Customer Reviews
Okay, but flawed - By: Tracy, 11 Nov 2003 
This book started well, setting the scene & developing the characters. However, Strahd's downfalll felt rushed & the narrative workmanlike thereafter. This might have been a deliberate attempt to show his state of mind, but I found it unengaging and, ultimately, disappointing.
Good, but not perfect - By: Hedgewitch King, 10 Aug 2003 
This book is the first of 2 that were printed & follow the life of Strahd von Zarovich, vampire & dark lord of Barovia in Ravenloft. PN Elrod does a grand job of the writing & presents Strahd's life well in this book. Since this book is told by The Devil Strahd himself, it cannot be taken as canon Ravenloft, but an excellent sourse for Barovian Propaganda in games. Even if yo udo not play Ravenloft, this book is an excellent piece on its own, but may leave some confusion, a tiny level of familiarity with Ravenloft will help the reader some ;)
The best dark fantasy I have ever read! - By: , 13 Mar 2002 
Honestly it's a bit difficult for me to write a review about this book, because I bet I won't find
anything bad about it. It's just perfect as it is!
The story is framed by an excellent prologue & epilogue, that creates a fantastic atmosphere for this haunting tale: Rudolph Van Richten, the old
vampire hunter sneaks into the castle of Strahd Von Zarovich, the Lord of Barovia & reads his diary, revealing the tragedy & fate of the mighty vampire. Strahd sacrified his life to acquire more & more power & honour, but forgot about the most important: love. He fallls in love with Tatyana, the beloved of his brother, but the girl doesn't love Him. The essence of dark fantasy enters the story at this point: Strahd offers the life of his brother to the Evil to get her love... The secret of the Ba'al Verzi assassin, the fate of Tatyana & revenge - some events of the excellent storyline, that are awaiting for the reader to reveal. An excellent book. I admit, that I have read it three times & I like it more & more. Thank You for reading my praises, I hope this review helped you a bit...
