- ISBN13: 9780778327653
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
A husband, a family, a comfortable life: Theodora Lestrange lives in terror of it all.With a modest inheritance and the three gowns that comprise her entire wardrobe, Theodora leaves Edinburgh—and a disappointed suitor—far behind. She is bound for Rumania, where tales of vampires are still whispered, to visit an old friend and write the book that will bring her true independence. She arrives at a magnificent, decaying castle in the Carpathians, replete with ecce… More >>
#1 by S. Varney on March 26, 2010 - 5:39 pm
A change of pace from the Lady Julia Grey series and not for the better.
Rating: 2 / 5
#2 by Barb Mechalke on March 26, 2010 - 6:36 pm
I was so focused on the fact that Deanna Raybourn had a new book coming out that I somehow failed to find out what the book was about until I was standing in the check out line at the bookstore. And even reading the back cover I still didn’t know what I was in for. Really there should be vampire warnings somewhere so that you know what you’re getting yourself into with books these days.
The back cover does say our heroine is bound for Rumania, where tales of vampires are still whispered… and the castle’s master is Count Andrei Dragulescu. I am the first one to tell you I like things spelled out for me…perhaps it’s because I am often completely obtuse. As it seems was the case with this book, I had no idea until I was a hundred or more pages into it that it was a vampire story. Once that major detail was discovered I found myself wanting to run back to the book store with my receipt in hand and ask for a refund. But I didn’t, I finished the book and on the whole, it was okay.
I’m a little sad that the wonderfully talented Ms. Raybourn has turned her hand to things vampirian, it seems somehow faddish to me. But those of you who loved Twilight will likely love this as well. This novel felt very much like a Romance novel and the murder mystery didn’t feel very well developed. The characters seemed rather stereotypical and the attraction between our heroine and the Count seemed based almost entirely on the physical.
Overall this novel pales in comparison to the characters and story lines the author created for her Lady Julia series. And yet I would not be at all surprised if this novel took off in popularity and had better sales than her first series. I say that only because of the popularity of romance novels and the current interest in all things vampire. Personally I will be happy to read the next Lady Julia book and count this as the first and last vampire book I’ll read.
Rating: 3 / 5
#3 by Natalie S on March 26, 2010 - 7:09 pm
Deanna Raybourn’s THE DEAD TRAVEL FAST is an enlightening tale of one woman’s quest to be independent. Theodora Lestrange wants to travel and write a book. These are high expectations indeed in 1858 Europe.
Theodora Lestrange is not the `normal’ woman of her day. She doesn’t want a husband or, heaven forbid, children. Considered a burden by her family, Theodora does not want to get married in order to have a house of her own. She wants the house but not the trouble that goes with being under a man’s thumb. Traveling to a dear friend’s home in Transylvania to attend a wedding, Theodora hopes to be able to write the novel of her dreams in order to win her financial and emotional independence.
When Theodora arrives at her friend’s home, all is not what she thought it would be. The castle is barely standing and its people are somewhat different than what Theodora expected. But it is her friend’s fear that gets Theodora’s attention. And then she meets the master of the castle, Count Andrei Dragulescu.
With the townspeople whispering about sinister plots and foul deeds, Theodora is swept into the imagery and majesty of the Romanian village in which the castle is located. Theodora is anything but superstitious, but she can’t help being intrigued and enchanted by Count Dragulescu and the unexplained happenings taking place. Knowing that Andrei is withholding information from her, Theodora strives to contain her attraction to this brooding and often authoritative man.
I found myself just as immersed in this story as Theodora. Never expecting more than a mediocre gothic romance, I was more than happy to experience the superlative plot of Deanna Raybourn’s THE DEAD TRAVEL FAST. With imagery, imagination, and over the top suspense and drama, I could hardly contain myself from rushing to the end of THE DEAD TRAVEL FAST just to see what would happen. My conscience prevailed and with a surprise ending, my enjoyment of this historical mystery came full circle. THE DEAD TRAVEL FAST was simply a delicate balance between pragmatism and the unexplained. I will definitely search out and read more from this talented author.
Natalie S.
Rating: 4 / 5
#4 by S. E. Fanning on March 26, 2010 - 8:22 pm
Just OK. Probably a good beach read or if you’ve been sick and don’t need want a deep read.
The murder part loses itself along the way. Bad editing.
My main objection is the romance with the wannabe vampire. Oh, come on!!!! She had a better deal with her publisher guy friend.
Rating: 2 / 5
#5 by Dewfactor on March 26, 2010 - 10:33 pm
My biggest beef with this book is that there is excessive “atmosphere” (you know, all that exposition about the castle, and the village, and the Devil’s Staircase, blah blah blah), at the expense of character development.
Having devoured the Lady Julia Grey novels, I was excited to leap into this one. I should have heeded the 3.5 star rating average, or read the reviews, before buying. Even though I’m open-minded, I’m not a fan of supernatural stuff, vampires, werewolves, and the like all not being part of my realm of interest, and this book doesn’t change that. Uneven characterizations, plodding plotting, too many cliches, and an overall air of oppression made it a hard read. Also, really, what’s with the cover?! Jeez!
Rating: 3 / 5