VLAD

VLAD is a modern sequel to the Dracula legend that feels oddly anemic. Written by the legendary Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes, the novel seems more like a novella with lots of setup and a plot that ends as quickly as it begins. Robert Fass resists the urge to channel Bela Lugosi, even though the images conjured up resemble him. His deep, rich voice is hypnotic, just like the vampire himself. Fuentes finished the book shortly before his death, and one wonders if he’d planned to delve more deeply into the story of Dracula moving his home to Mexico City in search of fresh prey. Fass's calm, controlled voice adds to the deliberate creepiness of the work. M.S. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2012]