Wow wow wow! This story was better than I could have ever imagined!!! I was encapsulated the entire time I was reading this book. Every detail was spot on and the MC was so amazing!

Following our MC and her story is so empowering. I was rooting for her the entire story. She had so much fight in her and that is my favorite trait to read in a MC especially a FMC.

This book made me laugh, cry, get anxious, and feel calm all at the same time. I really felt like I was on this journey with our FMC and was sad when it was over.

For anyone who loves reading historical fiction and fantasy, this is the book for you!

I loved how this took a potentially true story and flipped it on it's head. The focus on female rage, trauma, and betrayal was so intriguing. Each character was one you both understood and rooted for even if you didn't agree with their actions.

I was so excited to read this, as I am fascinated by Erzsébet Báthory, but this was not what I was hoping for. This was very slice of life. I felt like we got bogged down in the daily life of the serving girls. There were some really evil characters that were written well, but overall, nothing really grabbed me or sank its teeth in.

This book was entertaining and it is a fictional tale based on a true person and event. So that part I liked I thought that it was a very good blend of history and fiction. I highly enjoyed it.

Beautifully gothic and atmospheric. I love the history of Elizabeth Bathory. So when I saw this, I absolutely had to read it and I don’t regret one second. So well done!

First person and present tense. I am very interested in the history behind this book, so I will research the true story instead of slogging through this.

[3.5/5] THE NIGHTINGALE'S CASTLE is a historical fiction retelling of Erzsébet Báthory, a 16th century Hungarian aristocrat. Known as the "Blood Countess," it was rumored she killed hundreds of peasant girls in her castle. This is a reimagining of her fall from nobility told with a feminist perspective.

There are several points of view in THE NIGHTINGALE'S CASTLE, but the most frequently used is that of Boróka, a 15-year-old peasant girl. She knows nothing of her parents, but has been kindly brought up by the village doctor. When one of the Countess's trusted servants comes calling, Boróka unexpectedly ends up in Erzsébet Báthory's household. Many find the Countess intimidating, but even so Boróka quickly finds herself in the Countess's inner circle of sorts. In this role she sees that, while resolute and stubborn, the rumors against the Countess are unfounded. But when a plague breaks out, killing more girls, all hell breaks loose.

THE NIGHTINGALE'S CASTLE bills itself as a feminist reimagining. It is to some extent, particularly in the last quarter of the book when a greedy patriarchal society uses rumors to quell the Countess. It highlights how a damning word or an unfortunate event can easily be used to scapegoat a seemingly strange woman. This was a time when women were put to death under suspicion of witchcraft, after all. However, I didn't really feel like the feminist theme was an incredibly strong thread throughout the story. Rather, I thought the strength of this book was in the historical fiction retelling. The author pieced together historical documents and real figures to tell a more plausible series of events about the Countess.

There is also some magical realism present, which I found a little odd. It serves primarily as a mechanism for Boróka to learn about her family. Personally, I think it would have been more compelling had she learned about this through the individuals involved. Moreover, in general there is not a lot of direct connection between characters. The reader is almost more of a detached observer in a dream-like state. While the historical fiction aspect about a "Blood Countess" certainly piques one's interest, I would have liked to see just a little more emotional connection or dissonance between the characters.

Overall, though, I enjoyed THE NIGHTINGALE'S CASTLE, despite some of my quibbles. I found it interesting to read about a Hungarian historical figure of which I knew absolutely nothing. It's an easy story to get swept away into and is yet another window into women's lives in a male-dominated world.

eARC Review: The Nightingale’s Castle by Sonia Velton 🩸

This was a powerful tale of how strong, intelligent and independent women are consistently seen as a threat to men who desire to control them. The attention to the historical events and details was done so wonderfully by Velton that you can tell as the reader that she wanted to really challenge your perspective on this notorious woman. 🏰

The tale is definitely plot based as the reader gets POVs ranging from Boróka the servant girl, to her four accused accomplices, and finally to Erzsébet herself. I liked that Hungarian folk belief was addressed in the relationship between the countess and the servant girl and how we’ll never really know if the countess had a child at thirteen. I also really enjoyed the idea that she was partially unaware of her servants being incredibly cruel to the point of mass torture and murder. Another detail that I quite liked is that we, the readers, are never really sure if the countess enjoyed cruel punishments herself. 😈

All in all, I thought it was a great historical retelling. There were moments where I found the plot slow or I was confused as to why we were getting a new POV, but I had a great time reading regardless! Big thank you goes to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for accepting my request to read in exchange for an honest review, and to the author, Velton, for doing this historical woman justice!

