Most historical fictions have a little bit of a slow pick up, and that's true of Hungerstone as well. However, once we were in the thick of things, I went absolutely FERAL for this exquisitely crafted story of hunger, violence, power, and revenge.

I've been *very* here for the lesbian vampire retellings lately, and this version of Carmilla certainly delivered on that note. The tension between Lenore and Carmilla was so intertwined with violence and gore and hunger in a way that was darkly riveting and sensual.

I'm a firm believer that the difference between a good vampire novel and a bad one is whether or not they interrogate the original themes that vampire stories grew out of. The recent Nosferatu movie did this well in its exploration of female sexuality and desire - which we also see in Hungerstone through a more queer lens.

One aspect of vampire stories that can sometimes go unappreciated, but that Hungerstone does beautifully, is the *hunger* side of desire, of wanting, of craving and need. Dunn's writing is so visceral in its exploration of hunger, from food to sex to power to revenge. It sits in the pit of your stomach as you read, forcing you to confront the desire so eloquently communicated in its pages.

This was a stellar read. Thank you to Zando and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.