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The Nosferatu Conspiracy #1
The Sleepwalker
History states Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their five children were executed on the morning of July 17, 1918 (OS). This contrasts suppressed documents citing the royal family mysteriously disappeared after fires ravaged Saint Petersburg in December 1916 (OS).
Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin was supposedly murdered by high-ranking Russian officials on December 16, 1916 (OS), for his unprecedented and perceived nefarious influence over the royal family. He was poisoned, shot twice, and clubbed into submission, yet remained alive. His attackers finally drowned him underneath the icy Neva River.
Rasputin’s autopsy was reportedly performed three days later by Professor Kossorotov, a high-ranking Okhrana agent and future Kremlin operative. Cause of death: drowning. The document states Rasputin broke free of his bindings and his fingernails showed signs he’d tried to claw through the ice.
The stories surrounding Rasputin’s death are gross falsifications. His body was never recovered for examination, and his status within the Russian intelligence community to this day remains: At Large.
This is the true story of Rasputin’s paranormal coup d'etat and his conjuring of ancient vampires that destroyed Saint Petersburg, Russia, in December 1916.
History is a lie. The truth will be exposed.
Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin was supposedly murdered by high-ranking Russian officials on December 16, 1916 (OS), for his unprecedented and perceived nefarious influence over the royal family. He was poisoned, shot twice, and clubbed into submission, yet remained alive. His attackers finally drowned him underneath the icy Neva River.
Rasputin’s autopsy was reportedly performed three days later by Professor Kossorotov, a high-ranking Okhrana agent and future Kremlin operative. Cause of death: drowning. The document states Rasputin broke free of his bindings and his fingernails showed signs he’d tried to claw through the ice.
The stories surrounding Rasputin’s death are gross falsifications. His body was never recovered for examination, and his status within the Russian intelligence community to this day remains: At Large.
This is the true story of Rasputin’s paranormal coup d'etat and his conjuring of ancient vampires that destroyed Saint Petersburg, Russia, in December 1916.
History is a lie. The truth will be exposed.
- GenresHorrorHistorical Fiction
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2020
215 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Brian James Gage
26 books33 followersHowdy.
Just a guy who likes to write.
I'm currently enrolled in conservatory for classical piano performance which is my main thing these days. I'm not really all that good at it, but I try real hard. You can see my progress with my piano performance studies on my Web site or my YouTube channel.
Thanks for your support.
Just a guy who likes to write.
I'm currently enrolled in conservatory for classical piano performance which is my main thing these days. I'm not really all that good at it, but I try real hard. You can see my progress with my piano performance studies on my Web site or my YouTube channel.
Thanks for your support.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 19, 2022
A prophesy waiting to be fulfilled. An ill heir to a dynasty. Giant vampire bats roosting on an island in Romania. Vampire hunters and witches. A holy man who finds his way into the palace and just won’t die. It all culminates in an intense, and gory, supernatural retelling of the end of the Romanov dynasty.
This novel was incredibly well done. With a gothic atmosphere, the book takes people, and facts, straight out of history and spins it into an enthralling tale. The beginning does take a little while to set up, but when it does it packs a punch. It is brutal and gory, fast paced and engrossing. The fight sequences are elaborate, rather than being the simple solutions so many authors supply. This book is a fantastic supernatural quest through the pages of history. And it sets up for another book that I will be very interested in reading when it comes out. The only reason I give it four stars instead of five is because sometimes there are random flashbacks mid-chapter that can be a little disconcerting. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author for my copy of this book.
This novel was incredibly well done. With a gothic atmosphere, the book takes people, and facts, straight out of history and spins it into an enthralling tale. The beginning does take a little while to set up, but when it does it packs a punch. It is brutal and gory, fast paced and engrossing. The fight sequences are elaborate, rather than being the simple solutions so many authors supply. This book is a fantastic supernatural quest through the pages of history. And it sets up for another book that I will be very interested in reading when it comes out. The only reason I give it four stars instead of five is because sometimes there are random flashbacks mid-chapter that can be a little disconcerting. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author for my copy of this book.
February 14, 2020
I'd give this 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding up. This is a long book which doesn't end with a cliffhanger, but does end with many questions about what's to come next. There's a huge cast of characters and a variety of locations, and at times, it's difficult to keep up with events.
