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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
**This is an independent and honest review in exchange for a digital ARC. Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Publishing, and Caitlin Denman. **
Caitlin Denman’s fantasy novel, Blood Queen, follows young royal Layla as she uncovers new truths about the kingdom she rules, the people she trusts, and the enemies that wander her streets. I enjoyed Layla’s arc; we see her go from a princess who rules in name but follows others’ lead when it comes to managing her kingdom to a queen who reigns fiercely. Layla, as a royal, is able to wield power, and her power manifests as shadow. This is a force we often see male characters wielding as it conveys mystery and sometimes sinister leanings. I maintain that Layla is a morally gray character, and I hope that this holds true as the series continues. Layla is always accompanied by her soul shard, Keir, a witty black crow who communicates with Layla both mentally and verbally. I love the way Denman incorporated soul shards, and I wish the magic behind them had been more fleshed out. Are they, like powers, associated only with royals? Do they manifest at a certain age, find their companion at a certain time? I want to know more!
I ran hot and cold on the male love interest, Rune . I felt he also ran hot and cold on his feelings for his betrothed. I understand the nature of enemies to lovers is a contentious one, and there are often backslides in the course of these romances. However, his characterization was inconsistent. At times, he pledges himself to Layla and finds her doubt of him completely unfounded, but he is one of her fiercest attackers, trying to literally kill her with very little information to go off of. Maybe others won’t mind this, but I like my MMC to be so obsessed that the FMC could literally try to kill him and he still can’t bring himself to hurt her.
Layla’s characterization often felt forced to me, and I find her motivations unclear. To me, she was told and not shown: her emotions, her actions, etc. She behaves erratically and makes impulsive decisions, but the way they’re shown feels inorganic. It reads like I’m watching someone who’s been told to act that way rather than watching someone who naturally does act that way. Again, while I like her arc, I think her character is rather 2-dimensional with inconsistent motivations.
I thought the ending contained an excellent twist– I thought I knew what was coming, and I did to some degree, but I was surprised by the depth of the reveal and the implications of it. The end comes rather suddenly (in fact I assumed there was one last chapter) and there’s no resolution whatsoever. It feels less like a cliff hanger and more like she just stopped the paragraph and never continued on.
Overall, I think Blood Queen has a great premise with an interesting magic system. The characters needed fleshing out and maturing, and the plot could have been more clearly executed. I think with improved editing this could shape up to be a solid fantasy series.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is the first instalment of a new adult romantasy series that follows Layla, an orphan young queen that has been doing everything to protect her people. She’s the FMC and is a badass character going through some betrayals in the story. Then we have Rune, our MMC, who is strong, loyal, and morally grey character, so what’s not to love about him?
I really liked the “touch her and die” trope and some of the darker themes that the book explores while adding a touch of mystery to it. However, the world-building was lacking something.
Overall, it was a fast-paced fantasy book that left me wanting the next part of the story since it ends on quite the cliffhanger. But the story was well written, and Layla is a great character full of sass. The romance was nice and with a little more world building it would have been better.
Thank you, NetGalley & the publisher, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Blood Queen by Caitlin Denman is the first book in a new adult romantasy series and follows a young orphaned queen who has been doing what she believes is necessary to protect her people. But, the man she has been arranged to marry has arrived, along with surprising secrets about her own kingdom. Tropes include a badass FMC, a grumpy MMC, arranged marriage, secret identities, touch her and die, and a shadow mommy. This is a darker romantasy with spice (and sarcasm) so please check content warnings.
The Lovely: I loved the characters, including the animal “sidekicks.” And Marv - everyone needs a Marv. I loved watching Layla grow over the course of the story from doing what she thought her people needed to doing what they really needed. And she’s quite stabby - as in, stab first, ask questions later. MMC Rune is complicated and a mess of red flags. Put those together and boom! It’s a great time.
The Lovely: I liked the plot and tensioning, even if a little predicatable. It kept me so invested I read the book in one evening (let’s not discuss how late I stayed up). The ending is a bit cliffy so I’m already ready for the next book.
The Mundane: There wasn’t much world building, especially as it related to the magic system. I still don’t understand how the magic talents work. I did like the bonded animals - they were a unique feature and tied in with the magic system.
Rating: 4/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free from Net Galley and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. Per the author, she’s presently thinking three books totally and book two hasn’t been scheduled yet for release. If you like a badass FMC, a complicated and stabby relationship in a fantasy world, I think you would like this book.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
World Building: 3/5
Characters: 5/5
Blood Queen is about a queen with a bad reputation who is trying to find a way to save her kingdom. I loved the characters. Layla is a strong character with sass. But I think Keir was my favorite. He is the fun sidekick that isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. The romance was good and I did enjoy the love interest. I just wish there was a little more world building and it explained the magic system a little better. I can’t wait for the second book to come out, and with how this one ended, the sooner the better.
I received an arc and am leaving an honest review.
Plot: 4/5
World Building: 3/5
Characters: 5/5
Blood Queen is about a queen with a bad reputation who is trying to find a way to save her kingdom. I loved the characters. Layla is a strong character with sass. But I think Keir was my favorite. He is the fun sidekick that isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. The romance was good and I did enjoy the love interest. I just wish there was a little more world building and it explained the magic system a little better. I can’t wait for the second book to come out, and with how this one ended, the sooner the better.
I received an arc and am leaving an honest review.
I…….. how do I even begin with this book?
Okay let’s start with a thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing to allowing me to read a copy for review. I really appreciate it.
………I hate the ending. Is this a standalone??? I will be so upset if it is. Im still here just wondering what even just happened????
