A Dowry of Blood
Book synopsis:
Saved from the brink of death by a mysterious stranger, Constanta is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride fit for an undying king. But when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat and a starving artist into his web of passion and deceit, Constanta realizes that her beloved is capable of terrible things.
Finding comfort in the arms of her rival consorts, she begins to unravel their husband's dark secrets. With the lives of everyone she loves on the line, Constanta will have to choose between her own freedom and her love for her husband. But bonds forged by blood can only be broken by death.
Overall Review:
I wanted so much more from this book! The potential for wicked, cruel, strong vampires in Dracula’s brides was there for the taking. I may be slightly biased due to the recent Netflix show, Castlevania, where we saw Carmilla, Lenore, Morana and Striga. Such fierce and hungry women taking what they can in this world. The women in this novel felt much more tame in their shadow under Dracula, which I suppose was the point of the novel. To shed light on domestic violence and control. So, still a valid read for women who see themselves in these stories and also are reaffirmed that there is a world out there away from the one who controls you.
A Taste of the Haunting:
Song pairing: martyr by KiNG MALA
Movie pairing: Byzantium, Nosferatu (2024), and The Hunger.
To dive further into the mood… I recommend gothic music. It won’t fit the setting but it will pull you into the mood of it all.
Setting:
The change of scenery and people as the years roll through were well done. And made a short read feel longer.
Characters:
The characters felt stagnant in their identities, but again, I believe that was the point in their crafting.
Plot:
I appreciated the development of one wife after another and their relationships with each other. - pending further review.
