Children of the Night

By: Dan Simmons

Narrated by: George Ralph

In a desolate orphanage in what remains of post-Communist Romania, a desperately ill infant is given the wrong blood transfusion - and flourishes when he's supposed to die. The discovery of his unique immune system may hold the key to the long-awaited cure for cancer and AIDS.

For a dedicated American doctor, he promises the medical breakthrough of a lifetime, as well as a very special love she's never been able to find. But he also conceals a shockingly intimate link to a clan of vampires and their legendary leader - the fiend the world calls Vlad Dracula, who, for centuries, has triumphed over countless rival tyrants, including death itself.

©2008 Dan Simmons (P)2008 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"Count Dracula kicks off the coffin lid again in this updated vampire tale....the book offers a mesmerizing tour through the ghostly, gray tatters of Romania." (Publishers Weekly)
"Neatly ties the vampire legend into political history to create a new and clever twist to the idea of the vampire's craving for blood." (Library Journal)
"Toothsomely well written." (Kirkus Reviews)

Eh

Couldn't get into the narration. I tried, I really did but if it doesn't click then I'm done

A great blend of history and horror.

Dan Simmons spins another yarn that is riveting in its accuracy and historical references, while leaving one in awe of his ability to make the incredible scientific while the horror of Dracula remains even more palpable than Bram Stoker's vision.

Worth a read!

This was a very good book- clearly the author did a ton of research about Romania and Dracula or rather, Vlad Tepes. The story and plot were compelling and withstand the test of time. The only struggle I had was with the narration of an intimate scene between the two main characters… it was like watching a sex scene with your grandparents and grandpa was giving you the play by play. *shudders convulsively* Other than that, top notch.

Wouldn’t recommend

The audio itself wasn’t very good quality, had to turn my volume way up to hear. Lots of medical jargon that was difficult to follow unless you’re in a medical profession. And the ending was as somewhat disappointing

Good Enough

Good story - worth a listen. The narrator could be better, but doesn't qualify as 'bad'. The story can be a little drawn out in areas, but a good, fairly 'traditional' vampire story.