You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
Those last 2 sentences!!!!! You could kinda tell it was leading up to that but damn. I wanted to know more of Samara's backstory the entire time reading this and we only get tiny glimpses. I can't wait for the next book to learn more. Raphael was an interesting character to have show up and I love his interactions with her. This book is great at sprinkling in bits of information; just enough to have you questioning and wanting to know what the heck it means.
The narration was great as well!
I'm definitely keeping this author in my TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC & ALC.
The narration was great as well!
I'm definitely keeping this author in my TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC & ALC.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
oh my god this book. i had SUCH a hard time putting it down. the magic system in this? *chefs kiss*. the characters? *chefs kiss*. the story??? *chefs kiss*. wowow. i literally can't wait for more of this story and im so desperate to know what happens next. there is so much more that i need to know haha. i am typically not one for fantasy (prefer urban fantasy), but mannnnn, books like this one often make me want to reconsider my fantasy stance. i literally tried to stop reading this book so i could go to sleep but i stopped for maybe a minute before i decided i just needed to finish it because i so badly wanted to know what would happen. so good, a+
*this is an ARC review*
*this is an ARC review*
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I was gifted the ARC, and OMG, THIS BOOK WAS SOOOO GOOD!! The cliff hanger at the end has me in an absolute CHOKEHOLD!!!!! I don’t want to leave any spoilers, but my god the story line was fantastic! The ONLY downside was there was really no spice, but I’ve read plenty of amazing series where book 1 has little if any spice. 10/10 recommend!!
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
I devoured this book — hooked from page one. The setting? Immaculate. The characters? Obsessed. The plot? It slapped.
The magic system? So clever and effortlessly woven in — I was all in.
The “just one horse” trope? Executed to perfection. Forced proximity at its finest.
A morally grey FMC with bite, banter, and just the right amount of unhinged? 🫠 Inject it straight into my veins.
The romance is a slow burn but it sizzles — tension, heat, and SO much payoff. 🥵
And THAT ENDING?! I need Book 2 yesterday.
Beautifully written, emotionally chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable.
The magic system? So clever and effortlessly woven in — I was all in.
The “just one horse” trope? Executed to perfection. Forced proximity at its finest.
A morally grey FMC with bite, banter, and just the right amount of unhinged? 🫠 Inject it straight into my veins.
The romance is a slow burn but it sizzles — tension, heat, and SO much payoff. 🥵
And THAT ENDING?! I need Book 2 yesterday.
Beautifully written, emotionally chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In this start of The Kingdom of Dark Magic our fmc Samara has been trapped in a prison since childhood. When she encounters a vampire (our mmc Raphael), she agrees to a bargain with him and they escape together. What started out as an allegiance to free themselves quickly turns into something more as they not only use each other to reach their own (sometimes very secret) goals, but also start to develop feelings for each other. But things are not what they seem to be and Samara will need to decide where her true alliances lie.
This book was amazing! From the first minute I was hooked, following Samara and Raphael on their unique and unpredictable journey. Let me try and explain why this book hit home for me:
The plot was nothing I have ever read. Not even close. It felt so untold. The decisions that drove the story forward were understandable yet had consequences that felt unique. Some of the locations and power dynamics were so captivatingly other, I wish it were a movie so I could actually see it.
The world felt huge. We have a witch kingdom, several vampire kingdoms and so much more. They all have different power dynamics, magic systems and prejudices about the other kingdoms. The author showed us that through conversations we got to listen in to and bit by bit the understanding of a world started to piece itself together. So well done!
The fmc and mmc had a wonderful dynamic. The fmc, who seems to suffer from some form of PTSD due to what she went through as a child, had a strong will and was truly on a journey of growth and learning to advocate for herself. It was so enticing to listen to her thoughts and see her grow. And even things that felt frustrating at times (like how she refused to admit any sort of feelings for the mmc) made sense with her background, history and trauma. So well written!
The mmc fell first, fell hard and put her above everyone else. And we get to see and learn that through the eyes of our fmc. He is kind to her, more than just a bit overprotective and yet respects her wishes and decisions. Such a good guy!
But be warned: This romantasy is such a slooooow burn. It is mainly due to the mmc being such a respectful guy who doesn't ever manipulate our fmc or uses her vulnerable moments to get what he wants. All he wants is for her to be happy. And so he waits... and waits... and waits...
The ending of this book.,. Ugh, that was rough. And it gets even rougher when I think about how long I will have to wait for book 2. But it was a worthy ending! Not happy-clappy, not desperately cliff-hanger. It made sense and it changes EVERYTHING.
To sum my many thoughts up; I LOVED THIS BOOK!
It is the BEST vampire book I have read to this day. I am so very grateful I came across it and can't wait for book 2. Go ahead and read it as well - we can be miserabel and wait together ;)
This book was amazing! From the first minute I was hooked, following Samara and Raphael on their unique and unpredictable journey. Let me try and explain why this book hit home for me:
The plot was nothing I have ever read. Not even close. It felt so untold. The decisions that drove the story forward were understandable yet had consequences that felt unique. Some of the locations and power dynamics were so captivatingly other, I wish it were a movie so I could actually see it.
The world felt huge. We have a witch kingdom, several vampire kingdoms and so much more. They all have different power dynamics, magic systems and prejudices about the other kingdoms. The author showed us that through conversations we got to listen in to and bit by bit the understanding of a world started to piece itself together. So well done!
The fmc and mmc had a wonderful dynamic. The fmc, who seems to suffer from some form of PTSD due to what she went through as a child, had a strong will and was truly on a journey of growth and learning to advocate for herself. It was so enticing to listen to her thoughts and see her grow. And even things that felt frustrating at times (like how she refused to admit any sort of feelings for the mmc) made sense with her background, history and trauma. So well written!
The mmc fell first, fell hard and put her above everyone else. And we get to see and learn that through the eyes of our fmc. He is kind to her, more than just a bit overprotective and yet respects her wishes and decisions. Such a good guy!
But be warned: This romantasy is such a slooooow burn. It is mainly due to the mmc being such a respectful guy who doesn't ever manipulate our fmc or uses her vulnerable moments to get what he wants. All he wants is for her to be happy. And so he waits... and waits... and waits...
The ending of this book.,. Ugh, that was rough. And it gets even rougher when I think about how long I will have to wait for book 2. But it was a worthy ending! Not happy-clappy, not desperately cliff-hanger. It made sense and it changes EVERYTHING.
To sum my many thoughts up; I LOVED THIS BOOK!
It is the BEST vampire book I have read to this day. I am so very grateful I came across it and can't wait for book 2. Go ahead and read it as well - we can be miserabel and wait together ;)
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Bargain so Bloody by Vasilia Drake is by far one of the best fantasy books I have read. I was completely hooked the moment I started reading this book. It is the story of Samara, who is sitting out a sentence in a dark prison for a crime she did not commit. She tries to be unnoticed, but bullies are everywhere. When she is sent to treat a new prisoner for his wounds and also finds out no one wants to let her go free, she helps Raphael escape, for as he is a vampire, he is her only chance to escape. But Raphael has his own agenda….
As I said, this book is so good, I had a really hard time putting the book down. The writing style is fast paced and flowing and so much happens, you just cannot stop reading.
Samara is a great character, she is fierce, determined. Raphael is the morally grey character, and you just know there is something more to what he seems. Their interactions and chemistry are off the charts! As the story progresses, we find out who Raphael really is and that came as a great surprise. When they strike a bargain, both have no idea who Samara really is and that was just a really cool asset to an already fantastic story-line.
The book is filled with danger, cool magic, and the world-building is amazing. And the ending makes me want to read the next book now! I know that when the sequel is available, I will run to start reading it, as the cliffhanger is a huge one, with revelations all around.
If you want to read a superb fantasy novel, with a great plot and story-line, great world-building, many twists and turns, and with two main characters who just leap off the pages, you just have to read this book. Five stars really is not enough.
Highly highly recommended!!
“Tell me, Samara. If I took you now, would you hate me? Regret me? Or would you crave me as ruthlessly as I crave you?”
Be still, my (still) beating heart, be still. And yet, it can't stop beating furiously & relentlessly after experiences declarations such as the one above. How can it stay still?
How can it stay still after being gifted with immense emotions dripping from each page? How can it stay still after going through a wild ride of action-packed and heart-shattering plot? How can it stay still after the ending that left me gasping?
A Bargain So Bloody, Book 1 in the Kingdom of Dark Magic, was all that and more. It grabbed my heart, squeezed it tight to the point of bursting, and never let go.
