Review: Incarnation by Emma Cornwall

Book Description:

In the steampunk world of Victorian London, a beautiful vampire seeks out the author of Dracula–to set the record straight . . .

If one is to believe Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale, Lucy Weston is Dracula’s most wanton creation, a sexual creature of the night who preys on innocent boys. But the real-life Lucy is nothing like her fictional counterpart—and she demands to know why the Victorian author deliberately lied. With Stoker’s reluctant help, she’s determined to track down the very fiend who transformed her—from the sensual underworld where humans vie to become vampires, to a hidden cell beneath a temple to madness, and finally into the glittering Crystal Palace where death reigns supreme.

Haunted by fragmentary memories of her lost life and love, Lucy must battle her thirst for blood as she struggles to stop a catastrophic war that will doom vampires and humans alike. Ultimately, she must make a choice that illuminates for her—and for us—what it means to be human.

Publication Date: September 18, 2012

After shying away from vampire novels for awhile, I decided that the description of Incarnation was intriguing enough for me to give it a shot. Blending elements of gothic fiction, steampunk and mystery, the story is an intriguing look at the “real” Lucy from Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

What I Liked: The prose is amazingly descriptive. I felt myself transported to Victorian England and I could tell the novel was well researched. The world building was so exceptional, I find myself inspired to learn more about the time period.

Lucy’s characterization was well done and I loved the duality of her personality. You could really feel her struggle between her human and vampire sides. The secondary characters were also interesting and I enjoyed how you were never certain who the good guys and who the bad guys were.

What I Didn’t Like: The only thing I didn’t totally fall in love with was the romance in the book. I would’ve enjoyed it more if the relationship was a little more developed. The beginning was also a little slow-going. However, by the mid-point, I couldn’t put the novel down.

Overall, a vampire novel with depth and beauty. Fans of historical fiction and steampunk will especially enjoy this book.

Rating: 4/5 Stars