Examines Dracula as a cultural icon, describing his transformation from a fictional character in Bram Stoker's novel to a figure that has pervaded popular culture.

Paul Bibeau, intrepid investigative journalist, detective extraordinaire, and vampire-obsessed myth-hunter, travels around the globe in search of Dracula - the monster, the myth, and the icon. In this historical and hysterical novel, Bibeau describes his transformation from a fictional character in Bram Stoker's novel to a figure that has pervaded popular culture.

Where, Carlos Fuentes asks, is a modern-day vampire to roost? Why not Mexico City, populated by ten million blood sausages (that is, people), and a police force who won’t mind a few disappearances? “Vlad” is Vlad the Impaler, of course, whose mythic cruelty was an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In this sly sequel, Vlad really is undead: dispossessed after centuries of mayhem by Eastern European wars and rampant blood shortages. More than a postmodern riff on “the vampire craze,” Vlad is also an anatomy of the Mexican bourgeoisie, as well as our culture’s ways of dealing with death. For—as in Dracula—Vlad has need of both a lawyer and a real-estate agent in order to establish his new kingdom, and Yves Navarro and his wife Asunción fit the bill nicely. Having recently lost a son, might they not welcome the chance to see their remaining child live forever? More importantly, are the pleasures of middle-class life enough to keep one from joining the legions of the damned?

Vlad: The Last Confession is a novel about the real man behind the Bram Stoker myth. It tells of the Prince, the warrior, the lover, the torturer, the survivor and, ultimately, the hero. Dracula. A name of horror, depravity and the darkest sensuality. Yet the real Dracula was just as alluring, just as terrifying, his tale not one of a monster but of a man...and a contradiction. His tale is told by those who knew him best. The only woman he ever loved...and whom he has to sacrifice. His closest comrade... and traitor. And his priest, betraying the secrets of the confessional to reveal the mind of the man history would forever remember as The Impaler. This is the story of the man behind the legend ... as it has never been told before. "Trust nothing that you've heard." Winter 1431, a son is born to the Prince of Transylvania. His father christened him "Vlad." His people knew him as "The Dragon's Son." His enemies reviled him as "Tepes"—The Impaler. He became the hero of a nation. We know him as Dracula.

Vlad has to keep his vampire urges under control while dealing with the pressures of middle school. Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod really hates junior high. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: He’s being hunted by a vampire killer. Watch a QuickTime trailer for this book.

Dating and marriage are probably the most talked about topics among young people and even adults. It makes sense, since choosing a spouse is the second most important decision you will ever make in your life, after your decision to follow Christ. So, let’s open up the conversation and debunk some of the most common misconceptions about dating and marriage and begin to shed light on God’s instructions regarding these matters. In this book, you will discover how to go about dating God’s way and learn some key principles on successful relationships.