Love Lies Bleeding‘s
readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist.
Trained when she was still human, she continues to study plants and
have a garden. This post is tenth in a series exploring Mara’s plants.
Are you interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore? So are some
vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or anyone else.
Botanical Name:Hydnellum peckii
Common Names: strawberries and cream, bleeding Hydnellum, bleeding fungus, red-juice tooth, devil’s tooth, Peck’s hydnum, bile tooth
History: Found mainly in North America and Europe,
bleeding tooth fungus forms mutually beneficial relationships with
mature coniferous trees. Its spores are “on the surface of vertical
spines or tooth-like projections that hang from the undersurface of the fruit bodies”
(1). As the fungus ages, it dries out, losing its bloody appearance and
becoming a nondescript shade of brown or black. Bleeding tooth fungus bioaccumulates
the heavy metal caesium. Although documented by humans for only about a
hundred years, bleeding tooth fungus’s roots (no pun intended) go back
hundreds of millions of years.
Language of Flowers Meaning: None
Cultivation: It prefers to grow in mature forested alpine and sub-alpine regions, so cultivating it isn’t really an option.
Uses:
Medicinal: Although scientists aren’t sure what the red substance
that oozes out of bleeding tooth fungus is exactly, they have found that
it contains a pigment with anticoagulant and antibacterial properties.
It also contains another substance that may be beneficial in treating
Alzheimer’s disease. It is currently undergoing trials to determine its
potential medical uses.
Culinary: It’s technically edible (in that it isn’t poisonous), with a
peppery and strongly bitter taste that doesn’t go away even when dried.
While it can be eaten, whether anyone actually wants to eat it is
another matter.
Dye: The dried fungus produces a beige or tan dye. It can also be combined with iron or alum for shades of blue and green.
Mara’s Uses: Mara mentions it in Love Lies Bleeding as a potentially useful plant she needs to learn more about.
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Although there’s still work to be done, some parts of my new book (no
title yet) are ready to share! I thought I’d give you all a taste of
the opening chapter. This book continues the story started in Love Lies Bleeding, introducing some new characters along the way. Fair warning, if you haven’t read Love Lies Bleeding yet, this excerpt contains spoilers. (And a trigger warning for anyone sensitive to violence.)
Spoilers Ahead
Mara was hungry and lonely. Hungry, she could take care of.
She was in London. She’d been there for what felt like months, but really was only a little over a week.
Nigel and Dominic were dead.
She’d killed them.
They’d deserved it, she reminded herself as her anxiety started to
spike. Dom had betrayed her, and both of them were threats to her and
Lee. Even more than vampires usually were.
Her mind, as it so often did, latched on to Lee. How was he doing?
Was he all right? Did he forgive her for leaving, for abandoning him?
It was for the best, all for the best. Always for the best.
An image of a bashed-in skull appeared in front of her. Nigel’s
unseeing eyes staring, judging. She blinked and Dominic was there, lying
on the ground, a dagger with a broken handle buried in his chest.
No, she muttered; not real.
But it was real. Or had been. She could still feel Nigel’s skull
shattering under the iron poker, could still feel the handle of the
blade breaking off as she tried to twist it in Dominic’s heart.
She knew it had happened; she just couldn’t believe it. Maybe because
it felt as though they were still with her. Or maybe because she hadn’t
bothered to check to make sure Dom definitely wouldn’t be coming back.
Either way, she’d felt as though she was being followed ever since.
Part of her hoped Lee had tracked her down, not only because she
desperately wanted to see him, but also because the alternative didn’t
bear considering.
Was Dominic still out there? Was he her ghost, her shadow, her
hunter? Leave it to him to keep chasing her from beyond the grave.
Or had all her victims broken free, the restless shades of her centuries of slaughter? She’d come home and unlocked their tombs.
The edges of her vision started tinting red. Right, she was hungry. Blood first, ghosts later.
