Anno Dracula

by Kim Newman
Anno Dracula cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Gothic
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £8.54
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4627
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780857685339
  • Publisher: Titan Books
  • Published: 2011-08-08
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Anno Dracula reimagines Victorian London with a chilling twist: Queen Victoria has taken Vlad Tepes, the infamous Count Dracula, as her consort. The city is now a dark and dangerous place, filled with vampires and other supernatural creatures. Geneviève Dieudonné, an immortal vampire, and Charles Beauregard of the Diogenes Club find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and horror as they investigate the gruesome Ripper murders. The novel blends historical figures and fictional characters to create a compelling narrative that spans genres, from horror to romance, and offers a unique perspective on a familiar era. This edition of Anno Dracula includes bonus material such as a new afterword from Kim Newman, annotations, articles, and alternate endings, providing deeper insight into the world and characters. The novel's richly detailed setting and intricate plot make it a standout in the realm of alternate history and gothic fiction.

Reviews
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.

The Guardian · 2014-02-05
engaging 4.00

The book is engaging and fun, essential for fans of Gothic literature. It offers a thought-provoking read that blends various genres seamlessly.

The reviewer found the book to be a delightful and engaging read, perfect for anyone who enjoys Gothic literature. They appreciated how the story blends horror, politics, mystery, and romance to create a unique and compelling alternate history. The reviewer also noted that the book is thought-provoking and offers a fresh take on classic themes, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. They praised the author's ability to weave together different elements into a cohesive and enjoyable narrative.

Quick quotes

    An engaging, fun and thought provoking read which is essential for any fan of Gothic literature.

    It blends horror, politics, mystery and romance to create a unique and compelling alternate history.

    A rich and panoramic tale that offers a fresh take on classic themes.

Appears in Lists