornings in italics to show how the character substituted V for W or Z for S instead of just putting Vorning into the sentence since he had already explained that the character was doing it.
Overall a good book but not one that blew me away.
I had a hard time getting into the story when I was reading this book. I think it is partially because I didn't think the main character was a very interesting character at all, he was mostly dull and a rather uninspiring hero. The last half of the book the action and the character became more interesting since there was more happening rather than just getting a lot of background history on events that happened in the past. The background history was interesting, but it did slow the book a bit.
A few writing things I noticed that seemed to jar me out of the story was the way the author wrote people's accents. For example he wrote "promis you will heed my warnings." Vornings in italics to show how the character substituted V for W or Z for S instead of just putting Vorning into the sentence since he had already explained that the character was doing it.
Overall a good book but not one that blew me away.
October 7, 2016
This one just did not work for me. Beware paperbacks only costing $2, I guess. I can't even tell you the mc's name. That's how little of an impression he made on me. The first part of the book is just him proving how much he knows about everything. At one point, he walks past a church to get to a cemetery and over a page is spent describing architectural features. Mind you, this is detailed description of a building he is just passing by.
He also has the emotional range of a kitchen sponge. A couple of his "friends" die horrible bloody deaths because of their association with him. His response? "Well it wasn't me." People. Are. Dead. How does he handle being held against his will? No reaction whatsoever. He just sits in his room and accepts that he will probably not survive. There's no fight, no attempt at escape. He's a skeptic and doesn't believe in vampires until he gets roughed up in the woods by "something." That's all it takes and all vampires are real and he must slay them.
An attempt is made in the second half of the book to explain his complete lack of emotions. You could make a drinking game out of how often him being an orphan is brought up. And hugging causes pain until one woman hugs him. Then it's instant lurrrrve. The final fight at the end was engaging, but it did not make up for over 300 pages of Orphan Sponge. This book had such great potential, but I just can't when it comes to a sociopathic hero.*
*Exception: This Guy
He also has the emotional range of a kitchen sponge. A couple of his "friends" die horrible bloody deaths because of their association with him. His response? "Well it wasn't me." People. Are. Dead. How does he handle being held against his will? No reaction whatsoever. He just sits in his room and accepts that he will probably not survive. There's no fight, no attempt at escape. He's a skeptic and doesn't believe in vampires until he gets roughed up in the woods by "something." That's all it takes and all vampires are real and he must slay them.
An attempt is made in the second half of the book to explain his complete lack of emotions. You could make a drinking game out of how often him being an orphan is brought up. And hugging causes pain until one woman hugs him. Then it's instant lurrrrve. The final fight at the end was engaging, but it did not make up for over 300 pages of Orphan Sponge. This book had such great potential, but I just can't when it comes to a sociopathic hero.*
*Exception: This Guy
April 25, 2021
I really wanted this to be better. The idea is fantastic, but unfortunately the plot meanders around to find it. The protagonist is about as interesting as a wet mop who never really questions or shows any emotion about what's happening. He's just along for the ride. This story had so much potential, but missed the mark.
April 10, 2022
Great idea. Only a very mediocre outcome.
February 28, 2015
Several words came to mind while reading this novel, but one was repeated more often than the others:terrible! In fact, if it hadn't been for my New Year's resolution to finish every book I begin in 2014, I would have vehemently tossed it aside with a disappointed grunt. I saw this book in a bookstore and instantly noticed that it had the makings of a great - no, fantastic - story, so saving a couple bucks, I ordered it from Amazon.com and restlessly waited for my two-day delivery. WOW...was I disappointed! Have you ever been driving and gotten lost in a bad neighborhood, and you just cruise on through as fast as you can to get the hell out of there? Well, that's how I felt about this book, so I read it as fast as possible to just get it over with.
Three things come to mind when I say, "One star is actually being too generous." Firstly, I could not overlook the author's egregious socio-historical errors (e.g. those concerning the historical Dracula, Vlad III, and those dealing with religion and Orthodoxy in the Balkans). If you are going to write a novel about historical figures (i.e. Vlad Dracula and Bram Stoker), even historical fiction, get your damn facts right! For example - and these are just some of the many - the historical Dracula had NOTHING to do with Bran Castle, much less did he build it. His father, was Vlad II and not Vlad I; Vlad I ruled during the 14th and not the 13th century. The author also states that Vlad III's younger brother, Radu cel Frumos (the Handsome), ascended the Wallachian throne after Vlad's death in 1476. However, Radu actually died a year before in 1475, and this prompted Stephen of Moldavia and Matthias Corvinus to back Vlad Dracula in his third and final reign as voivode of Wallachia. Oh, and the author claims the interim ruler spanning the years between Vlad II and Vlad III was not related to the family: they were cousins! Oh, Oh OH, and the author clearly confuses Russian Orthodoxy with Orthodoxy in general, and often uses religious imagery that seems extremely out of place.
Secondly, let's talk about descriptive writing. Now, I enjoy description as much as the next guy, and I don't even mind when an author uses an entire chapter to describe the way a door looks (fans of classicsad nauseam, and because of this, we do not see character development. I never got a feel for the protagonist and, therefore, couldn't empathize with him in the least.
Thirdly, to loosely quote Gus Portokalos: it was "so dry. [This novel} is like a piece of toast. No honey, no jam... Just dry!" The plot was cliche to the point of being trite and predictable, and there was no real flow. And, let's be honest, I've seen some strange takes on vampire mythology, but mosquito-like creatures?!? Really?!?!? I mean.... REALLY?
Disappointing...............
Three things come to mind when I say, "One star is actually being too generous." Firstly, I could not overlook the author's egregious socio-historical errors (e.g. those concerning the historical Dracula, Vlad III, and those dealing with religion and Orthodoxy in the Balkans). If you are going to write a novel about historical figures (i.e. Vlad Dracula and Bram Stoker), even historical fiction, get your damn facts right! For example - and these are just some of the many - the historical Dracula had NOTHING to do with Bran Castle, much less did he build it. His father, was Vlad II and not Vlad I; Vlad I ruled during the 14th and not the 13th century. The author also states that Vlad III's younger brother, Radu cel Frumos (the Handsome), ascended the Wallachian throne after Vlad's death in 1476. However, Radu actually died a year before in 1475, and this prompted Stephen of Moldavia and Matthias Corvinus to back Vlad Dracula in his third and final reign as voivode of Wallachia. Oh, and the author claims the interim ruler spanning the years between Vlad II and Vlad III was not related to the family: they were cousins! Oh, Oh OH, and the author clearly confuses Russian Orthodoxy with Orthodoxy in general, and often uses religious imagery that seems extremely out of place.
Secondly, let's talk about descriptive writing. Now, I enjoy description as much as the next guy, and I don't even mind when an author uses an entire chapter to describe the way a door looks (fans of classicsad nauseam, and because of this, we do not see character development. I never got a feel for the protagonist and, therefore, couldn't empathize with him in the least.
Thirdly, to loosely quote Gus Portokalos: it was "so dry. [This novel} is like a piece of toast. No honey, no jam... Just dry!" The plot was cliche to the point of being trite and predictable, and there was no real flow. And, let's be honest, I've seen some strange takes on vampire mythology, but mosquito-like creatures?!? Really?!?!? I mean.... REALLY?
Disappointing...............
September 11, 2016
The writing isn't brilliant and at times - repetitive, but the story is old-school, East European-style vampire (not the YA nonsense), full of atmosphere, old traditions and the people who still live them, which I can't resist. The plot is very gripping, and even though the main character isn't very likable, he is still interesting, and so are other characters around him. There is some historical background which gives it all credibility and adds another level of interest. Enjoyable, quick read.
August 25, 2022
«La famiglia di Dracula ebbe origine con Vlad I, al quale l’imperatore d’Ungheria aveva conferito il titolo di Dracul, da “drac”, che significa “dragone” o Ordine del Drago. Con una breve interruzione, l’uomo governò il principato di Valacchia per una decina d’anni, fino al 1447. (…) Vlad I ebbe almeno tre figli (…)».
È così che Royce Prouty introduce l’albero genealogico che riassume “LA DINASTIA DELLA FAMIGLIA DRACULA”, grazie a quanto riportato in una serie di appunti vergati dallo stesso Abraham Stoker. Tali appunti, assieme al manoscritto originale di “Dracula”, vengono ricercati su misteriosa commissione, dal protagonista del romanzo, Joseph Barkeley, che avrà il compito di consegnarli personalmente al suo fantomatico acquirente nel celeberrimo Castello di Bran, in Transilvania, sfondo e teatro di buona parte del libro.
Da qui, Joseph sarà costretto ad intraprendere una caccia al tesoro in Romania che lo condurrà, tra le altre cose, a riscoprire le proprie oscure origini.
Sinceramente, mi aspettavo di più da questo libro: l’idea mi è piaciuta sin da subito, così come le premesse esplicative che connettono la trama sia alle nozioni storiche e alle credenze tradizionali popolari, sia al “Dracula” originale e allo stesso Stoker.
Non mi sono dispiaciuti nemmeno la caratterizzazione del protagonista, con la sua storia famigliare criptica e tormentata, e la costruzione dell’impianto narrativo ma, lo svolgersi della vicenda mi è parso superficiale e sommario, pertanto non mi ha soddisfatto granché.
È così che Royce Prouty introduce l’albero genealogico che riassume “LA DINASTIA DELLA FAMIGLIA DRACULA”, grazie a quanto riportato in una serie di appunti vergati dallo stesso Abraham Stoker. Tali appunti, assieme al manoscritto originale di “Dracula”, vengono ricercati su misteriosa commissione, dal protagonista del romanzo, Joseph Barkeley, che avrà il compito di consegnarli personalmente al suo fantomatico acquirente nel celeberrimo Castello di Bran, in Transilvania, sfondo e teatro di buona parte del libro.
Da qui, Joseph sarà costretto ad intraprendere una caccia al tesoro in Romania che lo condurrà, tra le altre cose, a riscoprire le proprie oscure origini.
Sinceramente, mi aspettavo di più da questo libro: l’idea mi è piaciuta sin da subito, così come le premesse esplicative che connettono la trama sia alle nozioni storiche e alle credenze tradizionali popolari, sia al “Dracula” originale e allo stesso Stoker.
