A little Dracula retelling is here!
Thank you Del Rey Books for the gifted copy!
LUCY UNDYING – Kiersten White (Released September 10th, 2024)
You can see my thoughts on HIDE and MISTER MAGIC!
Book Description:
In this epic and seductive gothic fantasy, a vampire escapes the thrall of Dracula and embarks on her own search for self-discovery and true love.
Her name was written in the pages of someone else’s story: Lucy Westenra was one of Dracula’s first victims.
But her death was only the beginning. Lucy rose from the grave a vampire, and has spent her immortal life trying to escape from Dracula’s clutches–and trying to discover who she really is and what she truly wants.
Her undead life takes an unexpected turn when, in twenty-first-century London, she meets another woman who is also yearning to break free from her past. Iris’s family has built a health empire based on a sinister secret, and they’ll do anything to stay in power.
Lucy has long believed she would never love again. But she finds herself compelled by the charming Iris, while Iris is mesmerized by the confident and glamorous Lucy. But their intense connection and blossoming love is threatened by forces from without. Iris’s mother won’t let go of her without a fight, and Lucy’s past still has fangs: Dracula is on the prowl again.
Lucy Westenra has been a tragically murdered teen, a lonesome adventurer, and a fearsome hunter, but happiness always eluded her. Can she find the strength to destroy Dracula once and for all, or will her heart once again be her undoing?
My Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars
Who here loves a good retelling? Who here loves Dracula? Well, this is going to be the book for you. Remember, though, the keyword here is retelling. I know a lot of people that love the classic Dracula and the characters, and I can see some people being a little iffy about it, but that’s why I love retellings! I love the changes and the twists on the stories we’ve heard hundreds of times.
Lucy was one of Dracula’s first victims and has spent her immortal life in his shadow and trying to break free from him. Things take a turn when she meets Iris (in 21st century London). Their paths cross, and they are both immediately enamored with each other and find a new love blossoming. Of course, there are outside forces trying to pull them apart – Iris’s mother and Lucy’s ever-present dark shadow.
So you think Dracula has some evil secrets, and so does Iris’s family, and I liked seeing that unfold. I think the book could have been a tad shorter, but otherwise, I love White’s writing and how Iris and Lucy came alive. Whose going to complain about a sapphic vampire gothic romance?
Jessicamap Reviews 