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1st out of 7 books
—
25 voters
Dandelions in the Garden (Countess Elizabeth Bathory #1)
by
Charlie Courtland (Goodreads Author),
Robert Helle
Journey into the underworld of the Blood Countess. "Dandelions In The Garden," is a historical fiction novel based on one of the most infamous female mass murderers in history, the 16th century Hungarian countess, Elizabeth Bathory. The Blood Countess was a descendant of Vlad Tepes and is undeniably connected with the vampire legends of Transylvania.
2nd edition proofed by...more
2nd edition proofed by...more
Paperback, Second, revised, 426 pages
Published
December 7th 2009
by Amazon
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When I first started reading this novel, my first thought was, "This doesn't feel like the 1600s." And it didn't. The narrator, Amara has a very modern way of thinking and speaking, and I found myself wondering if they really had tabloids and chiming clocks that far back. Once the story went back to the late 1500s however, I became so engrossed in two little girls growing up together and experiencing their first loves, first kisses, first broken hearts, and first forrays into rebellion that I co...more
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After March 4, 2011 a new edition will be issued. The 2nd edition displays a new front and back cover, author's note, sneak peek at sequel and is proofed by Editor, Robert Helle.
An intriguing and fresh historical fiction novel chronicling the life of the infamous mass murderer known throughout history as the Blood Countess. The Countess Elizabeth Bathory is a descendant of Vlad Tepes, otherwise known as, the Impaler and most notable for being the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. However,...more
An intriguing and fresh historical fiction novel chronicling the life of the infamous mass murderer known throughout history as the Blood Countess. The Countess Elizabeth Bathory is a descendant of Vlad Tepes, otherwise known as, the Impaler and most notable for being the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. However,...more
9 likes · like · see review
Jul 11, 2011
Sarah (Workaday Reads)
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-in-2011
Amara Borbala was the lady-in-waiting companion to Countess Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess. They were together from the time they were young girls until after Elizabeth's trial. This is her account of what really transpired, as dictated in a manuscript intended for Elizabeth's grandson.
Reading these books, I realized neither is a stand alone story, or even books in a series. They are two halves of the same story: a single story split into two volumes. I can see why, the first is over 400...more
Reading these books, I realized neither is a stand alone story, or even books in a series. They are two halves of the same story: a single story split into two volumes. I can see why, the first is over 400...more
NO SPOILERS
Four stars, and I will explain why. I totally enjoyed byself while reading this book. Nevertheless, much felt like fantasy. I don't like fantasy - so why did I enjoy this book so much? Well, I did. I cannot explain it other than saying it moved me and the descriptions were vivid and the horror bits were truly horrid and I also frequently laughed out loud. I believe if there had been an author's note clearly explaining what was fact and what was fiction I may have given it 5 stars. I a...more
Four stars, and I will explain why. I totally enjoyed byself while reading this book. Nevertheless, much felt like fantasy. I don't like fantasy - so why did I enjoy this book so much? Well, I did. I cannot explain it other than saying it moved me and the descriptions were vivid and the horror bits were truly horrid and I also frequently laughed out loud. I believe if there had been an author's note clearly explaining what was fact and what was fiction I may have given it 5 stars. I a...more
3 likes · like · see review
I'm not always up for a historically based novel, as I tend to get lost amongst the massive amount of facts that make it feel more like a lesson than a story. But Charlie Courtland has gained another fan with her version of the Elizabeth Bathory tale, Dandelions in the Garden. Courtland told a side of the story I hadn't heard before, steering clear of the monstrous lore that has been spread for generations and gave the Blood Countess a soul, a very human and suffered soul. The Countess had loved...more
One of the reasons I love to read historical fiction is that I like to learn more about other cultures and countries while enjoying a good story! Now, before you think I believe every word of the fiction I read, let me assure you that I often finish the novel and read up on the history behind it - my way of gently broadening my historical horizons... (Worry not, Phillippa Gregory's musings on the world of Anne Boleyn did not appear in my Tudor History A-Level!) This book was no exception - I hav...more
First, I will say that I really enjoyed reading this book. I have read one or two other books about Elizabeth Bathory and her depravity and cruelty shocks and appalls me. The story is told from the perspective of Elisabeth's childhood friend who witnesses Elisabeth's increasingly deviant behavior. While Amara, the friend, does not exactly condone her cruelty neither does she condemn it but seems to rationalize it whenever she can. Because of her close bond with the countess, Amara seems in denia...more
I had a really difficult time deciding how to rate this book. I loved the idea behind this novel, and the story itself proved very interesting. However there were many editing errors that I found hard to overlook. As one reviewer previously noted, there were a lot of simple mistakes that should have been caught (such as a "finally" that should have been "final").
