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meisbooknook's review
5.0
I went into Blood & Magic Eternal not knowing it was a spin-off. That being said, Jessaca made it very easy to get acquainted with the world, and provided pieces of lore here and there when needed. I easily found myself drawn into this dystopian world. Humans are on the verge of extinction, and noctis (vampires) are struggling as a result of their actions.
Enter Charlotte, who saw her whole town decimated by noctis when she was younger. Alone, and hesitant to make connections with others, she is determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Unfortunately, while doing a favor for a childhood friend, she falls prey to the Noctis Prince, Malachi. He whisks her away to participate in The Hunt, an annual event that no human has ever survived.
The plot flowed smoothly, full of action at the beginning and end, and full of world-building in the middle.
I was attached to Charlotte from the beginning. She's perseveres through everything thrown at her to choose life, even though it might have been easier to give up at times. She and Malachi are the same, and are drawn to each other because of it. Despite the personas that they put on, they can see right through each other.
I did go into this story expecting an enemies to lovers romance; however, it was more of a one-sided longing from Malachi's side, and Charlotte ignoring her own feelings on the matter. In a world where only the strongest, and most cunning survive - they don't have time to focus on unexplored feelings. I appreciate that the plot was not compromised for the sake of romance.
Blood & Magic Eternal drew me in from the beginning, and I enjoyed every minute of it! I predicted some things about the ending, but Jessaca managed to surprise me even then! I'm so excited to see where the next book goes!
I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a non-traditional vampire retelling!
Enter Charlotte, who saw her whole town decimated by noctis when she was younger. Alone, and hesitant to make connections with others, she is determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Unfortunately, while doing a favor for a childhood friend, she falls prey to the Noctis Prince, Malachi. He whisks her away to participate in The Hunt, an annual event that no human has ever survived.
The plot flowed smoothly, full of action at the beginning and end, and full of world-building in the middle.
I was attached to Charlotte from the beginning. She's perseveres through everything thrown at her to choose life, even though it might have been easier to give up at times. She and Malachi are the same, and are drawn to each other because of it. Despite the personas that they put on, they can see right through each other.
I did go into this story expecting an enemies to lovers romance; however, it was more of a one-sided longing from Malachi's side, and Charlotte ignoring her own feelings on the matter. In a world where only the strongest, and most cunning survive - they don't have time to focus on unexplored feelings. I appreciate that the plot was not compromised for the sake of romance.
Blood & Magic Eternal drew me in from the beginning, and I enjoyed every minute of it! I predicted some things about the ending, but Jessaca managed to surprise me even then! I'm so excited to see where the next book goes!
I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a non-traditional vampire retelling!
literaryluxe's review
4.0
This is not your average vampire story in my opinion and I loved that! It's like a Hunt almost - like a survival of the fittest type of thing which was very thrilling and made it a very fast-paced read. It's far from boring. Ms. Willis also did a fantastic job creating her characters. The main character, Charlotte is a strong female in so many ways, but also it highlights some of her weaknesses as well. The same goes for her male character, Malakai. They both have strong personalities but balance each other out. The end result is a set of well-rounded characters you actually care about. My only issues were that there were a few errors that may have been fixed since I did have an arc. However I never really take off a star for that because with arcs -that's to be expected. Hopefully, they were resolved before publishing. My reason why I can't give it a 5-star has more to do with the timeline. There were some points that were a tad confusing to me and I think it's because vampires are immortal. So there are some jumps and confusion there with the gaps between years of their immortality and the previous series. Other than that it there were no issues - and don't let that take away from the story either! It's still not hard to follow, just a few little moments where I had to think. Overall, I'd give it 4/5 stars.
tabatha_shipley's review
3.0
What I Did Like:
-Twist on the vampire story. This doesn’t feel like it’s heading to be the same story we’ve heard. It doesn’t even seem like it’s heading in the direction I thought it was going. I like when stories go in a new and refreshing direction and this has the potential to deal with vampires in a way I haven’t seen before.
-Strong characters. This is a strength for this author. I like the characters she creates. They’re always reinventing ideas of what constitutes strength. Each one has something they excel in and that’s always interesting. Malaki and Charlotte are no different with their personal strengths (and weaknesses) that make them feel like realistic and well rounded characters.
-The Hunt. In itself this is a fascinating idea. Similar to something like The Most Dangerous Game, the Hunt is an event where vampires are going to literally be hunting humans. It’s thrilling, dangerous, and a perfect event to focus a series like this on.
Who Should Read This One:
-Dark fantasy fans who like characters who aren’t what they appear to everyone else.
