Title: Blood Countess (Lady Slayers, #1)
Author: Lana Popović
Pages: 320
Publisher: Amulet Books
Release Date: 28th January 2020
Blurb from Goodreads:
A historical YA horror novel
based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula.
In 16th century Hungary, Anna Darvulia has just begun working as a scullery maid for the young and glamorous Countess Elizabeth Báthory. When Elizabeth takes a liking to Anna, she’s vaulted to the dream role of chambermaid, a far cry from the filthy servants’ quarters below. She receives wages generous enough to provide for her family, and the Countess begins to groom Anna as her friend and confidante. It’s not long before Anna falls completely under the Countess’s spell—and the Countess takes full advantage. Isolated from her former friends, family, and fiancé, Anna realizes she’s not a friend but a prisoner of the increasingly cruel Elizabeth. Then come the murders, and Anna knows it’s only a matter of time before the Blood Countess turns on her, too.
My Review:
*I received an eARC of this book
in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to ABRAMS Kids and
NetGalley*
Anna
Darvulia takes a job working for Countess Elizabeth Bathory in order
to provide for her family.
At
first, Anna is a scullery maid, but then Anna gets noticed by
Elizabeth and becomes a chambermaid.
The
two grow close and soon Anna and Elizabeth are inseparable.
Then
Anna starts to see a darker side to Elizabeth, a side that scares
Anna.
When
the bodies begin piling up, Anna knows it isn't long before she will
be next.
Can
Anna escape from Elizabeth?
Blood
Countess is a book that I have very mixed feelings about.
Anna
was a likeable protagonist but there were times when I found her a
bit annoying. I didn't always agree with her thought processes.
The
setting of 16th century Hungary was interesting but we don't get to
see much of it seeing as most of the novel is set in castles.
The
novel is based on the real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula,
which was interesting and a bit scary.
The
plot was very predictable and nothing that happened surprised me.
Despite this, I did enjoy the first half, but then found myself
losing interest during the second half of the novel.
I
found some scenes hard to read and there was more violence than I
expected.
The
romance felt rushed and I didn't feel the connection between the
characters.
The
writing style made it a quick read (I read the book in two days) but
I wasn't gripped.
I'm
disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more as the premise intrigued
me.
Overall,
this was an ok read.
No comments :
Post a Comment