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Dracula Lives
In Dracula Lives, Amazon bestselling author Robert Ryan once again takes us where no one should ever go.
The castle awaits. Enter freely and of your own free will.
The castle awaits. Enter freely and of your own free will.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2016
21 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Robert Ryan
2 books4 followersI was born and raised in the D.C. where tourists don't go--a land of soul food and Scrapple.
We lived directly behind the neighborhood movie theater, and my mother took me to everything from the time I was barely out of diapers. When I reached the ripe old age of about six, I couldn't wait for the Saturday creature features. Atomic mutants running amok, the monsters of Ray Harryhausen, Roger Corman's Poe films, and the unabashed frightfests of William Castle were among the early influences that warped my writer's muse into a breeding ground for--to borrow a line from the sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet--my "Monsters from the Id." In Castle's The Tingler, when Vincent Price told us all to scream because the Tingler was loose in the theater, you better believe I screamed. On the literary front I soon discovered Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft and Robert Bloch, among others, and followed the trail they blazed into the "ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir." It seems I have always been drawn to scary stories.
We lived directly behind the neighborhood movie theater, and my mother took me to everything from the time I was barely out of diapers. When I reached the ripe old age of about six, I couldn't wait for the Saturday creature features. Atomic mutants running amok, the monsters of Ray Harryhausen, Roger Corman's Poe films, and the unabashed frightfests of William Castle were among the early influences that warped my writer's muse into a breeding ground for--to borrow a line from the sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet--my "Monsters from the Id." In Castle's The Tingler, when Vincent Price told us all to scream because the Tingler was loose in the theater, you better believe I screamed. On the literary front I soon discovered Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft and Robert Bloch, among others, and followed the trail they blazed into the "ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir." It seems I have always been drawn to scary stories.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 13, 2017
Monster Rally.
We've all seen them...Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man, House of Dracula, House of Frankenstein, and the beloved Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein. Classic monsters cross paths leading to only one possible climax at the end.
Mr. Ryan brings us a Monster Rally for the modern age in Dracula Lives, keeping ever faithful to the original Universal classics of the 1930's and 1940's as his tale unfolds.
The main characters would be right at home on those old soundstages, and their personalities ring true as events unfold.
I don't want to spoil the story for those who haven't read it yet, so I'll simply reach out to kindred spirits...to those who grew up during the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, for whom George Reeves was Superman, and above all else, for those who sat in front of the family TV every week, basking in the glow as Lugosi, Karloff, Clive, Van Sloan, Frye, and so many others brought us amazing tales of monsters and the people who rallied against them to save the village. This tale is for us, as a bridge from those flickering black and white days of yesteryear to the 4K UHD flat screens that bring incredible images to us via a stream of ones and zeros.
This tale is for us, and Mr. Ryan brings us a great ride from then to now, with some extraordinary landmarks to enjoy along the way. If you're about to turn to the first page, allow me to quote Edward Van Sloan:
It is one of the strangest tales ever told. It deals with the two great mysteries of creation — life and death. I think it will thrill you. It may shock you. It might even — horrify you. So if any of you feel that you do not care to subject your nerves to such a strain, now's your chance to — uh, well, we warned you.
Don't forget your popcorn.
We've all seen them...Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man, House of Dracula, House of Frankenstein, and the beloved Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein. Classic monsters cross paths leading to only one possible climax at the end.
Mr. Ryan brings us a Monster Rally for the modern age in Dracula Lives, keeping ever faithful to the original Universal classics of the 1930's and 1940's as his tale unfolds.
The main characters would be right at home on those old soundstages, and their personalities ring true as events unfold.
I don't want to spoil the story for those who haven't read it yet, so I'll simply reach out to kindred spirits...to those who grew up during the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, for whom George Reeves was Superman, and above all else, for those who sat in front of the family TV every week, basking in the glow as Lugosi, Karloff, Clive, Van Sloan, Frye, and so many others brought us amazing tales of monsters and the people who rallied against them to save the village. This tale is for us, as a bridge from those flickering black and white days of yesteryear to the 4K UHD flat screens that bring incredible images to us via a stream of ones and zeros.
This tale is for us, and Mr. Ryan brings us a great ride from then to now, with some extraordinary landmarks to enjoy along the way. If you're about to turn to the first page, allow me to quote Edward Van Sloan:
It is one of the strangest tales ever told. It deals with the two great mysteries of creation — life and death. I think it will thrill you. It may shock you. It might even — horrify you. So if any of you feel that you do not care to subject your nerves to such a strain, now's your chance to — uh, well, we warned you.
Don't forget your popcorn.
July 21, 2016
Dracula Lives by Robert Ryan
Set in New England, there is a man who worked on the 1931 Dracula movie. Surprisingly he is still living and obsessed with Dracula. So Obsessed he built an exact replica of the original castle, and feels he can bring the Vampire back to life. He invites Adam Quin to his castle, which he agrees to , since he is a huge "old horror movies" fan. But Adam is not quite prepared for what is about to happen.
An original story with references to the original Dracula movies of the past. The concept of trying to bring a fictions character back to life is original, macabre and frightening. The story moves at an even pace, with great dialog and fantastic details, bringing you into this horror story. I highly recommend Dracula Lives to those who like vampires (namely Dracula) and horror stories. Fantastic!
Set in New England, there is a man who worked on the 1931 Dracula movie. Surprisingly he is still living and obsessed with Dracula. So Obsessed he built an exact replica of the original castle, and feels he can bring the Vampire back to life. He invites Adam Quin to his castle, which he agrees to , since he is a huge "old horror movies" fan. But Adam is not quite prepared for what is about to happen.
An original story with references to the original Dracula movies of the past. The concept of trying to bring a fictions character back to life is original, macabre and frightening. The story moves at an even pace, with great dialog and fantastic details, bringing you into this horror story. I highly recommend Dracula Lives to those who like vampires (namely Dracula) and horror stories. Fantastic!
October 28, 2016
Dracula Lives is set in New England.A Man who worked on the 1931 movie lives there . He is totally obsessed with Dracula he has built an exact copy of the original Castle and he lives in it. He believes he can bring Dracula back to life. He invites Adam Quin who is a huge old Horror Movies Fan to his Castle. But Adam isn't quite prepared for what will happen! If you love old time Horror Movies , like Frankenstein and the Wolf man i highly recommend you read Dracula lives by Robert Ryan
August 6, 2016
Dracula lives
If you enjoy horror novels you will love this book it will suck you in I like it .. Bye
If you enjoy horror novels you will love this book it will suck you in I like it .. Bye
September 2, 2016
Monster fans rejoice
This book was certainly entertaining. The whole gang was here. It is a breathless action packed story. Loved it! Read it in one seating. Let your imagination run wild - turn off the lights and live it. From Dracula's greatest fan.
.
This book was certainly entertaining. The whole gang was here. It is a breathless action packed story. Loved it! Read it in one seating. Let your imagination run wild - turn off the lights and live it. From Dracula's greatest fan.
.
September 1, 2016
Excellent retelling of a Classic Horror Storry
Excellent book for fans of the Classic Horror Stories. Great story with lots of exiting auction and the old time classic monsters.
Excellent book for fans of the Classic Horror Stories. Great story with lots of exiting auction and the old time classic monsters.
October 5, 2016
**We received a copy of this book through Juniper Grove Review Library in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 x 5 Stars
There are some horror elements, generally of the classic variety with this novel, but what I liked was the injection of technology and how some of the traditional horror movie monsters could adapt to our modern age.
With an almost Addams Family beginning, the story quickly begins to take shape around the obsession of classic horror movies. The Bela Lugosi Dracula or Lon Chaney's wolf man etc. Quinn is a 55 year old man who finds himself the guest of a method actor named Markov. For a living Quinn has worked with the police in the past as well as debunked myths. It's easy to see in the beginning that this may be something he cannot debunk.
