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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
First, I want to say that I'm grateful to receive this arc beforehand. That is super exciting. I will try my best on my review.
The storyline was very different and interesting. Mixing elements we have seen before with new and exciting differences. We learn about a different magic system. Would love to delve more into that in the future books. There were times I loved Raphael and them more times I hated him. Especially his way of running things and his views on other communities. I really hope there will be a redemption arc for him.
However, I loved the book for what it was and would love to read book 2 when it gets published.
First, I want to say that I'm grateful to receive this arc beforehand. That is super exciting. I will try my best on my review.
The storyline was very different and interesting. Mixing elements we have seen before with new and exciting differences. We learn about a different magic system. Would love to delve more into that in the future books. There were times I loved Raphael and them more times I hated him. Especially his way of running things and his views on other communities. I really hope there will be a redemption arc for him.
However, I loved the book for what it was and would love to read book 2 when it gets published.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
Let me tell you, this book slayed me. From the very first page, I was fully immersed in this dark, gritty, and emotionally charged world. A witch locked in a magical prison? Check. A morally gray vampire who might be her only ticket to freedom? Double check. The stakes were so high I was holding my breath the whole time.
Samara is a heroine I instantly rooted for. She’s fierce, raw, and forced to make impossible choices to survive. And Raphael? Chef’s kiss. He’s protective, dangerous, and broody in all the best ways. Their tension is the slow burn I live for. Sharp, addictive, and perfectly paced.
What really stood out for me was the worldbuilding. The magic system felt fresh and vivid. The prison was so cruel and atmospheric I could practically feel the cold walls closing in. And once the escape started, it was nonstop chaos in the most delicious way. Court politics, betrayal, forbidden alliances — it delivered on every front.
The emotional moments hit hard. I laughed during their banter, I felt Samara’s pain deep in my chest, and by the end, I was full-on obsessed. That cliffhanger? I’m still not okay. The story didn’t just entertain me. It wrecked me in the best way.
This book is dark, fast-paced, character-driven, and completely captivating. If you love vampires, dangerous bargains, morally gray men, and heroines who rise through fire and blood, A Bargain So Bloody belongs at the top of your TBR.
Samara has spent over a decade locked away in Castle Greymere for a crime she didn’t commit, resigned to a future of magical suppression and prison guards—until she learns no one ever really leaves. Her only way out? Strike a deal with Raphael, an ancient vampire imprisoned alongside her, shackled and dangerous… and her people’s mortal enemy.
What follows is a dark romantasy full of secrets, magic, betrayal, and a touch-her-and-die MMC. Samara and Raphael’s dynamic is pal[able, and absolutely fantastic for fans of morally gray heroes who fall first and hard. It is definitely predictable at times, but I couldn't stop reading.
My major complaint? Reading an eARC via the NetGalley app was rough. I would've preferred it and read it so much faster with an e-reader friendly ARC option.
Thank you to NetGalley and Vasilisa Drake for the eARC!
What follows is a dark romantasy full of secrets, magic, betrayal, and a touch-her-and-die MMC. Samara and Raphael’s dynamic is pal[able, and absolutely fantastic for fans of morally gray heroes who fall first and hard. It is definitely predictable at times, but I couldn't stop reading.
My major complaint? Reading an eARC via the NetGalley app was rough. I would've preferred it and read it so much faster with an e-reader friendly ARC option.
Thank you to NetGalley and Vasilisa Drake for the eARC!
Holy shit, how is no one talking about this? This was such a well-paced, entertaining read with pretty much every element you could want in a vampire romantasy.
The magic system was so interesting. The use of cards to utilize magic was brilliant - reminds me of the Providence Cards for the Shepherds King duology.
Raphael - Mr. "As long as you're in my care, you're mine". Yeah, everything he said had me so smiling. Mr. "I wish to know all of your thoughts" - I would fall to my knees. I need his POV so bad - I signed up for the authors newsletter to get three chapters of it.
Samara - my baby. She has been through so much and not even all of it is explicitly stated in this book. Her internal struggle with what she's been taught vs what she is experiencing felt very real. She goes back and forth through most of the book and while some people may find this repetitive; I found it to be a really honest depiction of how deeply ingrained beliefs, especially when they have been instilled at a young age. She does not instantly drop everything just because the MMC is hot & kind of nice to her. The hesitation makes her so feel so human.
Even with a great story idea, it was the execution that really impressed me. Dialogue feels natural, tension is built up beautifully & the structure is so well done. Every single moment builds up towards that ending. I'm going to be thinking about what happens next until the sequel.
I genuinely cannot wait to read the second book. I have this as an e-book but I am immediately going to buy the paperback. And once that comes in I'm doing a re-read.
The magic system was so interesting. The use of cards to utilize magic was brilliant - reminds me of the Providence Cards for the Shepherds King duology.
Raphael - Mr. "As long as you're in my care, you're mine". Yeah, everything he said had me so smiling. Mr. "I wish to know all of your thoughts" - I would fall to my knees. I need his POV so bad - I signed up for the authors newsletter to get three chapters of it.
Samara - my baby. She has been through so much and not even all of it is explicitly stated in this book. Her internal struggle with what she's been taught vs what she is experiencing felt very real. She goes back and forth through most of the book and while some people may find this repetitive; I found it to be a really honest depiction of how deeply ingrained beliefs, especially when they have been instilled at a young age. She does not instantly drop everything just because the MMC is hot & kind of nice to her. The hesitation makes her so feel so human.
