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witchy_woo_13's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
*NetGalley ARC* (Thank you!)
This was my second experience with Dawn Kurtagich's work, and I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed this book. Having read numerous retellings and reimaginings of Bram Stoker's Dracula, ranging from so-so to great, I would place this one between good and great. I loved the reimagining of Mina Murray as a psychiatrist and the way the women took center stage in the story. The gender-bending of characters like Renfield and Quincey added an intriguing twist. I won’t delve too much into the details because the twists and turns are part of what makes this book so enjoyable. It's definitely a strong addition to the world of vampire stories.
This was my second experience with Dawn Kurtagich's work, and I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed this book. Having read numerous retellings and reimaginings of Bram Stoker's Dracula, ranging from so-so to great, I would place this one between good and great. I loved the reimagining of Mina Murray as a psychiatrist and the way the women took center stage in the story. The gender-bending of characters like Renfield and Quincey added an intriguing twist. I won’t delve too much into the details because the twists and turns are part of what makes this book so enjoyable. It's definitely a strong addition to the world of vampire stories.
ruhika's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
kimberlyf's review
3.0
Mina Murray lives a safe life, a predictable life. It’s the only way that she can tame the chaos and the fear. Working as a psychiatrist in a government-funded facility, she feels that she has the best of both worlds: she can support not only her bank account but her passion. Mina works with women suffering from extreme trauma which is where we met her peculiar new patient, Renee.
Shortly after, a new character is introduced to us… After twelve years of silence, Mina receives an email from her estranged best friend, Lucy, practically begging Mina for her “professional help”. It is with severe hesitation that Mina returns to her hometown of Tylluan to help her old friend but when she arrives, she is forced to face her past along with whatever strange illness her friend is currently suffering from which has odd similarities to her new patient.
This book is being considered by many a “remix” of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, with “familiar characters”. Considering I have not yet gotten around to reading Dracula—I know, I know!—I cannot speak to that. I find that I am not usually a fan of modern retellings on classics anyway so I think that that is for the best as I was able to read this story wholly on its own without drawing any comparisons.
Some epistolary parts—audio recording scripts, patient file reports, emails, etc—which I always find intriguing when done well in a story. The synopsis of this sounded quite fascinating but there were plot holes and conveniences that took away from the story for me. I had a difficult time getting in to this book and I had a difficult time finishing it. This one didn’t do it for me but it might just be the perfect spooky season read for you.
Give it a go when it comes out on 08/27/2024! Thank you NetGalley for my digital copy.
Shortly after, a new character is introduced to us… After twelve years of silence, Mina receives an email from her estranged best friend, Lucy, practically begging Mina for her “professional help”. It is with severe hesitation that Mina returns to her hometown of Tylluan to help her old friend but when she arrives, she is forced to face her past along with whatever strange illness her friend is currently suffering from which has odd similarities to her new patient.
This book is being considered by many a “remix” of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, with “familiar characters”. Considering I have not yet gotten around to reading Dracula—I know, I know!—I cannot speak to that. I find that I am not usually a fan of modern retellings on classics anyway so I think that that is for the best as I was able to read this story wholly on its own without drawing any comparisons.
Some epistolary parts—audio recording scripts, patient file reports, emails, etc—which I always find intriguing when done well in a story. The synopsis of this sounded quite fascinating but there were plot holes and conveniences that took away from the story for me. I had a difficult time getting in to this book and I had a difficult time finishing it. This one didn’t do it for me but it might just be the perfect spooky season read for you.
Give it a go when it comes out on 08/27/2024! Thank you NetGalley for my digital copy.
taylermarcy's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
I’ll start by saying this was 100% NOT what I was expecting in the slightest, and I can’t decide if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. This type of horror just isn’t my cup of tea, so I know my review will be disagreed with! It is intended to be a modern spin on Dracula from what I understand, and I did enjoy a lot of the characters and the feminist aspect of it! For me the pacing was off. It took me awhile to get into it, then it picked up, then it lagged again, and then all of sudden it was over! I was left with questions! I’m not a fantasy or folklore person, so I know it will be great for some! I love this author, so I can’t wait to see what more they do! 😍
It is a great Halloween read and perfect for those who love monsters!
The Madness is out August 27, 2024! 🖤
Thank you to @netgalley and @dawnkurtagich for the ARC!
It is a great Halloween read and perfect for those who love monsters!
The Madness is out August 27, 2024! 🖤
Thank you to @netgalley and @dawnkurtagich for the ARC!
anneknut's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Trafficking, Sexual violence, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
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