Product Description

Most of the vast audience attracted to the subject of Dracula know him only in his fictional, one-dimensional form: vampire! Yet the truth behind the historical character--voevode, warlord--of 15th C. Romania is at least as equally fascinating as any contrived account of his supernatural persona.

Vlad Dracula faithfully follows his life story as hostage, fugitive, prince, and prisoner. His principality of Wallachia was caught between two voracious predators: the kingdom of Hungary and the Ottoman empire. They tried to break Dracula with overwhelming force and terror. But Dracula turned their own tactics against them, and against criminals and factions in his own land, earning the name Tepes-The Impaler-in the process.

He was a strange mix of husband, father, soldier, statesman, and berserker. He annihilated 50,000 people--one-tenth of his own population. Cursed by his native Orthodox Christian Church, he indeed evolved into a legend. But even today he is Romania's Robin Hood.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #197500 in Books
• Published on: 2004-12-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 286 pages

Customer Reviews

Excellent Read
The writer proves that the true story of Vlad Tepes is far more interesting than Stoker's fictional character. The book is historically accurate with enough fictional "filler" to make it an excellent read. Even the fiction weaved in and around the fact is more than plausible. Well written and researched. Recommended for anyone old or mature enough to deal with the brutality of 15th century warfare and one of history's most famous sons.

I guess I won't get included in the book's blurbs
To be honest I was a bit worried when I first received the book. Usually books will have little complimentary blurbs in them from established reviewers and publishers, like the New York Times or something. "Vlad Dracula" seemed to include all these five-star ratings from right here off Amazon.com! I mean, honestly, anybody could be writing these 5 star reviews here, like the author's grand niece or his next door neighbor.

I breathed a sigh of relief once I started reading. It really is a good book. Well written, well paced. You come to care about Vlad Dracula, despite all those impalements. He was a man under extreme pressure from all around as well as within his country. Besides, it's not like the rulers of the other areas were squeaky clean examples. They were just as barbaric.

However, the ending of the book was totally, totally unnecessary. I do wish author Michael Augustyn hadn't gone the way he chose to go. I doubt he'll be reading this review, but if he did I would strongly urge him, if he has any more editions published, to change the ending or leave it out entirely. If you're thinking of reading this book, and I do recommend it, when you get to the section titled "Legend" I advise you to just stop right there. You'll be disappointed if you go on.

Excellent
Vlad Dracula is a very misunderstood character. At a time when Islam was threatening all of Europe, Vlad, was one of a few who dared to stand up to the evil threat. Was he a tyrant or National hero? That will be decided by each individual who studies the facts. This historical novel is a good way for those who want to learn more about the real Dracula to begin.