The Historian

by Elizabeth Kostova
The Historian cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £14.99
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  • ID: 5494
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780759513839
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2005-06-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is a celebrated masterpiece that refashions the vampire myth into a compelling contemporary novel. It is a breathtakingly suspenseful and beautifully written story that plunges a young woman into a labyrinth where her family's past connects to an inconceivable evil: the dark fifteenth-century reign of Vlad the Impaler. The search for the truth becomes an adventure of monumental proportions, taking readers from monasteries and dusty libraries to the capitals of Eastern Europe. /n/n Kostova's novel is a rich, hypnotic, and exciting tale that has enthralled readers around the world. It blends history, mystery, and romance into a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The Historian is praised for its keen sense of storytelling and its ability to captivate audiences with its compelling plot and vivid descriptions.

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.

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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