boba_n_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was an interesting Dracula retelling that focused more on the queer, polyamorous relationship between Dracula and his partners than vampirism. Since Dracula is much older than his three partners, there are power dynamics and hierarchy at play that are explored throughout the novel.
My one criticism is I wish this had been a tad longer so the author had more time to show each partner as an individual at the end without Dracula.
Gibson’s writing style is quite unique and enticing. I’ll definitely be seeking it out again.
My one criticism is I wish this had been a tad longer so the author had more time to show each partner as an individual at the end without Dracula.
Gibson’s writing style is quite unique and enticing. I’ll definitely be seeking it out again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Physical abuse, and Confinement
Minor: War
jillaay_h's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Toxic relationship, Gore, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Body horror
theinkdrinkerhouse's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Murder, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, and Gaslighting
Minor: War
ellarroz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Murder, and Blood
discarded_dust_jacket's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Ugh this was so good.
One of the most effective elements of this story is the way that it handles the relationship between Dracula and his—partners? lovers? children (ew)?— because I feel like it’s such a good depiction of the cycle of abuse.
Dracula isn’t always cruel. He’s often charming, doting, tender, and sometimes I found myself genuinely wishing for his redemption. I wanted to make excuses for him, the same as Constanta did. As much as I wanted Constanta to escape Dracula, I also empathized with her genuine heartbreak over having to destroy him to do it.
Also, without spoilers, I’ll just say: the epilogue was the perfect way to end this story. I finished the book with the biggest smile on my face. Such an emotional read!
One of the most effective elements of this story is the way that it handles the relationship between Dracula and his—partners? lovers? children (ew)?— because I feel like it’s such a good depiction of the cycle of abuse.
Dracula isn’t always cruel. He’s often charming, doting, tender, and sometimes I found myself genuinely wishing for his redemption. I wanted to make excuses for him, the same as Constanta did. As much as I wanted Constanta to escape Dracula, I also empathized with her genuine heartbreak over having to destroy him to do it.
Also, without spoilers, I’ll just say: the epilogue was the perfect way to end this story. I finished the book with the biggest smile on my face. Such an emotional read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, Toxic relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, and Confinement
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Physical abuse and Alcohol
toy_masterpiece's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
⭐️🎧Audiobook Listener🎧⭐️
I've never listened to a book that was read how this one was read. But wow, Abby Craden did a phenomenal job giving Constanza a voice.
This book explores the different ways emotional abuse affects the victims but with vampires. The ending
I enjoyed reading Constanza's experience of polyamorous love. Where she adds to the love in her heart to the point of bursting and she keeps loving anyway. I can't help but feel refreshed by a romance that does not wane with time, that does not get weighed down by jealousy because compersion (the love one feels when they see their love in love) takes its place.
Also loved: zero homophobia in this book. Even though religion is passingly mentioned a couple times, any outsider's discomfort with this arrangement is never seen in this book. The blurred lines between caretaker and lover were kind of unsettling but I think that was the point?
This was an interesting take on the vampire story that I have never read before where we actually follow them through their endless lives and what that can do to a person especially when a lot of that time is spent in an abusive relationship. Each character is unique and intriguing. With such a small cast of named characters, it's a surprise that you really get to know them. The book is is short and sweet but the time skips and leaving descriptions to necessary characterizations really help connect you with the characters.
I've never listened to a book that was read how this one was read. But wow, Abby Craden did a phenomenal job giving Constanza a voice.
This book explores the different ways emotional abuse affects the victims but with vampires. The ending
Spoiler
got me emotional because sometimes, the best you can hope for after escaping abuse is to be a safe place for others so that the abuse is not perpetuated. And Constanza gets that opportunity, they all do, they all survive.I enjoyed reading Constanza's experience of polyamorous love. Where she adds to the love in her heart to the point of bursting and she keeps loving anyway. I can't help but feel refreshed by a romance that does not wane with time, that does not get weighed down by jealousy because compersion (the love one feels when they see their love in love) takes its place.
Also loved: zero homophobia in this book. Even though religion is passingly mentioned a couple times, any outsider's discomfort with this arrangement is never seen in this book. The blurred lines between caretaker and lover were kind of unsettling but I think that was the point?
This was an interesting take on the vampire story that I have never read before where we actually follow them through their endless lives and what that can do to a person especially when a lot of that time is spent in an abusive relationship. Each character is unique and intriguing. With such a small cast of named characters, it's a surprise that you really get to know them. The book is is short and sweet but the time skips and leaving descriptions to necessary characterizations really help connect you with the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse and Fire/Fire injury
ameliabee33's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Bonds forged by blood can only be broken by death.
"A Dowry of Blood" is a poignant tale of Dracula's wives, the tale of the abuse Constanta and the other consorts face at the hands of a monster. Constanta was the first, the oldest, she has existed with him the longest. Learned how to make herself in his image, so she can stay safe. The others don't know how to do that. Until they do. Constanta wants out, but escaping an abuser isn't easy, especially when she has two others to worry about. Together, the three consort unwrap the mystery that is their husband, lover, in the search for freedom. But monsters don't let their prey go easily.
This is a story of abuse. It isn't a lighthearted book, it portrays and shows in detail what it is like living in an abusive relationship - so please check the tws before you dive in. It shows how difficult it is to break out and escape from the abuser. It also shows the lengths the abused will go to justify their abusers actions. Because he loved his wives. He really did. He just took away their autonomy and freedom.
He's a good man Savannah! (Not really)
It is written from the perspective of Constanta, in a series of letters to her beloved, justifying why she and the others did what they did. The prose is very lyrical and I found the letter format to be a very compelling mode of telling the story. Readers really get drawn into the relationships between all the characters from Constanta's pov because she is always there, watching. Her realization that this isn't how love is supposed to be and her initiative to investigate her beloved to be a great start of a character arc for her. However, it was short and rushed, I believe it should have gotten more on-page time. I wanted more evidence of growth of Constanta's character on page. I was left with the feeling thay the revenge plotlinr was only half done.
The relationship between Constanta, Magdalena, and Alexi is very sweet at times, that they have such love and support from one another. However, Constanta takes on a sort of "mother" role with Magdalena and Alexi which makes their romantic physical relationship a bit odd to me. As I was reading it, it just felt weird. There is some comments where Magdalena insists that her and Constanta become sisters. And then there are many times where Constanta refers to Alexi as her son, the only relationship they have is emotional (until it's not). I know they aren't biologically related, but I'm just personally not into the taboo and it came off as awkward while reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Domestic abuse, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny, Infidelity, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, War, and Grief
sarahsbooklife's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, Death, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Violence, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Blood
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Body horror, Gaslighting, Grief, Classism, Murder, and Confinement
Minor: Vomit, Cursing, Death of parent, and War
anindistinctaccountant's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Minor: War
one_more_chapter96's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
Such an original Dracula retelling from his first Bride’s perspective. A really twisted and layered story about a controlling and manipulative, powerful love & slowly growing strong enough to break away from what you’ve always known. Really enjoyed this short book and although it was slow to start, once Magdalena was introduced I started to fall in love with the characters & my heart broke for them near the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Body horror, and Death
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic and War