Kostova skillfully weaves together historical detail with fiction, and she proves that vampires don't have to sparkle to be cool and captivating. Our dear old chum Vlad the Impaler resurfaces in this remarkable story, which combines elements of Bram Stoker's Dracula with Dan Brown's the The Da Vinci Code. Kostova takes her readers on a thrilling journey through eastern Europe, in which the protagonist searches for answers in the disappearance of family and colleagues, and is eventually led to the lair of the legendary vampire himself. It is a great departure from the vampire teen fiction that is currently running rampant among bookstore shelves, and it most certainly puts Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series to shame! A must read for anyone who seeks to travel to some of the greatest European sights without having to actually take a flight to get there.Amanda S.
