Dracula – Leonberger Life

Fascinating and Beautiful Overview Of Four Provinces in Romania

This is a Leonberger blog and most books that I review are Leonberger books but sometimes I present and review other kinds of books that I love and that I want to promote. Today I would like to present a great book on Romania called Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-WORD STORIES, Folklore and History, written by Patricia Furstenberg. I found this book to be very interesting and fascinating. It comes in a paperback edition, hardcover, and a Kindle edition and I read the paperback edition.

Paperback – June 10, 2022, ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8835263172, 214 pages, Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.51 x 9 inches, it is currently $27.00 on Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
Hardcover – June 25, 2022, ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8838116918, 215 pages, Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.68 x 9 inches, it is currently $15.24 on Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
Kindle – June 9, 2022, ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B3QXD6GQ, 241 pages. It is currently $2.99 on Amazon.com (free with kindle unlimited). Click here to order it from Amazon.com.

Front cover of the paperback version of the book Dreamland. It shows a forest in the dark with text Dreamland in white and the author's name: Patricia Furstenberg. — This is my scan of the front cover of the paperback version of the book Dreamland. Click on the photo to go to the Amazon location for the paperback version of the book.

This is a truly fascinating book on four of the of the ten provinces of Romania, Banat, Crisana, Maramures and Transylvania. It features 117 100-word stories drawn from legends, folklore and history. I visited Transylvania in 2008 and this book reminded me of the many magical experiences we had there. Some of the photos in the book reminded me of the places we visited, including a photo of Dracula’s birthplace encompassing a little hotel where we stayed. When I saw the photo, I was reminded that I sat on one of the chairs in the picture and I shared my food with a stray dog. You can read about my travel story here.

This is Amazon’s description of the book.

For her books on Romania and her blog promoting Romania, Patricia Furstenberg was included in Top 100 Romanians from Everywhere Category Art 2023, Top 100 Români de Pretutindeni, by Repatriot, as featured in Newsweek Romania.

Discover the untold tales that shaped history and folklore in DREAMLAND through well-crafted 100-word stories: A Captivating Read, Delightful and Fascinating, A Magical Tour Through Romania’s History and Folklore.

Journey into the aftermath of a giant’s forbidden love, the chilling fate of a maiden turned to stone, the mystery surrounding the lost Dacian treasure, or the true reasons behind the terror inspired by Vlad the Impaler. Uncover hidden truths and well-guarded secrets behind these legendary stories of “happily ever after,” chilling origins, elusive warriors, and the enigmatic figures that have shaped Transylvania for millennia.

Dreamland reveals the epic narratives and whimsical photography behind the legends we thought we knew, inviting you to dive deeper into a world where history meets myth.

My Amazon Five Star Review of Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-WORD STORIES, Folklore and History

A Magical Historical Tour of Four Romanian Provinces

This is a truly fascinating and beautifully written book on four of the of the ten provinces of Romania, Banat, Crisana, Maramures and Transylvania. I would say that about half of the book is about Transylvania and half on the other three smaller provinces.

The book features 117 100-word long lyrical stories and poems. The 100-word stories are concise and written in a rich and expressive manner. These stories are based on legends and folklore about dragons, witches, giants, mythical creatures, kings, as well as local culture and historical events. Following each 100-word story were explanations of the historical context as well as nearly 90 gorgeous color photographs. Out of curiosity I counted the words in a few of them because I was curious as to whether they really were exactly 100 words, and the ones I counted were. I don’t think it is important that they are 100 words. However, the fact that the author was able to do it is kind of impressive.

The historical events depicted include the building of fortresses, fortified churches and cities, invasions, Roman and Ottoman invasions, the taking of slaves, kings, warlords and heroes and of course Vlad Tepes III or Vlad Draculea (Dracula). In the back there is a map showing the geographic location of each entry.

In 2008 I visited Transylvania with my son and his water polo team. The coach, Mihai, was from Transylvania and he took us on an incredible Dracula themed guided tour of Transylvania and some other parts of Romania (I was one of two chaperons). Therefore, I recognized many of the places described including Sighisoara, Brasov, Sibiu, Prejmer, Balea Lac, Rasnov, the Fagaras mountains, the Transfagarasan road, Biertan, Bran castle, and the Black Church in Brasov. It was an amazing feeling to read about these places and see the photos, which were much better than mine. It brought back many good memories. Romania is a fascinating country with a very rich history.

This book is very well written, the 100-word stories are interesting and impressive, the accompanying explanations informative, and the book is well organized. It is a true gem and I highly recommend it to anyone planning to visit Romania and to anyone interested in Romania.

This is a photo of the back cover of the book Dreamland. It features a description of the book and the author and includes a photo of the author. — This is a photo of the back cover of the book Dreamland. Click on the photo to go to the Amazon location for the kindle version of the book.

About the Author

Amazon Bestseller and Award Winning writer Patricia Furstenberg is the author of JOYFUL TROUBLE, SILENT HEROES: When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for (chosen One in Five Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime), and new releases DREAMLAND and TRANSYLVANIA’S HISTORY A to Z. With a medical degree behind her, Patricia writes about unconditional love and war, while her keen interest for history and dogs brought her writing, through a perfect loop, to her native Romania, Patricia being the creator of #Im4Ro hashtag, sharing positive stories.

Her latest books, “Dreamland” and “Transylvania’s History A to Z” are “a wonderful combination of stories, photos, history, and legends”, “a novel idea and a captivating read”.

Joining the Covenant of Dracula in Transylvania

I found out that today, or rather yesterday, that May 26 is World Dracula Day. It is celebrated to remember the day that the famous novel Dracula by Bram Stoker was published (1897). For most of you I am posting this one a day late. However, I found out about it a bit late. Check out VAMP JENN’S CORNER.

It reminded me of our trip to Romania and Transylvania in 2008. During that trip my son and I were inducted into the covenant of Dracula as special protectors of Dracula. Perhaps you could join as well? Viking Blood tastes pretty good and you can buy it at Specs. More on that later. (Photos by me).

Photo of a guy wearing a mask in the Bran Castle — Dressed up dude scaring tourists at the Bran Castle.

First a little bit about Dracula. Prince Vlad “Tepes” Draculea (Vlad the Impaler) known as Dracula was born in Sighisoara, Transylvania, Romania, in 1431. He was the second son of Vlad Dracul (Vlad the Dragon), who became the ruler of Wallachia in 1436. Wallachia is the province to the south of Transylvania. He got the nickname Vlad the Impaler because his favorite method of execution was to impale people, and he is rumored to have impaled tens of thousands. In 1442 the Ottoman Empire tried to invade Transylvania and Vlad Dracul and Vlad Tepes Draculea were imprisoned by the Ottomans. They were able to flee, and Vlad Tepes became the Voivod (ruler) of Wallachia, defender of Transylvania and ultimately the defender of all of Europe. For this reason, Vlad Tepes alias Dracula is a local hero, despite his impalement activities and being rumored to be a vampire.

Stray dog that we came across in Sighisoara. Do you think he was a vampire dog?

It was a Water polo team trip. In addition to the kids on the team, including my son Jacob, there was the coach Mihai, and two chaperones, me, and Jim Smith. We arrived in Bucharest (Wallachia) where the boys played water polo against other teams, and we also visited various tourist attractions such as the enormous Palace of the Parliament erected by Communist Dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. We also visited the Snagov island and the Snagov monastery located not far from Bucharest. The Snagov monastery is where Dracula’s grave is located and it is tended to by a monk, Dracula’s monk, and he was extremely happy to welcome us. He had been waiting for us.

Photo of the enormous Palace erected by Nicolay Ceausescu. It is the largest administrative building in the World. — This enormous Palace was erected by Nicolay Ceausescu. It is the largest administrative building in the World.

Photo of a room inside Ceausescu’s palace. — One of hundreds of public rooms in Ceausescu’s palace.

Photo of Dracula’s monk, Mihai the coach, and the seven kids plus two small dogs. My son Jacob is second from right in the dark green shirt. — Dracula’s monk, Mihai and the kids. My son Jacob is second from right in the dark green shirt. Notice the little dogs. Dracula had nice little dogs.

Photo of three of us standing right behind Dracula's grave on the Snagov island. I am to the right in blue, my son in the middle. I forgot his friend’s name. Dracula’s monk took the photo using my camera. Focus could have been better. — We are standing right behind Dracula’s grave. I am to the right in blue, my son in the middle and I forgot his friend’s name. Dracula’s monk took the photo using my camera. Focus could have been better.

Next the monk took us to Dracula’s well and he asked us if we were willing to join the covenant of Dracula as protectors of Dracula. I am not sure if that is the same as the order of the Dragon, the order that Dracula was part of. The monk said that my son was very special. He was the incarnation of the arch angel Gabriel and a special protector of Dracula. I am not sure if that had anything to do with me giving him a good tip earlier. I asked whom I was an incarnation of. The monk answered, no one special, you are just Pedro. I don’t know who Pedro is. Anyway, we drank from Dracula’s well and got inducted into the Dracula’s covenant.

Dracula's monk is preparing for us to drink from Dracula's well. — Drinking from Dracula’s well.

Next, we headed off to Transylvania where we visited the cities of Brasov and Sibiu and the town of Sighisoara. We stayed at a hotel “Casa cu Cerb” built inside the three-story house, at “Piata Muzeului” number 6, where Dracula was born. It was an interesting experience and we got to know the owner well. It is a famous small hotel with only ten guestrooms. We also ate at Dracula’s restaurant next-door. We had brain, not human brains, but cow brains, we aren’t zombies.

