Hello, long time no see! It’s been a little while *checks notes* ok maybe a couple of months since I last updated, but I am here now. Life has been chaotic and very busy recently and it’s meant that my reading and energy for blogging has taking a bit of a dive. I am trying to practise some selfcare and part of that is finding a way back to enjoying reading because I definitely miss sinking into a good book and leaving our world behind.
Whilst my reading has slowed down I have managed to read some books during this time. One of which was an arc of A Dowry of Blood by ST Gibson and the other being Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell as part of a buddy read with the wonderful Laura @ The Book Corps. So I’m here with some review (albeit very brief) so that I can a least share some of what I’ve managed to read with you!
A Dowry of Blood by ST Gibson
Publication Date: January 31st 2021
Publisher: Nyx Publishing
Blurb: 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.
Review
A Dowry of Blood is an atmospheric, haunting and ultimately beautiful story of survival. Constanta lays of the brink of death when her world is changed forever. Constanta is drawn in by her mesmerising husband, but as the years past and Constanta strays further and further from the girl she was, she begins to realise that her husband’s love comes with a dangerous cost.
I loved A Dowry of Blood, it is simply gorgeous and Gibson’s writing is just beautiful. It will destroy you and so too will the characters. The story is written as a letter from Constanta to Dracula and in it we see her journey from the brink of death to her new life as a bride of Dracula and her path to freedom as she comes to know her own worth and strength. Alexi and Magdalena will also break your heart as Constanta’s fellow brides. A Dowry of Blood isn’t light reading but it will leave you in awe.
Find A Dowry of Blood
Goodreads ~ Dymocks ~ Booktopia ~ Book Depository
Find ST Gibson
Website ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads Author Page
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Publication Date: February 2nd 2021
Publisher: Tor
Blurb: While the Iskat Empire has long dominated the system through treaties and political alliances, several planets, including Thea, have begun to chafe under Iskat’s rule. When tragedy befalls Imperial Prince Taam, his Thean widower, Jainan, is rushed into an arranged marriage with Taam’s cousin, the disreputable Kiem, in a bid to keep the rising hostilities between the two worlds under control.
But when it comes to light that Prince Taam’s death may not have been an accident, and that Jainan himself may be a suspect, the unlikely pair must overcome their misgivings and learn to trust one another as they navigate the perils of the Iskat court, try to solve a murder, and prevent an interplanetary war… all while dealing with their growing feelings for each other.
Review
Winter’s Obit, put very simply, was an absolute delight to read. I had very high hope for what this novel would bring when it was announced and it was everything I had hoped it would be. Full of trope-y goodness, it was the most fun I have had with a book for a while now. It was a balm to the state of the world and my own going-ons.
Kiem and Jainan are the ultimate OTP and following them and all their shenanigans and misunderstandings and fumblings in love brought so much joy. Winter’s Orbit is a must read and even though it hasn’t been that long since I read it, I am already hanging out for a reread.
Find Winter’s Orbit
Goodreads ~ Book Depository ~ Booktopia ~Dymocks
Find Everina Maxwell
Goodreads Author Page ~ Twitter
