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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
slow-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
adventurous
dark
slow-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
4.5 stars rounding up!
A Bargain So Bloody delivers an engaging start to what promises to be an exciting new romantasy series. When Samara is sentenced to a magical prison for a crime she didn't commit, she believes she's serving a 15-year sentence—until she discovers the devastating truth that she'll never be released. Desperate for freedom, she strikes a dangerous bargain with a vampire: help him escape, and he'll get her out safely in return.
This book will appeal to romantasy readers who enjoy morally grey characters and slow-burn relationship development, though the romance takes a backseat to the compelling plot and character growth. Drake has crafted a unique world with fascinating magic systems that kept me completely absorbed—I genuinely couldn't stop listening.
The audiobook narration by Cecily Foster was exceptional and really enhanced the listening experience. Foster brought distinct voices to each character and maintained perfect pacing throughout the emotional highs and lows.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, there were a few situations that felt unrealistic even within the fantasy framework. However, these minor issues didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
The world-building is fresh and inventive, setting up intriguing possibilities for future installments. I'm genuinely excited to see where Drake takes this story next and how the characters continue to evolve.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Slow-burn romance, morally complex characters, unique fantasy worlds, and strong character development.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Bargain So Bloody delivers an engaging start to what promises to be an exciting new romantasy series. When Samara is sentenced to a magical prison for a crime she didn't commit, she believes she's serving a 15-year sentence—until she discovers the devastating truth that she'll never be released. Desperate for freedom, she strikes a dangerous bargain with a vampire: help him escape, and he'll get her out safely in return.
This book will appeal to romantasy readers who enjoy morally grey characters and slow-burn relationship development, though the romance takes a backseat to the compelling plot and character growth. Drake has crafted a unique world with fascinating magic systems that kept me completely absorbed—I genuinely couldn't stop listening.
The audiobook narration by Cecily Foster was exceptional and really enhanced the listening experience. Foster brought distinct voices to each character and maintained perfect pacing throughout the emotional highs and lows.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, there were a few situations that felt unrealistic even within the fantasy framework. However, these minor issues didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
The world-building is fresh and inventive, setting up intriguing possibilities for future installments. I'm genuinely excited to see where Drake takes this story next and how the characters continue to evolve.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Slow-burn romance, morally complex characters, unique fantasy worlds, and strong character development.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
medium-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was so good and I'm mad it just came out this year. I need the next book asap! So good, exactly what I was looking for. Very well written slow burn that kept me hooked.
This had a promising start, but I got 135 pages in and realized I no longer cared about the outcome. Because how was Raphael ALWAYS nearby when Samara needed him? And why does Samara ALWAYS feel the need to remind us that she really shouldn’t be attracted to a vampire? The magic coming from cards was interesting, but not well explained when given the chance. Also, how is a 600 year old vampire even remotely interested in a woman in her early 20s (she’s 21 by my calculations on the vague backstory we’re given) whose knowledge of the world is stunted and skewed? Because she’s the only one immune to his vampire thrall? Seems flimsy at best. Even if there is a bigger underlying reason which the book was hinting at, I got to the point where I didn’t care enough to find out. This book is too long, has too much traveling, and too much build up of secrets.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read a decent portion of this book and was curious where it was headed, so I read some reviews. That got me even more curious, so I ended up reading the last few pages. And honestly after that, I just can't with this FMC. She is an ungrateful, worthless coward who constantly flip flops trying to decide if the MMC is worth her time, despite the fact that he's so good to her and keeps saving her over and over and providing for her. He obviously really cares about her and IDK if it changes, but all she really seems to care about is her own lust. There is absolutely nothing redeeming about her and I'm just over it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes