Hungerstone – A Tale of Desire, Blood, and Feminist Awakening in a Gothic Castle | Audiobook Review

1. About the Author – Kat Dunn

Kat Dunn is a British author renowned for her work in young adult and fantasy literature, often weaving in social and political undertones. She rose to prominence with her Dangerous Remedy trilogy, set in revolutionary France and featuring a band of misfits challenging the system. Dunn’s signature lies in her emotionally rich prose, layered character development, and a fearless embrace of queer and feminist themes. In Hungerstone, she takes a bold step into gothic horror, offering a dark, sapphic retelling that explores repression, autonomy, and hunger – both literal and metaphorical.

2. About the Narrator – Perdita Weeks

Perdita Weeks, a British actress best known for her role as Juliet Higgins in Magnum P.I., delivers a captivating audiobook performance in Hungerstone. Her voice is often described as “creamy and timeless” – smooth, elegant, and deeply immersive. Weeks brings Lenore’s complex inner world to life, navigating emotional tension, desire, and dread with finesse. Her ability to shift tone and capture atmosphere makes her performance a standout, adding emotional weight to an already haunting narrative.

3. Book Overview – Hungerstone

Hungerstone is a gothic horror novel inspired by Carmilla, centering on Lenore, a woman bound by social expectations and haunted by unfulfilled desires. When she meets Carmilla, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel. Set in an eerie, isolated mansion during the industrial revolution, the novel explores themes of female agency, forbidden love, and the physical and emotional hunger that drives people to the edge.

Categorized as gothic fiction / sapphic horror / feminist fantasy, Hungerstone blends classic vampire mythos with modern feminist commentary. On Goodreads, it boasts a 4.1/5 average rating from over 1,000 reviews. While it hasn’t secured major literary awards yet, it’s considered a frontrunner in queer literature circles for 2025.

4. Book Review – Hungerstone

Hungerstone masterfully marries gothic atmosphere with a gripping exploration of feminine rage and repressed desire. Dunn’s storytelling is lush and evocative, immersing readers in fog-drenched hallways, silent rituals, and haunting flashbacks. Lenore’s character arc—from passive daughter to empowered woman—is deeply satisfying and emotionally intense.

Quote from JL George (Ancillary Review of Books):

“Hungerstone is a tale of literal hunger – for freedom, for blood, for desire – one that bleeds into every page like a wound.”

Personal Thoughts:

For me, Hungerstone is not just a story—it’s an experience. Kat Dunn doesn’t aim to please everyone, but that’s her strength. The raw, sometimes uncomfortable honesty in Lenore’s journey forced me to reflect on my own fears and constraints. If you enjoy dark romance, complex heroines, and unflinching explorations of identity, Hungerstone deserves your full attention.

5. Audiobook Review – Hungerstone

The audiobook edition of Hungerstone elevates the story to another level. Perdita Weeks’ narration is a revelation. She captures the eerie stillness of the castle, the suppressed emotions of Lenore, and the seductive pull of Carmilla with chilling accuracy. Listeners have praised the performance as emotionally rich, nuanced, and utterly gripping.

Review on Audible:

“Perdita Weeks brings Lenore to life. Her voice is timeless, haunting, and dripping with sensual tension.”

Personal Thoughts:

As someone who frequently listens to audiobooks, Hungerstone instantly stood out. I was spellbound by Weeks’ voice—at times it felt like she wasn’t just reading a book, but casting a spell. This is one of those audiobooks where the narration feels like a character in itself. I highly recommend listening with headphones to fully immerse yourself in the gothic tension.

6. Who Should Read This Book?

Hungerstone is ideal for:

• Gothic fiction lovers: If you enjoy eerie mansions, foggy landscapes, and tragic heroines, this is for you.

• Feminist readers: The book’s core is about reclaiming power, autonomy, and voice.

• Fans of LGBTQ+ literature: With its central sapphic relationship and exploration of queer identity, it’s a standout in the genre.

• Audiobook enthusiasts: Perdita Weeks’ narration transforms this story into an unforgettable experience.

7. Conclusion

Hungerstone is a visceral, sensual, and devastatingly powerful novel that redefines gothic horror for modern audiences. With Kat Dunn’s intense prose and Perdita Weeks’ impeccable narration, it becomes more than just a book—it becomes a world to fall into. Whether you’re seeking emotional catharsis, gothic chills, or literary depth, Hungerstone delivers it all.

Don’t just read it—listen to it. Let the hunger consume you.

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

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You can listen on the following platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download, with a free first book for new members.

• Audible – Free trial available with offline listening support.

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