Review - Blood Countess (Lady Slayers, #1) by Lana Popović

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.

Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US

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.