Standalone Vampire Romantasy
ONCE UPON A DARK OCTOBER is a gothic reimagining of classic fairytales and vampire lore, a story of curses, dangerous magic, and unbreakable love. 🦇🍂
All curses made in blood must be broken with blood.
Dreadmist Harbor sleeps under a near-perpetual veil of coastal fog, home to mortals, vampires, and those somewhere in between. Already down-on-her-luck, mortal charwoman Elspeth finds herself the target of a rogue vampire, shattering the peaceful coexistence. Forced to seek help from a reclusive vampire coven, she barely makes it to their dreary seaside perch before she succumbs to the bite.
Morrigan and her coven are haunted by a bitter rivalry that has left them devastated and fractured. As their old feud is once again rekindled, she is inexorably tied to Elspeth, who now carries an ancient vampiric power within her. The two are quickly swept up into a tangle of bloodlust and sorcery after the fraught transformation—realizing that matters of the heart are complicated, especially in undeath.
While something sinister gathers in the shadows of their quiet town, they are pulled deeper into a world of curses and magic, dark dealings and betrayal. But Elspeth and Morrigan soon learn that all power must come with a price, for curses are not so easily broken.
ONCE UPON A DARK OCTOBER is an adult sapphic reimagining of Cinderella with a vampiric twist on other classic fairytale tropes.
#gothicromance #lemon8bookclub #sapphicbooks #fairytaleretelling #darkfantasyromance
Okay, fellow bookworms, can we talk about 'Once Upon a Dark October' for a minute? I just finished this incredible sapphic vampire romantasy, and I'm still reeling! If you're searching for your next dark fantasy obsession, especially one with immortal vampires and a fresh take on classic tales, you absolutely need to add this to your TBR. What truly sets this book apart, for me, is its gothic atmosphere. Dreadmist Harbor sounds like a place pulled right from my darkest dreams, and the way the author weaves in elements of danger and ancient curses is just masterful. It’s not just a vampire story; it’s a full-blown fairytale retelling with a truly unique spin on Cinderella, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and complicated love. I found myself completely immersed in the foggy, mysterious setting, feeling like I was right there with Elspeth and Morrigan as their fates intertwined. When I think about 'immortal vampire' stories, I usually expect a certain kind of trope, but Elspeth and Morrigan's journey is something else entirely. Their connection develops amidst intense magical conflict and a bitter coven rivalry—it's complicated, messy, and utterly captivating. You really feel the weight of their undeath and the price of their power. This isn't your typical sparkly vampire romance; it delves deep into the struggles of being an immortal creature entangled in human affairs and ancient magic, making their bond feel incredibly earned and powerful. The internal and external conflicts they face are so well-developed, adding layers to their characters that I truly appreciated. For those of us who adore 'fantasy vampire' narratives, this book delivers on all fronts. It has the bloodlust, the sorcery, the betrayals… but it also has that profound emotional core. The sapphic romance is beautifully handled, feeling entirely natural and essential to the plot. It’s exactly the kind of deep, meaningful relationship I crave in my dark fantasy reads, especially when paired with such a rich, magical world. The magic system itself is intriguing, blending dark arts with ancient curses in a way that keeps you guessing. One Amazon reviewer perfectly described it as 'a story of hope wrapped in the darkest bow possible,' and honestly, I couldn't agree more. Despite the darkness and the struggles, there's a powerful undercurrent of hope and resilience that keeps you turning pages. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last chapter, making you ponder the nature of curses, love, and immortality. If you're looking for a book that combines the intricate world-building of fantasy, the allure of immortal vampires, and a captivating sapphic romantasy plot, then 'Once Upon a Dark October' is your go-to. Trust me, you won't regret diving into this dark, enchanting world. Happy reading!
