The only reason this took me so long to read was dealing with finals for school. In between that this book was a relaxing and refreshing break from the academic life. As always jumping into the Ravenloft setting is creepy and having run through a Strahd campaign myself I felt like I was back there in a game of D&D. I treated this like enjoying a story of a watching a campaign unfold in front of. Very well written. Enjoyable characters.

It’s been a long time since I read or played D&D (table top or video game) but as soon as I started reading Delilah S. Dawson’s Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd I was transported back to my youth. As I said, I haven’t played in what feels like forever so I don’t know if this was ever a campaign module or not, (it felt somewhat familiar so it might have been based on one.) Starting out with a band of adventures waking up, unfamiliar with each other, unsure of where they are, how they came to be there, or how they’ll get home. It had me ready to start digging into the boxes in my closet to look for my dice, lol. (I’m only half kidding.) Dawson did a really good job with this adventure, crafting a well paced story with an interesting cast of characters, a compelling quest, atmospheric locale filled with horrors, and a decent amount of action. Definitely made me remember why I enjoyed D&D so much when I was younger. I’d like to thank Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Random House Worlds, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Heir of Strahd.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R31P0QX6MXIMCP/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I have never read a dungeons and dragons book. When I requested the book I just read the description and knew the author. I didn't realize it was the 22nd book in a series. I really enjoyed it and I didn't need to read the other books to be able to understand this one. I thought the book had plenty of action and a few moments here and there to slow down and get to know the characters a bit more. I loved the humor. I would recommend to anyone who likes quest fantasy that maybe doesn't take itself to seriously .

Delilah S. Dawson's "Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd" is an absolute triumph that captures the dark, brooding essence of Ravenloft while breathing new life into its legendary lore. From the very first page, Dawson’s vivid storytelling and atmospheric prose envelop readers, pulling them deep into the shadow-cloaked world of Barovia.

The character development is exceptional, with Count Strahd von Zarovich portrayed with chilling depth and nuance, making him both fearsome and tragically compelling. The supporting cast is equally engaging, each character adding a unique thread to the intricate tapestry of intrigue, horror, and dark romance that defines the novel.

What truly sets "Heir of Strahd" apart is Dawson’s ability to balance the gothic elements of Ravenloft with fast-paced, thrilling action sequences. The narrative is rich with the lore that long-time D&D fans will appreciate, while remaining accessible to newcomers unfamiliar with the setting.

The atmospheric descriptions are hauntingly beautiful, evoking the misty forests, crumbling castles, and eerie villages of Barovia with such clarity that you feel as though you’re walking its cursed paths alongside the characters.

In conclusion, "Heir of Strahd" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy, D&D enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling. Delilah S. Dawson has crafted a tale worthy of the legendary Strahd, filled with suspense, emotion, and dark enchantment. I couldn’t put it down and am eagerly looking forward to what Dawson brings to the D&D literary universe next!

Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd is a fantastic D&D adventure packed with terrifying monsters, high-stakes battles, and a party that (almost) never agrees on anything. This was my first D&D novel and, as an infrequent player, I loved the setting and the worldbuilding Dawson brings to life in Barovia and its vampiric ruler.

The story kicks off with a classic setup: five strangers thrown together and forced into a shared conflict. Dawson’s writing is quick and concise, with short chapters that shift between the perspectives of each party member. The structure and pacing help to keep things fresh throughout the journey.

There’s a great balance between horror (true to the Ravenloft setting) and some genuinely funny or chaotic party dynamics as they try to survive the Domains of Dread. Each character’s backstory is woven in gradually, raising the emotional stakes as we learn their secrets. I loved how this mirrors the way the party opens up to each other and becomes an actual team.

The only real bump for me was the transition from middle to end. Without spoiling anything, the final battle didn’t quite carry the weight I expected after the strong setup in the first third. Still, the ending was satisfying, and there is a twist in the final pages that leaves room for more adventures with this group.

Dawson also includes plenty of D&D tropes that even casual players will appreciate. The party discovers a powerful spell combo between the cleric and the wizard, which they use repeatedly in battle. The wizard is more interested in hoarding spellbooks than finishing the mission. And there are moments so disastrous, you can practically hear someone rolling a natural 1. These Easter eggs enhance the experience for fans, but the book is still highly accessible. Readers who have never played the game will be just as eager to see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for a review.

Thank you to Del Rey / Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the advance eARC!

This book captures the essence of a D&D campaign, and I mean that in the best, most chaotic way possible. Five strangers wake up in Barovia with no memory and vibes that scream “session zero gone wrong.” It’s moody, it’s fast-paced, and it absolutely feels like a group of players thrown together with barely a game plan and way too much emotional baggage. I was here for it.

The party dynamic is great. You've got the sarcastic drow barbarian, the anxious kenku cleric, the orc wizard with some serious frustration issues, the paladin with a past, and the overachieving human artificer who is way too chipper for Barovia. It reads like watching players figure each other out, with awkward moments, snarky banter, the emotional swings that only happen when someone rolls a nat 20 right after a disaster. And honestly? It works. Even the humor has that table-energy charm, complete with the occasional corny one-liner.

Pacing is quick and sharp. Every chapter moves with purpose, like a DM on a timer, and there’s a good balance between monster fights, moral dilemmas, and moments that make you pause and feel something. It even has that “new player trying a class they’ve never played before” energy... IYKYK.

Barovia is bleak, eerie, and perfectly rendered. Dawson nails the gothic dread without over-explaining the setting, which makes it super accessible. You don’t need to know anything about Ravenloft or even D&D to enjoy it, but if you do, there are little nods and flavor details that absolutely hit.

Final thoughts?
Heir of Strahd is dark, fast, chaotic, and just plain fun. It’s got the tension, the found-family vibes, and the kind of character chaos that feels straight out of a homebrew campaign. Whether you're a D&D veteran or just curious about the vibe, this one delivers.

Thank you to NetGalley for early access to this book!

As someone who is currently playing a Curse of Strahd campaign as of this review, I felt more than the right audience for this book. I've been adventuring in Barovia for over a year now and I know Strahd and his usual games as well as the next person. I thought I would really enjoy this book! But....I did not.

Spoilers ahead for Curse of Strahd and this book ahead!

Firstly, this book does a pretty good job at showing off the kind of monster Strahd is right off the bat. In his scenes where he confronts the characters individually, the silent threats and power plays were all very familiar. Since Strahd is one of the biggest facets of a Curse of Strahd campaign, it's important that he comes off as dangerous which he did beautifully. (In fact, it's because of this that I have gripes about it)

I also appreciated all the small references to other areas of Dungeons and Dragons canon, from Waterdeep, to the Kenkus, to the lore of the Mists! I think for anyone who has played DND for a long time would greatly appreciate those small callbacks and references.

My largest gripe from the book is the cause of why I picked it up in the first place: The actual Curse of Strahd campaign. As I mentioned earlier, I am actively involved with the campaign. My dear friend is currently DMing it and tells me far too many secrets about the lore than I should know. While I am not a DM, I would like to say I know much about the lore, world building, and intricacies that are needed for a Ravenloft novel after a year of adventuring in Barovia and dealing with Strand's BS.

The campaign book from which many a sleep-deprived DM take their inspo is chock full of rich lore, world building, and fascinating characters across the valley. There's Vallaki and it's 'there-is-no-war-in-ba-sing-se' approach to Strahd, there's the Martikovs, there's the culture of the Barovian village, the dream pastries and the hags, Then in Ravenloft, we have countless maids, servants, and of course the consorts: Escher, Ludmilla, Anastrasya, and Volenta. And that's all I've encountered so far! We have yet to reach the Amber Temple, the other cities in the valley, and many other NPCs.

Curse of Strahd isn't just about Strahd, but how Strahd's presence has twisted people out of the original shape to suit his agenda. The darkness of human kind. And the alluring seduction of evil.

But this novel contains none of this!

