I was immediately drawn in by this cover and the premise of sapphic vampires. While the gothic vibes were immaculate it was just a tad too long for me. The pacing throughout changed several times throughout the story. I enjoyed the character arcs. I would recommend this to my followers that enjoy the niche sapphic vampire genre and those who love gothic fantasy.

Ok, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I didn't particularly like this one. I don't think I've ever said that about a Kiersten White book before, and it hurts to say. But on the whole, this one was a bit of a slog that felt muddy and like multiple books slammed together into one.

The beginning was, mostly, interesting. True, I saw The Big Reveal about Elle coming from a mile away. True, the psychiatrist bits were blatant ways to work in backstory without calling it backstory. But still, I liked the direction things were going and was clicking along just fine until I hit the point that, frankly, could/should have been the end - and there was still 40% of the book left. Honestly, the second almost-half, with the takedowns, was just not interesting for me. At all. It felt like a rehashing of everything that had already been discussed, and then some. And some more. Things dragged on and on and at that point I just wanted it all to end.

I can't believe I'm saying that about a book written by the brilliant author of everything from Mister Magic to Hide to the Sinister Summer series, but I am. I wanted the book to end LONG before it did. It felt like it needed a hard-core edit and someone to say "pencils down!" I honestly think it could easily have been two books, and then I might have had more patience - but then again, maybe not. I still love her writing on the whole, but I think this one missed the mark - at least for me...

Thank you so much Kiersten White, Del Rey, and Penguin Random House for the eARC of Lucy Undying. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gothic romance fans, this one is for you! 🥳 Lucy Undying is is the perfect Dracula retelling/reimagining for spooky season. If you can’t get enough of dark mansions, ruthless vampires, sapphic love, and twists on classic novels, you’ll want to get your copy ASAP!

One of my favorite parts of Lucy Undying is that it’s told over various time periods from 3 points of view. The time hops from past to present were easy to follow and were so interesting. I love that the author made this choice because it added a ton of depth to the story. Also, I felt like I got to know the characters, and their motivations, much more deeply than had the story been told from one perspective or time period.

If you’re familiar with Dracula, be prepared to be delighted with the characters that grace the pages. Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, Professor Van Helsing, Dr. Seward, Dracula, and of course, Lucy Westenra are all a part of the story! I loved seeing these familiar “faces” in a new light.

Found family fans, I think you’ll find Lucy Undying especially satisfying. To be honest, this is probably the most complicated/dysfunctional chosen family I’ve ever read about, but it works 😍! When you’ve got centuries of history, things are bound to be messy, right? However, I couldn’t get enough of the dynamics between the characters.

In the pages, you will find:

🧛‍♂️Vampires
🕸️Gothic mansions
🗺️World traveling
✍️Journal Entries
🤝Complicated found family
❤️Romance
🤔Plotting/planning/scheming
😈An evil MLM
🕰️Multiple time periods
📖A perfect read for spooky season!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4

Winded up DNFing this book. The writing style wasn’t it for me. The character and storytelling was confusing and one noted. Thanks for the opportunity on reading this book early even tho it didn’t work for me.

Need to start by saying I love Kiersten White! I have read many of her other adult and ya novels and loved them. This one just did not hit for me. I feel pretty comfortable with Dracula lore so I was able to follow for the post part, but the POV changes made it a little confusing. Was expecting something similar to A Dowry of Blood and this was definitely not that.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Genuinely wtf 😂 112 chapters, nearly 500 pages, and I was so horribly bored by Iris's story. They needed to converge her mother's story with Lucy's. I could've done without the Iris of it all. She was boring and shockingly underdeveloped for a secondary FMC. It's ok to not include romance in a vampire novel if that's not your typical genre. Leave that to the experts.

Seriously though? It was too long and dragggggedddd for the first 50%

I tried, really tried to absolutely love this book. As a mood reader, I feel like this was on me. I forced myself to finish this book and I wasn't in the mood for it. I will be revisiting this book in the fall to give it another shot. I LOVED the start and it had me, but I think this book was a victim of mood reader syndrome. I will be rating it on the beginning as I LOVED it! Its hauntingly beautiful.

I had a few issues with this book. The way the author shifted between POVs felt very jarring. It was difficult to get invested in the characters or story because I felt like I was being thrown around. This is the third book I've picked up from this author and they've all been disappointing. Maybe she's just not for me.

DNF early on which is such a disappointment. First, the cover is gorgeous. Second, I loved Kiersten White's previous books <i>Hide</i> and <i>Mister Magic</i>.

