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zchaira's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of my favorite novels of my favorite novel style (epistolary). This story gets you into the head of Count Strahd Von Zarovich. He is one of the most iconic villains of dungeons and dragons and this novel does him justice. He believes he is the noble savior that everyone is out to get. Having played the game I know the true story, and I know that he is lying to the reader. Fascinating.
lyricsninja's review against another edition
4.0
With my first move into the Ravenloft books, I chose to read “I, Strahd: The Memoirs of a Vampire”. Being a former D&D player, I was familiar with the world and its surroundings. However this book actually helped to build out the foundations of how Vampirism occurred there, what created some of the more magical items, etc.
It centers, obviously, around Strahd, a powerful leader who has been tramping through the country, and making his eventual way back to the castle. The realistic depictions of the way life is in the setting is outstanding, and the magic is only slightly interwoven so that even someone who was not into the genre would be able to accept it with little complaint. An assassination attempt occurs, bringing in the Vampire theme (though not in the classical manner you would think), and Strahd begins his eternal life. Through a series of events, and eventually a rather large tragedy, Strahd embraces becoming a vampire and begins his work of revenge.
The writing is fantastic. It’s heavy without being overwhelming. The slight introduction of magic in the beginning surely paves the way for the greater use of magic in the book (and books beyond this one). For a memoir on a vampire, you would expect it to jump right in to the fangs and death, but it takes its time ramping up as appropriate. The love story aspect is a little forced, and personally I think it should have been played out across a greater time, but overall it’s a great read. I would recommend this to anyone who is familiar with the Ravenloft series, and even those who aren’t.
It centers, obviously, around Strahd, a powerful leader who has been tramping through the country, and making his eventual way back to the castle. The realistic depictions of the way life is in the setting is outstanding, and the magic is only slightly interwoven so that even someone who was not into the genre would be able to accept it with little complaint. An assassination attempt occurs, bringing in the Vampire theme (though not in the classical manner you would think), and Strahd begins his eternal life. Through a series of events, and eventually a rather large tragedy, Strahd embraces becoming a vampire and begins his work of revenge.
The writing is fantastic. It’s heavy without being overwhelming. The slight introduction of magic in the beginning surely paves the way for the greater use of magic in the book (and books beyond this one). For a memoir on a vampire, you would expect it to jump right in to the fangs and death, but it takes its time ramping up as appropriate. The love story aspect is a little forced, and personally I think it should have been played out across a greater time, but overall it’s a great read. I would recommend this to anyone who is familiar with the Ravenloft series, and even those who aren’t.
timstoker's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gwyndae's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Whoa...fascinating! So far the most believable & human beginning to the Dracula tale. Nice job of blending history in with our own world and the paranormal. I like how Elrod pulled the original Dracul into the story.
The first third was apprehensive reading but once past that section, I could not stop.
The first third was apprehensive reading but once past that section, I could not stop.
amerisal's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
do you think strahd and alek ever explored each others bodies
cassa's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
And this is why Strahd isn't a redeemable d&d villain.
Gaslighting sociopath king.
I just wish Tatyana had had some personality, though maybe it was the point that Strahd never cared notice any (I don't think the book meant to, but that'd be in character).
Gaslighting sociopath king.
I just wish Tatyana had had some personality, though maybe it was the point that Strahd never cared notice any (I don't think the book meant to, but that'd be in character).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Racism
mhuntone's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5