While I will applaud the author for writing characters that are intriguing, interesting, and that you grow to care for, this book leaves out so much of what makes Curse of Strahd compelling. For one, the only site the characters visit in Barovia is a haunted butcher's shop (Which never appears once in any Curse of Strahd campaign book and I am assuming is an original location) and Castle Ravenloft. We only meet Strahd, Rahadin, the accountant, and Tatyana. I would mention Escher, but he is included in such a throwaway mention that it's hard to count his appearance as anything but a gimmick. The consorts aren't even mentioned until they are lying dead on the ground in the final fight (more to be mentioned on that later). A novel in Ravenloft can work in theory (My lovely DM and I were working on one as a side project), but you have to dive deep into the horror, characters, and the lore.

This book did not do that, using the castle as more of a horror movie backdrop. And then after that, the author decides to detour us in an entirely different domain of dread. Why? Why not stay in Barovia, where the story is meant to be concentrated in? It takes away from the horror that has been built in Ravenloft and removes the chance for readers to interact with the valley more. And more importantly, you don't talk to Strahd.

And then The Strahd Dilemma. Strahd is written well in his confrontations. The scene with Chivarion and Murder was phenomenal...but they are so little! In fact, we only have him for around 30% of the novel! In those times, he stays his evil, smarmy self. Strahd starts off as evil and stays that way. Granted, his acts of intimidation are amazingly written and truly convey his horror, but a part of the allure of Strahd is the seduction Into evil. It felt rushed, too fast-paced, eager to show off the darkness in him than have any characters be genuinely and truly swayed by him and his words. His evil isn't just in his cruelty, it's in his narcissism and performance as someone who play-acts as personhood. And then he's absent for nearly 50% of the book! You miss out on such much since the campaign is also meant to center around his dominion, his control, and his seduction of the party into evil!

The final fight of Ravenloft is the climax of any campaign (My DM lives in horror we will not be able to succeed in killing the old bat himself). I expected a grand fight with strategy, especially with Fielle/Tatyana teaming up with Van Richten. But instead, we quite literally happen upon the fight at its very conclusion. Strahd is completely defeated. Van Richten almost dead (The consorts, my babies, dead on the ground, not even having the dignity to be named. Sorry escher. For such an evil, powerful character who was built up to be dangerous, conniving, and horrifying, it was such....a lackluster ending. I believe the author was attempting a trope reversal, a powerful man reduced to nothing by his victim, but rather than feel empowering, it felt like a cheap victory. Strahd didn't feel strong, merely weak.

If I hadn't participated in the campaign, then I would've been merely annoyed by the pacing. But these deeper, more structural errors only stand out to me because I have played in the campaign. By the end of the book, I was merely skimming it. I leave these mists and into more terrifying ones, hoping a vampire is not around to bite me. Sigh. If My DM is reading this, please give me inspiration for this amazing review.

After years of watching Dungeons & Dragons from afar, I finally dove in when I got invited to play the Curse of Strahd campaign. This fact, along with my not-so-secret history as a Twilight fangirl, means that this campaign setting has a special place in my nerdy little heart. So, when I saw that the latest Dungeons & Dragons novel would take readers to Ravenloft, I knew I needed to read it immediately. Many thanks to Del Rey / Random House Worlds for the digital review copy!

Heir of Strahd takes readers to the mysterious land of Barovia. Five adventurers find themselves suddenly in the twisted location, with no idea how they got there or how to get out. A true D&D party comprised of a Wizard, Barbarian, Paladin, Cleric, and Artificer, the companions soon find themselves the reluctant guests of Count Strahd von Zarovich himself. For those familiar with the campaign, there’s plenty of enticingly familiar lore, but author Delilah S. Dawson tells a new story all her own in the pages of this Dungeons & Dragons tie-in novel.

Our party is comprised of five adventurers, and the story is told through alternating perspectives. Through this device, we get to know each member of our party through their own view of the world, alongside seeing them through each other’s eyes. Dawson does a brilliant job of making each character’s perspective feel unique while still telling a cohesive and compelling story that grabs the reader from the first page.

Each character is a different class from D&D, offering another layer of interest for fans of the TTRPG. We get to see the secrets behind why the orcish wizard is so aloof and what drives a barbarian with a soft, squishy heart at his core. As the adventure unfolds, we even get a novelized version of what it looks like when a party levels up, something that was handled brilliantly on the page.

