Moon Rising

Rating:
Summary: Don't be fooled....
Review: ...into thinking that Bram Stoker is the main character of this book. Even though his name is mentioned on nearly every page and his influence is seen throughout, Bram Stoker is merely the hook used to reel you in.

In Moon Rising, Roberts details (almost painfully, at times) the life of Damaris Stearne. Her thorough description of places and people made this book longer than need be. But Roberts enabled me to really understand her characters, which is why I gave 3 stars instead of 2.

The story, while entertaining, is highly improbable. Since I don't want to give too much away, I'll just say this: the adventures of Damaris are enough for three lifetimes and she is probably the luckiest person this earth has known. So, if you are to read Moon Rising, put away your expectations of historical ficton (which, for me, is to actually *learn* something), turn off your brain and just enjoy the ride.

Rating:
Summary: Don't be fooled....
Review: ...into thinking that Bram Stoker is the main character of this book. Even though his name is mentioned on nearly every page and his influence is seen throughout, Bram Stoker is merely the hook used to reel you in.

In Moon Rising, Roberts details (almost painfully, at times) the life of Damaris Stearne. Her thorough description of places and people made this book longer than need be. But Roberts enabled me to really understand her characters, which is why I gave 3 stars instead of 2.

The story, while entertaining, is highly improbable. Since I don't want to give too much away, I'll just say this: the adventures of Damaris are enough for three lifetimes and she is probably the luckiest person this earth has known. So, if you are to read Moon Rising, put away your expectations of historical ficton (which, for me, is to actually *learn* something), turn off your brain and just enjoy the ride.

Rating:
Summary: Addictive!...
Review: ...is how I'd describe Roberts' book, Moon Rising. The characters, setting and romance are so vividly described, that I couldn't help but be sucked in, transformed back to the time of Victorian England and the coastal town setting of Whitby. The first person narrative works quite well, in a Rebecca, Jane Eyre kind of way. This is not a light read; the book is dark, passionate, intense, gripping...sometimes shocking. Indeed, not for the faint of heart. The intensity of the relationships described, especially between that of Bram Stoker and Demaris, actually left my heart pounding. I applaud Roberts for her thorough research of Whitby and Stoker. Especially, I appreciate her courage to write about the mysterious Stoker, and, through Moon Rising, attempt to provide an explanation for Stoker's character, reasons behind Dracula and his whereabouts during a certain time in his life--it was fun pondering the possibilities!