An entertaining, fun read with drama and adventure, werewolves and vampires!

As soon as I read the synopsis for this one, I was excited, and this book did not let me down, because this book is FUN. It is a fictional tale, intermingling real-life characters, who in their real future, write about events that they have found themselves experiencing within this fictional tale, famous works such as Dracula, The Lair of The White Worm and The Picture of Dorian Grey. I had to sleep on it a few nights to come up with my official star rating, and I stand by my choice.

It is very cleverly written, in its gothic/ Victorian style, and is told from multiple perspectives through diary entries, letters and The White Worm Society's archives, paying homage to Stoker's work, and as a fan of both Stoker and Wilde, I loved it.

Not only do we have the entertaining relationships and connections to Stoker and Wilde's novels, but the adventure that the characters go on is an enjoyable ride. I think some of the 'plot twists' might have been fairly obvious, but I didn’t really mind because I felt such a connection to the story and the journey anyway.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t know all of the history and the politics much behind the characters' real lives, so this review is purely based on my minimal knowledge alone, so apart from the obvious fiction (or is it), plot holes were not obvious to me, if there are any. This opinion is coming from me having read Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Grey, plus having seen various movie adaptations, and that is it.

Since reading this book I find that I keep telling everybody to read it. I feel a huge desire to find Lair of The White Worm by Bram Stoker to see where the connections lie between the two, outside of the naming of the society in Stoker's Wilde.

I give this 4 stars!

Told in a diarists letter style this book was very enjoyable. Enough momentum to keep you wanting to move forward. I love the use of well known characters outside of their literary and factual place. If you liked the tv series Penny Dreadful or Victorian vampires and werewolves this is going to float you very easily. Feels ripe for a series of books on a similar vein.

This book was a freaky yet interesting read for me. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I would be interested in reading more from this author in the future!

This is the 2nd book I have read where Bram Stoker is written in as a character fighting off vampires. The first was Dracul by J.D. Barker and Dacre Stoker. I gave that book 5 stars in Goodreads, and this book deserves the same.

To top it all off, here we see Bram Stoker teaming up with Oscar Wilde. The dislike between these two men actually makes for some hilarious quips and snarky comments. At the same time, their unique talents are brought into play - intelligence, quick wit and bravery.

Written as a series of letters and journal entries, the flow of this book is surprisingly good. All events tie in together beautifully, told by alternating characters in their own way. I would highly recommend this book to any supernatural, action and horror fans.

I enjoyed the different narratives - use of journals, newspaper articles, secret society letters, etc. The relationship between Stoke and Wilde lent the book considerable sarcasm and humor. It was quite enjoyable to read what one thought of the other. Great writing style and interesting to read as it reflected on what these characters would eventually publish.
It started strong but fizzled through the middle. The ending answered a lot of questions. Yet I had a hard finishing this one.

If you’re fan of historical literary mash-ups then Stoker’s Wilde may tickle your fancy. On the other hand, if you find the idea of having Bram Stoker (author of Dracula) and Oscar Wilde (author of The Picture of Dorian Gray) kicking both werewolf and vampire ass completely ridiculous then avoid this book like the plague. You will hate it. For large parts I could not make my mind up whether I liked it or not, so probably sit somewhere in the middle, but am very happy to compliment the authors for their ingenuity in bringing these two literary legends together in a very well presented pseudo-historical novel.

When we cut to the chase Stoker’s Wilde is a Nineteenth Century buddy novel about two struggling authors whose best work is years in front of them, with the trials they go through over the course of this book, the inspiration for their literary future. According to Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi anyway, yeah right, as I said, the story takes some swallowing. Actually, the book was so well researched it did have me questioning whether Stoker and Wilde knew each other in real life? Perhaps they crossed in literary circles? The circumstances used to bring the gentlemen together in this book occurs after Stoker marries the ex-fiancé of Wilde.

The first major strength of Stoker’s Wilde was the attention to historical, literary and overall Nineteenth Century detail, ultimately it was stronger than the plot which came across as a bit old-hat and tired. Once the two men have become friends they go on a series of interconnected adventures which leads them into the realms of the supernatural. The problem here is that the old ‘authentic’ vampire and werewolf myths are exactly that, old, and as Bram and Oscar battled these demons I could not help I had been here before, possibly many times before when it comes to vampire pop culture.

It is obvious that the authors know their source material very well and I enjoyed the various innuendos to the author’s most famous works. Like Dracula this novel uses correspondences, journal entries and letters to tell the story and I felt this killed the momentum of the story, however, the various voices had unique feels to them and some of the interludes were entertaining. Ultimately though they seemed to spin the story out longer than necessary. However, the Victorian feel of the novel comes across as genuine and an authentic recreation.

