The Dead Travel Fast

I have been so anxious to read this book, it isn't even funny. The second I first caught wind of it, I started a mental countdown. So, imagine my surprise when I walked into my new local library for the first time, and BAM! There it was. (You must understand that I'm really not used to the libraries having books that I enjoy reading. Most have a very slim selection around here!)

I immensely enjoyed Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia books. They are very dear to my heart. So it was with great joy that I picked up 'The Dead Travel Fast' and it was with some trembling (with excitement, of course) that I opened the cover for the first time.

Theodora Lestrange is in quite the predicament. Her grandfather, and sole guardian, has passed away, leaving her to live with her sister and her brother-in-law, along with their 4 children. Her brother-in-law, who means well, but is, to put it mildly, dull, is desperately trying to come up with something to do with Theodora. Who, thankfully, has a plan.

Her schoolgirl friend, Cosmina has invited her to visit. Transylvania. To celebrate her upcoming wedding. To the Count Dragulescu. (Does not the whole thing sound delightful?!?)
She understandably grasps at the chance and, though her family is skeptical, Theodora insists. A budding novelist, she is certain that, along with providing an escape from her well-meaning family, it will also provide boundless inspiration for her novel.

As soon as she arrives, she is immediately drawn-against her better judgement- to the Count. While there, in the Castle Dragulescu, she witnesses things that at once seem so real, and yet, cannot possibly be. The things out of horror stories. Things her dear friend had whispered at night to her as children. Supernatural things that cannot possible be happening.

This, my friends, is the stuff good novels are made of! It had a little suspense, a little romance, a little bit of everything. It kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something new cropped up and had me re-evaluating everything. Which I liked! I'll admit that I fell a little in love with Andrei, and I absolutely ADORE how this book ended. And now, I simply cannot wait for Ms Raybourn's next novel, which (huzzah!) happens to be a Julia Gray.

I also want to share this beautiful picture I found that totally captures the essence of this book. I heart it!

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Isn't it great? Perfect.

So far: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Well...I am currently reading this book. Sadly, bouts of migraines and general achy-ness have prevented me from finishing it yet. But, do not fear! The end is near! :)

I'm really enjoying this book! Its part history, part fantasy (very little) and supposedly part romance, although I have yet to read anything of that nature. It's thrilling. It's about Dracula!

The narrator is an unnamed 16 year old girl who lives with her father, and discovers an old book with only a dragon in it. And, so, her father, with a heavy heart, begins to tell her a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat...or bed, or couch, whatever your preferred reading place is.

I will admit that I am getting a little impatient with it, but only because I am unable to sit and just read like I used to be able to...I'm ready to find out more, to see where they go, how her father tells the story, what happens next...only I have to wait and read a chapter at a time. Sometimes two.

But, anyway, its quiet on the home front, so I'll to my book.

To be continued...