Review: Incarnation

Title: Incarnation
Author: Emma Cornwall
Genre: Supernatural, Steampunk, New Adult/Adult

See it at Goodreads


In the steampunk world of Victorian London, a beautiful vampire seeks out the author of Dracula–to set the record straight . . . If one is to believe Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale, Lucy Weston is Dracula’s most wanton creation, a sexual creature of the night who preys on innocent boys. But the real-life Lucy is nothing like her fictional counterpart—and she demands to know why the Victorian author deliberately lied. With Stoker’s reluctant help, she’s determined to track down the very fiend who transformed her—from the sensual underworld where humans vie to become vampires, to a hidden cell beneath a temple to madness, and finally into the glittering Crystal Palace where death reigns supreme.

Haunted by fragmentary memories of her lost life and love, Lucy must battle her thirst for blood as she struggles to stop a catastrophic war that will doom vampires and humans alike. Ultimately, she must make a choice that illuminates for her—and for us—what it means to be human.


I was a little skeptical about how Incarnation would turn out. I had a feeling it would either turn out good or bad. Thankfully, it was on the good side of the line and I enjoyed it. It’s been years since I’ve read the original Dracula, but I remember it and it’s been one of my life-long favorites. I just knew I had to read this book and see where Cornwall was going to go with Lucy and this story line. She did a fabulous job.

There was a bit of a slow-moving start, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. I sympathized with Lucy immediately. I was moved by the amazing details.

This is more than just a vampire novel, though. This is steampunk and Victorian, edgy, and supernatural. I love the whole premise of Lucy seeking out Bram Stoker for answers as to why he not only messed up her name, but published some crack-pot story that was eerily similar to her own. She ends up getting a lot more on her plate, and has quite the adventure seeking out her sire. The story is amazingly crafted. The prose is stunning and the characters pop from the pages. I most particularly loved Lucy’s charm and determination. At times, I felt like I was reading a true classic book, rather than a new modern one, and being a classics lover--I adored that.

I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of the cover after reading it. I don’t think it’s as fitting as it could have been, but it’s pretty either way.

I wouldn’t call this a YA read. It’s more fitting for New Adult/Adult, but light on the romance. It has mature elements and some graphic details that I wouldn’t recommend to younger audiences. I’d say 16 and over probably.

Even if you’ve decided to swear off everything vampire, I’d suggest you give this one a try. It really is quite wonderful.