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A review by meowster18
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
In this story we follow Constanta, a woman that was turned at a young age by a mysterious man that we can only assume to be Dracula. Constanta is guided into the world of the dead and unforgiving by promises of life and vengeance against those who took everything from her. In the years leading up to their new bride and husband, Constanta only knew Dracula. Brooding but kind. Harsh but gentle. Loving but ferocious. Narcissist. Constanta has her suspicions about how much Dracula really loved her but as the centuries passed, Dracula would “gift” her a new bride. An aristocrat. Fearless and knows what she wants. Later, a new husband. Young, rambunctious, lively, and an artist.
Absorbed by Dracula’s inconsistent love and viciousness towards her and the others, Constanta begins to uncover Dracula’s dark and damning secrets. With the help of her new companions, Constanta will need to to not only figure out how to save her family but untangle herself from the love of her life. This story is masterfully written and grips you from the first page. This story explores the mind of Constanta as she battles with her emotions and centuries of conditioning to submit. The themes are handled with care and shows the realistic view of a dark and very toxic relationship. If you are not a fan of LGBTQIA+ material then this not for you. The love making was very well written and the depiction of the violence and rage Dracula would often express is attention grabbing. Even how the author allowed Constanta to explore her flaws and come to terms with them is masterfully done. Lastly the pacing is amazing and relatively quick.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, dark yet empowering read.
Absorbed by Dracula’s inconsistent love and viciousness towards her and the others, Constanta begins to uncover Dracula’s dark and damning secrets. With the help of her new companions, Constanta will need to to not only figure out how to save her family but untangle herself from the love of her life. This story is masterfully written and grips you from the first page. This story explores the mind of Constanta as she battles with her emotions and centuries of conditioning to submit. The themes are handled with care and shows the realistic view of a dark and very toxic relationship. If you are not a fan of LGBTQIA+ material then this not for you. The love making was very well written and the depiction of the violence and rage Dracula would often express is attention grabbing. Even how the author allowed Constanta to explore her flaws and come to terms with them is masterfully done. Lastly the pacing is amazing and relatively quick.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, dark yet empowering read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Blood, Death, Gaslighting, Gore, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: War