For the most part, the plot is exciting and uncertain. We know who are the good guys, but we have no indication about who will ultimately win. And we don't know for sure who are the heroes. Anyone can die at any moment, often abruptly and without preamble, and that is a bit disconcerting. On a few occasions, action is described in a robotic manner, causing me to emerge from the story and disengage from the action because it doesn't seem real. Although we know Rasputin is evil, at times we see a warmth and humanity that is incongruent with what we know him to be.
Characters are multidimensional and complicated. Felix is initially presented as a horny drunk, but becomes an unlikely hero, determined to save humanity, forgoing alcohol when it is offered to him. Denis and Rurik are also flawed heroes, but in different ways.
There is some great imagery in this book, but I don’t want to fill up my review with the many phrases I highlighted. Nevertheless, here are a few of the shorter ones:
“The loch, entrenched by sharp, slate-colored spires, drinks its fill from the surrounding countryside like a vast tar pit eager to swallow any life that happens upon its calm surface.”
For the most part, the plot is exciting and uncertain. We know who are the good guys, but we have no indication about who will ultimately win. And we don't know for sure who are the heroes. Anyone can die at any moment, often abruptly and without preamble, and that is a bit disconcerting. On a few occasions, action is described in a robotic manner, causing me to emerge from the story and disengage from the action because it doesn't seem real. Although we know Rasputin is evil, at times we see a warmth and humanity that is incongruent with what we know him to be.
Characters are multidimensional and complicated. Felix is initially presented as a horny drunk, but becomes an unlikely hero, determined to save humanity, forgoing alcohol when it is offered to him. Denis and Rurik are also flawed heroes, but in different ways.
There is some great imagery in this book, but I don’t want to fill up my review with the many phrases I highlighted. Nevertheless, here are a few of the shorter ones:
“The loch, entrenched by sharp, slate-colored spires, drinks its fill from the surrounding countryside like a vast tar pit eager to swallow any life that happens upon its calm surface.”
January 18, 2021
Not A Vampire Book Lover:
However, this books backdrop in early 20th century Russia and the Rasputin angle worked for me. The characters at times could be a bit hokie, I still enjoyed the read.
However, this books backdrop in early 20th century Russia and the Rasputin angle worked for me. The characters at times could be a bit hokie, I still enjoyed the read.
February 28, 2020
The Nosferatu Conspiracy: The Sleepwalker is the first book in a new series that takes place in both Romania and Saint Petersburg, Russia. Brian James Gage has written a gripping, edge-of-your-seat supernatural thriller with his own interpretation of Russian history involving Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin and the Russian Imperial Romanov family during the reign of Tsar Nicholas Aleksandrovich Romanov II. Rasputin, a powerful and deceptive vampire with extraordinary, otherworldly abilities, has orchestrated an elaborate scheme that will enable vampires to rule the world and use the human population as a food source. Members of the Romanov family are crucial to the success of Rasputin’s game plan. Vampire hunters with special weapons are trying to thwart Rasputin’s efforts in his promise of victory for bloodsucking evil beings to triumph over humankind. The hunters face a time-constraint for trying to put a stop to this calamitous undertaking. Who will be the victor? Will humans serve as vampires’ food supply or will humans destroy any chance of vampires running rampant?
This nail-biting and electrifying story is split into three parts, each with thematically relevant titles that wonderfully tie the storyline together. Chapter headings include the date and time, which are important to the story in the countdown to either the successful or unsuccessful implementation of Rasputin’s goal. Some headings also include quotes from a vampire bible written by “Vlad Draculea”, diary excerpts from a Romanov family member, and newspaper clippings. It is easy to keep straight the myriad of individually distinctive characters in the story, and all of the minor characters are important in supporting the development of the plot. The transitions between past and present events are handled seamlessly. Descriptive writing by Gage’s use of vivid details, figurative language, and sensory information draws readers into this fascinating rendition of events surrounding Rasputin and the ending days of the Romanov Dynasty.
The Sleepwalker incorporates historical figures, religious officials, seers, malevolent entities, underground sects, political revolution, familial love, friendship, odious conflicts, treachery, secret plots, and gory/graphic violence. It is full of nonstop tension with unpredictable twists and turns that explodes into a spine-tingling climax. Gage does a thorough job of explaining Romanian folklore about vampire-like creatures, which is extremely helpful for anyone unfamiliar with these mythological beings and their powers. The English translation is provided for the words and phrases that are written in an appropriate foreign language for the story. The Sleepwalker forms an auspicious beginning for a new series. At the end of the book, Gage includes a brief overview of what will transpire in The Nosferatu Conspiracy: The Sommelier, which is the second installment in the series.
This nail-biting and electrifying story is split into three parts, each with thematically relevant titles that wonderfully tie the storyline together. Chapter headings include the date and time, which are important to the story in the countdown to either the successful or unsuccessful implementation of Rasputin’s goal. Some headings also include quotes from a vampire bible written by “Vlad Draculea”, diary excerpts from a Romanov family member, and newspaper clippings. It is easy to keep straight the myriad of individually distinctive characters in the story, and all of the minor characters are important in supporting the development of the plot. The transitions between past and present events are handled seamlessly. Descriptive writing by Gage’s use of vivid details, figurative language, and sensory information draws readers into this fascinating rendition of events surrounding Rasputin and the ending days of the Romanov Dynasty.
The Sleepwalker incorporates historical figures, religious officials, seers, malevolent entities, underground sects, political revolution, familial love, friendship, odious conflicts, treachery, secret plots, and gory/graphic violence. It is full of nonstop tension with unpredictable twists and turns that explodes into a spine-tingling climax. Gage does a thorough job of explaining Romanian folklore about vampire-like creatures, which is extremely helpful for anyone unfamiliar with these mythological beings and their powers. The English translation is provided for the words and phrases that are written in an appropriate foreign language for the story. The Sleepwalker forms an auspicious beginning for a new series. At the end of the book, Gage includes a brief overview of what will transpire in The Nosferatu Conspiracy: The Sommelier, which is the second installment in the series.
February 29, 2020
When I saw that this story was up for a read and review I had to jump at it because it has Rasputin's face on the cover and as a person that likes to read about true life people. Then I read the blurb and my little vampire heart did a major flip flop because *gasp* it had vampires in it!! I was so gitty with joy I couldnt contain my bookwork excitement. This story will take you on a trip to the Carpathian Mountains and to St. Petersburgh. It gives you a look into the Romanov Dynasty and brings un-explainable things to mind and will have you asking yourself if there is a possibility of it really being what happened. Playing off bits and pieces of Romanov history mixed with some Vlad history and I cant forget some other well known historical people that the author brought into his story just made me love....and I mean love this book. This is a book that I hope to see turned into a movie. I think it would be so awesome to see it come to life on the big screen. I so cant wait to read the next book to see what happens to the remaining characters.
November 15, 2020
I can't recommend this book enough. Written by someone who knows history, but does a good job of making it work within the fictional framework. Russian names are a handful, but it settles down with some main characters pretty quickly. Really excited for the second book.
December 3, 2020
Great book and an excellent first novel for an author.
Really enjoyed the story and characters, will be on the look out for the follow up.
Really enjoyed the story and characters, will be on the look out for the follow up.
November 6, 2020
Fun book. Well done.
January 4, 2021
Loved it
A great telling of a very inventive vampire story. I don’t give any spoilers away but the Russian revolution is a perfect back drop. I’d almost swear Bram Stoker wrote this.
A great telling of a very inventive vampire story. I don’t give any spoilers away but the Russian revolution is a perfect back drop. I’d almost swear Bram Stoker wrote this.
May 31, 2021
This was one of the best post-Stoker vampire stories I’ve ever read. It intertwines the history of Russia right before the Bolshevik Revolution with vampire legend for an entertaining and well-written book that holds interest cover-to-cover. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2020
Wow! What a fantastic story formed around Rasputin. What makes it even better is the writing! This is a gripping tale filled with such great graphics that it actually sent chills down my spine. (Which has not happened in a long time!) This is just Book one of which I’m sure is going to be an epic series and I cannot wait to read book two!
October 18, 2020
I really wanted to love this book. I was looking forward to a marriage of classic dracula lore and the mythic Romanov dynasty. The knitting together was not the best and if you are familiar with the Romanov history then there are some glaring issues that put me off the book. Genuinely if I had no knowledge of the final years of the tsar's I would have been all about this as a novel take on a classic story that leans heavily on the mystery that is Russia, but for anyone who knows about the complicated dynamics of the autocracy whose demise this is centered around then either don't read this or drop all you know about the fall before you start otherwise you will be annoyed.
September 16, 2020
Vampires
What a ride!! This is by far one of the best vampire books I have read. With a little bit of history mixed in, I couldn't put this book down. I loved that the author included the history aspect in this book along with the vampire tale. So much excitement and action. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre. Can't wait for book two in the series!
What a ride!! This is by far one of the best vampire books I have read. With a little bit of history mixed in, I couldn't put this book down. I loved that the author included the history aspect in this book along with the vampire tale. So much excitement and action. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre. Can't wait for book two in the series!
June 12, 2021
Supernatural thriller with action movie notes
Gage borrows pacing cues from action cinema to spin a fun vampire/horror/secret history thriller set just before the dawn of the Russian revolution. 1 part Dracula, 2 parts Lethal Weapon, and 1 part War and Peace. The set pieces satisfy, and Gage’s created characters are all sufficiently interesting to drive the book. The historical personages tend to ring a little more hollow….still, overall recommended for Russophiles, vampire fans, and people who really like (semi)historical fiction.
Gage borrows pacing cues from action cinema to spin a fun vampire/horror/secret history thriller set just before the dawn of the Russian revolution. 1 part Dracula, 2 parts Lethal Weapon, and 1 part War and Peace. The set pieces satisfy, and Gage’s created characters are all sufficiently interesting to drive the book. The historical personages tend to ring a little more hollow….still, overall recommended for Russophiles, vampire fans, and people who really like (semi)historical fiction.
February 8, 2022
Surprisingly good story with interesting history about the Romanovs and the causes for the 1917 revolution.Seers thqt live hundreds of years,a conspiracy of high placed nobles to create a nosferatu apocalyps;there is a hunted prince and vampire hunting twins and an evil mystic with along beard corrupting the imperial family.
September 27, 2020
Different than most vampire stories.
I liked most of the bok, especially the differences from most vampire tales, but it can get a little bigger down at times with stuff that I think is unnecessary. But, hey, that's just my opinion. All in alk, a good read.
I liked most of the bok, especially the differences from most vampire tales, but it can get a little bigger down at times with stuff that I think is unnecessary. But, hey, that's just my opinion. All in alk, a good read.
November 19, 2020
P U An escapee from the island of bad dialog and corny writing.
Wow this author stinks out loud. Don't waste your time or money folks. I'm sending this on back to the cloud.
Wow this author stinks out loud. Don't waste your time or money folks. I'm sending this on back to the cloud.
June 28, 2021
Strong beginning, okay ending.
July 27, 2021
I loved everything about this book.
August 2, 2021
Start to finish a fascinating read
I didn't want it to end. What a great story. I have read a few other vampire novelists, and this one is the best so far.
I didn't want it to end. What a great story. I have read a few other vampire novelists, and this one is the best so far.
August 20, 2021
Interesting premise. Writing was ok.
February 12, 2022
I admit one of the reasons I love this book is you have to pay attention. Well written with interesting story.
March 29, 2022
A grand merging of history and gothic fantasy. Very well written and bringing in a range of intriguing characters, as well as amusing classic horror references. A promising series to get into.
May 8, 2022
Good read
Liked the pace of the action. This was a different take on vampire tale.
I'm buying the next book too.
Liked the pace of the action. This was a different take on vampire tale.
I'm buying the next book too.
July 24, 2022
First half is really neat with a lot of things, second half is a slide towards the worse I'm afraid.
January 11, 2024
Wow. Wow. So well written and I couldn't put it down.
April 30, 2025
I think the idea behind this book is excellent. I enjoy Historic fiction and have always been fascinated by Russian History.
November 20, 2022
Good book
This book is a mashup of the deaths of Tsar Nicholas and his family in Russia in 1916. This book uses those deaths and builds a vampire story around it. This is the first in a series. I enjoyed it, very well written and descriptive.
This book is a mashup of the deaths of Tsar Nicholas and his family in Russia in 1916. This book uses those deaths and builds a vampire story around it. This is the first in a series. I enjoyed it, very well written and descriptive.
April 21, 2022
Finished this a few years ago - great read! Waiting to read the next after I finish a few other books.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews