Dracula: Curse of the Vampire Gamebook Review

Do not delay, for the dead travel fast…

Dracula: Curse of the Vampire is an interactive gothic horror novel where you decide which dangers to risk and which terrifying creatures to fight (or flee from). Whether you reach your goal or succumb to a dark enemy depends entirely on your wits and a bit of luck. This gamebook offers a refreshing and thrilling reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic tale, staying true to the original while layering in deep, immersive gameplay.

The work comes from British author Jonathan Green, a figure celebrated in many literary circles for his versatility. His impressive portfolio spans fantasy, sci-fi, horror, steampunk, and more. Jonathan fondly remembers his childhood years spent with gamebooks, so it is no surprise he became a creator himself. Having contributed to the Fighting Fantasy series, Curse of the Vampire feels like a classic, yet it stands out for its sheer complexity. With thousands of references, it is nearly three times as extensive as his previous works! With this book, Green proves he is a master of the modern gamebook format, crafting an intricate, gripping story that feels like a full-fledged novel in your hands.

It is clear from the start that Green is a fan of the original novel. With meticulous passion, he gathered ideas and notes that didn't make it into Stoker’s original work, then deconstructed and rebuilt them into a cohesive whole. As a gamebook, it also features ambitious, grand ideas that fit perfectly. He improvises with action scenes and intriguing side quests. The pace is fast, and choosing the best path is a real challenge. My advice: be brave and don't despair if you meet an ugly end or two. The story will reward your efforts handsomely!

You can experience the plot as one of three characters: Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, or Dr. Seward. Jonathan Harker is a young lawyer traveling to an isolated castle in the Carpathians to help a mysterious Count with property purchases in England. What he witnesses there will change his life forever. Meanwhile, Jonathan’s fiancée Mina visits her dear friend Lucy Westenra, who is attacked and falls victim to a mysterious illness. Her close friend, Dr. John Seward, comes to her aid, and after discovering the true cause of her condition with the help of Professor Abraham Van Helsing, he faces the ultimate tests…

The dice are cast, and the pieces are on the board. Ordinary people become vampire hunters. Yet, no one realizes they are pawns in a plan set in motion centuries ago by Vlad the Impaler, the cruel tyrant known as Dracula. What makes this retelling of gothic horror unique is the ability to play as the Count himself and try to thwart the hunters' plans. In this version, Dracula is not a misunderstood hero pushed to the sidelines (as some works romantically present him), but a terrifying, megalomaniacal monster surviving through the ages on the blood of his human victims. The book lets you live through all the key moments of Dracula’s life as depicted in Stoker’s original story—from every angle, from mere mortal to the powerful lord of the undead. Playing as the true villain is rare, especially with this level of depth.

One of the book's strengths is its non-linear structure and immense replayability. This is largely due to the ability to "jump" between the three vampire hunters during your adventure, constantly discovering new snippets of information and plot threads.

How does it work in terms of gameplay? Like other book-based RPGs, the rules are simple and clearly explained in the introduction. Those who love rolling dice will be right at home, or you can spice up the experience with stylish game cards that replace dice, as well as fans of keeping meticulous records of their progress and every detail of the hunt. Because Curse of the Vampire is so well-balanced, you can also play it the "fast" way—simply reading through your options and enjoying the adventure without a single dice roll or note in your character sheet. The book works perfectly in both cases.

The combat system is simple and engaging, featuring face-to-face melee and ranged combat. Success depends not just on a lucky dice roll, but also on character stats, weapons, equipment, magical items, and the environment where the fight takes place. Vampire hunters have a special ability—The Pen is Mightier—which allows you to avoid combat entirely in a critical moment. Use this ability sparingly, however; my recommendation is to save it for later parts of the adventure where you might encounter truly powerful enemies.

Beyond combat, the gamebook includes puzzles and riddles that force you to think. These elements enhance the experience and are seamlessly integrated into the story. Deciphering ancient codes, unlocking hidden passages, solving mysteries, and building trust with allies—every playthrough can bring something new. For persistent players, mapping out all paths and situations to find the most efficient route will mean many long evenings and color-coded notes.

The book's rich illustrations beautifully build the atmosphere and provide a classic backdrop for the horror narrative. A quick flip through the pages might reveal spoilers of what awaits, which only adds to the nostalgic experience. We owe the quality and frequency of the illustrations to the Kickstarter campaign Jonathan Green successfully ran, raising enough funds to hire an experienced artist.

There is a sad story behind the illustrations: the original artist, Martin McKenna, passed away unexpectedly, and his work for the book was completed by the talented Hauke Kock. As a tribute to the genre, the faces of famous personalities were used to depict some characters, adding even more depth to the illustrations and making them even more fun to browse. You can read about this and many other details in the nearly 50 pages of notes by Jonathan Green himself.

This book is not just a reorganization of the original into a playable version; it is a clever and entertaining blend of various vampire and mythological tales. Curse of the Vampire is written in an accessible, clear way, and as a standalone work, it is the perfect gateway into the world of interactive novels for all new players. However, seasoned veterans will be perfectly satisfied as well. Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the world of darkness!

If Dracula caught your interest, don't miss other books by Jonathan Green, such as Alice's Nightmare in Wonderland, Neverland: Here Be Monsters, and OZ, which you can enjoy in full thanks to the Mytago publishing house.

author Petr Eller