Mina by Marie Kiraly

Author: Marie Kiraly
Publish Date: December 4, 2007
Website: http: http://www.elainebergstrom.com/ (Written under the pen name of Marie Kiraly)
ISBN: 9780425217467
List Price: $3.99
My Rating: 4 out of 5

Jacket synopsis:

The chilling and erotic tale of Mina Harker, sole survivor of the vampire's obsession.

My Comments:
The story is a continuation of the original story of Dracula by Bram Stoker. It is from Mina Harker's point of view just after she has been seduced and bitten by Dracula. It chronicles the search and chase of Dracula by Mina, Van Helsing, Jonathan Harker, Dr. Seward, Arthur, and Quincey. Mina details in her diary the chase, the demise, and their return to ordinary life.

Although upon their return to England, Mina cannot shake her connection to Dracula, though he is believed dead, nor her vivid, frightening dreams. She questions her ability & desire to fulfill an expectation of carrying on the facade of a happy Victorian marriage. Mina cannot escape the dreaded reactions to blood and sensual desires triggered by the vampire blood inside of her. During her adventure and escape from Dracula's castle, Mina stumbled upon a diary kept by one of Dracula's three wives. This diary also becomes an obsession of Mina's because it has to be translated. She must know the intimate details of 100 year old diary and how it may provide answers for her future.

Through all this Mina endures murder, adultery, a stint in an asylum, and her journey back to Dracula's castle to confront what she may become.

The author has done a great job of continuing the voice of Mina Harker from Bram Stoker's Dracula. The characters are so vivid that you cannot help but be drawn into the story. I thought this was an exciting and well written read. There were a few edit errors, but I enjoyed the story. I am curious to see where Mina's story goes, so I will be reading the sequel to this book Blood to Blood (Dracula Continues, #2) under Elaine Bergstrom.