Dracul

By: Dacre Stoker, J.D. Barker

Narrated by: Pete Bradbury, Vikas Adam, Saskia Maarleveld, Raphael Corkhill, Alana Kerr Collins, Allan Corduner

The prequel to Dracula, inspired by notes and texts left behind by the author of the classic novel, Dracul is a supernatural thriller that reveals not only Dracula's true origins but Bram Stoker's - and the tale of the enigmatic woman who connects them.

It is 1868, and a 21-year-old Bram Stoker waits in a desolate tower to face an indescribable evil. Armed only with crucifixes, holy water, and a rifle, he prays to survive a single night, the longest of his life. Desperate to record what he has witnessed, Bram scribbles down the events that led him here....

A sickly child, Bram spent his early days bedridden in his parents' Dublin home, tended to by his caretaker, a young woman named Ellen Crone. When a string of strange deaths occur in a nearby town, Bram and his sister Matilda detect a pattern of bizarre behavior by Ellen - a mystery that deepens chillingly until Ellen vanishes suddenly from their lives. Years later, Matilda returns from studying in Paris to tell Bram the news that she has seen Ellen - and that the nightmare they've thought long ended is only beginning.

A riveting novel of Gothic suspense, Dracul reveals not only Dracula's true origin, but Bram Stoker's - and the tale of the enigmatic woman who connects them.

Read by a full cast:

• Pete Bradbury, Narrator
• Vikas Adam, as Bram Stoker
• Saskia Maarleveld, as Matilda Stoker
• Raphael Corkhill, as Thornley Stoker
• Alana Kerr Collins, as Ellen
• Allan Corduner, as Arminius Vambéry

©2018 Dacre Stoker and JD Barker (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Gothic Horror at its best!

There’s a lot of vampire crap out there but this book really feels like a true companion piece to the original Dracula with some truly terrifying moments. Loved it.

Fascinating read

I absolutely recommend this novel. The stories have been around obviously for centuries, but I have never heard a prequel like this ever before. It hooks you from the beginning and keeps you captivated and thirsty for much more, but never fear, it won't drain you. This novel is definitely something to sink your teeth into. You won't be disappointed.

A wonderful performance!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the performers rendering of it. Would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a classic horror story.

I loved this so much!

I'm a big fan of Bram Stoker's dracula and this origin story was amazing. Yes, at times it seems to move slow, but it is so worth it to hang on. the historical notes at the end are a fitting and extraordinary finale. The narration and voice acting were confusing at times, but overall very good.

Bloody good!

It’s been a long time since a novel captivated me from beginning to end. This story is everything you could ask for in a Dracula story. Gothic, brutal, and atmospheric. They absolutely nailed it! The narration is top notch as well. If you are a fan of Dracula or vampires in general, then you cannot go wrong with this story. Highly recommend.

Absolutely loved thus book!

The story line was great and epilogue did a great job of giving a brief history on Bram and his writings. I highly recommend this book if you are a fun of Dracula.

delightfully spooky

An omage to the original novel while still telling a unique story.
I feared it would be just another "untold story" of Dracula buy it is a small, personal story, woven into the life of the author and surrounded by Death.

Not my favorite

The book overall was good. There were some slow spots that almost lost me, but I am glad I pushed through them. While I may not listen to it again, I'll tell some of my other Audible friends about it because the good parts were great. The writing is not as good as Bram Stoker's Dracula, and as the epilogue hints at this being a "prequel." There is a vast chasm in writing style. Yes, I know the authors are different, but the writing should be as breathtaking if you're going to make such a claim. Get the book because it is a great story.

loved it

now I am curious to read the missing 121 pages of original manuscript.. started a bit slow but once it got going I didn't want to put it down!

Amazing back story

Definitely a slow start. I stuck with it though and about two hours in it finally hooked me. Very intriguing and the history was great.