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Lady Slayers #1
Blood Countess
A historical YA horror novel based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula
In 16th century Hungary, Anna Darvulia has just begun working as a scullery maid for the young and glamorous Countess Elizabeth Báthory. When Elizabeth takes a liking to Anna, she’s vaulted to the dream role of chambermaid, a far cry from the filthy servants’ quarters below. She receives wages generous enough to provide for her family, and the Countess begins to groom Anna as her friend and confidante. It’s not long before Anna falls completely under the Countess’s spell—and the Countess takes full advantage. Isolated from her former friends, family, and fiancé, Anna realizes she’s not a friend but a prisoner of the increasingly cruel Elizabeth. Then come the murders, and Anna knows it’s only a matter of time before the Blood Countess turns on her, too.
In 16th century Hungary, Anna Darvulia has just begun working as a scullery maid for the young and glamorous Countess Elizabeth Báthory. When Elizabeth takes a liking to Anna, she’s vaulted to the dream role of chambermaid, a far cry from the filthy servants’ quarters below. She receives wages generous enough to provide for her family, and the Countess begins to groom Anna as her friend and confidante. It’s not long before Anna falls completely under the Countess’s spell—and the Countess takes full advantage. Isolated from her former friends, family, and fiancé, Anna realizes she’s not a friend but a prisoner of the increasingly cruel Elizabeth. Then come the murders, and Anna knows it’s only a matter of time before the Blood Countess turns on her, too.
293 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2020
108 people are currently reading
16026 people want to read
About the author
Lana Popović
9 books742 followersLana Popović's debut YA contemporary fantasy, WICKED LIKE A WILDFIRE, was published by Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins in August 2017. Lana studied psychology and literature at Yale University, and law at Boston University. She is a graduate of the Emerson College Publishing and Writing program and works as a literary agent with Chalberg & Sussman, specializing in YA.
She lives in Boston, subsisting largely on cake, gimlets, and eyeliner.
She lives in Boston, subsisting largely on cake, gimlets, and eyeliner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 711 reviews
November 26, 2021
Did somebody say “a dark horror book based on Elizabeth Bathory a.k.a. “Blood Countess”? And I’m not dreaming right? This book is on my shelf! My fairy God mothers a.k.a. Amazing NetGalley crew left this special gift for me! (My second favorite fairy godmothers! First one is always Olivia Colman from Fleabag!) So what am I waiting for? Get your hands on it and start flipping pages!
I literally danced in the street, singing theme song. And I got a ticket from a police officer (he didn’t get jealous off my signature dance moves! I crossed the street at the red light, when I was dancing and he didn’t buy my act that I was tourist and I didn’t know where I am! )
So I excitedly began reading but unfortunately I found out this is another Switzerland book for me. But my “I didn’t like it but I also I didn’t hate it” definition about Switzerland kind of staying in the middle stars system worked differently. Because at the beginning I loved the book and first half of it really worked well for me but then pace slowed down and story got dull, long, boring, kept repeated itself. And the ending didn’t reflect the real life events so conclusion of the story was a little dissatisfying for me. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t truly enjoy it, too. So I recently fell out love from the book and sighed slowly because I was expecting so much more.
What I liked most:
Characterization and writing:
In the late 16th century, we’re firstly introduced Anna Darvulia, a talented healer, living in a Hungary village, inherited her skill from her mother, knows how to tend to the ill herbs. Her gift attracted the attention of notorious Countess Bathory. So Anna starts to work for Countess as a maid, sleeping with the rats and spiders and then promoted to be a chambermaid.
I loved the naiveness and determination of Anna who is trying so hard to bring out the humanity and goodness the countess hid. But she chose an impossible task because she is a golden hearted lamb dealing with a vicious, dangerous, manipulative wolf, a real serial killer of the history. As she gets closer to the countess, Anna finally realizes she cannot find any concrete excuses for the countess’ cruelty.
The depiction of a killer’s psychology and her unbalanced, devious motives are impeccably told.
What I didn’t like:
Thee entire half of the book seemed like written by another writer because the pace got slower and repeating sequences bored me to death and forced me take a few nap breaks. The story seemed like going nowhere and of course predictable, not so surprising conclusion made me disappointed.
As a summary: I loved to read more books of the author and I wished this story could fit with my expectations but naturally it didn’t!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Kids/ Amulet Books to share this ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.
I literally danced in the street, singing theme song. And I got a ticket from a police officer (he didn’t get jealous off my signature dance moves! I crossed the street at the red light, when I was dancing and he didn’t buy my act that I was tourist and I didn’t know where I am! )
So I excitedly began reading but unfortunately I found out this is another Switzerland book for me. But my “I didn’t like it but I also I didn’t hate it” definition about Switzerland kind of staying in the middle stars system worked differently. Because at the beginning I loved the book and first half of it really worked well for me but then pace slowed down and story got dull, long, boring, kept repeated itself. And the ending didn’t reflect the real life events so conclusion of the story was a little dissatisfying for me. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t truly enjoy it, too. So I recently fell out love from the book and sighed slowly because I was expecting so much more.
What I liked most:
Characterization and writing:
In the late 16th century, we’re firstly introduced Anna Darvulia, a talented healer, living in a Hungary village, inherited her skill from her mother, knows how to tend to the ill herbs. Her gift attracted the attention of notorious Countess Bathory. So Anna starts to work for Countess as a maid, sleeping with the rats and spiders and then promoted to be a chambermaid.
I loved the naiveness and determination of Anna who is trying so hard to bring out the humanity and goodness the countess hid. But she chose an impossible task because she is a golden hearted lamb dealing with a vicious, dangerous, manipulative wolf, a real serial killer of the history. As she gets closer to the countess, Anna finally realizes she cannot find any concrete excuses for the countess’ cruelty.
