Vampyre

The target age group for this book is 9-12, but I enjoyed it even as an adult. The premise is interesting - a hitherto lost journal of Dr Cornelius Van Helsing [brother of "Dracula's" Van Helsing] is found and chronicles Cornelius' efforts at solving the mystery of his brother's strange illness. Cornelius is accompanied by his trusted aide, Gustav de Wolff. The pair travel from London to Transylvania and encounter many adventures along the way, and face dangers of the most macabre kind. The book is presented in an epistolary format, i.e. a series of journal entries. Each page is beautifully-illustrated with maps, authentic-looking photographs, inserts [such as a booklet on vampyre myths and lore], a rub-the-patch feature that reveals a secret message, fake wolf fur, sketches, pull-the-tabs, lift-the-flaps,a booklet that contains spells of protection, court documents, etc. All in all, a fun & interesting read for young and not-so-young fans of "Dracula"!

I just bought this book at Borders for $2.99, and it's definitely worth the $2.99--the print work itself is worth it. Five bucks, maybe not, but $2.99, sure. Like the novel, it is written in epistolary fashion. Corenelius Van Helsing is purportedly the brother of Abraham and he's following up on the supposed death of Dracula. There are pop ups and odd stuff galore, such as the "wolf hair' in the envelope that the other reviewer mentions, as well as lockets featuring Mina and Jonathan. I would not have bought this if Dracula were not my favorite novel, but I think it would be a fun thing to give as a gift--esp. if you give Halloween gifts like I do. Vlad the Impaler is also mentioned, so it's apparent that the authors are familiar with both the novel and some of the history surrounding the story. This was located in the children's section of the store, which I think may be a poor audience choice and part of the reason for the discounted price.

This book is the lost journal of a vampire hunter, Cornelius Van Helsing, related to the Van Helsing from Bram Stoker's Dracula. In involves references to Johnathan and Mina Harker with a twist. The book's layout is similar to that of the Ology books (dragonology, wizardology, Egyptology, and Pirateology). This book explores the legend and lore of the vampire from which Bram Stoker himself created his novel. It seems like something for a kid but it's imaginative design makes it worth it to get for teens and adults as well. There is also a surprise at the end so read the pages carefully.

I bought this book for my 9 year old son and 12 year old daughter for Halloween. It was so neat that I went ahead and gave it to them early. They love this book! It has all sorts of neat little notes and windows to open up. My son loved the wolf hair. Great book for kids and adults.

Okay, I'm 34 and I bought this for myself. I was a little surprised to see that it is aimed at the 9-12 crowd. I LOVE it though. Finished it quickly and then went through it again to take in all the details. Nice stuff. A little dark for the young'uns though. I enjoyed that it is presented as a story rather than a "fact" book. Lots of goodies to enjoy. Highly recommended!