S.T Gibson is one of this generation's elite authors. Adore her work so much and I'm so proud of her! I love Evocation as well!

This book is what made me first pay attention to the writing of a book, coming from being a young reader who simply didn't pay much attention to that aspect - S.T. Gibson's writing is so beautifully lyrical and flowery and the letter format of the book had me pulled in from the beginning. I was worried I'd be more invested in one aspect of the polyamorous relationship over another, but I was so pleasantly enthralled by all the characters and relationships equally, Truly a wonderful example of how a retelling can be done well, and this author is now permanently marked as a favourite of mine.

Unfortunately didn't realise I didn't post a review here for this, so a late one for me!

This dark gothic novel looks at the story of Dracula from a completely different angle.
In letter-like entries addressed directly to Dracula, the polyamorous relationship between Dracula and his lovers over the centuries is told and Dracula's toxic and controlling love is critically portrayed from the perspective of his bride Constanta. The conflict between love and hate in this toxic relationship is portrayed well and credibly.

At first I had difficulties getting started, but at some point I was completely immersed in the story and incredibly captivated by the atmosphere. The characters, especially Constanta, Alexi and Magdalena, are probably what bring the story to life. Reading Constanta's emotions and experiencing first-hand how she feels was incredibly touching and gripping. On the other hand, I thought it was a bit of a shame that Dracula remained rather superficial and that we didn't learn much about his inner self, apart from his obsession and his toxic behavior. I was also very impressed by the writing style. The book reads smoothly and quickly, but also poetically and gloomily, full of dark thoughts and historical places. I also found the passion for conversation, philosophy, reading and writing as well as art and music very captivating. For me, that is simply always the greatest atmosphere in books.

All in all, this story lives more from the vibe than the plot, which is barely there. Despite its length the story gripped me and gave me a feeling of going through and surviving a toxic relationship.
If you like gloomy and dark books I would definitley give it a shot.

I ended up listening to this on audiobook and found it to be a very pleasant experience, most likely being the reason I enjoyed the book more than I feel like I did.

We are reading about polyamorous vampires who have a complicated and complex relationship with their lord.

The dynamics between characters seems to be the focus of the story and whilst I was enjoying my time reading about each character I found it to be very slow paced at times where I was losing interest.

The book is written in a letter format which isn’t something I personally enjoyed. I found it made the story feel like we were reading a summary of the events that took place as they were being written in letters to the lord from Constanta as she explains everything that takes place.

I really enjoyed the ending and did find myself rooting for the characters in this dark and gritty tale.

“You liked me best when I was like an oil painting; perfectly arranged and silent.” ― S.T. Gibson, A Dowry of Blood

A beautifully written story of desire, revenge, obsession, and emancipation

Featuring:
- found family
- gothic
- haunting
- queer
- dash of spice

Antes que nada, un pequeño disclaimer: no suelo leer muchas historias de vampiros. Aun así, cuando me dijeron que A Dowry of Blood era un retelling de Drácula (que me gustóen su día), donde se ponían en relieve los elementos queer, me lancé de cabeza a por él.
Me sorprendió que fuera un libro tan corto. Hay capítulos muy breves, con lo que se lee rápido. No es una de esas historias que tenga un clímax sobrecogedor, sino que Constanta va relatando, a su ritmo, los años que pasó con Drácula y cómo fue conociendo al resto de sus cónyuges.
Lo he disfrutado, sí, pero durante su lectura había algo que no me terminaba de encajar, y es la forma en la que está planteado. Constanta narra la historia como si estuviera escribiendo un diario o carta a Drácula, que ya no está en escena, de un modo que intenta ser catártico y que no sé si lo acaba de conseguir. Debo reconocer que soy muy tiquismiquis con las historias epistolares y hace falta currárselo mucho para que yo me lo crea. Aun así, si os mola Drácula, recomiendo leer A Dowry of Blood y, por mi parte, seguiré de cerca a la autora, porque me ha picado la curiosidad con esta primera novela.

I. Loved. This. Book!
It was perfection. I loved the narrator telling the story, Dracula's first "wife" a woman dying in the street during war, bringing her to his castle, domineering her renaming her, commanding her, bringing new wives or victims in to the relationship until eventually she has enough. She wants more, hates him and his ways, his murders. She plots his demise a thousand times until the final plan comes to the surface.
I couldn't find a single thing wrong with this story. I adored it. I want more like this, please!

I'm so pleased I finally read this. Dark, raw, compelling, and electric, I loved it. The writing was exquisite, and the passage of time was very well done, with the narrative moving us through history in a smooth and realistic manner. The story was rich and, for a story that's about vampires, brimming with human complexity.

Wow - I absolutely flew through this book and devoured every page. Lush, dark and atmospheric, this is the vampire romance book I've been waiting for. I'd absolutely read more from ST Gibson. A new favourite.

I really love a lot of things about this book. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. It is one of my favorite classic retellings. There is something about the way it takes monstrosity and assigns it to the every day horror of domestic violence and abusive relationships that deeply moves me. The writing isn't perfect, but it its beautiful and self-affirming in a way that reminds me of a therapy journal.

I love sapphic vampires. I love polyamorous vampires. If you want a queer vampire story look no further. This book has all the sex and glamour you can want from a vampire story, while still staying grounded in telling a tale of surviving abuse. I felt seen by this story and still had a fun time, which is really all you can ask for.

S. T. Gibson can do NO WRONG!

This has been on my TBR for an embarrassingly long time in all honestly, considering it’s a book I knew I would love. I recently received an early copy of another of S. T. Gibson’s work and it blew me away so epically that I finally decided it was time to pick up Dowry.

This was beautifully disturbing! The reflective writing style made for a harrowing experience exploring the first bride of Dracula’s journey.

Gothic, decadent and executed perfectly, this has become a firm favourite.

I loved this book, I really got on with the writing style. It was gothic and dark, which keeps me wanting more.

3.5 stars.

Unfortunately this didn't really work for me. I would say if you enjoy reading slow depressing books then you may like this but I would also say that for a large amount of the book we are just following along watching this toxic controlling relationship and it's not a fun time there are very few bright moments and even though this is all written looking back on the relationship is seems like excuses are still being given for why the other person acted in certain ways and I really didn't like that.

The last 14% was where it really picked up and things started happening that I thought would start much sooner within the book.

I also unfortunately didn't connect to any of the characters at all which I think also hindered my enjoyment.

Although this book wasn't really for me the writing style was amazing and it was very lyrical and easy to read at the same time, I would definitely read something else by the author.

Thankyou to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thus is easily one of the most beautiful books I have read... The way it is written and the haunting stiry is really one of a kind!
I went right out and bought myself a physical copy, cause this is a book that will have a forever home on my shelf!

Hauntingly beautiful... I have no words for this book. You HAVE TO read this, I finished it on my kindle and literally the next day I reread it and annotated my physical copy

book like this remind me how far we have come in the years of writing as never did i think i would be reading a book about vampires talking about toxic and abusive relationship, As most book vamp book are problematic at best when it comes to relationship and lot of people allow it to happen as the MC will be "hot"

this book is different and actually faces that head on which i was here for as i loved that the relationship had suffering and pain but was all so full of love.

the characters are well written and beautiful with development that other should take notice of.
perfect halloween season book to read with a hot drink. just remember to check the trigger warnings and keep safe

Second time trying to post this review…

I really enjoyed this! It’s the right amount of horror and fantasy and darkness. 4 stars

I am very sad to say this book wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get into it at all. I love anything vampire so thought I would love it but I just didn’t gel with the writing style. I have many friends who loved this book though so I think this is very much a me problem.

A Dowry of Blood is such a beautifully written fantasy/romance/horror. The blend of genres is done brilliantly. The world-building is outstanding. The story is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended. Be sure to check out A Dowry of Blood today.

Preliminary 5-star review. Will post a full review and adjust the rating accordingly after I finish the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.