Dracula, My Love – Syrie James

The Vampire That Started It All

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Amazon Vine

(Note: This review is coming from the perspective of someone who has not yet had the pleasure of reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula.)

Critically acclaimed and bestselling author, Syrie James, once again transports her readers back in time and enchants them with a tale of unknown romance. This time instead of revealing the secret love affair of a famous author as she did with Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë, Syrie James decides to divulge the hidden romance between two fictional characters: Mina Harker and Count Dracula. Utilizing characters and plot from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Syrie James retells this horror classic with an infusion of romance.

Mina Murray, at the age of twenty-two has her life perfectly planned; after enjoying an extended holiday at the sea-side resort of Whitby with her friend Lucy Westenra, she is to wed her childhood friend Jonathan Harker and begin her life as a devoted wife, helpmate, and mother. But when Jonathan doesn’t return from his business trip to Transylvania and dear Lucy grows more pale and lethargic each day, Mina learns that life doesn’t always go as planned. To make matters worse, Mina finds herself extremely attracted to an intriguing and mysterious stranger by the name of Mr. Wagner. Could Mina be falling in love with another man?

We are all familiar with Count Dracula – he is centuries old, from Transylvania, nocturnal, has supernatural powers, and he is sustained by blood. But in Dracula, My Love, we learn that this famous vampire isn’t as dangerous and villainous as he seems. Syrie James’s Dracula is misunderstood, passionate, a friendless outcast, and…he is in love. The dilemma is that the woman he is in love with is engaged to a man who is determined to see him dead. How will this scandalous and impassioned affair end?

What magnificent writing! I am a great admirer of Syrie James’s novels thus far and even though I wasn’t that interested in reading a novel about Dracula and vampires, I was inclined to read this book because of Ms. James’s illuminating and all-consuming prose. Believe me, I was not disappointed! Ms. James’s Dracula may be a bit more romantic and reputable than Bram Stoker’s original (an aspect which might chagrin some purists), but that didn’t bother me as I completely fell in love with him! He is such a complex and intriguing character with such mysterious origins. I’ve become so enamored that I intend to read Bram Stoker’s Dracula in the near future.

To put it simply: this novel was truly outstanding! I took pleasure in gaining new understanding and insight to Dracula’s character, the compelling action of the plot, and the ardent yet illicit love affair between Dracula and Mina Harker. Dracula, My Love is a poignant, passionate, and powerful novel you should not miss!

 

Other Novels By Syrie James:
The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë
MY REVIEW

10 comments

  1. You must read Dracula Meredith! I’m having a hard time understanding in what ways Ms. James adapted the story as it sounds exactly like the original book. While horrifying and fierce, Count Dracula is incredibly romantic, nothing like the old movie depictions. Coppola’s 1992 adaptation was phenomenal, beautifully capturing the romance of the original story, and Gary Oldman was masterful as Dracula. It is one of the reasons why I have a hard time with modern vampire stories – none are as good as the original – and that’s probably why this book appeals to me. Another one for the TBR pile! Thanks for the review.

  2. What an interesting idea for a book. I’m not very much into reading about vampires (read “Dracula” in high school and would like to forget I did), but your review has made me want to read this book!

  3. Alexa – from what I understand it is the same plot of Bram Stoker’s Dracula but in this retelling Mina tells “the whole truth” and includes parts she left out in her original diary. I have a great desire to read the novel and see that exact adaption you are talking about! I am very intrigued by the story!

    Cheryl – I really think you would enjoy this one!

  4. I’m currently reading this one right now and saw what I believe to be a review blurb from you in the front pages…did you write one for the publisher that is different from what you posted here??? Just curious! Loving the book so far.

Leave a Reply

Your conversation and participation are always welcome; please feel free to "have your share."