Vlad - Hardcover

C.C. Humphreys

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0752886185 ISBN 13: 9780752886183

Publisher: Orion, 2009

Synopsis

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

About this title

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.

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 this edition

• Publisher: Orion
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0752886185
• ISBN 13: 9780752886183
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 384