The writing was good, with smooth descriptions, and a vast knowledge of old movies and their productions. I admit that at times this drug on a bit too long for me, and I began to lose interest, but I did glean one or two facts that were interesting. There were moments I began to wonder where the plot was. Sure, there was the visit, but then it quickly melted into the obsession over these old movies. It took a bit of time before it became clear that Markov's latest attempt at the perfect horror movie involved more than just Quinn's knowledge or acting skills. To get the perfect shots, Markov would have to strive for real terror. There was also a twist with the supernatural, and as I suggested above, it was a nice blend between the technology of today and the classic monsters of yesterday. It also made the idea of "Dracula Lives" a cool idea. Instead of just Vlad the Impaler popping back up from the grave, there was a unique idea that I think readers may enjoy.
The characters, though useful, weren't as interesting as I'd hoped. The only one that stood out, to me, was Markov as we watched his unhealthy obsession tear up his real life. Quinn and Johnny, both, seemed flat to me; though they served their purpose in bringing the epic movie, that Markov slaved over, to a conclusion.
CONCLUSION
Classic horror movie lovers will like this story. There was a great mixture of fantasy, history, movie facts and some action at the end, but I found it to be dry at a times. The characters weren't as interesting as I'd hoped, but the imagination that went into bringing back Dracula was well played out.
3.5 x 5 Stars
There are some horror elements, generally of the classic variety with this novel, but what I liked was the injection of technology and how some of the traditional horror movie monsters could adapt to our modern age.
With an almost Addams Family beginning, the story quickly begins to take shape around the obsession of classic horror movies. The Bela Lugosi Dracula or Lon Chaney's wolf man etc. Quinn is a 55 year old man who finds himself the guest of a method actor named Markov. For a living Quinn has worked with the police in the past as well as debunked myths. It's easy to see in the beginning that this may be something he cannot debunk.
The writing was good, with smooth descriptions, and a vast knowledge of old movies and their productions. I admit that at times this drug on a bit too long for me, and I began to lose interest, but I did glean one or two facts that were interesting. There were moments I began to wonder where the plot was. Sure, there was the visit, but then it quickly melted into the obsession over these old movies. It took a bit of time before it became clear that Markov's latest attempt at the perfect horror movie involved more than just Quinn's knowledge or acting skills. To get the perfect shots, Markov would have to strive for real terror. There was also a twist with the supernatural, and as I suggested above, it was a nice blend between the technology of today and the classic monsters of yesterday. It also made the idea of "Dracula Lives" a cool idea. Instead of just Vlad the Impaler popping back up from the grave, there was a unique idea that I think readers may enjoy.
The characters, though useful, weren't as interesting as I'd hoped. The only one that stood out, to me, was Markov as we watched his unhealthy obsession tear up his real life. Quinn and Johnny, both, seemed flat to me; though they served their purpose in bringing the epic movie, that Markov slaved over, to a conclusion.
CONCLUSION
Classic horror movie lovers will like this story. There was a great mixture of fantasy, history, movie facts and some action at the end, but I found it to be dry at a times. The characters weren't as interesting as I'd hoped, but the imagination that went into bringing back Dracula was well played out.
November 28, 2016
A must for classic horror fans
The author certainly knows his horror movies, especially those from Universal. My only complaint is the pacing. Nothing happens for a long time, then EVERYTHING happens. There's a character who's introduced 2/3 of the way through only to die without contributing much. There's a false ending that sets up a somewhat unsatisfying "real" ending. (I still want to know what happened to the movie audience.) I didn't hate the book, but I kept wishing the pacing was a bit faster.
The author certainly knows his horror movies, especially those from Universal. My only complaint is the pacing. Nothing happens for a long time, then EVERYTHING happens. There's a character who's introduced 2/3 of the way through only to die without contributing much. There's a false ending that sets up a somewhat unsatisfying "real" ending. (I still want to know what happened to the movie audience.) I didn't hate the book, but I kept wishing the pacing was a bit faster.
August 18, 2016
I was drawn to the title and no matter how I felt the story drug on I kept coming back to it.
It takes the great horror movies of the 30's mixes it with technology of today and presents a far off possibility that fans of those old horror movies should love.