I had a lot of problems with this book and I didn't make it very far since I realized I wouldn't like it.

The book starts off with Dracula then Iris, THEN Lucy. If Lucy is supposed to be our main character, why are we getting her transcript/story third? Also, I was confused as to why Dracula's first chapter wasn't just a prologue.

After that, I immediately was confused. I understand that books take time to tell the reader what they need to know but there's a line between the author waiting as long as possible and the information coming too early. I think the information needed to be given because it turns into Iris' POV chapters turning into a lot of words and not saying anything.

From what I read in other reviews on how the book ends, I'm disappointed that this wasn't two different books. The first book would be about Lucy and how she survived life as a vampire with a perfectly normal (or normal-ish) girlfriend. The second book would be about Iris being the heir to a vampire MLM. Do you know how much I want to read about a vampire MLM now? Could I read this book instead? Yes, I could, but I have a feeling I would get annoyed by it if I was already getting annoyed.

I really wanted to read this book and the excitement sustained me until I started reading. There were things I did like such as the short chapters, but that wasn't enough for me to continue.

I really enjoy Kiersten White. I am a bit more use to her stories like Hide and Mister Magic but was really excited to pick up this Dracula Novela that was based around Lucy. Bring this story into modern day time and this was a pretty fun read. It’s sapphic, gothic horror, and vampires which I will never say no too. All in all I think the female characters were very strong. I am so happy to see Lucy get her own book. I really liked the journal entires and client transcripts. Iris character was also interesting escaping an American mlm cult. All in all I liked it and am very interested to see what Kiersten White writes next.

I can see the potential here, especially for Dracula superfans, but unfortunately, it didn't stick the landing for me. The POVs and the ways that these POVs are written out just caused more confusion and I feel like for a retelling this seemed to rely too much on the reader being very familiar with the original work.

Her name was written in the pages of someone else’s story: Lucy Westenra was one of Dracula’s first victims.

But her death was only the beginning. Lucy rose from the grave a vampire and has spent her immortal life trying to escape from Dracula’s clutches—and trying to discover who she really is and what she truly wants.

Her undead life takes an unexpected turn in twenty-first-century London, when she meets another woman, Iris, who is also yearning to break free from her past. Iris’s family has built a health empire based on a sinister secret, and they’ll do anything to stay in power.

Lucy has long believed she would never love again. Yet she finds herself compelled by the charming Iris while Iris is equally mesmerized by the confident and glamorous Lucy. But their intense connection and blossoming love is threatened by outside forces. Iris’s mother won’t let go of her without a fight, and Lucy’s past still has fangs: Dracula is on the prowl once more.

Lucy Westenra has been a tragically murdered teen, a lonesome adventurer, and a fearsome hunter, but happiness has always eluded her. Can she find the strength to destroy Dracula once and for all, or will her heart once again be her undoing?

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for allowing me to read this early! I absolutely LOVED this story! I will be the first to admit that I don’t know much about the original Dracula story other than the VERY brief segment I had in an English class many many years ago. I can understand how those who have studied the story deeply may not like this particular retelling. But for someone like me, this is an incredibly fun read. From the mysteries being solved, the sapphic story lines and the hilarious multi-level market vampire scheme set in Utah this is a book you can’t pass up!

Every so often, I stumble upon a book that genuinely shocks me with how much I love it. A book that feels like it was written specifically for me because of how thoroughly it resonates with me. This is one of those books.

Going into Lucy Undying, I was unfamiliar with this author and superficially familiar with the story of Dracula. Despite that, I was hooked from the very first chapter and I became so invested in these characters that I devoured this in about two days.

Lucy Undying is a Dracula retelling of sorts, but shifts the focus to a less-explored and often maligned character, Lucy Westenra. What follows is a story that encapsulates pretty much everything I love in a good book: a feminist spin on a classic tale; lush, romantic prose that doesn't get lost in the sauce; gothic, spooky vibes; love that is healing and empowering (and queer!); lots of twists and turns that to keep me guessing; and a bonus! Criticism of the vampiric nature of MLMs. Also! This book is funny! Like genuinely, really funny. I was not expecting that.

Specifically, one of my favorite aspects of this book is the exploration of Dracula's mindset as a predator. Even though we don't spend nearly as much time with him in comparison to the other POVs, I think it successfully captures the self-centered, delusional beliefs of men in power who firmly believe the female experience is defined by their relationship to men. There were moments of being in Dracula's head that made me laugh because of how self-important he is; but at the same time, his delusions of grandeur weren't far-fetched at all. Darkly, darkly funny stuff.

