Coming September 30, 2025!
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.
PREORDER HERE
Available in Paperback, E-Book, & Audio!
Other Books in the Series
PRAISE FOR
NOW COMES THE MIST
"Dao reimagines Dracula in this refreshing and clever gothic romance... Dao’s writing is haunting and atmospheric and the plot takes some surprising turns. Most commendable is the characterization of Lucy, a Victorian woman struggling to assert her agency. Fans of dark vampire romance will be delighted."
“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 true dark, gothic romance, 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, NY Times Bestselling author of Night of the Witch
"Wild, wicked, sensuous, fun. NOW COMES THE MIST is for all of the dark romantics, the lovers of drama, and the ones who want to get bitten."
WENDY XU, AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR OF INFINITY PARTICLE
“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 NYT Bestselling Author of HIDE and MISTER MAGIC
“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
"Now Comes the Mist is 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
NOW COMES THE MIST
extras
The content warnings for MIST can be found on Goodreads here.
Read about MIST's origin story in this blog post.
Check out the MIST inspiration board on Pinterest.
Listen to the Spotify playlist that helped inspire MIST.