Speak of the Devil—A Haunting Gothic Prelude of Prophecy, Prejudice, and Vampyric Dread

Speak of the Devil is a dark, atmospheric novella set in medieval Transylvania, a prequel to Antony J. Stanton’s Blood of the Dragon series. The story follows two sisters, Farida and Bella, as they traverse the dangers of a hostile Transylvanian town, haunted not only by the prejudices of men but also by ancient supernatural threats. Steeped in folklore and ancient superstition, this gothic tale reads like a fever dream of creeping dread, offering a glimpse into a world where monsters come in many forms—some wearing fangs, others uniforms.

At a Glance

The Story

The narrative centers around two Romani sisters, Farida and Bella, as they arrive in the town of Sibiu during a summer fair. From the beginning, it’s clear they’re not welcome. Townspeople react with disgust and suspicion, muttering old curses, hanging garlic and hawthorn from doorways, and treating the sisters as harbingers of ill fortune. But Farida is a harbinger—whether anyone chooses to believe her or not.

She’s plagued by prophetic dreams, each more disturbing than the last. As her visions grow more vivid, pointing to the return of a vampyric evil, Farida begins to suspect that something truly ancient and dangerous is stirring in the woods surrounding the town. Her pleas fall on deaf ears—even her own father refuses to believe her warnings. But her mother’s legacy, a sacred tome known as the Book of Damnation, may hold answers... if only she can decode its blood-inked pages in time.

What Stands Out

Romani Representation

This novella offers a rare and respectful lens into medieval Romani life. Through Farida and Bella, we’re immersed in rich traditions, language, spiritual beliefs, and the harsh reality of cultural prejudice. Their bond is central to the story, but so is the tension between them—Bella’s defiance contrasting with Farida’s caution and vision.

Creeping Gothic Horror

This is horror in the truest, oldest sense—more whispered dread than jump scare. The forest feels haunted, the townspeople suspicious, and the symbols and omens (garlic, blood, forgotten names) carry a folkloric weight that adds authenticity to the tale. From flickering campfires to shadowy soldiers, Stanton conjures an eerie medieval world that feels viscerally real.

Prophecy vs. Dismissal

One of the strongest themes is how communities often silence or mock those who speak the truth. Farida is treated as a silly girl or cursed witch—anything but a warning voice. Her isolation makes the story deeply emotional and subtly tragic.

Human vs. Supernatural Evil

One of the most powerful scenes involves predatory soldiers assaulting the sisters. Even before the vampyre fully enters the stage, the story makes it clear: men can be monsters, too.

Themes & Tropes

🧛 Vampyre threat

Romani folklore

🧬 Prophetic dreams & sacred blood-written tomes

🔥 Superstition vs reality

🩸 Medieval horror & dread-soaked atmosphere

🛡️ Ambiguous knight trope (protector or predator?)

👭 Sisterhood, generational tension, and cultural identity

🌿 Herbal magic & anti-vampire rituals

😱 Isolation of the visionary/prophet

🏚️ Prejudice, xenophobia, and societal blindness

Final Thoughts

As a Romanian, I enjoy reading about our traditions and folklore through the lens of on an outsider. Speak of the Devil is a beautifully written, chilling novella that does exactly what a prequel should: it builds the world, plants the seeds of a much larger story, and leaves you desperate for what comes next. Through Farida’s eyes, we glimpse a rising darkness, one that’s deeply tied to history, heritage, and the struggle to be heard in a world that fears what it doesn’t understand.

For fans of gothic horror, folklore, and vampire stories with historical depth and emotional weight, Speak of the Devil is not just a compelling entry point into Blood of the Dragon—it’s an unforgettable tale in its own right.