Scan barcode
lesliewatwar's review against another edition
3.0
This book took me about 10 chapters before I could fully get into. it. I kept getting lost with the characters. There were ALOT of characters thrown at you at one time it seemed. With the names being odd godly names, it made it even more difficult. Blanco was generous enough to give the reader a list a characters at the beginning of the book thankfully.
See the full review on Bitten By Paranormal Romance on June 5
See the full review on Bitten By Paranormal Romance on June 5
hannas_heas47's review against another edition
4.0
This book was not a normal read for me so many who like this genre may have a better idea going in than I did. I read it because it sounded interesting. First I hate the title, I mean really it's not catchy at all. The cover was pretty hot in a dark kind of way. The style of writing was okay even though it took me awhile to really get into the book, and I think the author could of used the first couple of chapters to explain the whole thing better instead of giving us a glossary and making us do it alone. I hate a glossary book. Then I'm not sure what was going on but in the beginning the author used fruck and towards the end it went to fuck.... Not sure what happened there. Sometimes the kindle copies make up their own words. So now the actual review, and let's get mean because they're is a lot going on in this book. With gods and goddesses, and human world destruction. Sacrifices to bring people back, and a synopsis that says Dyletri can't have any woman who can touch him, but he sure bangs the hell out of Ismini. They get to be mates even though both try to deny it. Let's be honest though, I read the book and the sex scenes had huge amounts of serious chemistry. They are what truly gives this book four stars. I have to say though. I was more interested in Evasse story with the god of tranquility. Kudos to the author and good luck with this book. Thanks to netgalley for a great read in exchange for an honest review.
foreverbeautifulbooks's review against another edition
4.0
For this review I had to sit back and really think about the book as a whole. I am basing my rating on just the entertainment value I had while reading this book. I didn't ever find myself getting bored or wanting to put it down, if anything I really wanted to keep reading all the time. The characters are very flushed out, and really jump out of the page at you. The action scenes were AWESOME! It felt like I was reading the action scenes in 300. I could see the high jumping and coming down with swords and it was all done in that really cool way of filming.
I could see it all in my head.
The sexy element was very high flying sexy. It wasn't just mmmm sexy. It was BAM sexy! I loved how the characters were very liberal with the "F" word. lol. I'm a huge fan of the "F" word and I related to characters that tried to use it in every context possible.
Now, here is were, if the story as a whole wasn't so animated, the book could have suffered from a rant review from me.
There was ZERO world building.
I literally had no clue what the back history was for this world. A glossary does not world building make.
So, we start out the book 11,000 years in the past. The world is suffering from destruction by the fates. Again I'm not sure if this is right, it wasn't explained. The Hero in question lost the love of his life, but we aren't empathizing with this love because we are never shown this relationship. Just a sort of fist waving in the air and "I will have my revenge!" We are told the twin soul of said soul mate will be reborn again 11,000 years in the future and in order for his love to be reborn, said soul has to be sacrificed.
Ok, I guess.
My issue is, is that I know the author knows this world in her head in vivid detail. What she lacked was the ability to really show it to our readers. I was focused only on the characters and the world around them I felt was blurry because it was never realized for me in the writing. For example, there is this scene where they go to earth to battle these really bad creatures. We are given no info in humans know these gods exist, if they can see said battle, and how the humans that are mixing with these 'gods' why they are so totally accepting of this. Apparently, one of the gods goes to these women in their dreams and just one visit is enough to be like, "Yep, I'm on board." Literally, nothing is explained. It was really frustrating because while the characters are so vivid I felt like they were living in a black and white world that is hazy around the corners because I had no clue HOW they were existing.
We would get random one sentence little info drops for things but it wasn't enough to for me to be like AHHHHH this is where I am.
So, my questions.
