So Blooms the Dawn: A Tale of Romantic Gothic Horror

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.

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