Non mi sono dispiaciuti nemmeno la caratterizzazione del protagonista, con la sua storia famigliare criptica e tormentata, e la costruzione dell’impianto narrativo ma, lo svolgersi della vicenda mi è parso superficiale e sommario, pertanto non mi ha soddisfatto granché.
December 20, 2013
I had a tough time with Royce Prouty's; Stoker's Manuscript. I loved the subject matter and the premise but felt the delivery of the novel to be disjointed and uneven. Much like a good movie torn apart on the editing floor.
..."You already did, by agreeing to go. There's danger there, a type not like here. You won't like what you see, Joseph, and you'll never be able to purge it from your memory."
"Can I have your blessing?"
"If only I could," he said. "Where you are going, God's eyes do not watch."...
Joseph Barkeley, a manuscript authenticator, is commissioned to procure the original draft and notes of Bram Stoker's classic novel, Dracula. The buyer is from the oldest family in Transylvania and wants the manuscript delivered to the legendary Castel Bram in Romania. The birthplace of Joseph, where he was orphaned as a child.
In researching the piece Joseph finds that the original manuscript has a different beginning and ending than does the novel that has been published since. In the notes there are passages of graveyards and secret burials. Barkeley travels to Romania with the manuscript and finds that the buyer is descended from Vlad the Impaler, whom the character of Dracula was based upon. It is this descendant who wishes the forgotten text of the manuscript to find the most desired of the what the family needs to carry on. This descendant who is far more than he seems.
..."Herr Barkeley." My host shook a finger at me. "Beware the dark."
"I'll be careful."
"Die Todten reiten schnell...faster than you." The dead travel fast...
Much like Jonathan Harker before him, Joseph Barkeley embarks on his mission and steps directly into the web of darkness and vampires. Unlike Harker, Joseph finds his own family history tied to the legends of the Castel Bram. Until he must decide whether his actions will increase the power of evil or if he can destroy it.
Unfortunately, unlike the heroes and heroines of Dracula, you never really feel like rooting for Barkeley. His depressive attitude and self serving greed make him pretty unlikeable. His actions contribute to the deaths of those he holds dear as he falls in servitude to the Dark Prince. The Dark Prince himself is poorly rendered image of a vampire that has survived for centuries untold yet loses a debate with Joseph over the merits of his faith in Christianity.
When you decide to take on something like Bram Stoker's Dracula and expand on the original; there should be a sense of respect for the original that demands a much better effort.
Overall the premise and subject could have been done much better. This book will leave you with a sense of so much promise and yet so little delivered.
..."You already did, by agreeing to go. There's danger there, a type not like here. You won't like what you see, Joseph, and you'll never be able to purge it from your memory."
"Can I have your blessing?"
"If only I could," he said. "Where you are going, God's eyes do not watch."...
Joseph Barkeley, a manuscript authenticator, is commissioned to procure the original draft and notes of Bram Stoker's classic novel, Dracula. The buyer is from the oldest family in Transylvania and wants the manuscript delivered to the legendary Castel Bram in Romania. The birthplace of Joseph, where he was orphaned as a child.
In researching the piece Joseph finds that the original manuscript has a different beginning and ending than does the novel that has been published since. In the notes there are passages of graveyards and secret burials. Barkeley travels to Romania with the manuscript and finds that the buyer is descended from Vlad the Impaler, whom the character of Dracula was based upon. It is this descendant who wishes the forgotten text of the manuscript to find the most desired of the what the family needs to carry on. This descendant who is far more than he seems.
..."Herr Barkeley." My host shook a finger at me. "Beware the dark."
"I'll be careful."
"Die Todten reiten schnell...faster than you." The dead travel fast...
Much like Jonathan Harker before him, Joseph Barkeley embarks on his mission and steps directly into the web of darkness and vampires. Unlike Harker, Joseph finds his own family history tied to the legends of the Castel Bram. Until he must decide whether his actions will increase the power of evil or if he can destroy it.
Unfortunately, unlike the heroes and heroines of Dracula, you never really feel like rooting for Barkeley. His depressive attitude and self serving greed make him pretty unlikeable. His actions contribute to the deaths of those he holds dear as he falls in servitude to the Dark Prince. The Dark Prince himself is poorly rendered image of a vampire that has survived for centuries untold yet loses a debate with Joseph over the merits of his faith in Christianity.
When you decide to take on something like Bram Stoker's Dracula and expand on the original; there should be a sense of respect for the original that demands a much better effort.
Overall the premise and subject could have been done much better. This book will leave you with a sense of so much promise and yet so little delivered.
June 8, 2013
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. This was definitely not what I had thought the book would be like when I entered to win it. First, the main character was VERY boring and dry. I could not connect with him at all. Then, the author wrote out accents after he would write a sentence. This was so distracting. I found myself re-reading what I had already read in the accent. I guess if he wanted us to read it as it was being said then why not just write it that way to begin and end with? For example, a sentence would be: Yes, she replied. Yezz. I mean, why not just put it as Yezz, she replied? I would have gotten that and it would have been less distracting. There is not too much I can say about the book. The author is very good at writing and was well versed in the subject, it was just to bland for me. I DID read the entire book even though I wanted to just give up.
