Anybody ever read this? He wrote it in the early 90s. It takes place shortly after the Romanian president Ceaucescu was killed, in late 1989. Well, that's when it begins, and most of the action is in about 1991. It's sort of a Dracula story, ultimately, although various other vampires are even more important to the plot, in many ways. At least, as far as the protagonists ever even understand the actual plot, which is to say, not much...

Anyway, it's pretty interesting. I am going to have to spend some time thinking it over, and thinking about what the author was shooting for in certain sections. I mostly like it. He makes Romania sound like such a nightmare at that time, especially the "orphanages" where unwanted babies and children were stashed. Google Romanian orphanages AIDS babies needles, not necessarily in that order, for more details about that.

There are a couple things I would like to talk about, if anyone here has read and enjoyed the book. For one thing, was Radu Fortuna supposed to be Vlad Tepes brother Radu, from the 1400s? I read some parts too quickly, I think I missed some important things. Also, did anyone else have any theories about why Father O'Rourke moved the plot forward so much, in the beginning? I think he was basically a good guy, but it was a bit mysterious. I'll have to see if there are sequels to the book, maybe Simmons went into more detail about that. Also, did you end up thinking Lucian was basically a good guy, or basically a bad guy, or basically just a survivor until he decided he had had enough? I can't decide.

Anyway... I didn't give any massive spoilers in what I just asked, so if you haven't read this, I do recommend it. If you have read it, I'd like to hear your thoughts!