Even with a great story idea, it was the execution that really impressed me. Dialogue feels natural, tension is built up beautifully & the structure is so well done. Every single moment builds up towards that ending. I'm going to be thinking about what happens next until the sequel.
I genuinely cannot wait to read the second book. I have this as an e-book but I am immediately going to buy the paperback. And once that comes in I'm doing a re-read.
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
**NO SPOILERS**
DETAILED REVIEW OF- Audiobook & book of-- "A bargain so bloody" by Vasalisa Drake
DETAILED REVIEW OF- Audiobook & book of-- "A bargain so bloody" by Vasalisa Drake
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (out of 5, my review system is at the end)
🌶🌶(out of 5)
🌶🌶(out of 5)
●📖#450 Pages
●Release date- 30 June 2025
●Plot or Character driven? Both
●Series Name- Kingdom of dark magic book 1 of 2
●Avaiable OK KU? ✅️ YES
●Any representation? (Disability, plus size ladies, mental health etc)
YES period representation!
☠️CHECK THE TW!
●Release date- 30 June 2025
●Plot or Character driven? Both
●Series Name- Kingdom of dark magic book 1 of 2
●Avaiable OK KU? ✅️ YES
●Any representation? (Disability, plus size ladies, mental health etc)
YES period representation!
☠️CHECK THE TW!
●TROPES
🔥Opressed survivor fmc
🩸Trauma & Loss
💀Broody mmc
🗡unlikely alliances
☠️ witches & Vampires
⛓️Forced proximity
👑Political Intrigue
😈 secrets and betrayals
🖤unique magic system
🔮prophecy
🔥Opressed survivor fmc
🩸Trauma & Loss
💀Broody mmc
🗡unlikely alliances
☠️ witches & Vampires
⛓️Forced proximity
👑Political Intrigue
😈 secrets and betrayals
🖤unique magic system
🔮prophecy
Audiobook review:
Even though the audiobook had solo narration, Cecily Foster did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Her performance added so much depth to the story. Her voice is so lovely and soothing and I thoroughly enjoyed reading along with her. Particularly at the more dramatised and tense moments. I do enjoy when a narrator suits the book as its so rare that happens!
Even though the audiobook had solo narration, Cecily Foster did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Her performance added so much depth to the story. Her voice is so lovely and soothing and I thoroughly enjoyed reading along with her. Particularly at the more dramatised and tense moments. I do enjoy when a narrator suits the book as its so rare that happens!
🌍World building, Writing, and Pacing:
It is high fantasyThe pacing feels a bit slow for much of the book, despite big stretches of time being covered, but the writing quality made it so I never felt bored.
It is high fantasyThe pacing feels a bit slow for much of the book, despite big stretches of time being covered, but the writing quality made it so I never felt bored.
While some of this book fell into some predictable but satisfying patterns per the tropes, it still surprised and raised the tension because of the times when this didn't happen! What I mean is because you predicted the last thing you think you can predict the next when all along the author was just leading you into a false sense of security before they twisted around and threw something unexpected at you. It was great actually.
🧝♂️Characters:
The MMC is very Damon Salvator with his dark brooding, over protectiveness, evil ways and haunting personality. But glimmers of wanton desire and true feeling peek through here and there.
The MMC is very Damon Salvator with his dark brooding, over protectiveness, evil ways and haunting personality. But glimmers of wanton desire and true feeling peek through here and there.
One of my fave scenes in the book is
acknowledging the starting of Sam’s cycle, first she is so innocent and has no clue whats happening- andsecond the mmc is wonderful about this so great representation!
This small detail reinforces how young she was when put in the prison, the awful conditions of it, and just how much of her life she has missed and is naive about; because after being in a healthy environment and getting some nutrition in her, she begins to become a woman.
acknowledging the starting of Sam’s cycle, first she is so innocent and has no clue whats happening- andsecond the mmc is wonderful about this so great representation!
This small detail reinforces how young she was when put in the prison, the awful conditions of it, and just how much of her life she has missed and is naive about; because after being in a healthy environment and getting some nutrition in her, she begins to become a woman.
💀WHY NO 5 STARS?
💯Would I re-read and Recommend?
🪧Final thoughts:
It was an enjoyable read but it feels Luke it was setting the scene for the main story which will be book 2. There was so much to get your teeth into and a lot of great details but the reader is left with a ton of questions and wondering what in the 7 bells happened in her childhood! Hence why I think book 2 will be the star of the show.
It was an enjoyable read but it feels Luke it was setting the scene for the main story which will be book 2. There was so much to get your teeth into and a lot of great details but the reader is left with a ton of questions and wondering what in the 7 bells happened in her childhood! Hence why I think book 2 will be the star of the show.
***********************
My Rating Systems:
My Rating Systems:
⭐️ DNF
⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another authors hands
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another authors hands
⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish i didn't start this one as It didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.
It was OK. I wish i didn't start this one as It didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetative writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetative writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending to all!
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending to all!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!
🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable, even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable, even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action
🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times
🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, play rooms, and more darker / taboo fantasies and realities.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I couldn't put this book down!! It was fast paced and gripped me from the first chapter.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such a great plot!! The characters were good, the pace was good, and the cliffhanger was STEEP for how the next book is going to go- but I definitely called the "role" Samara is going to play in a sense- which has me wondering if all voids could have some degree of the power she is learning about... if turned?
Psyched for book 2! What a strong start! A++
Psyched for book 2! What a strong start! A++
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Blood, Murder