October 12, 2016
A fascinating new take on 'Dracula,' with a bibliophile perspective. Joseph, a Chicago antiquarian book dealer, gets a mysterious offer to purchase the original manuscript and notes of Bram Stoker's now-famous vampire novel. But what other secrets are in the edited (or censored) chapters? And Joseph's own orphaned past, along with his priest brother, go back to Romania, where the manuscript is to be shipped.
The book-dealing and research aspects intrigued me more than the rehashed vampire suspense. The combination is interesting, but (slight spoiler) Prouty's narration flips from intense gory scenes to bookish research. There's a bit of a Tim Brown quality to the story, which I don't like; multi-layered and multi-lingual symbols that suddenly make sense and lead to more clues. The side story attributing Nicola Tesla to Stoker, however, is fascinating. but again, the wrap-up of inter-family vampire fights becomes a bit entangled.
Still, it's an engaging and well-paced tale.
The book-dealing and research aspects intrigued me more than the rehashed vampire suspense. The combination is interesting, but (slight spoiler) Prouty's narration flips from intense gory scenes to bookish research. There's a bit of a Tim Brown quality to the story, which I don't like; multi-layered and multi-lingual symbols that suddenly make sense and lead to more clues. The side story attributing Nicola Tesla to Stoker, however, is fascinating. but again, the wrap-up of inter-family vampire fights becomes a bit entangled.
Still, it's an engaging and well-paced tale.
December 8, 2013
I have been on somewhat of a Dracula kick lately. I'm listening to Bram Stoker's classic novel on audio and I'm slowly working my way through a reread of The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. So I was thrilled when Royce contacted me and offered me a copy of his book. My friend, J. Kaye, had raved about it and it turns out she was not wrong.
What I liked most about the book was the creepy elements that crept up on me throughout the book. I felt chilling fingers move up my spine more than once. This made for excellent reading for the Halloween season. Add to that, the writing of a story that kept me guessing and characters and settings that made me feel part of the story, and this is definitely a book worth reading.
Read the rest at my blog: http://castlemacabre.blogspot.com/201...
What I liked most about the book was the creepy elements that crept up on me throughout the book. I felt chilling fingers move up my spine more than once. This made for excellent reading for the Halloween season. Add to that, the writing of a story that kept me guessing and characters and settings that made me feel part of the story, and this is definitely a book worth reading.
Read the rest at my blog: http://castlemacabre.blogspot.com/201...
March 23, 2018
This is a good book all round - the story-telling remains somewhat consistent throughout, Prouty has obviously done quite a bit of research surrounding Stoker and his novel. Quite interested in re-reading "Dracula" simply to cross-reference this novel and see just if it all connects well.
I don't usually like books with a first-person narrative, especially when it's very limited to one person's perspective. Simply because separate accounts offers more breadth and development of the storyline. SM enforced this preference in me as I found Prouty has only scratched the surface of what he has created.
Furthermore, the last 50 pages should have been the most exciting part but I found it just kind of limped along to the objective.
However, this is Prouty's first published novel and it stuck strongly to the Gothic themes of "Dracula" - I'm talking bats (LOTS of bats), sarcophagi, gravestones, corpses, nightmares... even a glorious depiction of victims being tossed off a balcony before being impaled atop elephantine spikes below.
Quite good, would love to see a sequel as the opportunity is there.
I don't usually like books with a first-person narrative, especially when it's very limited to one person's perspective. Simply because separate accounts offers more breadth and development of the storyline. SM enforced this preference in me as I found Prouty has only scratched the surface of what he has created.
Furthermore, the last 50 pages should have been the most exciting part but I found it just kind of limped along to the objective.
However, this is Prouty's first published novel and it stuck strongly to the Gothic themes of "Dracula" - I'm talking bats (LOTS of bats), sarcophagi, gravestones, corpses, nightmares... even a glorious depiction of victims being tossed off a balcony before being impaled atop elephantine spikes below.
Quite good, would love to see a sequel as the opportunity is there.
July 20, 2025
5/5 ⭐ ✨
This is an intelligent vampire story designed for an adult audience. It weaves together elements of history, intrigue, and the supernatural, all set against the hauntingly beautiful landscape of Romania. Here, age-old myths and local superstitions collide with the contemporary existence of the main character. If you appreciated Bram Stoker's classic work, this novel promises to be a captivating experience. It is meticulously researched and skillfully written, making it a pleasure to immerse oneself in its pages.
🧛♂️ 🦇
This is an intelligent vampire story designed for an adult audience. It weaves together elements of history, intrigue, and the supernatural, all set against the hauntingly beautiful landscape of Romania. Here, age-old myths and local superstitions collide with the contemporary existence of the main character. If you appreciated Bram Stoker's classic work, this novel promises to be a captivating experience. It is meticulously researched and skillfully written, making it a pleasure to immerse oneself in its pages.
🧛♂️ 🦇
November 25, 2024
I think I would’ve liked this in middle school? 90% stupid, 10% kind of exciting. Way too much impaling, though.