1. What 'gods' are these and how do they relate to the Christian god, or are they not related to that verse of religion?
2. What destroyed earth at the beginning? The flood, the meteor, dinosaurs, was it Pompeii?
3. Do humans know of the existence of these gods?
4. Why are Is, Sol, and Eve so accepting so quickly.
My review is kind of a mess, because while I enjoyed the ride, I think the author forgot book one of a paranormal/urban fantasy is all about building the world for the reader. You have words where as a director has the movie screen.
*I received a copy of this book via Lovers of Paranormal on behalf of the author in exchange for an honest review*
I could see it all in my head.
The sexy element was very high flying sexy. It wasn't just mmmm sexy. It was BAM sexy! I loved how the characters were very liberal with the "F" word. lol. I'm a huge fan of the "F" word and I related to characters that tried to use it in every context possible.
Now, here is were, if the story as a whole wasn't so animated, the book could have suffered from a rant review from me.
There was ZERO world building.
I literally had no clue what the back history was for this world. A glossary does not world building make.
So, we start out the book 11,000 years in the past. The world is suffering from destruction by the fates. Again I'm not sure if this is right, it wasn't explained. The Hero in question lost the love of his life, but we aren't empathizing with this love because we are never shown this relationship. Just a sort of fist waving in the air and "I will have my revenge!" We are told the twin soul of said soul mate will be reborn again 11,000 years in the future and in order for his love to be reborn, said soul has to be sacrificed.
Ok, I guess.
My issue is, is that I know the author knows this world in her head in vivid detail. What she lacked was the ability to really show it to our readers. I was focused only on the characters and the world around them I felt was blurry because it was never realized for me in the writing. For example, there is this scene where they go to earth to battle these really bad creatures. We are given no info in humans know these gods exist, if they can see said battle, and how the humans that are mixing with these 'gods' why they are so totally accepting of this. Apparently, one of the gods goes to these women in their dreams and just one visit is enough to be like, "Yep, I'm on board." Literally, nothing is explained. It was really frustrating because while the characters are so vivid I felt like they were living in a black and white world that is hazy around the corners because I had no clue HOW they were existing.
We would get random one sentence little info drops for things but it wasn't enough to for me to be like AHHHHH this is where I am.
So, my questions.
1. What 'gods' are these and how do they relate to the Christian god, or are they not related to that verse of religion?
2. What destroyed earth at the beginning? The flood, the meteor, dinosaurs, was it Pompeii?
3. Do humans know of the existence of these gods?
4. Why are Is, Sol, and Eve so accepting so quickly.
My review is kind of a mess, because while I enjoyed the ride, I think the author forgot book one of a paranormal/urban fantasy is all about building the world for the reader. You have words where as a director has the movie screen.
*I received a copy of this book via Lovers of Paranormal on behalf of the author in exchange for an honest review*
jittersparks's review
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
jbquinn's review
5.0
I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. Actually, I was really skeptical about it. This book was so erotic and I found myself literally clenching my thighs. The Blood Flows Deep in the Empire is the first book in The Szolites series. Dyletri is the God of Fertility and he's suppressed his powers and became celibate to save the soul of the woman he supposedly loves by making a promise of a sacrifice to the Fates. Eleven thousand years later he meets Ismini, the woman he's supposed to sacrifice and also ends up falling in love with. Dyletri is now tortured by that promise he made to sacrifice Ismini.
I loved Ismini and had an emotional connection with her. She never played the why me card and accepted what her fate was long ago. Because she loved Dyletri and she didn't want him to feel guilty about the sacrifice, she would hide things from him that were happening to her.
Being the God of Fertility Dylertri knew how to please a woman. This is one of my absolute favorite parts of the book...
A growl rumbled behind her words,
warping her voice. "Dylertri."
He laughed darkly, looking way too amused for her liking. "I swear to fucking God--"
He grabbed on to the waistband of her pants, his fingers harsh.
"I am your fucking god!" Oh. . .oh my. . .
"You're not coming until I let you to, got it?"
