So Blooms the Dawn - (Now Comes the Mist) by Julie C Dao (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Freshly vampiric Lucy Westenra thirsts for revenge in the second and final book of this Dracula retelling from critically acclaimed author Julie C. Dao.

Lucy Westenra, the flirtatious, wealthy, and beautiful debutante who once dazzled London society, is no more. Manipulated into thinking that Vlad understood her fervent darkness, she has become his bitter, blood-spattered, and lifeless bride.

Now en route to join his other brides in the Carpathians, Lucy writhes in pain each time she attempts to speak Vlad's name. She dreams of finding solace in the arms of her loved ones: her suitor, Arthur Holmwood, and her best friend, Mina Murray Harker. Instead, she is hunted by her former friends, Dr. Van Helsing and Quincey Morris, and tormented by the memory of the people she has killed in bloodlust.

But Lucy will not relinquish hope nor give up on escaping Vlad's violent grip. Much like the monster who once wandered into her dreams and gave her a glimpse of his heart's desire, she is determined to commune with Mina and Arthur, no matter the outcome. She must know once and for all whether their love for her persists--and if it can withstand her abandonment of her own humanity.

The long journey ahead will take Lucy to places unknown, where both familiar darkness and new light await. But will she step out of the mist and into the sun to embrace the vastness of her new immortal existence?

The stunning conclusion of a duology that reimagines Dracula from the perspective of Lucy Westenra, So Blooms the Dawn is perfect for fans of Penny Dreadful and Danielle L. Jensen.

Review Quotes

**Praise for _Now Comes the Mist_ ** "A lush, thoughtful, seductive reimagining of the Dracula mythos that had me under its thrall from page one, Dao's darkly dreamy book will leave you thirsting for more. Let Lucy sink her teeth into you and draw you into her new world." **--Kiersten White, #1 _New York_ Times-bestselling author of _Hide, Mister Magic, _ and _Lucy Undying_ ** "This novel will leave you breathless and make you question what you thought you knew about the original tale. Julie C. Dao is the master of nuanced, complex female leads who will not just demand but forcibly take exactly what they deserve." **--Beth Revis, _New York_ Times-bestselling coauthor of _Night of the Witch_ ** "[A] refreshing and clever gothic romance . . . Haunting and atmospheric . . . Fans of dark vampire romance will be delighted." **--_Publishers Weekly_ ** "A wonderful read! I was spellbound by this vivid reimagining of a Dracula myth that is at once enthralling, haunting, and darkly romantic." **--Sue Lynn Tan, _USA_ Today-bestselling author of _Daughter of the Moon Goddess_ ** "Dazzling, sensual, sparkling with danger. Lucy Westenra is a force of nature in Dao's capable hands, taking control of her own story with a vengeance long overdue. A vibrant, chilling reimagining that feels wholly its own." **--Natalie Mae, author of the Kinder Poison trilogy** _"A_ sultry gothic that hooked me from the first sentence. Every page of this lush _Dracula_ retelling is imbued with danger and darkness. It's a beguiling book and one I can't recommend enough." **--Alexis Henderson, author of _The Year of the Witching_ ** "Wild, wicked, sensuous fun. _Now Comes the Mist_ is for all the dark romantics, the lovers of drama, and the ones who want to get bitten." **--Wendy Xu, bestselling author and illustrator of _The Infinity Particle_**

About the Author

Julie C. Dao is the critically acclaimed author of many books for teens and children. Her novels have earned starred reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and won recognition as Junior Library Guild Selections and Kids' Indie Next List picks. Now Comes the Mist is her adult debut. A proud Vietnamese American who was born in upstate New York, Dao now lives in New England.