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Vlada: A Dracula Tale
kickstarter variant; contemporary retelling of the classic Dracula tale with a gender reversed cast
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 5, 2024
VLADA, a Dracula Tale" by Christopher Denmead is the story of a vampire queen called Vlada, who is said to have lived for many years with her grooms and those she has transformed to be like her. The story narrows into Vlada's desperate desire to have Janis’s fiancé. Meanwhile, Janis Harker is assigned a lawyer to claim her properties, including the one in Carfax Abbey next to where Janis’s fiancé lives with his childhood friend Lucas. Vlada’s desperation to have Marcus led to her killing Lucas and kidnapping and abandoning Janis in her castle in Romania so she could have Marcus all to herself. During the time Lucas was sick, they were referred by their doctor to a professor named Dr. Van Helsing, who came later to hear the news of Lucas's death and later began to uncover the mystery behind his death and what caused it all. Bringing to life the mystery of vampires, their activities, and the experiences she has had with them in the past.
This book plunges into the depths of horror, dark magic, and mystery. The book centres on the defeat of the vampires and their queen, who is Vlada. This book is a very captivating and interesting read for me; I couldn’t drop the book until I was done. With its interesting graphics, it explained a lot of mysterious things that one can picture in his mind while reading the book.
I find this book so fascinating and a must-read for everyone in love with horror, dark magic, mystery, and vampire horror stories.
This book plunges into the depths of horror, dark magic, and mystery. The book centres on the defeat of the vampires and their queen, who is Vlada. This book is a very captivating and interesting read for me; I couldn’t drop the book until I was done. With its interesting graphics, it explained a lot of mysterious things that one can picture in his mind while reading the book.
I find this book so fascinating and a must-read for everyone in love with horror, dark magic, mystery, and vampire horror stories.
December 12, 2023
Book Review
My Ratings - 4.7/5
Christopher Denmead’s “Vlada” breathes fresh life into the timeless story of Dracula by ingeniously gender-swapping the entire cast. This prose novel, accompanied by 24 striking black and white illustrations by Ken Hunt, presents a classic narrative with intriguing twists and turns reminiscent of Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein.
The story unfolds with a captivating reimagination of well-known characters, injecting new depth into the familiar narrative. Denmead’s writing skillfully retains the essence of the original Dracula tale while introducing a fresh perspective through gender-swapped characters. This bold approach adds layers of complexity, offering readers a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Ken Hunt’s illustrations complement the narrative, capturing the essence of the characters and the atmospheric elements of the story. The black and white visuals contribute to the overall aesthetic, enhancing the reader’s immersion into the world of “Vlada.”
The novel not only pays homage to Bram Stoker’s classic but also serves as a testament to Denmead’s creative prowess. The author seamlessly weaves the supernatural, suspense, and intricate character dynamics into a cohesive narrative. The gender-swapped cast introduces a modern sensibility, enriching the storytelling with a fresh perspective on power, love, and the supernatural.
“Vlada” is a compelling addition to the Dracula legacy, appealing to both fans of the original tale and those seeking a novel reinterpretation. Denmead’s writing and Hunt’s illustrations harmonize to deliver a captivating journey that retains the allure of the classic while paving the way for a new generation of readers to sink their teeth into this reimagined world.
My Ratings - 4.7/5
Christopher Denmead’s “Vlada” breathes fresh life into the timeless story of Dracula by ingeniously gender-swapping the entire cast. This prose novel, accompanied by 24 striking black and white illustrations by Ken Hunt, presents a classic narrative with intriguing twists and turns reminiscent of Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein.
The story unfolds with a captivating reimagination of well-known characters, injecting new depth into the familiar narrative. Denmead’s writing skillfully retains the essence of the original Dracula tale while introducing a fresh perspective through gender-swapped characters. This bold approach adds layers of complexity, offering readers a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Ken Hunt’s illustrations complement the narrative, capturing the essence of the characters and the atmospheric elements of the story. The black and white visuals contribute to the overall aesthetic, enhancing the reader’s immersion into the world of “Vlada.”