You'll just have to read the book to read the rest of that wicked hot sexy time between Dyletri & Ismini! There are some heart racing, thigh clenching, hot erotic sex in this book! I recommend this book to anyone who loves romantica or paranormal romance erotica. It's a fast paced book with a new world of characters that you'll fall in love with. I can't wait to read the 2nd book when it comes out!!!
*Thank you to netgalley and The Writers Coffee Shop for the ARC*
I loved Ismini and had an emotional connection with her. She never played the why me card and accepted what her fate was long ago. Because she loved Dyletri and she didn't want him to feel guilty about the sacrifice, she would hide things from him that were happening to her.
Being the God of Fertility Dylertri knew how to please a woman. This is one of my absolute favorite parts of the book...
A growl rumbled behind her words,
warping her voice. "Dylertri."
He laughed darkly, looking way too amused for her liking. "I swear to fucking God--"
He grabbed on to the waistband of her pants, his fingers harsh.
"I am your fucking god!" Oh. . .oh my. . .
"You're not coming until I let you to, got it?"
You'll just have to read the book to read the rest of that wicked hot sexy time between Dyletri & Ismini! There are some heart racing, thigh clenching, hot erotic sex in this book! I recommend this book to anyone who loves romantica or paranormal romance erotica. It's a fast paced book with a new world of characters that you'll fall in love with. I can't wait to read the 2nd book when it comes out!!!
*Thank you to netgalley and The Writers Coffee Shop for the ARC*
brandy_wine's review
4.0
I am very picky about my paranormal but have to say this one was really good. I enjoyed it so very much. I am not a fan of having to find other authors because I have my few authors that I love and stick with just them but I did enjoy this story. It was fun and filled with action. It was all around a good read.
stephaniemcuervo's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
kimmilight's review
3.0
Overall, I really did like this book and it would have gotten a full 4 stars if it hadn't been for a few issues I had with it.
First and foremost, the main character's relationship. One of the reviews here describe their relationship as 'lust at first sight' and it is spot on. I mean, I felt like all there really was between those two was lust, plain and simple. I mean, they only had one, only one actual conversation during the whole entirety of the book, and it also ended up in sex. Not that there is anything particularly wrong with that, all the power to them and their libidos. But, for me to actually believe they loved each other, I would've liked to see their relationship grow, like actually getting to know each other and talking, Because all of the dirty talk that happened during the sex scenes does not, and I repeat does not, count. Also, I'm usually okay with like mating stuff and instant attraction, because usually the characters get to know each other and realize they actually like each other as human (or otherwise) beings and they enjoy each other's company aside from having spectacular out of this world sex.
Numero dos, I really didn't get all the cursing. I mean every single person or being in this book used that type of language. And, usually I'm fined with it, as long as I feel it actually adds to what the characters are saying, like if they're really frustrated or angry or something. But, these people though, good Lord they were like cursing machines. There was no real need for it.
However, besides Dyletri, I really enjoyed all of the other characters. And I would really love to continue reading about them. But, it was a whole lot of names to get used to, though. And new terminology too.
The world builing was great. The mythology behind this group of gods and goddesses is very interesting and I'm excited to see it deveoped further. So I0m really looking forward for the next book.
First and foremost, the main character's relationship. One of the reviews here describe their relationship as 'lust at first sight' and it is spot on. I mean, I felt like all there really was between those two was lust, plain and simple. I mean, they only had one, only one actual conversation during the whole entirety of the book, and it also ended up in sex. Not that there is anything particularly wrong with that, all the power to them and their libidos. But, for me to actually believe they loved each other, I would've liked to see their relationship grow, like actually getting to know each other and talking, Because all of the dirty talk that happened during the sex scenes does not, and I repeat does not, count. Also, I'm usually okay with like mating stuff and instant attraction, because usually the characters get to know each other and realize they actually like each other as human (or otherwise) beings and they enjoy each other's company aside from having spectacular out of this world sex.
