The first half was extremely slow and I had a hard time feeling motivated to read it especially while in a mini slump. I enjoyed the unique concept and the atmospheric, gothic setting!

Also was it meant to be Lisavet bathory as in BLOOD COUNTESS BATHORY?! Because that would’ve been cool.

Food descriptions made up for the sometimes nauseating blood scenes 🫣 I’m someone with a very weak stomach like can’t look at blood and I’ll get dizzy so I often times felt queasy reading this, it’s not for the faint hearted (like me)!

The second half picked up and I did enjoy the plot twist but felt it lacked in execution, it was resolved so quickly making it feel rushed while at the same time I still have questions. The characters overall felt very flat and one dimensional. I wanted to get to know them better, even Marion I feel we don’t get much from other than how she views herself.

It was an interesting story and one that I’m glad I stuck with! It was entertaining and unique but I didn’t love it as much as I expected to. Will definitely check out more from Henderson as I do still want to read Year of the Witching!