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

dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I am kind of obsessed with this book. The language is beautiful. In the first twenty pages alone two quotes ripped my heart out. The characters are so fleshed out and the relationships are handled delicately. You love and hate and mourn and guilt with them. It reads like a beautiful and horrific memory. I adore that the man is never named: he is only referred to as “you” or “he” or “him”. One of the main characters first declarations is that he ripped her of her name so she ripped him of his. The ending, although still wonderful, left a little to be desired I think which is why it’s not at 5 stars BUT I am a sucker for dark, violent, gutting, romantic stories and beautiful prose. Seriously, If you’re going to read a vampire book? Highly recommend. It’s a reimagining of Dracula’s wives, and although the book synopsis uses Draculas name it’s never confirmed that it’s him. Also? It’s labeled as horror but there’s nothing rly scary about it.