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Cursed in Crimson #1
Midnight Covenant
Not yet published
Expected 5 Feb 26A slow-burning gothic reimagining of Dracula for fans of Jane Eyre and A Dowry of Blood. In the autumn of 1893, a young bride is delivered to a Transylvanian castle where secrets fester in the walls, and she must rely on herself if she hopes to survive.
Sold into marriage by her father’s reckless gamble, Mina Murray travels across Europe to wed a Transylvanian nobleman cloaked in mystery.
The castle towers above the mountains, a fortress of stone and silence that seems to watch her every step. Once inside, she feels trapped within a gilded cage—every door locked, every corridor alive with listening shadows.
The Count is charming, yet secretive, and Mina soon realizes the truth her new husband conceals may be far more monstrous than she dares imagine. Silenced and far from home, she must trust her instincts if she hopes to survive the castle—and the master who rules it.
Midnight Covenant is the first book of the Cursed in Crimson duology.
Sold into marriage by her father’s reckless gamble, Mina Murray travels across Europe to wed a Transylvanian nobleman cloaked in mystery.
The castle towers above the mountains, a fortress of stone and silence that seems to watch her every step. Once inside, she feels trapped within a gilded cage—every door locked, every corridor alive with listening shadows.
The Count is charming, yet secretive, and Mina soon realizes the truth her new husband conceals may be far more monstrous than she dares imagine. Silenced and far from home, she must trust her instincts if she hopes to survive the castle—and the master who rules it.
Midnight Covenant is the first book of the Cursed in Crimson duology.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 5, 2026
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171 people want to read
About the author
Amelie West
5 books47 followersAmelie West is an author and fiction editor from Toronto, Canada, who crafts dark, atmospheric gothic mysteries featuring strong, complex heroines. She draws inspiration from authors like Simone St. James, Deanna Raybourn, and Ava Reid. When she isn’t lost in her latest manuscript, Amelie can be found wandering old bookstores or enjoying the company of her two loyal companions—a French bulldog and a pug mix.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
🥀Gothic Castle in Transylvania
🩸Dracula Retelling
💍Arranged Marriage
😱Psychological Thriller Elements
I finished this in an afternoon and was wholly engaged and loved the atmospherics! Our Mina may seem a bit more fragile at first but I can tell she will be empowered as the story continues. I could identify with her, with being sucked in by her mysterious and seemingly gentle new husband.
But not everything is as it seems. And the darkness hides secrets and shadows and we begin to wonder along with her if her sanity is wavering. This isn't focused too much on the romance (not in the same way the 1992 Coppola film was) but that's also because there's some original turns to this one! I wasn't sure I'd like the direction to be honest but as the book introduced Van Helsing...color me intrigued by this gruff, smart, capable version! I'm very much piqued by his and Mina's dynamic.I love him already haha.
The pacing was spot on, just wish i didnt have to wait for what's to come (would rather it be one larger, longer book because I have quite a few questions about Dracula, Van Helsing, back story etc)! There are similarities with Bram Stoker's Dracula (and some Jane Eyre) here for sure, but stick with it because there are some surprises towards the end as we lean into incoming book two!
🌶
🥀Gothic Castle in Transylvania
🩸Dracula Retelling
💍Arranged Marriage
😱Psychological Thriller Elements
I finished this in an afternoon and was wholly engaged and loved the atmospherics! Our Mina may seem a bit more fragile at first but I can tell she will be empowered as the story continues. I could identify with her, with being sucked in by her mysterious and seemingly gentle new husband.
But not everything is as it seems. And the darkness hides secrets and shadows and we begin to wonder along with her if her sanity is wavering. This isn't focused too much on the romance (not in the same way the 1992 Coppola film was) but that's also because there's some original turns to this one! I wasn't sure I'd like the direction to be honest but as the book introduced Van Helsing...color me intrigued by this gruff, smart, capable version! I'm very much piqued by his and Mina's dynamic.I love him already haha.
The pacing was spot on, just wish i didnt have to wait for what's to come (would rather it be one larger, longer book because I have quite a few questions about Dracula, Van Helsing, back story etc)! There are similarities with Bram Stoker's Dracula (and some Jane Eyre) here for sure, but stick with it because there are some surprises towards the end as we lean into incoming book two!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book; this does not influence my review.
