Rhinehoth

By: Brian E. Niskala

Narrated by: John Pennington

Rhinehoth - Centuries ago, a great castle was built in the mountains of Germany's Black Forest. Its ancient guardians still thrive in its walls, forever protecting its dark secrets, holding captive an enemy that threatens their very existence. Foretold is a story of an ancient warrior that is to return to the castle to free the captive Vampire Prince.

Simon Roberts was a petty thief who fled England to escape Scotland Yard after a series of unsuccessful jewelry store heists. He was recruited to do a job in Germany where he was to simply drive the getaway car while providing a look out. He thought this was going to be an easy job and a way to break into the German crime scene. But things go terribly wrong, and he ended up being the only survivor of the botched heist. Simon is quickly sentenced to a prison called Rhinehoth. This is where Germany sent the worst of the worst, surely not a place for a petty thief such as himself.

Rhinehoth is a great German castle that was converted in the late 1930s to a Stalag for war criminals of World War II. The converted prison's modern day inhabitants are relentlessly tortured, starved, and sleep deprived. This contributes to the prisoners' delusional visions that help hide the truth and keeps Rhinehoth's secrets. Their captors are the army of Werewolves who have survived the centuries off the very flesh and blood of Germany's worst forgotten criminals.

Simon, imprisoned, becomes plagued with visions from his subconscious ancient past with confusion of his modern day consciousness. He discovers through his visions that he is the ancient warrior Guthrie, who has come to free the Vampire Prince and all the captives, while saving the world from a dark plan of biblical proportions that has been orchestrated over the centuries!

©2009 Brian E. Niskala (P)2016 Brian E. Niskala

Riveting Gothic Fantasy Epic

I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this audio book. The story revolves around Simon Roberts, an unfortunate Brit who finds himself in a German prison, Rhinehoth, for a botched robbery. I thought the story was going a certain way, but it surprised me and ended up being something completely different.

What I loved: The narration. I thought the main narrator's voice was perfect for a book in the gothic genre. I really liked that all of the characters had separate voices so it made the story easy to follow and you really got invested in the characters. The sound effects made you feel like you were actually in the story, living it. It was a nice touch. I liked that the story moved along quickly and that there was plenty of action.

What I didn't like so much: There were a few parts that felt rushed through (like all of a sudden Simon is a weapons expert after only a few days). Also, some things weren't explained (like how Simon survived a fall that should have been fatal...and no one questioned how he was standing there alive afterwards).

Even though I received this audio book at no charge in exchange for an honest review, I would have been more than happy to pay for it. If you like gothic stories, then you will love this book! There's vampires, werewolves, reincarnation, and lots of adventure! Highly recommend!

Brilliantly Produced Audiobook!

This is a very good book in its own right, but the audiobook production was stellar. A great example of how a really well read/produced audiobook can push what would otherwise be a good book to another level. The atmosphere is spooky and eerie throughout, it's a tale of vampires and werewolves and a creepy old castle. The vibe is brooding and the sound effects along with a full cast audio helps bring that sense of danger and dread to the forefront.

I would gladly listen to more such produced audiobooks.


*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review.

Great Effort

I think the story was thin it could have been flushed out a little better.Character development was weak. I think the idea for this book was beyond great. But it fell short. The performances were stellar.

Talk about being blown away!

My expectations were for a single narrator. This had several actors and actresses! Each voice fit perfect into their role, I mean wow! Seems like I am gushing, but I have never heard of a full cast in an audio production. I wish more authors would do this.

This was really Amazing

Any additional comments?

I like drama and action audiobooks, even though action is tough to pull off in an audio. Brian E. Niskala does a great job in not only story telling but also creating a Gothic horror drama that is filled with great voice over artists. I mean he has like a cast of like 20 people or more on this! It has sound cool sounds bytes in the back ground, making a treat for the ears. I found myself with headphones glued until the end! Great, great audiobook production!

A unique experience

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

What a great Gothic horror book which has both vampires and werewolves in it. I was afraid that there will be many clichés here, but the story is unique in this genre, and very well put together, with decently developed characters. All the narrators were awesome, this was a completely different experience for me than any of the previous horror audiobooks I've listened. I could totally see this audio book as a movie one day!

Spooky and Unique Story that kept me glued

If you could sum up Rhinehoth in three words, what would they be?

Unique Spooky Story

What about John Pennington’s performance did you like?

I loved the performance which included bonus effect sounds which made the listening experience much more exciting.

Any additional comments?

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom."

A very enthralling story!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Rhinehoth to be better than the print version?

obviously the audio version, since the audio version adds the element of curiosity, suspense and horror. the sound effects make it more and more thrilling. will recommend the audio edition more.

Have you listened to any of John Pennington’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

honestly speaking, no I haven't but I assume I should hear more of him. since his narration goes perfectly with horror.

Any additional comments?

the story was really really good. although it was a long story but there was not even a second in the story I was bored. I was compelled to the story from the very beginning. the story doesn't waste time on repetition, doubts, or long conversations about whether the characters should really be scared of the scary thing or not. instead, the story prefers the smooth way, combined with horror, anxiety and spookiness. moreover, John Pennington’s narration was firm and confident. I will definitely recommend to anyone who is the big fan of horror.

Beyond Amazing!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes definitely would, I didn't know what to expect when making this purchase but glad I did. I love action movies and this book made gave me a lot of visuals, felt like I was seeing it right there.

What other book might you compare Rhinehoth to and why?

I would definitely have to compare this too Extreme Prey by John Sandford because the intensity of the book and the cliff hangers leave you edge. This book was so dark and intense. It was very deep.

Which character – as performed by John Pennington – was your favorite?

Simon because I feel as if sometimes we all have our own demons we need to face. He reminds me of when we get to that dark place. As a military veteran we all feel that survivors remorse. The changes the character Simon went through through the book was amazing from his feelings for the nurse and being locked away. I don't want to give away too much but you should def read this!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was I didn't want to even get up to pause it, but had to for bathroom breaks.

Any additional comments?

Its a must listen it had me hooked!!! I would definitely be listening to this exquisite book again.

anyone who loves vampires and werewolves

Rhinehoth is a prison converted from a castle to house war criminals; now it houses everyone from petty criminals to murderers.  Located in Germany’s Black Forest there is no escape from this prison for anyone.  Kept in constant confusion from sleep deprivation, starvation and brutality of the guards, prisoners struggle with what is real and what is not.  This is how the castle keeps its secrets!

Simon, Mouse and Siegfried are imprisoned together.  Maxine, the adopted daughter of the warden has her secrets as well.  Together they try to rescue one another, learn the secrets of the castle and save the world.    They discover that the castle is the feeding ground for hybrid werewolves and a prison for the vampires which makes escape for humans impossible.

It is through his visions and Maxine that Simon learns he is an ancient warrior who can free the Vampire Prince and Maxine from their captivity and defeat the army of werewolves.  Simon makes an ultimate sacrifice in a last-ditch effort to save everyone – but is it enough?

Rhinehoth was a new take on the vampire/werewolf stories.  I liked how the castle played an integral part of the story bringing the ancient into the modern-day.  Brian Niskala did an excellent job of building the story, connecting the characters and using old myths and tales to bring his solidly written story.  Niskala is an excellent wordsmith using detailed imagery to allow the listener to see his story vividly. The dialog was smooth.  The viciousness of the guards was vivid; the story was engaging and captured the listener’s attention.   A long story but one that is well worth the listen – twists and action mixed with horror.

John Pennington did a great job of narrating – the accent and his flow of words were steady and engaging.  His rhythm was slow and well-paced; his voice was soothing and calm.  He did not become lost in the action – rather he controlled his voice projecting the essence of the book – horror!  I think Pennington was perfect for this book!

The production was fine; it was theatrical.  I, personally, do not enjoy theatrical readings with music and sound effects but this was well done.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves vampires and werewolves.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.

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