What a wonderfully dark retelling of carmilla!
The writing was exquisite while the atmosphere remained tense throughout. The characters are well fleshed out and the story is so engaging from start to finish
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK, and Manilla Press for the ARC!

What worked for me: this works really well as an adult novel and I really enjoyed having a 30 year old protagonist. Lenore's voice felt mature and realistic. The prose is period accurate, immersive, and painted a gothic and oppressive atmosphere. And the horror themes also worked really well and I wish there were more instances of the 'hunger'.

What didn't work for me: there were elements I felt could have been fleshed out a bit more - namely the sapphic element of the story and Carmilla's character. I didn't feel much of a bond between Carmilla and Lenore, nor did I feel any build up or much tension between them (mainly because Lenore was usually upset at Carmilla's observations about her). Carmilla was intentionally elusive and mysterious, but that just made her feel a bit two-dimensional to me.

It had a few aspects that didn't quite land or feel fleshed out enough for me, so I'd rate this a 3.5. Recommending for fans of An Education in Malice and Bitterthorn.

This book was almost impossible to put down.

Hungerstone is the gothic, sapphic vampire book that the genre has been begging for.

Atmospheric and haunting, I was compelled from the very first page to read on. The writing lyrical and inviting, almost daring me to continue.

This is one of the best depictions of Carmilla I have read - she was terrifying yet seductive, she bounced off the page.

Loved the British setting and the countryside just added to the gothic vibe.

Cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much