Vrolok by
Nolene-Patricia Dougan
pbk out November 06
(Author House)
at £15.49
Five hundred years ago Vlad Dracula ruled the Carpathians. He had a thirst for conquering worlds
and fought off the invading Turks with determined ferocity. When his wife died he lost interest in
destroying armies and disappeared. Half a century after the death of his wife the land surrounding his
once home is terrorized by sporadic unexplained murders. Isabella is born into this uncertain and
dangerous land. Her mother dies in childbirth and with her mother's death dies any chance of
happiness.
There are three good influences on Isabella's life. The man who is to become her husband, her
grandfather and her good friend and confidant, Katya. As the years pass by and Isabella becomes what
she is destined to become, a vampire, the memories of these three people are responsible for any
goodness that still lies buried in her rotting soul. When Isabella becomes a vampire, she and Vlad form
an uneasy and dangerous bond. They travel through four centuries, sometimes together, often apart.
Combine Historical Fiction with Dracula and what do you get? A sure fire winner, especially
when the book concerned is written in a style that cannot help but insist that the pages be turned.
Vrolok, the debut novel of Belfast's Nolene-Patricia Dougan, is such a book.
The manner in which the author gets under the skin of Isabella and Vlad, without resorting to the
gore factor, is both refreshing and skilful and so makes the book quite different from anything else
written in the genre.
A story within a story, within a story, Vrolok is a must-read for all fans of well-researched
historical fiction with a dark twist. The pace of the novel could, in all honesty, be a little quicker
initially, but once the book truly gets underway, there is no stopping it as the protagonists rip through
the centuries on their quest.
This is gothic fiction at its best. With strong characters, a compelling storyline and impeccable
description, Vrolok has already received rave reviews that have included her being called the new Anne
Rice, and rightly so. Nolene-Patricia Dougan should be welcomed with open arms.
http://www.vrolok.co.uk http://www.spinetinglers.co.uk
(
C. H
Chris High - Author Multi-media Promotion Service www.chrishigh.com)
New Books by Nolene-Patricia Dougan at Amazon.co.uk
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Vrolok by
Nolene-Patricia Dougan
