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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:
Complicated
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one to come out. While it does end on a cliffhanger it is completely worth the read.
The characters created were perfect. The FMC Samara started off timid and scared grew to became confident and able to protect herself. The MMC Raphael the stoic strong vampire determined to keep Samara safe above all else. Touch her and Die “I would kill a thousand innocents to spare you any pain.”
The world created is unique and beautiful. I can’t wait for more mysteries to be revealed in the next book.
I absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one to come out. While it does end on a cliffhanger it is completely worth the read.
The characters created were perfect. The FMC Samara started off timid and scared grew to became confident and able to protect herself. The MMC Raphael the stoic strong vampire determined to keep Samara safe above all else. Touch her and Die “I would kill a thousand innocents to spare you any pain.”
The world created is unique and beautiful. I can’t wait for more mysteries to be revealed in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Murder
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
"He drew me deeper into the kiss, his other hand coming around my side and pressing me against him. He tasted like darkness and temptation." (Ch 42)
"Blood and blood and blood."
Magic, witches, vampires, and voids.
I went back and forth between the ALC, eARC, and print.
There are some pretty good plot twists and hidden plots, hidden identities, and secret pasts. The journey is short, yet long. Intrigue in abundance. Romance was a little iffy, often felt it was one-sided and perhaps more lust than anything. Don't get me wrong, there was a strong sense of caring and protectiveness, but I didn't get a mutual lingering and consistent longing.
There's so much, especially Sam's past, that still remains a mystery. The ending, though... the story built up to it and gave up hints, so it should have been something predictable, but the way it unfurled and came about was gripping! Left me wanting more!
"He wore red jewels. I would wear blood. Blood and blood and blood." (Ch 46)
eARC/ALC Review
"Blood and blood and blood."
Magic, witches, vampires, and voids.
I went back and forth between the ALC, eARC, and print.
There are some pretty good plot twists and hidden plots, hidden identities, and secret pasts. The journey is short, yet long. Intrigue in abundance. Romance was a little iffy, often felt it was one-sided and perhaps more lust than anything. Don't get me wrong, there was a strong sense of caring and protectiveness, but I didn't get a mutual lingering and consistent longing.
There's so much, especially Sam's past, that still remains a mystery. The ending, though... the story built up to it and gave up hints, so it should have been something predictable, but the way it unfurled and came about was gripping! Left me wanting more!
"He wore red jewels. I would wear blood. Blood and blood and blood." (Ch 46)
eARC/ALC Review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
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
OK, I’m only saying this once, so listen up, bloodsuckers: On June 30, when this hardcover book and audiobook drop—
DO. NOT. WALK. RUN.
Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Just sprint into the night like the feral little bat you are and one-click this immediately. 🩸🖤
Before I lose my mind screaming about this absolutely fang-tastic story, I need to shine a whole-ass spotlight on the author. As a neurospicy reader, I often need both ebook and audiobook formats to stay focused—and when I mentioned this? She didn’t just nod politely. She delivered both formats, like the literary angel she is. THAT is how you show up for your neurodivergent readers. I will protect her at all costs. 👏👑🥹
Now… deep breath
Cecily Foster? Bestie, your voice acting had me questioning reality. The range? The delivery? The character switching so clean I had to double check there wasn’t a whole cast behind the mic? 10/10. And my first CTR Audio production? Crystal-clear quality. No glitches, no weird volume jumps—just pure, immersive deliciousness. I was in this world like I had a front-row seat to the vampire drama.
And now... the story. Oh. My. Goth.
I am OBSESSED. This author took everything I love—vampires, blood-drenched enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray characters I want to slap and then kiss—and gave me a book I devoured in one sitting. (Yes, it’s a 12+ hour audiobook. No, I didn’t come up for air. Yes, I’m unwell. Thanks for asking.)
This book is not heavy on the spice—but don’t let that fool you. The tension?? You could string it on a violin and play a murder ballad while the MMC broods in a corner and the FMC threatens to stab him (romantically). The slow burn will have you clenching your Kindle and dramatically sighing like a Victorian lady.
What do we get?
🖤 Murdery court intrigue
🗡️ Villains you love to hate
🩷 An FMC with backbone, bite, and beautifully bad decisions
🧛♂️ An MMC who is mysterious-but-not-too-mysterious, aka perfect
📖 Worldbuilding that makes you want to live there (and possibly die there too)
⚔️ Enemies to Allies to….🤭
🕵🏽♀️ Secrets/Hidden Identities
I’m not spoiling a damn thing because this is one of those stories you need to go into blind— no spoilers, just vibes. But trust me: if you love Crown of Nyaxia, The Serpent & the Wings of Night, Crescent City, The Bridge Kingdom, or anything with a hot guy who probably bites—you’re gonna eat this up.
I am in this book’s THRALL (and yes, you’ll understand that pun later, don’t worry 😏). 10 out of 5 stars. Already counting down the days ‘til book two. RIP to whatever book follows this one, because the bar is now six feet deep and made of obsidian.
Major thanks to the author and CTR Audio for the eARC and audiobook. I am ferally grateful. Let’s go, vamps. 🩸
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content