She Made Herself a Monster

Set in nineteenth-century Bulgaria, this Gothic debut weaves a dark and captivating tale inspired by Slavic folklore, following a traveling con artist who claims to be a vampire slayer and a young orphan girl facing dire circumstances. Together, they hatch a daring plan to conjure a monster in hopes of escape, leading to unforeseen and chilling consequences. With themes of agency, folklore, and collective action, the story explores the true nature of monsters and the fight for control over one’s destiny.