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Nightingale's Castle: A Novel of Erzsébet Báthory, the Blood Countess
In the vein of riveting historical novels such as Hamnet and Circe—with a touch of Dracula—a propulsive, feminist reimagining of the story of Erzsébet Báthory, the infamous sixteenth-century Hungarian aristocrat known as the “Blood Countess”, who was rumored to have murdered hundreds of peasant girls and bathed in their blood.
In 1573, Countess Erzsébet Báthory gives birth to an illegitimate child. Secretly taken to a peasant family living in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, the infant girl is raised as their own. Years later, a young woman called Boróka—ignorant of her true history—is sent to join the Countess’s household.
Terrified of the Countess’s murderous reputation and the brutally cruel women who run the castle, Boróka struggles to find her place. Then plague breaches the castle’s walls, and a tentative bond unexpectedly forms between the girl and the Countess. But powerful forces are moving against the great lady whose wealth and independence threatens the king. Can the Countess trust the women seemingly so close to her? And when the show trial begins against the infamous “Blood Countess” where will Boróka’s loyalties lie?
In 1573, Countess Erzsébet Báthory gives birth to an illegitimate child. Secretly taken to a peasant family living in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, the infant girl is raised as their own. Years later, a young woman called Boróka—ignorant of her true history—is sent to join the Countess’s household.
Terrified of the Countess’s murderous reputation and the brutally cruel women who run the castle, Boróka struggles to find her place. Then plague breaches the castle’s walls, and a tentative bond unexpectedly forms between the girl and the Countess. But powerful forces are moving against the great lady whose wealth and independence threatens the king. Can the Countess trust the women seemingly so close to her? And when the show trial begins against the infamous “Blood Countess” where will Boróka’s loyalties lie?
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 2, 2024
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About the author
Sonia Velton
6 books172 followersSonia Velton has been a solicitor in Hong Kong, a Robert Schuman Scholar in Luxembourg and spent eight years being a full-time Mum of three in Dubai. She now lives in Kent. Her writing has been short-listed for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, long-listed for the HWA Debut Crown and optioned for film. Her latest book, THE NIGHTINGALE’S CASTLE, is a fresh look at the legend of Elizabeth Bathory, the so-called “Blood Countess”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
August 1, 2024
The Nightingale's Castle: A Novel of Erzsébet Báthory by Sonia Velton is a historical fiction novel based on the terrifyingly true story about a Hungarian Countess alive during the 1600s who was accused of torturing and murdering virgin girls and bathing in their blood to preserve her youth and beauty. She is infamously known for being so shockingly and sadistically monstrous, she still reigns superior as the face of evil so abhorrent it’s rivaled by only a few other wretched souls from the darkest chapters of history.
As time went on, rumors grew to such grossly engorged proportions, one wouldn’t even know where to begin to identify fact from fiction in a tale as cold blooded and twisted as this one, and the truth will likely remain shrouded in mystery for forever. The countess went on trial for torturing and murdering over 600 young girls and women within her household, but was convicted on conjecture and absent circumstantial evidence and eventually died under suspicious circumstances, all of which infuriatingly thickens the miasma of mystery and legend surrounding her bloody legacy. Was she a vicious and prolific serial killer or was she just unfortunate enough to have been born a woman?
What is really striking about this book is the uniquely feminist approach the author takes on the countess’s bloody story. I would say that I know a good bit more than the average person on gothic literature, dark histories, and horrifying myths and monsters; however, I have not yet run across such an interesting perspective on the Blood Countess, a woman believed to be so shockingly inhuman she is debatably the inspirational lifeblood pumped into origin stories such as Dracula and Carmilla, which makes her the real-life harbinger to the births of some of humanity’s worst nightmares in literature. After reading this book and becoming inspired to do my own independent research on the countess, I was astounded by my own assured belief in facts that were never really facts at all. Could her story be written in the pages of history not with the blood of virgins murdered by her own hand, but with her own blood exsanguinated by the hand of men? Mankind has always insatiably hungered for money, sex, and power. Erzsébet Báthory’s position of power, affluence, and influence as a widowed noble woman with the protection of her married name and strong familial ties to other powerful men in the region would have afforded the countess with significant freedoms to autonomy and independence. Motivations alluded to in the book for possibly witch-hunting the countess include men feeling threatened by her station and freedoms within the Hungarian aristocracy, lusting with irrepressible avarice for her substantial material wealth, or simply becoming incandescent with sanctimonious entitlement over women in general. I am convinced a very compelling argument is made about man being the real-life monster of the countess’s story. Sonia Velton has written an especially propulsive story that evokes strong reader intrigue and stokes the fires of feminine rage. There is thoughtful character development, the plot is saturated in gothic tragedy, and the atmosphere is practically pulsing with dread by the end of the book. My interest was immediately grabbed in the historical note, epigraph, and prologue. Personally, I was challenged to turn inward to reexamine preconceived verdicts and poorly drawn conclusions within the life portrait of the Blood Countess. This book now has me looking at other notorious women in history with a different lens. I loved this book, the thoughts it left me chewing, the questions it had me asking, and the research it had me conducting. I very much recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction (of course) and the darker side of history!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. Publication is July 30th!
As time went on, rumors grew to such grossly engorged proportions, one wouldn’t even know where to begin to identify fact from fiction in a tale as cold blooded and twisted as this one, and the truth will likely remain shrouded in mystery for forever. The countess went on trial for torturing and murdering over 600 young girls and women within her household, but was convicted on conjecture and absent circumstantial evidence and eventually died under suspicious circumstances, all of which infuriatingly thickens the miasma of mystery and legend surrounding her bloody legacy. Was she a vicious and prolific serial killer or was she just unfortunate enough to have been born a woman?
What is really striking about this book is the uniquely feminist approach the author takes on the countess’s bloody story. I would say that I know a good bit more than the average person on gothic literature, dark histories, and horrifying myths and monsters; however, I have not yet run across such an interesting perspective on the Blood Countess, a woman believed to be so shockingly inhuman she is debatably the inspirational lifeblood pumped into origin stories such as Dracula and Carmilla, which makes her the real-life harbinger to the births of some of humanity’s worst nightmares in literature. After reading this book and becoming inspired to do my own independent research on the countess, I was astounded by my own assured belief in facts that were never really facts at all. Could her story be written in the pages of history not with the blood of virgins murdered by her own hand, but with her own blood exsanguinated by the hand of men? Mankind has always insatiably hungered for money, sex, and power. Erzsébet Báthory’s position of power, affluence, and influence as a widowed noble woman with the protection of her married name and strong familial ties to other powerful men in the region would have afforded the countess with significant freedoms to autonomy and independence. Motivations alluded to in the book for possibly witch-hunting the countess include men feeling threatened by her station and freedoms within the Hungarian aristocracy, lusting with irrepressible avarice for her substantial material wealth, or simply becoming incandescent with sanctimonious entitlement over women in general. I am convinced a very compelling argument is made about man being the real-life monster of the countess’s story. Sonia Velton has written an especially propulsive story that evokes strong reader intrigue and stokes the fires of feminine rage. There is thoughtful character development, the plot is saturated in gothic tragedy, and the atmosphere is practically pulsing with dread by the end of the book. My interest was immediately grabbed in the historical note, epigraph, and prologue. Personally, I was challenged to turn inward to reexamine preconceived verdicts and poorly drawn conclusions within the life portrait of the Blood Countess. This book now has me looking at other notorious women in history with a different lens. I loved this book, the thoughts it left me chewing, the questions it had me asking, and the research it had me conducting. I very much recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction (of course) and the darker side of history!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. Publication is July 30th!
August 11, 2024
4.5⭐
Inspired by true events, with elements of Gothic fiction, murder mystery, fantasy and magical realism woven into an immersive narrative, The Nightingale's Castle by Sonia Velton is a fascinating reimagining of the story of Erzsébet Báthory, the “Blood Countess", a sixteenth-century Hungarian noblewoman and alleged serial killer who along with four of her servants were accused of torturing and murdering hundreds of young women.
Set in Hungary, in 1610, the narrative is shared from multiple perspectives including Erzsébet, her trusted servants János Ficzkó Újváry, Ilona Jó Nagy, Dorottya Szentes and Katalin Beneczky who also stood trial for their role in the murders as well as Borbála Boróka Libalány, a young girl who is brought into the Countess’s castle to serve her. Erzsébet takes a liking to Boróka, even allowing her to attend the sessions in the Gynaeceum. Boróka, raised by her adoptive father, never knew of her origins but discovers a mysterious rosewood box that offers not only clues that may lead her to her truth but much more. The narrative follows these characters through the events leading up to the allegations and subsequent trial.
I was captivated by the author’s exquisite writing, masterful storytelling and great attention to detail. The vivid imagery of the castle enables us to visualize the dark and eerie setting of the story and feel the evil lurking in the corners. With complex characters, dark and Gothic vibes and an atmospheric setting, this was a gripping read that kept me hooked until the very last page. The author presents the Countess as a woman with a traumatic past with a legacy of loss that she keeps buried, as a mother who has seen her daughters married and settled, as a lonely widow who devotes time instructing young girls from other noble families on etiquette and as a powerful woman whose wealth and power might have posed a threat to her male counterparts. Yes, the young servant girls working in the castle were treated harshly and yes, the episodes describing girls being treated for their ailments are difficult to read but the author compels us to ponder over the allegations brought against the Countess and question the legitimacy of these claims and the evidence presented against the Countess. Was she truly a depraved killer guilty of these heinous crimes or was she the victim of a conspiracy strategically designed to strip a widowed noblewoman of her wealth and power?
Do read the richly detailed Author’s Note where she discusses the characters and events that inspired this meticulously researched, thought-provoking and absorbing novel.
This was my first time reading Sonia Velton and I can’t wait to explore more of her work.
Many thanks to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the US on July 23, 2024.
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Inspired by true events, with elements of Gothic fiction, murder mystery, fantasy and magical realism woven into an immersive narrative, The Nightingale's Castle by Sonia Velton is a fascinating reimagining of the story of Erzsébet Báthory, the “Blood Countess", a sixteenth-century Hungarian noblewoman and alleged serial killer who along with four of her servants were accused of torturing and murdering hundreds of young women.
Set in Hungary, in 1610, the narrative is shared from multiple perspectives including Erzsébet, her trusted servants János Ficzkó Újváry, Ilona Jó Nagy, Dorottya Szentes and Katalin Beneczky who also stood trial for their role in the murders as well as Borbála Boróka Libalány, a young girl who is brought into the Countess’s castle to serve her. Erzsébet takes a liking to Boróka, even allowing her to attend the sessions in the Gynaeceum. Boróka, raised by her adoptive father, never knew of her origins but discovers a mysterious rosewood box that offers not only clues that may lead her to her truth but much more. The narrative follows these characters through the events leading up to the allegations and subsequent trial.
I was captivated by the author’s exquisite writing, masterful storytelling and great attention to detail. The vivid imagery of the castle enables us to visualize the dark and eerie setting of the story and feel the evil lurking in the corners. With complex characters, dark and Gothic vibes and an atmospheric setting, this was a gripping read that kept me hooked until the very last page. The author presents the Countess as a woman with a traumatic past with a legacy of loss that she keeps buried, as a mother who has seen her daughters married and settled, as a lonely widow who devotes time instructing young girls from other noble families on etiquette and as a powerful woman whose wealth and power might have posed a threat to her male counterparts. Yes, the young servant girls working in the castle were treated harshly and yes, the episodes describing girls being treated for their ailments are difficult to read but the author compels us to ponder over the allegations brought against the Countess and question the legitimacy of these claims and the evidence presented against the Countess. Was she truly a depraved killer guilty of these heinous crimes or was she the victim of a conspiracy strategically designed to strip a widowed noblewoman of her wealth and power?
Do read the richly detailed Author’s Note where she discusses the characters and events that inspired this meticulously researched, thought-provoking and absorbing novel.
This was my first time reading Sonia Velton and I can’t wait to explore more of her work.
Many thanks to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the US on July 23, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
April 14, 2024
Historical fiction tacking the infamous Countess Bathory and presenting quite an interesting approach to the lady whose bloody legend has never ceased to appeal to both historians and readers. Ms Velton offers an intriguing plot and quite convincing explanation behind the legend, reminding us that independent women were not welcome in the time of Bathory. Quality writing and period details.
*A big thank-you to Sonia Velton, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
*A big thank-you to Sonia Velton, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
October 28, 2024
Actual Rating 4.5
Erzsebet Bathory is a widowed Countess who maintains her household at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. She employs local girls and women and has a tight-knit group of friends that she holds council with. Boroka is a local girl who is sent to work at the castle. She finds herself surrounded by odd characters and has a difficult time making friends. The longer she is at the castle, the more rumors she hears and the more she finds herself under the Countess’ scrutiny. How many of the rumors are true? And when dangerous men come to the castle, where will Boroka’s loyalties lie?
This book is advertised as being a “feminist reimagining” of the Bathory story – it’s been popular lately to advertise books as “feminist retellings” and they generally leave me disappointed and questioning if folks know what feminism actually is. But finally, truly, this is a book that feels worthy of making that claim. I’m a little ashamed to admit I never questioned the horrible tales and lore surrounding Bathory and instead accepted it at face value. But reading this work was like a “duh” moment for me – once again, I remembered that all recorded history is biased, especially true for older history that is less documented.
But on to the book itself. The author did an amazing job with the characters. The book is told in the third-person present, so we get to see the feelings and thoughts of several characters, though the work is focused on Boroka, a maidservant at the castle. Every character was well fleshed out and felt realistic, adding much to the story.
The setting was also excellently written. The time and setting came to life through all the little details incorporated, ranging from the food, to witchcraft, to cleaning linens. The amount of research the author did was quite evident and elevated the entire experience. I loved that there was a little magical realism woven through, just enough to add to the atmosphere. This book being based on the Bathory story, there are some dark moments and details incorporated throughout the book. They never felt overdone or gratuitous, but just keep it in mind that this isn’t a light or feel-good read.
If you enjoy slower historical fiction, actual feminist retellings, and the Bathory story, then this is a must read. My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Erzsebet Bathory is a widowed Countess who maintains her household at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. She employs local girls and women and has a tight-knit group of friends that she holds council with. Boroka is a local girl who is sent to work at the castle. She finds herself surrounded by odd characters and has a difficult time making friends. The longer she is at the castle, the more rumors she hears and the more she finds herself under the Countess’ scrutiny. How many of the rumors are true? And when dangerous men come to the castle, where will Boroka’s loyalties lie?
This book is advertised as being a “feminist reimagining” of the Bathory story – it’s been popular lately to advertise books as “feminist retellings” and they generally leave me disappointed and questioning if folks know what feminism actually is. But finally, truly, this is a book that feels worthy of making that claim. I’m a little ashamed to admit I never questioned the horrible tales and lore surrounding Bathory and instead accepted it at face value. But reading this work was like a “duh” moment for me – once again, I remembered that all recorded history is biased, especially true for older history that is less documented.
But on to the book itself. The author did an amazing job with the characters. The book is told in the third-person present, so we get to see the feelings and thoughts of several characters, though the work is focused on Boroka, a maidservant at the castle. Every character was well fleshed out and felt realistic, adding much to the story.
The setting was also excellently written. The time and setting came to life through all the little details incorporated, ranging from the food, to witchcraft, to cleaning linens. The amount of research the author did was quite evident and elevated the entire experience. I loved that there was a little magical realism woven through, just enough to add to the atmosphere. This book being based on the Bathory story, there are some dark moments and details incorporated throughout the book. They never felt overdone or gratuitous, but just keep it in mind that this isn’t a light or feel-good read.
If you enjoy slower historical fiction, actual feminist retellings, and the Bathory story, then this is a must read. My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Want to read
July 15, 2024A feminist approach to the story one of the most horrifying faces of evil, Elizabeth Báthory? Oh I’m sat x
January 27, 2025
Admittedly, I don't read a lot of Historical Fiction. When I do, I prefer it to be of the Gothic variety, and luckily, that's exactly what I found here.
I saw friends enjoying this, so of course, FOMO hit me like a ton of bricks and I wanted to read it ASAP. It wasn't a hard sell considering I'll read anything even remotely related to the legend of Erzsébet Báthory!
Legend names Erzsébet Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman, as the most prolific female serial killer of all time. Her likeness and story have been reimagined countless times in fictional media, seemingly getting more bloody and brutal with each retelling.
Sonia Velton put a much different spin on the story of the reputed Blood Countess. I've gotta say, I will never think of Báthory the same way again. This was so well done. Incredibly creative and if the Author's Note is any tell, extremely well researched.
I feel like Velton took great care with this story. I loved how it was developed and all pieced together. The characters were fascinating and the bits at the end containing portions of the trial were uber-compelling.
When Erzsébet was charged with her alleged crimes, four of her servants were accused alongside her as accomplices. In this novel, we meet those people closest to Erzsébet, her inner circle, and find out what life may have been like for them inside the castle walls.
Our main focus is a young girl, Boróka, who is one of the most recent additions to the household. She quickly rises to be one of the Countess's most trusted companions.
This story builds with us learning about all these key players, as well as the Countess herself. There are some nasty people there. It's not surprising, once you get to know them, how this ultimately played out. It's rife with deceit, backstabbing and lies.
Even though this is a bit out of my comfort zone, I did truly appreciate what the author did here. I'm so glad I made time for this story and would absolutely be interested in picking up more from Sonia Velton.
Thank you to the publisher, Harper Perennial, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I would definitely recommend this to Historical Fiction and Gothic Fiction Readers, as well as anyone interested in the legend of Erzsébet Báthory.
I saw friends enjoying this, so of course, FOMO hit me like a ton of bricks and I wanted to read it ASAP. It wasn't a hard sell considering I'll read anything even remotely related to the legend of Erzsébet Báthory!
Legend names Erzsébet Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman, as the most prolific female serial killer of all time. Her likeness and story have been reimagined countless times in fictional media, seemingly getting more bloody and brutal with each retelling.
Sonia Velton put a much different spin on the story of the reputed Blood Countess. I've gotta say, I will never think of Báthory the same way again. This was so well done. Incredibly creative and if the Author's Note is any tell, extremely well researched.
I feel like Velton took great care with this story. I loved how it was developed and all pieced together. The characters were fascinating and the bits at the end containing portions of the trial were uber-compelling.
When Erzsébet was charged with her alleged crimes, four of her servants were accused alongside her as accomplices. In this novel, we meet those people closest to Erzsébet, her inner circle, and find out what life may have been like for them inside the castle walls.
Our main focus is a young girl, Boróka, who is one of the most recent additions to the household. She quickly rises to be one of the Countess's most trusted companions.
This story builds with us learning about all these key players, as well as the Countess herself. There are some nasty people there. It's not surprising, once you get to know them, how this ultimately played out. It's rife with deceit, backstabbing and lies.
Even though this is a bit out of my comfort zone, I did truly appreciate what the author did here. I'm so glad I made time for this story and would absolutely be interested in picking up more from Sonia Velton.
Thank you to the publisher, Harper Perennial, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I would definitely recommend this to Historical Fiction and Gothic Fiction Readers, as well as anyone interested in the legend of Erzsébet Báthory.
August 5, 2024
What historical figure would you go back and meet again today if you could?
The Nightingale’s Castle is one of those novels that immediately transforms your surroundings. Readers will feel every jostle of the carriage traversing the Carpathian mountains of Hungary and become a fly on the wall to perhaps the most accurate reimagining of the infamous Blood Countess’s story!
There’s something magical about diving into stories we’ve heard a thousand times, especially when they’re told through a new lens. For me, reading historical accounts from a woman’s perspective is like discovering hidden chapters in a well-loved book. It’s not just about the stories but how these fresh viewpoints can completely reshape our understanding of history’s most iconic figures. This was easily another 5 star read for these reminders alone!!!
When women writers, historians, or fictional voices reinterpret these tales, they breathe new life into the narratives. Suddenly, the figures we thought we knew become more nuanced, their struggles and triumphs more relatable. It’s as if the history we’ve always seen in black and white becomes vibrant and multidimensional. Each page turns into a window through which we can view the past in a way that’s rich with empathy and insight.
Reading these perspectives has a profound effect on how we process and relate to historical events. It challenges long-standing assumptions and invites us to see the past with fresh eyes. These stories make us reconsider the roles and impacts of figures who have often been oversimplified or overlooked, offering a fuller, more inclusive view of history. So, next time you pick up a book that reimagines a familiar tale, savor how it transforms your perception and deepens your connection to the past.
HISTORICAL NOTES: Báthory’s notoriety stems from accusations of horrific acts, including the t0rture and murd3r of young women. Reports suggest that she believed bathing in the blood of virgins would preserve her youth and beauty. These allegations were largely brought to light by political rivals and fueled by sensationalist accounts of the time. The true extent of her guilt remains debated among historians, with some suggesting that she may have been the victim of a politically motivated conspiracy to strip her of her wealth and power. In 1610, after a lengthy investigation, Báthory was imprisoned in her castle and later died in 1614. Her legacy blends historical fact and myth, with her life often overshadowed by folklore and dramatic retellings.
**Thank you, @bibliolifestyle & @harperperennial, for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own. - SLR
The Nightingale’s Castle is one of those novels that immediately transforms your surroundings. Readers will feel every jostle of the carriage traversing the Carpathian mountains of Hungary and become a fly on the wall to perhaps the most accurate reimagining of the infamous Blood Countess’s story!
There’s something magical about diving into stories we’ve heard a thousand times, especially when they’re told through a new lens. For me, reading historical accounts from a woman’s perspective is like discovering hidden chapters in a well-loved book. It’s not just about the stories but how these fresh viewpoints can completely reshape our understanding of history’s most iconic figures. This was easily another 5 star read for these reminders alone!!!
When women writers, historians, or fictional voices reinterpret these tales, they breathe new life into the narratives. Suddenly, the figures we thought we knew become more nuanced, their struggles and triumphs more relatable. It’s as if the history we’ve always seen in black and white becomes vibrant and multidimensional. Each page turns into a window through which we can view the past in a way that’s rich with empathy and insight.
