The Dracula Journals: Dark Decades

by Thom Reese

THE DRACULA JOURNALSDARK DECADESDracula kept a journal. A firsthand account of his life, death, and resurrection as a creature of the night. But this journal is more than just words. It carries the very essence of the vampire himself!1930 Charles Van Helsing inherits a chest once belonging to his great Uncle Abraham, the architect of the vampire Dracula’s demise. Opening the chest, Charles discovers numerous documents including correspondences, journals, and notes, all in some way connected to the famous vampire. Most astounding is a bloodstained tome, Dracula’s own handwritten journal detailing his human life and his entrance into the eternal midnight of vampirism. But there is something more, something supernatural. For as Charles reads the accounts of Dracula and of those who tracked him, something takes hold of him, something of the vampire himself, something that wriggles into his mind, influencing him, changing him. And soon, even as he battles his very thoughts, Charles is horrified to discover what he has unleashed.

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2016

About the author

Thom Reese is the author of the novels, THE VOYAGE OF THE AMETHYST CASTLE, THE INFUSION OF ARCHIE LAMBERT, A SAVAGE DISTANCE, THE DRACULA JOURNALS Trilogy, THE DEMON BAQASH, DEAD MAN'S FIRE, DEAD MAN’S FIRE, CHASING KELVIN, FIRES OF THE ATESI, and THE EMPTY, along with the short story collection, 13 BODIES: SEVEN TALES OF MURDER & MADNESS. Thom was the sole writer and co-producer of the weekly audio drama radio program, 21ST CENTURY AUDIO THEATRE. Several of Thom's audio dramas have been published on CD and MP3 formats. A native of the Chicago area, Thom currently makes his home with his wife in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thom Reese has several books out. I have read a few and he never ceases to amaze me. His ideas are a thrill ride into areas less travelled by others. In Dark Decades, the journals of Dracula are examined. Left for Charles Van Helsing , he is soon wrapped up in a treacherous adventure with Vlad Dracul's journals. Non stop action , with a small touch of history with the mobster Al Capone, this book will have you reading past your bedtime. Thom has a flair with the language. I felt as if I was reading the actual journals and writings of Dracula and Charles Van Helsing. This first book of a three part series, will stir some ghostly images of time past

[Phineas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I know little and less about vampire lore, sparkling vampires or any other type of non-bat vampire. I expected to be justifiably lost at some point during this book but I can happily report that Thom Reese gave enough back-story for me to feel included and he did it in a way that die-hard vampire people won't feel talked down to. This story is mostly from the perspective of the young men unlucky enough to inherit Dracula’s original journal. The action and chills keep coming and I can’t wait to read Volume 2.

[Paige Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dracula Journals: Dark Decades by Thom Reese is a gothic horror novel that reimagines the Dracula mythos through a found document narrative, blending historical mystery, psychological horror, and supernatural possession.

One of the strongest aspects of the novel is its creative framing device. The discovery of Dracula’s journals and related documents tied to Abraham Van Helsing creates an immersive entry point into a layered historical narrative that bridges legend and literary horror.

The story’s central idea, that Dracula’s journal contains more than written history and instead carries a lingering supernatural influence, adds a compelling psychological dimension. As Charles Van Helsing reads the materials, the boundary between observer and victim begins to blur, creating a growing sense of unease and inevitability.

Another notable strength is the atmosphere of creeping dread. The slow transformation of Charles as he becomes influenced by the very entity he is studying builds tension effectively, turning curiosity into danger and intellectual pursuit into psychological entrapment.

The connection between historical vampire lore and personal descent into madness gives the novel depth beyond traditional horror storytelling. It explores themes of inheritance, obsession, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge.

For readers who enjoy gothic horror, Dracula inspired fiction, supernatural psychological thrillers, and journal style storytelling, The Dracula Journals: Dark Decades offers a dark and immersive exploration of how ancient evil can persist through memory, text, and human curiosity.

[TNK · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part of the Dracula Journals is that the story is told through journal entries. Having several narrators keeps things interesting and you can actually “hear” their differing tones and speech patterns. Dark Decades has the deep-dark-secret feeling of snooping through someone’s diary mixed with action and horror. A fun, creepy story with break-neck pace; a truly a worthwhile read!

[Book Wyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biting Horror!

This is a fangtastic thrill-ride. Mix together the high stakes of prohibition-era America, the chilling personal writings of Dracula, a nibble of Van Helsings and… poof!... you have The Dracula Journals, a completely re-vamped vampire tale. Buy this book and you can count on a bloody good time!