gothicfiction – Imogen L. Smiley

‘A Dowry Of Blood’ by S. T. Gibson was released in 2021. It was her third book. The novel is vaguely epistolary, a long, poetic love letter to the late Count Dracula, written after his untimely demise. It explored the complex feelings of Count Dracula’s first bride, Constanta, from her first death and rebirth into vampirism in Romania, and how her immortal life was, living under his thumb.

‘Gallant’ by V.E. Schwab was released in 2022 and is a fascinating, gothic novel that leaves you reeling, mulling over those same repeated phrases, images, and the sheer scope of meanings they may have. I read it in a day, and couldn’t put it down!

‘Juniper and Thorn’ was Ava Reid’s second novel and was published in 2022. It is a dark fantasy which leans into gothic traditions. The novel follows the story of Marlinchen, the youngest of three sisters living under her father, the last wizard of Oblya’s roof.

‘The Doll Factory’ is Elizabeth MacNeal’s 2019 debut novel. It is a gripping historical fiction book which toys the lines of daydreams and obsession, making readers reflect on their past fantasies and the extent to which they manifested.