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Gothic Legends
Count Rothchild
HIS CURSE IS BLOOD, YET HIS HEART SEEKS LOVE
In the likes of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Interview with the Vampire a new legend is born!
Courageous and beautiful, young Gaylen Van Warden, scribe to the kingdom, embarks on a journey to a mysterious land. She is about to gather the story of a lifetime.L ost within his gothic domain,
Drakko Del Rothchild, seducer of women and master of the night, senses someone is seeking him out. The legend of his infamous family haunts the count.
Lonely, he welcomes the young lady into his strange castle. He wishes to tell his story, but Gaylen reminds him of love lost.
He could lose control!
Will the infamous bard learn his truth before her innocence is taken, perhaps even her life?
Get ready for a great medieval adventure, but beware, for your worst nightmares may very well come true!
Welcome to the world of Dracula’s brother.
In the likes of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Interview with the Vampire a new legend is born!
Courageous and beautiful, young Gaylen Van Warden, scribe to the kingdom, embarks on a journey to a mysterious land. She is about to gather the story of a lifetime.L ost within his gothic domain,
Drakko Del Rothchild, seducer of women and master of the night, senses someone is seeking him out. The legend of his infamous family haunts the count.
Lonely, he welcomes the young lady into his strange castle. He wishes to tell his story, but Gaylen reminds him of love lost.
He could lose control!
Will the infamous bard learn his truth before her innocence is taken, perhaps even her life?
Get ready for a great medieval adventure, but beware, for your worst nightmares may very well come true!
Welcome to the world of Dracula’s brother.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2019
About the author
Michael W. Huard
74 books255 followersFantasy author from rural Maine. It's just me and my writing partner, Sammy a French bulldog!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 16, 2020
The idea that Dracula had brother is unique and intriguing;
From the little of the outside world that I glimpsed, there is a solid foundation to the world-building and I wanted to see more of it;
The illustrations, however unexpected, added a little more depth to the story;
The cover is amazing!!!
Gaylen's journal entries are beautifully written;
There's so much potential in this story.
Find my full review here.
From the little of the outside world that I glimpsed, there is a solid foundation to the world-building and I wanted to see more of it;
The illustrations, however unexpected, added a little more depth to the story;
The cover is amazing!!!
Gaylen's journal entries are beautifully written;
There's so much potential in this story.
Find my full review here.
October 26, 2019
Count Rothchild is Book 1 in the Legends series. This book is a beautifully written masterpiece created by a master storyteller. Michael Huard has created a story for the ages. This a unique storyline -- Count Dracula having a brother. The author's use of diary and journal entries brings the story alive and adds the needed background information which helps pull the story together. Michael has created a fast paced, action filled, page turning tale with superb world building and phenomenal character development. His prose pulls you into the story and feeling the emotions of the characters. Count Rothchild is an extremely complicated character and unique in that he feels emotions like guilt and sorrow. At times you loathe him, feel sorry for him, and truly feel what a trial his immortal life has been for him. This is truly a masterpiece that should be made into a movie. I loved this tale and highly recommend it. Was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 15, 2019
This was a perfect and creepy vampire story. I love the characters and storyline
August 20, 2019
A must read vampire feast! I loved it!
August 20, 2019
As always Author never disappoints. Definitely a must read! Characters were flawless. Story was perfect! Definitely a page turner
September 26, 2020
An inventive novel of epic scope, clearly a labor of love, set in an alternate world with some similarities to our nineteenth century but with monsters and magic. It’s in a sense two novels in one, particularly because about twenty years elapse between the two sections of the story. Approximately the first third of the book consists of a retelling of Bram Stoker’s DRACULA almost point by point, with the intriguing gender-switch of having scribe and bard Gaylen, wife of Jonathan, making the journey to the vampire’s castle instead of Jonathan himself. Count Rothchild is the notorious Vlad Dracula’s allegedly less evil brother. Although attracted to the Count, Gaylen eventually escapes the castle and returns to her husband. The rest of the DRACULA retelling proceeds with the death, rising, and destruction of Lucy (rather quickly disposed of) and the pursuit of Rothchild back to his castle. It’s not a spoiler to reveal that he survives, or else the rest of the novel wouldn’t exist. The author’s prefatory note mentions that the Count originated as a Dungeons and Dragons character, and the remainder of the story reads more like a D&D campaign than a horror novel. The characters, including the grown son of Gaylen and Jonathan, undertake fantastic adventures in strange realms inhabited by an exciting array of monsters. There’s also a vampire origin story with a flavor of classical mythology. Although Count Rothchild purports to be less evil than his brother and consumed with a longing for love, he often commits brutal acts of murder or rape. While the intention may be to portray him as a multi-layered, conflicted character, in practice these incidents mainly make him appear to suffer from dual personality, the two halves only tenuously connected. Another problem with the novel, I’m sorry to say, is the often awkward or stilted prose style. Frequently misused words, notably “such” in place of pronouns and the subjunctive “be it” where a straightforward indicative verb is needed, may be meant to convey an impression of archaic language. If so, it doesn’t work. Readers who are fond of darkly romantic vampires and can overlook these flaws may enjoy the fast-moving, colorfully varied adventures and dangers the characters confront on their quests.
