A review by ameliabee33
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • 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

4.25

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.
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