Publication date: July 30!

Overall: 4/5 ⭐️

Gripping, Gothic, captivating, chilling, and wonderfully written, The Nightingale's Castle: A Novel of Erzsébet Báthory, the Blood Countess was hard to put down! I loved the atmosphere of this book, the setting in the mountains, the castle, and the vivid descriptions of life during that time. Was Countess Erzsébet Báthory, the murderous blood countess who murdered over 600 girls, or was she the victim of a threatened King????

In The Nightingale's Castle: A Novel of Erzsébet Báthory, the Blood Countess, Sonia Velton provides a sympathetic look at the Countess who is alleged to be a heinous serial killer who tortured and bathed in the blood of her victims. I enjoyed this blending of history, fantasy, and fiction. Many know the crimes that Countess Erzsébet Báthory was accused of committing. Historians have debated her guilt and innocence. Was she a powerful and wealthy woman? Yes. Did her wealth and power make powerful men uncomfortable? I'm sure it did. Was she a cruel, sadistic, and vile killer? That is the question!

I enjoyed this chilling work of fiction based on a real woman. The author’s wonderful writing and descriptions transported me to the castle and had me feeling like a silent observer hiding behind one of the many tapestries. I loved the Gothic and atmospheric feel of the book. I could feel the chill in the many hallways and feel the silence that the girls sewed in. I also enjoyed the unsettling feeling that surrounded those who lived in the castle. I also loved the tension and dread which flowed throughout the book. The characters are all intriguing. I felt for the innocent girls, while detesting the characters who were quite sinister. Plus, I may never look at old clocks the same way again!

I also enjoyed how the author had me wondering who could be trusted in this book as everyone tip toed around each other. This was a very nice touch. As the accusations were made, there was an overwhelming sense of unease. What will the accused do or say as their interrogations become unbearable?

This book explores power, abuse of power, loyalty, wealth, trust, influence, betrayal, and abuse to name a few.

Atmospheric, gothic, chilling, dark, and beautifully written. I look forward to reading more books by Sonia Velton.

Solid 3.5 read. This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I absolutely love the mix of historical romance and fantasy. Those are my favorite genres! I was very excited to read this. I loved the dark, gothic feel. The different POV’s is something I really enjoy. And I can’t believe this story is based on true events?
Although it was well written and descriptive, it also felt slow paced. In the end, it was an enjoyable read

I had a hard time getting through this one, but it could have been the time period and complete reader based trials and tribulations. I don't feel I felt enough for the story to give it a good critical review, positive or negative, and in truth did not finish it. I think I'm not in the right space right now for this book and will probably come back to it in the depths of winter sometime!

Very atmospheric and dark and I really liked that lots of it was based on the true story.I also really enjoyed the writing and felt sucked into the story line at points.At other points not so much and my attention wandered a bit.I think it was due to the fantasy box which was just a little out on a limb for me.For the most part it's a good read for a horror fan or just someone interested in Erzsebet Bathory's story.

There has been a lot written about the Blood Countess. This book focuses more on the fictional Boroka's journey with the Countess Bathory, specifically her activities as a servant in the castle. As part of castle life, the author also brings to life the accomplices that we rarely read about. A little bit of folklore and witchcraft add color to the history.

I thought the book was well-written and researched with a depth to the characters that I liked. I loved the different perspective interwoven with a bit of magic.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the ARC.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC. I wish I could have enjoyed this, but the pacing was just too slow for me. Also, the constant POV shifts meant it took a while for me to immerse myself into the story.

