The Historian

by Elizabeth Kostova
The Historian cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Historical Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 5494
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780316057882
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

A young woman's discovery of an ancient book and a collection of old letters leads her into a labyrinth of family secrets and historical mysteries. Her journey connects her to the dark reign of Vlad the Impaler and a time-defying pact that may have kept his evil alive through the ages. /n/n The Historian is a richly layered novel that combines historical fiction with elements of the supernatural, offering a unique and chilling exploration of one of history's most infamous figures. The book is praised for its atmospheric storytelling and intricate plot, making it a compelling read for fans of historical mysteries and gothic fiction.

Reviews
Happy Goat Horror · 2025-04-21
good 4.00

The atmosphere slowly builds but is palpable, and the gothic elements are enjoyable. The story is well-written and engaging.

The reviewer from Happy Goat Horror found The Historian to have a slowly building but palpable atmosphere. The gothic elements are particularly enjoyable, adding a layer of intrigue and suspense to the story. The reviewer appreciates the well-crafted narrative and the engaging way in which the historical and gothic elements are woven together. The story is well-written and keeps the reader engaged throughout, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy a blend of history and horror.

Quick quotes

    The atmosphere slowly builds but is palpable, and I really enjoyed that because I didn't expect to feel a gothic atmosphere like this in a story.

    The gothic elements are particularly enjoyable, adding a layer of intrigue and suspense.

    The story is well-written and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

Stay Curious · Chris Wolak · 2022-06-13
disappointing 2.50

The story is slow-paced with little variation, but it has some thrilling moments. The narrative feels dusty and lacks engaging momentum.

Chris Wolak found The Historian to be a slow-paced read with a dusty, unvarying tone. While there are some thrilling moments, the overall pacing and lack of variation in the narrative make it feel drawn out. The historical elements are interesting, but the execution falls short of being truly engaging. Wolak appreciates the effort put into the historical context but feels the story could have benefited from a more dynamic approach.

Quick quotes

    There are some thrilling moments, but for the most part, the story is dusty and slow with little variation in pacing or tone.

    It is also perhaps too much of a slow burn for those looking for a quick, engaging read.

    The historical elements are well-researched and add depth to the narrative.

Reddit - Recommended Books · u/BookLover42 · 2021-01-01
engaging 3.00

The book is well-written and rich in historical references, but the introduction of Dracula feels abrupt and disrupts the flow. Overall, it's an enjoyable read with some notable flaws.

This book is well-written and rich in historical references, making it an engaging read for those interested in history and folklore. However, the introduction of Dracula feels abrupt and disrupts the flow of the story. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intriguing, but the sudden shift in tone can be jarring. Despite this, the book offers a unique blend of history and suspense, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy atmospheric and thought-provoking narratives.

Quick quotes

    Overall I liked the book but can we all agree it turns bad the moment Dracula shows up.

    I like the historical references and thought the book was well written.

    The introduction of Dracula feels abrupt and disrupts the flow of the story.

Created to Read · 2020-09-01
excellent 4.50

This is a gripping read with a satisfying ending, set against a magnificent backdrop of European history and folklore.

The reviewer from Created to Read found The Historian to be a gripping and satisfying read. The story is set against a magnificent backdrop of European history and folklore, which adds depth and richness to the narrative. The ending is particularly satisfying, tying together the various threads of the story in a way that feels both complete and compelling. The reviewer appreciates the blend of historical fiction and folklore, making it a unique and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    This is a gripping read with a satisfying ending, set against a magnificent backdrop of European history and folklore.

    The blend of historical fiction and folklore makes for a unique and engaging narrative.

    The ending is particularly satisfying, tying together the various threads of the story.

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