Reviews with content warning for War - A Dowry of Blood

This was an interesting Dracula retelling that focused more on the queer, polyamorous relationship between Dracula and his partners than vampirism. Since Dracula is much older than his three partners, there are power dynamics and hierarchy at play that are explored throughout the novel.

My one criticism is I wish this had been a tad longer so the author had more time to show each partner as an individual at the end without Dracula.

Gibson’s writing style is quite unique and enticing. I’ll definitely be seeking it out again.

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queerreaderchaos's review against another edition

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The prose was magnificent, the narration captivating, and I was aware that it included sexual contents… I didn’t know however how it would be presented and discussed. There’s nothing wrong with this type of content, but I am a sex-repulsed ace who’s more comfortable with fade-to-black. The book in itself is very good, just not my type.

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theinkdrinkerhouse's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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fizzieee's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Perfection. No notes.

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ameliabee33's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Bonds forged by blood can only be broken by death.

"A Dowry of Blood" is a poignant tale of Dracula's wives, the tale of the abuse Constanta and the other consorts face at the hands of a monster. Constanta was the first, the oldest, she has existed with him the longest. Learned how to make herself in his image, so she can stay safe. The others don't know how to do that. Until they do. Constanta wants out, but escaping an abuser isn't easy, especially when she has two others to worry about. Together, the three consort unwrap the mystery that is their husband, lover, in the search for freedom. But monsters don't let their prey go easily.

This is a story of abuse. It isn't a lighthearted book, it portrays and shows in detail what it is like living in an abusive relationship - so please check the tws before you dive in. It shows how difficult it is to break out and escape from the abuser. It also shows the lengths the abused will go to justify their abusers actions. Because he loved his wives. He really did. He just took away their autonomy and freedom.

He's a good man Savannah! (Not really)

It is written from the perspective of Constanta, in a series of letters to her beloved, justifying why she and the others did what they did. The prose is very lyrical and I found the letter format to be a very compelling mode of telling the story. Readers really get drawn into the relationships between all the characters from Constanta's pov because she is always there, watching. Her realization that this isn't how love is supposed to be and her initiative to investigate her beloved to be a great start of a character arc for her. However, it was short and rushed, I believe it should have gotten more on-page time. I wanted more evidence of growth of Constanta's character on page. I was left with the feeling thay the revenge plotlinr was only half done.

The relationship between Constanta, Magdalena, and Alexi is very sweet at times, that they have such love and support from one another. However, Constanta takes on a sort of "mother" role with Magdalena and Alexi which makes their romantic physical relationship a bit odd to me. As I was reading it, it just felt weird. There is some comments where Magdalena insists that her and Constanta become sisters. And then there are many times where Constanta refers to Alexi as her son, the only relationship they have is emotional (until it's not). I know they aren't biologically related, but I'm just personally not into the taboo and it came off as awkward while reading it.

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nova_lilias's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Interesting take on abusive relationships that I really enjoyed. The writing was beautiful. Very quick read. Not a fan of the polyamorous sex scenes; I could've done without the threesomes and foursomes, but it was part of the story.

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sarahsbooklife's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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littlejreads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Of all the books I've read in the past couple years, this is my favourite. The unique use of POV creates the sense that you're reading a letter addressed to Dracula himself, which is slightly jarring at first because Constantina mainly addresses him as "you" (who, me?). I haven't read many books with poly rep, but this felt just so natural. And, of course, women—I love 'em.

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