Reading these perspectives has a profound effect on how we process and relate to historical events. It challenges long-standing assumptions and invites us to see the past with fresh eyes. These stories make us reconsider the roles and impacts of figures who have often been oversimplified or overlooked, offering a fuller, more inclusive view of history. So, next time you pick up a book that reimagines a familiar tale, savor how it transforms your perception and deepens your connection to the past.
HISTORICAL NOTES: Báthory’s notoriety stems from accusations of horrific acts, including the t0rture and murd3r of young women. Reports suggest that she believed bathing in the blood of virgins would preserve her youth and beauty. These allegations were largely brought to light by political rivals and fueled by sensationalist accounts of the time. The true extent of her guilt remains debated among historians, with some suggesting that she may have been the victim of a politically motivated conspiracy to strip her of her wealth and power. In 1610, after a lengthy investigation, Báthory was imprisoned in her castle and later died in 1614. Her legacy blends historical fact and myth, with her life often overshadowed by folklore and dramatic retellings.
**Thank you, @bibliolifestyle & @harperperennial, for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own. - SLR
June 14, 2025
Audiobook (11 hours) narrated by Elinor Coleman
Publisher: HarperCollins (HarperAudio)
The narration and audio were flawless.
I think this may have been a book club pick at one point, but it took a while for me to get my hands on a copy and I just finished it.
This is an interesting historical fiction, gothic read dating back to the 1800's. It had a really nice feel to it and the audiobook narrator did a good job keeping the ambience of the time and place.
The book wasn't overly detailed and I think that I would have liked a bit more of that for both of the world and the characters, however, after an initial slow start I was drawn in and Velton held my curiosity as to what was going on and what was going to happen next.
I would say this is a 3.5 star read for me. I rounded it up to 4 because although at first I wasn't sure if this was going to end up being for me, once it started to peek my interest, I was all in. It was like Velton laid out a bread crumb path of blood red gothic gummy bears and I needed to pick them all up like I was ET when he discovered M&M's (which the studio edited to Reese's pieces when M&M's declined to pay for a mention in the movie and Reese's said yes please, so chocolate became peanut butter). Yes, my ADHD is showing!
Anyway! These delicious pomegranate and strawberry bloody red gummies kept me on the path and I nearly read this 11 hour book straight through for the last 8 hours or so. It felt a bit like mythology in it's telling and style, which is probably part of what that pull was. Super cool that it's based on a true story, in which the author's notes at the end explains her research process as well as how she tried to keep it as accurate as possible to the available information.
Publisher: HarperCollins (HarperAudio)
The narration and audio were flawless.
I think this may have been a book club pick at one point, but it took a while for me to get my hands on a copy and I just finished it.
This is an interesting historical fiction, gothic read dating back to the 1800's. It had a really nice feel to it and the audiobook narrator did a good job keeping the ambience of the time and place.
The book wasn't overly detailed and I think that I would have liked a bit more of that for both of the world and the characters, however, after an initial slow start I was drawn in and Velton held my curiosity as to what was going on and what was going to happen next.
I would say this is a 3.5 star read for me. I rounded it up to 4 because although at first I wasn't sure if this was going to end up being for me, once it started to peek my interest, I was all in. It was like Velton laid out a bread crumb path of blood red gothic gummy bears and I needed to pick them all up like I was ET when he discovered M&M's (which the studio edited to Reese's pieces when M&M's declined to pay for a mention in the movie and Reese's said yes please, so chocolate became peanut butter). Yes, my ADHD is showing!
Anyway! These delicious pomegranate and strawberry bloody red gummies kept me on the path and I nearly read this 11 hour book straight through for the last 8 hours or so. It felt a bit like mythology in it's telling and style, which is probably part of what that pull was. Super cool that it's based on a true story, in which the author's notes at the end explains her research process as well as how she tried to keep it as accurate as possible to the available information.
March 27, 2024
Hungary, 1610. A dark, gothic read based on true accounts of Countess Bathory who was accused of torturing young servant girls in her employ.
This was my second Sonia Velton novel after thoroughly enjoying Black Berry & Wild Rose, I was totally thrilled to read another one of her works and have also just purchased The Image of Her that I am looking forward to picking up soon.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for my review.
This was my second Sonia Velton novel after thoroughly enjoying Black Berry & Wild Rose, I was totally thrilled to read another one of her works and have also just purchased The Image of Her that I am looking forward to picking up soon.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for my review.
August 2, 2024
Alright I’ll say it. I wanted more murder.
I KNOW. I KNOW THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A FEMINIST RETELLING. I KNOW SHE’S NOT SUPPOSED TO KILL YOUNG GIRLS IN THIS. BUT GOD, MURDER WOULD HAVE MADE THIS SO MUCH MORE INTERESTING.
I’m all for some court politics, believe you me. But I feel like things would get very interesting and then all the buildup would fall flat. And again. And again. Even the ending was unsatisfactory to me. Execution details? Something. Give me something from Dorka’s and Ilona’s crimes. From Stefan/Ficzkó’s dark moments. I feel like there was ENDLESS potential here. I liked the side plot of Boróka’s ancestry and how all of that tied together, though
Disclaimer: this was a VERY good book. Don’t get me wrong here. I understand why the people are loving it. I think I was just expecting some actual horror elements, which I feel like were not delivered which is disappointing.
I KNOW. I KNOW THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A FEMINIST RETELLING. I KNOW SHE’S NOT SUPPOSED TO KILL YOUNG GIRLS IN THIS. BUT GOD, MURDER WOULD HAVE MADE THIS SO MUCH MORE INTERESTING.
I’m all for some court politics, believe you me. But I feel like things would get very interesting and then all the buildup would fall flat. And again. And again. Even the ending was unsatisfactory to me. Execution details? Something. Give me something from Dorka’s and Ilona’s crimes. From Stefan/Ficzkó’s dark moments. I feel like there was ENDLESS potential here. I liked the side plot of Boróka’s ancestry and how all of that tied together, though
Disclaimer: this was a VERY good book. Don’t get me wrong here. I understand why the people are loving it. I think I was just expecting some actual horror elements, which I feel like were not delivered which is disappointing.
March 24, 2024
A dazzling telling based on the true story of the blood countess, Erzsébet Báthory, who was rumoured to have murdered 600 peasant girls. I got the advance copy from NetGalley and would like to thank them for this amazing book.
August 19, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Harper Perennial for a chance to read and review. My opinions are my own.
A female perspective on historical tellings is one of my favorites, so I was very excited to get my hands on this little gem.
Hungary, 1610: Countess Erzsébet Báthory (accused of killing over 500- likely the prolific female serial killer if is this is true) has a new lady in waiting, Boróka, our FMC.
Boróka is fully aware of the rumors, but gives the Countess the benefit of the doubt. And together with a few others becomes her most trusted companions.
This is a very unique view of how women were treated and often accused of heinous acts, and how often women in power were "managed" by claiming their behaviors were either illegal or mentally unstable.
Many compare to Circe, and while the vibe is similar, this has a few more intense trigger warning topics. I mean, it is based on a woman they claim drank the blook of peasants girls,...so be warned.
A female perspective on historical tellings is one of my favorites, so I was very excited to get my hands on this little gem.
Hungary, 1610: Countess Erzsébet Báthory (accused of killing over 500- likely the prolific female serial killer if is this is true) has a new lady in waiting, Boróka, our FMC.
Boróka is fully aware of the rumors, but gives the Countess the benefit of the doubt. And together with a few others becomes her most trusted companions.
This is a very unique view of how women were treated and often accused of heinous acts, and how often women in power were "managed" by claiming their behaviors were either illegal or mentally unstable.
Many compare to Circe, and while the vibe is similar, this has a few more intense trigger warning topics. I mean, it is based on a woman they claim drank the blook of peasants girls,...so be warned.
May 2, 2024
“I've heard that the girls who go to Čachtice Castle never return.”
The Nightingale’s Castle is a mesmerising tale of witchcraft, myth, murder, power and injustice. A harmony of historical fiction, gothic horror and dark fairytale, fact and fiction seamlessly blend to tell the story of Countess Erzsébet Báthory, the woman who currently holds the Guiness World Record for being the most prolific female serial killer of all time and was believed to have murdered over six hundred girls and bathed in their blood to preserve her youth.
When the Countess’s servants come to her home in the Carpathian Mountains looking for girls to work for the Countess at Čachtice Castle, 15-year-old Boróka is reluctant to leave her home and confused by her father’s insistence that she go with them. Terrified of the Countess’s fearsome reputation for allegedly murdering young servant girls and the cruel women charged with managing the servants, Boróka struggles to fit in. But things are changing and there are those who will do anything to destroy a woman whose wealth is a threat to the king. Can Countess Báthory really trust the women closest to her? And what is the truth behind the rumours of murder that surround her?
“The nightingale is still the bird of darkness and mourning, even though its song is sweet.”
Sometimes you can tell from just looking at a book that you are going to love it. This was one of those times. Haunting, luxurious and beguiling, the story between the covers is every bit as luxurious as its cover. This isn’t a story you simply read, it’s one you get lost in and has that intoxicating combination where I want to take my time to soak in every word, and never want the story to end. But, ultimately, I devoured this book whole, unable to bear being away from it for longer than necessary. I was already a fan of Sonia Velton’s writing after loving her debut Blackberry and Wild Rose, but she blew me away with this one. Evocatively told, intricately woven and complex, it is a rich tapestry laced with history, infused with malevolence and threaded with the supernatural. Velton’s meticulous research is evident on every page as she reminds us of the vulnerable and precarious position women of that time were forced to live in. Because, at the heart of this book, is a story about how dangerous it is to be a woman in a patriarchal world, of women’s fight to have their voices and truth heard, and of men abusing their power.
“The countess is impossible to predict. Her moods are like opal stones constantly shifting their colours. She is at once caustic and kind. One minute dismissive and the next, like now, if they say the wrong thing, or presume too much, they might find themselves crushed like an insect under the countess's pointy pink-satined toe.”
Merging fact and fiction is no easy task, but Velton pulls it off with finesse. Čachtice Castle came alive around me and she breathed life into every character. Countess Erzsébet Báthory is intimidating, imperious, acerbic and self-assured. Her murderous reputation precedes her, surrounding her with a chilling air that strikes fear in many of the people she meets. Boróka is gutsy, likeable and easy to root for, and I really enjoyed her scenes with the countess. I’ve never read anything about Countess Báthory before so, like Boróka, I found myself unsure what the truth was about the countess which kept me on tenterhooks as I read. Dorka and Ilona Jó, the two women in charge of the servant girls, sent shivers down my spine and I was sure of their cruelty from the start. Ficzkó was a more complex character with his heartbreaking backstory and alarming personality ‘quirks’. But every one of them, and the many background characters, were expertly written and fascinating.
Heady, dark, unsettling and absorbing, The Nightingale’s Castle is an absolute masterpiece. It is one of my favourite books of this year and a must read for fans of gothic or historical fiction.
The Nightingale’s Castle is a mesmerising tale of witchcraft, myth, murder, power and injustice. A harmony of historical fiction, gothic horror and dark fairytale, fact and fiction seamlessly blend to tell the story of Countess Erzsébet Báthory, the woman who currently holds the Guiness World Record for being the most prolific female serial killer of all time and was believed to have murdered over six hundred girls and bathed in their blood to preserve her youth.
When the Countess’s servants come to her home in the Carpathian Mountains looking for girls to work for the Countess at Čachtice Castle, 15-year-old Boróka is reluctant to leave her home and confused by her father’s insistence that she go with them. Terrified of the Countess’s fearsome reputation for allegedly murdering young servant girls and the cruel women charged with managing the servants, Boróka struggles to fit in. But things are changing and there are those who will do anything to destroy a woman whose wealth is a threat to the king. Can Countess Báthory really trust the women closest to her? And what is the truth behind the rumours of murder that surround her?
“The nightingale is still the bird of darkness and mourning, even though its song is sweet.”
Sometimes you can tell from just looking at a book that you are going to love it. This was one of those times. Haunting, luxurious and beguiling, the story between the covers is every bit as luxurious as its cover. This isn’t a story you simply read, it’s one you get lost in and has that intoxicating combination where I want to take my time to soak in every word, and never want the story to end. But, ultimately, I devoured this book whole, unable to bear being away from it for longer than necessary. I was already a fan of Sonia Velton’s writing after loving her debut Blackberry and Wild Rose, but she blew me away with this one. Evocatively told, intricately woven and complex, it is a rich tapestry laced with history, infused with malevolence and threaded with the supernatural. Velton’s meticulous research is evident on every page as she reminds us of the vulnerable and precarious position women of that time were forced to live in. Because, at the heart of this book, is a story about how dangerous it is to be a woman in a patriarchal world, of women’s fight to have their voices and truth heard, and of men abusing their power.
“The countess is impossible to predict. Her moods are like opal stones constantly shifting their colours. She is at once caustic and kind. One minute dismissive and the next, like now, if they say the wrong thing, or presume too much, they might find themselves crushed like an insect under the countess's pointy pink-satined toe.”
Merging fact and fiction is no easy task, but Velton pulls it off with finesse. Čachtice Castle came alive around me and she breathed life into every character. Countess Erzsébet Báthory is intimidating, imperious, acerbic and self-assured. Her murderous reputation precedes her, surrounding her with a chilling air that strikes fear in many of the people she meets. Boróka is gutsy, likeable and easy to root for, and I really enjoyed her scenes with the countess. I’ve never read anything about Countess Báthory before so, like Boróka, I found myself unsure what the truth was about the countess which kept me on tenterhooks as I read. Dorka and Ilona Jó, the two women in charge of the servant girls, sent shivers down my spine and I was sure of their cruelty from the start. Ficzkó was a more complex character with his heartbreaking backstory and alarming personality ‘quirks’. But every one of them, and the many background characters, were expertly written and fascinating.
Heady, dark, unsettling and absorbing, The Nightingale’s Castle is an absolute masterpiece. It is one of my favourite books of this year and a must read for fans of gothic or historical fiction.
January 13, 2024
The Nightingale's Castle: A Novel of Erzsébet Báthory, the Blood Countess by Sonia Velton is a great historical fiction that has a wonderful fantasy vibe that I really enjoyed.
This is such a unique and entertaining historical fiction. Yes it is based on a true historical figure, but the way the author created a fictional narrative with mystery, suspense, and infused with several elements of fantasy…makes for an engaging and memorable novel.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, Harper Perennial for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/4/24.
