Blessed Samhain...Happy Halloween

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The Blood Countess Read-Along - Discussion Two (finally!)

I'm afraid I have to admit that the disconnect between the modern story and Elizabeth's part, the historical story, is not really jiving for me. It's funny because Elizabeth is showing early on that she's pretty evil, but I dislike Drake even more than her. I mean, what in the hell was up with him having sex with Eva, who is pretty much in a conscious, but vegetative state? That is rape. Yuck. I knew Drake was a pervert and a degenerate, but that was really too much. The only reason I want to keep reading is because of Elizabeth's story, though I expect that part is only going to get worse as well....in regards to the horrific moments. 

On to Elizabeth. She is obsessed. With her looks, her developing body. She is still not very old, but I know things were much different in those days. Children had to grow up a lot faster than they do in the present day. Women also had so many challenges facing them. This passage from Pastor Ponikenuz's point of view says it all, 

"Women, Ponikenuz knew, had only one-third of a soul, just enough to power their devotion to children. But even this small portion had to be monitored and shaped, or it would degenerate into a lusty swamp that the devil's favorite dwelling place." 

As if. No wonder Elizabeth feels the need to assert her authority in the future, though she certainly could have gone about it in a different way.  

Looking forward to reading more of Elizabeth's story. I'm interested to find out how this story differs from other fictional accounts I have read, or watched in movies. 

What do you think about the reading so far?

Share your thoughts on this section in the comments, or leave a link to a post. We'll be back next week for the next section. If you need the reading schedule, find it here.

I will be out of town next week, so as per the reading schedule, our next discussion will be on (around) October 24. 

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I Read Horror Year-Round Reading Challenge - Third Quarter Check-in #IReadHorror

Here we are at the nine month mark! Time is flying by. 

I've read five from my list of 12 books. I'm doing the Chilling level. Starting to grow concerned about finishing. Egads! (Full challenge details here...you can still join in.)

What I've read so far:

Winter theme, or winter appearance on the cover (snow, ice, etc.)
The Ascent by Ronald Malfi (short review on Goodreads)

Written by a woman
The Witch's Trinity by Erika Mailman (Review)

Historical horror (must be an historical novel written by a contemporary author)
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

A body of water (featured in story, on cover, or in title)
Cradle Lake by Ronald Malfi (short review on Goodreads)

Written by an Indie Author

August's Eyes by Glenn Rolfe (review)

I'm currently reading Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia for Woman on Cover category. Hoping to check off a couple more categories as well this month.  

So, how's it going for you with the horror reading? Share your progress in the comments (update, links to posts/reviews, etc.).

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Horror Stories Master Post 2021 #SomethingWickedFall

This is the master post for horror books or short stories read during Something Wicked Fall. I will be updating this post with my thoughts on stories I've read during the event.

Please share what you've read/your thoughts on what you've read in the comments. I think this will make for some hearty conversation!

There's a tab in the menu for easy access to this post.

If you're still reading Gothic stories in October, the Gothic stories master post is still a available in the menu.

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