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mj_nightingale's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I've heard so much about this book, and it disappointed me so much I can't even. The one thing to know when you go into it especially being a reader from Ukraine is there is glorification of the neighboring terrorist state. In a book written in 2022. Because there's literally nowhere else in the world this story could go, right? Disgusting.
Up until the third part I was thinking, well, it's an ok read a 3 or maybe even a 4 if it picks up, a bit repetitive, and not very well written out. I tried to explain the shallowness of the narration by the fact that it is addressed to someone who was there to see it all so no need to go into the details, not that it made my experience as a reader any better toh. But I tried to justify it for myself.
But the freaking 3d part just did it for me. There's literally nowhere else to go, right? Nowhere in the world that would not glorify a terrorist country destroying thousands of lives in the modern day. I'd really love to see a mention of that at least somewhere in the description of the book, so that I can avoid picking it up since I know that I am not interested in anything trying to glorify imperialism especially in this case.
But there was nothing. So in writing this review, I warn whoever intends to pick it up. I'm disgusted and really upset on where this went.
I had high expectations of this book, it being so universally praised but it's just not good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and War
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, Grief, Cultural appropriation, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Classism
themagicalworldofnian's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Getting into this book I didn't know that much about aside from that it is a dark, twisted, queer and sapphic story about vampires, which I later learned was a reimagining of Dracula's brides.
And OMG this book. I absolutely loved it and it is a new all time favourite.
The books starts of with "I never dreamed it would end like this, my lord: your blood splashing hot flecks onto my nightgown and pouring in rivulets onto our bedchamber floor. But creatures like us live a long time. There is no horror left in this world that can surprise me. Eventually, even your death becomes its own sort of inevitability". Reading this sentence alone, I knew this was going to be a 5 star read for me.
Just how lyrical the prose is, astounding. It adds to the amazing gothic vibe throughout the story.
The book is written in the form of an open letter from the point of view of Constanta, the first bride. It shows thin line between love, obsession and evil.
I just loved that it was written in the form of an open letter, since it made the book way more personal and you could just feel the on going struggle of feelings.
The ever changing relationships were also so intriguiging to see and be a part of.
Further the power dynamics, manipulation and gaslighting in the story illustrate how it can sometimes be very hard to see the abusive nature of a relationship. And the nature of consent, how it can sometimes feel impossible to say no.
This will definitely be a book that will reappear into my mind. And overall I cannot recommend this book enough.
However keep in mind the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
Triggerwarnings: emotional, verbal, and physical intimate partner abuse, gaslighting, war, famine, and plague, blood and gore, consensual sexual content, sadomasochism, self-harm, body horror, violence and murder, alcohol use, depression and mania.
And OMG this book. I absolutely loved it and it is a new all time favourite.
The books starts of with "I never dreamed it would end like this, my lord: your blood splashing hot flecks onto my nightgown and pouring in rivulets onto our bedchamber floor. But creatures like us live a long time. There is no horror left in this world that can surprise me. Eventually, even your death becomes its own sort of inevitability". Reading this sentence alone, I knew this was going to be a 5 star read for me.
Just how lyrical the prose is, astounding. It adds to the amazing gothic vibe throughout the story.
The book is written in the form of an open letter from the point of view of Constanta, the first bride. It shows thin line between love, obsession and evil.
I just loved that it was written in the form of an open letter, since it made the book way more personal and you could just feel the on going struggle of feelings.
The ever changing relationships were also so intriguiging to see and be a part of.
Further the power dynamics, manipulation and gaslighting in the story illustrate how it can sometimes be very hard to see the abusive nature of a relationship. And the nature of consent, how it can sometimes feel impossible to say no.
This will definitely be a book that will reappear into my mind. And overall I cannot recommend this book enough.
However keep in mind the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
Triggerwarnings: emotional, verbal, and physical intimate partner abuse, gaslighting, war, famine, and plague, blood and gore, consensual sexual content, sadomasochism, self-harm, body horror, violence and murder, alcohol use, depression and mania.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault
meowster18's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
In this story we follow Constanta, a woman that was turned at a young age by a mysterious man that we can only assume to be Dracula. Constanta is guided into the world of the dead and unforgiving by promises of life and vengeance against those who took everything from her. In the years leading up to their new bride and husband, Constanta only knew Dracula. Brooding but kind. Harsh but gentle. Loving but ferocious. Narcissist. Constanta has her suspicions about how much Dracula really loved her but as the centuries passed, Dracula would “gift” her a new bride. An aristocrat. Fearless and knows what she wants. Later, a new husband. Young, rambunctious, lively, and an artist.
Absorbed by Dracula’s inconsistent love and viciousness towards her and the others, Constanta begins to uncover Dracula’s dark and damning secrets. With the help of her new companions, Constanta will need to to not only figure out how to save her family but untangle herself from the love of her life. This story is masterfully written and grips you from the first page. This story explores the mind of Constanta as she battles with her emotions and centuries of conditioning to submit. The themes are handled with care and shows the realistic view of a dark and very toxic relationship. If you are not a fan of LGBTQIA+ material then this not for you. The love making was very well written and the depiction of the violence and rage Dracula would often express is attention grabbing. Even how the author allowed Constanta to explore her flaws and come to terms with them is masterfully done. Lastly the pacing is amazing and relatively quick.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, dark yet empowering read.
Absorbed by Dracula’s inconsistent love and viciousness towards her and the others, Constanta begins to uncover Dracula’s dark and damning secrets. With the help of her new companions, Constanta will need to to not only figure out how to save her family but untangle herself from the love of her life. This story is masterfully written and grips you from the first page. This story explores the mind of Constanta as she battles with her emotions and centuries of conditioning to submit. The themes are handled with care and shows the realistic view of a dark and very toxic relationship. If you are not a fan of LGBTQIA+ material then this not for you. The love making was very well written and the depiction of the violence and rage Dracula would often express is attention grabbing. Even how the author allowed Constanta to explore her flaws and come to terms with them is masterfully done. Lastly the pacing is amazing and relatively quick.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, dark yet empowering read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: War