So Blooms the Dawn: A Tale of Romantic Gothic Horror

Now Comes the Mist, Book 2

By: Julie C. Dao

Narrated by: Ainsleigh Barber

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.

©2025 Julie C. Dao (P)2025 Podium Audio