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Battling with herself over the morality of what she has become Cassandra cannot help but question whether or not she has turned into an evil monster or demon. "Think about wolves," Dmitri suggested softly as he followed her train of thoughts. "They must take the life of other's in order to survive. Are we so much different than them?"
Excerpt
The rattle of the carriage as it lurched upon the cobblestone street running toward the docks drew Cassandra's attention. She pushed aside the drapes to watch the magnificent ships coming into view. She could not help but wonder if her life would be changing for the better or worse.
At least the Duke of Eton had permitted Cassandra's personal maid to remain with her. The Irish-born servant was handsome, although not enough to draw undo attention. Her copper-colored hair was her best feature. When she spoke, she still had a slight accent that delighted Cassandra.
Nearly ten years older than her young mistress, she had been taking care of Cassandra for the past six years. During this time, Becca had grown attached to the young woman and was extremely loyal. Several times over the years past, she purposely turned the duke's wrath onto herself to protect his daughter. As with most of the household servants, she was aware of the cruelty the duke displayed toward his wife and daughter. She couldn't help but think it a shame that Lady Elizabeth’s father had given her to the duke for his wife.
"What is on your mind?" Becca asked, noticing a frown creasing Cassandra's brow.
"I was wondering whether our lives have taken a turn for the better or worse," Cassandra admitted, brushing aside a stray wisp of hair that had come loose from the bun on top of her head.
One would think that after having sired eight sons, a man's only daughter would enjoy a pampered life. Such had not been the case for her, Cassandra thought. In fact, her life so far was nothing short of miserable.
Professional Reviews
A Romance Review. January 2004 by Kari.
Set in England’s Regency time era, Ms. Schmidt pens a unique tale that blends romance with the paranormal.
Shipped to Russia as a virgin bride for an old friend of her father’s, Cassandra Eton’s entire life is turned upside down. There, she’s dismayed to meet the older man she’s betrothed to, and then suffers another shock when her stepfather and her fiancé attack her in an attempted rape. Saved by a guest, who is a Prince, Cassandra willingly accepts his offer to find sanctuary in his castle.
At his castle, Prince Dmitri Donskoy proceeds to slowly, carefully woo Cassandra. Dmitri has a secret and knows he must go slowly with Cassandra before she discovers his true identity: a vampire.
But when Cassandra is attacked by a man bent on revenge against the Prince, Dmitri has to save her life by using the means he had hoped to delay far longer. The blood exchange brings Cassandra into his real world, and she learns the truth he’d kept hidden.
Cassandra accepts this stark reality very well, easily adapting to her supernatural powers as a vampiress, and even contemplates revenge against her stepfather for all he had done to her and her mother.
This is a very interesting twist to the vampire genre, and Ms. Schmidt has penned a fast paced read that is guaranteed a happy-ever-after ending, yet leaves readers wondering if some of her secondary characters will one day get their own stories too.
Betsie's Literary Page. April 17, 2004 by Betsie.
The story begins with 15 year-old Cassandra; only daughter of Duke Eton is accompanied by her Irish-born maid named, Becca, who herself is but 10 years older. Together the trio journey's to Russia. Duke Eton having promised a virgin bride to his longtime friend Lord Davenport desires much more. Upon their arrival an agreement is struck and Duke Eton intent on having his way invades Cassandras bedchamber.
Cassandra struggles against both men when she is struck down unconscious. Simultaneously the door flies off its hinges! The shape of a man is visible in the darkness.
When Cassandra comes to, she soon discovers she is no longer at Lord Davenport's lavish estate, instead now resides within the walls of a castle called Dragon Bluff. To further amazement, she also learns that her savior and new benefactor is Prince Dimitri Donskey.
Time passes peacefully until the disappearance of a potential suitor, a horrifying event ensues, and a knife plunges into and fatally wounds Cassandra.
Given a choice between death and eternal life as one of the undead, Cassandra chooses the latter. Everlasting life and eternal youth, promised to her, a plot swirling of animal instincts combined with intellectual prose.
The tale becomes riveting as Cassandra confronts her father, the Duke after a number of years.
The Dark Princess is a strong, rich, and original piece of writing. The blend of the erotic and the horrific is true to the spirit of the original Dracula.
Vivid descriptions easily carry the reader, as I soon found myself traveling through another time dimension. It was a dimension of not only sight and sound, but of mind.
Someone please take the sign down, I do believe we found a new and improved Ann Rice! The author, Donna J. Schmidt has done a superb job of storytelling setup the radar, this is certainly one author to keep an eye on.
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