Also, the author had obvious issues with tense. I didn't mind that the narrator spoke in present tense during the "present day" scenes...more
Also, the author had obvious issues with tense. I didn't mind that the narrator spoke in present tense during the "present day" scenes...more
This was a free Kindle download from Amazon. The story is historical fiction taking place in 16th century Hungary. It is the life of Elizabeth Bathory, better known as the "blood Countess" and descendant of Vlad Tepes, The Impaler (of Transylvania vampire fame.)
The story is told through the eyes of Amara, her lady in waiting. It starts out in a restaurant where Amara is having tea and overhears two lady's gossiping about her former companion. The story then goes back to her early years when she...more
The story is told through the eyes of Amara, her lady in waiting. It starts out in a restaurant where Amara is having tea and overhears two lady's gossiping about her former companion. The story then goes back to her early years when she...more
I am a fan of Victorian type fiction especially stories from the woman's' point of view. Very well written I flew through the pages, eager to get to the next chapter. Read the entire book in one night, could not seem to put in down.
Then I had to read it again, more slowly, to absorb the story line and characters.
Sometimes a little too graphic for my taste, a bit too much sex, violence and gore. Often I disliked the characters for their 'Mean Streak' understanding circumstances and the time peri...more
Then I had to read it again, more slowly, to absorb the story line and characters.
Sometimes a little too graphic for my taste, a bit too much sex, violence and gore. Often I disliked the characters for their 'Mean Streak' understanding circumstances and the time peri...more
The blurb states this is a story about the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory, a descendant of Vlad the Impaler. Unfortunately, she does not earn the title Blood Countess in this story, and her kinship with Vlad doesn't make an appearance until the last 5% of the book.
This story is written from the POV of Lady Amara, Elizabeth's favorite lady in waiting and trusted companion. It is more a story of Amara being stuck between nobility and commonfolk in her position serving the Countess than about t...more
Interesting historical fiction set in Vienna 1600 time period. Characters Amara and Elizabeth defy authority to survive in a time when men ruled and women were chattels.
Story of love, desire, lust, cruelty, suspense, and intrigue. Some content for mature readers only.
Story told by Amara spanning her childhood to old age.
You will love and hate the characters.
From the first page to the last, you are caught up in the lives and sorrows of the women and men of this story.
A story the grips you int...more
Story of love, desire, lust, cruelty, suspense, and intrigue. Some content for mature readers only.
Story told by Amara spanning her childhood to old age.
You will love and hate the characters.
From the first page to the last, you are caught up in the lives and sorrows of the women and men of this story.
A story the grips you int...more
3 likes · like · see review
I read Bram Stoker's Dracula as a teenager while visiting an aunt and uncle who lived in an old cottage in a hamlet in the east of England, complete with thatched roof, crooked floors and creaky stairs. Probably an unwise choice of bedtime reading, I succeeded in scaring myself half witless, and came to suspect the wizened old man living next door was not all that he seemed.
I read the eBook version of Dandelions in the Garden by Charlie Courtland on my smartphone, which perhaps goes to show that...more
I read the eBook version of Dandelions in the Garden by Charlie Courtland on my smartphone, which perhaps goes to show that...more
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Charlie Courtland's writing is astounding in that she can take me into the storyline and make me care deeply for her characters. Every character is flawed in some way, just as every person is flawed in real life. Every character has their strengths as well as their downfalls, just as all humans do. Courtland knows this and she portrays these details well.
