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Countess Elizabeth Bathory #2
The Hidden Will of the Dragon
It is 1628, Vienna, and the aging Lady Amara Borbala has collapsed before fulfilling her promise to complete the historical truth about her life long companion, the infamous Countess Elizabeth Bathory. In her last entry before her illness Amara writes, "It'd been nearly 130 years since Vlad Tepes arranged the secret agreement. Was it truly possible that the kin of an ancient advisor was still carrying out the contact, or would we be sadly disappointed by a ruined and forgotten plan? In book two, the journey of the rise and demise of one of history's most intriguing noble female murderers continues. Come following Elizabeth and Amara through the canals of Venice and high into the Carpthaian Mountains to discover the inevitable. How the story of the Blood Countess ends!
494 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Courtland
4 books257 followersI graduated with honors from the University of Washington with a B.A. in English Literature with an emphasis on Creative Writing and a minor in Criminology, but apparently I can't spell or edit. I know, it's a mystery! However, I'm terribly gifted when it comes to critiquing works of fiction, writing reviews, promoting and making other writers famous. It's a gift really...just don't ask me to proofread or facebook without committing typos. If you feel the need to point out a typo, I will feel the need to defriend you immediately.
I am the voice and founder behind the international blog sensation, "Bitsy Bling Books."
I've written 3 genius books although not everyone seems to think so (those people are idiots) and have reviewed hundreds (and counting).
I currently reside in Seattle, Washington.
Amazon Vine book Reviewer.
Following me on Twitter @
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Join Charlie Courtland's fan site on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/charliecourtland
Book Review Blog
http://bitsybling.blogspot.com
Author Page
http://authorcourtland.blogspot.com
I am the voice and founder behind the international blog sensation, "Bitsy Bling Books."
I've written 3 genius books although not everyone seems to think so (those people are idiots) and have reviewed hundreds (and counting).
I currently reside in Seattle, Washington.
Amazon Vine book Reviewer.
Following me on Twitter @
http://twitter.com/bitsyblingbooks
Join Charlie Courtland's fan site on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/charliecourtland
Book Review Blog
http://bitsybling.blogspot.com
Author Page
http://authorcourtland.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 18, 2010
Article first published as Book Review: Hidden Will of the Dragon by Charlie Courtland on Blogcritics.
As Lady Amara's illness continues to worsen, the shortness of time drives her to finish the ledger she has promised Count Drugeth. He has only recently sought her out in in effort to know more about his family and the history that plagues them. Only now as she looks back, writing and reflecting on her life as the ladies maid and confident of Countess Bathory, does the time seem right to set to paper the truth of what really occurred, both the joys and the horror. History would remember Countess Bathory as the Blood Countess and one of the fist women serial killers in written history, Amara would remember her as a friend.
In Hidden will of the Dragon, Charlie Courtland takes you back to the late 15th and early 16th century where women were unable to inherit and were traded in marriage in order to improve the coffers or standing of her family. Marriages were set up as business propositions and women had no choice in the matter. The same is true for Elizabeth Bathory, and because her husband is a soldier she is sent into isolation in the Hungarian countryside to reside in Cathcice.
The descriptions of the day as well as the characters pull you in and you feel the hopelessness and despair, almost as though you were there in that time and place.
Lady Amara, her friend and companion is with her through everything, a constant in her life that is so rare. I was initially fooled by Amara, thinking her to be that friend and confidant that would be the strength to deal with Elizabeth’s demons. I was disappointed to find that Amara not only had her own demons but that she was pulled into some of Elizabeth’s madness as well.
Charlie Courtland has taken a time and event in history and put a story to it that would rival the actual events. She takes the reported facts as well as many of the rumors of the day and spins them into a story so believable that is could be the true events as they transpired.
This story is not for the weak of heart as there is much madness and despair. Be prepared to be sucked into the story and become a part of it. You will see the blood spatters and will feel the actual weight of the horror as it unfolds.
I would recommend this book with the understanding that it is not lighthearted reading. I believe it would be great for a book club or a reading group. There is a great deal of information that would be interesting to discuss.
This book was received as a free copy from the Author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material
As Lady Amara's illness continues to worsen, the shortness of time drives her to finish the ledger she has promised Count Drugeth. He has only recently sought her out in in effort to know more about his family and the history that plagues them. Only now as she looks back, writing and reflecting on her life as the ladies maid and confident of Countess Bathory, does the time seem right to set to paper the truth of what really occurred, both the joys and the horror. History would remember Countess Bathory as the Blood Countess and one of the fist women serial killers in written history, Amara would remember her as a friend.