An infamously brutal murderess comes to life in this well-written reimagining. But we don’t get to just see the brutality; we see her humanity. And given that little is truly known about her reign of terror, and her trials relied heavily on the testimony of one girl, Countess Báthory is brought to life in a way that shows vulnerability, compassion, but also cunning. Our protagonist, Boróka, a girl with no history of her own, is brought to the Countess’ castle to become part of the household. She is desperate to find out who her mother is, and what happened to her. She is juxtaposed to the Countess, who is sly as Boròka is meek-initially. But the author pushed and pulls these two to bond them in unlikely ways. The sub characters are constructed well and provide context for the novel, as a whole. Our villain, Dorka, is brutal, vicious, and relishes in the pain and torment of others. But she also has a complex past that shaped her into who she is.

What we, the reader, also get to see is corruption and greed of powerful men and women, who are willing to condemn the Countess to obtain her riches. They push the narrative of the Blood Countess’ reign of terror and demand justice. But whose justice? Their actions lead the reader to doubt the truth of everything-wondering who is right and who is wrong.

Velton has given us a historically rich tale of death, power, and pain-bringing to life a woman who may or may not have been wrongfully accused. It is a novel worth reading and deciding for yourself who is the victim, and who is the villain.

*The Nightingale's Castle* by Sonia Velton masterfully blends historical fiction and fantasy to retell the story of Erzsébet Báthory, the infamous sixteenth-century Hungarian "Blood Countess" accused of murdering hundreds of girls. The novel follows Boróka, an unwittingly illegitimate child of Báthory, who is sent to serve the Countess at Čachtice Castle. Amidst the terror of Báthory's rumored brutality and the cruelty of her household, Boróka forms an unexpected bond with the Countess. Velton's vivid portrayal of the Gothic castle, the complex characterization of Báthory, and the exploration of themes like power, trust, and betrayal create a compelling narrative that captivates from start to finish. This richly textured tale, combining historical accuracy with dark fantasy elements, is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and Gothic horror.

Erzsebet Bathory, the Blood Countess" is perhaps one of the most sensationalized women in history. In sixteenth century Hungary Bathory was a wealthy aristocratic widow with vast wealth and lands which she capably managed on her own during her husband's absenses and following his death. As is often the case especially during this time period her lands and wealth were coveted by others and resentment grew as she steadfastly refused to cede any control. Were the growing rumors concerning her mistreatment of young servant girls and suspicious deaths based on facts or a conspiracy to wrest control by vengeful son in laws and envious men? Using the guise of an illegitimate daughter who comes to the castle as a servant this fictional biographical narrative unfolds through the eyes of multiple characters close to the Countess. The author deftly blends fact and fiction to create an absorbing story that sheds light on the strong women who came to be seen as the female Dracula. As is often the case with legends each retelling becomes more lurid and more of a departure from the truth. The narrative offers a different theory on the perpetrators of the cruelty and also points out the outbreaks of plague and other virulent diseases common during this period before medical care was common. An informative absorbing read. Even fans of history who have heard of Countess Bathory would be engaged with this well researched historical novel.

An unusual historical novel with a story line that was intriguing both from the truth of the events and in contemporary society—how women are so often mistreated regardless of station in life. The writing is good, the descriptions detailed and sometimes enchanting, sometimes repulsive. But a bit of a perplexive read as a woman in today’s world where we still fight some of the same battles in a more subtle manner.


Thanks to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for the Advanced Review Copy.

amazing story about elizabeth bathory. there should be more about her, this is probably the best there is on the subject. if this is the author's debut, then she should keep up the good work!

I vaguely knew the story about Erzsébet Báthory from documentaries, but had not read any books about her so I was excited to read this book. The Nightingale’s Castle did lead me to reading more about the countess, which I always see as a good sign in a book.

I liked that the story was not solely focused on Erzsébet, but I did think there were too many POVs. I sometimes lost track of who was who, especially with the two older servants. I think the multiple POVs also contributed to the pacing of the book. It was slow during the first ⅔, and only marginally picked up in the last third.