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An interesting take on the tale
If you take for granted that the makers of this short series have taken some liberties with the classic tale, then you will enjoy this adaptation all the more. My wife, who hasn't read the book and barely remembers the Gary Oldman film, really enjoyed this series. I, who have read and loved the book and a few prequel/sequel attempts, enjoyed it a little less. However, for what it is, it's a very clever and witty interpretation of the story.
The three episodes are largely standalone and in a different setting. The first episode we are in familiar territory with Jonathan Harker in Castle Dracula. Here the makers explored Harker's passive imprisonment and gradual blood-draining far more than in other adaptations, giving the viewer a real confused, frustrated and claustrophobic feeling. The second episode takes place on the Count's journey to the UK. Again previous adaptations have skipped over this, and the crew's gradual diminution, which was a bigger factor of the book. This is when Dracula's psychological twisting and sick sense of humour start to feature more heavily, with some good head-scratching twists.
The third episode covers Dracula's time in the UK, but not as you've ever seen before. I thought this part was brilliant, but won't give any spoilers. The main features of this part of the original story are retained (Dracula's mutual obsession with Lucy Westenra), but Dracula is now revealed like never before, with some of his weaknesses explored and exposed for what they are.
Like I say, if you can accept the liberties taken, this is a great adaptation with a really sassy Dracula.
The three episodes are largely standalone and in a different setting. The first episode we are in familiar territory with Jonathan Harker in Castle Dracula. Here the makers explored Harker's passive imprisonment and gradual blood-draining far more than in other adaptations, giving the viewer a real confused, frustrated and claustrophobic feeling. The second episode takes place on the Count's journey to the UK. Again previous adaptations have skipped over this, and the crew's gradual diminution, which was a bigger factor of the book. This is when Dracula's psychological twisting and sick sense of humour start to feature more heavily, with some good head-scratching twists.
The third episode covers Dracula's time in the UK, but not as you've ever seen before. I thought this part was brilliant, but won't give any spoilers. The main features of this part of the original story are retained (Dracula's mutual obsession with Lucy Westenra), but Dracula is now revealed like never before, with some of his weaknesses explored and exposed for what they are.
Like I say, if you can accept the liberties taken, this is a great adaptation with a really sassy Dracula.
Merissa (14190 KP) rated Last Thrall of Asgard (Lovers of the Gods #2) in Books
Aug 15, 2025
LAST THRALL OF ASGARD is the second book in the Lovers of the Gods series, but the first one I have read. This is a complete standalone, so you don't need to have read the first one to enjoy this one.
Oli is a thrall, used for 'pleasure' by his owner. He finds out he is being sold to a neighbour, which his master doesn't have a problem with. It is after Oli finds this out that he curses the old gods while cleaning an altar. Maybe not the best idea. Anyway, Loki comes along, whisks him away, and tells him he can earn his freedom by doing what he does best for other gods. What follows is a fun frolic through the realms of Yggdrasil, with each chapter being a different god and different troubles and kinks!
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story as Oli learnt about himself at the same time as helping others. It wasn't just s3x though. The moments between Oli and Loki were perfect, with their back-and-forth flirting and anger, putting their foot in it, and general chaos and mayhem. Saying all that, the epilogue was all the warm fuzzies you could wish for.
A great story that I definitely recommend, and I hope to return to the series soon. I already know I love this author's writing. This book just confirms it once again.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 15, 2025
Oli is a thrall, used for 'pleasure' by his owner. He finds out he is being sold to a neighbour, which his master doesn't have a problem with. It is after Oli finds this out that he curses the old gods while cleaning an altar. Maybe not the best idea. Anyway, Loki comes along, whisks him away, and tells him he can earn his freedom by doing what he does best for other gods. What follows is a fun frolic through the realms of Yggdrasil, with each chapter being a different god and different troubles and kinks!
