Overall Take:
Very atmospheric read
Star Rating:
4 Stars
Genre:
Fantasy (Vampires) Gothic
Synopsis:
Her name was written in the pages of someone else’s story: Lucy Westenra was one of Dracula’s first victims.
But her death was only the beginning. Lucy rose from the grave a vampire, and has spent her immortal life trying to escape from Dracula’s clutches–and trying to discover who she really is and what she truly wants.
Her undead life takes an unexpected turn when, in twenty-first-century London, she meets another woman who is also yearning to break free from her past. Iris’s family has built a health empire based on a sinister secret, and they’ll do anything to stay in power.
Lucy has long believed she would never love again. But she finds herself compelled by the charming Iris, while Iris is mesmerized by the confident and glamorous Lucy. But their intense connection and blossoming love is threatened by forces from without. Iris’s mother won’t let go of her without a fight, and Lucy’s past still has fangs: Dracula is on the prowl again.
Lucy Westenra has been a tragically murdered teen, a lonesome adventurer, and a fearsome hunter, but happiness always eluded her. Can she find the strength to destroy Dracula once and for all, or will her heart once again be her undoing?
Thoughts:
I have really enjoyed Kiersten White’s other novels so was super excited to see she had a new book coming out, and this time a Dracula retelling, but sapphic. Sign me up. I jumped on the opportunity.
This book is, like the author’s previous works, deeply atmospheric, and dare I say slow moving. However, in this case the book is almost 500 pages, and really not a whole lot happened over the course of the book. I would categorize this as a character driven book, because again, not much happens of significance with the plot, but we do get to know the characters immensely well.
I enjoyed the different points of views including Lucy’s diary/journal, therapist discussions, and Iris. It was a fun way to get to know the characters in an intimate and natural way. I also enjoyed the authors writing style which did draw me in, however I felt that the book was too long for what it was, and I found myself not wanting to pick it up.
I think I need to stick to these books in audio because they really immerse me more in the atmosphere that way. Some books just work better for me in that medium, and in this case, I believe this author is that way for me.
Publication Date:
September 10, 2024
Author:
Kiersten White
Page Length:
464 pages
Publisher:
Del Rey
Thank you to:
Thank you to the author, Del Rey, and Netgalley for the arc.
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