Vlad [Hardcover]

C.C. Humphreys (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 5, 2009

DRACULA. A name of horror, depravity and the darkest sensuality. Yet the real Dracula was just as alluring, just as terrifying, his story not of a monster but of a man and a contradiction. For the one they called 'The Devil's Son' was both tyrant and lawgiver, crusader and mass slaughterer, torturer and hero, lover and murderer. His tale is told by those who knew him best. The only woman he ever loved and whom he has to sacrifice. His closest comrade and traitor. And his priest, betraying the secrets of the confessional to reveal the mind of the man history would forever remember as Tepes - 'The Impaler'. But Vlad's actions defy such labels. His extraordinary life burns with passion, taking him from his years as hostage to the Turk, through torture, battle, triumph and betrayal, ultimately to a last crusade - there perhaps, beneath the twin banners of the Dragon and the Cross, to find redemption for his innumerable sins. Vlad: The Last Confession spins legend and facts and together into a monumental novel of blood, love and terror. This is the true story of Dracula as it has never been told before

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A fast-paced, intriguing and beautifully-constructed thriller and its final twist - not a phrase you use lightly in the context of impaling or disembowelling - certainly took me by surprise. If you see it coming you are a more insightful reader than I am. Just don't read it before you go to sleep.' -- Andrew Taylor DAILY EXPRESS 'A chilling masterpiece that weaves fact and fable. Bedtime reading? Only if you don't need much sleep...' BEST 'Humphreys' elegant prose and command of his obscure subject matter creates an uncompromising, extraordinary journey into the brutal times and tortured soul of an oft-misunderstood ruler whose reign became synonymous with terror' HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW 'Cracking historical fiction... A book that is a must have for all fans of the genre.' FALCATA TIMES 'An accessible, fast-paced, narrative-driven, damn-near-irresistible historical thriller. Humphreys's research infuses every page, but never calls attention to itself; the story always has centre stage. It's the consummate "good read" for a rainy fall weekend, pulpy and engrossing and just gross enough to satisfy that monster craving.' TORONTO GLOBE 'Literate elegant writing... Vlad: The Last Confession superbly portrays the passions which drove Vlad, taking the reader on a whirlwind ride through torture, battle and despair. It's a dark tale, but Humphreys illuminates it with historical details and page-turning bravura prose.' YORKSHIRE EVENING POST 'Vlad: The Last Confession is a superb page-turner from start to finish that offers a captivating look at the true picture of Vlad. Highly, highly recommended. No vampires though...' FANTASYCRITIC.COM 'There's a maturity in his writing that places it above much of the cash-in fare surrounding the middle European leader... An unexpectedly riveting read. 8/10' TOTAL SCI-FI

About the Author

C.C. Humphreys is the author of eight previous novels including THE FRENCH EXECUTIONER, which was runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger. His series of Jack Absolute novels have been published in many languages around the world. He lives with his family in Vancouver, Canada.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Orion Publishing (March 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0752886185
• ISBN-13: 978-0752886183
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,939,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not the usual Dracula story, January 15, 2010

By 

H. Zimmer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vlad (Hardcover)

This is not another book about Vampires (be they teeneagers or the plain old un-dead) but about Dracula, the real person. Although I already knew some things about the real Dracula, this book was still adding new information and a very entertaining read.
The volume of more than 600 pages might seem a bit large but due the story and the style it never got boring. As the author himself says, it is not all based on 100% proven facts. The character of Dracula is still very cerdible and one can follow (to the most part) why he did what he did.
After finishing it I want to find out more about Dracula and his times and might thus follow some of the author's recommended readings.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dark But Mesmerizing Tale, March 27, 2010

By 

T. Henkle "Stern Rake Studio" (Tacoma, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vlad (Hardcover)

The author faced a daunting task in writing about a leader, that few--if any--outside Romania admire. In true journalistic fashion, Mr. Humphreys neither demonized, nor praised Dracula's actions. The land Dracula ruled, Wallachia, was sandwiched between the Kingdom of Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. Wallachian boyars were, therefore, adept at Machiavellian politics long before The Prince was even written.

Under these conditions, the "Son of the Devil" decided the best way to ensure the survival of his kingdom was to be crueler and more terrifying than his enemies. He certainly achieved his goal, even from beyond the grave.

In Vlad the Last Confession, Mr. Humphreys utilized his talents as an actor to unearth the plausible motivations of the dreaded "Impaler Lord." The author neatly ties all the historical facts with this conjectured psych profile to weave a story, not only of torture, terror and betrayal, but also of forgivness, love and small triumphs.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!, June 12, 2009

By 

W. Paul Blakey "of Twin Eagles Publishing" (Sechelt, BC Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vlad (Hardcover)

I admit I am a fan of C C Humphreys and I've read all of the Jack Absolute series, which I have enjoyed immensely. But Vlad tops them all by a long shot.

Why?

Because somehow Humphreys manages to turn a monster into a human being in a way that is both entertaining and believable.

A real page turner, filled with detail (don't try this at home kids) and even a fabulous love story.

Buy it, read it!

Go on, don't just sit there!