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fernnoweh's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Ending is kind of abrupt here. Wish that there was more tension and suspense that leads up to it. I can definitely see why this inspired other vampire novels because it does set up some very interesting lore that can be played around with. I can also see why there are many adaptations of it—there’s so much more you can do with the base story.
Also. For a book that is “steeped in sexual tension and gothic romance” there could’ve been a lot more of both. They just held hands and kissed a bit?? Where’s the DRAMA?? (I know this was published in the 1870s but c’mon man!!)
Also. For a book that is “steeped in sexual tension and gothic romance” there could’ve been a lot more of both. They just held hands and kissed a bit?? Where’s the DRAMA?? (I know this was published in the 1870s but c’mon man!!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Body horror
littleflowerfairy's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Medical content, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Racism, and Grief
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
essiie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, and Death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
erinoco's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i really enjoyed this! the concept and plot were amazing, the characters were so interesting, and the writing was accessible. i wish the the characters were more flushed out and the plot was explored in more length. overall, it was a fun sapphic vampire story which was the precursor to Dracula!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, Blood, Grief, Stalking, and Toxic friendship
vigil's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
there wasn't any portion of this book that disliked reading, though i have mild hang up about the ending. the pacing of this book is consistent, though depending on the angle you view it from, could be seen as slow, medium, or fast, depending on what you count as plot progression. The language is very accessible considering it's a classic, but not simplistic or dull. i think the dialogue, especially between carmilla and laura, is the standout.
the plot began to trail off upon the introduction of the general, though the answers to the mysteries throughout the book were fully delivered (a bit too fully, you could say) in a very sussinct manner that, once finished, quickly pushed you towards the climax.
the ending was, in my opinion somewhat anti-climatic, but i understand that was the style of the time. i do think that in making carmilla more of a vague outline of a monster, rather than something present, both added and detracted from the climax, which really need more of her actually in it.
i really found carmen maria machado's introduction to be informative as well as her footnotes, though they often leaned towards comedy.she's totally right on one front however. there's no way that wasn't an orgasm.
i had a fun time with this book though i think if it were longer, it would've made the book much better. especially the climax.
the plot began to trail off upon the introduction of the general, though the answers to the mysteries throughout the book were fully delivered (a bit too fully, you could say) in a very sussinct manner that, once finished, quickly pushed you towards the climax.
the ending was, in my opinion somewhat anti-climatic, but i understand that was the style of the time. i do think that in making carmilla more of a vague outline of a monster, rather than something present, both added and detracted from the climax, which really need more of her actually in it.
i really found carmen maria machado's introduction to be informative as well as her footnotes, though they often leaned towards comedy.
i had a fun time with this book though i think if it were longer, it would've made the book much better. especially the climax.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Racism and Xenophobia
sunbeam_reader's review against another edition
5.0
Machado's introduction (which contains spoilers but can be read as an afterwards), contextualization and footnotes make this edition the best version of Carmilla out there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
akira_outofthegravity's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
It’s like Wuthering Heights and Dracula had a baby.
I love it, it’s short, sweet, and simple. And while I’m certain that it’s meant to be read as a “ooo lesbianism bad turn to god!” I found it surprisingly romantic in parts. I think that it would make an incredible romance, as well as adapt nicely into modern day times.
Honestly, this book convinced me that yes, vampires are sexy. More sapphic vampires please. Extra points if they’re vintage 👀
I love it, it’s short, sweet, and simple. And while I’m certain that it’s meant to be read as a “ooo lesbianism bad turn to god!” I found it surprisingly romantic in parts. I think that it would make an incredible romance, as well as adapt nicely into modern day times.
Honestly, this book convinced me that yes, vampires are sexy. More sapphic vampires please. Extra points if they’re vintage 👀
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Blood
atalea's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror and Child death
Minor: Suicide
thenerdybookwitch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
This pleasantly surprised me! I was expecting it to treat Carmilla and Laura’s relationship negatively but it’s not at all. Their romantic relationship is not judged by anyone. I can see why so many Lesbian bookworms absolutely adore this book. It is a vampire classic that has set a huge standard especially in the Lesbian vampire genre. It is a very good read and I highly recommend it.
Note: This is a book from 1872 so problematic themes are still going to be present. Especially outdated terms that are Ableist today. It also has such a negative view on Suicide at the end. Just keep that in mind when reading.
Note: This is a book from 1872 so problematic themes are still going to be present. Especially outdated terms that are Ableist today. It also has such a negative view on Suicide at the end. Just keep that in mind when reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Blood, Medical content, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racism, Suicide, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Alcohol