The bars were always good for an easy meal. The streets were already
full of rowdy patrons heading to the next place, or getting into brawls,
or stumbling home, heads fuzzy and defenses down. It wouldn’t take much
to get one to follow her instead, to wander off into a dark corner of
the city where prying eyes didn’t reach.
She’d have to play the game a few times tonight, if she wanted enough
to be sated without taking too much from anyone. It wasn’t how she
usually fed—how she used to feed—but she was trying something new.
Feeding without hunting, without killing. Without the thrill. No matter
how much blood she drank this way she was always left empty. But she
survived, and it kept any more ghosts from haunting her.
Rising voices caught her attention: a man and a woman’s. The man’s
voice was laden with threat; the woman’s, distress. Mara’s pulse
quickened. Maybe she’d be playing a different game tonight, one where a
predator would get bled. It was always nice when people got what they
deserved. And so rare.
She approached the area where she’d heard the voices, making sure to
look innocuous. Just a girl out late, alone, quick steps and head
down—no threat to anyone. Or so they’d think—so they always
thought—until it was too late to think at all. But when Mara reached the
spot, an unlit path next to a park playground, she found a woman
standing calmly facing the other direction. No one else was around. Had
they already left, or had Mara misheard and gone to the wrong place? She
stopped, confused. The woman turned to look at her.
Let me know what you thought of it in the comments below. If you haven’t read Love Lies Bleeding, or my free stories “Blood Magic” and “Tooth & Claw,” download them now:
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from
Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent
bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Going with the flow of Awen and with the “Creativity comes with other
people” theme from my other post, I felt compelled to write this one!
I haven’t done a book review before and I am thrilled that my first is for my fellow blogger and friend, Aspasía S. Bissas’ novel ‘Love Lies Bleeding’.
Firstly, ‘Love Lies Bleeding‘ is a romance. I don’t do romance books, but this was a first. Ok, technically Dracula could be classed as one- alright, a love story!
Secondly, this is a story in a world that has vampires in it.
I love vampires. I especially love the modern version of vampires
being sexy, having cool powers and using blood drinking as a metaphor
for sex.
Our main protagonists are Mara and Lee. Mara’s a young (looking) vampire who is…
Love Lies Bleeding‘s
readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist.
Trained in botany and herbalism when she was still human, she continues
to study plants and have a garden. This post is third in a series
exploring Mara’s plants. Are you interested in botany, gardening, or
plant lore? So are some vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or others.
Latin Name:Lavandula (Species include angustifolia, stoechas, latifolia, and dentata)
Common Names: Lavender, English Lavender, French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, nard
History: Part of the mint family, Lavender is native
to Europe, northern and eastern Africa, and large parts of Asia. Its
use goes back at least to Ancient Egypt, where the oil was used in
mummification. The Greeks and Romans used the plant in their public
baths. In the Middle Ages lavender was used as a strewing herb, where it
was sprinkled on floors to repel insects and sweeten the air with its
scent. The word lavender comes from the French, “lavendre” meaning “to wash,” which itself comes from the Latin name Lavandula, from the verb lavare, “to wash.”
Victorian Language of Flowers Meaning: Loyalty, love, devotion
Cultivation: Perennial (although in less ideal
conditions, it should be considered an annual). Cold hardiness depends
on variety–English lavender (L.angustifolia) tolerates zones 5 to 8; French lavender (L. dentata and L. stoechas)
is suited to zones 8 to 11. Lavender likes full sun and dry sandy or
rocky soil. If you live in an area with heavy clay soils, try growing
lavender in containers or raised beds. The plants need good air
circulation, so don’t crowd them. Lavender generally doesn’t need to be
fertilized. Avoid organic mulches in areas with high humidity (gravel or
rock mulches should be okay). Plants generally bloom from June until
August, and you can extend blooming time by planting a variety of types.
Flowers range in colour from white to pink, light purple to deep
blue-purple, and yellow, depending on variety. Lavender is difficult to
start from seed–it’s best to purchase plants. Water seedlings
consistently until they’re established. Prune plants in spring. Deadhead
spent flowers throughout the season to encourage more blooms. Harvest
just before the flowers are fully open.
Lavender has become invasive and/or weedy in parts of Australia and
Spain. Check with your local authorities before growing it in those
areas.
Bonus: Bees and butterflies love lavender.
Uses:
Medicinal: Lavender
may help calm anxiety and ease insomnia. It’s also been traditionally
used to treat intestinal disorders and cardiovascular diseases, and has
been found effective in fighting fungal infections.
Essential Oil:
Lavender essential oil is distilled from the flowers and is used in
perfumes, soaps, bath products, and in aromatherapy. The oil is
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, making it useful for treating minor
burns (including sunburn), wounds, and stings. It also repels
mosquitoes. Generally a drop or two of the oil can go directly onto
skin, but if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin you might want to
dilute the lavender oil in a carrier oil
(like sweet almond or olive) before applying to skin. Lavender oil,
when combined with essential oils of rosemary, thyme, and cedarwood, has
been found to be effective in combatting hair loss.
Cautions: While lavender is generally safe, the NIH
recommends that boys avoid lavender essential oil as it may cause
hormonal effects leading to gynecomastia. Lavender oil can irritate the
skin in some people (use with a carrier oil–see above) and can cause
photo-sensitivity, so avoid sun exposure if you’ve used lavender
essential oil on your skin. The NIH also says people who take sleep
medication or blood pressure-lowering medication should use caution when
combining lavender with these drugs. Lavender oil can be poisonous if
taken internally.
In addition, Essential oils are toxic to pets: never
use to treat pets. Do not diffuse essential oils in an enclosed space
when pets are present. Do not apply oils externally to pets. Never let
pets or children ingest essential oils.
Culinary: English lavender is the most commonly used kind in cooking. Lavender is usually included in “Herbes de Provence”
mixes. Lavender flowers can be incorporated into baking, drinks, stews,
and salads. Lavender pairs well with berries, sheep’s milk- and goat’s
milk-cheeses, “spring mix” type salad greens, beef, honey, lemons, and
custard. Lavender leaves can replace (or be used with) rosemary in
savoury foods and breads. The dried mature stems can be used as skewers.
Remember to use the dried flowers sparingly to avoid a soapy or
perfumey taste
Place about a teaspoon of dried flowers into a cup of superfine sugar
and let the mixture sit for 2 weeks. Use the lavender-flavoured sugar
in place of regular sugar in desserts and drinks. It’s particularly good
sprinkled on berries or in lemonade.
Flower buds and lavender leaves are infused to make tea.
Lavender syrup (homemade or commercial) can be used in drinks, desserts, ice creams, or candy making.
Lavender honey can be used like regular honey and has a subtle lavender scent and flavour.
Other: Tie a bundle of lavender and eucalyptus to your shower for a relaxing, spa-like bathing experience.
Mara’s Uses: Mara uses lavender to soothe herself by
brushing her hand over the plant and inhaling the scent. Lavender is
also part of her apothecary business, in teas, tinctures, and salves.
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Photo via Mary’s Heirloom SeedsLove Lies Bleeding‘s readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist. Trained in
botany and herbalism when she was still human, she continues to study
plants and have a garden. This post is second in a series exploring
Mara’s plants. Are you interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore?
So are some vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or anyone else.
Latin Name:Symphytum officinale
Common Names: Boneset, Bruisewort, Knitbone, Slippery Root
History: Native to Europe and parts of Asia, comfrey has a long history (at least 2000 years) in healing. It has been used to treat coughs and lung ailments, stop excessive bleeding, treat stomach problems, and to ease joint pain and inflammation. Its most common use, however, has been to heal wounds, bruises, and broken bones; in fact, almost every name (in all languages) for comfrey refer to knitting or mending bones or healing cuts and contusions. "Comfrey" comes from a Latin word meaning "to grow together," and the botanical name "Symphytum" comes from the Greek, meaning plant that knits bones together. It was once also used as food for both people and animals.
Caution: Comfrey has been found to be toxic to the liver when taken internally in large amounts. It's generally safe to use externally, but is best avoided by pregnant and nursing women, infants, and by people with liver, kidney, or vascular disease. It's also toxic to animals, so be sure not to let them eat it.
Victorian Language of Flowers Meaning: Home sweet home
Cultivation: Perennial in zones 4 to 9. Easy to grow from seed, comfrey prefers full to part sun and rich, well-drained soil. It's quite adaptable and can survive less-than-ideal conditions, including drought. Sow early indoors or outside as soon as soil can be worked. Sow just below surface of soil and tamp down--keep seeds moist (not wet). Sow seeds or seedlings with 2 feet (60 cm) of space around them as the plants get fairly large. Once plants are established in a spot they can live for decades and be difficult to remove, so take care when selecting a site. Comfrey is generally non-invasive, although it can self sow.
Uses: Comfrey is still used externally to treat inflammation, joint pain, and closed wounds and bruises. You can crush fresh leaves to make a poultice, apply fresh leaves to the affected area, use a salve, or apply oil that has had comfrey steeped in it. Treat poison ivy blisters by rubbing a fresh leaf on them. You can also use the chopped roots to make salves, ointments, and oils (or use a combination of leaves and roots). Leaves are best used before the plant blooms; roots are best harvested in late autumn or early winter.
In the garden, nitrogen- and potassium-rich comfrey leaves are used as fertilizer, in compost, and as mulch. Avoid using stems as they can take root and spread the plant where you don't want it. You can also make a compost tea with the chopped leaves by steeping them in water for several weeks and then straining and diluting the resulting dark liquid 12:1 before applying to the garden.
Mara's Uses: She makes a poultice of comfrey leaves to help speed up healing of a particularly bad injury. Comfrey would be one of the herbs used to make salves and oils for her apothecary business.
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
If you’ve read Love Lies Bleeding,
you’ll know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist.
Trained in botany and herbalism when she was still human, she continues
to study plants and have a garden. This post will be the first in a
series exploring Mara’s plants.
Are you interested in botany,
gardening, or plant lore? So are some vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for historical interest only.
Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or treating
yourself, or anyone else.
Latin name:Amaranthus caudatus
Common names: Love-Lies-Bleeding, Pendant Amaranth, Tassel Flower, Velvet Flower, Foxtail Amaranth
History: Native to South America, this and other varieties of Amaranthus
were grown for their edible, protein-rich seeds. The Aztecs also used
it in religious ceremonies, which led to the Spanish conquerors making
its cultivation a capital offense (they still never managed to wipe it
out). Some varieties were used to make a red dye, and betacyanins, which
give Amaranthus their red colour, are still used to produce
non-toxic food dyes. Medicinally, it has been used to treat swelling,
ulcers, and diarrhea.
Victorian Language of Flowers Meaning: hopeless love or hopelessness
Cultivation: Annual. Easy to grow from seed,
Love-Lies-Bleeding prefers full sun and is both drought and moisture
tolerant. It grows to be 3 to 8 feet (1 to 2.5 metres) tall. Seeds can
be started indoors and transplanted outside after the last frost (start
in April to transplant in May). Sow or thin to 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45
cm). Can self sow but generally isn’t weedy.
Uses: Ornamental, cut flowers, edible (seeds and leaves).
Wildlife: Birds love the seeds–leave plants in the garden over winter for the birds.
Mara’s Uses: Following the Doctrine of Signatures, Mara considers Love-Lies-Bleeding to be a potential ingredient in her theoretical blood substitute.
Bonus: Mara’s full name is Amarantha, which shares a root and meaning with Amaranthus: “unwilting” or “unfading.”
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Note to the reader: the following text is transcribed from a document found in the crawlspace of an old row house in Montreal, Quebec. The owner of the building sent it to a local historical association, who are now sharing it in hopes that someone might have more information.
Interview with "Mara," a young woman who claims to be
a vampire
By J.S., editor at large
April 5, 1918.
J.S.: Could you please state your name for the record?
M: You can call me Mara.
J.S.: Is that your real name?
M: Real enough. It's the only one I have left.
J.S.: Could you tell me what you said when we met
earlier tonight?
M (does not reply)
J.S.: When we met, I asked what a young lady was doing
out alone in the middle of the night. How did you
respond?
M (smiles): I told you that I am a vampire.
J.S.: A vampire--like Mr. Stoker's Count Dracula?
M: As far as I know, he is fictional. I am not.
J.S.: What would you say to those who don't believe in
such creatures as vampires?
M: Your lack of belief doesn't make me any less real.
J.S.: How long do you claim to have been a vampire?
M: Most of my life.
J.S.: How long is that?
M: Isn't it impolite to ask a lady her age?
J.S.: Do you drink blood?
M: Of course.
J.S.: Where do you get it?
M: Wherever I can find it.
J.S.: From animals?
M: No.
J.S.: Do you have a reflection?
M (gets up and walks to the lavatory. She stares into
the mirror over the sink): It would seem so.
J.S.: Can you turn into a bat?
M (does not reply)
J.S.: How many other vampires are there?
M: More than your kind would care to consider.
J.S.: My kind? You mean mankind? Human beings?
M: Yes.
J.S.: Do you pay attention to human events? What do you
think of the Great War?
M: I wish I could be there, in the thick of it.
J.S.: Do you mean as a nurse?
M (laughs)
J.S.: Why do you want to be at the front? Isn't it
dangerous?
M: The danger is why. It's all death and chaos.
People die, people go missing--no one gives it
a second thought. Vampires do well in times of war.
J.S.: If that is the case, why aren't you there?
M: Someone else is there. He's looking for me. I do
not wish to be found.
J.S.: Who is there?
M: You should worry about the illness instead of
my acquaintances.
J.S.: The illness? Are you referring to the
Spanish Flu? There are rumours of epidemic.
M: The rumours are correct--the influenza is
spreading rapidly. I can smell it in the air.
J.S.: You can smell it? That must be handy.
M: It helps us to choose.
J.S.: What do you mean by 'choose'?
M: Most of us prefer blood from healthy specimens.
J.S.: And the rest?
M: We find those who don't have long. Some consider it
a kindness.
J.S.: Why are you telling me this?
M (does not reply)
J.S.: I don't have the Flu.
M: No, you have something deeper. In your bones.
J.S.: Oh, really? What does that smell like?
M: Like sour chalk and dry rot.
J.S.: Rot is right. You expect me to believe such
nonsense?
M: What about that ache that never seems to go away?
It's been getting worse, hasn't it?
J.S. (reluctant to respond)
J.S.: I have an appointment to see a doctor.
M: He won't be able to help you.
J.S.: How do you know?
M: They rarely can.
J.S.: Then what can anyone do for me?
M: I could prescribe you herbs, but they won't help,
either.
J.S.: A vampire and an apothecary? That is quite the
combination.
M: I learned my trade young and found that it
pays to keep humans healthy.
J.S.: Is that it, then? All you can offer are
ineffectual balms?
M: I can also offer you a kindness.
J.S.: You mean death.
M: Some prefer it to suffering.
J.S.: What if I refuse?
M: It's your choice. You have time to decide,
but not much.
J.S.: Where are you going?
M: I have other business to attend to. I'll return
in a fortnight. Tell me then what you've decided.
J.S.: Will it hurt?
M: I can make it so it doesn't.
M leaves and I finish recording our exchange.
I don't know why, perhaps for posterity.
I am unsure how to proceed.
Want to read more about Mara? Download my books FREE...
