Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I vaguely knew the story about Erzsébet Báthory from documentaries, but had not read any books about her so I was excited to read this book. The Nightingale’s Castle did lead me to reading more about the countess, which I always see as a good sign in a book.
I liked that the story was not solely focused on Erzsébet, but I did think there were too many POVs. I sometimes lost track of who was who, especially with the two older servants. I think the multiple POVs also contributed to the pacing of the book. It was slow during the first ⅔, and only marginally picked up in the last third.
I liked that the story was not solely focused on Erzsébet, but I did think there were too many POVs. I sometimes lost track of who was who, especially with the two older servants. I think the multiple POVs also contributed to the pacing of the book. It was slow during the first ⅔, and only marginally picked up in the last third.
3.5 I don’t usually like historical fiction but I found this engaging & interesting. It takes place in the early 1600s in Hungary which generally seems like an awful time. There’s some violence that’s not for the faint of heart.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was super excited to finally receive 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑨𝑳𝑬'𝑺 𝑪𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑳𝑬 𝒃𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒂 𝑽𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒐𝒏 from @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial #partner!
I have been reading several articles about this book and the way Velton has given a much more likely scenario behind the rumored "Blood Countess."
The middle ages were not kind to most, and to be a woman even less so. When Countess Erzsébet Báthory has a regal standing, but when her husband dies, her standing becomes precarious with many who would profit with her lands. Rumors of girls going into service and not coming out alive do not help. When Boróka is sent to the castle, she has no idea what is in store for her, and finds herself in close contact with the Countess, pulling her into dangerous waters.
I really enjoyed this possible rendition of an old tale. It is not new that powerful men fear powerful women and will stoop to the lowest lows to strip them of every dignity. This story certainly gives another viewpoint of a villainized woman of history. It was fascinating to me how flawed the story did portray her and her closest circle. Power, after all, can be corrupting to all.
If you think this is a horror or fantasy, it is not, though there is a sprinkle of magic in it. It was a story that gives a voice to a historical villain, but with a much more realistic bent. I really enjoyed the way Boróka gave the story fuller depth and outside perspective.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For historical fiction fans of a time long ago, especially who like a touch of magic, be sure to grab this tome, published in July. Then go search out all the other articles written about it too!!
I have been reading several articles about this book and the way Velton has given a much more likely scenario behind the rumored "Blood Countess."
The middle ages were not kind to most, and to be a woman even less so. When Countess Erzsébet Báthory has a regal standing, but when her husband dies, her standing becomes precarious with many who would profit with her lands. Rumors of girls going into service and not coming out alive do not help. When Boróka is sent to the castle, she has no idea what is in store for her, and finds herself in close contact with the Countess, pulling her into dangerous waters.
I really enjoyed this possible rendition of an old tale. It is not new that powerful men fear powerful women and will stoop to the lowest lows to strip them of every dignity. This story certainly gives another viewpoint of a villainized woman of history. It was fascinating to me how flawed the story did portray her and her closest circle. Power, after all, can be corrupting to all.
If you think this is a horror or fantasy, it is not, though there is a sprinkle of magic in it. It was a story that gives a voice to a historical villain, but with a much more realistic bent. I really enjoyed the way Boróka gave the story fuller depth and outside perspective.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For historical fiction fans of a time long ago, especially who like a touch of magic, be sure to grab this tome, published in July. Then go search out all the other articles written about it too!!
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a stunning historical fiction novel, about the very real Elizabeth Bathory, known as the “Blood Countess.” Sonia Velton’s take on the dubious circumstances of the Countess’s downfall is exquisite. Instead of a sensationalized account of a vampire, Velton explores the treatment of powerful, independent, intelligent, rich women, throughout history.
While this is a work of fiction, Velton incorporates and weaves known facts and players from the time into the story. Her carrying character, Boroka, is used to tie together the world of “upstairs” and “downstairs.” Again, Boroka’s existence is extrapolated from a supposedly real illegitimate child. However, the surrounding characters were very real people.
Velton highlights how hysteria, corruption, and the witch-hunt-mindset crucify women, historically. Bathory, a wealthy widow, who managed estates and a vast fortune, was an easy target for the men around her to manipulate a story about, and from which to profit. This is a much more likely explanation for the Countess’s downfall than the death of 600+ young girls.
The complicated female relationships throughout this novel were also expertly crafted. Whether it’s with other women, children, status, etc., Velton paints the complicated relationships women of the time faced with a masterful touch.
I would absolutely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction!
While this is a work of fiction, Velton incorporates and weaves known facts and players from the time into the story. Her carrying character, Boroka, is used to tie together the world of “upstairs” and “downstairs.” Again, Boroka’s existence is extrapolated from a supposedly real illegitimate child. However, the surrounding characters were very real people.
Velton highlights how hysteria, corruption, and the witch-hunt-mindset crucify women, historically. Bathory, a wealthy widow, who managed estates and a vast fortune, was an easy target for the men around her to manipulate a story about, and from which to profit. This is a much more likely explanation for the Countess’s downfall than the death of 600+ young girls.
The complicated female relationships throughout this novel were also expertly crafted. Whether it’s with other women, children, status, etc., Velton paints the complicated relationships women of the time faced with a masterful touch.
I would absolutely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction!
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes