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A Dowry of Blood Kindle Edition

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 6,975 ratings

THE DARK FANTASY BOOKTOK BLOCKBUSTER!

In this dark, fantasy sensation, S. T. Gibson spins the gothic, seductive tale of Dracula's first bride, Constanta.


This is my last love letter to you, though some would call it a confession. . .

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.

"A dizzying nightmare of a romance that will leave you aching, angry and ultimately hopeful." --
Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf

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From the Publisher

A Dowry of Blood S. T. Gibson
A Dowry of Blood S. T. Gibson

A Dowry of Blood

A Dowry of Blood

A Dowry of Blood

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A Dowry of Blood is an intoxicating perfume that lingers - an undying love story where beauty and horror clasp hands." Rachel Gillig, New York Times bestselling author of One Dark Window

"A dizzying nightmare of a romance that will leave you aching, angry and ultimately hopeful."―
Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf

"A thrilling and seductive Gothic rife with spine-tingling tension and dark romance. 
A Dowry of Blood left me breathless."―Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching

"Dark, lush and heartrendingly romantic."

Lyndall Clipstone, author of Lakesedge

"A powerful take of possession and liberation. This is a Dracula retelling unlike any other - undeniable and unforgettable."―
Rose Szabo, author of What Big Teeth

"Stunningly gorgeous and devastatingly romantic, you won't want to miss this one!"―
Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods

"Atmospheric and lush. . . it will haunt you in the best possible way."―
Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart

“Seductive, lyrical, and rich with period detail, this daring retelling casts the Harkers' story aside to follow Dracula's medieval bride and her tangled romance with his consorts over the centuries. The horror—pulsing and beautiful—comes as much from Constanta’s insights into her husband’s psychology as it does from bloodlust. A dark triumph.”―
Mary McMyne, author of The Book of Gothel

"
A Dowry of Blood is a delectable jewel of a tale, shimmering with dark, beautiful prose. Gibson balances mournful gothic possession with heartfelt emotional authenticity for a thrilling ride from start to finish."―Tori Bovalino, author of Not Good for Maidens

"Perfect for readers interested in creative, gritty, and steamy horror retellings."―
Library Journal

"Gibson’s lush prose will transport readers to a sumptuous and provocative world that is openly queer and unabashedly sexual."―
Booklist

"A lyrical Gothic ode to queerness, polyamory, and violence. Its complex depiction of abuse and survival is both thorny and moving, and like nothing else you’ll read this fall."―
Paste Magazine

"In the tradition of the best vampire stories, Gibson uses her characters to explore how centuries of time would affect a once-mortal mind.
A Dowry of Blood whisks readers through human history, arriving at the dawn of the 20th century, drenched in blood."―BookPage

About the Author

S.T. Gibson is an author, literary agent, and village wise woman in training. She currently lives in Boston with her fiance, spoiled Persian cat, and vintage blazer collection.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09TKRTRFY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Redhook (March 22, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 22, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2281 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 250 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 6,975 ratings

About the author

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S.T. Gibson
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S.T. Gibson is the British Fantasy Award nominated and Goodreads Choice Award nominated author of the Sunday Times bestseller A DOWRY OF BLOOD.

She holds a Bachelors degree in Creative Writing from UNC Asheville, and a Masters of Theological Studies from Princeton Seminary.

Connect with her on twitter @s_t_gibson or through her official author website stgibson.com. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at saint.substack.com.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
6,975 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story amazing and engaging. They praise the imaginative, lyrical writing style that captures vivid emotions like passion and longing. The book is described as beautiful, enchanting, and seductive. Readers describe the pacing as entertaining and thrilling. However, opinions differ on the character development - some find them wonderful and well-developed, while others feel they lack depth and are one-dimensional. There are mixed opinions on the abuse depicted in the story.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

76 customers mention "Story quality"67 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find it engaging and well-written, with a meaningful narrative. The book is recommended for those who enjoy dark love stories with charismatic characters. It offers an interesting format for storytelling, retelling Dracula's Bride in a new way.

"...I found myself a bit lost. Using historical achievements was nicely done but still needed more to know exactly what yr we were in...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the style and the story. It was dark, romantic, and breathtakingly cruel...." Read more

"...It's just not my cup of tea. I believe the writing is good. The story was good, and it is a quick read." Read more

"Gorgeously written. Beautiful addicting prose. Little hints of the Dracula stories we know. I adored everyone, even him...." Read more

65 customers mention "Writing quality"65 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it imaginative, poetic, and lyrical. The prose is described as addictive, almost like a love letter. Readers appreciate the narration and interesting story from the perspective of a diary.

"I have nothing much to really say other than I loved it! The writing was so beautiful and I fell in love with all the characters...." Read more

"...This book tackles these question with beautiful writing. I enjoyed the style and the story. It was dark, romantic, and breathtakingly cruel...." Read more

"...It's just not my cup of tea. I believe the writing is good. The story was good, and it is a quick read." Read more

"Gorgeously written. Beautiful addicting prose. Little hints of the Dracula stories we know. I adored everyone, even him...." Read more

42 customers mention "Emotional content"36 positive6 negative

Customers find the book's emotional content vivid, passionate, and raw. They describe it as poetic, realistic, and full of longing and love. The characters and macabre situations are described as wonderful and make for classic horror.

"...This book tackles these question with beautiful writing. I enjoyed the style and the story. It was dark, romantic, and breathtakingly cruel...." Read more

"...The whole book to me was just heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful at the same time. It had everything. ((((((..." Read more

"...The pain, suffering, showing love was both a weapon and agonizing thrill just had me hooked throughout the entire book...." Read more

"I adore a gothic horror. A gothic retelling of a gothic classic?! And make it queer?!?! S.T. Gibson, how dare you! It's incredible!..." Read more

39 customers mention "Beauty"39 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's beauty. They appreciate the vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and dreamy writing style. The book is described as enchanting, passionate, and thrilling.

"Gorgeously written. Beautiful addicting prose. Little hints of the Dracula stories we know. I adored everyone, even him...." Read more

"...The whole book to me was just heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful at the same time. It had everything. ((((((..." Read more

"...If you crave traditional gothic vampire stories, this elegant novel is absolutely what you’ve been waiting for!" Read more

"It was angry. It was gorgeous. It was beautiful. The format and the writing and the story were amazing. 10 out of 10...." Read more

25 customers mention "Pacing"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining. They describe it as an intriguing tale with a thrilling thrill. Readers also mention that the idea behind the book is interesting and dreamy.

"...Reading through the POV of Dracula's wives was so interesting I've never read a book from their point of views before and it was written so..." Read more

"I enjoyed this read! It’s quick paced and fun...." Read more

"...There were dreamy highs in the melodramatic descriptions of narcissistic ethics at play in the mind of very old vampires...." Read more

"(3.75.)Its thought provoking. It really makes me revisit the age old tale of Dracula while looking at trauma from abusive relationships...." Read more

7 customers mention "Darkness"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's dark tone. They find it romantic and vengeful.

"...I enjoyed the style and the story. It was dark, romantic, and breathtakingly cruel...." Read more

"...A story of blood and revenge but also of all encompassing love. It is dark, seductive, lyrical. Everything I could ever want in a vampire novel!" Read more

"...Beautiful, heart wrenching, Gothic, Dark! This book is a work of art. I didn't know anything about it and I am glad that I didn't...." Read more

"Dark and entertaining read. A great example of a good story written in the 2nd person use of "you" which I think is hard to do." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"13 positive6 negative

Customers have differing views on the character development. Some find the characters wonderful and the character arc of Constanta engaging, while others feel they lack depth and are flat or one-dimensional. The writing style is also criticised for unrealistic relationships between protagonists and antagonists.

"...The writing was so beautiful and I fell in love with all the characters. My only wish is a little more clarity on where they are through time...." Read more

"...I think what makes it so beautiful at the end is the bravery of the characters...." Read more

"...myself rolling my eyes at the unrealistic and dominatrix relationships between protagonists (and antagonists)...." Read more

"...I loved the characters and the journey they took together...." Read more

11 customers mention "Abuse"7 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the abuse in the book. Some find it a dark and romantic story that explores love, violence, power, and belonging. Others say it highlights abusive relationships without glorifying them.

"...Definitely recommend this for all you lovers of dark romance and toxic relationships...." Read more

"...The toxic relationship and how it was told was moving and I was invested in their story from the start...." Read more

"...This is a story of obsession, seduction, desire, control, abuse. If you have ever known someone in an abusive relationship, this will hurt...." Read more

"...They travel as companions and as lovers. This book highlights the toxicity of their relationship and the codependency...." Read more

Luscious Dark and fantastic
4 out of 5 stars
Luscious Dark and fantastic
A Dowry of Blood by S. T. GibsonGenre: dark romanceA tale of Dracula told by one of his concubines. Note, however, this is not a retelling of Bram Stoker's story.This is a story of obsession, seduction, desire, control, abuse. If you have ever known someone in an abusive relationship, this will hurt. It will ache. But there is hope here and as all good fairy tales, a happily ever after of sorts."The force of your love nearly drove me to my knees. I was no woman; I was merely a supplement, a pilgrim who had stumbled across your dark altar and was doomed to worship at it forever. I don't know what I have been thinking, supposing I was strong enough to leave.""People aren't meant to live forever. I know that now. But then comma I was still optimistic. I still wanted to believe I was living in a fairy tale, that I lay down every night with a prince instead of a wolf. I wanted to believe you."
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2025
    I have nothing much to really say other than I loved it! The writing was so beautiful and I fell in love with all the characters. My only wish is a little more clarity on where they are through time. I found myself a bit lost. Using historical achievements was nicely done but still needed more to know exactly what yr we were in. The sex scenes never felt forced. If anything it added to creating the bond between the wives (husbands). Queer aspect was very beautiful to read. It didn't feel forced to sexualized the nature of vampires. I genuinely was reading them falling in love and the layers to that intimacy especially when sharing partners.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2024
    What was it like to be the bride of the most well known vampire? Was he cruel or kind? Did he make them from love or a different reason?
    This book tackles these question with beautiful writing. I enjoyed the style and the story. It was dark, romantic, and breathtakingly cruel. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys their vampires with bite.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
    Ok sooooo this book was all over my tiktok, so I had to read it. I enjoyed it somewhat, but omg, so not my thing. If ur into orgys and stuff, then this is definitely the book for you, lol. I found myself frowning as I was reading because I found some of the content a little gross, lol. But, did I have to finish it? YES!!!!!! I did not care for the audible version of this book. It's just not my cup of tea. I believe the writing is good. The story was good, and it is a quick read.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
    Gorgeously written. Beautiful addicting prose. Little hints of the Dracula stories we know. I adored everyone, even him. But sweet Alexei was so perfect. Young and full of life. The perfect connection to the modern world.
    Absolutely fabulous. Melancholy Alexei at the end, being rewarded with his loves was just the ending I needed
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021
    ✨4/5✨
    I feel absolutely heartbroken yet hopeful.

    In the beginning you see Dracula as someone who loves Constanta to no end and just wants the “best” for her. Who shuts her in for “protection”. The abuse that was in this book was so perfectly written and drawn out. I loved Dracula all the way until the end, even when I shouldn’t have. The control he had was sick, the manipulation was sick, everything about him was terrible. And I KNEW this. I was so angry with him and with Constanta/Magdalena for not standing up for themselves. But, when those little loving and happy moments he shared with Constanta, Magdalena, and Alexi came, he sucked you right back in on his side. While reading I thought, “He still loves them, he just shows it in terrible ways at times. He’s doing this all because he loves them.” But that’s it isn’t it? Maybe it’s because I can relate to the abuse from past experiences, but the author was able to transport your mind into this relationship the characters had in such a perfect way. Where I was even making excuses for Dracula’s behavior during the book, and I was SAD at the end (Ew, right?). Hopeful, of course, but just emotionally drained and sad.

    The whole book to me was just heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful at the same time. It had everything.

    (((((((SPOILER BELOW))))))))

    I think what makes it so beautiful at the end is the bravery of the characters. They didn’t just let the abuse go on even longer, and that’s the hardest thing they could have done. The hardest and bravest thing for anyone to do in that situation really; What was best for them. Whether it be leaving (...or slaying Dracula), they chose happiness and freedom.

    🦇⚔️🦇⚔️🦇
    22 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
    Read on KU. This book was amazing. Being a vampire lover and obsessed with all things Dracula I knew I had to read this.
    Reading through the POV of Dracula's wives was so interesting I've never read a book from their point of views before and it was written so beautifully. The pain, suffering, showing love was both a weapon and agonizing thrill just had me hooked throughout the entire book. Definitely a prime example of the most controlling lover and how toxic a love can be to where you feel powerless until the final breaking point. And even when it's over you still feel the effects of it.
    Definitely recommend this for all you lovers of dark romance and toxic relationships. Will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this book when I can because I want it on my shelves.
    Loved it ❤️❣️🫀🧛
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
    I enjoyed this read! It’s quick paced and fun. I do wish we got a little bit more into the nitty gritty about Dracula or even more about the past of Constanta but I understand that it wasn’t the point of this book! Overall fun read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
    A Dowry of Blood is a classic vampire tale, a reimagining of Dracula’s three brides (although one is male). The story is told by his oldest wife, Constanta, a Romanian peasant girl, who follows him (without ever using her sire’s name) through time, living a life of luxury in a succession of European capitals. Over the years, she is joined by a sister in blood, Magdalena, and, eventually a brother, Alexi.

    The novel is drenched in an atmosphere of passionate eroticism, which Dracula yields like a sword to keep his brood submissive to his narcissistic demands. This, of course, sets up all sorts of interpersonal conflicts and dramas, which build to an appropriately violent ending. The whole story is perfectly done, beautifully written in the manner of nineteenth century classics like LeFanu’s “Carmilla” but with the freedom of expression permitted in later times.

    If you crave traditional gothic vampire stories, this elegant novel is absolutely what you’ve been waiting for!
    8 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Leslie Denisse Contreras Plasencia
    2.0 out of 5 stars Calidad
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 18, 2024
    La calidad de la impresión del libro deja mucho que desear en relación al precio.
  • Fraser Simons
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisitely fun and excellent in voice
    Reviewed in Canada on August 4, 2022
    First of all: the audiobook of this is exquisite. One of my all-time favorite performances. Melodramatic, breathless, emotional. Perfectly matched the story and really brings out the poetic prose.

    This is pretty exactly what it says on the tin. Written in an open letter format from Constanza to Dracula, chronicling the entirety of the turning of her as a vampire to the conclusion of their relationship. It’s got Bluebeard’s Bride vibes with a dash of queer relationships as their marriage grows to include others and Dracula controls his family by putting them under his thumb with sex, violence, and mercurial attentions that feels in line with his character, but also expanded upon for this more intimate setting.

    Had the structure had more points of conflict or interest to interrupt the overlong brooding and one-track, predictable denouement, it would have been an easy 5-star read for me. I started with reading it on the page but when I switched to audio when cooking, I never went back. I highly recommend the audio experience.
  • Ilona
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely read!
    Reviewed in Germany on January 11, 2024
    I wanted this book because someone was always posting about how great this book is and she was definitely right!! This book was so good! I started it this morning and just finished it.
    The MC in the book is telling you her life story through writing in letters and it reads so easy that you fly through the book and don't want to stop reading. It takes you through all kinds of different stages in the MC's life and how she had to navigate through everything that happens to her and the people she comes to love.
    I'm really glad I finally read this book and I will definitely be looking for more from this author!
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    Ilona
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely read!
    Reviewed in Germany on January 11, 2024
    I wanted this book because someone was always posting about how great this book is and she was definitely right!! This book was so good! I started it this morning and just finished it.
    The MC in the book is telling you her life story through writing in letters and it reads so easy that you fly through the book and don't want to stop reading. It takes you through all kinds of different stages in the MC's life and how she had to navigate through everything that happens to her and the people she comes to love.
    I'm really glad I finally read this book and I will definitely be looking for more from this author!
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  • Joana Moreira
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5*
    Reviewed in Spain on November 18, 2023
    Chegou em condições
  • Amarilli Settantatre
    4.0 out of 5 stars Una lettera d'amore-confessione: molto bello
    Reviewed in Italy on May 19, 2022
    "Stand up, my dark miracle," you said, pulling yourself to your feet and holding your hand out to me. "Come and face the night."
    St. Gibson scrive con una prosa elegante, preferendo soprattutto tematiche gotiche ed horror, mixate con elementi queer.
    Questa DOTE DI SANGUE è dedicata a Costanta, la prima delle mogli di un sire vampiro (Dracula? La narrazione inizia in Romania, ma è difficile dire se sia veramente lui: la sua identità rimane sospesa e, del resto, non è importante; qui contano le emozioni, non i dettagli).

    Siamo così abituati alle storie d'amore eterno tra il sire non-morto e la sua sposa creata, che non pensiamo che anche queste, come tutte le unioni, possono andare incontro alla rottura, tragica e inevitabile.
    Più che un romanzo, si tratta di un racconto lungo, ovvero una lettera all'amato, ovvero una confessione. Costanta spiega al suo amato, forse troppo tardi, cosa ha visto in lui e cosa ha ricevuto, nei secoli trascorsi insieme, ma anche cosa ha dovuto sopportare: c'è la devozione da sposa, l'ammirazione per lo scienziato e innamorato del sapere, la paura per il potere e il controllo a cui è sottoposta, il rimorso per la scintilla vitale di cui ha solo un ricordo.
    Costanta affronta con trasporto la sua relazione speciale, ma anche la propria famiglia allargata (grazie all'arrivo dei consorti Magdalena e Alexi), e soppesa i valori che realmente le stanno a cuore, pur avendo a disposizione un'esistenza (quasi) eterna.
    Un monologo lirico, intimo, sincero, vulnerabile, doloroso, concentrato su un tema che sostanzialmente ci accomuna tutti, mortali e non: instaurare un legame è invocare potere su un altro, disfare è sovvertire quel potere quando soffoca la libertà personale dell'altro. Molto bello.
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    Amarilli Settantatre
    4.0 out of 5 stars Una lettera d'amore-confessione: molto bello
    Reviewed in Italy on May 19, 2022
    "Stand up, my dark miracle," you said, pulling yourself to your feet and holding your hand out to me. "Come and face the night."
    St. Gibson scrive con una prosa elegante, preferendo soprattutto tematiche gotiche ed horror, mixate con elementi queer.
    Questa DOTE DI SANGUE è dedicata a Costanta, la prima delle mogli di un sire vampiro (Dracula? La narrazione inizia in Romania, ma è difficile dire se sia veramente lui: la sua identità rimane sospesa e, del resto, non è importante; qui contano le emozioni, non i dettagli).

    Siamo così abituati alle storie d'amore eterno tra il sire non-morto e la sua sposa creata, che non pensiamo che anche queste, come tutte le unioni, possono andare incontro alla rottura, tragica e inevitabile.
    Più che un romanzo, si tratta di un racconto lungo, ovvero una lettera all'amato, ovvero una confessione. Costanta spiega al suo amato, forse troppo tardi, cosa ha visto in lui e cosa ha ricevuto, nei secoli trascorsi insieme, ma anche cosa ha dovuto sopportare: c'è la devozione da sposa, l'ammirazione per lo scienziato e innamorato del sapere, la paura per il potere e il controllo a cui è sottoposta, il rimorso per la scintilla vitale di cui ha solo un ricordo.
    Costanta affronta con trasporto la sua relazione speciale, ma anche la propria famiglia allargata (grazie all'arrivo dei consorti Magdalena e Alexi), e soppesa i valori che realmente le stanno a cuore, pur avendo a disposizione un'esistenza (quasi) eterna.
    Un monologo lirico, intimo, sincero, vulnerabile, doloroso, concentrato su un tema che sostanzialmente ci accomuna tutti, mortali e non: instaurare un legame è invocare potere su un altro, disfare è sovvertire quel potere quando soffoca la libertà personale dell'altro. Molto bello.
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