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3.91 AVERAGE

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Thank you to Book of Matches Media and Erin Mainord for providing me with a digital copy of this book. This is my honest review.
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“She is the wielder of blood magic, and she may end them all.”
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On the lookout for a dark fantasy romance? The Blood That Binds Us may be for you!
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The world in this book was the hook for me. It’s what initially drew me and what kept me reading. We’ve seen some of these fantasy elements in other books, but Mainord succeeds at making them her own.
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Though this book does take a while to amp up, it moves pretty quickly once it does. Pacing and structure wise, it felt very similar to what I’ve read of the Plated Prisoner series so far. The beginning and end of the book differ tonally and the last few chapters of this book really stick the landing.
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Although I personally struggled with connecting with Wren and Sin individually, I’m more than positive that others will absolutely adore them. I think Wren will be a force to be reckoned with when she fully steps into her identity.
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If you’re looking for a fantasy romance with darker themes, then the Blood That Binds Us may be for you!
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⚠️ Please make sure to check TW/CW before reading ⚠️
adventurous dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

✨️THE BLOOD THAT BINDS US✨️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice:

One of may fave books of 2023. The story was beautifully crafted, the romance was built up wonderfully, and the ending had me on the edge of my seat. Cannot wait to see what comes next!

Wren is in constant fear that someone will find out who she is – a bloodwitch. Her powers are unpredictable, powerful and completely against the law. After escaping from the rebels, Wren finds out that her sister has also been abducted and strikes a deal with her own ruler, Singard — the use of her powers in exchange for assistance in finding her sister. Singard reluctantly agrees and their fragile alliance is born.

This book…THIS BOOK. I don’t typically read a lot of dark romantasies, but I am SO happy I decided to give this a try! The writing is masterful, the story is a wonderful enemies to lovers and the cliffhanger at the end has me CLAMORING for the sequel.

As characters, Wren and Sin are flawed, but I continued rooting for them through all of the angst. Wren is a strong and sassy woman who you don’t want to cross, while Sin is legit SWOONY and complex as a morally grey character. I kid you not when I tell you that I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for them to get together and when they did...

Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this book but do check out the CW at the beginning before diving in.

This is the kind of book that will have you staying up past your bedtime to find out what happens next. It's a dark fantasy that executes a perfect enemies-to-lovers.

This isn't your typical slow-burn attraction simmering beneath the surface. No, Sin and Wren truly start out as enemies. They don't like each other, they stand on opposite sides, and they have no care for each other whatsoever. When the tipping point hits, it's spicy, and it's authentic. The progression feels real and adds depth to their relationship.

The world-building is another highlight. The magic system and the immersive world are crafted so well, and you get to see real character development. And the ending, oh my god, the ending. I need the next book yesterday.

Erin Mainord's debut is spectacular, and I can't wait to see where this series goes next. This is a must-read if you're looking for a captivating read filled with magic, intrigue, and powerful characters!
adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense 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
adventurous slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes