Dracula’s Child

Barnes (Cannonbridge) styles a fitting tribute to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, matching the original’s tone and epistolary form with this choice sequel set slightly over a decade after the original’s conclusion. The Crew of Light reunites for the birthday of Jonathan and Mina Harker’s school-aged son, Quincey. At their gathering, Professor Van Helsing falls critically ill after intoning a warning to “Beware... Strigoi... the White Tower... and the one-eyed man” and advising Quincey to fight for his soul. Each of the original cast members take their own paths to the realization that Van Helsing’s warning portends Dracula’s vengeful return. Meanwhile, a pair of travelers on a tour of the continent follows a mysterious guide named Ileana to Castle Dracula. Journal entries from Jonathan, Mina, and Dr. Seward alternate with the writings of the travelers as they’re pulled into Dracula’s service. Quincey, the eye of the storm, remains opaque until nearly the end, when he gets his own chance at narration, heightening the sense of mystery. Though fastidious fans of the original will notice moments when Barnes’s modern sensibilities shine through, the action and intrigue delight. This adventurous and dread-inducing tale will have readers hooked. (May)