View of Brasov from nearby mountain — Brasov

Plaque for Dracula's restaurant — Dracula ’s restaurant

Photo of fried brain at Dracula's restaurant — Brain food at Dracula’s restaurant

We also climbed the Transylvanian mountains and visited the Bran castle. The Bran castle is allegedly Dracula’s castle, but it is not really true. It is more of a tourist trap. The Poienari Castle, which we also visited, was on the other hand built or rather renovated by Dracula.

Photo of the Bran Castle — View of the Bran Castle

Photo of the courtyard in the Bran Castle — Courtyard inside Bran Castle.

Photo of stray dogs by the Bran Castle. — Stray dogs by the Bran Castle.

Photo of my son Jacob and a team mate at the Poienari Castle — My son at the Poienari Castle

Photo of the coach Mihai in the Transylvanians mountains — Mihai in the Transylvanian Mountains

Photo of a beer I drank today. Darkness Falls, a run barrel aged coconut milk stout from Fort Worth, Texas, ABV 9.8%. Perfect for Dracula Day. — Darkness Falls, a run barrel aged coconut milk stout from Fort Worth, Texas, ABV 9.8%, that I drank today. Perfect for Dracula Day.

Photo of Viking Blood a Danish mead, ABV 19.0%. I drank it some time ago. Perfect for Dracula Day. — Viking Blood a Danish mead, ABV 19.0%, that I drank some time ago. Perfect for Dracula Day.

Vampire of the Midnight Sun Two Engrossing Horror Stories

Cover for Vamoire of the Midnight Sun by Priscilla Bettis

This blog is primarily about Leonbergers, especially our late Leonberger Bronco, or as his full name was, Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle. I also review Leonberger books and sometimes I review books that are not about Leonbergers, books I love and want to promote. This is one of those posts. Today I am reviewing Vampire of The Midnight Sun – January 28, 2023 by Priscilla Bettis. It exists as a Kindle edition with a print length of 55 pages, ASIN B0BS9N5VR1. It is $2.99 on Amazon.

Priscilla Bettis (embedded from Amazon author page)

Even though I am not the traditional vampire aficionado, because of the implausible vampire mythology surrounding vampires, for example, they burn up in sunlight, they turn into bats, all their victims also turn into vampires. It seems silly and evokes questions. I should say I still prefer traditional vampires over zombies. Zombies are boring. However, Priscillas vampire tale is not a traditional vampire story, it is a lot more plausible and modern.

I should say that I have some connection to vampires. That’s because I went to Transylvania with my son and the water polo team, he was part of. Together with another parent, Jim, I was a chaperone. The coach was a native of Transylvania and he decided to make the trip about Dracula, or as his real name was Vlad II Dracul or Vlad II Tepes the Impaler. We visited Dracula’s grave on Snagov island, his birthplace in Sighisoara, the Bran Castle, and the Poienari Castle. I can add that the Bran Castle is the most famous castle and a tourist trap, but there’s no evidence he was ever there. The Poienari Castle on the other hand, was a castle he restored and lived in.

When we visited the Snagov island and the Snagov monastery Dracula’s monk decided to initiate me and my son into Dracula’s covenant. We drank water from Dracula’s well and participated in a ritual and voila, here we are protectors of Dracula. Therefore, I might as well launch into my review of Priscilla’s horror stories.

Below I am posting my updated Amazon review for Vampire Of The Midnight Sun. To see my Amazon review click here.

Two engrossing horror stories that you’ll never forget

Can vampires live under the sun, the midnight sun? Can vampires be blood thirsty but not evil? The first story in Priscilla Bettis “Vampire of the Midnight Sun” story collection certainly implies this and it makes vampires a lot more plausible and interesting than the helpless and evil vampires who are poff-gone under the slightest ray from the sun.

Two friends, Billy and Frasier, are river rafting in Alaska. They end up in the cold river water and have to hike back to safety, wet and without provisions. That’s how a very difficult but interesting hike begins. However, unbeknownst to Frasier, Billy is not a normal mortal. Billy’s special condition turns out to be an advantage to both of them but also the cause of confusion and mounting tension and a gruesome surprise. You don’t need evil for horror, you just need what is otherworldly and bizarre. I found Billy to be quite fascinating and more believable than all the vampires that I’ve come across in other stories. The story was captivating, and the unique narrative was refreshing, and the descriptions of the surrounding beautiful scenery was breathtaking.

“Vampire of the Midnight Sun” also contain a second short story called “the fire witch and the cowboy”. It takes place in an old wild west town called Dusty Bend in Texas during the wildfire season. The town has a secret. There are dark old sins to atone for and as a result there’s wild fire, lots of fire, fire from hell arising from supernatural forces. In the story there are cowards and heroes, witches, ghosts, revenge and death. It is a spellbinding horror story that gave me goosebumps.

I highly recommend this collection of two great horror stories.

To see Priscilla Bettis’ Amazon author page, click here, and to visit her website click here.