Scan barcode
A review by jamieleepilk
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"You did not let me keep my name, so I will strip you of yours. In this world, you are what I say you are, and I say you are a ghost, a long night's fever dream that I have finally finally woken up from. I say you are the smoke-wisp memory of a flame, thawing ice suffering under an early spring sun, a chalk ledger of debts wiped clean. I say you do not have a name."
I read this after a friend raved how good it was, a queer reimagining of the tale of Dracula's brides? YES PLEASE.
The story revolves around Constanta, the first (so she thinks) Dracula's brides, she is obsessed with her new master, lover and husband. As the story progresses Magdalena is added into the marriage and then soon after Alexi is too.
This book is incredible. From the very first line you are hooked, Constanta is such an incredible protagonist and her tone of voice is so clear and beautiful that you can't help but fall in love with her. The way this book is written is like one massive letter from Constanta to her husband, the language of love and obsession is so raw. It almost feels like Constanta is confiding her afterlife story with you, to unburden herself of her sins. With short, snappy chapters and engaging language you end up flying through this super fast, but without feeling like anything is rushed at all everything is plotted and planned so nicely.
I was was reading this the same weekend 'Shadow & Bone' was released on Netflix so I was picturing Ben Barnes as Dracula the whole time and I'll tell you something I am not mad about it.
The sections dealing with Constanta's inner conflict between loving and faithful to her husband but also wanting to love and protect Magdalena and Alexi who she quickly falls in love with.
All four main characters are Queer (bi/pan) what I loved about this was that not once was it questioned or explained it just was. Perfection. It also deals with Magdalena's mental health which is written as if she is bi-polar, it's done so well and with such empathy.
Some how ST Gibson has formed a story that everyone knows and characters we think we know into something that feels fresh and brand new. One of the best vampire novels I have read in a very long time.
I read this after a friend raved how good it was, a queer reimagining of the tale of Dracula's brides? YES PLEASE.
The story revolves around Constanta, the first (so she thinks) Dracula's brides, she is obsessed with her new master, lover and husband. As the story progresses Magdalena is added into the marriage and then soon after Alexi is too.
This book is incredible. From the very first line you are hooked, Constanta is such an incredible protagonist and her tone of voice is so clear and beautiful that you can't help but fall in love with her. The way this book is written is like one massive letter from Constanta to her husband, the language of love and obsession is so raw. It almost feels like Constanta is confiding her afterlife story with you, to unburden herself of her sins. With short, snappy chapters and engaging language you end up flying through this super fast, but without feeling like anything is rushed at all everything is plotted and planned so nicely.
I was was reading this the same weekend 'Shadow & Bone' was released on Netflix so I was picturing Ben Barnes as Dracula the whole time and I'll tell you something I am not mad about it.
The sections dealing with Constanta's inner conflict between loving and faithful to her husband but also wanting to love and protect Magdalena and Alexi who she quickly falls in love with.
All four main characters are Queer (bi/pan) what I loved about this was that not once was it questioned or explained it just was. Perfection. It also deals with Magdalena's mental health which is written as if she is bi-polar, it's done so well and with such empathy.
Some how ST Gibson has formed a story that everyone knows and characters we think we know into something that feels fresh and brand new. One of the best vampire novels I have read in a very long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Murder, and Toxic relationship