If you’re wondering whether this novel has anything to offer someone who’s already played Curse of Strahd, the answer is yes. Much like every party plays a campaign differently, the novel borrows some devices from the setting and story while telling a unique tale all its own. Despite occasionally chuckling at how I knew certain things about Strahd before the characters did, I found myself surprised (and occasionally horrified) throughout the book.

Heir of Strahd tells the story of Strahd in a new way, through the latest set of adventurers to unwillingly arrive at Castle Ravenloft. The plot moves at a decent clip while still allowing space for some lore about Strahd, Barovia, and goddesses like Selune. It’s a page-turner, but not one without a little time and space to reflect or hold you in suspense.

If I thought I knew where the story was going, I was wrong. There are twists, turns, and surprises right to the very last page that will keep you engaged for all 336 pages of the story.

Final Score – 9.5/10
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In all, Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd is a solid fantasy novel in its own right, with the extra dose of inside knowledge for D&D fans. It offers something to enjoy for those familiar with Strahd’s stories while still explaining enough to carry readers who aren’t. If you’re looking for a solid TTRPG-style adventure in book form, with a dash of spookiness along with it, Heir of Strahd is sure to deliver.

Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd is an atmospheric dive back into the mist-shrouded lands of Barovia, and it delivers for fans of Curse of Strahd and Ravenloft lore. The tone is grim and familiar—yes, it feels like the Barovia you know—but with enough fresh blood (pun intended) to keep you intrigued. The book doesn’t try to replicate your tabletop experience, and while I think that is a strength some might be wanting for a different vibe. Everyone’s journey through the mists is different, and this novel embraces that by forging its own path with a cast of unique adventurers navigating the gothic horrors in their own way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

I read a good bit of Ravenloft (and played an old DOS game) during my teens in the 1990s, so this book was a total nostalgia trip. Dawson is an awesome writer, and she is superb at creating visceral and psychological horror. She put together an eclectic cast of adventurers and set them up against the greatest baddy in the realm, Strahd. This book is everything I hoped it would be.

So to begin with, I want to thank Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

With that said, D&D: Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd was a great story. Dawson is a fantastic author and did an amazing job bringing the feel of a classic D&D drop-in session to the page. The story opens with five complete strangers awakening in Svalich Woods in the realms of Ravenloft. These strangers are forced to work together, but each bears a dark secret that was likely their key to the realm. They quickly fall into a rather typical Ravenloft storyline. Dawson, though, managed to keep the storyline fresh by focusing much more on the characters as they develop both individually and as a group in Castle Ravenloft. The adventure moves on at a good pace and the shifting perspectives makes it clear that Strahd's machinations are mostly just a framing story for the character development.

While I would LOVE to give the story a full five stars....I unfortunately have to drop a half star because of the decision to make Grease flammable, following in the steps of Baldur's Gate 3 rather than the 5e14 and 5e24 rules that govern most of the rest of the story.

I’m back with a new Dungeons & Dragons book and I’m very excited to talk about this one. It’s Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd by Delilah S. Dawson. You all know I’m already a fan of Delilah’s writing and if you didn’t know, I’m also a fan of D&D and currently running a Ravenloft campaign as one of my 3 campaigns. In this book, you get what at first seems to be an attempt to tell a version of Curse of Strahd with Delilah’s own original party that also at first comes off as an attempt to cash in on the Honor Among Thieves/Guardians of the Galaxy style of adventurers. However, it doesn’t take long to see that while some of those elements are being paid tribute to they are not what’s really happening. Each chapter of the book we get a change of pov with the different party members as presented on the book’s cover that I quickly fell to enjoy. You can also see the love for iconic locations such as Castle Ravenloft that I noticed were almost directly lifted from the adventures. Honestly, Delilah S. Dawson, I’m going to be stealing some of these ideas for my campaign now. You even get to explore other parts of Ravenloft that I didn’t even consider upon this book’s title that proves it’s more than just an adaptation of Curse of Strahd that I know a lot in the D&D fandom were worried it would be from the description and book cover. So, definitely go into this with an open mind if that was your concern. Overall, if you’re a D&D fan, gothic horror enthusiast, or both I’d recommend this book. I would also love to see more of the original characters presented here and maybe a return to more Ravenloft books.

