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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
For me, Dracula is canon. I grew up in Romania, listened to my grandma's folk tales and loved every bit of it. So, whenever I read a book inspired by Dracula I tend to overanalyse everything, starting with the plot. And if it is cliché, I am immediately put off. This book was not the case. It was unique, gothic as it should be, and such a breath of fresh air with the LGBTQIA inclusion.
I loved the story. The character development (FMC) was questionable, considering that she's been around for centuries and she’s taking her sweet time realising that she is being manipulated and played like a fiddle. Until she breaks. And her breaking point is when her loved ones are in danger. I loved that part of her character, and how she only decided to fight back when her partners were in trouble. The polyamourous, queer why choose was amazing and I was ready to giggle over that ending.
I would have loved more descriptive scenes of their travels around Europe. I mean 18th century Vienna? Pleeeease describe that so much that I can feel transported there.
Aside from that and the limited descriptions of Transylvania, I thought the book was great.
I loved the story. The character development (FMC) was questionable, considering that she's been around for centuries and she’s taking her sweet time realising that she is being manipulated and played like a fiddle. Until she breaks. And her breaking point is when her loved ones are in danger. I loved that part of her character, and how she only decided to fight back when her partners were in trouble. The polyamourous, queer why choose was amazing and I was ready to giggle over that ending.
I would have loved more descriptive scenes of their travels around Europe. I mean 18th century Vienna? Pleeeease describe that so much that I can feel transported there.
Aside from that and the limited descriptions of Transylvania, I thought the book was great.
love how the whole book was written like a letter
loved the gothic poetic style and the ending
loved the gothic poetic style and the ending
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dracula's brides when they got sick of his centuries of abuse and they plot to murder him. This is so beautifully written, I bawled my eyes out at the ending. I wish this book was longer.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Dowry of Blood is a Gothic lyrical Darcula retelling. The entire story is a letter to Darcula from his wife Constanta. It starts with their meeting and Constanta's turning as she is on death's door. The story continues through time as they pick up others to join their relationship. Constanta starts to realize Darcula's true nature.
This one is very beautifully written but the pacing is SLOW. The writing is very distinct but not much really happens. It seems to be more about feeling than a true story. It covers topics like polyamory, jealousy, abuse, possession, and control. This one is not an action packed vampire novel.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
dark
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
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
inspiring
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