It’s hard to write a review for this book without spoilers, so I’ve tried to be as vague as possible.
I have never read Dracula or anything related to Van Helsing or Mina Murray; I’ve only heard bits in passing, so I went into this book pretty blind, and I was very impressed. The author focuses on Mina and her duty as a woman in the 19th century: giving up her job and entire life to move to another country to marry a man her father had bid her to. We follow her as she makes discoveries about the castle she stays in and the Count she married. I loved how, as the story progresses, Mina learns to stand up for herself and stop avoiding the questions she wants answered. By the end of the book, she is no longer using niceties to keep the men in her life happy, and I was rooting for her.
The book ends on an excellent cliffhanger, one that made me want more, but not so much that I felt frustrated when the story ended. I do hope we learn more about Renfield and Van Helsing in book two, as they are interesting characters, and unfortunately, we did not learn much about them in book one.
It’s hard to write a review for this book without spoilers, so I’ve tried to be as vague as possible.
I have never read Dracula or anything related to Van Helsing or Mina Murray; I’ve only heard bits in passing, so I went into this book pretty blind, and I was very impressed. The author focuses on Mina and her duty as a woman in the 19th century: giving up her job and entire life to move to another country to marry a man her father had bid her to. We follow her as she makes discoveries about the castle she stays in and the Count she married. I loved how, as the story progresses, Mina learns to stand up for herself and stop avoiding the questions she wants answered. By the end of the book, she is no longer using niceties to keep the men in her life happy, and I was rooting for her.
The book ends on an excellent cliffhanger, one that made me want more, but not so much that I felt frustrated when the story ended. I do hope we learn more about Renfield and Van Helsing in book two, as they are interesting characters, and unfortunately, we did not learn much about them in book one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As Mina journey to the truth unfolds with each page there is also an atmospheric feel of impending doom and dread. This book is a retelling of the classic story of Dracula with a twist.
Wilhemina (Mina), a young woman that is a school teacher in London. She has made a path for herself with a career that she loves teaching and expanding the young minds of the students she teaches. Then her father passes away. They haven’t had the best relationship due to his addiction but nonetheless she did the best she could. She is forced to uproot her life to take residence with her Husband, Count Dracula. She knows nothing of this man or his intentions.
I definitely love the retelling of the classic story of Dracula no character was left out. You definitely feel Mina’s emotions and her slowly coming to the realization something is wrong with her husband and why the castle she lives in is full of horror and locked doors. The pacing is perfect I cannot wait to read book 2.
Thank you Amelia, for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Wilhemina (Mina), a young woman that is a school teacher in London. She has made a path for herself with a career that she loves teaching and expanding the young minds of the students she teaches. Then her father passes away. They haven’t had the best relationship due to his addiction but nonetheless she did the best she could. She is forced to uproot her life to take residence with her Husband, Count Dracula. She knows nothing of this man or his intentions.
I definitely love the retelling of the classic story of Dracula no character was left out. You definitely feel Mina’s emotions and her slowly coming to the realization something is wrong with her husband and why the castle she lives in is full of horror and locked doors. The pacing is perfect I cannot wait to read book 2.
Thank you Amelia, for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The firs thing I must say is that I, myself, love Dracula. And by that I mean it is obssessive: I own eight copies of the book, (including a highly exclusive edition with only 5k of them printed), an expensive Castle Dracula lego and quite the assortmen of funkos. It is known that I am a hardcore fan, and if bats of Dracula come up with my friends aroun they all turn to look at me so we have that.
Did I devour this? Yes. Am I a tad bit too purist in terms of the canon to love some creative liberties taken? Also yes, but it works (even if it hurts my poor fangirl heart).
I won't say much about the plot, which fairly ressembles the original source, but I will, however, say that I will forever remember the Count speaking about how he was born to conquer. All that being said, I'm no curious about how it will all end in book 2, so count me (lame ass pun, I know, but it is in my nature to always make it) in for part 2 as soon as it drops.
Did I devour this? Yes. Am I a tad bit too purist in terms of the canon to love some creative liberties taken? Also yes, but it works (even if it hurts my poor fangirl heart).
