The Dark Princess

Rating:
Summary: True to the spirit of the original Dracula
Review: April 17, 2004

The story begins with 15 year-old Cassandra; only daughter of Duke Eton is accompanied by her Irish-born maid named, Becca, who herself is but 10 years older. Together the trio journey's to Russia. Duke Eton having promised a virgin bride to his longtime friend Lord Davenport desires much more. Upon their arrival an agreement is struck and Duke Eton intent on having his way invades Cassandras bedchamber.

Cassandra struggles against both men when she is struck down unconscious. Simultaneously the door flies off its hinges! The shape of a man is visible in the darkness.

When Cassandra comes to, she soon discovers she is no longer at Lord Davenport's lavish estate, instead now resides within the walls of a castle called Dragon Bluff. To further amazement, she also learns that her savior and new benefactor is Prince Dimitri Donskey.

Time passes peacefully until the disappearance of a potential suitor, a horrifying event ensues, and a knife plunges into and fatally wounds Cassandra.

Given a choice between death and eternal life as one of the undead, Cassandra chooses the latter. Everlasting life and eternal youth, promised to her, a plot swirling of animal instincts combined with intellectual prose.

The tale becomes riveting as Cassandra confronts her father, the Duke after a number of years.

The Dark Princess is a strong, rich, and original piece of writing. The blend of the erotic and the horrific is true to the spirit of the original Dracula.

Vivid descriptions easily carry the reader, as I soon found myself traveling through another time dimension. It was a dimension of not only sight and sound, but of mind.

Someone please take the sign down, I do believe we found a new and improved Ann Rice! The author, Donna J. Schmidt has done a superb job of storytelling setup the radar, this is certainly one author to keep an eye on.

Reviewed by Betsie

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing
Review: I really loved this, it keeps the reader interested through the entire book and wanting more at the end. I look forward to a possible sequel.

Rating:
Summary: The Dark Princess by Donna J. Schmidt
Review: Rescued from an abusive life at the hands of her
father, Cassandra embarks on a tour of new adventures.
After nearly being raped by her father, and then
rescued by the mysteriously handsome Prince Dmitri,
Cassandra begins to learn about life all over again.
After three years, and on the eve of her 18th birthday
the young lady has found herself in love with the good
prince and him with her. The real adventures begin
after their wedding. Cassandra learning about her new
life, how to handle it and what it means in the grand
scheme of things as well as their need to assimilate
with normal day to day life. Suspicions come and go
regarding who and what Cassandra and Dmitri are, and
all are handled with great care and intimate detail.
Join Cassandra and Dmitri in this richly descriptive
novel about life, love and deception. I look forward
to seeing more from this author!

Reviewed by Debi Salanitro, for The Coffee Cramp Reviews


Rating:
Summary: The Dark Princess
Review: The Dark Princess is a spell binding tale that keeps the reader on their seat unable to put the book down. The characters are almost alive and the story draws one in. Donna Schmidt has created a story that is not only well written but demands a sequal. The book will leave the reader sated yet still hungry for more.

Rating:
Summary: The Dark Princess
Review: The Dark Princess is a spell binding tale that keeps the reader on their seat unable to put the book down. The characters are almost alive and the story draws one in. Donna Schmidt has created a story that is not only well written but demands a sequal. The book will leave the reader sated yet still hungry for more.

Rating:
Summary: A Thrilling Read
Review: The Duke of Eton was relieved to be getting rid of the fifteen year old girl that wasn't really his true daughter. He had promised his old friend Harry Davenport the honor of Cassandra's hand in marriage. Harry had left England and settled in Russia several years before. So the Duke and Cassandra would be traveling by ship from England to the City of Tver in Russia.

Once in the home of Harry Davenport the Duke makes plans for Cassandra that are evil to say the least. But before his plan of seduction can become a reality, Cassandra is rescued by a man named Prince Dmitri Donskoy.

Prince Donskoy is at times called the Dark Prince. He takes Cassandra into his home realizing she is the one woman he could spend eternity with, but first he must tell her his dark secret. Can Cassandra come to grips with the shocking truth of who and what Dmitri is? Will her own love for him be enough to help with the changes her life must take?

Donna J. Schmidt has woven a tale of passion, life and making choices that will change one life for all eternity. I highly recommend The Dark Princess as a must read. Fall in love with Cassandra and Dmitri as they fall in love and find true happiness. I can't wait to read more of this Schmidt's work.