March 31, 2020
Part One
No indication as to when this was set which I found somewhat off putting. The language suggested this was set in the past but some of Gaylen’s phrasing and sayings suggested the present; for example talking about her weight in pounds and stones and her height in feet and inches. Again this happened with the Count himself, telling Gaylen “I love your hair” which felt awfully modern considering the rest of the setting.
Count Rothchild changed his name to escape the demons of his father and brother (the more well known Dracula), but jus behaviour suggests he is the same as them. Which is all a bit too Hollywood for me and just left gaping plot holes.
There were so many parallels between this and the original Dracula that it went from being a nice homage to a rip off. The pacing, the mixture of letters and prose, interactions between characters, settings - they were all near enough identical, which after only a couple of chapters really began to irritate me.
The illustrations dotted about, for me, cheapened the book. Especially the one with Gaylen on a bed with a male vampire either side.
Other supernaturals in the book included the mention of elves and mermaids, which was all a bit much for me. I did like the introduction of The Crim as an overarching vampire organisation but I felt that could have been explored an awful lot more than it was.
Part Two
Set 23 years after the ending of part one and I can’t say too much without spoilers. This was where the novel really came into its own and separated from the original. However this did also feel like a way to introduce another set of characters, paving the way for another book.
I would read other books by Michael W. Huard, but not one that is a sequel or has any affiliation to a previous work. I would read something solely his and unique but nothing else.
No indication as to when this was set which I found somewhat off putting. The language suggested this was set in the past but some of Gaylen’s phrasing and sayings suggested the present; for example talking about her weight in pounds and stones and her height in feet and inches. Again this happened with the Count himself, telling Gaylen “I love your hair” which felt awfully modern considering the rest of the setting.
Count Rothchild changed his name to escape the demons of his father and brother (the more well known Dracula), but jus behaviour suggests he is the same as them. Which is all a bit too Hollywood for me and just left gaping plot holes.
There were so many parallels between this and the original Dracula that it went from being a nice homage to a rip off. The pacing, the mixture of letters and prose, interactions between characters, settings - they were all near enough identical, which after only a couple of chapters really began to irritate me.
The illustrations dotted about, for me, cheapened the book. Especially the one with Gaylen on a bed with a male vampire either side.
Other supernaturals in the book included the mention of elves and mermaids, which was all a bit much for me. I did like the introduction of The Crim as an overarching vampire organisation but I felt that could have been explored an awful lot more than it was.
Part Two
Set 23 years after the ending of part one and I can’t say too much without spoilers. This was where the novel really came into its own and separated from the original. However this did also feel like a way to introduce another set of characters, paving the way for another book.
I would read other books by Michael W. Huard, but not one that is a sequel or has any affiliation to a previous work. I would read something solely his and unique but nothing else.
April 11, 2022
I love how this is being referred to as a 'fiction'. The last name is inventive - or is it? The Rothschild (yes, I know spelt.. slightly different) family has been involved in every war- even the great depression - where they assisted in destabilsing the banking system in order to start reserve banks (they were a banking family and now own most banking systems around the world - yet any country that chooses not to be a part of their evil, ends up in war). Look it up - its a thing.
Anyway, google the head of the Rotschild family.. he looks pretty vampirey to me.
Anyway, google the head of the Rotschild family.. he looks pretty vampirey to me.
April 15, 2020
Kind of a disappointment.
When I chose this book I thought it would
be a story about Dracula's brother. Well, it
May have been, but to me it was an almost
exact copy of the original. Not word for word,
but scene for scene. And not even very good
at that. There're very few books in my 68 years
that I couldn't finish and this was one of them.
I just can't recommend it, it was pretty bad.
When I chose this book I thought it would
be a story about Dracula's brother. Well, it
May have been, but to me it was an almost
exact copy of the original. Not word for word,
but scene for scene. And not even very good
at that. There're very few books in my 68 years
that I couldn't finish and this was one of them.
I just can't recommend it, it was pretty bad.
July 19, 2021
This was a nice read, I'm very much in tread to see were this story is going to go. This was the first time I read any thing by this author and after this book I think I want to read more from him. I also think that the cover choice was really good, it was the reason that I decided to read. After looking for something to read one day on Amazon ( kindle unlimited ) I seen it and it just screamed read me. This is a good start lets see were the story goes
August 18, 2020
Love can be eternal .