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story as Oli learnt about himself at the same time as helping others. It wasn't just s3x though. The moments between Oli and Loki were perfect, with their back-and-forth flirting and anger, putting their foot in it, and general chaos and mayhem. Saying all that, the epilogue was all the warm fuzzies you could wish for.
A great story that I definitely recommend, and I hope to return to the series soon. I already know I love this author's writing. This book just confirms it once again.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 15, 2025
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Lady Mechanika Vol. 1: The Mystery of the Mechanical Corpse in Books
Nov 30, 2020
The steampunk genre has been, more or less, beaten into the ground. The market was flooded. From anthologies to original prose novels, there was a little sumpin' for everyone. Why, there was even a sub-genre to it that was steampunk romance! Wowz!
That said, I really didn't jump on that ride. I liked steampunk well enough, but like anything (yes, even McDonald's!), too much of a good thing is the opposite of good. Hell, even cosplay had embraced, making everything and then some incorporated with steampunk aspects!
However, when LADY MECHANIKA Vol 1 came up as $1.99 on the recent "Indie Sci-Fi" sale on Comixology, I thought I'd give a go. Yeah, there was steampunk, but there was some other things going on, and the art sure was purdy!
At first, I was worried that it would be a book not unlike many of the titles from Aspen Comics: lead females with waists that'd make supermodels jealous, meh stories, and even more meh characters. Fortunately, that was not the case with Joe Benitez's LADY MECHANIKA!
This first volume is comprised of the first 6-issue mini-series. It allows for some backstory, but just enough to keep you interested and coming back for more. It also introduces the two main protagonists: "Lady Mechanika" (not her real name, but a name bestowed upon her by the press) and Mr. Lewis, Lady M's "unofficial" ally and sidekick-of-sorts.
The story is fun, embracing all the aspects of steampunk. There is action and suspense, as well as an air of mystery. It is a series that is easy to get caught up in! So much so, that I went on and bought the other two volumes that were on sale, plus subscribed to the series!
Give it a go! If you have never read anything steampunk, this would be a great entry. And, if you already love the genre, well, then this will be a special treat! Enjoy!
That said, I really didn't jump on that ride. I liked steampunk well enough, but like anything (yes, even McDonald's!), too much of a good thing is the opposite of good. Hell, even cosplay had embraced, making everything and then some incorporated with steampunk aspects!
However, when LADY MECHANIKA Vol 1 came up as $1.99 on the recent "Indie Sci-Fi" sale on Comixology, I thought I'd give a go. Yeah, there was steampunk, but there was some other things going on, and the art sure was purdy!
At first, I was worried that it would be a book not unlike many of the titles from Aspen Comics: lead females with waists that'd make supermodels jealous, meh stories, and even more meh characters. Fortunately, that was not the case with Joe Benitez's LADY MECHANIKA!
This first volume is comprised of the first 6-issue mini-series. It allows for some backstory, but just enough to keep you interested and coming back for more. It also introduces the two main protagonists: "Lady Mechanika" (not her real name, but a name bestowed upon her by the press) and Mr. Lewis, Lady M's "unofficial" ally and sidekick-of-sorts.
The story is fun, embracing all the aspects of steampunk. There is action and suspense, as well as an air of mystery. It is a series that is easy to get caught up in! So much so, that I went on and bought the other two volumes that were on sale, plus subscribed to the series!
Give it a go! If you have never read anything steampunk, this would be a great entry. And, if you already love the genre, well, then this will be a special treat! Enjoy!
Merissa (14190 KP) rated Worth the Risk (Worth It #3) in Books
Dec 29, 2025
WORTH THE RISK is the last book in the Worth It series, rounding off the overall story about Radley.
It's time for Jude to take the spotlight, something he's become familiar with after staying with Alfie in the last book. And for him, the only one who would match him is Warren. He is an undercover officer, on his last chance, after he was reprimanded for going off-script. The only trouble is, with Jude, it doesn't feel like a script, but all too real.
