Carmilla and Laura

By: S D Simper

Narrated by: Lois Ridge

Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

In the late 19th century, Laura lives a lonely life in a schloss by the forest, Styria, with only her doting father and two governesses for company. A chance accident brings a new companion, however - the eccentric and beautiful Carmilla.

With charm unparalleled and habits as mysterious as her history, Carmilla’s allure is undeniable, drawing Laura closer with every affectionate touch and word. Attraction blossoms into a temptation Laura fears to name, a tantalizing passion burning brighter than the fires of hell. But when a mysterious plague begins stealing the lives of young women in her home and the village beyond, Laura wrestles to reconcile the truth - that the gentle, fragile woman she loves may be a monster cast out of heaven.

Carmilla, the classic vampire novella written by J Sheridan LeFanu, receives new life in this gorgeous retelling, centered on the provocative, controversial leads of the original, Carmilla and Laura.

©2018 Endless Night Publications (P)2021 Endless Night Publications

Critic reviews

"The writing is gorgeous, the story is enthralling, and the characters are lovable.... I would recommend this story to anyone who loves vampires, adores sweet historical romance, and/or who wants a delicious little snack of a book to while away an afternoon." (Evie Drae, author of Beauregard and the Beast)

"This is a beautiful retelling...perfect for anyone who likes darker-themed romance, horror stories, or plain ol’ lesbian vampires." (The Lesbian 52)

Excellent book but the voice acting is a bit lacking

The voice actor, while an excellent reader with a clear voice, read the dialogue in a way that vividly put me back in high school English class. Every line of Laura or Carmilla was read with the same monotonous strangely loud either nasal (Laura) or mean-girl-like tone (Carmilla) that made what I wanted to be breathless bosom heaving clandestine intimacy into very bland and often obnoxious line reads that pulled me out of the moment instead of losing myself in the story. The voice actor was wonderful between the dialogue but their character voices could use a little more delicacy and inflection, especially for a more spicy forbidden romance read like this one.

Good and satisfying adaptation

At the beginning I wasn't sure if I was into it, but as the story progressed and we learn more about Carmilla's motivation and background the story gets pretty interesting. The author did a great job by expanding on Carmilla's and her mom's story, which we don't see much in the original novella.

The narration wasn't bad, but Laura's voice just wasn't as I imagined. In my opinion the narrator's Carmilla voice would make more sense being Laura's and vice versa. But overall, pretty enjoyable read. I would recommend!!! :)

change the perspective, change the story

this was a highly enjoyable listen if you're a queer person who loves blood sucking love.

AMAZING

everything I wanted and more!!!! I would love if they made a movie about this book. The audible just made it soooo much better!!!! Absolutely beautiful and amazingly written

Amazing Retelling

While the original Carmilla was a fascinating story to a weird lesbian like myself, it wasn't without its flaws. I had gripes with the pacing, lack of strong character development, and the poor resolution; great idea, poor execution.

This retelling completely resolved all my issues with the original. It was faster paced while keeping all the important story beats, we witness character development that's interesting and dynamic, and it ties up a lot of loose ends that are unresolved in the original work. For the freaks out there, the original only teases us with woman on woman romance, but Simper's retelling fully delivers what I was craving.

Excellent work and a grear performance. Huge recommend

You’re A Monster, But You Love Me 🥺

Yes it’s a trope, but I couldn’t care less when the trope works. This is such a perfect listen for a night in, or a long drive. A perfect balance of romance, adorableness, intrigue, schmexy bits, and a lovely dash of looking-the-other-way for the morally grey romantic interest.

This listen is a treat 😚👌

Beautifully Written

I honestly was prepared not to be impressed by this book, but it swept me off my feet!!!!! So beautifully written, I couldn’t stop listening!

Simper’s adaptation is first rate

I will begin by saying I am a fan of the author who is quite gifted at world building and weaving of characters. An adaption seems a departure compared to her original works but a welcome departure. The retelling of the 1872 Gothic novella Carmilla brings a lush, dark, and passionate tale to a modern reader. The eventual romantic relationship between the two female leads holds completely authentic chemistry under the still reserved time the character’s live.

Any critical feed falls to the voice work which I found at times to be far more plucky and modern sounded for a tale set in the past and at times the “up speak” at the end of sentences grew redundant.

However, none of that kept me from enjoying this version of the classic Vampire novella. I only wish it had been longer considering how gifted the author is at painting pictures for the reader.

Really Impressed

As a farm of the original, I was really looking forward to this read, and I was not disappointed. While staying true to the original subject matter, the author artfully adds to the story, building it up until it's almost indistinguishable from the original. I recommend the story for those who liked the original, and for newcomers that want to experience it. You will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Yet Tragic Tale

SD Simper has a truly deft hand to write tragic characters who you cannot help but love and wish for their success. The performance by Lois Ridge was excellent. I found it very easy to differentiate who was talking with her different affects, which is a thing that is hard for me to do. I cried and was at the edge of my seat for the whole last half. The more intimate sections are the perfect mix of detail without being too long or uncomfortable. I love Carmilla and Laura and I wish to hear more of them.