February 1, 2014
When is a risk too great? Even when the possible rewards are tempting? How do you decide? Who’s council do you seek? And what do you do, if after all the consideration and deliberation, you find that you’ve chosen poorly and the costs are higher than you could have possibly imagined? These are just some of the questions explored in Stoker’s Manuscript by Royce Prouty.
Joseph Barkeley leads a comfortable life after a rocky childhood. He and his brother were orphaned in their native Romania after their father murdered their mother. They were rescued from an orphanage and sent to be raised by nuns in Chicago. Joseph grew up to be a rare book and manuscript dealer and expert. Bernhardt, his younger brother, became a priest. They now live near to each other, and the parish in which they were raised in Chicago.
When Joseph receives a call inquiring about hiring him to authenticate an annotated manuscript for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it sounds like a challenging and enjoyable opportunity. When the buyer’s agent insists that, should the manuscript be genuine, Joseph secure its sale and bypass the planned auction, it becomes more challenging but still possible. Once the sale is secured, he is requested to courier the manuscript to Romania and deliver it, personally, to the anonymous buyer. If he does these things, he is promised to be well compensated.
While doing his due diligence on the manuscript, he is warned by several colleagues, customers and his brother to pass on this job. There are simply too many risks. Too many things could go wrong. But Joseph is tempted by the payment offered for what he believes will be a simple job. He will secure the manuscript, deliver it to the anonymous buyer and collect a marvelous paycheck ensuring stability and comfort for himself and those for whom he cares. But it becomes increasingly clear, as Joseph moves through the steps to complete the transaction, that this job is going to be neither simple nor straightforward. And Joseph’s decision to accept this job will come to threaten everyone and everything he knows.
In Stoker’s Manuscript, first time author Royce Prouty creates a sense of increasing and impending dread as a simple job spirals out of control. The novel is rich in historic details, especially the history of Eastern Europe and, specifically, Romania and Transylvania. The history ranges from the 15th century, and Transylvania’s most famous, and ruthless, ruler Vlad Tepes to the late 20th century, under the Ceaușescu regime. There is also some fascinating background on Stoker and the writing of his most famous work. Prouty blends all of this factual background seamlessly into his fictional elements providing the overall story with a greater sense of immediacy and urgency because so much of what is described has happened.
While it may seem easy to guess the identity of the reclusive buyer in Romania insisting upon anonymity, the revelation is more complex, and more satisfying, than assumptions the reader may have going in. The tension in the novel builds relentlessly throughout the novel to a climactic ending.
Readers of Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian should enjoy Stoker’s Manuscript, as will anyone who enjoys a well crafted tale of the undead!
Reviewed by Daryl M., Librarian, Central Library
Joseph Barkeley leads a comfortable life after a rocky childhood. He and his brother were orphaned in their native Romania after their father murdered their mother. They were rescued from an orphanage and sent to be raised by nuns in Chicago. Joseph grew up to be a rare book and manuscript dealer and expert. Bernhardt, his younger brother, became a priest. They now live near to each other, and the parish in which they were raised in Chicago.
When Joseph receives a call inquiring about hiring him to authenticate an annotated manuscript for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it sounds like a challenging and enjoyable opportunity. When the buyer’s agent insists that, should the manuscript be genuine, Joseph secure its sale and bypass the planned auction, it becomes more challenging but still possible. Once the sale is secured, he is requested to courier the manuscript to Romania and deliver it, personally, to the anonymous buyer. If he does these things, he is promised to be well compensated.
While doing his due diligence on the manuscript, he is warned by several colleagues, customers and his brother to pass on this job. There are simply too many risks. Too many things could go wrong. But Joseph is tempted by the payment offered for what he believes will be a simple job. He will secure the manuscript, deliver it to the anonymous buyer and collect a marvelous paycheck ensuring stability and comfort for himself and those for whom he cares. But it becomes increasingly clear, as Joseph moves through the steps to complete the transaction, that this job is going to be neither simple nor straightforward. And Joseph’s decision to accept this job will come to threaten everyone and everything he knows.
In Stoker’s Manuscript, first time author Royce Prouty creates a sense of increasing and impending dread as a simple job spirals out of control. The novel is rich in historic details, especially the history of Eastern Europe and, specifically, Romania and Transylvania. The history ranges from the 15th century, and Transylvania’s most famous, and ruthless, ruler Vlad Tepes to the late 20th century, under the Ceaușescu regime. There is also some fascinating background on Stoker and the writing of his most famous work. Prouty blends all of this factual background seamlessly into his fictional elements providing the overall story with a greater sense of immediacy and urgency because so much of what is described has happened.
While it may seem easy to guess the identity of the reclusive buyer in Romania insisting upon anonymity, the revelation is more complex, and more satisfying, than assumptions the reader may have going in. The tension in the novel builds relentlessly throughout the novel to a climactic ending.
Readers of Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian should enjoy Stoker’s Manuscript, as will anyone who enjoys a well crafted tale of the undead!
Reviewed by Daryl M., Librarian, Central Library
May 22, 2013
When rare-manuscript expert Joseph Barkeley is hired to authenticate and purchase the original draft and notes for Bram Stoker's Dracula, little does he know that the reclusive buyer is a member of the oldest family in Transylvania.