The depiction of a killer’s psychology and her unbalanced, devious motives are impeccably told.
What I didn’t like:
Thee entire half of the book seemed like written by another writer because the pace got slower and repeating sequences bored me to death and forced me take a few nap breaks. The story seemed like going nowhere and of course predictable, not so surprising conclusion made me disappointed.
As a summary: I loved to read more books of the author and I wished this story could fit with my expectations but naturally it didn’t!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Kids/ Amulet Books to share this ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.
Want to read
December 5, 2019THIS IS GAY. ALERT ALERT THIS IS F/F. WOW THE GAYS STAY WINNING.
June 27, 2023
When young healer, Anna Darvulia, gets summoned in the depths of the night to attend to the Countess Elizabeth Bathory, she learns a dark secret she promises to keep.
In turn, she earns the favor of the Countess, a woman she greatly admires.
Although the Countess Bathory seems a tad dangerous, she is also glamorous and powerful. A combination Anna finds irresistible.
Before long, due to a strong first impression, Anna is summoned by the Countess again. This time she is asked to go and live in the castle as one of Bathory's scullery maids.
Once there, Anna's relationship with Elizabeth continues to blossom. Ultimately, Anna is promoted to a chambermaid position, a huge honor.
When the relationship turns romantic, Anna begins to be swayed to do things for Elizabeth that she would never have thought herself capable of.
The Countess is cruel and hot-headed, but Anna sometimes has a hard time recognizing those flaws. In Elizabeth's never ending search for vitality however, she goes too far, and Anna finally sees her for who, or what, she truly is.
This book was okay, but it was not what I expected it to be. While I feel I was pitched a YA Horror novel, what I actually got was straight YA Romantic Historical Fiction.
I definitely wouldn't classify this as a Horror story. If that is what you are looking for, you may want to look elsewhere.
The writing was pleasing, but very, very slow.
I kept waiting for something big to happen and it just never did. There was nothing mysterious, suspenseful or haunting.
It felt like a love story gone wrong. Anna fell in love with the wrong person, end of story.
Of course we all know Elizabeth Bathory was insane, so nothing really new or surprising there.
I don't know. I think if I had gone into this, thinking Gothic Historical Fiction, as opposed to Horror, I may have been less disappointed.
It's not a bad book, it was just too slow for me and I ended up losing interest.
I think this would be a great place for younger readers to start who are looking to get into darker works of fiction, however.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Amulet Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity!
In turn, she earns the favor of the Countess, a woman she greatly admires.
Although the Countess Bathory seems a tad dangerous, she is also glamorous and powerful. A combination Anna finds irresistible.
Before long, due to a strong first impression, Anna is summoned by the Countess again. This time she is asked to go and live in the castle as one of Bathory's scullery maids.
Once there, Anna's relationship with Elizabeth continues to blossom. Ultimately, Anna is promoted to a chambermaid position, a huge honor.
When the relationship turns romantic, Anna begins to be swayed to do things for Elizabeth that she would never have thought herself capable of.
The Countess is cruel and hot-headed, but Anna sometimes has a hard time recognizing those flaws. In Elizabeth's never ending search for vitality however, she goes too far, and Anna finally sees her for who, or what, she truly is.
This book was okay, but it was not what I expected it to be. While I feel I was pitched a YA Horror novel, what I actually got was straight YA Romantic Historical Fiction.
I definitely wouldn't classify this as a Horror story. If that is what you are looking for, you may want to look elsewhere.
The writing was pleasing, but very, very slow.
I kept waiting for something big to happen and it just never did. There was nothing mysterious, suspenseful or haunting.
It felt like a love story gone wrong. Anna fell in love with the wrong person, end of story.
Of course we all know Elizabeth Bathory was insane, so nothing really new or surprising there.
I don't know. I think if I had gone into this, thinking Gothic Historical Fiction, as opposed to Horror, I may have been less disappointed.
It's not a bad book, it was just too slow for me and I ended up losing interest.
I think this would be a great place for younger readers to start who are looking to get into darker works of fiction, however.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Amulet Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity!
April 3, 2023
4.5
what’s up with all the low ratings do yall not enjoy murder and satanic lesbian behaviour?
what’s up with all the low ratings do yall not enjoy murder and satanic lesbian behaviour?
July 20, 2020
Not as bloody as anticipated but nonetheless scintillating and strange. Popović explores the famed Countess Bathory, whose lust for blood and youth is infamous, through the eyes of her pliable yet defiant chambermaid. Titillating and terrifying in equal measure.
Eagerly anticipating the next book in the Lady Slayers series, Poison Priestess, due for publication in early 2021.
Eagerly anticipating the next book in the Lady Slayers series, Poison Priestess, due for publication in early 2021.
Want to read
October 23, 2019oh my god, 13 year old me, who was so obsessed with elizabath bathory she wrote an entire report on her for english class (a report that landed her in the guidance counselor's office) is so excited right now
February 16, 2023
This was good but I truly thought it was going to be about a vampire 🫠
The affair and treachery between Anna and the countess was magnificent. It’s Dark twisted and a page turner. Would recommend.
The affair and treachery between Anna and the countess was magnificent. It’s Dark twisted and a page turner. Would recommend.
August 11, 2021
Blood Countess by Lana Popović is the first book in the young adult historical horror fantasy Lady Slayers series. This novel is based off the real life Countess Elizabeth Baathory who was the inspiration for Countess Dracula told from the point of view of her maid. While this is a horror fantasy series each of the books are about different characters in history so it seems that they could be read as standalones if choosing to do so but I’ve only read the first book so I can’t say for sure.
Anna Darvulia was training to be a midwife and healer but then tragedy strikes her family that forces Anna to give up her healing. Anna takes a job as a scullery maid instead working for the Countess Elizabeth Bathory. Before long Anna earns her way in the countess’ trust and moves up rank to her chambermaid where she finds herself falling under the spell of Countess Elizabeth and becoming her confidant.
Blood Countess for me was the type of book that started off strong but didn’t quite hold that all the way through. I wondered if perhaps the pace seemed to slow down for me after a while because this one wasn’t quite as bloody and horrific as it sounded like it would be and seemed to focus more on the relationship and also got a little repetitive in the middle. I ended up landing on three and a half stars for this opener of the series, I enjoyed it more than I thought but wish the pace had kept up as well as the beginning felt all throughout the book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Anna Darvulia was training to be a midwife and healer but then tragedy strikes her family that forces Anna to give up her healing. Anna takes a job as a scullery maid instead working for the Countess Elizabeth Bathory. Before long Anna earns her way in the countess’ trust and moves up rank to her chambermaid where she finds herself falling under the spell of Countess Elizabeth and becoming her confidant.
Blood Countess for me was the type of book that started off strong but didn’t quite hold that all the way through. I wondered if perhaps the pace seemed to slow down for me after a while because this one wasn’t quite as bloody and horrific as it sounded like it would be and seemed to focus more on the relationship and also got a little repetitive in the middle. I ended up landing on three and a half stars for this opener of the series, I enjoyed it more than I thought but wish the pace had kept up as well as the beginning felt all throughout the book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 25, 2019
I feel like I kept waiting for something big to happen, and it never really did. About halfway through, I thought maybe, but it just kind of "blahed" out. I know this is YA book, but I was expecting more gore, more suspense, more of everything. Decent read
January 29, 2020
2.25/5
- the synopsis is soooo interesting .. the contents .. not so much
- Guys this is boring
- I’m sure you could dig deep, be introspective, and have a whirl with this but just on paper .. I got nothing
- This is also bc I couldn’t for the life of me get invested in anything about this
- I think a lot of people’s expectations for this are a seductively dark sapphic story and it just isn’t (for me)
- the synopsis is soooo interesting .. the contents .. not so much
- Guys this is boring
- I’m sure you could dig deep, be introspective, and have a whirl with this but just on paper .. I got nothing
- This is also bc I couldn’t for the life of me get invested in anything about this
- I think a lot of people’s expectations for this are a seductively dark sapphic story and it just isn’t (for me)
November 10, 2019
This book just really worked for me from start to finish. It was creepy and tense and sexy and dark, and most importantly (to me) well told. I've always been fascinated by Elizabeth Bathory but even so, I couldn't tell exactly where this book was going and that meant the tension pulled me along at a break-neck pace, straight through heaps of sinister atmosphere.
If you don't like reading about moral ambiguity, people doing bad things, people making bad decisions, then you probably won't like this. Lucky for me, that's the sort of book I can't get enough of.
Like a creepy historical YOU, tinted with shades of Jacqueline Carey.
A perfect fall read
If you don't like reading about moral ambiguity, people doing bad things, people making bad decisions, then you probably won't like this. Lucky for me, that's the sort of book I can't get enough of.
Like a creepy historical YOU, tinted with shades of Jacqueline Carey.
A perfect fall read
January 19, 2020
Oh the depravity. The wickedness. The gruesome acts of violence. This was quite a bloody read and I enjoyed each page.
January 14, 2020
★ true rating: 3.5 stars ★
★ I received an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ★
This story is darkkkk, but very intriguing - and started out really strong! I LOVED the MC Anna’s storyline with her family and apprenticeship under her mother as a midwife and healer. From there tragedy strikes Anna’s family and she winds up working as a scullery maid under the Countess Elizabeth. The Countess was really intriguing and layered, and the budding relationship between the two was really interesting and unique. The two characters are extremely well written and their relationship is beautifully tragic. I also enjoyed the nature vs. nurture aspect of the Countess’ cruelty and the dilemma Anna had to face when coming to terms with the Countess’ true nature. However, towards the second half of the book, the plot simmers down and becomes very bleak. Anna begins to let herself be manipulated by the Countess, even though she had a strong, clear mind through the first half of the book. The scullery maids, having turned on Anna, continue to loath her and call her a witch even after she helps them and tries to protect them. I was hoping for Anna to wake up, and for the maids to join her in taking down the Countess, especially Krisztina or Ilona. However, Anna stands by for much too long and there is no reconciliation between her and the other girls. The ending was good, I just think the climax and resolution could have been more satisfying.
★ I received an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ★
This story is darkkkk, but very intriguing - and started out really strong! I LOVED the MC Anna’s storyline with her family and apprenticeship under her mother as a midwife and healer. From there tragedy strikes Anna’s family and she winds up working as a scullery maid under the Countess Elizabeth. The Countess was really intriguing and layered, and the budding relationship between the two was really interesting and unique. The two characters are extremely well written and their relationship is beautifully tragic. I also enjoyed the nature vs. nurture aspect of the Countess’ cruelty and the dilemma Anna had to face when coming to terms with the Countess’ true nature. However, towards the second half of the book, the plot simmers down and becomes very bleak. Anna begins to let herself be manipulated by the Countess, even though she had a strong, clear mind through the first half of the book. The scullery maids, having turned on Anna, continue to loath her and call her a witch even after she helps them and tries to protect them. I was hoping for Anna to wake up, and for the maids to join her in taking down the Countess, especially Krisztina or Ilona. However, Anna stands by for much too long and there is no reconciliation between her and the other girls. The ending was good, I just think the climax and resolution could have been more satisfying.
October 12, 2020
Look the main character who narrates this book is not a hero. I don't even know what else to say. The book doesn't develop anyone very well. The flow was awful. You keep just reading about torture after a while and the book just drags. The ending we got also doesn't work.
"Blood Countess" is a YA re-telling of Countess Elizabeth Báthory. Some readers may know this name. Many out there claims she was the inspiration for Dracula. I thought this book sounded like an interesting re-telling of the countess, but it just flounders from beginning to end. Probably because the main character, Anna Darvulia is terrible, but honestly doesn't see it. And I think that Popovic wants you to have sympathy for her...but man by the end of this book I was over it. I don't know how many people are going to want to read this and cheer on Anna, but based on the reviews, not many.
Anna, assists her mother, the town mid-wife when she can. When Anna comes across the Countess on her wedding day, Anna has a strange sensation that the Countess can see into her. Three years pass and Anna is older, but doing what she can to help feed her family due to her father drinking up all they have. When the Countess calls upon Anna one day to help out someone close to her, Anna does, and then is favored by the Countess. When the Countess offers Anna a job as her chambermaid, Anna realizes this may be what her family needs to keep them fed. The book follows Anna as she goes and stays with the Countess and realizes that her initial impression of a woman that is cowed, but not broken by her abusive husband, may not be true.
Popovic changes things here and there, but some of the names in this book stay the same. For example, the Countess's husband's name is the same. Though Popovic changes how many children the Countess has. She also at times I think makes this book feel a bit more modern at times. I mean the book is supposed to take place in 16th century Hungary. We hear a lot about baths the Countess is taking every morning. Would that be something that even nobility would be doing back then?
Anna is actually pretty terrible. I won't get into much on her, but naive isn't the word. She is cruel too, but blind to it I thought.
The other characters are not developed well. We have Anna's childhood best friend whose default setting is must do whatever he can to help Anna and forget about what he wants and needs. The chambermaids and scullery maids that Anna meets in the castle are hard to recall after a while. I kept getting people confused here and there.
The writing gets repetitive after Anna goes to the castle. The flow gets worse too.
The ending made not a bit of sense I thought and it just felt very anti-climatic at that point. If you are going to do a retelling Popovic could have changed things up wildly if she wanted. I don't know if it would have helped the story though.
"Blood Countess" is a YA re-telling of Countess Elizabeth Báthory. Some readers may know this name. Many out there claims she was the inspiration for Dracula. I thought this book sounded like an interesting re-telling of the countess, but it just flounders from beginning to end. Probably because the main character, Anna Darvulia is terrible, but honestly doesn't see it. And I think that Popovic wants you to have sympathy for her...but man by the end of this book I was over it. I don't know how many people are going to want to read this and cheer on Anna, but based on the reviews, not many.
Anna, assists her mother, the town mid-wife when she can. When Anna comes across the Countess on her wedding day, Anna has a strange sensation that the Countess can see into her. Three years pass and Anna is older, but doing what she can to help feed her family due to her father drinking up all they have. When the Countess calls upon Anna one day to help out someone close to her, Anna does, and then is favored by the Countess. When the Countess offers Anna a job as her chambermaid, Anna realizes this may be what her family needs to keep them fed. The book follows Anna as she goes and stays with the Countess and realizes that her initial impression of a woman that is cowed, but not broken by her abusive husband, may not be true.
Popovic changes things here and there, but some of the names in this book stay the same. For example, the Countess's husband's name is the same. Though Popovic changes how many children the Countess has. She also at times I think makes this book feel a bit more modern at times. I mean the book is supposed to take place in 16th century Hungary. We hear a lot about baths the Countess is taking every morning. Would that be something that even nobility would be doing back then?
Anna is actually pretty terrible. I won't get into much on her, but naive isn't the word. She is cruel too, but blind to it I thought.
The other characters are not developed well. We have Anna's childhood best friend whose default setting is must do whatever he can to help Anna and forget about what he wants and needs. The chambermaids and scullery maids that Anna meets in the castle are hard to recall after a while. I kept getting people confused here and there.
The writing gets repetitive after Anna goes to the castle. The flow gets worse too.
The ending made not a bit of sense I thought and it just felt very anti-climatic at that point. If you are going to do a retelling Popovic could have changed things up wildly if she wanted. I don't know if it would have helped the story though.
October 29, 2019
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was honestly really excited to dive into Blood Countess. It was interesting in the beginning, but then I slowly started to lose my interest in it. In this book, you will meet Anna Darvulia. She lives in Hungary as a healer of sorts. On her way home one day, after saving a little kitten from being tortured, she runs into the new Countess - Elizabeth. From this one moment, her life was forever changed.
Okay so I had high hopes on this book. I know, I know, I shouldn't do that to myself before diving into anything but I did. I was really psyched to read about the Countess Dracula. However, what I got was boredom. Not a lot happened in this book until the end. Yeah, people feared Elizabeth and at one point Anna is under her spell because she feels "loved". Yet, not a lot happened.
So and that's about it. Even the ending was a smidge predictable because you just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. In the end, I really wanted to enjoy this from start to finish BUT I just wanted this whole thing to end. The last chapter was okay but not a complete shock either.
I was honestly really excited to dive into Blood Countess. It was interesting in the beginning, but then I slowly started to lose my interest in it. In this book, you will meet Anna Darvulia. She lives in Hungary as a healer of sorts. On her way home one day, after saving a little kitten from being tortured, she runs into the new Countess - Elizabeth. From this one moment, her life was forever changed.
Okay so I had high hopes on this book. I know, I know, I shouldn't do that to myself before diving into anything but I did. I was really psyched to read about the Countess Dracula. However, what I got was boredom. Not a lot happened in this book until the end. Yeah, people feared Elizabeth and at one point Anna is under her spell because she feels "loved". Yet, not a lot happened.
So and that's about it. Even the ending was a smidge predictable because you just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. In the end, I really wanted to enjoy this from start to finish BUT I just wanted this whole thing to end. The last chapter was okay but not a complete shock either.