In Hidden will of the Dragon, Charlie Courtland takes you back to the late 15th and early 16th century where women were unable to inherit and were traded in marriage in order to improve the coffers or standing of her family. Marriages were set up as business propositions and women had no choice in the matter. The same is true for Elizabeth Bathory, and because her husband is a soldier she is sent into isolation in the Hungarian countryside to reside in Cathcice.
The descriptions of the day as well as the characters pull you in and you feel the hopelessness and despair, almost as though you were there in that time and place.
Lady Amara, her friend and companion is with her through everything, a constant in her life that is so rare. I was initially fooled by Amara, thinking her to be that friend and confidant that would be the strength to deal with Elizabeth’s demons. I was disappointed to find that Amara not only had her own demons but that she was pulled into some of Elizabeth’s madness as well.
Charlie Courtland has taken a time and event in history and put a story to it that would rival the actual events. She takes the reported facts as well as many of the rumors of the day and spins them into a story so believable that is could be the true events as they transpired.
This story is not for the weak of heart as there is much madness and despair. Be prepared to be sucked into the story and become a part of it. You will see the blood spatters and will feel the actual weight of the horror as it unfolds.
I would recommend this book with the understanding that it is not lighthearted reading. I believe it would be great for a book club or a reading group. There is a great deal of information that would be interesting to discuss.
This book was received as a free copy from the Author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material
September 25, 2010
This was an adventure that will not soon be forgotten. It will linger in your memory, drawing you back to the moments captured within the story. What an amazing cast of characters. Each one unique, yet attached in some way or another to each other. As a reader, I was taken on an adventure filled with edge of your seat, nail biting tension and romantic and/or lustful romantic trysts. As the story carries you through the lives of two women who could never be more different yet so faithful to each other. The setting was described so vividly that it felt as though you were or had been in that time period, experiencing each moment alongside Lady Amara and Elizabeth Bathory.
Lady Amara's character caught me off guard, shocking me throughout the twisting plot. At times, she almost seemed naive but that feeling would not last long. She was, in my mind, a hopeless romantic longing for true love. Would she find it? Was it to happen for her? The amount of loyalty Amara had when it came to Elizabeth was almost sickening. In the end I was saddened by her situation.
Elizabeth Bathory (the Blood Countess) was a very strong and fierce woman. From the beginning, I was drawn to her adventurous side and later appalled by the woman she would become. The madness this woman exerted on her fellow characters was unimaginable. Yet you can't help but cheer for her plans to succeed, no matter what she was faced with.
Charlie Courtland has created an enthralling tale where history meets legend and romance. Readers that enjoyed "The Historian" will find Courtland's work fitting to their taste. I will definitely watch out for future works and look forward to reading "Dandelions in the Garden."
Lady Amara's character caught me off guard, shocking me throughout the twisting plot. At times, she almost seemed naive but that feeling would not last long. She was, in my mind, a hopeless romantic longing for true love. Would she find it? Was it to happen for her? The amount of loyalty Amara had when it came to Elizabeth was almost sickening. In the end I was saddened by her situation.
Elizabeth Bathory (the Blood Countess) was a very strong and fierce woman. From the beginning, I was drawn to her adventurous side and later appalled by the woman she would become. The madness this woman exerted on her fellow characters was unimaginable. Yet you can't help but cheer for her plans to succeed, no matter what she was faced with.
Charlie Courtland has created an enthralling tale where history meets legend and romance. Readers that enjoyed "The Historian" will find Courtland's work fitting to their taste. I will definitely watch out for future works and look forward to reading "Dandelions in the Garden."
September 11, 2012
once you start, can not put this book down, each chapter lures you into the next one. author knows how to spin a tale and keep you guessing. and yet I am drawn into the characters, they all seem so real but clearly from a past century. vividly written so easy for my imagination to become immersed into the lives of these strong willed women. a must read. not for the faint of heart, mature readers only please.
July 11, 2011
Amara Borbala was the lady-in-waiting companion to Countess Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess. They were together from the time they were young girls until after Elizabeth's trial. This is her account of what really transpired, as dictated in a manuscript intended for Elizabeth's grandson.
Reading these books, I realized neither is a stand alone story, or even books in a series. They are two halves of the same story: a single story split into two volumes. I can see why, the first is over 400 pages while the second is 300. It is a long story, but quite a fascinating one.
The first volume starts with Amara first joining Elizabeth and covers up to right before Elizabeth's reputation as the Blood Countess begins. The second volume details Elizabeth's exploits and her downfall. The story is more than just Elizabeth's though. Amara takes centre stage and much of the story focuses on her as the narrator. This is especially true in the second volume when Amara begins to distance herself from Elizabeth.
I found both volumes fascinating. The second volume is much darker, as can be expected. The first was much lighter as the girls were much brighter, happier and more adventuresome in their youth. Something I found interesting was the feeling of age in the narration. It was easy to distinguish which sections were written as Amara as an old lady. The feeling of these sections was much older than the narration of her youth. As the narration progressed, the tone definitely matured and aged. I thought this was very well done.
Overall, I was impressed with the story. I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction. With the warning that you need to read both volumes back to back to get the full story.
Reading these books, I realized neither is a stand alone story, or even books in a series. They are two halves of the same story: a single story split into two volumes. I can see why, the first is over 400 pages while the second is 300. It is a long story, but quite a fascinating one.
The first volume starts with Amara first joining Elizabeth and covers up to right before Elizabeth's reputation as the Blood Countess begins. The second volume details Elizabeth's exploits and her downfall. The story is more than just Elizabeth's though. Amara takes centre stage and much of the story focuses on her as the narrator. This is especially true in the second volume when Amara begins to distance herself from Elizabeth.
I found both volumes fascinating. The second volume is much darker, as can be expected. The first was much lighter as the girls were much brighter, happier and more adventuresome in their youth. Something I found interesting was the feeling of age in the narration. It was easy to distinguish which sections were written as Amara as an old lady. The feeling of these sections was much older than the narration of her youth. As the narration progressed, the tone definitely matured and aged. I thought this was very well done.
Overall, I was impressed with the story. I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction. With the warning that you need to read both volumes back to back to get the full story.
November 29, 2010
I received a copy of this from the author! Thank you so much, Charlie! I can't wait to start reading this.
UPDATE:
First of all, thank you again to Charlie! I was so lucky to get both this and the first book from the author.
I LOVED this book. I read it while on my vacation in Disney World, and had such a hard time putting it down at night. I don't want to write too much because it would be a lot of spoilers, but I absolutely loved the ending and the twist that this book took. I am just so fascinated by Elizabeth Bathory!
All in all, a FANTASTIC 2-part book series that I will not soon forget! 4.5 stars.
UPDATE:
First of all, thank you again to Charlie! I was so lucky to get both this and the first book from the author.
I LOVED this book. I read it while on my vacation in Disney World, and had such a hard time putting it down at night. I don't want to write too much because it would be a lot of spoilers, but I absolutely loved the ending and the twist that this book took. I am just so fascinated by Elizabeth Bathory!
All in all, a FANTASTIC 2-part book series that I will not soon forget! 4.5 stars.
June 24, 2013
Not my kind of book. Neither the writing nor the plot appeals to me.
Should I try The Countess instead? Maybe, but I am not so sure that will appeal either.
Should I try The Countess instead? Maybe, but I am not so sure that will appeal either.
August 14, 2016
"The Hidden Will of the Dragon" is just as enjoyable as "Dandelions in the Garden" was. I am not sure which one I liked more: maybe this one, because it was darker and had more shocking moments; but there were also some things I really liked in the first part, which unfortunately disappointed me in the second.
Amara and Elizabeth are as convincing and fascinating as they were in the previous book, and it is great to follow their story. Their adventures in Venice are gripping, and so is the last part of the book. However, I found the pace to be slower than in the first book, and some parts in the middle were quite boring. I did not much care for the events in the present.
I still liked both of the main characters, even though I was annoyed with Amara on some occasions. My main complain about the book is how the relationship between Amara and Draco was handled: they were such a cute and well suited couple, and yet in this second book their marriage was terrible. It was not completely unbelievable: I can see Draco being all preoccupied with his duties, but his indifference to his wife was a little too much. And Amara, even though at the beginning she said she loved him, I wish the author would have invested some more in them, after she built a beautiful relationship in the first book.
However, I must admit that reading about Amara's loves and emotional struggles was entertaining. I did not mind her relationship with Nicholas, and I also liked that she was not completely bound to any man - even if sometimes she really seemed a little too emotionless. Her thoughts about the women's condition during her times were also fantastic to read and really well done. I also enjoyed her development from the first book, even if I was a little sad to see her lose the most innocent part of herself. The scene where . Still, I was shocked at her lack of guilt or conscience in some occasions.
Elizabeth is of course even darker than Amara, and even if her best friend justifies her actions, they are still veeeery questionable. However, I could not help but root for her all the same just like I did in the first book. And I was so incredibly happy with the ending! I did not see it coming, and it was maybe a little unrealistic, but still I appreciated that .
The other characters were better developed than in the first book, and it was great to see again some who were minor in "Dandelions in the Garden", like the Lavender Lady and Lord Buckley, who instead became important in the second part.
