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A review by dogoodwithbooks
Carmilla: The First Vampire by Amy Chu
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Not the greatest reimagining or retelling I’ve ever read, but it wasn’t bad. I think the initial concept was interesting, especially with the Chinese mythology infused into the plot. I also appreciated the effort Chu does to highlight various social issues that were impacting people during that time period.
However, it wasn’t as consistent with Le Fanu’s Carmilla, the source of this reimagining. I felt like at times it was mainly there as a prop for the characters in the story rather than trying to incorporate some of the elements of Le Fanu’s Carmilla into the story. It does get better by the second half of the book in terms of consistency with the source material, but I honestly think it could have been fine as its own story rather than a retelling/reimagining.
However, it wasn’t as consistent with Le Fanu’s Carmilla, the source of this reimagining. I felt like at times it was mainly there as a prop for the characters in the story rather than trying to incorporate some of the elements of Le Fanu’s Carmilla into the story. It does get better by the second half of the book in terms of consistency with the source material, but I honestly think it could have been fine as its own story rather than a retelling/reimagining.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Deadnaming, and Racism