After delivering the manuscript to the legendary Bran Castle in Romania, Barkeley—a Romanian orphan himself—realizes to his horror that he's become a prisoner to the son of Vlad Dracul. To earn his freedom, Barkeley must decipher cryptic messages hidden in the text of the original Dracula that reveal the burial sites of certain Dracul family members. Barkeley's only hope is to ensure that he does not exhaust his usefulness to his captor until he’s able to escape. Soon he discovers secrets about his own lineage that suggest his selection for the task was more than coincidence. In this knowledge may lie Barkeley's salvation—or his doom. For now he must choose between a coward's flight and a mortal conflict against an ancient foe.
Building on actual international events surrounding the publication of Bram Stoker's original novel, Royce Prouty has written a spellbinding debut novel that ranges from 1890s Chicago, London, and Transylvania to the perilous present.
I really liked this book. It was a fast and easy weekend read for me. The author Royce Prouty did a great job by having a mystery that draws on real life events surrounding the publication of "Dracula". I think this would be a great read for almost anyone, but especially to fans of the original Bram Stoker's "Dracula". You should be warned though this is not your Twilight kind of vampire book. This book is darker and more fighting in a very good way.
The story did remind me a bit of "The Ninth Gate" but this story stands all on it's own. I also would not be surprised to see a sequel in the near future.
After delivering the manuscript to the legendary Bran Castle in Romania, Barkeley—a Romanian orphan himself—realizes to his horror that he's become a prisoner to the son of Vlad Dracul. To earn his freedom, Barkeley must decipher cryptic messages hidden in the text of the original Dracula that reveal the burial sites of certain Dracul family members. Barkeley's only hope is to ensure that he does not exhaust his usefulness to his captor until he’s able to escape. Soon he discovers secrets about his own lineage that suggest his selection for the task was more than coincidence. In this knowledge may lie Barkeley's salvation—or his doom. For now he must choose between a coward's flight and a mortal conflict against an ancient foe.
Building on actual international events surrounding the publication of Bram Stoker's original novel, Royce Prouty has written a spellbinding debut novel that ranges from 1890s Chicago, London, and Transylvania to the perilous present.
I really liked this book. It was a fast and easy weekend read for me. The author Royce Prouty did a great job by having a mystery that draws on real life events surrounding the publication of "Dracula". I think this would be a great read for almost anyone, but especially to fans of the original Bram Stoker's "Dracula". You should be warned though this is not your Twilight kind of vampire book. This book is darker and more fighting in a very good way.
The story did remind me a bit of "The Ninth Gate" but this story stands all on it's own. I also would not be surprised to see a sequel in the near future.
October 21, 2013
When the original manuscript for Bram Stoker's Dracula comes up for auction, Chicagoan Joseph Barkeley, an authenticator and purveyor of rare books, is hired by a European family to obtain Stoker's Manuscript and personal notes and deliver them to Dracula's Castle in Romania.
Barkeley, a Romanian orphan as a child, returns to the land of his Transylvanian ancestors with the manuscript, only to find out that he has been hired by the storied Dracul family.
Set in present-day Chicago and Romania, the story weaves true historical events and figures from the 1890s with a fresh, science-based rendering of the vampire mythos.
Prouty’s novel is rich in atmosphere, historical detail and offers a new vampire mythology; the author does an excellent job of blurring the lines between fact and fiction. It started really well, all unspoken menace and malevolent portents but I personally struggled with Prouty’s vision of the vampire. After I had come to terms with that I struggled with the romantic aspect (not necessary) and also the religious overtones (too much God).
However it was pacy and easy to read and it is always fun to ponder the question…what if Dracula, the novel, was based on fact…
Barkeley, a Romanian orphan as a child, returns to the land of his Transylvanian ancestors with the manuscript, only to find out that he has been hired by the storied Dracul family.
Set in present-day Chicago and Romania, the story weaves true historical events and figures from the 1890s with a fresh, science-based rendering of the vampire mythos.
Prouty’s novel is rich in atmosphere, historical detail and offers a new vampire mythology; the author does an excellent job of blurring the lines between fact and fiction. It started really well, all unspoken menace and malevolent portents but I personally struggled with Prouty’s vision of the vampire. After I had come to terms with that I struggled with the romantic aspect (not necessary) and also the religious overtones (too much God).
However it was pacy and easy to read and it is always fun to ponder the question…what if Dracula, the novel, was based on fact…
Read
July 7, 2013Once the hook is set, this book is hard to put down.
It's been a while since I have read Dracula but I do recall being told of some of the weirdness surrounding that novel's initial publication (last-minute editorial changes, suspected arson hitting both Stoker's workplace and publisher). Prouty builds upon that stuff and then throws in other bits of history for good measure.
This book could have been a wee bit shorter. I ended up skimming two or three chapters (the sort which detail obvious solutions to mechanical problems) because I wanted to finish it all in one night.
