Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
28(28%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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What a truly enjoyable and interesting twist on the Dracula story!

Although the beginning was a bit on the slow side and the plot was rather predictable in some aspects, I still found great pleasure in reading this book.

The concept of medical vampirism was truly unique and added a captivating element to the narrative.

Dracula, or Vlad as he is sometimes referred to, was a fascinating character who provided an engaging counterpoint to the modern action.

As the story progressed, the pacing gradually picked up, but unfortunately, it all seemed to end much too quickly.

I would hardly consider this book to be a proper sequel to Summer of Night. While it was nice to see a grown-up Mike O'Rourke, he hardly resembled the eleven-year-old boy from the previous story.

There were only brief allusions to the events of 1960, which was a bit disappointing.

The historical chapters, however, added a rich and detailed layer to the story. I only wish there had been more of them, as there were so many more centuries that could have been explored and incorporated into the plot.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book was an entertaining read that offered a fresh take on the classic Dracula tale.
July 15,2025
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Wow! This is such an outstanding book!

Dan has completely revolutionized what one anticipates from a typical vampire novel. In "Children of the Night," the vampires are presented in a way that makes them feel incredibly real. The reason for their vampirism is based on a scientific explanation rather than the traditional notion of just being bitten on the neck.

Throughout this novel, we are continuously bombarded with facts, ranging from the detailed description of Romania to complex scientific formulas and diseases. One of the central plots revolves around the AIDS virus and its severity in Romania during 1989. It truly feels as if we are receiving a comprehensive history lesson, which is one of the most captivating aspects of this book. Once again, Simmons has clearly gone to great lengths to research and gather the facts, and then masterfully adapt them into a thrilling story involving vampires. It's absolute genius! He is indeed one of the greatest writers of our time!

The book features several main characters, with Kate at the center of the story. I found her to be a highly likable character, and one bonds with her very quickly from the beginning of the book.

I cannot write this review without mentioning the return of Mike O'Rourke, one of the main characters from "Summer of Night." In "Children of the Night," he is now Father O'Rourke. It was wonderful to be reintroduced to him as a grown-up. He has changed significantly from the boy in the Bike Patrol, and it was interesting to see how he has matured. There are occasional references to "Summer of Night," but only about three times throughout the entire book, which I didn't mind. Since this isn't a direct sequel, I think it would have been annoying if there were constant reminders of the previous book.

Overall, this is an extremely enjoyable and incredibly clever book. It kept me engaged and thinking constantly, and I had no idea how it would end until the very last word. It is a must-read for all horror fans, and be prepared to be amazed by the most original idea for a vampire story ever!
July 15,2025
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The book was interrupted after about 250 pages.

At the beginning in Romania, it could still grip me. The descriptions of the Romanian landscape and culture were quite interesting, making me feel as if I was there.

However, as the story progressed, it unfortunately became more and more boring for me. The plot seemed to follow a predictable pattern, and I could easily guess what was going to happen next.

There were no more surprises or twists to keep my attention. I found myself losing interest and having to force myself to continue reading.

In the end, I was rather disappointed with the book. I had expected more from it, especially after the promising start. Maybe it would have been better if the author had taken a different approach or added more depth to the characters and the story.
July 15,2025
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This one didn't start well at all.

Right from the beginning, it seemed rather lackluster and unappealing. In fact, I almost gave up and simply moved on to something else.

However, for some reason, I decided to persevere. And boy, am I glad I did!

As the story progressed, it quickly turned around.

What emerged was a truly nice and interestingly spooky take on an old familiar tale.

The author managed to add a unique twist and create an atmosphere that was both eerie and captivating.

It was like seeing an old friend in a new and unexpected light.

Despite the slow start, this story ended up being a pleasant surprise and a great read.

I'm now looking forward to seeing what else the author has in store.
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