All in all, this is a story that will stick with me for a long time. I look forward to exploring more of this author's backlist and will definitely be looking out for her work in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book and me did not mesh. I found it slow and boring but got half way and felt committed to finish. The characters I found kind of meh and they didn't get better. The plot itself was interesting and the go about of explaining all the different layers of Lucy and other characters through transcripts and diary entrys and skipping dates is fun but I always have a hard time keeping up with dates when in the header. It is a good book but it is not a book for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. I absolutely loved this book. Could not put it down loved. This is the first book I've read by this author and it was fantastic. I requested this book because the premise was intriguing and the author delivered on the premise. I loved this Lucy, hated this Dracula, and everything involving the Goldamings was fascinating. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone I know who reads, and I will be buying this for myself when it releases in physical form.

Huge thanks to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for the digital galley copy

📚 ARC book review 📚

Lucy Undying is a reimagining of the tale of Dracula seen through the eyes of Lucy Westenra. This new tale is like a modern Carmilla. It mixes gothic romance and horror, part of what makes vampire tales hit just right.

I had always believed that Lucy deserved better. Better than being just a tragic victim to move along a story. Or a cautionary tale to girls to keep them quiet and safe and easily consumed. Here we get to read Lucy’s tale in her own words and how she moved from sacrificial victim to a strong person in her own right.

I knew where this story was going, until I didn’t. And I think that was the point. To enjoy the story I thought I was reading and then enjoy having the rug pulled out from under me, reading on in horror and curiosity. There were moments where I was tense, devouring chapters because I needed to know what happened next. These were mainly the Lucy chapters, especially in the beginning.

The book is told in multiple points of view, at different points in time. Each important, vital to getting the whole story. And then they converge, meld together. I really enjoyed the use of journal entries to tell the story of the past and therapist sessions to bring us to the present. Those were my favorite parts of the story.

I loved Lucy. Her characterization was lovely and multi-faceted. She was so desperate to love and be loved and that really resonated with me. I didn’t care too much for Iris. I appreciated her bravery, but she was obnoxious at times. And that’s okay. Perhaps that’s why I appreciated Lucy so much.

I also appreciated that reading Lucy’s point of view on the events of her past gives a different take on the events of Dracula. You can be a hero in your own story, but a villain in someone else’s story.

My favorite line probably has to be: “She’s a different person from one breath to the next. And I want to know all of them.”

★★★★★ - 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
Lucy Undying by Kiersten White
༘Spoiler free ༘
⭐️4.25/5
Classical Retelling, Gothic, Romantasy, Fantasy
Multi POV
➳ 🩸vampires
➳ 🧑‍🧑‍🧒 complicated family dynamics
➳ 📝 epistolary-esque novel
➳ 🕰️ multiple timelines
➳ 📖 dracula reimagined
➳ 🚺 feminist retelling
➳ 🦇 gothic aesthetic
➳ 🪢 plot twists

❧✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*❦*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧❧

Lucy Undying stands out in the gothic romantasy genre by seamlessly blending elements of classic vampire lore with modern feminist themes. Compared to other books like ‘An education in Malice’, ‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’ and ‘A Dowry of Blood’ it offers a fresh perspective on familiar vampire tropes while maintaining an engaging and emotionally resonant narrative.

Overall, it met my expectations with its gothic atmosphere and vampire themes, though some aspects, specifically the characterisation of Iris, felt a bit forced and overly quirky.

The characters were compelling in their own ways. Lucy’s character arc was especially well-developed and engaging, showcasing her growth and struggle for self-discovery and purpose. While Iris’s portrayal was a bit quirky and snarky for my taste, this may appeal to other readers. The side characters could have been more fleshed out, but they still contributed to the story's progression.

The story had many gripping moments, especially with its unexpected twists and reveals. Although there were pacing issues, particularly towards the beginning and end, the middle part of the book was particularly engaging and kept me hooked. The intersection of Lucy’s and Iris’s storylines was powerful, and the reimagining of Lucy’s diary entries provided a captivating glimpse into her transformation and struggles.

The primary theme revolves around self-discovery, empowerment, and dealing with past traumas. These themes were effectively expressed throughout the narrative, creating an engaging and thought-provoking story.

The ending tied up most loose ends, providing a satisfying conclusion to Lucy’s and Iris’s arcs. While some pacing issues towards the end affected the overall impact, most questions were answered, leaving a few minor plot points and character motivations to the reader's imagination. There were no significant plot holes, though Iris’s quirks and snarky dialogue felt a bit inconsistent at times.