Narratively this book is closer to The Da Vinci Code then Dracula. It helps that the sentence structure is decent, unlike Dan Brown. But this book is very much a "thriller" which I don't often venture into. If this was more of a "literary" work then perhaps Stoker's model would have been hewn to more closely stylistically, but it's not. Which is perfectly fine, since Stoker's novel is really not literary at all, & the way that Stoker used the epistolary form is confusing as hell what with the overlapping time-lapses from letters being mailed and diaries discovered. But Prouty's entire book is essentially one long diary entry which ends up making little to no sense upon the finish.
Definitely worth picking up if one is a Gothic Horror aficionado or has the vampire bug.
It's been a while since I have read Dracula but I do recall being told of some of the weirdness surrounding that novel's initial publication (last-minute editorial changes, suspected arson hitting both Stoker's workplace and publisher). Prouty builds upon that stuff and then throws in other bits of history for good measure.
This book could have been a wee bit shorter. I ended up skimming two or three chapters (the sort which detail obvious solutions to mechanical problems) because I wanted to finish it all in one night.
Narratively this book is closer to The Da Vinci Code then Dracula. It helps that the sentence structure is decent, unlike Dan Brown. But this book is very much a "thriller" which I don't often venture into. If this was more of a "literary" work then perhaps Stoker's model would have been hewn to more closely stylistically, but it's not. Which is perfectly fine, since Stoker's novel is really not literary at all, & the way that Stoker used the epistolary form is confusing as hell what with the overlapping time-lapses from letters being mailed and diaries discovered. But Prouty's entire book is essentially one long diary entry which ends up making little to no sense upon the finish.
Definitely worth picking up if one is a Gothic Horror aficionado or has the vampire bug.
November 13, 2015
"I lived in a place where the weather holds a grudge against humans."
This book was quite something different, and for that, I really enjoyed it. It takes a lot of creativity to make a good spinoff of a classic, which many authors attempt to do and fail. This, however I would not consider one of those.
I am not saying it was without its flaws. The writing style made it harshly apparent that this was the author's first work. Some of the transitions felt weak and disjointed, and the plot at times would race to light speed only to fall back down after a paragraph. But that's okay, we all have to start somewhere. I greatly commend the author on his work. Oddly enough looking back on it, it wasn't so much about plot, rather about culture and folklore, which interested me in a different sort of way then most books.
I simply loved the scientific explanations of mythological (?) creatures and also how Prouty played out their part by various interpretations of Bible verses. And the history- right up my alley.
Yes. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. A foe. A random reader looking to indulge. But I must warn, this book is NOT for those wanting fast action and/or faint of heart (there are a few quite gory descriptions).
Age group: High schoolers and beyond
For those who like: vampires, Slavic culture, history, eerie stuff, stories that make you think
This book was quite something different, and for that, I really enjoyed it. It takes a lot of creativity to make a good spinoff of a classic, which many authors attempt to do and fail. This, however I would not consider one of those.
I am not saying it was without its flaws. The writing style made it harshly apparent that this was the author's first work. Some of the transitions felt weak and disjointed, and the plot at times would race to light speed only to fall back down after a paragraph. But that's okay, we all have to start somewhere. I greatly commend the author on his work. Oddly enough looking back on it, it wasn't so much about plot, rather about culture and folklore, which interested me in a different sort of way then most books.
I simply loved the scientific explanations of mythological (?) creatures and also how Prouty played out their part by various interpretations of Bible verses. And the history- right up my alley.
Yes. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. A foe. A random reader looking to indulge. But I must warn, this book is NOT for those wanting fast action and/or faint of heart (there are a few quite gory descriptions).
Age group: High schoolers and beyond
For those who like: vampires, Slavic culture, history, eerie stuff, stories that make you think
August 19, 2013
Stoker's Manuscript by Royce Prouty, This was hard to put down once started.
Dracula, Bram Stoker's classic horror novel and known by all , a great work of fiction. Or was it?
Joseph Barkeley is hired to authenticate the original draft copy and until now unknown notes with a prolog and epilog that was not included in the published copy.Why?
As Joseph delivers the copy and authentication to the unknown buyer as per contact he learns that not all of Vlad's children were known and it would seem dead.Joseph a Romanian orphan himself along with his brother learns more of his parents death. His mother was murdered by his father for, for being in league with Vampires.
Could all this be true?and if so will Joseph survive?
This was a good read and Prouty does well of telling the story so as to blend in with all we know of Dracula. Included are some truths of Stoker and his journal.This would be a great addition to any horror collection or just a good book.The characters are well developed and you can feel for them.
With fall coming and all Hallows Eve, gather round the fire, read and glance at the shadows and wonder.
Dracula, Bram Stoker's classic horror novel and known by all , a great work of fiction. Or was it?
Joseph Barkeley is hired to authenticate the original draft copy and until now unknown notes with a prolog and epilog that was not included in the published copy.Why?
As Joseph delivers the copy and authentication to the unknown buyer as per contact he learns that not all of Vlad's children were known and it would seem dead.Joseph a Romanian orphan himself along with his brother learns more of his parents death. His mother was murdered by his father for, for being in league with Vampires.
Could all this be true?and if so will Joseph survive?
