Dead Travel Fast: Stories by Kim Newman : Book Review

"Dead Travel Fast" by Kim Newman takes readers on a thrilling journey through 19th century Europe, immersing them in a mysterious world of vampires. The story revolves around Genevieve Dieudonne, an immortal vampire, as she ventures to her cousin's remote castle and encounters a variety of unsettling characters. Set in Transylvania, the novel combines elements of Gothic horror, historical fiction, and vampire mythology to create an enthralling and atmospheric tale.

Newman's writing style is incredibly immersive and descriptive, effortlessly transporting readers to the dark and eerie landscape of 19th century Europe. The detailed descriptions of the castle and its surroundings add an extra layer of authenticity to the story, allowing readers to vividly imagine the unsettling atmosphere. Newman's extensive research is evident throughout the book, seamlessly incorporating historical facts and events with supernatural elements, enhancing the overall believability of the narrative.

The characters in "Dead Travel Fast" are well-crafted and multifaceted, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. Genevieve Dieudonne, specifically, stands out as a captivating protagonist who displays both independence and vulnerability. As the story progresses, readers become deeply invested in Genevieve's journey and are compelled to unravel the mysteries of her past.

One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is its exploration of vampire mythology within its historical context. Newman seamlessly weaves together various myths and legends surrounding vampires, while also delving into the societal and cultural attitudes of the time. The result is a rich and thought-provoking narrative that surpasses the conventions of typical vampire tales.

Overall, "Dead Travel Fast" is an engrossing and atmospheric novel that will captivate both fans of vampire fiction and historical fiction. Newman's masterful fusion of genres, well-developed characters, and meticulous attention to detail make this book a must-read for those seeking a unique and captivating story.

What are readers saying?

The opinions from readers regarding "Dead Travel Fast" by Kim Newman have been quite diverse. Generally, readers found the historical setting of the book in late 19th century Transylvania to be enjoyable. They appreciated the atmospheric descriptions that immersed them in the world created by Newman. The author's extensive knowledge of vampire lore was also praised, as it added depth and authenticity to the story. Many readers were captivated by the gothic elements and found the writing style engaging.

However, some readers felt that the pacing of the book was slow and that the plot lacked excitement. They believed that the story took too long to build up, and they found the inclusion of mundane details to be excessive and unnecessary. Furthermore, a few readers were disappointed with the characterization of the main characters, feeling that they lacked depth and development.

Another point of criticism was the abundance of historical and literary references throughout the book. While some readers appreciated the cleverness and depth of these references, others found them overwhelming and distracting from the plot. Additionally, a few readers mentioned that the supernatural elements in the story were not as prominent as they had hoped, which affected their overall enjoyment.

Despite the mixed reviews, "Dead Travel Fast" by Kim Newman continues to captivate readers with its historical setting and gothic atmosphere. Readers who appreciate a slow-burn, atmospheric story with attention to detail and vampire lore are likely to enjoy this book. However, those seeking a faster-paced plot with more emphasis on supernatural elements may be left wanting. Ultimately, the reception of this book is subjective, and readers are encouraged to form their own opinion by reading it themselves.