Reviews

Blood Sanctuary: Part One by Vela Roth

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retrogirlreads's review against another edition

5.0

Although Cassia is now reunited with Lio, things have never been more dangerous for them. She’s finally in Orthros, so her dream of becoming a Hesperine seems real for the first time since she’d dared to dream it. But Cassia is struggling with the thought of finally being happy and what she feels is her duty towards the kingdom she was born in, the one her human father rules. Torn between love and duty, Cassia must make a decision - and soon.

Holy crap! Vela Roth’s Blood Grace series is home to what is quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy romance worlds, and “Blood Sanctuary Part One” exceeded all my expectations!!! The politics between Orthros and Tenebra are so incredibly complex, and I was 100% here for it. I also really loved learning more about Orthros and the Hesperines in general!!! Cassia and Lio go through so much in this one, and while I wanted to scream at times, I couldn’t make myself put it down either!!! 5 freaking stars!!!

jaedee09's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I continue to settle more and more into this magical world. Vela Roth spins such intricate detail into the story and characters. I don't usually enjoy series that go on for more than three or four books, but there is so much to the world of Orthros/Tenebra/Cordium that it doesn't feel like the story is dragging on.

Though I do wish Lio would tell Cassia she's his Grace already...

oorr's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

traysharps's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I think this series is picking up more for me finally. The Hesperine characters are far more interesting and loveable and fun to exist with, but I gather that was the point. I’m glad that we get each person’s backstory, that we get to see Cassia learning and meshing into life in Orthros. I’m curious if the affinity for language will make a return - it was a big point made but then brushed over fairly quickly so I do hope we learn more about that. One bright spot, funnily enough, is the conflict with the mages. I love how obvious and yet how equally mysterious the three of them are, how close they come to laying their cards on the table every time they’re goaded with their own inaccuracies and fears. It’s so satisfying to watch the Hesperines thwart them at each turn they try to make. However, the one annoyance I have other than once again the continuing and growing anatomy word nonsense, is the unnecessary secret keeping. I would say that trope is probably second of my biggest hates in books, right under intentional miscommunication. I will never understand keeping things hidden that don’t need to be, especially in this case where you have a relationship built and focused on open honestly. The only piece I can give a minor concession to is Lio keeping the Grace thing hidden so as not to remove Cassia’s choices - that I get, but I hope he tells her soon. In any case, I think in the coming books we’ll have much to be laid bare from all sides.