Customer Reviews

DANCE OF THE DEAD (Ravenloft Books)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

DotD is one of the better books of the Ravenloft series, the best at the time it came out (though subsequent releases Heart of Midnight and I, Strahd: the Memoirs of a Vampire easily topped it, in my opinion) and is Christie Golden's best novel in the series.

Why?

Well, for starters, it strays from the beaten path (Barovia and Vampire of the Mists) and doesn't toss previously-written history out the window (Nova Vaasa and Sir Tristen Hiregaard/Malken and The Enemy Within). It takes us instead on a magical riverboat (a novel idea, pardon the pun, for a book) into the mysterious island domain of Souragne, and does a fine job integrating the French/Louisianan culture into the domain, whose roots seem to stem from there.

She also gives us wonderful characters: Larissa, Willen, the Maiden of the Swamp, and even Anton Misroi. As well, we receive chilling villains: Captain Dumont and Lond. The swamp domain is well-fleshed out, and even the diffences between Misroi's previously-published past and the one presented here are forgettable (Domains of Dread, the current sourcebook for RL, takes this story over the others, for good reason).

In all, DotD is a fantastic book, with unique ideas and a well-developed, well-told tale. My only complaint is that it wasn't as long as VotM.

It's a shame when quality fiction goes out of print... and that's what seems to be happening to 'Dance of the Dead.' This is one of the finest novels published as part of TSR's Ravenloft line, and Larissa Snowmane is one of the most memorable figures created for the setting.

I liked Christie Golden's take on Souragne and Anton Misroi so much that when it came time for to rework the Ravenloft game setting for 'Domains of Dread' that I made sure the land was reshaped to be closer to the novel than it had been in previous presentation.

If you have an interest in dark fantasy or the gothic horror genre, track down a copy of this book. You won't regret it.

Unlike a couple of other books in the Ravenloft series, this one at least fits the mood of Ravenloft in my opinion. I didn't think it was an outstanding book like some other people are saying, but it was worth reading. My only real hangup with this book was the rather humdrum ending. Bottom line, if you got the time and money, check out this book. But don't lose any sleep over it if you can't find it because it wasn't a *killer book* like "Vampire of the Mists", "Knight of the Black Rose", or "I, Strahd".

Christie Golden is quickly becoming my favorite TSR author next to R.A. Salvatore. This book had a very human and easily relatable heroine while staying true to the Ravenloft tradition of a supremely powerful domain lord. The Southern imagery and Cajun colloquialisms contributed a great deal to the story. The ending was very well done as well.

Dance of the Dead was probably the Ravenloft novel I enjoyed the most. Instead of focusing on some Omnipotent Beings angst-ridden fight against themselves, the book focuses on the life and mind of a 'normal' person native to the Plane. The book moves a bit slow, avoiding the combat heavy tactics favored in most D&D novels to distract you from the paper thin characterization, and takes its time showing you who the heroine is through her actions. This is a good thing. By the end of the book, it is fairly easy to identify with her. I reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys tone and mood over displays of gore.

A throughly enjoyable book with great characters, an interesting plot and the finest Ravenloft author out there. I would not place this novel above Vampire of the Mists although as a fan of both elves and vampires I am a little bit biased. Even I must admit however that in terms of writting style and plot originality this novel does occasionaly surpas Vampire.There were however a few characters who were not as three dimensional as they could have been and I for one would have liked a little more background information on Dragoneyes. Still a very good book and well worth the read.

I've only read the first three Ravenloft novels, and I'd have to say that this is, without a doubt, the best one so far! It was written extremely well, with interesting characters and creatures, and had a good (if somewhat new agey) plotline. It was refreshing to read after some of the crap that now passes for modern literature. This was Cristie Golden's second Ravenloft novel, and I look forward to reading any of her other books in the series

It has some good elements about the places and the characters, but some situations are comically presented (Killer Rabbits!) that spoil the whole dark mood.

Call me sappy but I kind of liked this cajun-seasoned bodice ripper. It had some nice scenes and symbolism. It's no classic but enjoyable popcorn reading for sure, plus I think more people have read it then have actually played Ravenloft overall.

Pretty good story, one of the best books i've read. Vampire of the Mists was much better book by the same author.