An intriguing tale of Dracula's brother, Count Rothchild Is a vampire tale and a love story .It spans many lifetimes and you will stay awake to finish this book..an Excellent piece of writing as well as an intriguing story. Perfect for this time of year.
An intriguing tale of Dracula's brother, Count Rothchild Is a vampire tale and a love story .It spans many lifetimes and you will stay awake to finish this book..an Excellent piece of writing as well as an intriguing story. Perfect for this time of year.
September 8, 2023
Weird
I tried, but couldn't finish this book. i quit a third of the way through. The story was okay, but the strange grammar and constant repetition of the word "such" was too much. I wondered if the author was not a native English speaker. Editing may have saved the book.
I tried, but couldn't finish this book. i quit a third of the way through. The story was okay, but the strange grammar and constant repetition of the word "such" was too much. I wondered if the author was not a native English speaker. Editing may have saved the book.
June 26, 2020
Excellent book!
I throughly enjoyed this story about Dracula's brother! It is a wonderful tale with adventure and a search for love. I highly recommend it!
I throughly enjoyed this story about Dracula's brother! It is a wonderful tale with adventure and a search for love. I highly recommend it!
July 26, 2020
Okay play on Dracula
DNF
DNF
Want to Read
May 23, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/23/2022)! 🎁
January 27, 2023
I don’t know where to begin. This book was all
over the place and felt rushed. I could go into detail but “If you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all.”
I’ll leave it at that
over the place and felt rushed. I could go into detail but “If you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all.”
I’ll leave it at that
February 29, 2020
Disappointing...(this review has spoilers!)
This is just a poor copy of an original tale. It didn't flow and was very disjointed. After reading Bram Stoker's masterful gothic tale I just couldn't get into the story. I really wanted a creepy, atmospheric tale. I chose the book because I loved the cover but the story didn't work for me. The main character is a ' virginal, ' petite, blue -eyed blonde ( this is pointed out many times by the author, as if we'd forget how small and virginal she is!) who is scribe to royalty. She is soon to be married to the love of her life but goes off on her own, on a voyage to goodness knows where to meet a mysterious stranger who could be connected to the infamous Dracula . Does she even discuss this with her soon to be husband, who is away himself? Does she tell anyone? It didn't make sense to me. Once she reaches the 'creepy castle' the story runs along the lines of the original even down to her seduction by other vampires. She finds herself in a room with a bowl of strawberries. Next she asked to find three scantily clad, stunning males surrounding her who feed her another strawberry which she eats ' even though she's not hungry' At one time she finds the Count in a coffin and hits him over the head with a shovel, caving it in, the next she dresses in her prettiest yellow dress and goes down to dinner with him where He just continues talking about his lost love as though nothing has happened. I'd be screaming, running for the hills! Once she does escape, does she flee home to her beloved....no she goes to visit a friend! I'm sorry but I couldn't read any more. I'm sorry to the author but I like my vampires with a bit more bite
This is just a poor copy of an original tale. It didn't flow and was very disjointed. After reading Bram Stoker's masterful gothic tale I just couldn't get into the story. I really wanted a creepy, atmospheric tale. I chose the book because I loved the cover but the story didn't work for me. The main character is a ' virginal, ' petite, blue -eyed blonde ( this is pointed out many times by the author, as if we'd forget how small and virginal she is!) who is scribe to royalty. She is soon to be married to the love of her life but goes off on her own, on a voyage to goodness knows where to meet a mysterious stranger who could be connected to the infamous Dracula . Does she even discuss this with her soon to be husband, who is away himself? Does she tell anyone? It didn't make sense to me. Once she reaches the 'creepy castle' the story runs along the lines of the original even down to her seduction by other vampires. She finds herself in a room with a bowl of strawberries. Next she asked to find three scantily clad, stunning males surrounding her who feed her another strawberry which she eats ' even though she's not hungry' At one time she finds the Count in a coffin and hits him over the head with a shovel, caving it in, the next she dresses in her prettiest yellow dress and goes down to dinner with him where He just continues talking about his lost love as though nothing has happened. I'd be screaming, running for the hills! Once she does escape, does she flee home to her beloved....no she goes to visit a friend! I'm sorry but I couldn't read any more. I'm sorry to the author but I like my vampires with a bit more bite
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2019
Count Rothchild is a unique take on the legend of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Michael W. Huard has taken the Dracula legend in a whole new direction with his creation of Dracula’s brother, but he does not stop there. Huard boldly combines traditional Gothic with Dark Folklore, dragging the gothic vampire legends into the realm of historical dark fantasy. Huard’s D&D roots make this unsurprising, and his obvious creative skill makes it fantastic to read.
Huard uses old style language and journal inserts to set and maintain the overall tone of the story. The characters are complex, and the imagery is vivid. Count Rothchild is a philosophical study in humanity and Gaylen a fascinating take on historical feminine character.
Count Rothchild transcends the gothic vampire novel with Huard’s combination of legend, folklore, and mythology. It creates a new world in the vampire genre.
It also has amazing cover art!
Huard uses old style language and journal inserts to set and maintain the overall tone of the story. The characters are complex, and the imagery is vivid. Count Rothchild is a philosophical study in humanity and Gaylen a fascinating take on historical feminine character.
Count Rothchild transcends the gothic vampire novel with Huard’s combination of legend, folklore, and mythology. It creates a new world in the vampire genre.
It also has amazing cover art!
August 29, 2019
"Vampire Lovers" Rejoice! A new series by the author beginning with this book. This is the first vampire book I have ever read and I wasn't sure what to expect. Well, I have to tell you, this book was written by a master storyteller! Everyone is aware of Vlad the Impaler and his son, Count Dracula. But did you know Vlad had a second son?.......... A mysterious Count, and a young Bard out to find his story. This is a compelling story full of mystery, intrigue, love and loss. I found the story gripping and full of danger, with many hidden secrets. A plot full of twists and turns that will thrill the reader. I think this is a must read for vampire lovers everywhere!
September 29, 2019
This book is pure genius and a true literary work, with stunning use of language and detail to portray the fascinating romanticism of this gothic novel. To me this book was more about philosophical meanings of life and death, and the meaning of true love. It has so much depth to it, and I found myself admiring Count Rothchild, a main character, for his struggles throughout the novel. Beautifully crafted, this novel pieces together diaries and letters in a way that keeps the reader engaged. I recommend this book for all mature ages to read, since a common theme seemed to be what could be or what could have been. Can not wait for the next one in the series.
October 11, 2019
There are many faces of evil... some might surprise you!
Mike Huard brings us Dracula's brother in a fantastic world beyond worlds where darkness grows stronger and the sun never fully shines. Rothschild is one complicated baddy... and the centuries have taken its toll. Sometimes heartless, sometimes a lover and oh-so-rarely merciful, this story takes us along, sharing his struggles with poisoned love and the unglamorous reality of this ancient monster's cognitive dissonance; it's one hell of a ride... Great story for this time of year!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my review.
Mike Huard brings us Dracula's brother in a fantastic world beyond worlds where darkness grows stronger and the sun never fully shines. Rothschild is one complicated baddy... and the centuries have taken its toll. Sometimes heartless, sometimes a lover and oh-so-rarely merciful, this story takes us along, sharing his struggles with poisoned love and the unglamorous reality of this ancient monster's cognitive dissonance; it's one hell of a ride... Great story for this time of year!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my review.
October 13, 2019
I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of reading an ARC of Count Rothchild and I must say the pleasure was indeed all mine. This vampire tale reminded me of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Which I loved greatly. Huard's writing style is superb. His choice of diary entry for the characters bought in-depth details and wonderful imagery. Huard's Count Rothchild has strong descriptive characters, an incredible storyline, and makes for a page turner for sure. Highly recommend this book to any Dracula fan or paranormal fan.
September 17, 2019
Did you know Count Dracula had a brother ? Master storyteller Mike Huard has captured his story in this fabulous gothic tale. Meet Count Drakko Del Rothschild! In this twist of a tale about the count discover his life, loves, daughter and a surprise encounter with a princess ! This is a must read for lovers of the vampire.
September 24, 2019
I really loved this story about Count Rothchild. Galen is a sweet woman with a need for adventure. Needless to say she finds some in her quest to find out about Count Rothchild. He is scary in a lot of ways, in other ways, chivalry is not dead. There is a lot going on in this novel so sit down and enjoy the twists and turns that Mr. Huard takes you on. What an amazing ride! Thank you!
November 2, 2019
Love this book!
I am a fan of all things Vampire and this book did not disappoint. I've read more of Michael Huards' books and I have not been disappointed with any of them. I especially love the Gothic stories.
I received this book as an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing.
I am a fan of all things Vampire and this book did not disappoint. I've read more of Michael Huards' books and I have not been disappointed with any of them. I especially love the Gothic stories.
I received this book as an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing.
January 26, 2020
EXCELLENT!!!
This book was AWESOME!! I read it well into the night and then continued the next morning until finished. I CAN NOT wait for the next in the series......please hurry...😊
This book was AWESOME!! I read it well into the night and then continued the next morning until finished. I CAN NOT wait for the next in the series......please hurry...😊
September 2, 2019
Great book! Characters keep you involved! If you enjoy Anne Rice you'll definitely enjoy this book! Can't wait to read more
September 4, 2019
Captivating!!!!! The storyline and the characters had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I absolutely enjoyed this book!Definitely one of my new favorites.
September 6, 2019
Amazing read!! I fell in love with the characters and the story telling had me hooked - didn’t want the book to end!
September 7, 2019
Great vampires story! I loved it and highly recommend!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews