A Dowry of Blood

By S. T. Gibson,

Book cover of A Dowry of Blood

Book description

S.T. Gibson's sensational novel is the darkly 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…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked A Dowry of Blood as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

A Dowry of Blood is an homage to Dracula’s brides, written entirely in epistolary format by his first bride, Constanta. It starts in the middle ages and spans several centuries as Dracula (ever nameless in this book) collects two more brides besides Constanta, creating an MFFM polycule.

It’s a repudiation of abusive romantic relationships, and to that end it’s deeply satisfying. A Dowry of Blood is a standalone gothic horror, with an all-bisexual cast of vampires.

This Dracula retelling is bite-sized (pun intended) and beautiful, and I absolutely recommend the audiobook. In it, the brides of Dracula contend with their own inner demons, and the wavering, inconsistent love of their abuser, Dracula. It’s queer, explores polyamory, and takes a dark look into the way that the ones we love can ruin our lives. Having loved a Dracula or two in my day, I found the book cathartic, and I’d recommend it to anyone who needs to process the loss of a toxic love. 

From Cat's list on queer fantasy for jaded adults.

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