My Rating: 3 Stars
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/04/12/2022-book-review-blood-magic-eternal/
-Twist on the vampire story. This doesn’t feel like it’s heading to be the same story we’ve heard. It doesn’t even seem like it’s heading in the direction I thought it was going. I like when stories go in a new and refreshing direction and this has the potential to deal with vampires in a way I haven’t seen before.
-Strong characters. This is a strength for this author. I like the characters she creates. They’re always reinventing ideas of what constitutes strength. Each one has something they excel in and that’s always interesting. Malaki and Charlotte are no different with their personal strengths (and weaknesses) that make them feel like realistic and well rounded characters.
-The Hunt. In itself this is a fascinating idea. Similar to something like The Most Dangerous Game, the Hunt is an event where vampires are going to literally be hunting humans. It’s thrilling, dangerous, and a perfect event to focus a series like this on.
Who Should Read This One:
-Dark fantasy fans who like characters who aren’t what they appear to everyone else.
My Rating: 3 Stars
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/04/12/2022-book-review-blood-magic-eternal/
beccainabook's review
4.0
This book was INSANEEEE... SO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS that kept me guessing the entire time!
This book turned out to be so much better than I expected and I cannot wait for more. Charlotte Thorne is a badass huntress and I enjoyed reading about her in action.
Although I found the paranormal rendering of vampires in this book to be kind of basic, this book still had me on the edge of my seat!
This book turned out to be so much better than I expected and I cannot wait for more. Charlotte Thorne is a badass huntress and I enjoyed reading about her in action.
Although I found the paranormal rendering of vampires in this book to be kind of basic, this book still had me on the edge of my seat!
meganmentions's review
5.0
I really enjoyed the start of this series! I started with the Novella and was immediately hooked on the story and the intrigue. This book also had be invested right from chapter one!
I love a strong, self-sufficient FMC. Especially the take-no-shit, weapons-wielding kind and Charlotte was all that and more! Malachi is the prince of the noctis, a version of vamps, but with heart and cunning. There is some comraderey between Char and Malachi that im interested in seeing develop. There is also Char's childhood best friend. Many other side characters popping in from everywhere. I also enjoyed some of the side characters involvememt and the dual POVs.
The storyline and plot for this book were amazing! This series takes place after the Primordial series, but could be read on its own especially if you start with the novella. Its YA, no smut or heavy romance at this point. Little bit of an enemies-to-lovers, potential love triangle, self-discovery, badass characters, in an interesting world. It is the kind of story that sucks you in, and all of sudden you hit the end of the book (with a cliffhanger that makes you look up when the next book comes out!).
I will now be anxiously awaiting the next book to see what happens!
I received an ARC and am providing my honest review
I love a strong, self-sufficient FMC. Especially the take-no-shit, weapons-wielding kind and Charlotte was all that and more! Malachi is the prince of the noctis, a version of vamps, but with heart and cunning. There is some comraderey between Char and Malachi that im interested in seeing develop. There is also Char's childhood best friend. Many other side characters popping in from everywhere. I also enjoyed some of the side characters involvememt and the dual POVs.
The storyline and plot for this book were amazing! This series takes place after the Primordial series, but could be read on its own especially if you start with the novella. Its YA, no smut or heavy romance at this point. Little bit of an enemies-to-lovers, potential love triangle, self-discovery, badass characters, in an interesting world. It is the kind of story that sucks you in, and all of sudden you hit the end of the book (with a cliffhanger that makes you look up when the next book comes out!).
I will now be anxiously awaiting the next book to see what happens!
I received an ARC and am providing my honest review
bellebookcorner's review
4.0
"Sometimes, it's worth fighting for others. Especially since they'll fight for you."
A dark gripping paranormal fantasy with dual POV, from both vampire and human as well as fascinating world building and interesting plot!
Keep in mind there's some violence and gore scenes in this story.
I'm so glad to be able to read the prequel short story, [b:Hunger & Cursed Shadows|60436884|Hunger & Cursed Shadows|Jessaca Willis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1645118885l/60436884._SY75_.jpg|95240101] because it really helps me knowing more about the background story of some characters mention here.
The prequel is definitely recommended to those who didn't read the previous trilogy, if you want to be more connected with some of the characters.
The pacing is a bit slow at first but once the pace picks up, the story is filled with action-packed gripping moments especially during the Hunt set by the vampires to chase the humans they put there as the prize.
One of my favorite character is Charlotte. She appears to be heartless and distanced, when in fact she actually cares too much. I really like seeing how her character slowly changes near the ending.
As for the romance part, I think it's going to be sort of a love triangle.. but it's still unclear at the moment.
Let's hope the next book will shed some light for the romance aspect.
The ending has a bit of a twist which surprise me. Makes me wish I have the next book right beside me since I need to know what happen next!
Overall, it's a great start for this dark fantasy series. Very intense and gripping read!
I'm really looking forward for the second book!
A massive thank you to Jessaca Willis for giving me this digital copy of the book as well as Book of Matches Media for allowing me to be a part of the book tour!
A dark gripping paranormal fantasy with dual POV, from both vampire and human as well as fascinating world building and interesting plot!
Keep in mind there's some violence and gore scenes in this story.
I'm so glad to be able to read the prequel short story, [b:Hunger & Cursed Shadows|60436884|Hunger & Cursed Shadows|Jessaca Willis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1645118885l/60436884._SY75_.jpg|95240101] because it really helps me knowing more about the background story of some characters mention here.
The prequel is definitely recommended to those who didn't read the previous trilogy, if you want to be more connected with some of the characters.
The pacing is a bit slow at first but once the pace picks up, the story is filled with action-packed gripping moments especially during the Hunt set by the vampires to chase the humans they put there as the prize.
One of my favorite character is Charlotte. She appears to be heartless and distanced, when in fact she actually cares too much. I really like seeing how her character slowly changes near the ending.
As for the romance part, I think it's going to be sort of a love triangle.. but it's still unclear at the moment.
Let's hope the next book will shed some light for the romance aspect.
The ending has a bit of a twist which surprise me. Makes me wish I have the next book right beside me since I need to know what happen next!
Overall, it's a great start for this dark fantasy series. Very intense and gripping read!
I'm really looking forward for the second book!
A massive thank you to Jessaca Willis for giving me this digital copy of the book as well as Book of Matches Media for allowing me to be a part of the book tour!
gonewithflynn's review
5.0
This book was awesome but also so hard to read, only because I've read Jessaca's Primordials of the Shadowthorn series and seeing what characters from that series go through in this one is heartbreaking. If it weren't for me being overworked right now, I would've read this baby in 1 day. No jokes. I really like Charlotte (Char) so far - how she reacts/deals with her trauma is realistic to me and she's definitely a strong female MC and a total bad@$$. Did I mention she uses a crossbow!? Lol. HOWEVER, Rowland...
indoraptorreads's review
4.0
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
Blood & Magic Eternal is about 18-year-old Charlotte living in a world where the vampire-like noctis rule the realm; she gets captured and forced to participate in the annual Hunt: a game where the most powerful vampires are allowed to feast on humans.
Whilst the book was a bit slow for the first couple of chapters, the third chapter really kicks the action up a notch. Willis’ writing is creative and imaginative, and I found myself engrossed in the book!
Badass independent main character, old concept of vampires but reinvented, and a love interest who doesn’t dominate the story and take away from
the plot? Hell yes!
Blood & Magic Eternal is about 18-year-old Charlotte living in a world where the vampire-like noctis rule the realm; she gets captured and forced to participate in the annual Hunt: a game where the most powerful vampires are allowed to feast on humans.
Whilst the book was a bit slow for the first couple of chapters, the third chapter really kicks the action up a notch. Willis’ writing is creative and imaginative, and I found myself engrossed in the book!
Badass independent main character, old concept of vampires but reinvented, and a love interest who doesn’t dominate the story and take away from
the plot? Hell yes!
proudtobeabookaholic's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
18 year old Charlotte Thorne has survived the vampire's reign with the help of her crossbow and common sense. Yet, she falls in a trap set by the Vampire Prince Malachi, who's out gathering humans for the Hunt, the vampire's annual, barbaric enjoyment. After being captured and imprisoned they're eventually set free - only to be hunted by ferocious, hungry vampires. No human has ever survived the Hunt...
It's been 18 years since the events in the prequel, Hunger & Cursed Shadows, and Tor Devonshire is King of the vampires. Halira Devonshire's daughter Ursulette, who Tor stole from his sister when she was newly born, lives with him at the castle, but it's Prince Malachi who's the heir. Not that Malachi wants to take over as king after his father - he can't seem to do anything right, according to Tor.
The story unravels from Charlotte's and Malachi's POV's, so we get to see the world from both the human and the vampire side. I like that it's a dark, gothic world, where vampires reign by fear. They've been hunting humans to the brink of extinction, which tend to be a problem. Sometimes it gets quite violent and bloody, but since it's fiction I have no problem with that.
Charlotte is kind of a loner. She sees her childhood friend Rowland once in a while, and he tries to persuade her to move to Valor's Rest, the hiding place for a group of people. Charlotte can come off as cold and insensitive when she prefers to be left alone, but it's actually the other way around. She's afraid to get too close to anyone and then have to see them die.
The ending comes with a sort of twist, which undoubtedly makes me want to read the next installment at once!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing