Reviews

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

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dariadanley's review against another edition

4.0

Solid 4 star read.

I've wanted to read this since last year, and it's the perfect entrance to spooky season.

This story follows Constanta, the oldest of Dracula's brides. Her story is compelling and dynamic to read. Not much is known of her past, which makes sense since her memories become obsolete after she is changed by Dracula. Her arc is compelling as well. She starts as a willing submissive to Dracula, only to find her independence and courage to defy his abuse. It's inspiring.

I loved the way this was told. In some ways, it was written as a "letter" to Dracula himself. He is referred to as "you" all throughout the story. It was unique to see since it wasn't necessarily shown to be a letter format until the ending.

I wish this was longer, perhaps a little more intimate. It borders on erotic and too safe, and I wish it was more spicy since that fits the tone of the book itself. I wish the relationships between the characters, particularly Alexi, was more explored. It felt purely surface level.

Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend for any horror lover over the age of 18.

mariesacat's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.0

seers's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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? Yes

3.5

I liked this, for the most part. It tries to create an atmosphere and sometimes it succeeds. Once or twice it successes very well.

cassreadshere's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

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

4.0

caelestiore's review against another edition

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4.0

Intoxicating and delicious as blood, this book gravitated me: The refined writing, captivating narrative, a victorian atmosphere at each turn, and the compelling vampires, what's not to love?

Dracula's toxic relationship told by Constance was truly magnifying; how it focused on his micro-expressions, what to do and what to say to avoid lashouts, and her pile of excuses stacking and stacking into thousands.

"You could never resist a survivor. Or a mirror."

I did find the "sister" and "son" thing disturbing, but tweaking my perspective, it did fit the story. Strange, inhumane relationships are bound to be troubling. And besides, I did not find this book "sexy" or romantic. Yes, the sex intrigued me in the beginning. Later on, it just drifted? As the book progressed, revealing more trinkets of Dracula's manipulative nature, it simply wasn't something for me to be focused on sexually. The queer rep felt delightful to read though!

The only complain I have is that Magdalena, but especially Alexi, felt dull and flat. Not to say I didn't like them, but a sprinkle of good character would've done them justice. Despite me feeling like Dracula's death was a bit rushed, it did not erase the satisfaction of reading the last pages.

This book left a good enough mark for me to read more from Gibson, looking forward to her other works!