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Tuesday is World Dracula Day, when we celebrate the anniversary of the first publication of Bram Stoker's vampire classic Dracula. Over the 123 years he's been with us, The Count has encountered all sorts of other characters, some more memorable than others. Here are some of my favourite Dracula crossovers...
Dracula vs. King Arthur
After making a deal with Lucifer to become a vampire, Lucifer then decides to send Dracula back to Arthurian times to take over the world. Hi-jinks ensue over the course of this comic book's four-issue run. It's maybe not the best-executed crossover (Lucifer wants to send Dracula back in time to before vampires existed so the Count can start turning humans and spreading evil-- so why send him back to the time of legendary heroes? Why not to, I don't know, any other time in history that wasn't legendary?), but the concept of Dracula vs. King Arthur is a good one, and Camelot fighting Dracula is a fun idea (Merlin as sinister anti-hero doesn't hurt, either).
*Yes, Frankenstein is the doctor, not the monster. It's been 202 years of people calling the monster Frankenstein-- can we just accept it?
Dracula vs. Zorro
Zorro and Dracula meet on a ship heading to Europe and become instant enemies. Although it's hate at first sight, the fight doesn't get serious until they meet up in the catacombs of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (as one does). As a fan of both Zorro and the Count I'm not sure who to root for in this mashup, although I am slightly disappointed that (spoiler) Dracula doesn't turn Zorro. Now that would be an interesting story...
Dracula vs. Sherlock Holmes
I don't know why I was surprised that Dracula has met up with Sherlock Holmes, but he has-- and numerous times, too. I haven't seen or read any of the existing versions (yet), but there's one Dracula/Sherlock crossover I would love to see, and that's one put together by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, creators of the BBC's Sherlockand Dracula (2020). It's true I didn't really enjoy their Dracula miniseries earlier this year, and the last season of Sherlock left a lot to be desired, but if the two of them were inspired and brought their A game, they could make a crossover for the ages with their versions of these characters. Dare we hope?
Dracula vs. Batman
It's definitely worth seeking out the animated The Batman vs. Dracula if you're a fan of either character. Based on The Batman TV series, the story brings Dracula to Gotham, while also featuring some of the typical characters you'd expect, like Penguin and Joker. The movie touches on the influence of Dracula on Batman, which I appreciate. The animation is fantastic, especially for Dracula and the other vampires. I actually reviewed this movie years ago, if you feel like taking a look (I have since come to appreciate Dracula more as a character). I don't think there are any plans for a sequel, but I would love to see more Dracula-Batman stories.
There are other great Dracula crossovers, but I'm going to save those for another post. In the meantime, which is your favourite (including those not mentioned here)? Who would you like to see Dracula go up against? Share in the comments...
Happy Dracula Day!
Aspasía S. Bissas
Want to read about vampires that aren't Dracula? Download my books FREE...
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Post originally published on my website: https://aspasiasbissas.com/2020/05/23/world-dracula-day-5-of-the-counts-best-crossovers/
Have you had a chance yet to watch the new Netflix/BBC Dracula? I was pretty excited to watch it, especially given the involvement of Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. These two have done some amazing work on shows like Sherlock and Doctor Who (Moffat in particular is responsible for some of the best episodes of Doctor Who, ever, and is the writer of the brilliant episode "Blink," which introduced the nightmare-inducing Weeping Angels).
So, yes, excited for Dracula.
And it was...meh. Some great moments that didn't seem to go anywhere. Weird pacing. Pointless scenes. And I wasn't enthralled by Claes Bang's portrayal of the Count. I mean it was okay, but just okay...much like the rest of the show.
As a reminder of how scary (and fun) Dracula can be, here are some of my favourite portrayals of this most classic of all vampires...