The style was also better. There were still errors but not as many as in the first book.
All things considered, a well built book, even if maybe it could have been shorter.
Amara and Elizabeth are as convincing and fascinating as they were in the previous book, and it is great to follow their story. Their adventures in Venice are gripping, and so is the last part of the book. However, I found the pace to be slower than in the first book, and some parts in the middle were quite boring. I did not much care for the events in the present.
I still liked both of the main characters, even though I was annoyed with Amara on some occasions. My main complain about the book is how the relationship between Amara and Draco was handled: they were such a cute and well suited couple, and yet in this second book their marriage was terrible. It was not completely unbelievable: I can see Draco being all preoccupied with his duties, but his indifference to his wife was a little too much. And Amara, even though at the beginning she said she loved him, I wish the author would have invested some more in them, after she built a beautiful relationship in the first book.
However, I must admit that reading about Amara's loves and emotional struggles was entertaining. I did not mind her relationship with Nicholas, and I also liked that she was not completely bound to any man - even if sometimes she really seemed a little too emotionless. Her thoughts about the women's condition during her times were also fantastic to read and really well done. I also enjoyed her development from the first book, even if I was a little sad to see her lose the most innocent part of herself. The scene where . Still, I was shocked at her lack of guilt or conscience in some occasions.
Elizabeth is of course even darker than Amara, and even if her best friend justifies her actions, they are still veeeery questionable. However, I could not help but root for her all the same just like I did in the first book. And I was so incredibly happy with the ending! I did not see it coming, and it was maybe a little unrealistic, but still I appreciated that .
The other characters were better developed than in the first book, and it was great to see again some who were minor in "Dandelions in the Garden", like the Lavender Lady and Lord Buckley, who instead became important in the second part.
The style was also better. There were still errors but not as many as in the first book.
All things considered, a well built book, even if maybe it could have been shorter.
January 22, 2015
So while I can't get enough of The Countess, I have to say that Charlie Courtland's THE HIDDEN WILL OF THE DRAGON, 2nd in her series about The Countess (see my previous post on DANDELIONS IN THE GARDEN) is not one that I enjoyed reading. Yes, I'm still fascinated by the story of the Countess, her legend, and the speculations about her legends about what is real and what isn't. From that perspective, I wanted to read every word of THE HIDDEN WILL.
But the story here just is not well written. I'm sorry Charlie. I don't know what happened or where your editor went, but he/she was NO help to you. The grammatical errors stood out like sore thumbs and took away my enjoyment of reading such a fascinating story. I tried very hard, Charlie, not to pay attention to the grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors, but some of them were so simplistic that even a 4th grader would know better. For example there were several incorrect uses of the word "too" when "to" was meant.
With a little more editing and clean-up in that respect, THE HIDDEN WILL OF THE DRAGON would be well worth the read and I would recommend it with high stars. As I say, I am absolutely fascinated, morbidly so, with the Countess, so regardless of grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors, I am going to continue reading any and everything about her that I can get my hands on.
There's no reason why you can't make those corrections, Charlie Courtland, and put your book in the class of literature [about the Countess] not to be missed. (Please, please, please don't be offended by my comments!!!)
But the story here just is not well written. I'm sorry Charlie. I don't know what happened or where your editor went, but he/she was NO help to you. The grammatical errors stood out like sore thumbs and took away my enjoyment of reading such a fascinating story. I tried very hard, Charlie, not to pay attention to the grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors, but some of them were so simplistic that even a 4th grader would know better. For example there were several incorrect uses of the word "too" when "to" was meant.
With a little more editing and clean-up in that respect, THE HIDDEN WILL OF THE DRAGON would be well worth the read and I would recommend it with high stars. As I say, I am absolutely fascinated, morbidly so, with the Countess, so regardless of grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors, I am going to continue reading any and everything about her that I can get my hands on.
There's no reason why you can't make those corrections, Charlie Courtland, and put your book in the class of literature [about the Countess] not to be missed. (Please, please, please don't be offended by my comments!!!)
February 10, 2012
The story of Amara and the Countess Elizabeth Bathory' continues. This sequel picks up where the first one left off, with Elizabeth and Amara racing to Venice seeking the estate of Vlad Tepes, Elizabeth's ancestor. While in Venice, love comes calling. Elizabeth falls for an impoverished painter, and Amara reconnects with her former flame, Count George Drugeth. After returning to Catchice, Elizabeth starts experimenting with beauty elixers, as well as poisons. Accused of illness by the court, Elizabeth is confined to her estate and continues her dark work. When her results start piling up, Amara must distance herself from those she loves in order to survive the impending justice.
This book continues the adventures of Elizabeth and Amara. Told by Amara, readers get a glimpse into the life of Elizabeth without the story being all about the Countess. The story is fast paced and doesn't focus on Elizabeth's alleged crimes. Like Amara, I found myself drawn to Elizabeth, while being repulsed. I felt Amara's loneliness is being a soldier's wife.
This book was wonderful, but left my mind open to many questions. After pondering the book for a few days, I wonder if there will be a trilogy or if the story will end where it was left.
This book continues the adventures of Elizabeth and Amara. Told by Amara, readers get a glimpse into the life of Elizabeth without the story being all about the Countess. The story is fast paced and doesn't focus on Elizabeth's alleged crimes. Like Amara, I found myself drawn to Elizabeth, while being repulsed. I felt Amara's loneliness is being a soldier's wife.
This book was wonderful, but left my mind open to many questions. After pondering the book for a few days, I wonder if there will be a trilogy or if the story will end where it was left.
February 15, 2011
I won this book on Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. I was really excited as I love historical fictions. Because this is a sequel, I purchased the first book, Dandelions in the Garden, for my Kindle.
This book finishes the story of the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory. It chronicles the actions which lead to her downfall, her imprisonment and what became of her, her family, her loyal subjects, and her best friend Amara.
I liked this book, maybe not as much as the first one, but still really liked it. It's not because of the writing...I just got irritated with the main character, Amara...which I think may have been the authors point. I don’t want to leave any spoilers, so I’ll just say that as a reader I wanted Amara’s decisions to follow one path, which she didn’t, but in the end how those decisions were explained made for a better story…does that make sense???
This was definitely a page turner…I can’t wait to see what this author may have in store for us….hoping for more!!
This book finishes the story of the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory. It chronicles the actions which lead to her downfall, her imprisonment and what became of her, her family, her loyal subjects, and her best friend Amara.
I liked this book, maybe not as much as the first one, but still really liked it. It's not because of the writing...I just got irritated with the main character, Amara...which I think may have been the authors point. I don’t want to leave any spoilers, so I’ll just say that as a reader I wanted Amara’s decisions to follow one path, which she didn’t, but in the end how those decisions were explained made for a better story…does that make sense???
This was definitely a page turner…I can’t wait to see what this author may have in store for us….hoping for more!!
May 28, 2012
could have been a great story. I love historical fiction and this fit the bill for it, but some parts of the story dont add up between this book and the first. Its complicated but some family lines dont make since, for example the character John is suppose to be the grandchild of one of the main players in the story, infact he is said to look like him and also share his gestures, yet in the story his father is the product of an affair with King Rudolph,therefore he is not the grandson of the man whom he supposedly looks like. There were simply a few things like that in the story that turned me off, but still I do apperciate the historical information and I do feel like I can close this book having learned something as it has made me research into the story of the real blood countess.
December 26, 2012
I was really engrossed in this book, just like the first. It is a great imagining of what *might* have happened in Elizabeth's life. There were a couple of Amara's actions in this book that just really bothered me, and the end was pretty far-fetched (although, I would like to think it could have happened that way). Also, there were a lot of spelling and grammar errors, as in the first book. But honestly, these issues did not detract too much for me b/c the story was very, very good.
May 12, 2013
Amazing is the first word that comes to mind. I was completely drawn in and loved so many characters in this book and the first one. I loved Amara and Nicholas but Draco was also a favorite. Elizabeth was crazy but she was interesting to read about and I loved her willful and stubborn spirit. The book was very dark at times but I found it very interesting.
May 9, 2014
Love the genre. I couldn't put it down. A really plausible alternative to the traditional version. I was buying the second half, book two, before I had finished the first one.
very interesting. I was impressed with the quality and plausibility of events. I bought the second book before I finished the first
very interesting. I was impressed with the quality and plausibility of events. I bought the second book before I finished the first
September 16, 2016
I didn't get what I wanted with this book since I was expecting horror and gore, but got some romance instead. The entire bookers spent defending Elizabeth and all of her actions. It had some beautifully written parts and was interesting enough that I had to finish but don't go in expecting details on her crimes
September 11, 2012
was so looking forward to reading this book after i read the Dandelions in the Garden. and i was not disappointed. great read. loved the characters. could not put the book down. very exciting. can not wait to read more of Charlie Courtlands books.
January 4, 2011
Loved this series. Great love story and also true tale of the blood countess.
Want to read
October 14, 2012I liked the first one so much, I had to get the second one...
March 17, 2014
great story loved the first book dandelions in the garden and this great also a must read
March 17, 2014
nice story for the mature reader great new author
March 17, 2014
great story
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews