Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book had potential. The premise, the setting, even some of the side characters, were strong. I liked the soul shards. Unfortunately, I found the main characters very lacking and their relationship far too superficial and toxic.
Layla, the main character, was far from a heroine. I love a character with relatable flaws. But, the way Layla was written - weak, detached, submissive - was not for me. Rune was a disappointing male lead. Violent, deceptive, abusive. These characteristics made for a volatile relationship based only on vanity and lust.
Much of the book is spent with Layla coming to realize that her kingdom is on the brink of ruin due to her lack of leadership in the wake of her parents death. The story is unfocused, the pacing seems off, and none of the characters are redeemable. I was quite tempted to put the book down after (spoiler alert) Rune attempts to murder Layla. Excusing that, justifying that, was a big NOPE for me. Unfortunately, the series cannot be salvaged for me for that reason alone.
This book had potential. The premise, the setting, even some of the side characters, were strong. I liked the soul shards. Unfortunately, I found the main characters very lacking and their relationship far too superficial and toxic.
Layla, the main character, was far from a heroine. I love a character with relatable flaws. But, the way Layla was written - weak, detached, submissive - was not for me. Rune was a disappointing male lead. Violent, deceptive, abusive. These characteristics made for a volatile relationship based only on vanity and lust.
Much of the book is spent with Layla coming to realize that her kingdom is on the brink of ruin due to her lack of leadership in the wake of her parents death. The story is unfocused, the pacing seems off, and none of the characters are redeemable. I was quite tempted to put the book down after (spoiler alert) Rune attempts to murder Layla. Excusing that, justifying that, was a big NOPE for me. Unfortunately, the series cannot be salvaged for me for that reason alone.
First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the possibility to read and review this ARC.
I found Blood Queen to be a really fast-paced and enjoyable book. It's one of those books that has kept intrigued since page one. Layla, the FMC, is more than your average queen and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her kingdom safe. Tune, the MMC, is your typical morally grey MMC, which I don't mind at all. They had great chemistry. My objection was the depth of their relationship, somehow it feels based more on passion than deeper feelings. Still, I am waiting to see how the story progresses further.
I found Blood Queen to be a really fast-paced and enjoyable book. It's one of those books that has kept intrigued since page one. Layla, the FMC, is more than your average queen and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her kingdom safe. Tune, the MMC, is your typical morally grey MMC, which I don't mind at all. They had great chemistry. My objection was the depth of their relationship, somehow it feels based more on passion than deeper feelings. Still, I am waiting to see how the story progresses further.
I enjoyed reading Blood Queen. I enjoyed the interaction between royals and their soul shards (spirit animals). I liked what these relationships added to the story. The main character was a bit frustrating because she wasn’t seeing the whole picture, but I loved that she was a strong independent character that went to great lengths to find out the truth. I did not like the ending because of the major cliffhanger, but that also makes it exciting to see what book 2 brings.
I read this book in one sitting and absolutely loved it so much! I absolutely loved Layla and it was truly a beautiful journey of her discovering her true self. The twists and turns throughout the story had me so surprise and I couldn’t see any of them coming. Also that cliffhanger seriously had me in shock and I hope there is another book so I can see what happens next.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I did receive an ARC of this for my review and let me just say you will NOT be disappointed.
This is a very well written novel though I’m not happy with the ending! I of course want more.
There is plenty of intrigue, the possibility of a coup, deceit and so much more!!!
While it was a good read and I would love if it were a series with more to come, I only rated 4 stars because it still feels like something is missing to round it all out a bit better.
This is a very well written novel though I’m not happy with the ending! I of course want more.
There is plenty of intrigue, the possibility of a coup, deceit and so much more!!!
While it was a good read and I would love if it were a series with more to come, I only rated 4 stars because it still feels like something is missing to round it all out a bit better.
Spoiler Free Review - 4/5. Spice - check. Drama - check. World Building that isn't to overwhelming, easy to follow yet let's you get immerse yours in the world - check. This book has it all. I tend to rate books based off three different criteria 1. How much of a "need" do I have to read it when I'm not reading it? 2. How much do I think about if after I've finished it? 3. How big is the book hangover after? I couldn't put this down. It was fast past and only had a few spots that felt relative. After completing it, I cannot stop thinking about the ending and cannot wait for the next one, and lastly the book hangover is real. The only reason it's not a 5/5 is I found it a tad predictable in parts, yet in others it shocked me.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This is just an incredible story that takes you away into a world filled with secrets betrayal and sassy royals!
I absolutely loved every page of it i will never stop recommending this book!
I got hooked from the first page and just coudnt put it down!
The characters are amazing the fmc aka The blood queen is incredibly badass and honestly just an incredible strong woman she endured so much to then find so many horrible things out and even tho she didnt know who to trust anymore she still got herself backup and took that leap and fought back for not only herself but also her kingdom! I absolutely adore and admire her for it not to mention her soul shard is a baddie too and her power is just so perfectly her!
The MMC is just amazing hes protective and funny but also shows his vulnerability in a hot way and also his strength i just absolutely adore him!
The story overal was just such an emotional rollercoaster there was never a moment i felt bored and the writing was just so smooth i felt so connected to not also the people but also the story it was absolutely one of my favourite reads and up my top 10 booklist!
This story is perfect for lovers of The Broken Kingdom and The Prison Healer and has tropes that will make you obsessed like
🥀Enemies to lovers
🥀Badass FMC
🥀Secrets
🥀 Betrayal
🥀Arranged marriage
~ “You’re sexy when you’re angry, you know that?”
I absolutely loved every page of it i will never stop recommending this book!
I got hooked from the first page and just coudnt put it down!
The characters are amazing the fmc aka The blood queen is incredibly badass and honestly just an incredible strong woman she endured so much to then find so many horrible things out and even tho she didnt know who to trust anymore she still got herself backup and took that leap and fought back for not only herself but also her kingdom! I absolutely adore and admire her for it not to mention her soul shard is a baddie too and her power is just so perfectly her!
The MMC is just amazing hes protective and funny but also shows his vulnerability in a hot way and also his strength i just absolutely adore him!
The story overal was just such an emotional rollercoaster there was never a moment i felt bored and the writing was just so smooth i felt so connected to not also the people but also the story it was absolutely one of my favourite reads and up my top 10 booklist!
This story is perfect for lovers of The Broken Kingdom and The Prison Healer and has tropes that will make you obsessed like
🥀Enemies to lovers
🥀Badass FMC
🥀Secrets
🥀 Betrayal
🥀Arranged marriage
~ “You’re sexy when you’re angry, you know that?”
Layla is the Blood Queen. Known for her ruthlessness and proclivity for assasination, Layla refuses to fully commit herself to her role as queen. Her world is turned upside down when Prince Rune, the man she has been arranged to marry, shows up and shows her she may not be able to trust what she has been taught.
This book includes:
- a rivalrous romance
- assassin queen
- arranged marriage
- concealed identities
- betrayal and reconciliation
- familiars
"Blood Queen" has so many elements that I love, and I will not be surprised if it gets popular. Unfortunately, this story was not for me. The story line was very predictable, the characters did not feel well developed, and plot and dialogue read very YA to me. The character building, specifically, almost caused me to DNF several times. Neither Layla or Rune felt grounded in any key traits or motivations and their personalities warped to match any current plot point the characters encountered.
I wish there weren't explicit scenes in this book, so that it could be YA and the book could be marketed to an audience that could enjoy it.
I recommend this book to lovers of "Serpent & Dove," "Raphsodic," and "the Harbinger."
I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Caitlin Denman, and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to review this book.
This book includes:
- a rivalrous romance
- assassin queen
- arranged marriage
- concealed identities
- betrayal and reconciliation
- familiars
"Blood Queen" has so many elements that I love, and I will not be surprised if it gets popular. Unfortunately, this story was not for me. The story line was very predictable, the characters did not feel well developed, and plot and dialogue read very YA to me. The character building, specifically, almost caused me to DNF several times. Neither Layla or Rune felt grounded in any key traits or motivations and their personalities warped to match any current plot point the characters encountered.
I wish there weren't explicit scenes in this book, so that it could be YA and the book could be marketed to an audience that could enjoy it.
I recommend this book to lovers of "Serpent & Dove," "Raphsodic," and "the Harbinger."
I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Caitlin Denman, and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to review this book.
✨BOOK REVIEW✨
First of all, thank you so much to @caitlindenmanbooks for giving me a free ARC copy of Blood Queen to read and review!
Let’s get into it!
If you’re a fan of dark romantasy, Blood Queen is for you. It has all the twisted lore that the title promises with intriguing characters and dialogue that will have you swooning to boot!
What I Liked
First of all, thank you so much to @caitlindenmanbooks for giving me a free ARC copy of Blood Queen to read and review!
Let’s get into it!
If you’re a fan of dark romantasy, Blood Queen is for you. It has all the twisted lore that the title promises with intriguing characters and dialogue that will have you swooning to boot!
What I Liked