A review by jesforeverlostinbooks
John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow by Mimi Matthews

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

Oh this was just plain fun if you know me I love a good retelling!  So a gender swap Jane Eyre & Dracula and I’m here for it! Once you start you won’t want to stop. Combining two famous classical works into an evocative tale of menace & evil while still making it original equals perfection. Each of the two classics are clearly and beautifully represented in the story. A gothic romance dripping with moody atmosphere… it’s eerie & unsettling with just the amount of tension. Thornfield Hall has never felt more frightening, the author's mastery with words provides a dark and bleak environment with the ever present mists surrounding the story. The novel is named for John, but Bertha is the real star of the story, and watching her grow and develop is a fascinating delight. All in all, this was captivating. I didn't want to put the book down and stayed up late to finish.Those who enjoy classic retellings, gothic lit, and the fun of gender swaps should add this to their reading list.

“In most instances, the retellings are borne of a deep and abiding love for the source material. That's certainly true in my case. I love Jane Eyre and I adore Dracula. Spending time immersed in their worlds was enormous fun.” - Mimi Matthews