Incredible narration!

The performance by the narrator of this book was absolutely breathtaking. The story is dark and hard but captivating and brilliant. The writing is very flowery and poetic but the setting and story lean into that and it was just beautiful. I will definitely look out for more books by the author and more audiobooks narrated by Abby Craden.

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Fascinating dive into abuse but with vampires

I enjoyed this book for the most part. The language was bit flowery, which is fine, but I definitely got tired of all the similes (every other sentence was a "like . . ." simile to the point of redundancy).

The story begins with a dead Dracula with his first bride standing over his body, explaining how she came to have to kill him. What follows is a fascinating deep dive into their relationship from her "conception" to his murder. The vampire angle is interesting, of course, but the focus of the story is how abusers can manage to keep their victims to stay, and what makes victims (women especially, but not only women) want to stay, even when they live in fear of changing moods and are controlled like animals.

I recommend.

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Blown away

I had to finish it in a day. It’s beautifully written, captivating, and dark. The narration was phenomenal and perfectly done.

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LOVE

This was a rollercoaster of emotions and incredibly beautifully written.

I will def read this again in the near future

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amazing

i finished this in one day, couldn't stop listening. the story just flew by, definitely a new fave

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Thought provoking

I like how this story discussed themes of mortality, jealousy, and legacy. Also, the power of Gaslighting!

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Truly captivating!

Excellent story, and beautiful way to depict deep emotional and psychological themes. The whole novel was easy to listen to, captivating and oddly satisfying!

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It wasn’t what I thought it would been but I liked it!

What an interesting story, I’ve never heard one about such an emotional abusive Vampire before definitely not your typical Vampire book.

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A unique take on a classic tale

This was so good! Very much a "good for her" tale about how Dracula's first wife went from loving him to wanting him dead, but with a splash of queer/polya vibes. I especially enjoyed how the story was written like a letter from Constance to Dracula explaining why she did what she did. I just wish the book was a bit longer!

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Absolutely Beautiful, Must Read

I picked this book up on a whim because the concept intrigued me and it was a Goodreads finalist. It is now one of my favourite vampire books of all time.

I have to start off by commending the prose. It is haunting, lyrical, and gorgeous. This is what magic in the form of words sounds like.

Second are the characters. Constanza is complex and beautiful. She is trapped in an impossible situation that makes the reader sympathize with her, but also support her as she finds her own strength. The other brides are equally as diverse in their personalities and strengths. Their unnamed master is ferocious in his actions, which are not overtly violent but nonetheless terrifying.

The story is incredible, told in a long letter or journal entry that compresses in such detail and time over the years. Many descriptions seem simple, yet say so much.

This book was also the perfect length. I was amazed by how much power was packed into such a small story. I cannot stop thinking about this one.

If you are a fan of Dracula, vampires, and the empowerment of survivors, this is a book for you. If you are looking for an elegant book with gorgeous prose, this is for you. Honestly, if you are just looking for a quick read to immerse you and stay with you forever, this is for you. Ten out of ten stars.

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