Large Print Reviews - The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova

Large Print Reviews

The Historian
By Elizabeth Kostova
Read by Joanne Whalley, Martin Jarvis, Dennis Boutsikaris, Jim Ward, Rosalyn Landor, and Robin Atkin Downes

The Historian
By Elizabeth Kostova
Read by Joanne Whalley, Martin Jarvis, Dennis Boutsikaris, Jim Ward, Rosalyn Landor, and Robin Atkin Downes
Time Warner AudioBooks, (2005)
An Abridged Recording on 8 Cassettes or 10 CDs
ISBN: 1-59483-036-3 (Cassettes)
ISBN: 1-59483-037-1 (CDs)
Genre: Suspense

Reviewed by Angela Evans - July 5, 2005

The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova is an intricate story that takes the reader on a journey through the present, and back into the past when Vlad the Impaler terrorized those unfortunate enough to fall under his dominion. Opening in the early 1970's this story follows an unnamed, 16-year-old young woman, as she is drawn into a murky world where Vlad the Impaler still lives. A world in which countless generations have searched for the historical truth behind the story of Dracula, with disastrous results.

The young woman's journey starts when she uncovers an ancient book whose pages are mysteriously blank, except for the center two pages which bear a woodcut image of a dragon and the word Drakulya. Also, hidden within the pages are many letters, all addressed to "...My dear and unfortunate successor." As events unfold, our heroine appears to be the latest successor to the book, which, according to her father, Paul, has a propensity of co-opting its owners for its own, arcane purposes. Caught up by the story of the book, and the histories of two of its previous owners, Professor Bartholomew Rossi and Helen Rossi, the heroine embarks upon her own quest for the truth about Dracula, despite knowing that this unfinished quest has already ruined the lives of so many of her predecessors.

Mixing historical fact and historical figures with outright fantasy and the Dracula mythology, Kostova has written an admirable first novel. She weaves a labyrinthine story that chronicles not only the young woman's quest into the truth about Dracula, but also of the quests embarked upon by her predecessors. The story is told to the reader through the research being conducted by the heroine. We read as she reads, and we know what she discovers only as she uncovers each new tidbit of information. This technique allows the reader to become the investigative historian, and to put the pieces of the puzzle together along with the researcher. Interweaving these diverse stories and settings, Kostova manages to bring the story to a solid and satisfactory ending, while also providing an unexpected sense of tension and suspense.

The TimeWarner audio edition of The Historian is read by a diverse cast which helps to distinguish the various characters and the various time lines of the story. This is a long book, with a large cast of characters, and at times the story does flag somewhat, but don't let this but you off the book. As a whole, this is a well-crafted story that will hold your interest and send a few chills up your spine.

If you have any interest in the Mythos of Dracula, or if you have enjoyed any of the numerous books about Dracula, you will be fascinated by The Historian. Be forewarned, however, while Dracula does make an appearance, this is not so much a story about vampires as it is about one girl's quest to find evidence of their existence and to discover the fate of her latest predecessors, the Rossis. Therefore, if you are simply looking for a fine historical novel or suspenseful read, this book will also make ideal summer listening. Not only does it offer a unique take on the Dracula story, but it also serves as a bit of a travelogue, taking the reader on a journey throughout Western and Eastern Europe, while solving a complex mystery.

Related Reviews:

Emma Brown, by Clare Boylan.
An intriguing Victorian mystery that is based upon the first twenty pages of an unfinished manuscript that was written by Charlotte Bronte.
The Daughter of Time, By Josephine Tey.
In this compelling mystery, Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard finds himself trying to unravel the 500-year-old mystery of the Princes in the Tower, and who really killed them, if anyone.

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Large Print Reviews - Superman Lives! - Audio Book Review

Large Print Reviews

Superman Lives!

Superman Lives!
A Full-Cast Audio Drama on 3 CDs
Edited by Mike Carlin
Time Warner AudioBooks, (2005)
ISBN: 1-59483-073-8
Genre: Suspense - Thriller

Reviewed by Auggie Moore - June 27, 2005

Superman has taken to the airways, or at least to the nearest CD player, once again in Superman Lives!. A complex audio dramatization of the DC Comic Book story: The Death of Superman - and His Return! that comes complete with realistic sound effects and an original music score. This audio dramatization of Superman Lives! was also released by the BBC under the title The Adventures of Superman - Doomsday and Beyond.

This thrilling, edge-of-your-seat story opens with the funeral of Lex Luthor, Superman's long-time nemesis. The story also begins with Clark Kent engaged to Lois Lane - but being a super wimp - he's not yet confessed to her that he is, in reality, and alien from the planet of Krypton who flies about Metropolis in a pair of long-johns and a cape fighting for democracy and the American way! (He does fess up - eventually.) The love affair between Clark and Lois is an important plot element in this story.

This is a hard story to talk about without spoiling it for the listener. Let it suffice to say that Superman is not in for an easy time. For the first time in his career he faces a foe he might not be able to beat. This monster, called Doomsday, engages Superman in a battle to the death - to find out the outcome of the battle, you'll have to listen to the story (sorry), but I can say that, as the title suggests, Superman lives - eventually! This story also features the strange tale of Lex Luther the II, who has a full head of hair and speaks with an Australian accent, as well as the revealing truth about the members of The Justice League who have a prominent role in the story. This is also a story about May, a.k.a. Supergirl, and the role that she plays in both Superman and Luthor's lives. Superboy also makes an appearance, as does old favorites, such as Jimmy Olsen and Guy Gardner.

Superman Lives! is a fast-paced, high octane story that grabs your attention from the start and never lets go. A few of the actors that performed in this dramatization are Staurt Milligan as Superman, William Hootkins as Lex Luthor, Lorelei King as Lois Lane, and Liz Ross as Supergirl. This is a great action story that, if you are not already a fan of Superman, will turn you into one!

Related Reviews:

Superman Vs. Atom Man
In this series, Superman is pitted against Henry Miller, who was also know as Atom Man - the radioactive Nazi Spy with kryptonite flowing in his veins.
Batman - The Complete Knightfall Saga, edited by Dennis O'Neil and Scott Peterson
When Batman is crippled after an attack by the evil Bane, the avenging angel, Azrael takes up the mantle as Gotham's protector. In the process of protecting Gotham, Azrael seems unconcerned if he destroys the innocent along with the guilty. Can Batman regain his strength and his super-hero status before it is too late for Gotham?

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