Spoiler
Let's be honest here, what does it say about Dyletri that the first woman he ever thought he was in love with, he only met her three times, which were for having intercourse and also described as beign quick and to the point. And the second one, he believes he's in love because, one he wants to fuck her brains out every time he sees her, and two his body is only reacting that strongly because of the fact they're meant to be? At least Crius took Dimithinia out to the movies and spent actual quality time with her. His feelings, I get. Dyletri? Not so much.Numero dos, I really didn't get all the cursing. I mean every single person or being in this book used that type of language. And, usually I'm fined with it, as long as I feel it actually adds to what the characters are saying, like if they're really frustrated or angry or something. But, these people though, good Lord they were like cursing machines. There was no real need for it.
However, besides Dyletri, I really enjoyed all of the other characters. And I would really love to continue reading about them. But, it was a whole lot of names to get used to, though. And new terminology too.
The world builing was great. The mythology behind this group of gods and goddesses is very interesting and I'm excited to see it deveoped further. So I0m really looking forward for the next book.
cherie_amor's review
4.0
Won as part of the 2013 Holiday Party in the Erotic Enchants Group
3.5 Stars
After an Ancient Power wipes out an entire civilization along with the woman he loves; Salicyar, God of Fertility, in his anguish demands that The Fates bring his love back. They agree but there is a price. He must provide a sacrifice. The soul of an innocent woman. If he fails to comply, The Fates will destroy the universe.....Fucked up, ain't it!? Yeah I thought so. Of course, the situation HAS to get more difficult. You pretty much guess what he ends up doing, falling in love with the intended sacrifice, Ismini.
I am a huge fan of mythology and ancient legends. If an author can mix those with a nice dose of eroticism and suspense, BOOM! I'm there! Blanco does a beautiful job of world building, very imaginative. The characters were all strong and spirited individuals. I don't think there was one that I didnt like. Although some did have some serious stupid moments that had me wanting to either shake em or stand at the Bay Bridge and do a lovely nose dive off it myself *Looking at y'all Ismini and Eve* There didn't seem to be a lot of difference between the humans and the gods except the gods had immortality and powers. They all struggled with their duties, obligations and their inner nature. It was refreshing to see that the gods had dilemmas with fate and destiny.
The minute I opened the book up to the glossary of terms and names, I was worried and apprehensive. There were A LOT!! And they looked difficult to pronounce. I thought I was going to spend thec entire book flipping back and forth for references. It wasn't too bad though, although I did get confused with a couple of the names. There were a couple of plot holes and left me with questions that'll hopefully be answered in the next book.
3.5 Stars
After an Ancient Power wipes out an entire civilization along with the woman he loves; Salicyar, God of Fertility, in his anguish demands that The Fates bring his love back. They agree but there is a price. He must provide a sacrifice. The soul of an innocent woman. If he fails to comply, The Fates will destroy the universe.....Fucked up, ain't it!? Yeah I thought so. Of course, the situation HAS to get more difficult. You pretty much guess what he ends up doing, falling in love with the intended sacrifice, Ismini.
I am a huge fan of mythology and ancient legends. If an author can mix those with a nice dose of eroticism and suspense, BOOM! I'm there! Blanco does a beautiful job of world building, very imaginative. The characters were all strong and spirited individuals. I don't think there was one that I didnt like. Although some did have some serious stupid moments that had me wanting to either shake em or stand at the Bay Bridge and do a lovely nose dive off it myself *Looking at y'all Ismini and Eve* There didn't seem to be a lot of difference between the humans and the gods except the gods had immortality and powers. They all struggled with their duties, obligations and their inner nature. It was refreshing to see that the gods had dilemmas with fate and destiny.
The minute I opened the book up to the glossary of terms and names, I was worried and apprehensive. There were A LOT!! And they looked difficult to pronounce. I thought I was going to spend thec entire book flipping back and forth for references. It wasn't too bad though, although I did get confused with a couple of the names. There were a couple of plot holes and left me with questions that'll hopefully be answered in the next book.