Hidden Will of the Dragon -- A Recommendation

Hidden Will of the Dragon came across my desk as a job…it remained as a favorite. Author Charlie Courtland decisively weaves historical fact and fiction throughout, giving her readers an inside/behind the scenes look into the life of the infamous Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory. The story of Bathory, a descendant of Vlad Tepes…more commonly known as Vlad the Impaler and believed to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Romanian surname Drăculea meaning Dragon), is told in a most interesting way; by her life-long companion and confidant, Amara Borbala. Amara is fulfilling a promise to record the historical truth. The book moves between her writings and what would have been her actual life at the time of the writings. I enjoyed that effect; the slipping back and forth between the now and then.

Charlie Courtland creates an intense world without it being overwhelming. These women do some things that are not nice at all. Elizabeth is, in fact, tried for heinous crimes that it appears, according to the author and Amara’s recount, she did commit: torture, dark magic, the use of virgins’ blood to halt the aging process…there are many. And yet, there is a humanity to her and to all the characters (no one is without guilt). They are likable and I found myself wanting their lives to work out in better ways – as if what they had missed had played a part in who they became and I wanted them to have more, experience fulfillment.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely - without hesitation. It’s full, it’s rich, and it is well written. It’s also a sequel…though I know, from my experience, you don’t have to read the first one first to understand what is going on. You will, however, want to read the one that started it all once you do! That’s where I am now…with Dandelions In The Garden on the top of my reading pile. I am thankful to have had this world revealed to me within the pages written by such a talented author.

You may purchase the book at Amazon.com or on the author's blog or her Bitsy Bling's Reviews Blog (for a limited time - at a special price). Kindle is also available. For Amazon purchases, follow either of the links below or jump on over to either of her blogs (and while you're on the Bitsy Bling's Reviews Blog....make sure to check out the review on Andrew E. Kaufman's While The Savage Sleeps)

Paperback:


Kindle: