Daughter Of Bathory

by C.L. Kowalchuk

In the dimly lit corridors of Castle Cachtice, all hope has been forsaken amidst the dark shadows. As the only daughter of the infamous Countess Bathory, Anastasia finds herself ensnared in a web of family curses and macabre legacies. When she finally has a chance to escape her mother's clutches, she crosses paths with Rowan, a mysterious druid with his own troubled past. Their fates become entwined in a dance of desire and danger. Together, they must confront the ghosts of the pasts and the darkness within themselves, or risk being consumed by the legacy of their ancestors. With its atmospheric setting, and passionate romance, “Daughter of Bathory” is a spellbinding tale that will leave readers breathless until the final page.

Genres: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2024

About the author

I am a Mother, wife, sister, author, mother and avid reader. I love all things old and beautiful and hold a fondness for nearly every gothic novel I read (preferably with a glass of wine.)
I have 2 published novels available on Amazon.

Reviews

[Taylor Balkema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book. The author created such a fun and interesting world which hooked me from the very beginning. I had no idea what was going to happen next which kept me reading and finishing within a day.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anya and Rowan are cuuuuutee

I don’t think I stopped smiling throughout the middle 50% of this book. The beginning and the end are intense and triggering but it’s to be expected when you’re the daughter of Countess Elizabeth Bathory. Anya had a hard life but she made it through with the help of a wolf that visited her in her cell. When she escaped, the wolf helped guide her to her new home and new family. But things can’t stay this good forever and she knows her mom will get her again one day. But when that happens, she’ll be ready!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would of given it 5 stars If there was more spice in it. But the spice in it is good. Character development was spot on. Twists in the book that I didn't expect. Rowan is definitely adorable, sexy , and added to the list of book boyfriends. I am going to check out son of vlad written by her because I enjoyed her writing

[Kali Mansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I’m so lucky to have received the ARC of this book! It was such a new concept fantasy, a re-imagined morbid fairytale, that included beasts, an evil countess (aka, queen), torture, a mistreated daughter, and of course, romance. The world building is great and honestly, I’d call this what I’d say is an “easy” read as the plot line is not something that is heavy and twisting and turning but it is light with just the right amount of evil doings and romance. It is definitely a great palate cleanser of a book for between heavy series with thick plots that twist and wind you around until you feel crazy! I absolutely enjoyed this book!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately invested

The writer has a gift of being able to encapsulate imagery into her writing. I was immediately drawn in because of her descriptive writing, which clearly paints a picture of the protagonist's experience as a prisoner.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the world the author created and I was able to visualize the town in the trees so easily. I loved at the end how Anya was able to go back to the castle and burn her mothers belongings. It seem like a cleansing ceremony for her.

[AbbieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly such a great story! It grabbed my attention from the start!! The romance in this story was just so cute and heart warming !! Would Highly recommend!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I loved this book! There was a roller coaster of emotions and I was here for it all! I loved loved Anya and Rowen. They are absolutely perfect for each other and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for the book!

[Victoria Zeehandelaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful fantasy twist on Countess Elizabeth Bathory’s story. The book follows her daughter who has been locked away in a dungeon for years until her only friend (a wolf) helps her escape. The story is very fast paced with many twists and turns.

I was provided an ARC for an honest review.

[Cyd Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like stepping into a dark fairy tale with a side of historical horror. Anastasia, our protagonist, isn't just any castle-dwelling damsel—she's the daughter of Countess Bathory, the infamous "Blood Countess." Talk about a family legacy! The story kicks off in the gloomy halls of Castle Cachtice, where shadows have more secrets than the local gossip mill.

Anastasia's life is anything but easy. With a curse as heavy as her family name, she's desperate to break free from her mother's sinister influence. Enter Rowan, the mysterious druid with a past as tangled as a forest thicket(they are so cute). Their meeting is like throwing gasoline on a bonfire—sparks fly, and not just the romantic kind. There's an undeniable chemistry between them, mixing danger with desire in a way that keeps you hooked.

Kowalchuk's writing is deliciously atmospheric, painting scenes that feel like they're straight out of a gothic painting. The castle's eerie vibe is the perfect backdrop for this tale of love and darkness. But it's not all doom and gloom; the story balances its brooding atmosphere with a passionate romance that's as intoxicating as it is complicated. Anastasia and Rowan's journey is full of twists, turns, and a few ghostly surprises that keep you guessing.

In short, "Daughter of Bathory" is a thrilling, gothic romp that blends history, fantasy, and romance into a spellbinding tale. It's perfect for readers who love a good dark romance with a twist of the supernatural. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more—even if it means venturing back into those spooky castle halls.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so grateful to have received this book as an electronic arc! But please note that that doesn’t sway my opinion at all! All thoughts/opinions on this book are my own:)

This is the story of Anastasia’s escape from her mother’s grasp, who is the blood countess, Elizabeth Bathory. Along the way, she finds love, friends, and seeks revenge for the years of misery she was put through.

I loved this book! I read it within 24 hours and didn’t want to put it down! While there were some more sensitive topics mentioned and action/tense moments, this was such a good pallet-cleanser read for me! It wasn’t super daunting to read and just had the perfect mix of everything I like in a book. I absolutely LOVED the author’s writing style- there was SO much detail which made me feel truly immersed in this world. I truly can’t get over how much I loved the writing style. (I highlighted and annotated so much while reading!) When there were spicy scenes, they were very good too!! I loved all of the fantastical elements, magic, and romance! (Also Rowan is my new book boyfriend😉)

I highly recommend to anybody considering to read this book!

[Brittany Wheat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book from what I normally read, it had a very interesting plot that reminded me much of Snow White and Twilight vibes! Anastasia who is our FMC has been locked away by her mother for years in a dungeon, our MMC Rowan takes her in when she escapes. He’s been there for her through the years but not as you’d expect. The entire story was very interesting and on the edge of my seat. The author did a great job at explaining what was happening, why it happened, and added some romance in it too. But it was a love story I truly enjoyed! Rowan knows just what to say that will make your heart melt.

[Jessica Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of Bathory
By C.L Kowalchuk

“Little Bird”

I am so happy C.L. Kowalchuk told me about her book. This book is amazing! I was hooked. I stayed up one night because I couldn’t put the book down. The story line flows perfectly and the characters are amazing. If you love olden times and shifter, you need to read this book and follow Anya (Anastasia) and Rowan story.
Anya was hidden from the world, trapped in the dungeons all because she looked like her father, a man the king (Anya mother’s husband) despised. It wasn’t till one night a wolf comes and saves her, allowing her a chance to run away giving her a chance to meet Roman. This is where things get interesting.

[Jessy Beckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate has plans

Rowen and Anya have suffered separately but in many ways together. Their lives crashed together because of tragedy and created a beautiful love that makes all the pain disappear.
This one had me on the edge of my seat up until the very end and I absolutely loved it!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well! That was a good read. Nicely paced so that it didn't drag. Good triumphs over evil.

[Robin.Bookish.Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a story with macabre historical people like Elizabeth Bathory mixed with some magic, shifters, slow burn to intense inferno spice, then this is for you!!

This story follows Anastasia, or Anya as she is dubbed, who is the daughter of the infamous murderess Countess Elizabeth Bathory. Secluded in the dungeon of her mother's castle from a young age with nothing more than the wind outside to keep her company, surviving on embers to keep her warm and a modicum of broth to sustain her, she takes hope in the one friend she has made... a lone wolf who she watches in the treeline. Anyone who looks upon her face is put to death immediately, so when she is out of her cell (which is rare), she is made to wear a mask to hide her face. After a daring escape, Anya runs until her legs can't take her any further. After eating a poisonous mushroom, she is cared for by a strange man, Rowan, and his village in the trees. What comes next is beyond Anya's imagination. Will she stay to love, live, and defend....or run to protect herself from her feelings and her mother?

This is a story of truely found family, love, acceptance, and self-discovery. Magically entransing and will keep the pages turning. The magnificance of the creatures and Anya's determination is perfection!

⚠️ Make sure you check trigger warnings!!

[Samie Treat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastically Dark Retelling

It’s amazing how a book can be both dark and shadowy in its retelling but also warm and fuzzy in its love story. This book will grab a hold of you in the beginning, lure you into the darkness, and then warm you up by a cozy fire by the end. Great character development, thought provoking action, steamy intimacy, and so much more!

Anya and Rowan truly are couple goals, and I immensely enjoyed following along with their journey. After being trapped for so long, Anya is craving life, and Rowan shows her a world full of all the things she was starved of. Rowan is a knockout book boyfriend and for that, he gets a gold star. The possessive but still a cinnamon roll combination is chef’s kiss.

If you like retellings, dark and shadowy moments, plot twists, steamy scenes, and the sweetest HEA, then this book is surely for you!

4.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️

[Rah Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me from the first chapter. I was immersed in the vivid storyline of a damsel in distress meets golden retriever heroine. The characters were relatable and easy to in love with, as the villains were easy to dislike.

The writing style of the author is immaculate and weaves a charming tale of insta love, until my last breath, close proximity, & found family. The main characters overcome adversity in their longing to be together at whatever the cost.

With the perfect mixture of spice, banter and fantasy; would highly recommend this page turner that I read in one sitting to all Romantasy lovers. Rowan effortlessly wedged his way into my top ten bookish boyfriends. Don’t walk, run to pick this one up! Did I mention there were werewolf shapeshifters? You can thank me later. 😉

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love boos with tropes that are fairy take imaginings, fantasy, found family, insa-love, and leave you fanning your face swooning but also has a hint of suspense? This book is right up your alley!

Daughter of Bathory follows Anastasia(Anya) who is locked away in a dungeon for most of her life by her mother, the Countess of Bathory. The Countess and Magda have sinister plans for Anya.

Anya has always felt alone in the world until one night a young wolf visits her when she was just a child. And although Anya is locked away, she and this wolf form an impenetrable bond.

Years later, just when things seem like they couldn't get any worse for Anya, her abusive, drunk father-in-law comes to her cell to "teach her a lesson". Her precious wolf comes to the rescue and they escape into the night.

Anya meets the man of her dreams, Rowan. They take shelter in a beautiful and magical community in the woods that Rowan has called home for most of his life. She meets his friends and family finding connections and love that she's only dreamed about.

But something dark and sinister is lurking on the horizon. Will Anya, Rowan and those who have become so precious to her be able to face and stop the danger that is sure to tear them apart at the seams?....literally.

Daughter of Bathory has quickly become one of my favorite books of the year and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read this book and have great conversations with the author!

Highly recommended! I just wish I could give it more than five stars!

[Mironica Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

I absolutely devoured this book in less than a day! I really loved the story. Reimaginings/ retellings are my favorite and this one was definitely one of the top I've ever read. I was completely immersed in the story and the main character's chemistry. Definitely gained a new book boyfriend cause Rowan is just perfect!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was such an easy fun read! I enjoyed the book honestly from the very first page, I didn’t have a hard time picking this book up and trying to continue. I was engaged and I was not bored at all! It wasn’t super spicy but the romance was so satisfying to be apart of! I highly recommend this book for anyone that is into romance and fantasy.

[Nikki Gilleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review! I thought this story was great and had a good flow. I think the characters were really interesting and loved the MFC. Her love interest Rowan was such a sweetheart and I enjoyed seeing the relationship unfold. Every story needs a villain, usually I love the baddies but this particular book, I did not because she was a horrible mother. The fact that she locked up her daughter then has the audacity to try to do the unthinkable. I was shocked and pleased with how it ended considering. Great story and would recommend!

[Deborah (sleepyowl_reads) rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a dark Gothic romantasy filled with adventure, self discovery and courage.
This might be the book for you!

Be fair warned that this book contains a lot of bloody scenes, dark magic, being locked away and etc.

it is a bit of a insta lovey story with amazing action scenes & at least to me is a wonderful retelling of Snow White & the huntsman (one of my favorite movies)
There is HEA, no cliff hangers, is a fast read and the perfect book to scratch that fantasy itch when you can’t decide which one to pick up 🤩

[cassidy Fussell · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE

This book is written beautifully and I’m so glad I read It! It is very fast paced and keeps you sucked into the story making It hard to put the book down for any reason. I absolutely love this book and will be recommending It to everyone!

[Alyesha Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so captivating to read through Anastasia’s story and how she overcomes her fears with such passion. This was one of my favourite reads this year, the writing was incredible and you can really picture the story! I would love to see this become a series with Rowan and his sisters.
The chapters can be a bit choppy in length, and I felt the ending was a bit rushed however overall this was an incredible book to read!
Story/plot : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️
@hold.that.plot

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls you in from the first chapter till the end I loved the story how they explain Elizabeth and the love story of her daughter oh it’s just wow highly recommend

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book moved fast. Like, really fast. As in, the story is told over the span of roughly six months.

I feel like we could have had so much more with this story. We should have been able to hate Anya's mother as much as she did, but we didn't get a chance to. This story also has an instalove aspect which is a no from me. It has some triggering subjects and scenes, but it wasn't a huge part of the plot.

Rowan was a great person, but I just wish we had more of the story. I was also confused because when Anya is recounting her time in the beginning of the story, there was no distinguishing text between her reminiscing and the present day, so I had to go back and figure it out.

This story could have easily spanned 2, maybe 3 books. I just feel like it was too fast and choppy.

[Alison Birks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, it was a mix of different fairytales rolled up into a spicy story, I read it in a day as I couldn’t get enough of reading it, you got transported into the story seeing what they saw and feeling it I gave it 5 stars as it was the embodiment of good against evil

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this I finished it within 24 hours. The romance between Rowan and Anya was so sweet. The descriptions of scenery was beautiful, so much of this book painted imagery into my head. Even our villain was so well written I loved to hate her. It is an insta-love book which typically isn't my thing but everything else about this book was magical. Seriously it's a short read give this wonderful book a chance you won't regret it. Oh and it has spice for all my spice loving friends out there 💛

[justthebooksMarianKreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m lucky to have this as an arc. If you like magical and suspense than this book is for you! I liked the characters and story line but I don’t like the triggers that have attempted rape and violence.

This book is also very spicy!! 🌶️
Thank you for my arc copy!

4 stars ✨ rating for me!!