I have to start with the original, Stoker's Count. Although Stoker wasn't the first to write about vampires, his character (and book) started an ongoing obsession with vampires, inspiring countless variations over the decades. Many of what we now consider essential characteristics of vampires: aversion to sunlight and garlic, lack of reflection, supernatural powers, vulnerable to a stake through the heart-- all came from Dracula. A few have been discarded over the years too-- how many modern vampires have hairy palms or need to keep the soil of their homeland handy? If you're a vampire fan and you haven't read Dracula yet--drop everything and get yourself a copy.
Nosferatu is an early, unauthorized, movie based on Dracula. The names were changed (Dracula became Count Orlok, for example) but that wasn't enough to keep Stoker's widow from suing (and eventually giving up after the film company went bankrupt and copies of the movie got out anyway). You can't beat Nosferatu, or Max Schreck's Count, for atmosphere, dramatic visuals, and general creepiness.
Count Orlok, Nosferatu
Although Bela Lugosi may be the definitive Count Dracula (and no one is disputing that he did a great job), Christopher Lee gets my vote for best film Dracula. Imposing and intense, it's hard not to agree that Lee is pretty awesome in this role (I'm not sure he really needs hypnotic powers-- he'd do fine all on his own).
I have to admit I'm not a fan of Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula (although after watching Gatiss and Moffat's version, Coppola's ranks a little higher now), but I do enjoy Gary Oldman's performance in it. He seems to embrace the character, especially when he surreptitiously licks Harker's bloody razor, which is my favourite moment of the entire film:
Here's the entire scene if you want some context:
One of my absolute favourite portrayals of Dracula is in Buffy in the episode "Buffy vs. Dracula." It's a great episode overall (who doesn't love Xander as Renfield?) and Rudolf Martin does a fantastic job as Dracula. Aside from the show, Dracula makes an appearance in several Buffyverse comic books (scroll down the link to "Appearances" for the full list). It's well worth tracking them down (if for no other reason than to find out whether Spike ever gets the eleven pounds Dracula owes him).
And lastly (on what is by no means a comprehensive list), what's not to like about Community's Troy attempting to put together a cool Halloween costume by becoming a "sexy Dracula"? ;)
What did you think of Netflix's Dracula? Who's your favourite version of the Count? Share in the comments...
Another year has gone by and what better way to celebrate than with
books? Smashwords’ end-of-year sale starts 25 December 2019 and runs
through 1 January 2020.
Mara, Dominic, and their fellow vampires arrive in Marseille, France in
1909, only to find another predator already on the loose. As the city
tries to cope with a killer stalking the streets, Mara struggles to
separate memory from delusion. Can she find peace when the past is
haunting, the present overwhelming, and the future hopeless? Inspired by
real events.
Tooth & Claw is a standalone story set in the Love Lies Bleeding universe.
Looking for your next great read? Head over to Smashwords and get Love Lies Bleeding now for 50% off! Love Lies Bleeding, a novel about delusion, obsession, and blood, that one reviewer called “abominably good!”
Don’t forget Blood Magic, a free story in the Love Lies Bleeding universe, about choices, transformation, and retribution. You don't need to read Love Lies Bleeding to enjoy Blood Magic (but it doesn't hurt!)
E-books not your thing? You can also get Love Lies Bleeding in paperback at most online booksellers, including many independent bookshops (see full list here).
The sale is on until 31 July. Thanks for supporting indie 💖
Centuries-old Mara
is dying a slow death when she meets Lee, a young man whose life has
never belonged to him. Thrown together, they're forced to fight those
who would destroy them and survive a slew of enemies they never
expected, even as Mara falls into a downward spiral of delusion and
obsession. Will she make a devil's deal to save both their souls? With
pasts like theirs, can they ever have a future?
On the run from both vampires and hunters, Mara and Lee are forced to
confront the bleak reality of their future together. But an unexpected
turn of events offers Mara the chance to shift things in her favor--at a
cost. Will she walk away or will she embrace the magic?
Blood Magic is a standalone short story that takes place within the novel Love Lies Bleeding by Aspasia S. Bissas. You don't need to read Love Lies
Bleeding to enjoy Blood Magic (but it doesn't hurt)
