The Last Magician meets A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue in 
this thrilling tale filled with magic and set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains where a girl must hunt down Vlad the Impaler’s cursed ring in order to save her father.
Some legends never die…
Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.
Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.
Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.
I’m a big fan of both comp titles – A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue was one of my favorite reads this year. And when the description mentioned Vlad the Impaler and a cursed ring – I didn’t care about the rest of the blurb. I needed to read this book.
What a thrilling adventure! Theo and Huck find themselves in one predicament after another while searching for her father across the Eastern European countryside. They struggle to survive – and with people chasing them, wolves, the elements, and magic, it’s not an easy task. That, combined with Theo solving ciphers and puzzles and the teasing dialogue gives this the feel of an Indiana Jones movie.
Theo is headstrong, intelligent, and determined not to remain on the sidelines while her father goes treasure-hunting. Huck is a good match for her, being equally stubborn and adventurous. His way of misquoting common sayings makes him even more adorable and appealing.
Folklore, hidden family secrets, romance, adventure, mystery, castles, cursed artifacts – this book is a wild romp. It’s a little lighter on fantasy than I expected; instead, it ventures into historical fiction, and the setting descriptions are vivid and rich. I’m not sure if the author plans a series, but if she does, I’ll be adding the next book to my list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Great review, Teri!
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Thanks, Yesha! This was such a fun read.
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Romania, Gothic . . . the setting sounds delicious. Thanks for posting your review. And kudos to the book cover artist, very intricate with a Goth feel.
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The setting descriptions were done so well, Priscilla – and I agree – that cover is beautiful.
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Great review! I’m glad you liked it, too.
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We seem to be of the same mind on our reviews lately, Kristi!
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I love when that happens. I tend to love books people don’t like, so it’s nice when I find a blogger who is enjoying the same things as me. 🙂
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Teri, I’m with you about the reaction to Dracula’s cursed ring! LOL. This sounds like a ton of fun. I love a good “treasure hunt” type book.
(By the way, I’m going to work on your Bad Moon Rising questions today. Thanks again for including me.) Hugs!
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Treasure hunt books are always fun – puzzles, ciphers. They can challenge the mind. Have a great week, Teagan!
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This sounds like a really good one, Teri. I love the fact that it plays so heavily on history and folklore.
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It contained a lot more than I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised.
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This sounds brilliant, Teri. I also love historical fiction. I debated include Vlad in my book but in the end went with Countess Elizabeth Bathory.
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Maybe you could save Vlad for a future book?
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Yes, I might do that.
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This sounds so good, Teri. What a great review. I’m going to have to give it a go. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana! With wonderful characterization, folklore, secrets, and more, it was a fun, intriguing read.
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This sounds like a great read. Definitely one to add to my TBR list.
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Hope you enjoy it, Joan! I really hope the author has a series planned.
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Sounds great 🙂
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