I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson Series: A Dowry of Blood #1
Published by Redhook on October 4 2022
Genres: Adult, Gothic, Horror
Pages: 304
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A lush, bloody, sweeping saga of an unusual relationship that spans centuries.
“Love makes monsters of us, Constanta, and not everyone is cut out for monstrosity.”
I’ve been eyeing A Dowry of Blood ever since the self-published edition made a splash on social media, but it went out of print before I could snag a copy. Luckily, Orbit is publishing this new edition in a few weeks, and I had a chance to read an early copy of the book. And it was exactly what I had hoped for: a lush, dark reimagining of the Dracula story, told from the perspective of Dracula’s beloved wife Constanta, who is writing a letter to her husband.
The story is told in second person epistolary format, as Constanta recounts her long history with “my lord” (the name “Dracula” is never mentioned in the book), how they met, how she became a vampire, and how their little family grew to include two others over the years.
We meet Constanta as she lies dying on a battlefield, her family already dead. But before she can take her last breath, he steps out of the darkness and offers her eternal life. Thus Constanta becomes a vampire, and over the coming decades and centuries, she learns how to survive, falls in love, travels the world and lives through many important events in history.
Eventually, he introduces Constanta to a long time correspondent of his in Spain, a vivacious woman named Magdalena, and the three form a tight family unit for many years. Later in Russia, they meet Alexi, a young artist’s model who completely changes the dynamic of the group and agrees to join them without hesitation. But despite their seemingly idyllic life, Constanta, Magdalena and Alexi are being controlled and manipulated, and once they realize their charismatic husband has cut them off from the world, they take steps to change their fate.
Gibson’s lyrical writing style is perfect for this epic story, and it reminded me a lot of Anne Rice’s books. She conveys so much emotion through Constanta’s voice and her fierce love for her husband, Magdalena and Alexi. But this is a very dark tale as well. The author includes a list of trigger warnings right up front, including abuse, gaslighting and sadomasochism, to name a few. There is a lush sensuality among the characters, but the very nature of vampires makes their relationships dangerous and bloody. Dracula is controlling and cruel, treating his little family like beloved pets to be taken out and played with, and then put right back in their cages so they won’t escape.
From what I understand, Orbit has added an epilogue that wasn’t in the original book, and I’ve noticed some mixed feelings about it in the book community. I’m not sure it was absolutely necessary, since the true ending felt right to me, but the epilogue does give you a sense of closure and adds a bit of a feel good moment to an otherwise dark and twisted tale.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
This book intrigued me since my first glimpse of the cover – and yes, ok, because of vampires… 😉
I’m glad to learn that once again my “book vibes” were propelling me in the right direction, toward a story that I’m sure will not leave me indifferent. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
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I hope you get the chance to read it:-)
Constanta fascinates me, but that this has trigger warnings gives me pause. I’d have to be in the right frame of mind to want to dive into this.
It’s very dark, I don’t blame you!
It sounds absolutely perfect! Can’t wait to read it!
Priscilla Bettis recently posted…6 Non Sequiturs
So good! Hope you love it too:-)
Sounds really captivating! I usually avoid looking at trigger warnings, but in this case, they may be enough to convince me that I should avoid this one (unless I’m feeling ready for it).
It’s definitely hard to read in places.
This seems to be right up my sleeve despite the trigger warnings. Thanks gor the recommendation, Tammy.
Debjani recently posted…The Santa Killer by Ross Greenwood – Review | Blog Tour
The trigger warnings make sense for the story, at least I thought so:-)
The language and mood are so good in Dowry!
Caitlin G. recently posted…Review: BABEL by R.F. Kuang
They really are, and I loved the writing.
What an interesting premise to work with! As for that epilogue stuff… I’m always for the original ending over alternate ones. I mostly wonder why it’s even necessary to go in any other direction. Great review! 🙂
Thanks Lashaan!
This sounds amazing, and that’s an interesting tidbit about the added parts! I hasn’t realized this was a reissue until now
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Thursday Thriller Audio: The Couple at Number 9 by Claire Douglas
That’s what I heard anyway, I haven’t actually verified it. But it makes sense that Orbit would want to make some kind of change.
I love the sound of this. Vampires and epistolary style are two things that will definitely get my attention. Glad you enjoyed it. 😀
Pages and Tea recently posted…Book Review: Witch by Finbar Hawkins
It was very well done:-)
Great review. This one sounds interesting. I might try it just to sample the prose.
I really loved the writing:-)
I read the original one and really liked it. I haven’t heard about the epilogue intrigue and have to admit, I was happy with the way it finished up. I did hear there is a sequel/companion novel in the works. Curious about that if it is true.
Oh cool, I had not heard about a sequel. Now I’m excited!
I’m not in the frame of mind to read this one – but it does sound like a fascinating take on a well-trodden narrative. Thank you for an entertaining and informative review, Tammy:).
My pleasure! Hopefully I’ll have some lighter books to share soon:-)
I’ve been looking forward to your review of this, Tammy! I love gothic books so I think this will be right up my alley from what I can tell from your review. I absolutely wanna buy it now for spooky season. YAY!
I think you’d love this! Plus it’s very sexy and I know how you like your sexy books;-)
I could see myself possibly enjoying this, and it also has me wanting to reread Dracula again. It’s been a while, enough so it might feel new again.
There have been a lot of “new” vampire books coming out. I guess we can say the “anti-Twilight” era has reached its peak?!
I am so glad you enjoyed it! I have yet to made up my mind about this one, but it does sound promising!!
This sounds too dark for me. Too bad because a different take on vampires is always interesting. Great review!
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This review has pushed me out of my comfort zone. The premise is wonderful. A family of vampires rebelling against their patriarchal leader, interesting. Beautiful review!
I can’t wait. Vampires. Dark. Epistolary style. Everything.
Lynn 😀
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