Gibson is an incredibly talented author and all praise is very well deserved. This book deserves all the hype it's getting and more. Very atmospheric and lush, the author explores the power dynamics in an abusive relationship in a very poignant way and pulls you into the story with immense conviction. I had such a great time reading this and would definitely recommend this to fans of Gothic fantasy!!

I've been hearing about this book for years, so when I finally read it I was cautiously optimistic that I would be on the brink of at the very least a four star read. For me, it was a rather simple case of loving the writing, but not caring at all about the characters or where the story was going. Unfortunately it ended up being very middle of the road for me.

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 was incredibly excited to read this as I had heard amazing things on BookTube - it's been very hyped and I was very grateful to have been sent this to review via Netgalley.

In A Dowry of Blood, we meet Constanta - Dracula's first bride. We meet her as she is turned into a vampire and join her and Dracula as they move through the years, expand their 'family', etc. Initially Constanta is devoted to her husband but as we go through the book, we see that he is not the charming gentleman of the night we are initially led to believe.

I loved the writing style and the concept itself. For me it just was a bit slow in some areas and rushed a few bits I wish were expanded on - but would definitely recommend.

TW domestic abuse

Full review to come soon and I will update this.

The way that Gibson is able to illustrate the dark and subtle aspects of abusive relationships without glamourising, romanticising or even downplaying them is beautifully done. The way in which you fully support the FMC yet fear her abuser is so powerful- I held my breath many times throughout this story!

It’s not one for the faint hearted. However, if you’re willing to tackle something which gives you interview the vampire vibes but with very mature relationship dynamics, then this might be worth a read. It’s a fantastic illustration of the darker side of human (or non-human) behaviour. .

Don't ask how this happened but I simply forgot I was approved for this one. The I saw it on a bookstagram account and got interested again, put it on my wishlist on Amazon and a couple days later came here to log a feedback and there it was!
Anyway I really enjoyed this one, with the story about Dracula's brides and how they came to be and the sick and interesting relationship they had. An easy and fast read and just my cup of tea.
Lost one star because the hot stuff was really just warm.

My video review is up! you can see it here: https://youtu.be/lWpsY67DYJk

Thank you again for the e-ARC

Worth every bit of hype it receives. The writing is gorgeous and lyrical at times, there are some important themes that run throughout, and I loved the way the author explored relationships and power dynamics. If you enjoy a gothic romance and love a layered story, this is not one to pass up.

4.5 stars.

This is basically Vampire:The Masquerade fanfiction without all the VtM nouns.
I personally don't care for sex scenes, but if you do, this might be for you.

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this one however I was quickly won over by the beautiful writing and prose.

Whilst it isn't a long book it definitely covered all it needed to and if it had been any longer I think it would have ruined the story.

I liked seeing this story told from Constanta's point of view and that it is told in letter/journal format.

A beautiful and gothic story, I'm glad I took the leap as I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more of Gibson's work!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"A Dowry of Blood" by S.T. Gibson is a beautifully dark and hauntingly poetic reimagining of the classic Dracula story that weaves sensuality, tragedy, and vampiric lore into an exquisite narrative tapestry. This book is a masterpiece in the realm of Gothic fiction, and S.T. Gibson's prose is nothing short of breathtaking.

Gibson's exploration of Dracula's brides, focusing on Constanta, is a profound and innovative twist on a well-known tale. The narrative unfolds through Constanta's eyes, giving readers a deep, emotional connection to her character. As we delve into her centuries-spanning existence, we witness her love, her sacrifices, and the profound sense of entrapment that comes with immortality.

One of the most captivating elements of the book is the way it delves into the themes of love and the toll it takes on the immortal. The author's lyrical and evocative writing brings to life the complexities of relationships that endure through time. The emotional depth and complexity of Constanta's character are beautifully portrayed, and the dynamics between her and the other brides are rich and nuanced.

The atmospheric world-building in "A Dowry of Blood" is impeccable, immersing readers in a lush, evocative Gothic setting. The vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail transport us to a world where beauty and horror coexist in harmonious disarray.

S.T. Gibson's skillful and sensual prose infuses the narrative with a unique blend of sensuality and darkness. The author explores themes of power, submission, and desire in a way that feels fresh and thought-provoking. The narrative's interplay of sensuality, pain, and love is both seductive and haunting, making it impossible to look away from the page.

"A Dowry of Blood" is an unforgettable and lyrical masterpiece that pays homage to its source material while offering a fresh perspective that is both chilling and captivating. S.T. Gibson's writing is a revelation, and this book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted, atmospheric Gothic literature. It's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to breathe new life into even the most well-known tales.

