katherineshawwrites's review
- 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
4.5
The toxic relationships at play are written masterfully, and are really what drives the story and keeps the reader so engrossed. I yearned for Constanta to finally be free, and flew through the pages to find resolution.
My only criticism is that there is virtually no tie-in to the original tale, but only one throwaway reference to the characters. I had expected to see the two tales woven together, and the lack of that was a little disappointing.
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Murder, and Blood
Moderate: Gore and Sexual content
0ivy0's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I devoured A Dowry of Blood in one sitting. The story is a retelling of Dracula, told through letters written by Constanta to the man himself.
It is both beautiful and devastating in equal measure, exploring sensuality, polyamory, the boredom of living forever, coping mechanisms and the absolute horror of being emotionally abused and controlled.
"I was no woman; I was merely a supplicant, a pilgrim who had stumbled across your dark altar and was doomed to worship at it forever"
The writing is beautifully poetic with fantastic religious iconography, however can feel so realistic that it is, in parts, quite difficult to read emotionally.
A Dowry of Blood is beautiful, devastating, everything I'd want from a vampire novel as well as a heartbreaking tale of a woman finding her power. I devoured in one sitting, and believe it is best read in this way, I recommend it to anyone.
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
livfowler's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, War, Blood, Body horror, Cannibalism, Classism, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
meowlo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Toxic relationship, Gore, and Sexual content
Moderate: War
Minor: Child death and Physical abuse
boba_n_books's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Physical abuse, and Confinement
Minor: War
queerreaderchaos's review against another edition
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: War
vanesst's review against another edition
2.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Domestic abuse, and Gore
Moderate: Murder
theinkdrinkerhouse's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Murder, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, and Gaslighting
Minor: War
fizzieee's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Confinement, Body horror, Murder, War, Toxic relationship, Death, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Violence
discarded_dust_jacket's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Graphic: Murder, Gore, Toxic relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, and Confinement
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Physical abuse and Alcohol