Anno Dracula

by Kim Newman
Anno Dracula cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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Format • £8.54
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Technical
  • ID: 4627
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780857685339
  • Publisher: Titan Books
  • Published: 2011-08-08
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

Anno Dracula reimagines 1888 London with a chilling twist: Queen Victoria has taken Vlad Tepes, the infamous Count Dracula, as her consort. This alternate history is populated with familiar figures from Victorian history and fiction, creating a dark and intricate tapestry of horror, mystery, and political intrigue. The novel follows vampire Geneviève Dieudonné and Charles Beauregard of the Diogenes Club as they navigate the treacherous streets of London to solve the infamous Ripper murders. /n/n Acclaimed novelist Kim Newman crafts a panoramic tale that seamlessly blends genres, offering a unique exploration of Victorian society through the lens of the supernatural. The new edition includes bonus material such as a new afterword from the author, annotations, articles, and alternate endings, enriching the reading experience with deeper insights into the world of Anno Dracula.

Reviews
Fantasy Faction · 2025-10-22
exciting 4.00

The plot reads like a true Boy's Own adventure; one man against the world, battling not only vampires, but also the political intrigue of the time. It's a thrilling ride that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

This reviewer loved the adventurous spirit of the book, comparing it to a classic Boy's Own adventure. They appreciated the blend of vampire lore with political intrigue, making it a thrilling read. The action-packed narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre. They also noted that the book's setting and characters add depth, making it more than just a simple horror story.

Quick quotes

    Anno Dracula is a great read.

    The plot reads like a true Boy's Own adventure; one man against the world, battling not only vampires, but also the political intrigue of the time.

    It's a thrilling ride that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
well-crafted 3.50

The book is well-written and offers a homage to Gothic horror and Victorian literature. The reviewer appreciated the blend of genres and the rich historical setting.

The reviewer praised the book for its well-crafted storytelling and its homage to Gothic horror and Victorian literature. They appreciated the blend of genres, which creates a rich and immersive world. The reviewer also noted the detailed historical setting, which adds authenticity and depth to the story. They found the characters to be well-developed and the plot to be engaging, making it a enjoyable read for fans of the genre. The reviewer also highlighted the book's exploration of themes such as power, control, and the supernatural, which adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The story is well written and the book is not just a gothic horror cum murder mystery but a homage to both the gothic horror and Victorian ...

    The blend of genres creates a rich and immersive world.

    The detailed historical setting adds authenticity and depth to the story.

rachelreadit.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer praises Anno Dracula by Kim Newman as a brilliant and imaginative reimagining of classic vampire lore, seamlessly blending historical figures with fictional characters. They appreciate the richly detailed world-building and the clever subversion of traditional vampire myths, making it a standout in the genre.

Anno Dracula by Kim Newman is a masterful blend of historical fiction and gothic horror, offering a fresh and intriguing take on the Dracula mythos. The reviewer is particularly impressed by Newman's ability to weave real historical figures into the narrative, creating a richly textured and immersive world. The novel's exploration of themes such as power, identity, and morality adds depth to the story, making it more than just a typical vampire tale. The reviewer also highlights the clever subversion of traditional vampire tropes, which adds a layer of complexity and originality to the book. Overall, they find Anno Dracula to be a compelling and thought-provoking read that stands out in the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is a brilliant and imaginative reimagining of classic vampire lore.

    Newman's ability to weave real historical figures into the narrative is truly impressive.

    The novel's exploration of themes such as power, identity, and morality adds depth to the story.

grimdarkmagazine.com · Unknown · 2021-05-19
engaging 4.00

The reviewer found 'Anno Dracula' to be a captivating and imaginative retelling of the Dracula story, blending historical figures with vampire lore. They praised the richly detailed world-building and the unique perspective it offers on Victorian society.

The reviewer was drawn into the world of 'Anno Dracula' by its unique blend of historical fiction and gothic horror. They appreciated how the story reimagines the Dracula mythos, placing the vampire in a Victorian setting with real historical figures. The reviewer found the world-building to be particularly strong, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that enhances the story. They also noted the clever way the book explores themes of power, morality, and societal norms through the lens of vampire mythology. While the reviewer enjoyed the novel's imaginative take on the Dracula legend, they felt that some of the plot points could have been developed further to add more depth to the characters and their motivations.

Quick quotes

    The reviewer's opinion is best captured by the following quotes:

    A captivating and imaginative retelling of the Dracula story.

    The richly detailed world-building and unique perspective on Victorian society make this a standout novel.

    While the plot is engaging, some of the character developments feel thin.

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