The story had a few slow points, particularly at the beginning and towards the end. However, it picked up significantly in the middle, where the narrative was most engaging. The writing style was solid and clear, serving the story well. While it didn't stand out as exceptionally beautiful or unique, it was compelling enough to keep me engaged.

Upon finishing the book, I felt a mix of satisfaction and appreciation for the fresh take on the Dracula mythos. The story was enjoyable, and I would absolutely recommend it to fans of gothic romantasy and those interested in feminist retellings of classic literature. Despite some minor flaws, it offers a fresh and engaging perspective on familiar vampire lore.

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧

💖 LIKES:
⋆ Engaging plot with unexpected twists
⋆ Fresh take on classic vampire lore
⋆ Powerful intersection of Lucy’s and Iris’s storylines
⋆ Satisfying conclusion to Lucy’s arc

❤️‍🩹 DISLIKES:
⋆ Iris’s overly quirky characterisation

<b>Fantasy Scoring </b>
<b>Worldbuilding </b> ➷ ✅ 5/5
<b>Foreshadowing </b> ➷ ✅ 4/5
<b>Plot</b> ➷ ✅ 4/5
<b>Relationships</b> ➷ ✅ 4/5

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Thank you to the Kiersten White, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest opinion on the ARC of this book.

“Lucy Undying” is a reimagining of Lucy Westenra, one of Dracula’s first victims, follows her transformation into a powerful vampire in twenty-first-century London. Lucy’s encounter with Iris sparks a profound love story amidst dark secrets and looming threats.

Their relationship is beautifully crafted, with Lucy drawn to Iris’s strength and vulnerability, while Iris is mesmerized by Lucy’s confidence and allure. However, Iris’s family’s sinister empire and Dracula’s return add constant tension and conflict.

The book brilliantly balances action, romance, and suspense, with Lucy’s struggle against Dracula symbolizing her fight for a future filled with hope and happiness. “Lucy Undying” is a must-read for fans of supernatural fiction and romance, showcasing love, courage, and the relentless pursuit of one’s true self.

In the author’s note, Kiersten White references her similarities with Bram Stoker stating that she “relate[s] to an author who sets out with high ambitions [...] and then gets tired and gives up.” And that’s exactly what I felt White did with this book.

Lucy Undying had such high potential with so much going for it: a gothic fantasy reimagining of Dracula where Lucy Westenra escapes death, becoming a vampire and searching for her senses of Self over the next century. Meanwhile, in present day London, Iris is escaping her legacy of taking over her mother’s health/beauty cult (MLM) and happens upon the century-old journals of one Lucy Westenra.

[What I Disliked]:
The concept sounded great, but the execution really fell apart. Told through three different lenses (Lucy’s journals from 1890, Lucy’s conversation with her therapist in Sept 2024, and Iris’s perspective in Oct 2024), the first half of the book has the gothic fantasy feel I was expecting. Even though the pacing was a bit slow and I was really only interested in one of the timelines at this point, I was still overall interested. The 50%-60% mark were actually quite enjoyable as Bram Stoker’s original piece of Dracula is finally fully reworked into what becomes Lucy Undying. However, that enjoyment only lasted 10%. The last 40% of the book has an entirely different feel and pacing that made the entirety of the work feel like at least two completely different books mashed together into one (our chapter POVs are now a mixture of present-day letters, 1st person character POVs, and even a 2nd person POV). Where we started off with a gothic fantasy, we ended up in a bizarre modern-day sci fi referencing social media influencers and, I kid you not, Goop. It saddens me in the way that Orphan Black season 5a saddened me.

Some pieces of thread woven into the larger tapestry of the story were easy to pull apart and predictable. While we were treated to some luscious prose (“Dear, dear Mother, who loves like a knife, slicing me into ever smaller pieces until I’m exactly the shape that pleases her the most”), we were also assaulted with phrases such as “Blood bank’s closing, bitch.” Do these writing choices reflect the timelines in which they were written? Yes. But they are also jarring in the worst way possible.

[What I Liked]:
As much as it sounds like I disliked this book, I didn’t hate it. I thought there were great moments and great details. I loved the love story between Iris and Lucy. I loved discovering the secrets behind Lucy’s story and meeting members of Lucy’s life throughout the 20th century. And as I said, it had great potential. I just feel like it was such an ambitious story to tell and the cohesion suffered.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for an advance copy of this book!