DNF @ 19%. I'm sad because I was really looking forward to this one.

Unfortunately, less than 100 pages into the book, I was already dreading picking it up because all the characters were so bitter and negative. Yes, I know, the whole point is that a bunch of seemingly unwilling adventurers are forced to work together, and they won't get along well at first. But it was not enjoyable to read at all. Every POV, even the character that seemed like they were going to be super bubbly, was so bitter, constantly complaining about the other members of the group.

I know some will find this ridiculous, but the final straw for me was when one character began internally ranting about how much he hated the drow's completely innocent tressym companion and began contemplating killing and eating it. Yeah, not for me.

Delilah S. Dawson’s Heir of Strahd drops five adventurers who find themselves transported unexpectedly into the mist-bound domain of Barovia. Once there they find that they manipulated towards Castle Ravenloft. Each step toward Castle Ravenloft brings fresh peril—and fresh revelations about themselves. From the prideful orc wizard Rotrog to the sunny human artificer Fielle, the party’s varied backgrounds spark both camaraderie and conflict as they navigate Strahd’s velvet-voiced invitations and hidden traps.

From the start Heir of Strahd is full of rich, character-driven drama with all of the different POV’s given room to breathe and let you gain insight into the the characters: you feel Rotrog’s pride, Chivarion’s sardonic wit, and Kah’s anxious faith as viscerally as Fielle’s inventive optimism. Early readers laud how every party member “brings a unique skill set and personality,” making their triumphs and setbacks genuinely matter. Right form the start Heir of Strahd had a really on par masterful horror-adventure blend. Dawson balances gothic chills—fog-shrouded forests, whispering tapestries, moonlit crypts—with pulse-quickening action and clever puzzles. The sense of creeping dread never overstays its welcome, giving way just as deftly to heart-racing set-pieces and moments of levity in a classic adventure familiar in this Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Mummy, etc. Delilah clearly knows her topics as there are lots of knowing winks throughout the whole book.

Strahd comes across as the Ultimate Host and far from a one-note cliche vampire, Strahd von Zarovich is equal parts gracious noble and calculating predator. His polite invitations (“Fairest Friends…dine with me tonight…”) are genuinely unnerving, and each interaction crackles with the promise of both courtly intrigue and mortal dangers. This keeps both the characters and you guessing as to what is going to happen. Delilah doesn’t hesitate to turn around what you and the characters expect and shift to something that is unexpected as the very least. The tasks that they are assigned in order to accomplish their goals are rib breaking with humour and mortifying, literally at points, throughout but add to the craziness of the situations they encounter. You and the characters are taken on adventures that you would expect so the book as well as Castle Ravenloft engages in serious world building that adds clever twists to the story as well as new lands such as Mordenheim, Lundendorf, Lamordia etc. This introduces us to a different take events and a way to overcome things than you would expect to see and adds to the zaniness of what is going on in Heir of Strahd.

Heir of Strahd is really accessible to newcomers and veterans alike you don’t need an encyclopedic knowledge of D&D lore to follow—or enjoy—the plot. Dawson peppers in just enough setting detail to satisfy longtime Ravenloft familiars without bogging down readers unfamiliar with the mechanics or backstory that makes for a very pacey adventure though of course there are plenty of nods and winks to previous adventures both in D&D and wider Science Fiction and Fantasy. Dawson keeps the pace coming throughout the book and will have you turning the pages you will find yourself up late for this one. Each chapter propels you deeper into Barovia’s mysteries. Whether it’s a wolf-hound ambush or the riddle-laden corridors of Strahd’s castle, you’ll find it hard to put Heir of Strahd!

