by Lucy Weston

Simon and Schuster, $15.00, 320 pages

On the eve of her coronation Queen Elizabeth discovers a terrifying secret. When she was born, her mother (Anne Boleyn) had her horoscope read. It foretold of the baby’s destiny to become a Slayer and to follow in the footsteps of her ancestors. The Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor, Vampire Slayer as told by Lucy Weston (the damsel from Bram Stoker’s Dracula) reveals little-known facts about Queen Elizabeth’s true struggle for power. The tale alternates between Elizabeth’s narrative and that of Mordred, a 1,000 year old vampire, who is set on either turning the Queen into a night creature and joining her power with his, or destroying her. Readers will be captivated with this unknown story of the “Virgin Queen” and the Vampire King of England (the bastard son of King Arthur who has waited centuries to claim the throne). Mordred will use his most effective technique, seduction, to woo his adversary. Queen Elizabeth is torn. On one hand she’ll do anything to protect the realm. On the other, she is drawn to the ancient king and the ecstasy he promises.

Reviewed by Kathryn Franklin