I liked Jude in the other stories, and really wanted his. What I didn't expect was for it to be as good, or as heart-wrenching, as it was. And the thing that I absolutely loved was although things happened that shook the ground underneath him, he was prepared to listen to explanations, rather than just run away with misconceptions or miscommunications.
Warren was perfect for him. A big squishy marshmallow who knows how to protect. While I found it funny to read how he disregarded all protocol, I'm sure he would be a nightmare to work with!!! Still, he was perfect for Jude and the story. I'm so glad I got to read their story.
The overall arc also gets sorted, with a couple of twists here and there that I did not see coming! I loved how it not only gave me a very satisfying ending to the series, but also caught me up to date with the couples and their families that I have met while reading the stories.
This was an outstanding series, and I really hope it's not the end of Worthbridge! The best of a really good bunch, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 29, 2025
It's time for Jude to take the spotlight, something he's become familiar with after staying with Alfie in the last book. And for him, the only one who would match him is Warren. He is an undercover officer, on his last chance, after he was reprimanded for going off-script. The only trouble is, with Jude, it doesn't feel like a script, but all too real.
I liked Jude in the other stories, and really wanted his. What I didn't expect was for it to be as good, or as heart-wrenching, as it was. And the thing that I absolutely loved was although things happened that shook the ground underneath him, he was prepared to listen to explanations, rather than just run away with misconceptions or miscommunications.
Warren was perfect for him. A big squishy marshmallow who knows how to protect. While I found it funny to read how he disregarded all protocol, I'm sure he would be a nightmare to work with!!! Still, he was perfect for Jude and the story. I'm so glad I got to read their story.
The overall arc also gets sorted, with a couple of twists here and there that I did not see coming! I loved how it not only gave me a very satisfying ending to the series, but also caught me up to date with the couples and their families that I have met while reading the stories.
This was an outstanding series, and I really hope it's not the end of Worthbridge! The best of a really good bunch, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 29, 2025
Orphan X
This is a crazy fast paced thriller! The story grabbed me from the very start and I could not put the book down!
Evan Smoak is taken out of a bad life in Baltimore at the young age of 12 and he is taken to DC where he is trained in a secret Government program to be an assassin. He is mentored by a man named Jack, who becomes a father figure to him. When this program is disbanded, Evan moves to California where he chooses to use these skills and the financial resources he is given to do good. Evan follows a series of commandments that he has learned from Jack to do these missions to help people who have no one else to turn to.
This novel will keep you guessing and make your heart pound! It twists and turns and WOW is it great!
Very Highly Recommended for thriller/spy/action lovers!
Evan Smoak is taken out of a bad life in Baltimore at the young age of 12 and he is taken to DC where he is trained in a secret Government program to be an assassin. He is mentored by a man named Jack, who becomes a father figure to him. When this program is disbanded, Evan moves to California where he chooses to use these skills and the financial resources he is given to do good. Evan follows a series of commandments that he has learned from Jack to do these missions to help people who have no one else to turn to.
This novel will keep you guessing and make your heart pound! It twists and turns and WOW is it great!
Very Highly Recommended for thriller/spy/action lovers!
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated Renato Jones: The One%, Season 1 in Books
Aug 2, 2017
Renato Jones was born into privilege, died because of that privilege, was reborn again through that privilege, and now he spends his time between being one of the ONES, the top 1% wealthiest people in the world, and the Freelancer, making sure that the ONES still know their place in the world. Making definite nods to Frank Miller (I'm not familiar with Andrews work, so I don't know if his artistic and writing styles are usually this influenced by Miller, but it is quite clear in this book), this first volume of Renato Jones is a hyper-stylized, hyper-violent, hyper-sensational free for all that seems eerily prescient of today's political atmosphere. The book is cleverly constructed, with fake ads throughout that mock the ridiculous over the top nature of the super rich in the book. Personally, I'm thoroughly intrigued to see where Andrews is going to take this series so will be following along for sure.
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated When I Fall (Mile High Romance #5) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
I did love this story.. It is book 5 in this series and it can be read as a standalone as well. I am a little sad that the other characters didn't come into play in this story as much as they did in the first 4 stories. This one got a little bit more confusing for me.. it had a bit of tech type stuff in it and I don't know the first thing about that but overall it was very well written and interesting. I loved the issues that Jeff had with himself and who he was.. but he was very out and proud.. Drake didnt seem to have those issues but had his own set of issues including not being out. I loved how it came out that he is gay because that was totally sweet. It was a very interesting story and I cannot wait to see what book 6 is about.
RebelFleur (1 KP) rated Lust, Lies and Lemon Cakes Too in Books
Jan 30, 2018
I'll be completely honest with you, I didn't have high hopes for this book due to having read the first one in the series. However, it turned out to be a welcome surprise. Not only was the sequel better written than the first but I feel that it was also funnier and easier to read. Adding to this, I was actually dissapointed to find I had come to the end of the book as I was looking forward to learning more about the protagonists funny life.
The books light-hearted nature was definitely helped by the fact that a lot of the humour is revolved about the male protagonist going 'viral' on the internet. I feel this helps the reader to identify with him due to the fact that technology is slowly becoming more and more prevalent in our society.
I would definitely reccommend this book to people who are looking for a light read, due to its funny nature.
The books light-hearted nature was definitely helped by the fact that a lot of the humour is revolved about the male protagonist going 'viral' on the internet. I feel this helps the reader to identify with him due to the fact that technology is slowly becoming more and more prevalent in our society.
I would definitely reccommend this book to people who are looking for a light read, due to its funny nature.
This is about a girl that moves often because of the dad job. She doe not like having to move from one city to the next and leaving her friend and missing school, just after getting settled in a city.
This diary starts out in Washington DC, it set in Washington DC until they move to Hawaii. The rest of the book is about her getting use to Oahu, Hawaii her new home. In the book she experiences the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her brother Andy and Amber see Japanese Plane flying over Early Sunday Morning. Amber does make a friend name Kame.
The book tell you about the history of the Attack on Pearl Harbor though the young girl in the story. This is another book in the series of Dear America. It based on the real thing. If you enjoy History, this is good book along with it good for young reader and Children.
This diary starts out in Washington DC, it set in Washington DC until they move to Hawaii. The rest of the book is about her getting use to Oahu, Hawaii her new home. In the book she experiences the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her brother Andy and Amber see Japanese Plane flying over Early Sunday Morning. Amber does make a friend name Kame.
The book tell you about the history of the Attack on Pearl Harbor though the young girl in the story. This is another book in the series of Dear America. It based on the real thing. If you enjoy History, this is good book along with it good for young reader and Children.
This is about a girl that moves often because of the dad job. She doe not like having to move from one city to the next and leaving her friend and missing school, just after getting settled in a city.
This diary starts out in Washington DC, it set in Washington DC until they move to Hawaii. The rest of the book is about her getting use to Oahu, Hawaii her new home. In the book she experiences the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her brother Andy and Amber see Japanese Plane flying over Early Sunday Morning. Amber does make a friend name Kame.
The book tell you about the history of the Attack on Pearl Harbor though the young girl in the story. This is another book in the series of Dear America. It based on the real thing. If you enjoy History, this is good book along with it good for young reader and Children.
This diary starts out in Washington DC, it set in Washington DC until they move to Hawaii. The rest of the book is about her getting use to Oahu, Hawaii her new home. In the book she experiences the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her brother Andy and Amber see Japanese Plane flying over Early Sunday Morning. Amber does make a friend name Kame.
The book tell you about the history of the Attack on Pearl Harbor though the young girl in the story. This is another book in the series of Dear America. It based on the real thing. If you enjoy History, this is good book along with it good for young reader and Children.