It takes the great horror movies of the 30's mixes it with technology of today and presents a far off possibility that fans of those old horror movies should love.
November 29, 2016
The book dragged in spots, and maybe this is because I work in tech, but it seemed a bit too out there and unfeasible to me. It wasn't a bad book, but I don't know that I will re-read it.
May 16, 2019
Is it just me, or does the title of this book make you think that it's going to be kind of silly? Maybe something satirical, or at least slapstick. And the blurb doesn't do much to assuage those suspicions, because, with a plot like that, it could go either way.
To be clear, I'd have been happy if it WERE a comedy, but I was equally happy to discover that it was not. It's a deliciously dark journey through the mind and estate of an old man obsessed with all manner of horror (particularly the old Universal Studios horror movies, and even more particularly, the original Dracula movie, since he apparently worked on it back in the day).
To say this man is eccentric would be an understatement, and over the years he's amassed all manner of macabre memorabilia. Not being what one would call an aficionado myself, I didn't get all of the (many) references, but that didn't negatively affect my enjoyment... although I'm sure if you DO get those references, you'll enjoy it a whole lot more!
Is it scary? Well, not really. Sometimes. It has its moments, but it's not what I would call terrifying or anything. Mostly, it's just really, really creepy. Oh, and the ending definitely reminds me of one of those old classic horror movies. It's a proper denouement, but it leaves the door wide open for a sequel. Or not - you'd be quite happy if there was never another book written, too.
On the editing front, it's better than the majority of other books I've ever read (self-published or otherwise), but there were still a few minor typos and stuff that prevented me from giving this book five stars. There is one thing in particular that bugs me, though: I'm not too sure the author knows what a telegraph is. Or maybe I don't. Whatever, it's a very small, inconsequential part of the plot.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of classic horror!
Click here to find out where you can get your hands on a copy: https://books2read.com/u/4AQylK
To be clear, I'd have been happy if it WERE a comedy, but I was equally happy to discover that it was not. It's a deliciously dark journey through the mind and estate of an old man obsessed with all manner of horror (particularly the old Universal Studios horror movies, and even more particularly, the original Dracula movie, since he apparently worked on it back in the day).
To say this man is eccentric would be an understatement, and over the years he's amassed all manner of macabre memorabilia. Not being what one would call an aficionado myself, I didn't get all of the (many) references, but that didn't negatively affect my enjoyment... although I'm sure if you DO get those references, you'll enjoy it a whole lot more!
Is it scary? Well, not really. Sometimes. It has its moments, but it's not what I would call terrifying or anything. Mostly, it's just really, really creepy. Oh, and the ending definitely reminds me of one of those old classic horror movies. It's a proper denouement, but it leaves the door wide open for a sequel. Or not - you'd be quite happy if there was never another book written, too.
On the editing front, it's better than the majority of other books I've ever read (self-published or otherwise), but there were still a few minor typos and stuff that prevented me from giving this book five stars. There is one thing in particular that bugs me, though: I'm not too sure the author knows what a telegraph is. Or maybe I don't. Whatever, it's a very small, inconsequential part of the plot.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of classic horror!
Click here to find out where you can get your hands on a copy: https://books2read.com/u/4AQylK
April 23, 2019
I know I didn't give this a fair chance. Someone else said it took 60% of the book to start to get interesting, and I just couldn't care enough to suffer that long.
My main problem is that I saw the movie Shadow of the Vampire, which was weird and hysterical. I kept flashing on Willem Dafoe and thinking this was derivative and not an improvement. It simply made me want to see the movie again and dispense with this drawn out, improbable story.
I never don't finish books--well, with a couple exceptions--but here I've bailed on two in one weekend. Maybe I'm getting more discriminating in my old age because my OCD isn't enough to make me finish everything simply because I've started it.
And seriously, watch the movie. It'll make you say WTF all the way through it, but with a grin on your face, unlike this endless prologue to what I assume would eventually have led me to some actual action.
My main problem is that I saw the movie Shadow of the Vampire, which was weird and hysterical. I kept flashing on Willem Dafoe and thinking this was derivative and not an improvement. It simply made me want to see the movie again and dispense with this drawn out, improbable story.
I never don't finish books--well, with a couple exceptions--but here I've bailed on two in one weekend. Maybe I'm getting more discriminating in my old age because my OCD isn't enough to make me finish everything simply because I've started it.
And seriously, watch the movie. It'll make you say WTF all the way through it, but with a grin on your face, unlike this endless prologue to what I assume would eventually have led me to some actual action.
March 16, 2019
Classic cinematic creatures transcend the immortality of the silver screen and become a haunting reality in Robert Ryan's Dracula Lives.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Adam Quinn is a lifelong fan of horror films, with a fascination for Dracula and Universal Studios in particular. When he received an invitation to the remote abode of a man who worked on the 1931 Dracula film, he jumps at the opportunity to meet this man and see the replica of the film's castle. Upon arriving Quinn quickly learns of the obsession that haunts the shockingly youthful appearing man who greets him, impressed by the eerily spot-on impressions, or recreations, of cinematic legends that he's capable of, including the famous Dracula portrayed by Bela Legosi. Having agreed to help him complete his film on site, Quinn comes to realize that the monsters on the screen have a very real presence within these walls and they are capable of generating nightmarish, and deadly, consequences.
The idea of bringing these classic cinematic creatures into existence within the real world was intriguing and it was explored in logical manner while retaining the supernatural elements that keep these creatures perennially fascinating. The narrative draws heavily upon horror and monster film history, as well as general history surrounding Vlad the Impaler to weave its story together, which is entertaining for those familiar with the classic works and histories referenced to see how they are integrated into the story in a way that gives them new life. Though the story was entertaining as a whole, the pacing of the narrative was uneven, with much of the story dragging until the last brief bit that's filled to the brim with intense action scenes.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Adam Quinn is a lifelong fan of horror films, with a fascination for Dracula and Universal Studios in particular. When he received an invitation to the remote abode of a man who worked on the 1931 Dracula film, he jumps at the opportunity to meet this man and see the replica of the film's castle. Upon arriving Quinn quickly learns of the obsession that haunts the shockingly youthful appearing man who greets him, impressed by the eerily spot-on impressions, or recreations, of cinematic legends that he's capable of, including the famous Dracula portrayed by Bela Legosi. Having agreed to help him complete his film on site, Quinn comes to realize that the monsters on the screen have a very real presence within these walls and they are capable of generating nightmarish, and deadly, consequences.
The idea of bringing these classic cinematic creatures into existence within the real world was intriguing and it was explored in logical manner while retaining the supernatural elements that keep these creatures perennially fascinating. The narrative draws heavily upon horror and monster film history, as well as general history surrounding Vlad the Impaler to weave its story together, which is entertaining for those familiar with the classic works and histories referenced to see how they are integrated into the story in a way that gives them new life. Though the story was entertaining as a whole, the pacing of the narrative was uneven, with much of the story dragging until the last brief bit that's filled to the brim with intense action scenes.
October 30, 2017
Slow Going
The story was slow to start and didn't really get interesting enough to read every word until about 60% into it. After that it moved along very well, I like monsters, vampires, in particular.
I don't think I want to read a similar book though. It was fantastical. If you read it, I hope you like it. Happy Reading.
The story was slow to start and didn't really get interesting enough to read every word until about 60% into it. After that it moved along very well, I like monsters, vampires, in particular.
I don't think I want to read a similar book though. It was fantastical. If you read it, I hope you like it. Happy Reading.
December 28, 2020
True Dracula story
Not a bad read a little drawn out would of liked more of an ending re the two characters of Quinn and Johnny kinda disappointed in sons quick demise as well
Not a bad read a little drawn out would of liked more of an ending re the two characters of Quinn and Johnny kinda disappointed in sons quick demise as well
November 19, 2016
I loved this book very much...Mr. Robert Ryan...I hope to find more books by you...i thank you for what you do for us readers :) I will be watching for you :)
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