Scan barcode
velsbooknook's reviews
251 reviews
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
4.5
The perfect, bloody and queer vampire read for autumn.
The story follows Constanta, the bride of Dracula, and her relationship with him. Their relationship is about desire, obsession and control. Very bloody, very tense. Constanta's husband is toxic in any way possible. He abuses her physically and emotionally and is manipulating and gaslighting her. While reading I felt like he was lacking some character and he is more like a ghost in the story. But the more I read I realised there really is not more to say about him and there is no need to "give him more character". It gives the story more room for Constanta and her other two lovers who join later in the story. For their feelings and their relationship to eachother.
I loved that the story takes you through centuries and different countries. It is not a plot driven story, it is about the characters and love for eachother.
Magdalena, an aristrocrat, is the first to become another bride of Dracula and later there also is Alexi, an artist. I loved Magdalena and Alexi equally and the chemistry together with Constanta.
The book is written as letters from Constanta to her then dead husband. I think it worked very well for the story and Gibson has an incredible way with words. It surely isn't for everyone but I was blown away by how beautifully and lyrically this story was written. The ending felt a little rushed imo but I still absolutely loved it.
It was my second book by the author, after reading An Education in Malice earlier this year and it won't be my last. This is a gorgeous book and can easily be read in 24 hours. So if you don't mind a bloody, spicy and character driven vampire story this is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, and Gaslighting
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
4.5
The story follows the three Blue sisters, Avery, Bonnie and Lucky navigating life and their grief after the loss of their sister Nicky.
It is very hard to put in words how I feel about this book because it was a real rollercoster of emotions. It also turned out different than anticipated.
The story has some heavy scenes and deals with drugs a lot. So keep that in mind if you want to read it or check content warnings.
I loved the bond the sisters had. How they all had their own life and personality but also heavily relied on each other and with Nicky's passing, leaving a big hole in their lifes. I could not relate at all with the characters but I could empathize with them. Could see why they acted a certain way or understand how they felt. The were complex and flawed. Showing some very complicated family dynamics.
Another thing I really enjoyed was Mellors writing. The dialogues and prose were beautiful and the story easy to follow. I also appreciated the endometrioses representation and the portait of an "invisible illness". Overall ended up loving this book and the sisters. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had a sister and if you're good with the content warnings give this one a go.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, and Grief
The Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
4.5
The second book in the Crimson Moth duology. I absolutely loved book one and I was so thrilled when my NetGalley ARC hit my inbox. I love Rune and Gideon and this is a real enemies to lovers. Their dynamic did not change in book two and I was all here for it. Probably one of my all time favourite book couples. The tension, the yearning and forbidden love was SO good!
I loved the double POV and short chapters which made that a very easy read. Reading Rune's POV and thoughts and also getting Gideon's POV of recent events works so so well for their story telling. This is "miscommunication" done well, because it just makes so much sense for them and the story.
The book is action packed, with twists and betrayal.
The pacing is fast and I flew through the 400+ pages. I sometimes felt like everything happened a little too fast for my liking though. Some parts felt very rushed and they should have gotten a few more pages, to wrap up everything neatly in my opinion.
I still very much enjoyed this duology and can recommend it to all my fantasy/romantasy friends. Rune and Gideon have my heart.
Thank you to Kristen Ciccarelli, Harper Collins & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Kristen Ciccarelli, Harper Collins & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Blood, and War