Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book as it became a bit too confusing for me. The three points of view, while an interesting concept, weren’t executed in a way that worked for me personally. It just didn’t click, but I’m sure others might enjoy the unique storytelling style.

Good for fans of:
🩸Dracula retellings
🩸multiple POV’s
🩸insta-love
🩸gothic sapphic romance

In this gothic sapphic fantasy, Kiersten White reclaims the story of Lucy Westenra, the beautiful rich girl who garnered three proposals in one day, was turned into a vampire by Dracula, and was staked through the heart by the three men who loved her and Dr Van Helsing. Through diary entries and transcripts, White gives Lucy more agency, a queer identity, and a fascinating history through the years as a vampire. I really enjoyed these parts of the story. There was warmth and humor injected throughout the tale, and I cackled at the acknowledgement of how lame and creepy Van Helsing, Dr Seward, and Lord Godalming are in the original.

I was less enthused about the second half of the story which takes place fully in the modern timeline, and I felt that the narrative started to lag at times. Overall, this is a great example of how retellings of classic stories can breathe new life into those classics and speak to modern sensibilities. I previously read and loved 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑏𝑒𝑡ℎ 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛, which I highly recommend as well.

Thank you so much to Del Rey Books and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review!

Lucy Undying is a retelling of one of Dracula’s very first victim: Lucy Westenra, a 19 year old from a wealthy family. Mingled into the story is a modern day original character, Iris Goldaming, who wants nothing to do with her family’s multi-billion dollar company. The book follows 3 separate timelines usually in a similar order: Lucy’s diary, transcripts of Lucy’s session with her therapist, and Iris’s current timeline.

The pacing of the book is so agonizingly slow. I felt like I was squeezing through the smallest crevice possible at the 60% mark before things really started to pick up (and I wished it did so a lot sooner). The multiple timelines made it difficult to capture my attention fully when my brain is trying to grasp at the previous one and in the next chapter it moves onto another. The disjointed pattern did not help with balancing the ideas that White had in mind which was to somehow interweave the gothic fabric of vampiricism with the new. And while I truly think that is commendable and interesting, it is also one of the biggest downfalls in the book. The two separate entities clashed often and left me puzzled with the direction and choices.

Admittedly this was a “cover pretty, must read it” book and I did not realize initially this was a Dracula retelling. So perhaps if I had known the original story the intent would be more clear and less confusing? But that tells me the book should rely less on Bram Stoker’s original Dracula and more on solidifying new ideas that help the book sing. Let Iris Goldaming have her own moment and leave Lucy Westenra to rest at her ancient vessel.

I really wanted to like Lucy Undying more than I did. As a fan of vampire novels and anything related to Dracula, I was excited to dive deeper into this world, especially with the promise of a Sapphic vampire connection and the all-female cast from the Dracula universe. However, the story felt scattered and halfway written to me.

There were too many points of view, voices, and timelines, which made it hard for me to connect emotionally with the characters or the plot. While there were moments of humor and I enjoyed Iris’ snarky comments, the story lacked the depth I was hoping for. Despite these issues, I would still recommend it to readers who love Dracula and want to explore more from that world, as the concept itself is intriguing.

Thank you, #NetGalley and #DelRey for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

A bit like reading three books in one, but all interconnected together with the theme of vampire. I really enjoyed reading this book and took my time to savor this one. A wonderfully spooky, sapphic read perfect for fans of the O.G Vampire novel, haters of MLMs, and history buffs alike.

There were a lot of things I liked about this book; such as the beautiful sapphic love story, the themes of self-acceptance and feminism, and the way White successfully retold a classic story.

I just didn’t care for the way the characters were set up so black and white. White made sure you knew the antagonists were evil and the protagonists good in a very cartoonish way that, to me, took away some depth and believability. Lucy, in particular, was almost Mary-Sue like in her morality which made this book read like ya in spite of some more mature themes of the plot.
I also felt like this book tried to be too many things at once and had some elements of the story been cut out, I feel like the book would have been stronger.

So, this was not my favorite of White’s books. But I did enjoy it. I would recommend it especially to ya fans who enjoy retellings and sapphic romances.

Thank you so very much to Random House and NetGalley for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this reimagining of Lucy Westenra's story, taking her from a side character in Dracula's story and making her the main character of her own. Kiersten White says in the author's note that she always thought Lucy deserved better, and I agree. Actually, I enjoyed how this book reimagined all of the characters from Dracula, especially the women, and created another bold and interesting story with them at the center. For me, that aspect of this book was beautiful.
However, I thought the writing itself was a bit overdone. There was a lot of rambling and repetition, melodrama, humor that didn't hit for me personally, and the plot and pacing was all over the place.
So unfortunately, the reading experience did drag for me a bit, especially in the present-day storyline.
However, I think the beautiful exploration and development of Lucy in her backstory chapters and journal entries was so worth it, and once the present-day plot picked up I think it went somewhere really unique and interesting, and very Kiersten White. It reminded a lot of Mr. Magic, which I loved.
So, even though I wish the writing and execution had been different in several ways, I appreciate Kiersten White for writing these kinds of stories, and look forward to see what she does next.

Thank you Ballantine for the ARC!

I almost wish this had been given two books and a little more time to breathe plot wise, as it kind of starts sprinting hard towards the end, but the book is still a whole thought, and a pure joy to read in the season. Yes, Lucy absolutely deserved a goddamn girlfriend. I also like that White gets to take on MLMs and old school swindles here while she's at it, and also gives Lucy a bit of therapy while she's at it while letting Lucy off the chain. Like, if this is the riffs we can get on the source material, I want authors to fuck around in this kind of space more. Definitely worth a read this fall.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for proving an ARC for review.

This is a very good premise that felt very bogged down. The first two-thirds of the story are told between three rotating narratives told in order from Iris, to Lucy, and then a third narrator. This was very frustrating! The story would build momentum and something cool would happen, and boom, the chapter is over and you’re reading a different narrative. Personally, I liked Iris’ narrative the least of the three and internally groaned when it was her turn again.

This book felt too long as well. There’s over 100 chapters, and with the interrupted momentum of the story, it started to drag. There were so many sparkling moments that just felt buried in this massive tome of a book.

I liked this, and I loved Lucy as a character. There were wonderful elements of self-discovery and self-acceptance, and I loved the narratives around overcoming trauma and abuse. There were genuinely cool moments, interesting reflections, and intense introspection. It was also boring.

This book is really long, and at times really drags. It was hard to finish but I think it could have been a big hit had it been more succinct in getting the point across.

This book! Good lord, I loved it so so so much. Lucy, Iris, the twists and turns! At one point I thought it was dragging on a little bit, because I thought oh, they can have a happy ending! But then THE TWIST! I was SAT. I loved this continuation of Dracula, focusing on a character who truly needed more attention. Thank you, Kiersten, for doing our girl justice!

A feminist twist on a beloved classic, LUCY UNDYING puts the focus on Lucy Westenra from the original tale and gives her a wholly new story with a unique spin. In this story, Lucy is indeed a vampire, but here she’s trying to outrun her past and Dracula. Her journey intersects with that of a modern woman who is searching for the same things as Lucy — discovering who she truly is, self-love, healing, and escaping the past in order to build a future. Like some of White’s previous works (Mister Magic, for one), there’s also a bit of an allegorical reference to White’s relationship with her former religion, and that plays a super interesting part in this book.

Lucy undying isn’t a book you speed through. The slowed down pace and intricate prose makes sure of that. Instead, this is a book you slowly savor, carefully devouring each word of this beautiful book until it (and Lucy herself) imprints itself on your heart. I’m a huge fan of Kiersten White, but don’t let my fangirling and bias influence your decision to pick this book up. I promise you that this story is fantastic, and certainly one that imparts some solid and interesting talking points. 5 stars. Pick this up if you enjoy:

🍂Multiple povs
🍂Dracula-inspired tales
🍂Gothic fiction
🍂Feminine rage
🍂Vampires
🍂Exploration of injustices against women including misogyny and abuse
🍂Self-discovery and healing
🍂LGBTQ+ characters and sapphic romance

Really well written and enjoyable! While the book does feel like two separate novels and becomes meandering at times because of that, I enjoyed the overall story. I would almost like to see a bit more of the MLM as vampires because I love that concept, and I really liked the idea of The Lover and her way of seeking attention and love feels so true and real in a unique way. A great Halloween read!

“I’ll start at the beginning. The beginning is, as all beginnings are, soaked in blood and shrouded in darkness. The end will be, too, but we’ll get there together.”
Lucy Undying by Kiersten White is the first novel that I’ve read by this author, and I can assure you that it will not be the last. Not only was I totally consumed by the premise of Lucy Undying, but I also found myself wholly won over by the themes and the fierceness in the way Kiersten White has brough the tale of Lucy Westenra to life in both the past and modern timelines.


Dracula gif via giphy
I should start by telling all of you who might be nervous about starting Lucy Undying, that reading Dracula as a precursor is not necessary at all. Kiersten White’s storytelling is easy to follow and utterly enchanting. I found myself, more than once, unable to put my e-reader down. It’s fine. Stirring a pot only requires one hand and minimal focus, right?

