Carmilla

Before Dracula, before Twilight....there was only one: CARMILLALe Fanu’s novella Carmilla originally published as a novella in 1872 is the very first vampire thriller and is acknowledged as a major influence on Bram Stoker's Dracula. Le Fanu, often compared to Poe, was a Victorian writer whose tales of the occult have inspired horror writers for more than a century. In this updated version has taken the original short story and seamlessly blended new characters, darker plot lines and scenes that approach the heights of gothic romance literature. Seemingly by happenstance, the mysterious and beautiful Carmilla comes to stay with the young and virtuous Laura, who has been living a lonely existence with her father in an isolated castle. As the two become close friends, however, Laura begins to dream of nocturnal visitations, blood soaked horrors and nameless terrors. By day she seems to waste away losing her physical strength. Through much investigation, the gruesome truth about Carmilla and her family is revealed. Though the basic premise of the story of evil targeting gentle innocence is familiar to anyone who is vampire savvy, this haunting tale is surprisingly fresh, avoids clichés and builds well to its heart stopping climax. Gothic horror at its best!

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