Heir of Strahd is a triumph of D&D storytelling: vivid characters, a hauntingly atmospheric setting, and a villain who’s as charming as he is deadly. Whether you’re gearing up for your next tabletop session or simply crave a dark fantasy page-turner, this novel delivers on every front. Heir of Strahd is full of twists and neatly sets things up for further adventures.. With its prominent naming dropping of Castle Revenloft, Baldurs Gate, Neverwinter etc. Heir of Strahd has the feel feel of no holds barred adventure with dysfunction but competent team with but at the same time humour filled that compliments all the action and scurrilous goings on perfectly that add to the book feel good factor that is there from the start. Heir of Strahd is full of twists you won’t see coming as character motivations are revealed, epic adventure as the characters encounter new places that have unusual requests and action packed book from the start. It is worth bearing in mind the title of the books as well as you are taken along for the ride. Highly recommended—five stars for blending horror, humor, and heroism into an irresistible adventure.

The only reason this book took me a few days to read was because I got busy at work, and because I wanted to try and savor it. But honestly, if I hadn’t had my workweek in the way, I definitely would have just sat and read this whole thing in one sitting.

Delilah S Dawson perfectly captured the eerie haunting horror that is Barovia. I sank into the atmospheric descriptions so quickly. It was captivating, and I loved every moment of the time spent in the Domains of Dread. This would absolutely be a perfect Spooky Season read (and honestly I’ll probably re-read it for Spooky Season, because the vibes are immaculate).

The characters were an interesting mix, and I enjoyed them all in different ways, although there were some who I liked more than others. I’m a corvid obsessed girlie, so I definitely felt a kinship with Kah the Kenku. I loved Fielle’s sunny disposition, although I definitely worried about how she’d fare in a place like Barovia. Chivarion (and Murder) and Alishai were both serious, strong, fierce characters and definitely very focused on getting out of their predicament, even if that meant using brute force to do so. The one who aggravated me the most was Rotrog, but I completely understood his desire for information and knowledge, and being fully focused on that.

Each of the characters had a lot going on that was slowly revealed as the story progressed, and we learned more about what had been happening to them in the moments/hours/days leading up to being drawn into the mists and landing in Barovia. They all had secrets. None of them knew each other before waking up in Barovia, and it was the journey that sort of forced them to team up and band together to try and get out together.

I’m sure as soon as my partner reads this book (he’ll probably listen to the audio), he’ll have all sorts of ideas for where our Curse of Strahd campaign will go next…because our party has not spent much time inside Castle Ravenloft…whereas most of this book was centered there. It was fascinating to watch each member of this group interact with Strahd and to see how he pulled at the strings attached to them all. It was a masterclass in amping up the eerie nature of not just the domain of Barovia, but also those who inhabit it.

I devoured this book, and while the story wraps up well-enough, I can’t help but feel like there is definitely an option for more to come. Considering the ending, I am REALLY hoping that we’ll get more with these adventurers, because wow, I want to know more about them and how the time in Barovia has affected them.

I’m reading the sequel to Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks book soon, and that gives me hope for the possibility of more Barovia tales as well (or at least more with this circumstances-forged party). Please, Delilah S Dawson. Please, Del Ray/Random House Worlds. Please Wizards of the Coast. I definitely feel like Heir of Strahd deserves a sequel.

This is the first D&D novel I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Five strangers, thrown together, find an entertaining way to navigate their unusual situation. The characters are engaging and grow together, as stressful interactions tend to cause.

This was a fantastic story with very good characterization. The story telling was on point. Having played curse of Strahd the campaign I would have loved even more. It could probably go on for 1200 pages. It was very close to the campaign itself and was nice seeing beyond the mists. It would have been amazing if it could even have been a duology, trilogy or even more. Very entertaining and very well written.

The twenty-fourth in the Ravenloft series finds five strangers armed with steel and magic awakening in a mist-shrouded land, with no memory of how they arrived. This band of misfits each have their own secrets, but must join together to get back to Baldur's gate.

Having not read any other books in this series, I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but that turned out to be okay. Dawson is good at bringing you into the story and keeps things moving forward.

3.5

This wasn't for me but I know just know that there's an audience for it. I've never played D&D and felt a bit at sea with the whole construct. Made it to about 20. percent before giving up. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Over to others.

The Heir of Strahd was a fun Dungeons and Dragons adveenture. As a player, I could see this being an actual introductory adventure for a campaign. You don't need to know anything about Dungeons and Dragons or Ravenloft to enjoy this book.