What is a monster but a creature of agency?

Hungerstone is a reimagining of Carmilla set during the industrial revolution and follows Lenore, the wife of a steel magnate Henry. While preparing for a hunting party, the two encounter the mysterious Carmilla who begins to exert her power more and more on Lenore's life.

I think this book would have been stronger if I had not read the original Carmilla. Even though this book is significantly longer, I don't think it fleshes out the characters, especially Lenore. I also find the relationships between the characters to be lacking. Lenore has very surface level interactions with everyone for so much of the book, that it made her reactions to situations seem very out of place.

My biggest issue with the book, though, is the focus. What makes the original so interesting is the treatment of queerness. This book chose to focus more on Lenore's relationship to womanhood in relationship to Henry's patriarchal household. In my opinion, the more interesting take would have been to tackle Lenore's relationship to womanhood through the lens of queerness. Queerness and vampires have always been closely related to each other, and I felt as though this book missed on the opportunity to expand more on that. This book is more about feminism and less about queerness. Lenore's interactions with Carmilla are so shallow and consist mainly of Carmilla insisting that Lenore "want things." I wish that there was some kind of interrogation of queerness as a disruptive force, or something monstrous to the mainstream. There are lots of historical horror books about women realizing their husbands suck, and I don't think this book offers more than that (or more on the queer themes presented in the original).

Sapphic vampires in a gothic manor set in 1880s in Peak District… say less!

This was dark and gritty and explored some hard hitting themes of what it means to be a wife and a woman during this time period and how they wanted so much more than they were allowed.

Ended up really enjoying this but took me a wee while to get into.

Kat Dunn’s Hungerstone is a captivating blend of historical fiction, supernatural intrigue, and a poignant exploration of love and identity, all set against the backdrop of Sheffield. For readers familiar with the city, Dunn’s vivid descriptions and local references add a layer of authenticity that enhances the narrative.

The novel weaves a unique tale centered around lesbian vampires, a refreshing angle that is often underrepresented in both the historical and fantasy genres. Dunn's portrayal of her characters is rich and nuanced, particularly in how they navigate societal constraints while grappling with their desires. The emotional depth of the protagonists adds a compelling layer to the story, making their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply.

Dunn’s writing is both atmospheric and engaging, drawing readers into a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The historical context is well-researched, lending credibility to the fantastical elements and enriching the reader’s experience. The balance between romance and horror is masterfully handled, ensuring that neither overshadows the other.

As a Sheffield girl myself, I found particular joy in recognizing local landmarks and the cultural nuances that Dunn incorporates into her storytelling. It’s a testament to her skill that the city itself feels like a character, influencing the plot and the characters’ lives in meaningful ways.

Overall, Hungerstone is a delightful read that successfully merges genres while providing a fresh perspective on both history and queer representation. Dunn has crafted a memorable narrative that invites readers to explore the intersections of love, identity, and the supernatural. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and engaging story that lingers long after the last page.

What is great about Hungerstone is what is great about Carmilla, perhaps what is great about all vampire stories—the irresistible tension between fear and desire. At its best, Kat Dunn’s reworking of Carmilla is less an update of Sheridan Le Fenu’s classic for the modern reader than a remarkable heightening of the original’s half-kept promise.

I must admit, even somewhat past the halfway mark, I was feeling mostly underwhelmed. Aside from the narrator, the novel’s characters are one-dimensional. Cold husband. Servile servants. Even Carmilla herself hardly a character. And Clara—Clara, who should mean so much—one lost opportunity after another. But then, this sense that the novel’s people are only half-seen is not entirely ineffective; it contributes to the novel’s claustrophobic air, to a growing sense of dread, isolation, desperation. “I am so furious,” Lenore howls, “at anyone who is not alone.” Then she trips a stranger, sending forth “a stream of beautiful red blood.”

In my case, the novel suffered for being read alongside Nicholas Nickleby, Dunn’s prose dimming in the light of Dickens’ sparkling sentences. (What novel wouldn’t suffer that comparison? But Hungerstone, with its Victorian pretensions, is particularly vulnerable.) And though there are effective moments, Dunn doesn’t always quite pull off the trick, so essential to historical fiction, of dialogue that feels at once of another time and like something someone would really say.

One last complaint, ultimately withdrawn. At first, the subplot about industrialization felt rather obvious; an easy way to create social and political stakes for what is at heart a story personal to the point of selfishness. The equation of bloody industrial accident to bloody supernatural incident felt, as Carmilla herself might say, rather boring. In fact, for a time it seemed that Hungerstone was almost trying to be boring; bending over backwards to provide the straightforward symbolism of the modern feminist novel, complete with elaborate fancies of disordered eating, instagram worthy “you are enough!” affirmation, and rote anti-capitalism straight from the mouths’ of characters taking extravagant pleasure in reaping capitalism’s blessings. In the end, I’m happy to report, the novel utterly fails at being boring. What looked, at first blush, like labored and obvious symbolism utterly refuses to resolve. The novel has a wild heart. It works itself into a frenzy, exhausts itself, works itself up again.

I devoured the last third and finished the book utterly satisfied with the meal.

Sapphic vampire tale of woman embracing her rage - gasping with joy for it!
Lenore has existed in a 10 year marriage - bringing her social standing to her husband of new wealth. No children makes Lenore's position tenuous - though she and Henry share a dark secret.
Henry's purchase of an estate brings them out the moors.
A woman in distress becomes a creepy houseguest.
Henry's idea of an ideal wife also joins the household.
The stress of an upcoming hunting party - the house repairs, lack of staff experience, the peerage.
Carmilla pushes Lenore to realize how her despairing life as a wife; certainly against Cora's pristine peerage, youth and naiveté. Really which woman is more naive?

Watch out for a woman who is fed up and HUNGRY.

This is about a woman empowered to no longer put up with BS from society or her husband. Without giving spoilers, Lenore learns female rage from our dearest spooky Carmilla. It hits all the gothic vibes with mysterious illnesses and decrepit buildings.

However, this is still between 3 and 4 stars for me. The pacing felt slow. I found myself wanting to flip quickly through her childhood flashbacks. We get repetition of major details refed to us, at the expensive of character development. Only our main protagonist has a fully fleshed out character and I still felt disconnected from her.

This will hit with fans of moody historical fiction but the writing style was just a tad on the dry side for me personally.

An aged up and distinctly sapphic retelling of the original vampire story Carmilla. Drenched in feminine rage, hauntingly gotchic, and beautifully written from cover to cover.

This book was simply excellent. A sapphic vampire story in spooky, victorian setting? Sign me up!
Many have tried to reproduce the charming yet disturbing atmosphere of Carmilla/Dracula and have failed. Kat Dunn has done a beautiful job describing each character, feeling and landscape. The prose is hypnotic and the pace is deliberately slow which creates anticipation. I was so invested into Lenore's actions and her character development. This story is so much more than a supernatural romance. It is about revenge, finding yourself, about unapologetic womanhood. It is perfectly mysterious, addictive and gruesome. Many interesting matters were added to the core of the story like grief, depression, patriarchy, PTSD and infertility. A delicious autumn read for sure. I will definitely be buying a physical copy.

Hungerstone is a mesmerizing gothic retelling of Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu, blending atmosphere, desire, and oppression into a compelling narrative. From the very start, the novel plunges readers into Lenore’s world—an unhappily married woman haunted by dreams and trapped in a life of societal expectation. Kat Dunn’s portrayal of the Industrial Revolution backdrop is both immersive and richly detailed, giving the story a strong sense of time and place that feels authentic.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its atmosphere and its ability to evoke emotion. The gothic setting drips off the page, filling every scene with tension and mystery. Lenore’s inner turmoil, her growing desire for Carmilla, and the dark secrets unraveling in Nethershaw Manor pull readers in, keeping them hooked from start to finish. Dunn’s prose is both beautiful and biting, capturing the raw ferocity of female rage and longing, while also paying homage to the original Carmilla in a refreshing and modern way.

One of the standout elements of the novel is Lenore’s transformation from a haunted, oppressed wife to a powerful woman reclaiming her agency. Her relationship with Carmilla is both seductive and dangerous, providing a captivating exploration of power dynamics, desire, and the hunger for more in a world that would rather see women remain docile. The theme of hunger—whether for freedom, love, or revenge—is explored with great depth throughout the story.

However, some readers might feel that the book leaves them wanting more. There’s a slow build to the climax, and while the tension is palpable, the payoff can feel abrupt, particularly in the ending. The relationship between Lenore and Carmilla, while intoxicating, could have been further developed, offering more insight into their emotional and psychological bond. Similarly, Carmilla’s character occasionally comes off as a plot device—something to push Lenore’s arc forward—rather than being fully fleshed out.

Despite these minor flaws, Hungerstone is a compelling read, especially for those drawn to gothic literature, lesbian vampire tropes, and atmospheric prose. It’s perfect for fans of dark, moody stories where women challenge societal norms and embrace their hunger for more. The novel doesn’t just retell Carmilla—it reclaims it, making it a tale of empowerment as much as it is one of horror.

Overall, Hungerstone is a fiercely beautiful book that will captivate readers looking for a gothic, feminist read that sinks its teeth into your heart and mind. Four stars.

What an addictive read! The premise of the book hooks you in and the writing and plot keeps you engaged and interested. Give me a book with lesbian vampires and i’m there and this book did them so well, although I do wish we got more of them. This book was filled with rage and desire and I loved it! Thank you to Netgalley and Zando for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! I read it in a day. The main character, Lenore, was a great perspective, I loved the shift from paranoid and haunted to powerful and in control. The side characters were very fun, I enjoyed just about every turn of this story - the ending was a teeny bit lackluster, but I think I was hoping for something really vindictive. Oh well! Still fantastic.

Because Goodreads doesn't allow for 1/2 ratings, I set this as a 2, but in my head it's a 2.5. I appreciate the work the author went into to making the historical setting feel immersive. I do think, though, that there was a bit too much going on in terms of historical reference. I think I wanted a bit more building up of Lenore and Carmilla's strange, heady relationship and the toxicity that had built up between her and her husband. There was certainly some attempt made at doing that, but I feel like the book meandered far too long for what I wanted it to do.

This is a story with a very slow build, but I never quite felt like it hit the ground running. Some of that is due to the 1st person narration which didn't quite hit the mark for me. None of the characters really felt like they ever fully came into their own because of this, as well. There was too much of a distance there. I think the author did a decent job articulating Lenore's cage of her own making, but also the cage forced upon her. Unfortunately, a lot of that internalization had the effect, for me, of making both the characters and the plot seem not quite as dimensional. I realize that some of that was the point--at least for the characters--but none of it ever quite felt like it mattered, to me.

The ending, too, was quite abrupt. Perhaps if I had any background knowledge of Carmilla, I might feel a bit differently, but as it stands, overall, I just felt whelmed. I might've liked this book a bit more if it were shorter and a bit more focused. Just not really for me, unfortunately.

Good retelling but I felt like done trimming would have improved the flow. Carmilla came across as a bully but I was satisfied with the ending

"It starts with blood. It ends with blood." 🩸

"For what do you hunger?"

"I am a drowning woman clinging to a wreckage, but I will sing so loud as I go down."

Ya'll this book slaps and bites! This is such a spectacular retelling of Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu which centers on Lenore, an unhappily married woman, who takes a mysterious woman- Carmilla Kernstein- under her wing after a carriage accident..
Prior to the incident, she kept on having fever dreams (or sleep paralysis) about a young woman with sweet, heart-shaped face and eyes that glitter in the dark...and the inexplicable things she does to her.
From there, Strange things continue to happen and many shocking discoveries - about her marriage, her husband, her 'friend', herself and Carmilla.
A dark, seductive, gothic story about female oppression, insatiable rage and hunger. Love this so much, I devoured it! This is the first book I've read from the author and looking forward to her other works. I've already added Bitterthorn on my list.

5 ✨🩸


Thanks to NetGalley and Zando Projects for the Arc! 🖤

Finally, a book that understands Gothic as a genre and not just an aesthetic. Wonderful prose, great pacing, and themes you can really sink your teeth into. If you support women’s wrongs, this book is for you.

thank you netgalley for the e-ARC!

i enjoyed many aspects of this book like, unhinged women getting revenge, sapphics, and the prose. it was good but it was lacking depth in Carmilla's character, which basically turned her into a manic pixie dream girl; only there to further along Lenore's journey, so i wish we'd gotten more info on her.

This was my first time reading Kat Dunn’s writing and I really enjoyed the flow of it. It felt both of the time it takes place while also occasionally allowing for more modern language, which added to my reading experience. The book was extremely atmospheric and moody and fits well into the gothic canon. I’m a little sorry I didn’t read Carmilla prior to reading this (my own fault!), but I still loved my time with it. I vibed with the main character telling the story and I thought the introduction of Carmilla was perfect. Also, not for nothing, the cover is fantastic.

Thank You to Netgalley and Manilla Press for the Arc
Hungerstone is as beautiful as it is brutal. A retelling of the first Vampire novel Carmilla, Kat Dunn captures the horrifying realities of womanhood and what it means to hunger for something more.
Lenore is the wife of a steel manufacturer whose desire for more brings them to London, where a freak accident, Carmilla, enters their lives. The two women frequently buttheads as Carmilla encourages Lenore to want more from her doomed life and question the motives of her husband, who seems set on having a perfect life. Eventually, Lenore responds to her hunger for a better life and desire for Carmilla; it is the first time she is on equal footing with her partner and is with someone who can fulfill her desire.
Hungerstone was a loving adaptation of a story meant to warn against women who sought after what they wanted. The story is rich in its gothic atmosphere, and I was rooting for Lenore and Carmilla the whole time.

I have not yet read Carmilla so I went into this book blind. This was phenomenal! From the first page, you are transported into the gothic setting. We are in Lenora's head as she goes through her daily, near perfect life. It felt claustrophobic at times which helped add to the dark and mysterious atmosphere. Once she meets Carmilla, Lenora's fragile facade starts to crack and must face reality for what it is. It is chilling and everything my feminist heart wanted. I highly recommend this and give is 5 blood thirsty stars!

4.5 // i wasn’t looking for this book but i’m glad it found me. what a delight it was to read, what a feast. thank you netgalley for the arc <333

good retelling but still able to read like an original story and concept. the writing was excellent and i don’t usually say this for first person narration. there’s always something self-flagellating or high and mighty in first person but the narrator here was compelling and true to the time period. a fast paced, flowing prose and narrative, with a well developed cast - no notes. i enjoyed how both the inner and outer conflicts developed. i especially liked how things gradually escalated and got creepier and eerier, and how the theme of hunger was presented. the ending, although satisfying, could have used some more or an epilogue. it left me wanting more, to see what happens next.

you can read “hungerstone” without having read “carmilla” but it adds flavour if you have. overall a great read, perfect for sapphic september or spooky season. i hope this book comes in a pretty edition or has a special edition in the future so i can get it as a physical copy. i’m also curious to read more of kat dunn and what future
projects she has planned.