The story of Dracula is one that has been told many times, however I’ve never read anything like this before.
What I loved about this book is how beyond the synopsis, Dracula is never named, he is not given that power or credit, he is the abuser, the predator, but it is not his story. Instead this is the story of Constanta, Dracula’s first bride and his subsequent victims he has turned, Magdalena and Alexi. We all know Dracula as the predator who stalks his victims and drains their blood but here we explore Dracula the predator from the viewpoint of the victims he turns and controls in his inner circle, victims who once loved him and fell under his spell but now fear him, who have been manipulated and gaslit by him, and who feel they can’t escape him even in death. His presence is suffocating, his power immense,
he is the dark shadow in this book which is a love story despite his presence.
What Constanta, Magdalena and Aldi revile in Dracula does not carry into how they see each other and their moments together, full of tenderness and intimacy, are as beautiful as Dracula’s contribution is menacing and enraging.

This book starts off with a page full of trigger warnings and this respect for the sensitive subject is carried throughout the book, the abuse isn’t gratuitous but it’s unsettling and effective nonetheless. This isn’t gory, despite the subject, however it’s visually powerful, the scene where Constanta is turned is particularly powerful both literally and for the power balance it highlights in the relationship and really sets the book up. This book is an important and sensitive look at toxic relationships, addressing how love and infatuation can sour when there is a power imbalance and how your saviour can become your captor when he ensures he is all you have.

This is a quick read and while it’s not always a comfortable read, it’s one that easily consumes you and you can’t put it down. You want liberation and happiness for the 3 characters and their unconventional yet beautiful relationship together, you want Dracula to face his comeuppance. And you want all of this within pages that are beautifully written and filled with passion, intimacy and love despite it all.

I have recommended this book to multiple people since reading it and have thought about it long after I finished it. I’m incredibly glad i read this and the perspective it gave me.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5.0

Queer gothic re-imagining of Dracula's brides. Hauntingly astmospheric and filled to bursting with yearning this novel sure does not hold back.

A tale revolving around Dracula’s first bride.
We begin when Constanta is saved from the brink of death by a mysterious stranger. Constants is transformed and ultimately becomes his bride.
Once she realises who and what he is capable of she finds comfort in the arms of none other but a rival concert.
She begins to unravel her husband’s dark secrets.

Such a captivating read. I was completely enthralled from the get go. Fast paced dark and beautiful.
A wonderfully dark romance that will have your head spinning.
I could not put this down.

Absolutely fantastically dizzying…

A must have.

In summary: dark, sumptuous Dracula retelling in which Dracula's brides unionise against him.

I really liked this little tale. In gorgeous prose, Constanta directly addresses Dracula, recounting their lives together over the centuries, the other lovers that they take, and her eventual rebellion against him.

This felt really short — my arc didn't have page numbers, Goodreads says 292 pages but it felt novella length to me. And that's including the bonus short An Encore of Roses. Could just be me though, I tore this really quickly. I did feel like I wanted more, maybe because this is a deeply horny book but falls short of actually being erotica. Maybe the tease is the point, I don't know.

Anyway I see the author's next book is a dark academia take on Camilla, to which I say hell yes.

Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit, who provided me with a free e-arc in exchange for a review.

“𝔜𝔬𝔲 𝔡𝔦𝔡 𝔫𝔬𝔱 𝔩𝔢𝔱 𝔪𝔢 𝔨𝔢𝔢𝔭 𝔪𝔶 𝔫𝔞𝔪𝔢, 𝔰𝔬 ℑ 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔭 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔬𝔣 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯𝔰. ℑ𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔩𝔡 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 ℑ 𝔰𝔞𝔶 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔯𝔢, 𝔞𝔫𝔡 ℑ 𝔰𝔞𝔶 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔞 𝔤𝔥𝔬𝔰𝔱, 𝔞 𝔩𝔬𝔫𝔤 𝔫𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱'𝔰 𝔣𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯 𝔡𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔪 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱 ℑ 𝔥𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔣𝔦𝔫𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔶 𝔴𝔬𝔨𝔢𝔫 𝔲𝔭 𝔣𝔯𝔬𝔪. ℑ 𝔰𝔞𝔶 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔪𝔬𝔨𝔢-𝔴𝔦𝔰𝔭 𝔪𝔢𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔶 𝔬𝔣 𝔞 𝔣𝔩𝔞𝔪𝔢, 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔦𝔠𝔢 𝔰𝔲𝔣𝔣𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔞𝔫 𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔰𝔲𝔫, 𝔞 𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔩𝔨 𝔩𝔢𝔡𝔤𝔢𝔯 𝔬𝔣 𝔡𝔢𝔭𝔱𝔰 𝔟𝔢𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔴𝔦𝔭𝔢𝔡 𝔠𝔩𝔢𝔞𝔫. ℑ 𝔰𝔞𝔶 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔡𝔬 𝔫𝔬𝔱 𝔥𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔞 𝔫𝔞𝔪𝔢.”

So, this book, written by @stgibsonauthor, was way different than expected. It is based on the story of Dracula, probably the most notorious vampire in history. However, his name will not be said the entire story. So, the writer really kept his word with the above quote.

I loved the take of Dracula’s beloved ones on the whole Dracula story and how they came to be his companions. I thought the different characters were really that: different. They all had their very own personality and that makes you feel for them. You might actually start to care for them too.

Whether you read about Constanta, Magdalene or Alexi, they all have their own personality traits that make them exceptional. The serious, but headstrong Constanta, the dashing and lovely Magdalene and the artistic and quirky Alexi. I think this story has something for everyone, even if you’re not really into the vampire sorta thing. 🧛‍♂️🦇

The book wasn’t very long but it was just right for this story. An easy read which is written in an original way using some kind of letter.

🦇 “𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨; 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵.”
🦇 “𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
🦇 “𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴.”

#adowryofblood #dracula #vampires #loveletter #blood #constanta #magdalene #alexi

Another book I’m saving for summerween. Everyone and their grandma are talking about this book and the cover is stunning. I can’t wait to dive head first into this epic bloodthirsty story.

the sibling dynamic threw me off but i did appreciate the journey of growth and the prose, so rich that it almost felt suffocating at points (but in a good way)! i have mingled thoughts about this one — especially regarding the marketing of it as a sapphic reimagining (which is a stretch) — but it did make me feel things and i guess that counts for something!!

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I also found it difficult to read. Which tells you how well written it is. The fact that no matter how subtle the writing style was I could feel the tension and the discomfort of Constanta. It gave a great view of how subtle and well hidden emotional manipulation and abuse can be in a relationship. Especially to the outside eye.

I felt sorrow for Constanta in the beginning. She loved so deeply and accepted the hardships that came with loving him. She could see the negatives of her relationship and acknowledged their existence, but she also proved that it isnt always easy to rectify problems when you are afraid of someone's reaction and the consequences. In the end she felt it was better to be a doll than to create any waves in the relationship. Even going so far to accept his manipulated meeting of Magdalena and Alexi.

The character development of Constanta was a gradual movement from blindness to fear and finally the exhaustion of doing nothing. Her decision to take control over her surroundings showed how much she evolved. I felt her strength of character in each decision made and risk taken.
The writing style perfectly displayed Constantas point of view and each one of her emotions was easily felt through the subtlest of phrasings.

I could not recommend this book enough. It was consuming and captured my full attention. It can be unsettling to read at times but that just ties you to the characters emotions in each scene. I could not stop reading this book. Trigger warnings are definitely well placed at the start of the book as a warning to be on alert.

How can I even begin to describe what this book made me feel?
Repulsed? Repulsed by the realistic depiction of an abusive relationship.
Amazed? Amazed by the impeccable writing style.
Or perhaps the right word I’m looking for is enthralled. Enthralled by the way this story sucked me completely into it and took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Enthralled, just like the main character Constanta describes her feelings towards her husband and abuser.
This book starts out with a murder confession and it is addressed to ‘you’, the murder victim himself. This peculiar writing style continues throughout the whole book and somehow makes it truly feel like a letter the main character is writing, to cope with what happened and also to remember. With the very first few pages, Gibson gripped me immediately and I finished the book all in one sitting, not putting it down once.
The reader truly goes on a journey together with the main character, feeling what she’s feeling at every moment. The first part of the book depicts the beginning of the relationship between Constanta and Dracula and we see it through the lense of how Constanta felt back then. Happy, in love and grateful to her husband. In part two one can already notice the slight change in tone, when a second wife comes into the mix, Magdalena. And finally, the third part, distinguishes itself quite a lot from the others, not only in terms of how the writing started to feel more modern, to be more adequate for the time it is set in, but also in terms of how Constantas feelings towards Dracula start to shift more and more.
I believe Gibson did an excellent job of portraying the different parts of an abusive relationship in a story that stretches over centuries and centuries.
I could not say a negative thing about this book, which is why it is getting five stars from me!