February 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this fascinating Historical Fiction 17th century Young Adult read about the infamous countess Dracula Elizabeth Bathory. The story was written well that describes in rich detail the horrific things that Elizabeth has cruelly done to people for the sake of her youth and beauty. You cannot help but also empathize with her as early in her life Elizabeth can be a generous and kind person especially to Anna and her family. But we know that in years to come you see the awful transformation of what Elizabeth has truly become. The writing was exquisite and the writing really transforms the reader into that time in 17th century Hungary. I recommend this to fans of Bathory, Young Adult reads and horror genres.
January 5, 2020
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Blood Countess by Lana Popovic is a YA horror novel about Elizabeth Bathory, aka history's Blood Countess. Honestly, that's entirely what sold me. I was really into the first perhaps fifty percent of the novel, especially as we meet and follow Anna's journey - and yes, she does some awful things to get what she wants. The second half though became quite boring. I suppose I was expecting more in terms of horror, blood, and guts than we ended up getting considering that Elizabeth Bathory was a real life mass murderer and probably an inspiration for Dracula along with Vlad the Impaler. Either way, the story is probably not best for the squeamish.
Blood Countess by Lana Popovic is a YA horror novel about Elizabeth Bathory, aka history's Blood Countess. Honestly, that's entirely what sold me. I was really into the first perhaps fifty percent of the novel, especially as we meet and follow Anna's journey - and yes, she does some awful things to get what she wants. The second half though became quite boring. I suppose I was expecting more in terms of horror, blood, and guts than we ended up getting considering that Elizabeth Bathory was a real life mass murderer and probably an inspiration for Dracula along with Vlad the Impaler. Either way, the story is probably not best for the squeamish.
March 5, 2020
Original, bold and bloody brilliant. I was on the fence about reading this one so I was surprised to like it so much. The story keeps moving, and the world building makes you feel like you're right there in it. I enjoyed the writing overall; sometimes it was great, other times it muddled the context. The Countess was horribly infuriating and I really felt bad for the characters. Jump over the fence and read this one!
November 26, 2020
i want more...
February 26, 2020
I was so excited to read this book because back in the day I knew quite a lot of things about the Countess Elizabeth Bathory, and seeing a book that was based on that particular historical figure sounded actually pretty amazing, so I knew I had to read it. Overall, I enjoyed it and it was okay. I expected so much more and felt a bit let down, but it’s true that it was a very fast paced story.
The thing about Blood Countess was that it had a very powerful start but as I continued reading it I became a bit less engaged with the story. I think that if you’re not familiar with Elizabeth Bathory’s story you might have a fair picture of who she was by the end of the story, but it didn’t add anything new. I liked some of the things that were happening, and there were parts where I found myself loving the direction the plot was going, but there was something about it (and I can’t point my finger on it) that felt a bit underdeveloped.
When it comes to the characters, I have to say I don’t have any strong opinion towards any of them. I enjoyed Elizabeth’s ARC throughout the story, and how different of an antagonist she was, but still she was a very strong lead with an engaging personality. I also liked the evolution of our main character, but she was so plain and looked like a lot of heroines I’ve read before in other YA books, which was a bit disappointing.
Now, something that I was super excited about was the sapphic romance. Ever since I read the synopsis I was hoping to see a f/f romance, and I was beyond happy to see that it was. Though it felt a bit sketchy at times and I felt I needed more of those two characters together, I really enjoyed the chemistry they had in page and their dynamics and interactions. It was super interesting to see that relationship evolved and the two characters starting to realize that maybe they didn’t know each other as much as they hoped to, and see that went downhill.
The only thing that I just didn’t like was the ending. Not only it was so rushed and sudden, but there was something that happened right at the very end that was so out of character that it wasn’t believable. I was expecting so much more, and that unfortunately affected how I viewed the total story.
Overall, I think Blood Countess was such a unique story and had a very different plot from books that I’d been reading lately, and though the ending was quite disappointing and lackluster, it was a very fast paced book that I read so quickly.
Actual rating: 2.75★
Thanks Amulet Books and ABRAMS Kids for the ARC.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This doesn’t change my opinion whatsoever. All thoughts are my own.
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The thing about Blood Countess was that it had a very powerful start but as I continued reading it I became a bit less engaged with the story. I think that if you’re not familiar with Elizabeth Bathory’s story you might have a fair picture of who she was by the end of the story, but it didn’t add anything new. I liked some of the things that were happening, and there were parts where I found myself loving the direction the plot was going, but there was something about it (and I can’t point my finger on it) that felt a bit underdeveloped.
When it comes to the characters, I have to say I don’t have any strong opinion towards any of them. I enjoyed Elizabeth’s ARC throughout the story, and how different of an antagonist she was, but still she was a very strong lead with an engaging personality. I also liked the evolution of our main character, but she was so plain and looked like a lot of heroines I’ve read before in other YA books, which was a bit disappointing.
Now, something that I was super excited about was the sapphic romance. Ever since I read the synopsis I was hoping to see a f/f romance, and I was beyond happy to see that it was. Though it felt a bit sketchy at times and I felt I needed more of those two characters together, I really enjoyed the chemistry they had in page and their dynamics and interactions. It was super interesting to see that relationship evolved and the two characters starting to realize that maybe they didn’t know each other as much as they hoped to, and see that went downhill.
The only thing that I just didn’t like was the ending. Not only it was so rushed and sudden, but there was something that happened right at the very end that was so out of character that it wasn’t believable. I was expecting so much more, and that unfortunately affected how I viewed the total story.
Overall, I think Blood Countess was such a unique story and had a very different plot from books that I’d been reading lately, and though the ending was quite disappointing and lackluster, it was a very fast paced book that I read so quickly.
Actual rating: 2.75★
Thanks Amulet Books and ABRAMS Kids for the ARC.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This doesn’t change my opinion whatsoever. All thoughts are my own.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | BlogLovin’
April 5, 2020
Elizabeth Báthory...
That cover...
This book called to me! But alas, I think my hopes were just a little too high here.
Meet one young Anna Darvulia. She comes from a poor family with too many mouths to feed. When a chance encounter with the new Countess outs Anna on the spot, she finds her life instantly changed. Starting out as a scullery maid, Anna soon works her way into the Countess Báthory's inner circle as a chambermaid. Anna is soon taken by the glamorous Countess, ignoring all of the rumors of her cruelty - even the things she sees first hand. But soon, Anna finds herself into deep with no way out.
Like many, I know the story of Elizabeth Báthory and it's fascinating. I was super excited when I saw this topic was being brought to YA. However, despite the horror and gruesome acts Báthory is known for, Blood Countess doesn't even come close to touching any of that. And just when it seems like we are finally there, the book ends. It was a little anticlimactic.
Popović's writing, however, is beautiful. The scenery and the moments were set so visually that I felt myself walking these hallways of this castle. But the pacing needed work. There was way too much set up for hardly any payoff and I was left feeling a little empty.
I noticed that this was the first book in the Lady Slayers series, so I am interested in seeing what else comes from this. I'm just hoping there's a little more meat there.
That cover...
This book called to me! But alas, I think my hopes were just a little too high here.
Meet one young Anna Darvulia. She comes from a poor family with too many mouths to feed. When a chance encounter with the new Countess outs Anna on the spot, she finds her life instantly changed. Starting out as a scullery maid, Anna soon works her way into the Countess Báthory's inner circle as a chambermaid. Anna is soon taken by the glamorous Countess, ignoring all of the rumors of her cruelty - even the things she sees first hand. But soon, Anna finds herself into deep with no way out.
Like many, I know the story of Elizabeth Báthory and it's fascinating. I was super excited when I saw this topic was being brought to YA. However, despite the horror and gruesome acts Báthory is known for, Blood Countess doesn't even come close to touching any of that. And just when it seems like we are finally there, the book ends. It was a little anticlimactic.
Popović's writing, however, is beautiful. The scenery and the moments were set so visually that I felt myself walking these hallways of this castle. But the pacing needed work. There was way too much set up for hardly any payoff and I was left feeling a little empty.
I noticed that this was the first book in the Lady Slayers series, so I am interested in seeing what else comes from this. I'm just hoping there's a little more meat there.
dnfs
March 10, 2020dnfed @ 60%
I really don’t know what to think of this book. I don’t exactly know how a romance between a pretty girl and a historically known serial killer of pretty girls would go down but I guess? this is it?
our main character anna enters an affair with bathory who is kind to her but is extremely cruel to people who offer the slightest inconvenience, so cruel she then enacts horrible punishments.
now I’m not someone who is normally ever triggered when reading but h o l y f u c k. bathory’s temperament and the abuse she gives out AND the abuse she endures from her husband was A LOT. not to spoil anything but I decided to dnf when anna & bathory entered a scene with the abusive husband, two maid servants, and whips on the table. like WHAT.
what was even the POINT of this book? obviously I didn’t get to the end so I don’t know how the situation with anna and bathory play out but surely this isn’t a romance novel? and there isn’t a plot outside of trauma and abuse so? what was the point?
I lowkey feel really gross after that reading experience and I do not recommend, even for my queer ladies out there in need of some rep. it is not. worth it.
I really don’t know what to think of this book. I don’t exactly know how a romance between a pretty girl and a historically known serial killer of pretty girls would go down but I guess? this is it?
our main character anna enters an affair with bathory who is kind to her but is extremely cruel to people who offer the slightest inconvenience, so cruel she then enacts horrible punishments.
now I’m not someone who is normally ever triggered when reading but h o l y f u c k. bathory’s temperament and the abuse she gives out AND the abuse she endures from her husband was A LOT. not to spoil anything but I decided to dnf when anna & bathory entered a scene with the abusive husband, two maid servants, and whips on the table. like WHAT.
what was even the POINT of this book? obviously I didn’t get to the end so I don’t know how the situation with anna and bathory play out but surely this isn’t a romance novel? and there isn’t a plot outside of trauma and abuse so? what was the point?
I lowkey feel really gross after that reading experience and I do not recommend, even for my queer ladies out there in need of some rep. it is not. worth it.
February 27, 2020
THIS IS THE DARK SHIT I SIGNED UP FOR! I've read a fair number of books in the past year or two that promised darker tones and fucking with some messed up parts of history. None of them were bad but none of them gave me the dark themes/tones I was promised...but this DID. Big hell yeah to this from start to finish AND THEN IT'S A DAMN SERIES SO I AM GETTING MORE! BIGGEST OF HELL YES TO THAT.
Want to read
June 24, 2019god please let this be gay please let this be gay x100
December 29, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Thanks to Amulet Books & Pique Beyond for the ARC!
This was a quick read and I must say, I was quite invested with the story. The history of the Countess Báthory is... intriguing, but disturbing, and this novel does capture that perfectly.
Blood Countess is narrated by a sixteen-year-old healer whose life before working for the Countess was hard thanks to the abusive father who only doted on his sons, and not on his wife or daughters. Living in abuse and the unfairness that comes of being a women in those times, led Anna to grow up angry at men and never wishing to get married nor have children of her own. So when she catches the eye of the Countess (after saving her illegitimate son), she readily accepts a position at her castle. And enters a nightmare.
I really liked Anna’s voice and her personality (referring to her person in the beginning of the book, mostly). She’s bitter at her father for being abusive. Bitter at society only expecting for women to get married and have children. And bitter of never having enough to eat. Reading about her situation made me angry and honestly, it accurately reflects the struggles women have faced and still face.
Which is why it is understandable why her own ambition leads her to serve the Countess, though I wish I had a power to step in and just yell at her to run in the opposite direction. Once in her domain, Anna’s naivety and hopefulness are what keep her from seeing the true colors of the Countess and her cruelty/bloodlust. Instead, she gets romantically involved and oversees the signs.
The book had me invested in Anna’s story, and once I reached the point that the Countess starts giving in more to her bloodlust, I was quite horrified. Some scenes do get descriptive so, you have been warned.
But in all honesty, I was actually expecting a bit more of the second half of the book. The build up was pretty great, but I somehow feel as if the book quickly changes pace just to lead to the ending. It wraps up too quickly and conveniently. And... it just wasn’t satisfying. This is where I’m not sure if it wanted to remain historically accurate or not, but I was hoping for something just... better. It oddly has an HEA ending when this book is just one that should not have strived for something of the sorts based on the main character’s role in it.
So all in all, it was interesting and it’s definitely a book that was at parts horrible because of Báthory and her crimes. If you like historical thrillers, this might be of your interest too!
(Okay, I was writing a mini review but it got long!)
Thanks to Amulet Books & Pique Beyond for the ARC!
This was a quick read and I must say, I was quite invested with the story. The history of the Countess Báthory is... intriguing, but disturbing, and this novel does capture that perfectly.
Blood Countess is narrated by a sixteen-year-old healer whose life before working for the Countess was hard thanks to the abusive father who only doted on his sons, and not on his wife or daughters. Living in abuse and the unfairness that comes of being a women in those times, led Anna to grow up angry at men and never wishing to get married nor have children of her own. So when she catches the eye of the Countess (after saving her illegitimate son), she readily accepts a position at her castle. And enters a nightmare.
I really liked Anna’s voice and her personality (referring to her person in the beginning of the book, mostly). She’s bitter at her father for being abusive. Bitter at society only expecting for women to get married and have children. And bitter of never having enough to eat. Reading about her situation made me angry and honestly, it accurately reflects the struggles women have faced and still face.
Which is why it is understandable why her own ambition leads her to serve the Countess, though I wish I had a power to step in and just yell at her to run in the opposite direction. Once in her domain, Anna’s naivety and hopefulness are what keep her from seeing the true colors of the Countess and her cruelty/bloodlust. Instead, she gets romantically involved and oversees the signs.
The book had me invested in Anna’s story, and once I reached the point that the Countess starts giving in more to her bloodlust, I was quite horrified. Some scenes do get descriptive so, you have been warned.
But in all honesty, I was actually expecting a bit more of the second half of the book. The build up was pretty great, but I somehow feel as if the book quickly changes pace just to lead to the ending. It wraps up too quickly and conveniently. And... it just wasn’t satisfying. This is where I’m not sure if it wanted to remain historically accurate or not, but I was hoping for something just... better. It oddly has an HEA ending when this book is just one that should not have strived for something of the sorts based on the main character’s role in it.
So all in all, it was interesting and it’s definitely a book that was at parts horrible because of Báthory and her crimes. If you like historical thrillers, this might be of your interest too!
(Okay, I was writing a mini review but it got long!)
November 12, 2019
“For all the gold and silver in her coffers, in some ways the countess is just like me. A woman, with a man’s cruel hand around her wrist.”
-Lana Popovic, Author of Blood Countess
First Sentence:
Sarvar, Hungary – May 8, 1575 The day our Lord Nadasdy weds the countess, the sky above us is the color of bleached bone.
It’s the late 1500’s and Anna Darvulia is a highly skilled healer in her Hungarian village, learning by her mother’s side how to tend to the ill with herbs gathered by moonlight. Anna has far exceeded even her mother’s great talent and comes to the attention of The Countess Elizabeth Bathory who has the uncanny talent of seeing into another’s soul and playing on their weakness and their secrets. All for her own despicable gain.
It’s no secret that Countess Elizabeth Bathory is known for her cruelty and unending quest for youth; she is known as the most vicious female serial killer in recorded history for a reason. Ms. Popovic takes this true account and weaves an emotionally taut story with Anna as the main character and explores a fictional version of one girls experience with the cruel and murderous Countess. Anna is a great protagonist, she is so clever and gifted but most of all, she loves her family beyond all things. The love of her family is what drives her to go work at the castle. At first, she is a lowly scullery maid, sleeping with the spiders and rats but when she strives to become more useful to Elizabeth her rank is elevated to the coveted role of chambermaid. As Anna becomes closer to Elizabeth it becomes harder to make excuses for her harsh and merciless treatment of others. Elizabeth is extremely well written, she is cruel and devious, yes, but there are glimpses of her that made me understand why Anna found it hard to find fault with her in the beginning.
The story is one of hope and despair but ultimately, it shows the strength of a young woman and her desire to care for her family and eventually, herself. It is gorgeously written, incredibly rich and descriptive and it was an absolute joy to read.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Abrams Kids and Pique Beyond for providing me with Blood Countess by Lana Popovic to read and review!
-Lana Popovic, Author of Blood Countess
First Sentence:
Sarvar, Hungary – May 8, 1575 The day our Lord Nadasdy weds the countess, the sky above us is the color of bleached bone.
It’s the late 1500’s and Anna Darvulia is a highly skilled healer in her Hungarian village, learning by her mother’s side how to tend to the ill with herbs gathered by moonlight. Anna has far exceeded even her mother’s great talent and comes to the attention of The Countess Elizabeth Bathory who has the uncanny talent of seeing into another’s soul and playing on their weakness and their secrets. All for her own despicable gain.
It’s no secret that Countess Elizabeth Bathory is known for her cruelty and unending quest for youth; she is known as the most vicious female serial killer in recorded history for a reason. Ms. Popovic takes this true account and weaves an emotionally taut story with Anna as the main character and explores a fictional version of one girls experience with the cruel and murderous Countess. Anna is a great protagonist, she is so clever and gifted but most of all, she loves her family beyond all things. The love of her family is what drives her to go work at the castle. At first, she is a lowly scullery maid, sleeping with the spiders and rats but when she strives to become more useful to Elizabeth her rank is elevated to the coveted role of chambermaid. As Anna becomes closer to Elizabeth it becomes harder to make excuses for her harsh and merciless treatment of others. Elizabeth is extremely well written, she is cruel and devious, yes, but there are glimpses of her that made me understand why Anna found it hard to find fault with her in the beginning.
The story is one of hope and despair but ultimately, it shows the strength of a young woman and her desire to care for her family and eventually, herself. It is gorgeously written, incredibly rich and descriptive and it was an absolute joy to read.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Abrams Kids and Pique Beyond for providing me with Blood Countess by Lana Popovic to read and review!
Want to read
October 23, 2019Countess Bathory!
A new book about Elizabeth Bathory! Do you know how giddy this makes me? Do you know that I NEED to have a copy in my hands now. She was one of my many obsessions. GIMMEEEEEEE!
Take my money!!!
A new book about Elizabeth Bathory! Do you know how giddy this makes me? Do you know that I NEED to have a copy in my hands now. She was one of my many obsessions. GIMMEEEEEEE!
Take my money!!!
March 1, 2020
6.5 out of 10
Bloody, with FF romance between controversial characters, with historical fleur, and creepy atmosphere. I liked it. Not a lot, but nonetheless had a good time reading it.
December 17, 2019
Fed up with her violent father and lack of prospects, Anna seeks a new kind of freedom, under the employ of Countess Elizabeth Báthory. The two young women will soon make a mark in history.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Anna is following in the footsteps of her midwife mother, learning all she can about healing and medicine. But Anna has a further gift, and has to ignore the taunts of "witch" behind her back.
Her father is the village drink, and has a foul temper, beating and starving the women in his home, whilst encouraging his sons to be just as vile.
Anna can already see the future she is expected to follow, to become the wife and property of one of the village men, to push out babies and disappear into the shadows. Anna is independent and has never been attracted to any man, so this is an awful fate.
She jumps at the chance to escape, when she is offered a decent wage working for the beautiful and enigmatic Countess.
I enjoyed the story, how it explores unhealthy relationships, and the lengths people will go to, not to recognise what everyone else sees.
Anna is completely enamoured by Elizabeth, so much so, that she ignores all the warnings from everyone around her, of Elizabeth's cruelty. She so wants to believe in the good in her lady's heart, that she excuses the fits of anger, blaming them on the influence of her evil husband.
As Anna and Elizabeth become lovers, it is even harder to believe the dark tales. Elizabeth is passionate, but considerate and caring. It is much easier to think that the rest of the castle's occupants are just jealous that Anna is in favour.
As to be expected, with a story about Countess Dracula, there is a lot of blood and violence. There are scenes with explicit torture, and painful deaths.
I think these are done really well.
The not-so-good.
Anna isn't a very likable main character. She starts off great, and finishes well; but once she gets involved with Elizabeth it all goes askew. She lies and cheats her way into Elizabeth's service, then becomes very shallow and giggly with her new partner. She doesn't blink an eye at the punishments dished out by her lady, and does some awful things herself.
I can understand seeing Anna testing the morals and the idea of being forced to do the lesser evil; and that she is just sixteen when all of this starts; but it lost me a little, as a reader.
Despite this, I was still enjoying the story. Until the end.
The plot was wrapped up very quickly, via a device that made me snort. There was no way anything they did was going to turn the Countess into an obedient little lamb.
Overall, I enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading more of the author's work.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Anna is following in the footsteps of her midwife mother, learning all she can about healing and medicine. But Anna has a further gift, and has to ignore the taunts of "witch" behind her back.
Her father is the village drink, and has a foul temper, beating and starving the women in his home, whilst encouraging his sons to be just as vile.
Anna can already see the future she is expected to follow, to become the wife and property of one of the village men, to push out babies and disappear into the shadows. Anna is independent and has never been attracted to any man, so this is an awful fate.
She jumps at the chance to escape, when she is offered a decent wage working for the beautiful and enigmatic Countess.
I enjoyed the story, how it explores unhealthy relationships, and the lengths people will go to, not to recognise what everyone else sees.
Anna is completely enamoured by Elizabeth, so much so, that she ignores all the warnings from everyone around her, of Elizabeth's cruelty. She so wants to believe in the good in her lady's heart, that she excuses the fits of anger, blaming them on the influence of her evil husband.
As Anna and Elizabeth become lovers, it is even harder to believe the dark tales. Elizabeth is passionate, but considerate and caring. It is much easier to think that the rest of the castle's occupants are just jealous that Anna is in favour.
As to be expected, with a story about Countess Dracula, there is a lot of blood and violence. There are scenes with explicit torture, and painful deaths.
I think these are done really well.
The not-so-good.
Anna isn't a very likable main character. She starts off great, and finishes well; but once she gets involved with Elizabeth it all goes askew. She lies and cheats her way into Elizabeth's service, then becomes very shallow and giggly with her new partner. She doesn't blink an eye at the punishments dished out by her lady, and does some awful things herself.
I can understand seeing Anna testing the morals and the idea of being forced to do the lesser evil; and that she is just sixteen when all of this starts; but it lost me a little, as a reader.
Despite this, I was still enjoying the story. Until the end.
The plot was wrapped up very quickly, via a device that made me snort. There was no way anything they did was going to turn the Countess into an obedient little lamb.
Overall, I enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading more of the author's work.
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