This is such a unique and entertaining historical fiction. Yes it is based on a true historical figure, but the way the author created a fictional narrative with mystery, suspense, and infused with several elements of fantasy…makes for an engaging and memorable novel.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, Harper Perennial for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/4/24.
June 14, 2024
Very atmospheric and dark and I really liked that lots of it was based on the true story.I also really enjoyed the writing and felt sucked into the story line at points.At other points not so much and my attention wandered a bit.I think it was due to the fantasy box which was just a little out on a limb to me.For the most part it's a good read for a horror fan or just someone interested in Erzsebet Bathory's story.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review
Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review
April 15, 2024
“Tales of numerous murdered virgins attract people like raw meat attracts dogs, and the courthouse is heaving.”
A gruesome historical figure, the Blood Countess was apparently a pioneering and prolific serial killer of 16th century Hungary. And yet, history often treats women with power, money and independence with cruelty as their contemporaries do. “It frightens me what lengths men will go to once a woman becomes… inconvenient.”
This completely engrossing historical fiction unfolds artfully, with complex characters who are constrained but not defined by their stations and circumstances. Great book, I’d highly recommend. 4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Sonia Velton and Abacus Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
A gruesome historical figure, the Blood Countess was apparently a pioneering and prolific serial killer of 16th century Hungary. And yet, history often treats women with power, money and independence with cruelty as their contemporaries do. “It frightens me what lengths men will go to once a woman becomes… inconvenient.”
This completely engrossing historical fiction unfolds artfully, with complex characters who are constrained but not defined by their stations and circumstances. Great book, I’d highly recommend. 4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Sonia Velton and Abacus Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
May 2, 2024I have ZERO interest reading this "book". I grew up by Cachtice Castle and on the stories about Countess Bathory. Having my home and its history retold by a western author, who is trying to hitch a ride on a retelling trend wagon turns my stomach especially when similar retellings exonerating the serial killer just because she is a woman, have been done to death already. It's like the publishers refuse to publish good stories wiht believable history and characters. Everything has to be retold, sanitized, and dumbed down.
February 8, 2024
Interesting story about the Blood Countess. I've watched documentaries about her but this gives a whole new look at her life.
The story is told through a servant girl Boroka's eyes. Boroka is an orphan that was raised by the towns doctor. She becomes a favorite of the Countess. She even stands in for her while a painter paints the Countesses portrait.
I've definitely changed my mind about who they call a serial killer. So many new ideas are thrown out there. A well researched book.
The story is told through a servant girl Boroka's eyes. Boroka is an orphan that was raised by the towns doctor. She becomes a favorite of the Countess. She even stands in for her while a painter paints the Countesses portrait.
I've definitely changed my mind about who they call a serial killer. So many new ideas are thrown out there. A well researched book.
February 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy!
The Nightingale’s Castle is about the blood countess. I had never heard of her before reading this book, so this was a very exciting introduction. This was a very interesting story with great characters. I definitely want to read more from Velton in the future.
The Nightingale’s Castle is about the blood countess. I had never heard of her before reading this book, so this was a very exciting introduction. This was a very interesting story with great characters. I definitely want to read more from Velton in the future.
May 9, 2024
Thank you to Hachette UK and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Nightingale’s Castle by Sonia Velton follows the true story of Hungarian Countess Erzsébet Báthory. In 1610, she was accused of murdering more than 600 girls, and this fictionalised version of events offers a sympathetic perspective to the circumstances that lead to this accusation. The Nightingale’s Castle is, by all intents and purposes, a feminist retelling that questions the legitimacy of such claims in retrospect.
The Nightingale’s Castle, while a multi-perspective story, follows the events as told by main character, Boróka, an adopted peasant girl who comes to work in the Cachtice Castle. Prior to Boróka’s arrival to the castle, rumours of the Blood Countess’s proclivity for the murder of peasant girls have already circulated so widely across the hamlets surrounding the castle that they are considered common knowledge.
Boróka, however, gives the Countess the benefit of the doubt and decides to judge her character for herself, showing such a great understanding of the way women are constantly and unfairly persecuted in their 17th century world. Through Boróka’s eyes, as well as the eyes of several more castle servants and the Countess herself, we experience plague, abuse by those in power, and the constant thought that went into every action of 17th century women and girls.
The Nightingale’s Castle is an incredibly immersive piece of historical fiction. I was so easily transported to 17th century Hungary and the plight of peasant girl and noble woman alike. This story is both infuriating and heartbreaking, but handled in a way that gives grace to even the most vile of characters. No villain is purely evil. Velton does a superb job diving into the rich backstories that inform her villains’ actions. Each character depicted is well-rounded in a way that shows the author’s immense skill in their craft.
Sonia Velton’s skill alone makes this a book worth reading, and the intrigue of the story is simply a nice bonus. This is a book I would happily recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction or feminist literature. This was the first novel of Velton’s that I have read; but based on this novel alone, I would be interested in consuming more of her work.
Content warnings: As a historical fiction novel, this story depicts a few challenging topics such as death, plague and sickness, violence against children and women, poverty and wealth disparity, and persecution on the basis of sex. While this story by its nature deals with these difficult topics, the author handles them in a way that is sympathetic to the sensitivities of the reader. Velton’s writing does not include these topics in an attempt to shock and horrify, but rather to lend truth to historical events.
#NetGalley #TheNightingalesCastle
The Nightingale’s Castle by Sonia Velton follows the true story of Hungarian Countess Erzsébet Báthory. In 1610, she was accused of murdering more than 600 girls, and this fictionalised version of events offers a sympathetic perspective to the circumstances that lead to this accusation. The Nightingale’s Castle is, by all intents and purposes, a feminist retelling that questions the legitimacy of such claims in retrospect.
The Nightingale’s Castle, while a multi-perspective story, follows the events as told by main character, Boróka, an adopted peasant girl who comes to work in the Cachtice Castle. Prior to Boróka’s arrival to the castle, rumours of the Blood Countess’s proclivity for the murder of peasant girls have already circulated so widely across the hamlets surrounding the castle that they are considered common knowledge.
Boróka, however, gives the Countess the benefit of the doubt and decides to judge her character for herself, showing such a great understanding of the way women are constantly and unfairly persecuted in their 17th century world. Through Boróka’s eyes, as well as the eyes of several more castle servants and the Countess herself, we experience plague, abuse by those in power, and the constant thought that went into every action of 17th century women and girls.
The Nightingale’s Castle is an incredibly immersive piece of historical fiction. I was so easily transported to 17th century Hungary and the plight of peasant girl and noble woman alike. This story is both infuriating and heartbreaking, but handled in a way that gives grace to even the most vile of characters. No villain is purely evil. Velton does a superb job diving into the rich backstories that inform her villains’ actions. Each character depicted is well-rounded in a way that shows the author’s immense skill in their craft.
Sonia Velton’s skill alone makes this a book worth reading, and the intrigue of the story is simply a nice bonus. This is a book I would happily recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction or feminist literature. This was the first novel of Velton’s that I have read; but based on this novel alone, I would be interested in consuming more of her work.
Content warnings: As a historical fiction novel, this story depicts a few challenging topics such as death, plague and sickness, violence against children and women, poverty and wealth disparity, and persecution on the basis of sex. While this story by its nature deals with these difficult topics, the author handles them in a way that is sympathetic to the sensitivities of the reader. Velton’s writing does not include these topics in an attempt to shock and horrify, but rather to lend truth to historical events.
#NetGalley #TheNightingalesCastle
August 31, 2024
Erzsebet Bathory, the Blood Countess, is a historical figure reviled for (allegedly) murdering hundreds of peasant girls and bathing in their blood.
But did she do it?
In THE NIGHTINGALE’S CASTLE, we’re introduced to an alternate version of Bathory, as a woman in power persecuted by the men who resent her.
I loved the premise of this story. The writing was good and held my interest. Ultimately, though, the execution fell a little short for me.
First, we have a lot of POV characters. I lost track of how many. I listened to the audiobook, which made it harder for me to keep up with the quick procession of characters. Bathory’s character remains in the background through much of the story, with the focus instead on the young women in her home.
Then we have a magical element that’s introduced late and not really explored. And that makes this book fantasy-adjacent, not really fantasy but also not plausible in reality. I needed to go deeper into that magic for the fantasy aspect to work, or to remove it altogether for a more realistic exploration.
The audiobook production is well done. Elinor Coleman does a fantastic job with the narration.
But did she do it?
In THE NIGHTINGALE’S CASTLE, we’re introduced to an alternate version of Bathory, as a woman in power persecuted by the men who resent her.
I loved the premise of this story. The writing was good and held my interest. Ultimately, though, the execution fell a little short for me.
First, we have a lot of POV characters. I lost track of how many. I listened to the audiobook, which made it harder for me to keep up with the quick procession of characters. Bathory’s character remains in the background through much of the story, with the focus instead on the young women in her home.
Then we have a magical element that’s introduced late and not really explored. And that makes this book fantasy-adjacent, not really fantasy but also not plausible in reality. I needed to go deeper into that magic for the fantasy aspect to work, or to remove it altogether for a more realistic exploration.
The audiobook production is well done. Elinor Coleman does a fantastic job with the narration.
July 3, 2024
This was nothing short of enchanting!! I very much enjoyed this. Very dark, unsettling and absorbing. The prose makes everything so vivid, the picturesque ruin of the mysterious Čachtice Castle in the Carpathians that it is now is brought to life with it’s gothic splendor and the corridors that echo with shadows and secrets.
The protagonist, Boroka, is very easy to fall in love with& root for! All of the characters are well-written, adding layers to the story.
I highly recommend& thank u for the arc!
The protagonist, Boroka, is very easy to fall in love with& root for! All of the characters are well-written, adding layers to the story.
I highly recommend& thank u for the arc!
October 6, 2024
A fantastical retelling.
April 25, 2024
Historical fiction wasn't really my thing, but I couldn't resist a book based on the Blood Countess, and I'm glad I didnt! This book has made me want to read more Historical fiction.
Erzsébet Bethory, also known as the 'Blood Countess' is rumoured to have tortured and murdered hundreds of young women and girls, and bathing in their blood in pursuit of youth and beauty. There is very little evidence to suggest this happened, except for hearsay and many coerced 'testimonies'.
Sonia Velton's story brings a whole new perspective to the folklore surrounding Countess Bathory and suggests that, much like the witch trials, the accusations against the Countess were more to do with men of power trying to keep a powerful woman 'in her place' and gain access to her wealth and lands, than to do with her actual actions.
With a fascinating story line and interesting characters I was hooked instantly. Throughout the story friendships and bonds are formed between some of the characters, which give insight into what like might have been like at the Countess' Castle..
I can't wait for this to arrive in store so I can tell all our customers about it!
Thank you to the publisher & author for an advanced proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
Erzsébet Bethory, also known as the 'Blood Countess' is rumoured to have tortured and murdered hundreds of young women and girls, and bathing in their blood in pursuit of youth and beauty. There is very little evidence to suggest this happened, except for hearsay and many coerced 'testimonies'.
Sonia Velton's story brings a whole new perspective to the folklore surrounding Countess Bathory and suggests that, much like the witch trials, the accusations against the Countess were more to do with men of power trying to keep a powerful woman 'in her place' and gain access to her wealth and lands, than to do with her actual actions.
With a fascinating story line and interesting characters I was hooked instantly. Throughout the story friendships and bonds are formed between some of the characters, which give insight into what like might have been like at the Countess' Castle..
I can't wait for this to arrive in store so I can tell all our customers about it!
Thank you to the publisher & author for an advanced proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book but I didn't like some of the characters lol I wanted to reach through the book and smack them lol
August 27, 2024
The Nightingale’s Castle is an absorbing tale, its fascination only heightened when you look further into the real-life character on which this is based.
The story begins with our key character, a young girl called Boroka, having to leave the care of the doctor who rescued her as a baby as villagers are talking. Rumours about the doctor and his charge are circulating, and though it pains him to do so the doctor arranges for Boroka to go into service.
Boroka is terrified at the prospect of leaving the only home she has known. Particularly when she realises she is to go into service to the Countess Bathory. Rumours abound about the Countess and the high number of servants she appears to get through, with many young girls dying in her service. But Boroka has no choice if she is to survive.
Life under the Countess is hard. Vindictive head-servants punish the girls for their supposed misdemeanours yet the girls are fed and cared for, and some are even taken under the wing of the Countess. Boroka herself comes to the attention of the Countess for her ability to read and write, and she is asked to stand-in for the Countess during a portrait sitting.
As the book progresses little details are noted that suggest Boroka may have ties to the Countess that she is unaware of. There are physical similarities between them, and Boroka is captivated by a mysterious rosewood box that seems to contain a book holding details of her past.
I found the story riveting, particularly when we see the moves taken to bring down the Countess. I knew nothing of the character on which this story is based, but the historical details appear to be painted in a more nuanced light creating some sympathy for the Countess and those loyal to her.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
The story begins with our key character, a young girl called Boroka, having to leave the care of the doctor who rescued her as a baby as villagers are talking. Rumours about the doctor and his charge are circulating, and though it pains him to do so the doctor arranges for Boroka to go into service.
Boroka is terrified at the prospect of leaving the only home she has known. Particularly when she realises she is to go into service to the Countess Bathory. Rumours abound about the Countess and the high number of servants she appears to get through, with many young girls dying in her service. But Boroka has no choice if she is to survive.
Life under the Countess is hard. Vindictive head-servants punish the girls for their supposed misdemeanours yet the girls are fed and cared for, and some are even taken under the wing of the Countess. Boroka herself comes to the attention of the Countess for her ability to read and write, and she is asked to stand-in for the Countess during a portrait sitting.
As the book progresses little details are noted that suggest Boroka may have ties to the Countess that she is unaware of. There are physical similarities between them, and Boroka is captivated by a mysterious rosewood box that seems to contain a book holding details of her past.
I found the story riveting, particularly when we see the moves taken to bring down the Countess. I knew nothing of the character on which this story is based, but the historical details appear to be painted in a more nuanced light creating some sympathy for the Countess and those loyal to her.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
March 17, 2024
A mix of Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati, Weyward by Emilia Hart, and, oddly enough, a sprinkle of Nathaniel Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter; The Nightingale's Castle is an ambitious addition to the 'mythology retelling' genre. Most people probably know the story of the "Blood Countess" aka Elizabeth Báthory, but few take the time to research and understand the nuances of the tale. In The Nightingale's Castle, Sonia Velton proposes an alternative, albeit fictional, account that is entertaining, complex, and refreshing, especially considering this genre's redundant tendencies.