What of the plot then? Bram and Oscar receive their first introduction to the world of the supernatural when a distinguished friend of the Wilde family invites them on a hunt for the killer of a young barmaid in Ireland, a werewolf is suspected, cementing their reluctant connection as they solve this mystery with cunning and logic. Despite their best efforts, other more dangerous events in London bring them back together in order to fight a much scarier and ancient threat.

I mentioned that the book was written in journal, letter and diary entries which interrupted the flow of the novel, however, the reason for this is revealed at the end and it was disappointing. I will not say what the reason is, but I will say it’s an idea which has featured in countless YA and kid’s novels and television series and was slightly underwhelming. “Stoker’s Wilde” was solid stuff, but the setting and world building was better than the plot.

This imaginative novel follows Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker and a whole host of secondary characters on a vampire-hunting extravaganza. I don't read a whole lot of horror fiction, and haven't really read any vampire fiction at all. But the epistolary format (including letters, archivists' notes, diary entries, etc.) is engaging, and the character development is excellent. It's exceptionally fun to hear how Oscar and Bram see each other as they both describe their version of parts of various events. The writing is smart, and the narrative is complex. I'm wondering if there will be a sequel...?

Highly recommended for lovers of vampire fiction, historical fiction, and novels in multiple points of view!

Review copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was really interested in reading this book after reading the description and was not disappointed. I enjoyed the writing style and I found the story well written and engrossing.

Hopstaken and Prusi knock it out of the park with this excellent historical thriller Stoker's Wilde. Will keep you engrossed until the final page!

Hopstaken and Prusi’s novel Stoker’s Wilde is a once in a lifetime book that knows its subject matter very well and utilises the style in order to give an interesting twist on Victorian history. The story is extremely clever without being pretentious which a feat within itself. If this book doesn’t win numerous awards, then the literary gods should be striking down some ignorant judges in the near future.

Stoker’s Wild knows its source material very well and throughout the book there are nods and winks from Bram Stoker’s work and even Wilde’s Dorian Grey origins may pop up in the novel. Using correspondence, a nod to Dracula as its story framing, we have an unlikely kinship between the two main characters Wilde and Stoker whose relationship spits and starts before blooming which gives an interesting dynamic to the proceedings. It is a feather in the cap that Hopstaken and Prusi are able to take real life people from this time that have realistic relationships during the time the story takes place and intertwined them into their novel so realistically and keep it faithful to the real life character of their infamous cast.

Apart from the nod and winks to fans of Wilde and Stoker, there is plenty of plot twists and adventures starting in Ireland and working their way to London. There is real emotion given out dealing with love’s gains and lost. The plot keeps moving forward and it very rarely ever takes a breath. It is a rewarding piece of writing and story telling that pales to a lot of work that is floating around out there today.

Overall, this is a fantastic written, presented and thought provoking novel that over excels even my own expectations and has become one of my all-time favourites. Extremely well-constructed using a Victorian story telling device and improving on it without bogging itself down in pretention prose or trying to be cleverer than what it is. You have a strong constructed love letter to all things horror and Victorian without losing itself in its own identity. This is an honest to goodness fantastic novel that really needs to get noticed because for me, this is one of the most outstanding pieces of fiction that I have read in a long time. I am in awe of the talent that went to put this novel together. Highly recommend to all classic and modern horror readers and one of the best fiction tales in a long time.

You guys..... THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!! I don’t know if I can even begin another book right away because I’m suffering from an intense book hangover from this epic read!!! 😍😍😍😍

With characters like Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, a Roosevelt, a stage actress, a reformed vampire & a preacher fighting to keep supernatural creatures from corrupting the world, how can you go wrong?!

And the ending... WOW! Jam packed with suspense and action!!

Thank you again, Netgalley!! 5 stars!

#Netgalley
#StokersWild

This was a decent book, I think I expected something.. along a different storyline. But still an enjoyable read.

Stoker's Wilde is a unique book that is well written and engrossing. Who would of thought Bram Stokes and Oscar Wilde as friends? Amazing that the author pulled this plot off. I can't wait to read the next book they write.

I absolutely loved Stoker’s Wilde by Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi. I found the premise quite intriguing so I requested it and I got what I expected. An exciting story with original storytelling.

The story is set mostly in London in the late 19th century, between 1876 and 1881. Our 2 lead characters are Bram Stoker - yes, THAT Stoker- and Oscar Wilde -yes, HIM - and a whole set of others. The story is written as journal entries, diaries and letters between the characters. This kind of storytelling feels even more personal like you are reading about actual things that happened to actual people. Stoker and Wilde keep pestering each other and sometimes it feels like they only have hate between them but that is not so.

