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meowster18's review against another edition
- 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
Absorbed by Dracula’s inconsistent love and viciousness towards her and the others, Constanta begins to uncover Dracula’s dark and damning secrets. With the help of her new companions, Constanta will need to to not only figure out how to save her family but untangle herself from the love of her life. This story is masterfully written and grips you from the first page. This story explores the mind of Constanta as she battles with her emotions and centuries of conditioning to submit. The themes are handled with care and shows the realistic view of a dark and very toxic relationship. If you are not a fan of LGBTQIA+ material then this not for you. The love making was very well written and the depiction of the violence and rage Dracula would often express is attention grabbing. Even how the author allowed Constanta to explore her flaws and come to terms with them is masterfully done. Lastly the pacing is amazing and relatively quick.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, dark yet empowering read.
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: War
middlekmissie's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Terminal illness and War
saphfics's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Blood
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Violence and War
cosypuck's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.5
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Incest, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Physical abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Self harm, Death of parent, and War
maren_hemsath's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Violence, and War
Minor: Alcohol
lifeofchrstnlvly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
But a few flourishes and embellishments couldn’t change the fact that the very fabric of our life together was tangled and suffocating. I had given you a thousand second chances, made a thousand concessions. And this wasn’t just about me anymore.
The writing in A Dowry of Blood was exceptional and the second-person narrative was a unique touch that made sense for the story. While the ending was satisfying, I found myself wanting more substance in the second half of the book. Specifically, I wished to delve deeper into Constanta's emotional journey leading up to her realization of what she needed to do. While I understand the book's depiction of abuse was an important theme, I would have preferred it to be limited to the first half. It would have been interesting to see Constanta's transformation from an abused wife to a powerful woman seeking revenge, including her planning and emotional state leading up to it.
My main issue with the book was its pacing in the second half. Despite being glad that it was a short read, I found it dragged on. I also believe that while the book contained elements of horror due to the presence of vampires, it should not be classified solely as a horror novel.
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, and War
tranquiltides's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
But the story itself… interesting, dark, and plenty bloody. I cannot, in good faith, describe this book as “sexy” For the vast majority of it. The experiences of these characters is shrouded by an aura of ilk… but the Brilliant thing is I think that was on purpose. The narrative is written like a letter, but the addressee is dead. So it feels like something you write with no intention to send for the express purpose of healing.
I read the Bookish Box version of this book, which not only includes an epilogue, but also a bonus chapter, that helps you feel like our protagonists have finally found health and happiness in their undying in lives.
Gibson is kind enough to give some content warnings at the beginning of the book, so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you start reading, and that alone has me solidly among Gibson’s new forever fans.
I can’t wait to see what comes from Gibson next! I highly recommend A Dowry of Blood for any and all who love a good, dark, and bloody story. Complete with a “why choose” romance and a happy ending.
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, and War
Minor: Drug use, Physical abuse, and Gaslighting
librasgroove's review against another edition
4.0
Also, the original cover is sooooo much pretty than the updated one. Going from gothic marriage horror to basic aristocratic blood smear. Bring it back!!!!!!
Moderate: Body horror, Domestic abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, and War
linneak's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
mirroaoror's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: War
Minor: Incest and Pedophilia