Well my deviant darlings, it was bound to happen eventually! I read a moderate amount and when a Lady finds something as sinfully delicious as this little literary morsel, it’s cruel not to share!
I don’t do spoilers, dreadfully poor manners in my opinion when one is recommending a book, but a warning about certain content before I go further. The book contains quite a bit of blood, terribly unhealthy relationship situations, mindgames/gaslighting sort of behaviors, and various violent situations. There’s quite a bit more and a warning in the novel itself but once you’re aware of the premise, well it makes sense.
If you’ve an inclination toward vampires, minus the glitter, gorgeous writing and romance if the darker variety, perhaps you’ll try A Dowry of Blood, by S.T. Gibson?
Told in the voice of the medieval bride of Dracula, the novel is presented as her letters. The uniqueness of voice aside, the letters vary in length and content, emotion bleeding through the pages as from a vein opened to express the tortured thoughts of their author.
She exquisitely details her involvement not only with her Lord, but with his other consorts as well.
The collection of thoughts neither hurried nor dragging along, I find it difficult to put the book down when reading and as a Lady of rather extensive mental self discipline, I must say the fact delights me. Constanta wrests attention from my other pursuits and her voice reaches from the page to enthrall me to follow further into her tale.
Her struggle is understandable, confusion at the motives of her Lord, his moods changing so rapidly, yet the classic character of Dracula still shows through. While the Harkers are briefly mentioned, Constanta and her fellow consorts are the heart of this story. They are to the fore rather than afterthoughts in the horror.
Aren’t their tales horrific enough?
As a dominant Lady, this book strikes a chord. The relationships in these pages are not so different from many I’ve seen play out in the lifestyle that brought us to this site. But more than that, we’ve all seen behaviors like this in the world at large, not just in our communities. The vanilla world has as many, if not more cases of people behaving very similarly to the controlling Lord Dracula in this book. Hopefully with less bloodshed but honestly nothing would surprise me.
Now between consenting adults, I do not presume to dictate what one may or may not take part in. Unless I happen to be one of those previously mentioned adults, then I can unequivocally state that, blood play, cutting, and illegal activities will not be taking place. You’ll need a different Lady for that, this one has her limits and those are top of the list under watersports and above permanent disfigurement.
As to who I believe may appreciate this book? Of the submissive contingent this may be a worthy addition to your reading lists, if you enjoy a gothic horror romance, or just enjoy a gorgeously written dark romance. It tickles both fancies I find. A note though, several times in reading Constanta’s perspective, I’ve recognized similarities between her experiences and those of subs dealing with “faux or insta” doms. Abusers play acting dominants to capture new or inexperienced subs. If you have the stomach for the analysis, it may prove an excellent study in these most crimson of flags.
Conversely, I don’t think only submissive inclined people will enjoy the book. I certainly have and we all know where my interests lay.
From the dominant perspective, beyond the lovely turn of phrase and beautiful characterizations, a reading with a critical eye towards the communications between our focus and her Lord? His methods of control are sinister of course, without giving too much away, but reading through and understanding why they worked, perhaps we can effect positive discussion?
It is tempting to scoff and declare “he’s a vampire! Of course he’s evil” but if Buffy taught us anything it’s real life can be discussed in supernatural fiction. Or did we forget the variety of monster of the week episodes that covered real life issues? For a further discussion of my thoughts on Buffy, look to future posts, I have many and this isn’t the place. Even if she fought Dracula and he used the mind control bs on her.
For those not inclined to full dominance or submission, perhaps a kink enthusiast or switch, or even a simply curiosity stricken soul who made it here by mistake, the book may well entrance you as well, it’s exceptional story telling in a unique voice and style. Even if not your usual preference, the book deserves a shot.
It’d make me terribly happy if you’d try, darlings, do give it a go.