Dandelions in the Garden is about Amara's re-telling of the story of Countess Elizabeth who was said to have been evil to the core and had dran...more
Dandelions in the Garden is about Amara's re-telling of the story of Countess Elizabeth who was said to have been evil to the core and had dran...more
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Wonderful story. I read a lot of historical fictions and this is one of the best. I didn't know anything about the "Blood Countess" before starting this book. I feel I have a good understanding of her now and this book motivated me to do a little research into her story.
It's interesting to read the story through the eyes of Elizabeth's best friend, Amara, who is aware of Elizabeth's actions, but I don't think fully grasp what Elizabeth was doing until later. And even then reasoned that those act...more
It's interesting to read the story through the eyes of Elizabeth's best friend, Amara, who is aware of Elizabeth's actions, but I don't think fully grasp what Elizabeth was doing until later. And even then reasoned that those act...more
I did like this book enough to pickup book 2 as the store kept me captivated. The author does a wonderful job of bringing a scene alive. I'm not really horrified by anything in this book, I'd say just a bit disturbed I suppose. I guess too many years of horror books and movies, and what goes on in our real world has left me a bit jaded as to what really horrifies me.
The reason I gave it 3 stars was the glaring spelling and other errors throughout the book. They didn't put me off enough to stop r...more
The reason I gave it 3 stars was the glaring spelling and other errors throughout the book. They didn't put me off enough to stop r...more
Elizabeth Bathory, otherwise known in our history books as The Blood Countess, was, by most accounts, a savage killer who took pleasure in torturing her victims. Courland's book takes a look at the real Elizabeth's early life through the fictional eyes of young Amara, her closest friend and lady in waiting.
Dandelions in the Garden starts out with Amara as an old woman. She decides to write what we would consider a memoir or biography and her writing then becomes the story. I am not normally a f...more
Dandelions in the Garden starts out with Amara as an old woman. She decides to write what we would consider a memoir or biography and her writing then becomes the story. I am not normally a f...more
Wow. OK, so, this book opened up a dark door in history for me, one that I will most definitely return to out of sheer morbid curiosity. I think this is what the author was going for, and she accomplished it!
Countess Erszebet Bathory is the subject, though the narration of this book is done by a friend, Amara, who seems desperate to cling to old ideas about her sociopathic gal pal. The thing is, as much as this book piqued my interest about the Countess, I was far more invested in Amara. I like...more
Countess Erszebet Bathory is the subject, though the narration of this book is done by a friend, Amara, who seems desperate to cling to old ideas about her sociopathic gal pal. The thing is, as much as this book piqued my interest about the Countess, I was far more invested in Amara. I like...more
6 likes · like · see review
WOW! An exceptional story which I enjoyed immensely. The author excels at all the important elements of creative writing. The character development is excellent and I could picture each one in my mind easily. The plot is well constructed with many twists and turns that unlike most books I could not foresee. By the authors footnotes and my own love of history books, much research is injected into this story. Also the narrative is most interesting as the story is not related in the first person. I...more
Overall rating: 3.75
I will say right upfront that it's obvious Charlie Courtland has done her research. I looked up some items about which I had questions, and found that she was spot-on for the period in those matters.
There were some others, though, where it did not go so well in her telling of Elizabeth Bathory's story. The well-constructed epic novel about the notorious Blood Countess faltered in some tiny details (e.g., describing the use of envelopes during a time when letters were written...more
I will say right upfront that it's obvious Charlie Courtland has done her research. I looked up some items about which I had questions, and found that she was spot-on for the period in those matters.
There were some others, though, where it did not go so well in her telling of Elizabeth Bathory's story. The well-constructed epic novel about the notorious Blood Countess faltered in some tiny details (e.g., describing the use of envelopes during a time when letters were written...more
Books are a subjective business, and it doesn't mean a book is bad or good because it isn't someone's cup of tea. Although the idea of "Dandelions in the Garden" was intriguing to me when I first heard of it, but it really wasn't my cup of tea once I got beyond chapter 1. I felt a little disappointed because I couldn’t connect with the characters, even though they were well articulated with well-defined personalities, but I often had trouble believing in them. It’s just me, I guess. With that sa...more
Story of Countess Elizabeth Bathony as told by her long time friend Amara.