This was a good read and Prouty does well of telling the story so as to blend in with all we know of Dracula. Included are some truths of Stoker and his journal.This would be a great addition to any horror collection or just a good book.The characters are well developed and you can feel for them.
With fall coming and all Hallows Eve, gather round the fire, read and glance at the shadows and wonder.
April 19, 2016
2.5 stars--somewhere between "it was okay" and "I liked it."
This book has an amazing premise. What if Stoker knew the real location of vampire burial sites, and included hints of these locations in early drafts of Dracula? I love the idea of using the text as a treasure map, and the vampire lore in this novel is well done, with creepy vampires and lots of menace.
However, for such a neat premise, the book sure is dull. The main character is passive and bland; I couldn't tell you a single one of his character traits because I'm not sure he had any! The Romanian setting doesn't rise above stereotypes (neglected orphans and superstitious villagers), the plot is muddled, and the book sometimes doesn't follow its own rules. (For example, the vampires spy on the narrator and always know what he's doing, always--unless it's something that needs to be kept secret due to plot reasons, and then suddenly the vampires didn't see or hear.)
I'm also not sure the ending really ENDED anything.
I listened to the audiobook, and the reader was great.
This book has an amazing premise. What if Stoker knew the real location of vampire burial sites, and included hints of these locations in early drafts of Dracula? I love the idea of using the text as a treasure map, and the vampire lore in this novel is well done, with creepy vampires and lots of menace.
However, for such a neat premise, the book sure is dull. The main character is passive and bland; I couldn't tell you a single one of his character traits because I'm not sure he had any! The Romanian setting doesn't rise above stereotypes (neglected orphans and superstitious villagers), the plot is muddled, and the book sometimes doesn't follow its own rules. (For example, the vampires spy on the narrator and always know what he's doing, always--unless it's something that needs to be kept secret due to plot reasons, and then suddenly the vampires didn't see or hear.)
I'm also not sure the ending really ENDED anything.
I listened to the audiobook, and the reader was great.
June 25, 2013
A first novel and a really good effort. A mix of Romanian history and Bram Stoker and Dracula. Starting with orphaned brothers in Chicago, one a priest and one a rare manuscript expert is offered a deal he can't refuse what would you do with -- and for -- four million dollars? Vlad Dracul is set up a little like a Mafia Don and our hero realizes that there are time that even someone who is a meek, sheltered, nerdy coward can be put in a position where he must be brave. There is some gory violence, and though some of the guesses made by the expert seem too random to be correct (and yet they are!) it works for the story and i found myself delighted at the author's inventiveness.
Note: The end of the story does seem to set the reader up for a second - but I am hoping that this is not a 'book a year' kind of author. He's off to a great start - but the pressure to pump out another in the series can diminish the plot.
Note: The end of the story does seem to set the reader up for a second - but I am hoping that this is not a 'book a year' kind of author. He's off to a great start - but the pressure to pump out another in the series can diminish the plot.
November 25, 2013
I know this is the first book this man has written. but I have to wonder how books get published any longer. I only read 18 pages, but I will not waste my time on books that cannot do research. The first statement to bother me was when he said he brought "the 1st edition of Thinner by Stephen King before he wrote under his own name." Stephen King wrote under his own name first. Thinner was written under different name to see if his books were selling because they were good or because of his name. The second was the authentication of William Mckinely's letter to his wife Ida on his trip to Buffalo. Ida was with him on the trip so why would he be writing home to her. McKinley always traveled with his wife and would cancel trips if she was to unhealthy to go. If you want to add little things to the book for more depth, make sure the are accurate. And it is not hard in this day and age. Hello may you meet the internet.
June 13, 2013
Royce Prouty's "Stoker's Manuscript" is a modern vampire story that takes an American book authenticator born in Romania back to his roots in a way he never would have imagined. Joseph Barkeley is hired to bring Bram Stoker's original manuscript to Transylvania for a very large sum of money, but why? Turns out some of the real Dracula's relatives don't want the rest of the world to find out secrets contained in the original version, and they'll stop at nothing to keep their secrets.
If you're a fan of Bram Stoker's masterpiece, as I am, I believe you'd probably enjoy this novel. The only thing I can fault is that there was a bit too much info about Joseph's study of paper. I look forward to more of Mr. Prouty's work.
If you're a fan of Bram Stoker's masterpiece, as I am, I believe you'd probably enjoy this novel. The only thing I can fault is that there was a bit too much info about Joseph's study of paper. I look forward to more of Mr. Prouty's work.
November 2, 2015
I picked this up as a Halloween read, but my god, what a waste of time.
October 2, 2014
This is a pretty good book to read at Halloween time. It is a good adventure story which includes tid bits about Bram Stoker and the story of Dracula. I read books to lose myself in the story and I found this story just sucked me in from the beginning. I look forward to another novel by Royce soon...
January 26, 2014
Bram Stoker wrote Dracula with the help of . . . A vampire! Oh my! And in the present day, a rare-book seller must help an evil vampire purchase Stoker's rare manuscript so they can locate his long-buried wife. Violent and fairly silly.
May 3, 2020
tbh not too into vampires lmao but this wasn't horrible, i did find myself getting bored sometimes but i finished it in one day still so eh
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