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A review by andrewnguyen
I, Strahd: Memoirs of a Vampire: Ravenloft The Covenant by P.N. Elrod
4.0
Strahd von Zarovich is one of the most iconic villains in the Dungeons and Dragons multiverse. Strahd occupies Barovia, a remote corner of Shadowfell that is more gothic horror than high fantasy. And look, Strahd isn’t some dumb comic book hero who wants to rule the universe of something. He’s got a pretty interesting backstory. That being said, he IS a vampire that does pretty typical vampire stuff.
Strahd, having just conquered Barovia and getting a sweet castle, finds himself less than content. The arrival of his younger brother, Sergei, leads to even more discontent on two fronts. One, Sergei is younger and more handsome than Strahd. The aging Strahd is envious of the years that lie ahead of Sergei. Next, Sergei introduces his lovely bride to be, Tatyana, to Strahd. Strahd immediately falls in love with her. Strahd makes a Faustian bargain for eternal life and the affection of Tatyana. As part of the bargain, Strahd murders his brother and, a distressed Tatyana leaps from the tall walls of Castle Ravenloft. Now a vampire, Strahd is also cursed to keep meeting a new incarnation of Tatyana and then watch her die.
I’m a little tired of fantasy novel Mary Sues, so following someone who is a total bastard is refreshing. At some point, Strahd faces off with one of his former companions who has become a holy man. I was 100% cheering for Strahd in that fight. However, when I compare the ‘evil arc’ of Strahd to some of my favorite fictional villains like Walter White or Selina Meyer, I find Strahd a little lacking. I get his motivations, but I don’t think the buildup is very convincing. The moment where he is maybe not going to kill his brother, I was like, “Okay, he is 100% going to do that with no regrets.” He then proceeds to kill him and then NEVER mention him the rest of the book. Strahd isn’t really that connected with the world before he becomes a vampire, so he doesn’t really lose that much when he elects to become a vampire.
Honestly, if I weren’t really interested in the Curse of Strahd Campaign this book is a 2.5-3 stars. It’s a pretty standard fare, page-turning fantasy book. However, I’m a huge DnD fan and I ate this stuff up.
Strahd, having just conquered Barovia and getting a sweet castle, finds himself less than content. The arrival of his younger brother, Sergei, leads to even more discontent on two fronts. One, Sergei is younger and more handsome than Strahd. The aging Strahd is envious of the years that lie ahead of Sergei. Next, Sergei introduces his lovely bride to be, Tatyana, to Strahd. Strahd immediately falls in love with her. Strahd makes a Faustian bargain for eternal life and the affection of Tatyana. As part of the bargain, Strahd murders his brother and, a distressed Tatyana leaps from the tall walls of Castle Ravenloft. Now a vampire, Strahd is also cursed to keep meeting a new incarnation of Tatyana and then watch her die.
I’m a little tired of fantasy novel Mary Sues, so following someone who is a total bastard is refreshing. At some point, Strahd faces off with one of his former companions who has become a holy man. I was 100% cheering for Strahd in that fight. However, when I compare the ‘evil arc’ of Strahd to some of my favorite fictional villains like Walter White or Selina Meyer, I find Strahd a little lacking. I get his motivations, but I don’t think the buildup is very convincing. The moment where he is maybe not going to kill his brother, I was like, “Okay, he is 100% going to do that with no regrets.” He then proceeds to kill him and then NEVER mention him the rest of the book. Strahd isn’t really that connected with the world before he becomes a vampire, so he doesn’t really lose that much when he elects to become a vampire.
Honestly, if I weren’t really interested in the Curse of Strahd Campaign this book is a 2.5-3 stars. It’s a pretty standard fare, page-turning fantasy book. However, I’m a huge DnD fan and I ate this stuff up.