Okay let’s start off with it being 3.5 stars for me. It was kind of slow, and it was near the end that it really started to pick up. The story is basically about a royal who became queen after her parents passed away, and she kinda got a bit on the aggressive side for those who treated their children badly, so she became known as the blood queen.
I thought it was a little more on the predictable side, but I didn’t see the twists in the end happening. Like. Brandt??? Another royal? Did not see coming. I knew he was the bad guy, but I couldn’t predict to what extent.
The spicy scenes were fun, I’m not much of a spice reader so there were some scenes I skimmed over because i just wasn’t up to reading them. I think this might be my first spicy fantasy, so I really don’t know what a good spicy scene is supposed to look like.
I don’t know if this counts as high fantasy, but it wasn’t too intimidating as a read. I do want to build up to reading high fantasy books though.
All in all, I’m glad I got to read this book, it was a worthwhile read and I really really really hope the author publishes a book stating what happens next because I am not happy with that ending.
Okay let’s start with a thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing to allowing me to read a copy for review. I really appreciate it.
………I hate the ending. Is this a standalone??? I will be so upset if it is. Im still here just wondering what even just happened????
Okay let’s start off with it being 3.5 stars for me. It was kind of slow, and it was near the end that it really started to pick up. The story is basically about a royal who became queen after her parents passed away, and she kinda got a bit on the aggressive side for those who treated their children badly, so she became known as the blood queen.
I thought it was a little more on the predictable side, but I didn’t see the twists in the end happening. Like. Brandt??? Another royal? Did not see coming. I knew he was the bad guy, but I couldn’t predict to what extent.
The spicy scenes were fun, I’m not much of a spice reader so there were some scenes I skimmed over because i just wasn’t up to reading them. I think this might be my first spicy fantasy, so I really don’t know what a good spicy scene is supposed to look like.
I don’t know if this counts as high fantasy, but it wasn’t too intimidating as a read. I do want to build up to reading high fantasy books though.
All in all, I’m glad I got to read this book, it was a worthwhile read and I really really really hope the author publishes a book stating what happens next because I am not happy with that ending.
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
*I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for an honest review *
3/5🌟
I think the story of Layla (FMC) was fascinating, well written and kept my interest through out the entirety of the story.
It was a bit of a slow build up; but once it picked up; I couldn't put it down. I am excited to see how the story continues.
3/5🌟
I think the story of Layla (FMC) was fascinating, well written and kept my interest through out the entirety of the story.
It was a bit of a slow build up; but once it picked up; I couldn't put it down. I am excited to see how the story continues.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
This book was a fantastic find and had me completely absorbed in this world. If you're after a story that's quick-paced and easy to dive into, you've found it!
The way the author crafted this world was incredible. I enjoyed the concept of magical abilities only among royals and the use of the soul shards as animal companions which brought a lot of depth. The banter between Layla and Rune was a highlight, though I wished there were more of those moments. Layla's trust issues and the complexities of the kingdom took precedence, leaving little space for their interactions. I thoroughly enjoyed the spice between the characters; their fiery personalities and shared shadows promise a great development and chemistry ahead.
Caitlin sprinkled hints of twists and secrets throughout the book, which is something that is very important to me within stories. The surprises, betrayals, and unexpected character turns had me completely shocked, despite me actively trying to figure out what our characters next moves would be. Let me tell you, that ending... has me dead! It was a unfathomable cliffhanger that left me yearning for more in the best ways.
Overall, this was a thrilling adventure that hooked me right in and keeps you eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Caitlin's storytelling is captivating, will leave you hungry for what comes next since I know I am dying for more!
The way the author crafted this world was incredible. I enjoyed the concept of magical abilities only among royals and the use of the soul shards as animal companions which brought a lot of depth. The banter between Layla and Rune was a highlight, though I wished there were more of those moments. Layla's trust issues and the complexities of the kingdom took precedence, leaving little space for their interactions. I thoroughly enjoyed the spice between the characters; their fiery personalities and shared shadows promise a great development and chemistry ahead.
Caitlin sprinkled hints of twists and secrets throughout the book, which is something that is very important to me within stories. The surprises, betrayals, and unexpected character turns had me completely shocked, despite me actively trying to figure out what our characters next moves would be. Let me tell you, that ending... has me dead! It was a unfathomable cliffhanger that left me yearning for more in the best ways.
Overall, this was a thrilling adventure that hooked me right in and keeps you eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Caitlin's storytelling is captivating, will leave you hungry for what comes next since I know I am dying for more!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC Review
Okay first of all, the cliff hanger at the end of this work was just beyond cruel and had me pondering like at 1am 😂
However, I loved Layla, she was the definition of an independent woman in this book who graciously allowed a man to tag along. This fantasy work has magic, and world building but thankfully without the heavy confusion of new magic systems, races, tiers, and more that is known to accompany fantasy works.
Unraveling the character of Layla as she strives to take over her kingdom while navigating the relationships around her made for an engrossing read which I highly recommend.
4⭐️ from me easily!
Okay first of all, the cliff hanger at the end of this work was just beyond cruel and had me pondering like at 1am 😂
However, I loved Layla, she was the definition of an independent woman in this book who graciously allowed a man to tag along. This fantasy work has magic, and world building but thankfully without the heavy confusion of new magic systems, races, tiers, and more that is known to accompany fantasy works.
Unraveling the character of Layla as she strives to take over her kingdom while navigating the relationships around her made for an engrossing read which I highly recommend.
4⭐️ from me easily!
This book had me hanging on the edge of my seat, I loved the tension between Layla and rune. If you like books with plot twists, betrayal, FMC that aren’t constantly talking about how fragile they are and a race against time to save the kingdom you’ll love this book! Can’t wait for book 2!!