Amazing origin story and reimaging of the ultimate historical horror story

Anthony Lee Head is a man of many talents. After a career in law and martial arts with teaching on the side, interest in politics and traveling, he settled down in Mexico where he ran a hotel and a bar with his wife. A heart attack brought him back to San Francisco where all those experiences led him to writing.

Bloodbound: Quincey Morris and the Hunt for Dracula by Anthony Lee Head is a historical horror masterpiece in a way i did not see coming. The classic story of Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) has been told many times before. There is hardly a new angle to be found, but Head found a very original one, plus he brought it to life in the most catching way. Released by Crystal Lake Publishing, this novel functions as both a rich origin story and a sweeping reimagining, because of the different take on Quincey Morris. If Stoker could read this novel, he would be jaelous he never came up with this himself.

In Stoker's Dracula Quincey Morris is a rich young Texan, one of Lucy Westenra's suiters. In the end, he fights along to bring down Dracula and dies. He is left out in most of the movies. Head corrects this and gives Morris the layered character he deserved in the first place and he is credited for his heroic deeds. This story feels to me like Quincey Morris was redeemed. We can finally see him for who he really is.

Head's Quincey Morris is a former Texas Ranger and world traveler, born to a magical heritage, a decendant from African slaves and Celtic warriors. He battles wickedness in men and monsters. We track his journey across decades and continents: In Civil War-Era New Orleans his core values are founded by his mother Julia's upbringing and her pursuit of freedom. In the Untamed Texas Frontier he develops a strong resilience being a former Texas Ranger and when he finally arrives in Victorian London, his story falls in place with the original. An outsider among London's elite, but he understands what they are up against. Dracula. Not just a dangerous beast, but a centuries old being, calculating and conquering. Morris takes up arms (his Bowie knife and his Colt, Peacemaker) for that epic final fight against the ancient evil for the soul of the woman he cherishes above all else: Mina Harker.

To me, Dracula has always been THE classic gothic horror story about the ultimate evil and undying love. Head takes it to the next level by transforming Quincey Morris into a fierce warrior with a complex layered character and we get to know him thoroughly by the strong women in his life: his mother Julia, Teresa Sanchez who traines him in spiritual ancient magic with a mix of Apache shamanism and Mexican brujería and ofcourse Mina Harker, his forbidden love. Their romance is carefully crafted, forbidden in Victorian tradition but they are soulmates, strengthening eachother in the war against evil. The dark gothic atmosphere i love about classic horror is ever present but Head balances it perfectly with modern writing. His tone of voice is emotional and tense. The build up is amazing. 

Quincey Morris finally has the story he always deserved. Now we know him as a complex warrior with a destiny of power and sacrifice. The ultimate origin story meets the most original retelling. A must read for historical horror fans.

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