A lyrical and dreamy reimagining of Dracula’s brides, A Dowry of Blood is a story of desire, obsession, and emancipation.
Saved from the brink of death by a mysterious stranger, Constanta is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride fit for an undying king. But when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat and a starving artist into his web of passion and deceit, Constanta realizes that her beloved is capable of terrible things. Finding comfort in the arms of her rival consorts, she begins to unravel their husband’s dark secrets.
With the lives of everyone she loves on the line, Constanta will have to choose between her own freedom and her love for her husband. But bonds forged by blood can only be broken by death.
I feel like I saw this book everywhere last October, maybe I just think I did because I saw it somewhere and knew I wanted to read it. I am very happy to tell anyone who will listen, that my favourite classics are Dracula and Carmilla. I like my classics to be gothic and bloody…despite feeling faint if I even think about veins for too long. There’s something about a gothic vampire story that calls to me like a siren’s call. This book promised to be a retelling of Dracula through the eyes of his bride and it delivered. I found this book to be utter perfection!
The book started with Dracula (who is not names during the book because it’s not about him) finding a dying peasant woman who he ‘rescues’ and takes as his bride. The book the covers events from their meeting in the 15th century, right up until the 20th century. I really enjoyed that the book covered such a span of time and included some very interesting locations during some very exciting or dangerous times.
Actually, the book started with a very exciting statement that hooked me right away.
I loved Constanta as a character. I enjoyed her character growth from 15th century peasant to the Bride of Dracula and living in various grand homes. I wanted only good things for her. She was so protective and caring. I respected her attitude towards feeding only on those who mistreated women and children. My heart broke for her when the veil dropped and she started to see her husband for who he was. I enjoyed her relationship with her found family and how much they cared for each other.
This book was beautifully written. While the book took the format of a memoir or journal, it was almost lyrical. I just devoured this book and could not put it down. This was a relatively short book and I read it over an afternoon because it was just so compelling.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ebook in exchange for an honest review. I now need to get myself a physical copy as I can see me rereading this book again and again.
Kapowski Reads 
I told myself I wouldn’t ask for a copy, but I see so much praise that I finally did! I can’t wait to be able to see what’s it like for myself, and gush about it!
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I hope you enjoy it! I may be doing an October reread because that feels right
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