“Dear, dear Mother, who loves like a knife, slicing me into ever smaller pieces until I’m exactly the shape that pleases her the most.”
Readers meet Iris Goldaming, new heir to her family’s megalithic fortune and business empire, as she’s running away to London in the hopes to find enough quick cash by divesting estate. She ultimately wants to disappear, wanting nothing to do with her mother’s nefarious legacy. Iris quickly enlists the help of her ride share driver, as well as the enigmatic blonde goddess who saves her on her first day in London.


female vampire gif via giphy
Lucy’s story is told in journal entries prior to her run-in with Dracula. These entries show a young woman who desperately wants to choose the love of her life, but is constrained by societal norms, a strict and overbearing mother, and a handful of suitors. Lucy’s descriptions of her suitors are both insightful and comical.

“Perhaps they will kill each other! Then I can prettily mourn them and be free. I do quite like the drama of black lace. I would look lovely, pretending to cry over their graves as my darling held me close.”
The other POV is Lucy as she gives an interview. Told in a deposition style, she’s giving her undead story in all the gory details. The strength and guile it takes Lucy to survive through such tumultuous times in history made me adore her even more.

The way the past culminates with the present is a twist that I thought I saw coming, but didn’t truly grasp fully until Kiersten White unveiled it all near the last third of the book. I love a great twist, and this one kept me up late into the night. Taking a gothic fantasy and making it modern is no easy feat, yet Kiersten White handles that challenge beautifully in Lucy Undying.

“Lying about the existence of monsters never saved anyone from falling victim to them.”
Easily one of the best stories of the year, Lucy Undying is an ode to sapphic love, feminine rage, and to the OG vampire story that has spawned countless others. If you need a story that is both unique and romantic, with plenty of action, and mystery to keep you hooked, then you absolutely need to read Lucy Undying! Available everywhere now, don’t want on your copy! Congrats on a brilliant new release, Kiersten White!

This book held so much promise for me. I was initially drawn in by this gorgeous cover and the Dracula retelling (ish) aspect of the story. I loved White's historical fiction series of a gender-bent Vlad the Impaler, who was the inspiration for Dracula.

What if Lucy Westerna had not been killed after turning into a vampire? What if Mina wasn't who she seemed? What if vampireism helped the rise of a multilevel marketing cult?

The story follows the journal of Lucy Westerna (human), the client transcripts between Lucy Westerna (vampire) and her therapist, and Iris Goldaming, heir to said cult. The parts with the journal entries I found to move very slowly. I just couldn't connect or feel really anything for human Lucy. I just wanted to get back to vampire Lucy's povs or Iris'. It took until about 45-50% of the book for everything to hold my interest. When all of the loose strands started coming together to weave a picture.

From 50-80% of this book, I couldn't put it down. The stakes were introduced and high. All three povs were starting to align and people from Lucy's past began making appearances. And of course, the bringing down of a cult, who doesn't love that. However, this book really seemed longer than it needed to be.

KIERSTEN WHITE YOU ARE THAT GIRL. This book is so so so so so good.

A story spanning generations, we are taken through Lucy's story from when she was a nineteen year old pining after Mina and writing in her journal, to her time spent hunting down Dracula over her undead-lifetime. Woven in, is Iris. Iris is the heir to a MLM vampire cult and has been trying to get out her entire life. Everything she thought she knew about the company is not quite correct and in her efforts to run away, she uncovers secrets that her family has been keeping for generations.

SUCH a wonderful take on Stoker's Dracula. Definitely add it to your TBR this spooky season.

My biggest issue with the book is the instant love aspect between Lucy and Iris. As much as I wanted to be deeply unwavering in support of the love story it just felt too fast to completely win me over.

I love so much of this story. I love that it’s a queer revival of a classic, the villainous twist, and the fantastic side characters.

The story being divided between the therapy sessions, diary entries, and Iris was just magic to read. A perfect way to layer in suspense.

Honestly it’s so refreshing to read a book in which the vampire love interest wasn’t afraid to turn their beloved to have more time.

When I started reading, I wasn't sure that I was going to finish the book. That being said, it did pull me in after a few chapters and I did finish it. What a crazy ride, lot of stuff to unpack and honestly, probably a really good representation of how a vampire would feel if they existed. Being alive for so long and drifting through the eras without something to hold onto would be exhausting.

This was a really cool take on vampires! As someone who lived in Utah for 20+ years (and has seen how many crazy MLMs there are) I thought it was so funny that an mlm cult based in Salt Lake City was a large part of the plot. I really enjoyed seeing Lucy’s life through the years and how portions of the story were told in epistolary form. The romance felt a little insta-lovey, but I still liked it and was rooting for it. My main complaint is it was too long and could have been shortened, but overall I really liked this one! I also enjoyed the audiobook!

Didn’t gel with the second half as strongly as I did the first, but honestly, I’m never going to be mad at a book that gives Lucy Westenra the happy ending she deserves, complete with vengeance and SO many lady vampires.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.