The novel not only pays homage to Bram Stoker’s classic but also serves as a testament to Denmead’s creative prowess. The author seamlessly weaves the supernatural, suspense, and intricate character dynamics into a cohesive narrative. The gender-swapped cast introduces a modern sensibility, enriching the storytelling with a fresh perspective on power, love, and the supernatural.
“Vlada” is a compelling addition to the Dracula legacy, appealing to both fans of the original tale and those seeking a novel reinterpretation. Denmead’s writing and Hunt’s illustrations harmonize to deliver a captivating journey that retains the allure of the classic while paving the way for a new generation of readers to sink their teeth into this reimagined world.
May 9, 2023
Vlada is a gender-swapped novella based on the story of Dracula by Christopher David Denmead, complete with 24 illustrations by Ken Hunt that are spread throughout the book. Because of its short length of less than a hundred pages, it can be read in one sitting, or as in my case, within an hour.
One of the things that I particularly enjoyed about this book was how the author managed to give it a fresh twist while still retaining the classic elements of the original story. However, the writing could benefit from more descriptive details to make the story feel more immersive as well as exploringa bit more Vlada's story. Despite this, the book remained engaging and enjoyable.
The author's decision to leave the reader on a subtle cliffhanger has left me eager to find out what happens next!
One criticism I have of the book, which may be a personal preference, is the lack of proper punctuation throughout. The use of italics instead of quotation marks to indicate dialogue was a minor distraction that hindered my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, Vlada is an excellent read, particularly for fans of Dracula and the world it inhabits. It would be a worthwhile addition to any reading list.
🐾
Rated 6.5/10
Melina L.
One of the things that I particularly enjoyed about this book was how the author managed to give it a fresh twist while still retaining the classic elements of the original story. However, the writing could benefit from more descriptive details to make the story feel more immersive as well as exploringa bit more Vlada's story. Despite this, the book remained engaging and enjoyable.
The author's decision to leave the reader on a subtle cliffhanger has left me eager to find out what happens next!
One criticism I have of the book, which may be a personal preference, is the lack of proper punctuation throughout. The use of italics instead of quotation marks to indicate dialogue was a minor distraction that hindered my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, Vlada is an excellent read, particularly for fans of Dracula and the world it inhabits. It would be a worthwhile addition to any reading list.
🐾
Rated 6.5/10
Melina L.
October 25, 2025
Well, I met Chris Denmead due to my extreme fandom of Tim Vigil's artwork. I'd seen these volumes demanding high $$ on E-Bay & held off buying. Strange then that I actually ran into the author online on Instagram & he was a treat & a pleasure to meet! He then Informed me of an upcoming Kickstarter campaign featuring Caline A Vlada Tale with sequential artwork by none other than Timothy B. Vigil!! & a Tim Vigil Bundle!!! Well, unfortunately hinky shite happened & the campaign failed, whst a loss? How? What a gut punch! He couldn't pay Vigil for the artwork so it all went back to Tim. Man, I want to see those pages!!! Been a HUGE Vigil fan since mid 80's when he released Grips an Ultra Violent Wolverine type that actually eviserated his opponents & oh Boy the blood! The Marvelous Ones would never show Wolvie doing this! & then Cuda a Barabarian that'd embarrass Conan! Oh yeah, a character named Eric Draven the Crow debuted alongside! (Yes, I own a signed remarked Faust/Crow #0!) Next came along Faust & the Gore just ramped up, decimatingly so! David Quinn spun a Helluva tale! Demons, rituals, snakes emerging from lady parts & the visceral visuals by a master craftsman! So, a little history there. Chris knew I was still extremely interested so we engaged in bargaining. He hooked me up with a Vigil Bundle sans Caline, sadly. So, I got Vlada a Dracula Tale, Vlada Chronicles of the Damned & Vlada Tales of the Damned mini. I usually loathe gender swapping, Lucienne instead of Lucian the Librarian took some of the heart outta Sandman Netflix. Not even remotely Interested in a Harriet Potter, Veronica Weasley, Herman Grainger & Voldemorticia? But this captured mine interest. Bram Stoker's Dracula is a strange read because it's journal entries mostly but an effective plot device created by Stoker. We get an introduction by none other than Jonathan Maberry, read his Rot & Ruin series, very easy quick read & he constructed a truly viable way to create zombies! Chris Denmead evokes the baroque gothic feel, Anne Rice influence feels heavy but it's not queer male vampires this time around! Jeez, we get it Anne you like dude on dude action! Brought to mind Countess Bathory, Lady Carmilla, & the film Lesbian Vampire Killers (what a Hoot!). Ken Hunt did an admirable job on the illustration plates, wasn't familiar with his work, so it was a treat to discover, & he drew a killer Batman recently posted on Instagram for Batman Day. It reminded me of Mark Silvestri's scratchy style! I honestly thought there would be more Tim but the hardback includes all the variant covers he drew & he rendered plates for 2 stories in Tales. All in all, an engaging read. Chris has stated he might publish Caline as a novella. But honestly the Vigil artwork is going to be severely missed! He signed my books for me as well. A swell guy! I keep meeting very intriguing comic creators here of late! Great tale! Perfect for the Spooky Season! Poppy Z Brite's Lost Souls resonates as well! Children vampires? Suffered Green eyes from consuming too much Chartreuse made by Carthusian Monks! & Yes, me & my buddy Che' (who turned me onto Anne Rice & I, he to Poppy!) smuggled a bottle into Interview With A Vampire 1994 theater to evoke that green elixir! Enjoy this, it's a worthy read! & I hope that campaign doesn't discourage Chris from future tales! That would be a shame, truly! Dedications to Bernie Wrightson & Gene Colan made me smile! Thank you dear readers & especially Chris for his creativity. Keep story faith strong, Brother!
Keifer Winchester
Keifer Winchester
May 20, 2025
"VLADA, a Dracula Tale" by Christopher Denmead is a captivating reimagining of the classic vampire narrative, weaving elements of horror, dark magic, and mystery into a compelling story. At its center is the formidable vampire queen Vlada, whose insatiable desire for dominance and love drives the plot forward.
The story unfolds with Vlada's obsession for Janis Harker’s fiancé, Marcus, leading to a series of tragic and thrilling events. The character of Vlada is marked by complexity; she is both a fearsome predator and a figure of tragic longing, creating a nuanced antagonist that i couldn’t help but be fascinated by.
The author effectively explores the depths of her character, showcasing the tormented soul behind the monstrous exterior.
Janis Harker, on the other hand, embodies resilience and determination. Her journey to reclaim her heritage and confront the supernatural forces at play is both inspiring and empowering. The interactions between Janis and the characters around her, especially her lawyer and Dr. Van Helsing, layer the story with depth and emotion.
The atmosphere of the narrative is rich and immersive, it drew me into the eerie settings from Carfax Abbey to the ominous Romanian castle. The author’s descriptive writing brings these locales to life, along with the stunning pictures that lie within the pages.
Themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for power are intricately woven throughout the story. The moral ambiguity of the characters, particularly Vlada, raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of monstrosity and what it truly means to be human.
The pacing is well-structured, with a balance between suspenseful action and poignant moments of character development. As the mystery of Lucas’s death unfolds, the reader is compelled to piece together the clues alongside Dr. Van Helsing, resulting in a thrilling investigative element that captured my attention until the very last page.
Overall, "VLADA, a Dracula Tale" is a fresh addition to vampire literature, successfully blending horror, dark magic, and mystery into an engaging narrative. I find this book so fascinating and a must-read for everyone in love with horror and vampire stories.
Christopher Denmead’s masterful storytelling and rich character development will resonate with both fans of traditional vampire tales and newcomers alike. This book is an essential read for those who enjoy dark, atmospheric stories filled with intrigue and the complexities of love and immortality.
And although I don’t usually read this type of book (it had pictures 😝) I loved it. And I’m definitely going to be buying a physical copy.
🦋
The story unfolds with Vlada's obsession for Janis Harker’s fiancé, Marcus, leading to a series of tragic and thrilling events. The character of Vlada is marked by complexity; she is both a fearsome predator and a figure of tragic longing, creating a nuanced antagonist that i couldn’t help but be fascinated by.
The author effectively explores the depths of her character, showcasing the tormented soul behind the monstrous exterior.
Janis Harker, on the other hand, embodies resilience and determination. Her journey to reclaim her heritage and confront the supernatural forces at play is both inspiring and empowering. The interactions between Janis and the characters around her, especially her lawyer and Dr. Van Helsing, layer the story with depth and emotion.
The atmosphere of the narrative is rich and immersive, it drew me into the eerie settings from Carfax Abbey to the ominous Romanian castle. The author’s descriptive writing brings these locales to life, along with the stunning pictures that lie within the pages.
Themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for power are intricately woven throughout the story. The moral ambiguity of the characters, particularly Vlada, raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of monstrosity and what it truly means to be human.
The pacing is well-structured, with a balance between suspenseful action and poignant moments of character development. As the mystery of Lucas’s death unfolds, the reader is compelled to piece together the clues alongside Dr. Van Helsing, resulting in a thrilling investigative element that captured my attention until the very last page.
Overall, "VLADA, a Dracula Tale" is a fresh addition to vampire literature, successfully blending horror, dark magic, and mystery into an engaging narrative. I find this book so fascinating and a must-read for everyone in love with horror and vampire stories.
Christopher Denmead’s masterful storytelling and rich character development will resonate with both fans of traditional vampire tales and newcomers alike. This book is an essential read for those who enjoy dark, atmospheric stories filled with intrigue and the complexities of love and immortality.
And although I don’t usually read this type of book (it had pictures 😝) I loved it. And I’m definitely going to be buying a physical copy.
🦋
August 1, 2023
As an avid reader, I have always wondered what if this happened or if the story took on a different path. This book, Vlada: A Dracula Tale, by Christopher Denmead, does just that. It takes the original classic and cleverly weaves it into a whole new thing. It was just as dark, engaging, and entertaining as the classic version but with more depth. I loved how this is not just a book but a horror graphic book. Meaning it contains images like a graphic novel but without any bubbles or word boxes drawn into the graphics. I was a bit disappointed with not having as much graphic images like I was expecting. However, the artwork that is provided is phenomenal. In the end it is more like a normal novel but with images provided every now and then for readers to develop some visual enhancement to the story. The images help readers connect deeper to this tale. Classics used to have imagery just like the ones in this book. I loved it! The story itself was fun to follow. I highly recommend it to all.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
July 17, 2023
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I am a lover of vampire books and Dracula. This gender swap version was a fun twist on a tale I know and love. The art that was include was amazingly done. I got it in the mail and I had to sit down and read it right away. It had me looking at the story in a whole new way. I am glad that I got to enjoy this version.
April 1, 2025
A gender swapped Dracula I loved. The art by Ken Hunt is fantastic, I wish to see more work by Ken and the alternate cover art I have seen by Tim Vigil or Tim Seeley and Buzz and Wendy were some of the best. ID go to Thats Entertainment or Vamp Fangs for a copy.
July 1, 2023
Amazing art by Ken Hunt
September 17, 2024
Awesome retelling gender swap Dracula tale! Perfect for vampire fans!
April 1, 2025
The interior art by Ken Hunt and Covers by Tim Vigil and Tim Seeley is some of the best line work you will see in a gothic horror story. They and Chris created a sexy vampire vixen
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews