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sillypeanut's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love this book
okeefe's review against another edition
dark
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Like many contemplating picking this book up, I’m about to start DMing Curse of Strahd. I wanted some backstory on Strahd, the major baddie in the adventure.
Did I get that backstory?
Yes, I now know about Strahd before he became a bloodsucker.
I also know how he became a vampire … kind of. Although the process is explained, the reader is left confused as to the whos and hows of the entire procedure.
There is one aspect to the Strahd‘s autobiography that is quite appealing: future motivation. Strahd is has one wish and one wish only. His inability to obtain his only desire leaves him defeated, jealous and disdainful of all the living. This tale will add pain to the way I play Strahd.
Is this a must-read for DMs? Not at all. I definitely enjoyed Strahd in revenge-mode, but there‘s a lot left undone to make this a good D&D book and / or a good vampire tale.
Did I get that backstory?
Yes, I now know about Strahd before he became a bloodsucker.
I also know how he became a vampire … kind of. Although the process is explained, the reader is left confused as to the whos and hows of the entire procedure.
There is one aspect to the Strahd‘s autobiography that is quite appealing: future motivation. Strahd is has one wish and one wish only. His inability to obtain his only desire leaves him defeated, jealous and disdainful of all the living. This tale will add pain to the way I play Strahd.
Is this a must-read for DMs? Not at all. I definitely enjoyed Strahd in revenge-mode, but there‘s a lot left undone to make this a good D&D book and / or a good vampire tale.
carlaugust's review
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
slanderoid's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
graby's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
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
4.25
vibeck's review against another edition
4.0
This was a splendid read! This book gives an in-depth retelling of Strahd's back story, which we first learn in "Vampire of the Mists (Ravenloft #1)". You get to understand Strahd and he becomes even a little bit of a sympathetic character. I think this should be read after a first play through of the "Curse of Strahd" campaign, to avoid spoilers for yourself. But will definitely add some nuance to all the play throughs after!
tree_star's review against another edition
4.0
This book came highly recommended from one of my best pals, and as such I felt compelled to read it in his voice.
There book starts out rather slow and I had a hard time getting into it, and set it down after a time. But once I got passed the first quarter of the book, it turned into a page turner.
Now, I've read a in of vampire novels (except Twilight, never have and probably never will), so it's hard to impress me. "I, Strahd" did take a slightly different turn, and I found the assassins guild, mist and the return of his unrequited beloved quite entertaining.
There book starts out rather slow and I had a hard time getting into it, and set it down after a time. But once I got passed the first quarter of the book, it turned into a page turner.
Now, I've read a in of vampire novels (except Twilight, never have and probably never will), so it's hard to impress me. "I, Strahd" did take a slightly different turn, and I found the assassins guild, mist and the return of his unrequited beloved quite entertaining.
roguenpc's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
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
3.5
lit_lady_jem's review against another edition
5.0
Lovely Vampire lord origin story. Plays all the right nods to the mythos while still being original and satisfyingly familiar.
I'd recommend this to anyone wanted a sad story about vampires that shows a more "human" side to them.
I'd recommend this to anyone wanted a sad story about vampires that shows a more "human" side to them.