The story starts with letters Oscar writes to his fiancée. After having dinner with no other than Richard Burton they end up hunting werewolves and vampires. It’s more complicated than that but you have to read the book to find out.

I hope there will be a sequel to this story.

I received a copy of this book from Flame Tree Press through NetGalley.

An interesting and totally original novel written as a journal and diary entries. I enjoyed the banter wetween Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde, but did feel the plot a bit muddled.
For those reader who enjoy a novel that doesn't take itself seriously, then this is a good read.
I just reviewed Stoker's Wilde by Steven Hopstaken, Melissa Prusi. #StokersWilde #NetGalley
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Stoker's Wilde is a fun look into the friendship/rivalry of Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde.
Stoker is living a normal life when his friends drag him into a killing perpetuated by a werewolf. Bram cannot believe his until he sees it himself. Once the event is over, Bram is relived that all the drama is over. But when he moves to London and marries the fiance of a homosexual acquaintance (Wilde), Bram finds that there is evil all around. But worst of all? He must put up with Wilde to defeat the evil casing him.
Stoker's Wilde is similar to last year's Dracul. It tells you the story that inspired Dracula and sheds light on Stoker's early life. where it different is in the style. Though it's written in correspondence, Stoker's Wilde is lighter reading with more modern language and less wordy. Stoker's Wilde also focuses on a wider range of Stoker's life and acquaintances. Though I didn't like the story as much as Dracul, I found it an easier read.
The best part of the novel is the reference to other vampire pop culture. The book incorporates other vampire lore and gives it a base to stand on. My favorite was the reference to the morticians Wolfram and Hart.
I didn't like that it didn't look into actual lore and why it existed. For example, there was n reference to why stake through the heart killed vampires. This was actually done by people when they dug up bodies that looked bloody. This wasn't to kill them but to pin them to the ground and keep them from rising. This is why the legend exists.
Over all, Soker's WIlde was a fun read and encouraged me to read up more about Stoker's time at the theater.
3.5 Stars

I received a free e-copy of Stoker’s Wilde by Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi from Net Galley in exchange for my review.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book the moment I read the description, and I was absolutely not disappointed. I loved the writing style - journal entries and letters written by the main protagonists that really allowed me to see the events of the book through their eyes.

It was also very funny, even while being creepy and a little bit gruesome. I especially enjoyed the banter back and forth between Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde. It was very clever and rang true to what I’ve studied about the two.

I think my favorite parts, though, were the scenes I recognized as being “inspiration” for Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray. I love both works and this version of how they came to be written was just such fun to read and experience. I would recommend this to just about anyone, with no hesitation whatsoever.

An interesting idea and started off good, but the constant skipping around of narrators and a dull, dry plot make this one to skip.

Before I start, I have a confession to make. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is one of my favourite books of all time. Having read the premise, I was rather dubious about Stoker’s Wilde, and was half expecting to hate it, but I needn’t have worried – it was excellent.

A fictionalised (one assumes) Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde receive their first introduction to the world of the supernatural when a distinguished friend of the Wilde family invites them on a hunt for the killer of a young barmaid in Ireland, cementing their reluctant connection. Despite their best efforts, later events in London bring them back together in order to fight a much greater threat.

The novel is written in epistolary form, as a series of letters, diary entries and other documents, and this method of story-telling along with the style of writing remind me very much of Dracula.

The authors have obviously done a lot of research on Stoker, and have seamlessly woven events from his life into the storyline. I’m not particularly au fait with Wilde’s life or works, so can’t say the same for his storyline, but it fit with what little I know. Some of the other main characters are taken from real life or related fiction, and trying to remember who and what came from where ticked along in the back of my mind whilst I was reading.

All in all, a very enjoyable read. I really didn’t want it to end.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Loved it loved it loved it. If you are a fan of Bram Stoker or Oscar Wilde, then this book will certainly appeal to you. The writing style is great, because the authors really do a fantastic job of seemingly changing personalities when they change characters. This book kept me interested from the very first page and when I got to the end, I found myself wanting more. I was sad to see it go.


The stories all work well together to paint a picture of these two famous authors, and I loved that their rivalry was apparent within these pages. This was so much fun to read that I found myself wanting to shout out passages to those around me. I loved the descriptiveness of this novel and the way you get a sense of the world the characters lived in.


This is such a great book. I definitely recommend that you check it out. This will keep you busy for hours and make you forget everything else going on in your life, at least it did for me.


This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgally. All opinions are my own.