Such mixed feelings about this one. Interestingly, it kind of gave me a similar experience as reading the original Dracula did - sometimes captivating and intriguing, yet at other times frustrating, drawn out and a bit dull.

I liked a lot of the concept - it felt like a tribute to Interview with a vampire, as well as a reimagining of Dracula. I appreciated that it largely focused on the experiences of Lucy Westenra and the interpretation of her as a queer character.

There’s a few different perspectives and time periods; my favourite was definitely Lucy’s journal entries. In fact, although it would have been quite a different book, I think I’d have preferred a whole book told in journal entries and interviews with Lucy. All the swapping about did work for the plot and how it ultimately came together, but it felt quite bitty and jarring at times and stopped me getting as invested as I’d have liked.

I’ll also say that I didn’t find much of the plot surprising. A lot of the ‘reveals’ seemed really obvious to me and so it just didn’t feel very exciting. I was confused whether they were supposed to be obvious or come across as gripping plot twists. If it was the latter, then that was definitely a big miss for me…

I did like the sapphic elements and romance. The plot ideas were a cool approach to a classic story. I think I was just expecting more from it. I wanted to be creeped out, shocked or excited and I mostly just felt meh. 🫤

I have enjoyed other books by this author and will read more in the future. This one just didn’t quite hit the spot for me, but I’m sure there are vampire fans out there who will really appreciate it and value the tribute to such a classic.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

I was really excited to read this arc since first, the cover is stunning and second, I loved the premise which sounded right my alley. Sadly, it didn’t meet my expectations and I’m pretty bummed about it. Not that it was all bad but it wasn't quite what I was expecting.

It was too slow-faced to my taste and I felt like it could have been shorter considering what actually happens. The real action really take a turn at 50-60% through and most of it was predictable so I was just like « okay now that we established that, what about the plot? ». Also the different point of views, while nice at first, reminded me why I’m really not a fan of multiple pov (for me, it has to blend perfectly in the story to work but here, I found some of them quite confusing at times).

The good thing was that I laughed at some of the references (the mention of boygenius for example) and Iris was legit funny. I also loved the modern vampire vibes and the whole Goldaming shenanigan - tho it took its time to settle. Overhall it was lacking something but I know a lot of people will love this book. I think we should approach this book as a rom-com about vampires and rich people who seeks eternal life while two girls try to deal with their over-controlling-abusing mothers issues?

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Lucy Undying: A Dracula Novel' by Kiersten White.

'Lucy Undying' is a retelling of Bram Stoker's iconic 'Dracula' but focuses on the character Lucy and how she should have had a girlfriend. Honestly, this story was dragging for me with the triple pov that kept being frequently brought up but not utilised in a way that was interesting to me.

I really wanted to love this but it missed the mark for me unfortunately. It has so much potential, I loved the duel timelines and finding out about Dracula's brides, but it felt far too long/slow paced/dragged out. It's quite predictable, and doesn't deliver the spooky gothic vibes that I was hoping for. I really enjoyed the old journal entries - those were definitely a highlight for me.

There's also a few (small) errors in the book, which hopefully will get fixed before being released (such as the paragraph rant in the first chapter about how the UK uses kilometers rather than miles - we don't, we use miles in the UK).

Regardless of my rating, I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Another retelling inspired by Carmilla I LOVED this read. From intertwined histories to finally discovering the brutal demise of Lucy’s family through a series of diary entries and therapy sessions it is a great read with a loveable format. Taking different perspectives I feel really added to the experience and overall kept you on the edge of your seat till chapters combined to reveal the outcomes which I loved.

Lucy and Iris are amazing and although the ending suprised me, I couldn’t be happier for them and the journey they went through together. Sapphic through and through I loved the queer yearning, both for Iris with lucy through her diary and her newfound friend Ella in person.

I am certainly a serial lover for Carmilla retellings/ sapphic vampire books but this was amazing and will be one I rave and return to for a while.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC of this anticipated read! But alas, I think I most connected to Lucy’s journals than the whole story, and would rather be stuck in her mind than anyone else’s. Her herstory skipped along to hit major events so it gave a general wash of telling the readers what happened, rather than let us completely immerse into Lucy’s afterlife. The Iris/MLM plot also seemed too rich to digest. It was a fun read, however, because yes, Lucy does deserve a girlfriend.

I've been really lucky recently with the books I've read and their ability to exceed expectations. Lucy Undying was no exception to this streak I've been having.
It is a very character driven book, and although there is an overall plot point as well as a few smaller ones along the way, the character growth of Lucy and those around her is masterful and intriguing.
We have main 3 POVs in this and I like the way it differed from your standard multi-POV book. You have Lucy's diary from the 1890s, present-ish day therapy transcripts and present-ish day from someone else's perspective.
I was hooked on all 3 of these POVs, needing to know what happens next. I had a few theories along the way which turned out to be true but nothing I guessed outright from the offset.
All in all, I loved Lucy, Undying! I would love a follow up.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into this, this is no reflection on the author. Regardless of my review, I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I really enjoyed the way this book was written, it really kept the gothic vibe going but somehow the story felt as though it got a little lost along the way. The drawing of the story from various voices and sources worked well but I felt it just frayed at the ends a bit. Maybe I will read it again and see if it was just the time I read it.

Wow that cover certainly sets the tone for a gothic story featuring Vampires. Perhaps the most ignored has been Lucy a victim of Dracula , who to my mind was never treated well by those around her . Here we get possibilities of what could have happened as she rose and escaped her shackles although the Lucy we read about is without doubt a prisoner of her era and the perceptions of those less enlightened than hopefully we are today.
Iris has arrived in London to claim her inheritance after her mother’s death. She’s an heiress, a figurehead and frankly has no life of her own. She needs money if she’s to escape so when she forms a friendship with Elle who could help her sell off unwanted antiques it seems a perfect scenario but Iris also finds the diaries of Lucy and the narrative is interspersed with those. Meanwhile in modern day US a therapist listens to a Vampire recount her story and the reader is quickly drawn in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and just didn’t want to put it down. I loved Lucy’s journey to see herself as worthy and not insignificant. The author added just enough history to make it feel realistic with different time periods and historical details. There’s love here and hope too although if you hope that Dracula will be portrayed as someone charismatic I can only say I completely agree with the author that in this modern world he would be a pathetic echo of a time that never recognised the true value of women.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

3⭐️

This book could have ended at the 65% mark and I would have been more than happy with that. I felt like the last 35% dragged on so bad, and was also pretty unnecessary. It could have just wrapped up pretty quickly at a certain point, but the author just... Kept going and it was so convoluted and unnecessary that I was just bored reading the last part.

The writing was good, although it does always throw me when there are modern day references thrown into a fantasy book. I enjoyed the flow of the writing, and the style though and I will more than likely check out this authors other work.

Overall, it was a decent book, I just wish it had ended earlier than it did.

Thank you too Penguin/Del Rey UK for the ARC!

Enjoyed the writing which really fits with the gothic theme, and i really enjoyed Lucy's POV,
Its not the type of book i typically reach for but i enjoyed it and was great to read something different!

Lucy Undying
Kiersten White
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5

Firstly, I’d like to give my thanks to Del Rey, Kiersten White and Netgalley for giving me the chance to review a copy early! Lucy Undying will be available to read on September 10th this year!

Lucy Undying tells the story of one of Dracula’s first victims- Lucy Westenra. After being tragically murdered by Dracula as a teen, Lucy spends her immortal life desperately trying to find herself and everything that she lost when she died. However, in 21st century London, her life takes an unexpected turn when she runs into the charming Iris Godalming. There is instant connection between the two- but monsters from the past and present threaten the blossoming love between them. Iris is a woman on the run from her duty as an heiress to a multi million dollar cosmetics/lifestyle company while Dracula is on the prowl again. Will Lucy and Iris ever be able to break free of their pasts and live as normal people?

I was drawn to this book because I adored Kiersten White’s amazing ‘The Dark Decent of Elizabeth Frankenstein’ - I loved the writing and how she gave a whole story to a minor character. ‘Lucy Undying’ did not disappoint! It offers a brilliant new perspective from the classic Dracula while also incorporating two new story lines. The story through three main narratives- Lucy’s diary leading to her death, an audio recording of Lucy telling the story of her centuries long search for meaning in her endless life and the present timeline with the blossoming love between Lucy and Iris. As I expected, Kiersten White’s writing was absolutely stunning. The writing is often really deep and emotional- there’s some absolutely beautiful quotes in this book. I love how much depth was added to Lucy’s character and the way her diary was a twist on the original but still paid homage to Stoker’s novel. The narratives were very cleverly interlinked towards the end and there were so many great twists.

The characters and their development were really the heart of the novel. I love how every character Lucy meets changes her and she changes them. Over time she learns so many new lessons from different people and sees the devastating ways Dracula has corrupted each one. This book does not romanticise vampires- it shows just how monstrous they can truly be and how they manipulate and destroy the lives around them. I love how the impact of multi billion dollar companies and the beauty industry were also explored showing exactly what they are at their core- cults that prey on the insecure and desperate to further their own goals. Vampires in literature can often be metaphors for the elite, darker and more ‘other’ members of society (aka the 1% that hold the majority of the worlds wealth) so I love how vampirism and elite corporations were linked together in this story. Overall, Lucy Undying exceeded all expectations and I 100% recommend you give it a read!

Gosh, it was so tiring. I struggled to get through this book; it completely didn't work for me.

I'm a big fan of Dracula, and I also like retellings. I enjoyed Kiersten White's earlier standalone novel, which was a retelling of Frankenstein, so I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, aside from the cool idea of giving voice to Lucy Westerna, a character who had a minor role in the original Dracula and who met a very unpleasant end, I can't say much good about this book.

Lucy Undying takes place across several timelines and tells the story from two POVs: Lucy herself, who survived after being turned into a vampire, and Iris, an American heiress to a fortune living in the present day. The entire book consists of short chapters in which we jump between perspectives and timelines. I understand the point of this approach, but I found it annoying that these chapters often ended with "mini cliffhangers," which turned out to be simply a cheap ploy to entice the reader to continue. Unfortunately, the effect was not achieved, as I found the book immensely boring in the end and I almost DNF-ed it several times.

The first half, which includes Iris's contemporary perspective, chapters from Lucy Westerna's diary during the time of Dracula's plot, and her conversations with her therapist describing her life after turning into a vampire, still reads quite well. It gets much worse in the second half, when the two timelines somehow converge and the characters act together. As I said, I really like retellings, and I believe that the author can do absolutely whatever they want if they find potential for spinning a new story from a classic tale. In the case of this book, however, the story felt short and forced. I don't want to spoil the plot, so I won't go into details, but I think the empowerment of the main character by turning positive or neutral characters from the original novel into cartoonish villains missed the mark. I also think there wasn't enough story in this book to drag it out over 400 pages. One-third of the content read like filler.

To be honest, I don't know if I can recommend this book. Surely there will be people who like this type of retelling, so it's always worth checking out. For me personally, it is a big disappointment.

The author masterfully captures the gothic essence and echoes of Dracula in this novel, creating an extraordinary atmosphere. The story unfolds through three distinct, alternating narratives, occasionally interrupted by singular perspectives. Although the shifting timelines and narratives required me to slow down my usual reading pace, this did not detract from the novel’s allure, as all three storylines were exceptionally engaging. The narratives include Lucy Westenra's journal from the events surrounding Dracula, a modern recounting to a psychiatrist of a certain point in Dracula, and Iris's contemporary journey from Utah to London to settle estates after her mother's death.

While the book is a vampire novel that delves into themes from Dracula, it also serves as speculative fiction, offering commentary on the unsettling trends within today's beauty industry.

I deeply appreciated the chance to explore Lucy Westenra's character further and to expand upon the world of Dracula.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

"Lucy Undying: A Dracula Novel" by Kiersten White is an enthralling reimagining of Lucy Westenra's story from the classic novel "Dracula." This gothic fantasy takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, love, and the struggle for freedom from the shadow of Dracula's influence.

Lucy Westenra, once a victim of Dracula, is now an immortal vampire determined to carve out her own identity. Set against the backdrop of twenty-first-century London, Lucy meets Iris, a woman trying to escape her own troubled past. As their lives intertwine, Lucy and Iris form a deep connection, but their burgeoning relationship is threatened by Iris's powerful family and the ever-looming presence of Dracula.

Kiersten White masterfully captures the gothic essence and atmosphere reminiscent of the original "Dracula" novel. The book's narrative is delivered through three alternating perspectives: Lucy's journal from the events surrounding Dracula, a modern-day recounting to a psychiatrist, and Iris's present-day experiences as she deals with her family's dark secrets. These shifting timelines and viewpoints create a rich, layered story that adds depth to Lucy's character and the world she inhabits.

The author's exploration of modern beauty industry themes through a speculative fiction lens is both intriguing and thought-provoking. This contemporary twist adds an extra dimension to the novel, making it more than just a vampire story.

Readers will appreciate White's attention to detail and her ability to maintain the gothic vibe throughout the novel. The character development of Lucy is particularly compelling, transforming her from a tragic victim into a powerful, independent protagonist. The relationship between Lucy and Iris is beautifully crafted, with their chemistry palpable from the start.

"Lucy Undying" is a captivating read that combines mystery, romance, and gothic elements in a way that is both fresh and familiar. It's a book that holds you in its grip from the first page to the last, making it difficult to put down.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this amazing book. This review has also been posted on Goodreads and StoryGraph.

This was such an interesting spin on Lucy’s story. I was hooked from the very first page, with its gothic vibes and stunning writing. My biggest problem with this story was the structure. I was super confused the whole time with the countless time jumps and the switch between journal entries and first-person POV.
But overall, I had a great time reading this, and it's a beautiful retelling in its own way.

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Pub Date Sep 10 2024

Thank you to the author, Random House UK, Cornerstone, Del Rey and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love the novel Dracula, but I always felt really sorry for Lucy. Now I’m delighted to read a new spin on her story. I’ve read three books from this author and this is definitely their best work. A thrilling, beautiful and magnificent novel.

The author has got the gothic vibes and reminiscence of Dracula perfect in this book. The atmosphere is incredible. The book is told through three separate alternating narratives, with the occasional interjection of a one off perspective too. Though I found that the swapping timelines and narratives forced me to slow down quite a bit with my typical reading pace, it wasn’t to the novel’s detriment and all three narratives were wildly entertaining. We have the journal of Lucy Westenra from the time of the events prior to and during the Dracula novel, a modern day recounting to a psychiatrist of a certain point onwards in Dracula, and the modern day view of Iris as she travels to London from Utah to settle some estates following her mother’s death.

While this is a vampire novel and one that explores themes from Dracula, it almost exists as a piece of speculative fiction too, with commentary around the disturbing trends of the beauty industry in modern life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to delve deeper into the character of Lucy Westenra, and to expand the world of Dracula further.

The writing in this book is beautiful. It follows Lucy from the classic Dracula, so we find out what happened from her perspective and thereafter.

There is a lot of time jumping from the past to the present. There are also a lot of different ways the story is told. From first person to journal entries to transcripts.

Iris and Lucy are brilliant, strong willed, tenacious women who are so great together. The parallels between them and through time are an interesting read.

The twists I did not see coming and I enjoyed seeing where the story went as it diverted away from the Dracula story we all know. I loved Mina in the original story but I also love her story in this book! Let's just say it is not the same 😊

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.