Historical fiction set in 1600 Vienna.
I gave this book 5 stars.
Well written, keeps you in suspense. Very descriptive, never boring, easy to immerse yourself into the characters lives and the time period they lived.
I recommend for the Mature Adult reader.
Can not wait to read the next book in this series 'The Hidden Will of the Dragon !'
Historical fiction set in 1600 Vienna.
I gave this book 5 stars.
Well written, keeps you in suspense. Very descriptive, never boring, easy to immerse yourself into the characters lives and the time period they lived.
I recommend for the Mature Adult reader.
Can not wait to read the next book in this series 'The Hidden Will of the Dragon !'
WOW! Give this a book a chance! The first little bit dragged a long a little, but once I got into the meat of the story I couldn't put it down! While I new this was historical fiction, never once did the author deviate from the storytelling. I am so glad I found this book. I don't want to give anything away but this book ties in superstition, blood lore, vampire lore, and history in a well written, well thought out story.
I have heard of the Blood Countess, but I know very little about her. So, I had no expectations when I started this book. I ended up riveted by the book. I could not put it down. Obviously, we do not know details about the Elizabeth's life, but I think the author wrote a plausible and interesting story. Yes, there are quite a bit of typo's and tense problems. However, the story was so good, that it didn't bother me. I immediately started reading the second book.
This could have been a 3 star book for me if it had been edited. Tense changes within paragraphs, wrong words, very irritating to read. It is also too close to a "bodice ripper" for my taste. I got it free in Kindel edition so it was, at least, worth the money. I will not be reading the sequel.
Mar 15, 2010
Doris Devarowing
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
mature adult readers
Shelves:
must-read
Exciting New Author. Well written. I love historical fiction. Favorite part having female characters as the main focus. Strong willed, gutsy with a touch of evil. This book not for the faint of heart. Gripping tale for the mature readers.
I had a difficult time rating this book, since I typically do not read mature adult books. The book was well written by Charlie Courtland. I am anxious to read book two and the continuing saga of Amara Borbala.
Great book. Fabulous new author. Filled with love, lust, humor, intrigue and much much more.
a Five Star book. This exciting new Author will become I predict a household name. Enjoyed every page....
a Five Star book. This exciting new Author will become I predict a household name. Enjoyed every page....
The Historical genre has never been one that I have been fond of, but Charlie Courtland makes me LOVE it!!
Every thing about this book was absolutely wonderful! Full review to be posted on literaryescapism in the near future!
Every thing about this book was absolutely wonderful! Full review to be posted on literaryescapism in the near future!
I'm so excited to read this!!! I just won this in a "First-Reads" auction, and can't wait to get my copy in the mail.
UPDATE: 4.5 stars. I loved this book! And I am so happy I now have an autographed copy.
I really enjoyed the character of Amara, and seeing Elizabeth through her eyes. Elizabeth's descent into madness was so subtle, as she slowly started to get more evil as the years passed.
The only bad thing? The cliffhanger! Now I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel.
UPDATE: 4.5 stars. I loved this book! And I am so happy I now have an autographed copy.
I really enjoyed the character of Amara, and seeing Elizabeth through her eyes. Elizabeth's descent into madness was so subtle, as she slowly started to get more evil as the years passed.
The only bad thing? The cliffhanger! Now I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel.
3 likes · like · see review
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I graduated with honors from the University of Washington with a B.A. in English Literature with an emphasis on Creative Writing and a minor in Criminology, but apparently I can't spell or edit. I know, it's a mystery! However, I'm terribly gifted when it comes to critiquing works of fiction, writing reviews, promoting and making other writers famous. It's a gift really...just don't ask me to proo...more
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“I've found when a person does not have the luxury to weigh morality one does not ponder, but does what must be done.”
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