The story was dark and grim, set in a world where hope seems pointless. Or at least it seemed futile, until one fateful day when the worlds collided and a prison girl and a caged vampire crossed paths. Seemingly enemies, brought together by something akin to faith and set on a path of unknowns & dangers that come not only in the form of monsters, but also feelings. Forbidden, (un)wanted, and so enticing.
What will a bargain bring to Samara and Raphael? Something they wanted and something they needed, without knowing they were both missing it. In a world filled with monsters, it is hard to discern who the true enemy is. But maybe, just maybe, it isn't the one with glowing red eyes and fangs....
Be still, my (still) beating heart, be still. And yet, it can't stop beating furiously & relentlessly after experiences declarations such as the one above. How can it stay still?
How can it stay still after being gifted with immense emotions dripping from each page? How can it stay still after going through a wild ride of action-packed and heart-shattering plot? How can it stay still after the ending that left me gasping?
A Bargain So Bloody, Book 1 in the Kingdom of Dark Magic, was all that and more. It grabbed my heart, squeezed it tight to the point of bursting, and never let go.
The story was dark and grim, set in a world where hope seems pointless. Or at least it seemed futile, until one fateful day when the worlds collided and a prison girl and a caged vampire crossed paths. Seemingly enemies, brought together by something akin to faith and set on a path of unknowns & dangers that come not only in the form of monsters, but also feelings. Forbidden, (un)wanted, and so enticing.
What will a bargain bring to Samara and Raphael? Something they wanted and something they needed, without knowing they were both missing it. In a world filled with monsters, it is hard to discern who the true enemy is. But maybe, just maybe, it isn't the one with glowing red eyes and fangs....
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
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes
Thank you Vasilisa Drake for sending me an audio ARC! I was so excited! I love reading ARCs, and while audio is my preferred reading method, it’s not commonplace to have an audio ARC. Extra points!
Samara and Raphael find themselves in a mutually beneficial predicament, helping each other to break out of prison and becoming travelling companions to eventually wind up in vampire territory. There, they must continue to help each other, open their minds to fight prejudices and accept other ways of seeing things, and fight this attraction for each other.
I will admit, I didn’t know where this book was headed, but it wasn’t where it ended up! The beginning of the book was fast-paced, when I assumed it would spend more time on their breakout and travels. It makes sense since this wasn’t the main point of the book, but it would have been nice to get to know the characters a little better. By the end of the book, much about the characters is still left to be found out, so I’m excited to read the next book that will hopefully delve into them more.
The magic system was unique and easy enough to understand. It played on the magic-wielding abilities of witches, but added in some cool touches to allow others to access magic, and added in a couple of additional features to be expanded on!
The strength, confidence, and character development of Samara was great to read. I love a good training montage, with the FMC getting to know those around her and facing fears that have plagued her. I have no idea where these two characters will be headed in the next book. The ending didn’t leave them in the best place. Speaking of, there were two pretty big plot twists at the end. One I called, one I should have called, but damn! The mix of the two will also make for an interesting book 2!
Enjoyed it! Will definitely add the next ones to my TBR.
Samara and Raphael find themselves in a mutually beneficial predicament, helping each other to break out of prison and becoming travelling companions to eventually wind up in vampire territory. There, they must continue to help each other, open their minds to fight prejudices and accept other ways of seeing things, and fight this attraction for each other.
I will admit, I didn’t know where this book was headed, but it wasn’t where it ended up! The beginning of the book was fast-paced, when I assumed it would spend more time on their breakout and travels. It makes sense since this wasn’t the main point of the book, but it would have been nice to get to know the characters a little better. By the end of the book, much about the characters is still left to be found out, so I’m excited to read the next book that will hopefully delve into them more.
The magic system was unique and easy enough to understand. It played on the magic-wielding abilities of witches, but added in some cool touches to allow others to access magic, and added in a couple of additional features to be expanded on!
The strength, confidence, and character development of Samara was great to read. I love a good training montage, with the FMC getting to know those around her and facing fears that have plagued her. I have no idea where these two characters will be headed in the next book. The ending didn’t leave them in the best place. Speaking of, there were two pretty big plot twists at the end. One I called, one I should have called, but damn! The mix of the two will also make for an interesting book 2!
Enjoyed it! Will definitely add the next ones to my TBR.