Clare Whitfield
Head of Zeus
2 February 2027
384
eBook - EPUB
Historical Fiction
ARC via NetGalley
THE HANDMAID
Hungary, 1604. Orphaned and alone, Catalina arrives at Csejte Castle with no protection and no power. It is a place of shifting loyalties, and girls who displease the household simply vanish. Survival here depends on obedience – and silence.
THE COUNTESS
Catalina is summoned to serve Countess Erzsébet Báthory, a woman as volatile as she is feared. Only she seems able to soothe her moods, drawing Catalina into the Countess' private chambers and her interest in strange 'medicines'.
THE COMPULSION
As more girls disappear, Catalina knows there is a cost to staying alive. She must decide whether to try and escape her mistress' hunger, be consumed by it – or learn to feed it herself…
The Last Handmaid provided a captivating take on the Countess Báthory myth/history. Catalina was a relatable heroine, torn between what she feels is right and what is right for her, and how the two may not always align. I enjoyed the gradual escalation of the tale, which was dark and atmospheric from start to finish. The pacing was good, always making me want to keep turning the pages, and the characters were all well drawn. There were a few times I thought Catalina a bit of a fool, but she had had, after the initial drama, a fairly sheltered upbringing, which perhaps accounts for her willingness to believe in people who were so clearly unworthy of her trust. Despite my occasional frustrations with her, though, I had fun following her tale to the bitter end. I am giving this book 4 stars. It's worth a read if you like dark historical fiction offering a twist on real events.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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