Roman Dusk: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain

Name: Roman Dusk: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain
Price: 18.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780765313935

✍️ Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$18.99

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A vampire faces execution by fire in declining Imperial Rome.

Yarbro examines the precarious position of an immortal being within a collapsing empire. The narrative focuses on the intersection of legal corruption and religious fervor. Saint-Germain must navigate accusations that threaten his very existence. The author uses the historical backdrop to question the stability of power structures. The plot emphasizes how personal vendettas can trigger state-level persecution. This approach grounds the supernatural elements in tangible political stakes.

Key Themes

Imperial Roman decline vampire persecution Christian conversion

Literary Context

The novel is set in Imperial Rome during its final stages of collapse. It explores the tension between traditional pagan beliefs and the emerging Christian faith. The setting reflects a time of political instability and religious transition.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Anne Rice · Dacre Stoker · Iain Pears

🦇

Vampires

🏛 Tor Books 📅 2008 📖 352 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780765313935

📝 Description: Roman Dusk: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro returns to the ancient world in this novel featuring the immortal Count Saint-Germain. Set during the decline of Imperial Rome, the story follows Ragoczy Germainus Sanct' Franciscus as he faces severe legal and personal threats. A corrupt Roman official accuses him of bribery, tax evasion, and treason. These charges escalate when Ignatia, a young virgin, is implicated in his alleged corruption. The situation becomes dangerous for the undead protagonist because Ignatia’s brother is a zealous convert to Christianity. This relative threatens to purify Saint-Germain with fire. The narrative highlights the vulnerability of even the immortal to such elemental destruction. Yarbro draws on gothic and supernatural traditions to explore the clash between ancient pagan immortality and the rising new religion. This book suits readers who enjoy historical horror and character-driven supernatural fiction. It appeals to those interested in the specific period of Roman collapse and the early spread of Christianity. Readers seeking fast-paced action or modern settings may find the political intrigue and atmospheric tension less engaging. The story relies on the tension between legal persecution and supernatural survival.

💎 Our verdict on Roman Dusk: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Yarbro effectively examines the vulnerability of an immortal being facing execution by fire in declining Rome. The narrative successfully intertwines legal corruption with religious fervor, creating high stakes for Saint-Germain. By focusing on a corrupt official’s accusations and a zealous Christian relative, the author grounds supernatural fears in tangible political reality. This approach suits readers who enjoy historical depth and gothic atmosphere. However, those preferring rapid action or contemporary settings may find the political intrigue less engaging. The book stands as a thoughtful study of power dynamics during a period of significant cultural shift.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate historical horror and character-driven supernatural fiction will find this narrative compelling. It appeals specifically to those interested in the precarious position of immortals within collapsing empires and the early spread of Christianity. The book offers a unique perspective on how personal vendettas can trigger state-level persecution, grounding the supernatural in legal corruption. Those seeking atmospheric tension over fast-paced action or modern settings will gain the most from this exploration of power structures and religious zealotry.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Yarbro effectively examines the vulnerability of an immortal being facing execution by fire in declining Rome. The narrative successfully intertwines legal corruption with religious fervor, creating high stakes for Saint-Germain. By focusing on a corrupt official’s accusations and a zealous Christian relative, the author grounds supernatural fears in tangible political reality. This approach suits readers who enjoy historical depth and gothic atmosphere. However, those preferring rapid action or contemporary settings may find the political intrigue less engaging. The book stands as a thoughtful study of power dynamics during a period of significant cultural shift.