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dark
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Blood
Moderate: Murder
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting
Minor: War
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Perfection. No notes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⭐️🎧Audiobook Listener🎧⭐️
I've never listened to a book that was read how this one was read. But wow, Abby Craden did a phenomenal job giving Constanza a voice.
This book explores the different ways emotional abuse affects the victims but with vampires. The ending got me emotional because sometimes, the best you can hope for after escaping abuse is to be a safe place for others so that the abuse is not perpetuated. And Constanza gets that opportunity, they all do, they all survive.
I enjoyed reading Constanza's experience of polyamorous love. Where she adds to the love in her heart to the point of bursting and she keeps loving anyway. I can't help but feel refreshed by a romance that does not wane with time, that does not get weighed down by jealousy because compersion (the love one feels when they see their love in love) takes its place.
Also loved: zero homophobia in this book. Even though religion is passingly mentioned a couple times, any outsider's discomfort with this arrangement is never seen in this book. The blurred lines between caretaker and lover were kind of unsettling but I think that was the point?
This was an interesting take on the vampire story that I have never read before where we actually follow them through their endless lives and what that can do to a person especially when a lot of that time is spent in an abusive relationship. Each character is unique and intriguing. With such a small cast of named characters, it's a surprise that you really get to know them. The book is is short and sweet but the time skips and leaving descriptions to necessary characterizations really help connect you with the characters.
I've never listened to a book that was read how this one was read. But wow, Abby Craden did a phenomenal job giving Constanza a voice.
This book explores the different ways emotional abuse affects the victims but with vampires. The ending
I enjoyed reading Constanza's experience of polyamorous love. Where she adds to the love in her heart to the point of bursting and she keeps loving anyway. I can't help but feel refreshed by a romance that does not wane with time, that does not get weighed down by jealousy because compersion (the love one feels when they see their love in love) takes its place.
Also loved: zero homophobia in this book. Even though religion is passingly mentioned a couple times, any outsider's discomfort with this arrangement is never seen in this book. The blurred lines between caretaker and lover were kind of unsettling but I think that was the point?
This was an interesting take on the vampire story that I have never read before where we actually follow them through their endless lives and what that can do to a person especially when a lot of that time is spent in an abusive relationship. Each character is unique and intriguing. With such a small cast of named characters, it's a surprise that you really get to know them. The book is is short and sweet but the time skips and leaving descriptions to necessary characterizations really help connect you with the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Infidelity, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, War
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, War
Minor: Child abuse
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Toxic relationship, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Classism
Minor: Cursing, Vomit, Death of parent, War
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, War
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood
Moderate: Confinement, Sexual content
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
This book was an incredibly compelling read, so much so that I finished it in a day. I can't totally tell you why I found it so compelling. It's not necessarily the kind of book I'd usually enjoy, as it is quite dark and tense and uncomfortable. But it is beautifully written. And it's not exactly that I enjoyed it, I just was fascinated by it. It is a book which perfectly shows what it is like to be in an abusive relationship with a narcissist. And as someone who is familiar with those relationships, I found it interesting. But also because it is clear from page one that she kills him. I think that hope is what draws you forward to the end. That no matter what he does, he will be defeated.
The characters are interesting. You are shown some of their complexities but also not enough of each to know them entirely. There are beautiful lines that are like poetry and some interesting comparisons to religion. I thought I'd be put off by how it is written in letters, but it is very immersive and most the letters are written long enough to be like scenes.
I do love how she took his power away by not naming him (the abuser). Although this has been described as a retelling of Dracula and his wives, its not quite that, and we never quite know who he is. And that takes the power away from him.
I could probably go on for ages talking about this book but I will say, I would have found this difficult to read a few years ago. It is hard hitting, uncomfortable at times, and there's some blurred lines between relationships being familial and sexual, which did make me a bit uncomfortable. So don't read this if you're not in the right head space. But if you are, and you want to read a book about a girl finding her own power while being bound by a narcissist, with a long dark period and a finally happy ish ending, then go for it.
I wanted to say more but this is a bit of a spoiler. I loved how the book traversed time from the middle ages to now. I really didn't expect that. I thought it would stay as a gothic text living in history but instead it shows a vampire living through to our world. I would have liked to see more of what she thought of it but I know that wasn't the point at the end of the book.
Everything the "Lord" does is characteristic of a narcissistic sociopath in a toxic relationship. He gaslights his wives, tells them they're paranoid, masks his control by making them think they have freedom, taking them away from friends or loved ones, isolating them, allows them scarce joy to keep devoted but derives them of most joy so they depend on him. If you recognise someone in your life who is like this, it is best to seek help and leave.
Last point, I wasn't sure about the ending. At Constantines last chapter I'd thought I wished there was more of their lives now, but then I actually found that I didn't totally like Alexi's bit. His possessiveness and dependency on them worried me a bit and I wondered if the ending was meant to be semi uncomfortable. But I might be overthinking, as otherwise I think it interestingly showed how a loving poly relationship can be without a toxic partner.
The characters are interesting. You are shown some of their complexities but also not enough of each to know them entirely. There are beautiful lines that are like poetry and some interesting comparisons to religion. I thought I'd be put off by how it is written in letters, but it is very immersive and most the letters are written long enough to be like scenes.
I do love how she took his power away by not naming him (the abuser). Although this has been described as a retelling of Dracula and his wives, its not quite that, and we never quite know who he is. And that takes the power away from him.
I could probably go on for ages talking about this book but I will say, I would have found this difficult to read a few years ago. It is hard hitting, uncomfortable at times, and there's some blurred lines between relationships being familial and sexual, which did make me a bit uncomfortable. So don't read this if you're not in the right head space. But if you are, and you want to read a book about a girl finding her own power while being bound by a narcissist, with a long dark period and a finally happy ish ending, then go for it.
Everything the "Lord" does is characteristic of a narcissistic sociopath in a toxic relationship. He gaslights his wives, tells them they're paranoid, masks his control by making them think they have freedom, taking them away from friends or loved ones, isolating them, allows them scarce joy to keep devoted but derives them of most joy so they depend on him. If you recognise someone in your life who is like this, it is best to seek help and leave.
Last point, I wasn't sure about the ending. At Constantines last chapter I'd thought I wished there was more of their lives now, but then I actually found that I didn't totally like Alexi's bit. His possessiveness and dependency on them worried me a bit and I wondered if the ending was meant to be semi uncomfortable. But I might be overthinking, as otherwise I think it interestingly showed how a loving poly relationship can be without a toxic partner.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Incest