โA lush and bloody historical thrillerโ based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula, a Hungarian noblewoman turned serial killer.(Kirkus Reviews)
In sixteenth-century Hungary, Anna Darvulia has just begun working as a scullery maid for the young and glamorous Countess Elizabeth Bรกthory. When Elizabeth takes a liking to Anna, sheโs vaulted to the dream role of chambermaid, a far cry from the filthy servantsโ quarters below. She receives wages generous enough to provide for her family, and the Countess begins to groom Anna as her friend, confident and lover. Itโs not long before Anna falls completely under the Countessโs spellโand the Countess tโakes full advantage. Isolated from her former friends, family, and fiancรฉ, Anna realizes sheโs not a friend but a prisoner of the increasingly cruel Elizabeth. Then come the murders, and Anna knows itโs only a matter of time before the Blood Countess turns on her, too.
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โPopovic balances lush, romantic language with gruesomeย imagery in this tale of innocence lost. Readers will likely be inspired to do actualย research into Lady Bathoryโs murderous misdeeds.โ โBooklist
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โPopovicย also touches on how a patriarchal society can drive women to extremes without letting the truly terrifying Bathory, or Anna, off the hook for their own actions.โ โKirkus Reviewsย
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โHand to fans of dark historical fiction and powerful female characters.โ โSchool Library Journal