Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
🩸 Bookish Thought's
Oh snap! I LOVED this book and absolutely devoured it in one sitting. The magic system was so cool, and the world building we got was a great setup for the series.
Samara and Raphael completely hooked me. This is how a slow burn should be done! 🥰
I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger and need the next book ASAP. Samara did PMO a bit at the end though 😩😩😩
I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger and need the next book ASAP. Samara did PMO a bit at the end though 😩😩😩
This vampire paranormal romance was exactly what I wanted, giving me full on 2010’s vampire nostalgia.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the performance. Highly recommend.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the performance. Highly recommend.
♥️ What to Expect
• Vampire MMC
• Witch FMC
• Enemies to reluctant allies
• Slow burn romance
• Morally grey MMC
• He falls first
______
🎧 Audio Score: 5
🎙 Narration Style: Solo
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you enjoyed Klaus Mikealson from The Originals this is the book for you.
If you want a slow burn, and it be truly a slow burn, this is also the book for you.
There is yearning, confusion and overall “just make out already” moments.
But the story is good, thoughtful yet still leaves a lot to learn about it the series. Magic system is unique.
If you want a slow burn, and it be truly a slow burn, this is also the book for you.
There is yearning, confusion and overall “just make out already” moments.
But the story is good, thoughtful yet still leaves a lot to learn about it the series. Magic system is unique.
A promising start that went into an ending with mismatched choices and poor direction. I loved the reluctant romance between characters and want to survive difficult surroundings. However the lack of direction and conviction within the FMC was so frustrating. If she was at least consistent in her actions, I could understand it. I know she is only 20 in this book and not the best decision maker. There wasn’t enough explanation/trauma to warrant the events that happened at the end.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
Finally a truly dark fantasy where the vampire MMC is actually morally grey, bordering on morally black except when it came to the human FMC and her wants and desires, who he practically worships. I don’t want to spoil anything but I think the next book is going to be amazing and tense because of that ending. It makes me want to pick up the next book immediately, but unfortunately it won’t be released for another year.
The tension is chefs kiss. I love a MMC who admires and yearns for the FMC. He is one of the strongest vampires and does a lot of bad deeds but won’t lift a finger against her, and even saves her life on numerous occasions. And she secretly desires the vampire as well which complicates things because she has terrible past trauma involving vampires and has very complicated loyalties to her own witch kingdom. She is torn between staying with the vampire she has growing feelings for in his kingdom or betraying him due to her complicated feelings to vampires in general and returning to her own kingdom.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
This was my first vampire book and it did not disappoint! If you’re looking for a slow burn, twisty and complicated back story, and shocking surprises, this is for you!
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and everyone involved!
“My world is a brutal one, but I want to share it with you nonetheless."
5⭐️🩸
The narrator did an amazing job! Usually I prefer dual narration, but I never once even thought about it with this book. The voices for each character sounded different and were more than fitting, which made it a great listening experience. I’ll happily listen to the audiobook again during my reread and have just as much fun as the first time.
The magic system was something I haven’t read about before, and I really enjoyed it. It was interesting and had me hooked from the start! The same goes for the way the vampires were described (and how they “worked”). It gave me a feeling of “going back to the roots” of vampires with some aspects, which I loved.
I found the characters all very lovable. They had their own battles to fight and therefore weren't one dimensional, and their imperfections (even if they may initially be seen as annoying) made them all the more unique.
Raphael and Samara’s story was not only gripping, but had me squeaking and giggling - I love them, your honour!
The plot was never once boring and the pace wasn’t dragging on either. It was the right amount of fast-paced and a few “slower” scenes that had me sitting at the edge of my seat for pretty much the entire book.
This story is packed with twists, smaller and bigger ones. It was fun to speculate and see which parts of it came true and which ones didn't. (I listened to most of it while being in public, and boy was it a challenge to hold myself back with reactions. I definitely wasn't always successful xD.)
ABSB became my comfort (audio)book from the moment I started it. If you like a really good slow burn, a story full of magic and vampires with a unique plot, magic system and characters; ABSB is the perfect pic!
I'll be sitting here patiently (very impatiently) waiting for the next book.
So, brb I need to order the gorgeous hardcover edition of this book now!