Stylistically, this book is very well executed. Velton tells the story through many different perspectives, including those of minor characters that provide clever insight into the actions and personality of the two main characters. These little inserts were the highlight of the book for me. My favorite was Marta, a "feeble-minded" woman who is tasked with caring for the bodies of the deceased. Her narrative voice is so distinct and pure, it is hard not to root for her despite her minimal "screen time." Having multiple POVs was a great decision by the author, especially since the main character's POV gets repetitive. For me, the choppy switches between POVs were often more enjoyable than not and made the book and its characters come alive.
An important disclaimer about this book is that it does not claim to be historically accurate, which is a relief---I've certainly been traumatized by "historical" retellings in the past. Most historians agree that Báthory and her accomplices did commit at least some of these crimes, a fact that should be kept in mind while reading. While I understand that these individuals are long deceased, we must not forget that Báthory's victims were real people with real lives. Nonetheless, as this book is a work of fiction, I'm not too troubled by the author's alterations, especially since she seems to genuinely respect the individuals upon whom these characters are based.
The plot was fine. The beginning is stronger than the end, which was disappointing, especially considering that the end was supposed to be the climax. Obviously, Velton is working with a pre-established plot, so it's hard to criticize the ending, and I think she makes the best of the material she was given. Because this is a work of fiction, Velton does take some artistic liberties with the plot, which at times amplified the story and at others muddled it. I truly feel Velton may have felt trapped by conflicting expectations of historical accuracy and the story that she wanted to tell. She walks a fine--sometimes wobbly--line between historical retelling and a new narrative. For example, there is a magical aspect in the book that is never explained and that should've been either removed or used more often. I would've loved if Velton leaned more into this fantasy aspect, as it is refreshing and unexpected. It is not Velton's fault that there is a disconnect between her creative additions and the historical narrative; instead, it is a limitation of the genre.
If you're curious about this book, don't let my borderline obsession with accuracy dissuade you. This is a fun read! The characters and their relationships with each other are interesting and, honestly, deserve to live outside of the strict framework that history has placed on them. Velton does Báthory's character justice, and although historians will continue to debate the countess' innocence, this story reminds us of female strength under persecution--a tale as old as time.
VERDICT: I would recommend this book to fans of Madeline Miller, people interested in true crime, and casual historians. It's an ambitious work that has considerable strengths despite its sometimes confusing plot. As long as you're not picky about historical accuracies and are in the mood for some female empowerment and a cool looking cover, this book is for you.
Rating: 3.5
Thank you NetGally and the publishers for this ARC!
Available July 30th, 2024.
Stylistically, this book is very well executed. Velton tells the story through many different perspectives, including those of minor characters that provide clever insight into the actions and personality of the two main characters. These little inserts were the highlight of the book for me. My favorite was Marta, a "feeble-minded" woman who is tasked with caring for the bodies of the deceased. Her narrative voice is so distinct and pure, it is hard not to root for her despite her minimal "screen time." Having multiple POVs was a great decision by the author, especially since the main character's POV gets repetitive. For me, the choppy switches between POVs were often more enjoyable than not and made the book and its characters come alive.
An important disclaimer about this book is that it does not claim to be historically accurate, which is a relief---I've certainly been traumatized by "historical" retellings in the past. Most historians agree that Báthory and her accomplices did commit at least some of these crimes, a fact that should be kept in mind while reading. While I understand that these individuals are long deceased, we must not forget that Báthory's victims were real people with real lives. Nonetheless, as this book is a work of fiction, I'm not too troubled by the author's alterations, especially since she seems to genuinely respect the individuals upon whom these characters are based.
The plot was fine. The beginning is stronger than the end, which was disappointing, especially considering that the end was supposed to be the climax. Obviously, Velton is working with a pre-established plot, so it's hard to criticize the ending, and I think she makes the best of the material she was given. Because this is a work of fiction, Velton does take some artistic liberties with the plot, which at times amplified the story and at others muddled it. I truly feel Velton may have felt trapped by conflicting expectations of historical accuracy and the story that she wanted to tell. She walks a fine--sometimes wobbly--line between historical retelling and a new narrative. For example, there is a magical aspect in the book that is never explained and that should've been either removed or used more often. I would've loved if Velton leaned more into this fantasy aspect, as it is refreshing and unexpected. It is not Velton's fault that there is a disconnect between her creative additions and the historical narrative; instead, it is a limitation of the genre.
If you're curious about this book, don't let my borderline obsession with accuracy dissuade you. This is a fun read! The characters and their relationships with each other are interesting and, honestly, deserve to live outside of the strict framework that history has placed on them. Velton does Báthory's character justice, and although historians will continue to debate the countess' innocence, this story reminds us of female strength under persecution--a tale as old as time.
VERDICT: I would recommend this book to fans of Madeline Miller, people interested in true crime, and casual historians. It's an ambitious work that has considerable strengths despite its sometimes confusing plot. As long as you're not picky about historical accuracies and are in the mood for some female empowerment and a cool looking cover, this book is for you.
Rating: 3.5
Thank you NetGally and the publishers for this ARC!
Available July 30th, 2024.
October 12, 2025
Bathoryčkina dcéra bola pre mňa veľkým prekvapením. Čakala som temný príbeh, vychádzajúci z notoricky známych krvavých legiend o Čachtickej pani a o tom, ako zavraždila stovky mladých dievčat v snahe zachovať si večnú mladosť. Autorka (anglicky píšuca právnička, ktorá mimo iné aj absolvovala stáž v Európskom parlamente!) však vysvetľuje, že tieto nie sú ničím podložené a vychádzajú z honu na čarodejnice, respektíve boli mužskou snahou obmedziť vplyvnú, významnú ženu, ktorej sa báli.
Príbeh si sice zachováva gotický podtón, z ktorého občas mrazí, no vykresľuje grófku skôr ako modernú feministku (aj keď dosť márnivú a škodoradostnú). Hlavnou postavou je tu Borka - (nemanželská) dcéra Alžbetinej nemanželskej dcéry, ktorú grófka podľa nejakých záznamov porodila ako trinásťročná. Borku vychováva dedinský lekár, a keď sa omylom dostane do Čachtického hradu, postupne si vytvára s grófkou bližší vzťah a začína odhaľovať prekvapivé tajomstvá.
Príbeh skúma moc, silu klebiet a postavenia v spoločnosti, aj to, ako história súdi ženy – často oveľa viac kruto a nemilosrdne, ako mužov. Ponúka filozofovanie o morálnej nejednoznačnosti a komplexné ženské postavy, aj kus histórie.
Slovenské vydanie má nádherný vizuál, ktorý láka na prvý pohľad. Obsahovo ma kniha presvedčila o čosi menej, po zaujímavej prvej polovici dej trochu vyšumel a do dočítania som sa už musela trochu nútiť. Rozhodne ma ale autorka prekvapila, ako dobre si naštudovala historické obdobie, okolnosti a postavu “Báthoričky” a ako autenticky na mňa príbeh pôsobil.
March 24, 2025
Very much enjoyed this retelling of Erzsebet Bathory's story that told of what was, more than likely, a witch hunt of a woman who possessed too much wealth, land, and influence in a time when men were supposed to hold all the power. We may never know the truth all these hundreds of years later, but it's scary to think of how easy it was to strip women of everything, including their very lives, just based on hearsay and an angry mob without actual evidence, let alone a real trial. This book is a perfect example of why I love historical fiction so much: reading new perspectives (so much of history was written by men from their perspective only) and being inspired to do my own research on the subject!
October 24, 2024
The story wasn't as compelling as I thought it would be. The backgrounds of the countess and her intimates were more interesting than the main plot.
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