I won't say much about the plot, which fairly ressembles the original source, but I will, however, say that I will forever remember the Count speaking about how he was born to conquer. All that being said, I'm no curious about how it will all end in book 2, so count me (lame ass pun, I know, but it is in my nature to always make it) in for part 2 as soon as it drops.
January 2, 2026
This book was an incredible way to start 2026.
The pacing of the story was slow—in the best, classic gothic way. Every detail of the locations and characters felt intentional and immersive, lending an eerie, atmospheric quality to the novel. From the gloomy, fog-soaked streets of London to the unforgiving winters of Transylvania, the setting felt like a character in its own right. I often found myself clutching my kindle, completely absorbed, eager and slightly anxious to see what would happen next.
There’s a constant sense of tension and unease simmering beneath the surface, paired with moments of quiet beauty and emotional depth. The characters were layered and compelling, and the unfolding mystery kept me invested from start to finish.
If you enjoy gothic fiction with rich world-building, deliberate pacing, and an atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve put the book down, Midnight Covenant is absolutely worth picking up. I loved every minute of it. 💜
The pacing of the story was slow—in the best, classic gothic way. Every detail of the locations and characters felt intentional and immersive, lending an eerie, atmospheric quality to the novel. From the gloomy, fog-soaked streets of London to the unforgiving winters of Transylvania, the setting felt like a character in its own right. I often found myself clutching my kindle, completely absorbed, eager and slightly anxious to see what would happen next.
There’s a constant sense of tension and unease simmering beneath the surface, paired with moments of quiet beauty and emotional depth. The characters were layered and compelling, and the unfolding mystery kept me invested from start to finish.
If you enjoy gothic fiction with rich world-building, deliberate pacing, and an atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve put the book down, Midnight Covenant is absolutely worth picking up. I loved every minute of it. 💜
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Atmospheric and tense! If you're a sucker (pun intended) for Dracula you should definitely read this retelling. What if Mina was the one to go to Castle Dracula instead of Jonathan?
West does a fantastic job at setting the mood and scene without being superflous. I could easily visualize all the classic moments in the journey and Mina's adventure through the castle. The mystery West adds is enough to keep you reading even when you know the original story of Dracula. Every movement through the castle I was on the edge of my seat wondering what Mina would run into!
For bonus vibes put on some gothic castle piano/strings music while you read. You won't be disappointed.
Very fun and refreshing and a must read! I can't wait for the conclusion of this duology!
Thank you to Victory Editing for providing this ARC
West does a fantastic job at setting the mood and scene without being superflous. I could easily visualize all the classic moments in the journey and Mina's adventure through the castle. The mystery West adds is enough to keep you reading even when you know the original story of Dracula. Every movement through the castle I was on the edge of my seat wondering what Mina would run into!
For bonus vibes put on some gothic castle piano/strings music while you read. You won't be disappointed.
Very fun and refreshing and a must read! I can't wait for the conclusion of this duology!
Thank you to Victory Editing for providing this ARC
January 1, 2026
Finished just in time to be done before the new year! Amazing read! I feel so lucky to have gotten an ARC of this one. Dracula is one of my most favourite books ever and I’ve read a few retellings over the years but this one, OMG. Told mainly from the perspective of Mina, instead of being engaged/married to Jonathan Harker, she’s been sold into marriage to Count Dracula, a man she’s never met. She leaves everything behind, her job, her loved ones, her country. The count is kind and caring towards her but so secretive, disappearing for days at a time, leaving her completely isolated in the castle. So of course like any woman left to her own devices would do, she gets into mischief and starts to uncover his secrets.
Amelie has incredible talent making scenes feel so creepy they give you goosebumps. I LOVE it. I’m so looking forward to the next book!
Amelie has incredible talent making scenes feel so creepy they give you goosebumps. I LOVE it. I’m so looking forward to the next book!
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January 1, 2026I absolutely love Dracula and the lore that surrounds him. I read Beam Strokes Dracula in 2010 and have read or watched just about extending that mentions his name or similar lore. The Midnight Covenant by Amelie West is a reimagining that is almost a perfect match to the original.
We have all the same players: the Count, Jonathan Harker, Mina, the brides, Lucy, Renefield and the doctor. I'm also glad to see Van Helsing in this book. This book was also refreshing due to its lack of smut. I was recently talking to a co-worker about smut books and how they lack eloquent ways to discuss coitus.
I am very excited to read the second book and find out how this story ends, although I have a few guesses.
We have all the same players: the Count, Jonathan Harker, Mina, the brides, Lucy, Renefield and the doctor. I'm also glad to see Van Helsing in this book. This book was also refreshing due to its lack of smut. I was recently talking to a co-worker about smut books and how they lack eloquent ways to discuss coitus.
I am very excited to read the second book and find out how this story ends, although I have a few guesses.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🦇Do you like Dracula? 🦇
Midnight Covenant is book one in the Cursed in Crimson duology, a reimagining of Dracula by Amelie West.
In this story you'll find historical suspense meets gothic fantasy. We follow Mina as she's left in a surprise arranged marriage to a mysterious nobleman who lives in an isolated castle deep in Transylvania. This marriage turns into something she never could've imagined.
This book wasn't as gripping as I was hoping it would be. The reimagining was very subtle (in my opinion) but I also want to wait for book two to really decide if this is, in fact, a slow burn, because if my theories are correct then honestly there was zero crumb of a burn until the last maybe 20% of the book.
The story itself was good enough for me to keep reading though and if you like the many different retelling of Dracula, youre bound to enjoy this one as well ✨
Midnight Covenant is book one in the Cursed in Crimson duology, a reimagining of Dracula by Amelie West.
In this story you'll find historical suspense meets gothic fantasy. We follow Mina as she's left in a surprise arranged marriage to a mysterious nobleman who lives in an isolated castle deep in Transylvania. This marriage turns into something she never could've imagined.
This book wasn't as gripping as I was hoping it would be. The reimagining was very subtle (in my opinion) but I also want to wait for book two to really decide if this is, in fact, a slow burn, because if my theories are correct then honestly there was zero crumb of a burn until the last maybe 20% of the book.
The story itself was good enough for me to keep reading though and if you like the many different retelling of Dracula, youre bound to enjoy this one as well ✨
December 29, 2025
The first book in the Cursed in Crimson series, starts out very similar to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. However, this is from Mina’s point of view and retold as her being in the castle straight away. It’s a beautiful, dark gothic horror. It psychologically tests you. Wondering if events happened or if they were all Mina’s head. The author paints a very creepy atmosphere and you feel immersed in it. Like you are in the settings watching it happen. A refreshing take on a classic tale!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book! All thoughts are my own.
I LOVE Dracula retellings. Dracula is one of my favorite gothic horror books of all time. I love the way the author took inspiration and put her own spin on it. The arranged marriage to the count was really interesting. The book is mysterious and has you wondering what’ll happen next. I enjoyed the writing and the gothic vibes that she painted. I look forward to more from this author!
I LOVE Dracula retellings. Dracula is one of my favorite gothic horror books of all time. I love the way the author took inspiration and put her own spin on it. The arranged marriage to the count was really interesting. The book is mysterious and has you wondering what’ll happen next. I enjoyed the writing and the gothic vibes that she painted. I look forward to more from this author!
December 28, 2025
This is a well written fairytale retelling. This book follows Mina as she is forced into an arranged marriage with Dracula. I appreciated that the book wasn’t overly long. It is just the right length for the story that is contained with in it. It has a slow suspenseful build that finishes with an appearance of Van Helsing. It also sets the reader up nicely for book 2 in this duology.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mina takes center stage in this gothic reimagining of Dracula, and I absolutely loved it. The writing captures the atmosphere and tone of the original classic, which I thought was impressive. If you love Dracula but have always wanted more Mina and less of the men, this is definitely one you should pick up. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to arc read and share my thoughts about this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was okay. It didn’t meet my high expectations and I kinda of was disappointed. It felt more like a drama story. I wish there was more character development on Dracula. It was overwhelming. Overall, I did enjoy a little bit of the story.
December 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book! Anything with Dracula or vampires period and I’m for it. I think this is an intriguing take on retelling the classic story and I’m ready to read book two!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews