Blood Countess (Lady Slayers, #1)

by Lana Popovic

A historical YA horror novel based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula

In 17th 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.

• ISBN13: 9781419738869
• Publish Date: 28 January 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Abrams
• Imprint: Amulet Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 304
• Language: English
• URL: https://abramsandchronicle.co.uk/book/9781419738869-blood-countess/

Reviews

[tweetybugshouse]

This ended up being a 3 star read for me as i like the whole premise and did read through to the end but it was toted as a horror novel so maybe i just expected it to more dark then it was. I got to the part about half way through where she kills the husband thinking the mistress will love her and happily ever after. Then things just got weird and I grew bored with the whole story. The story was very predictable and just think that it was more the way the author choose to relate the events. I also have no back history to relate this to so that might be the issue as well. It a decent read but not quite what i was expecting.
Just to a forewarning to those picking this novel up their violence, sex and probably a few trigger situations so go into this novel knowing that it not for the faint of heart. I also probably would not recommend it for younger teens.


[shannonmiz]

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

3.5*

Countess Elizabeth Báthory is the worst. Anna isn't. What happens when Anna falls under Elizabeth's spell? That's the crux of this story. How far will we go, what atrocities will we commit? Who, if anyone, can we truly trust? Anna ending up caught in Elizabeth's debauchery is really no shock. She's desperate to help her family, and certainly a welcome addition to any household. She's a talented healer, and a caring sister and daughter. 

But we all know this isn't going to be a cute, cozy story. Elizabeth is going to kill plenty of folks, but the question the reader is going to want answered is why? I adored the 16th century Hungarian setting, in part because the setting itself evokes feelings of dread (no plumbing and extra-awful patriarchy has that effect). And while there's no moral grayness surrounding Elizabeth (remember, she's trash), there are loads of other morality questions asked throughout the book. 

My only real qualm was that certain bits seemed quite predictable (and no, not just because it's historical fiction, shh). So it wasn't that I disliked any of it, but I was a wee bit underwhelmed by a few bits. But overall, I was definitely glad I read it. 

Bottom Line: Not for the faint of heart, this historical fiction asks a lot of questions about who we are and what lengths we'd go to. Also, reminder that there's some really evil people, lest you forget.