Vlad is a historical fiction novel about Vlad Dracula, "the Impaler," the historical figure on whom Bram Stoker's Dracula is based. Set in the late 1400s, it chronicles Vlad's life- his childhood as a hostage in Turkey, his struggle to claim and hold his father's throne, and his cruelty to those who opposed him. Told from the vantage point of 3 people- his lover, his best friend, and his priest- it provides interesting insight into the real Vlad, and attempts to do so in a neutral way that allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions about the man.
The novel offers glimpses of excellence, but on the whole is an average work. Humphreys did his homework, that's for certain, and it's a good story- but it's not told tremendously well. The book's latter half is better than the first, but it still felt lacking. In the hands of a more polished storyteller, I'd highly recommend it. As it stands, pick this up only if you have either an intense interest in the real Dracula, or nothing better to do.
Rating: C+
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