You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
First of all... I was NOT expecting that ending! 🤯
Now that that's out of the way, I must say that I found this to be quite the unique vampire story! The fact that Samara held out for as long as she did and was truly disgusted by the vampires was so refreshing! She was attracted to Raphael but never let her attraction win out over her disgust. Freaking love that!
And Raphael- the golden hearted vampire king wasn't what I expected either. Fiercely protective of this nobody human whilst being absolutely vicious to just about everyone else. Very much a touch her and brutally die kind of guy. He really was a stand up guy though. Interested in seeing how this all plays out.
Now that that's out of the way, I must say that I found this to be quite the unique vampire story! The fact that Samara held out for as long as she did and was truly disgusted by the vampires was so refreshing! She was attracted to Raphael but never let her attraction win out over her disgust. Freaking love that!
And Raphael- the golden hearted vampire king wasn't what I expected either. Fiercely protective of this nobody human whilst being absolutely vicious to just about everyone else. Very much a touch her and brutally die kind of guy. He really was a stand up guy though. Interested in seeing how this all plays out.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm sitting here struggling with words. That ending! I was expecting something, but it certainly wasn't that!
This book was really good, and I loved the characters. You could see their motivations (when they let you) and understand where they came from. I loved the magic system in this - it's different than any other that I've read about - being based on cards that could be activated. I need book 2 ASAP, I have to know what happens next with Samara and Raphael!
This book was really good, and I loved the characters. You could see their motivations (when they let you) and understand where they came from. I loved the magic system in this - it's different than any other that I've read about - being based on cards that could be activated. I need book 2 ASAP, I have to know what happens next with Samara and Raphael!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
This was a great read, I loved the magic system, I love the storyline and the characters and I was completely invested from the beginning. I’m ready for a sequel!!!
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Let me start with the fact that I listened to this as an audiobook, and the voice the narrator chose for the main male character definitely negatively skewed my opinion of him as a character, where as I think had I read the book he would have come across much more the way the author probably intended for him to.
With that being said, I did really enjoy this book by the end. The beginning feels a little tropey and very similar to the start of a lot of other Romantasy books. However, as the plot begins to unfold and we get further into each of the characters pasts and their roles in the story, the pace as well as my interest in the story went up tremendously. There are a lot of unique elements including the fact that there is a power struggle between witches and vampires, yet other creatures also exist in the world. The plot also has a very unique twist at the end, though it gets more predictable as you get closer to the end of the book, it’s still a very unique twist and one that helps to really make you want to read into book two.
As slow as the start of the book felt for me, by the time I finished, I was upset that I couldn’t immediately move into book two because I need to know what happens!
Overall if you enjoy vampires, Romantasy, witches or books that end on series cliff hangers, then I would highly recommend this book to you.
With that being said, I did really enjoy this book by the end. The beginning feels a little tropey and very similar to the start of a lot of other Romantasy books. However, as the plot begins to unfold and we get further into each of the characters pasts and their roles in the story, the pace as well as my interest in the story went up tremendously. There are a lot of unique elements including the fact that there is a power struggle between witches and vampires, yet other creatures also exist in the world. The plot also has a very unique twist at the end, though it gets more predictable as you get closer to the end of the book, it’s still a very unique twist and one that helps to really make you want to read into book two.
As slow as the start of the book felt for me, by the time I finished, I was upset that I couldn’t immediately move into book two because I need to know what happens!
Overall if you enjoy vampires, Romantasy, witches or books that end on series cliff hangers, then I would highly recommend this book to you.
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
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:
Complicated
This is an ARC read and I am giving my upmost honest opinion of this book!
My only gripe about this book is there isn't MORE!!!! I have to wait for book 2??!!!! DAMN IT!!! OMG this book was so good. It was a little slow at first and it took me a few chapters to really get into it but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I even went so far as to tell my hubby to leave me alone because I was reading. Without giving too much of this story away, Raphael, who is a vampire and Samara, who is human, meet in a magic dampening prison. In order to escape, Samara makes a deal with Raphael; she releases him from his chains and he gives her safe passage out. Samara is terrified and hates vampires after what they did to her mother when she was 8 years old. Once they escape, Samara intended to make her way to a Monastery in order to start a new life. However, Raphael points out that she wouldn't last a day on her own and he needed her help with something else; to get an answer to his question from the Librarian's in Apante, The City of Answers. Humans are granted one question their entire life and Raphael wants Samara to use hers. Since she planned to join a Monastery, she figures why not. The story only gets better from there.
My only gripe about this book is there isn't MORE!!!! I have to wait for book 2??!!!! DAMN IT!!! OMG this book was so good. It was a little slow at first and it took me a few chapters to really get into it but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I even went so far as to tell my hubby to leave me alone because I was reading. Without giving too much of this story away, Raphael, who is a vampire and Samara, who is human, meet in a magic dampening prison. In order to escape, Samara makes a deal with Raphael; she releases him from his chains and he gives her safe passage out. Samara is terrified and hates vampires after what they did to her mother when she was 8 years old. Once they escape, Samara intended to make her way to a Monastery in order to start a new life. However, Raphael points out that she wouldn't last a day on her own and he needed her help with something else; to get an answer to his question from the Librarian's in Apante, The City of Answers. Humans are granted one question their entire life and Raphael wants Samara to use hers. Since she planned to join a Monastery, she figures why not. The story only gets better from there.
adventurous
dark
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:
Complicated
Vasilisa Drake did a phenomenal job with this book, the characters had so much depth to them. I have so many unanswered questions and can't wait for the next book!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Complicated
This book was absolutely brilliant. The world building had me utterly immersed. The enemies to reluctant allies was so prefect. Love Raphael’s silent pining. The only issue I had was that this book left on a cliff hanger and now I’m DYING for the next book. 😭
High recommend for romantasy lovers.
High recommend for romantasy lovers.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This book has me hooked on every page. I finished the book in a couple days because I needed to know what was happening next.
I need book two immediately!!!
If you love dark fantasy romance, witches, vampires, magic, prison escapes, and so much more this is a book for you.
I need book two immediately!!!
If you love dark fantasy romance, witches, vampires, magic, prison escapes, and so much more this is a book for you.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake
Get ready to dive into a dark fantasy world, offering a slow-burn romance, experience court intrigue, and desperate bids for freedom.
The novel introduces us to Samara, a witch imprisoned in a seemingly inescapable fortress. Her only hope of leaving lies in an unlikely and dangerous alliance with Raphael, a powerful vampire, he’s unspeakably powerful, his supernatural strength tamed only by the enchanted cuffs forced on him. Their initial interactions are fraught with tension and distrust.
One of this book's greatest strengths is the characters. Samara's resilience and growing self agency, as she navigates, escape her unlikely alliance with a vampire and then the complex vampire court politics. Raphael, in turn, is a captivating presence, embodying morally grey in just the right way.
I enjoyed the journey of these characters
but found the pertinent and immersive information started action pacted then lulled for a bit in the middled but picked back but for an unforgettable conclusion.
The way the epilog leaves you with your jaw wide open, I am extremely excited to read book 2 when available.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Get ready to dive into a dark fantasy world, offering a slow-burn romance, experience court intrigue, and desperate bids for freedom.
The novel introduces us to Samara, a witch imprisoned in a seemingly inescapable fortress. Her only hope of leaving lies in an unlikely and dangerous alliance with Raphael, a powerful vampire, he’s unspeakably powerful, his supernatural strength tamed only by the enchanted cuffs forced on him. Their initial interactions are fraught with tension and distrust.
One of this book's greatest strengths is the characters. Samara's resilience and growing self agency, as she navigates, escape her unlikely alliance with a vampire and then the complex vampire court politics. Raphael, in turn, is a captivating presence, embodying morally grey in just the right way.
I enjoyed the journey of these characters
but found the pertinent and immersive information started action pacted then lulled for a bit in the middled but picked back but for an unforgettable conclusion.
The way the epilog leaves you with your jaw wide open, I am extremely excited to read book 2 when available.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was my very first ARC, and I’m so glad it didn’t disappoint!
The story jumps right in, with the synopsis essentially covering the beginning of the plot. At first, I wasn’t sure where things would go next, but that uncertainty kept me curious—and the fast-paced storytelling definitely helped keep the momentum going.
The writing style is clean and easy to follow, making it incredibly readable even as the world expands with an interesting and unique magic system. Not what I used to while reading about witches.
Samara (FMC) starts off quite lost and a little clueless (understandably, given her backstory), but I really enjoyed watching her grow into herself over the course of the book. Her character development was well-paced and believable, and I’m honestly excited to see what she’ll do next.
And then there’s the Raphael - unbothered, unhinged and unintentionally hilarious vampire.
Spoiler quote:
"He was weak. I was strong. I wanted him dead, so he’s dead. It’s not complicated.”
The dynamic between him and Samara added the right amount of tension and intrigue to the darker tone of the story. The book is supposed to be a slow-burn romance, but for me it was more a lust than a romance between them (not saying that's bad).
I did see the big revelation coming about halfway through, but even so, the way it was revealed still surprised me and had a satisfying impact.
The only thing I missed? A map. It’s a minor thing, but with so many kingdoms and moving parts, a map would’ve helped, and I do believe a map is essential in fantasy books. Hopefully, one will be included in the final version or the sequel.
If you love morally gray characters, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and dark worlds this one’s for you. I devoured it in 2 days (would have been 1 day if social life didn't get in the way) and I need second book right now.
This was my very first ARC, and I’m so glad it didn’t disappoint!
The story jumps right in, with the synopsis essentially covering the beginning of the plot. At first, I wasn’t sure where things would go next, but that uncertainty kept me curious—and the fast-paced storytelling definitely helped keep the momentum going.
The writing style is clean and easy to follow, making it incredibly readable even as the world expands with an interesting and unique magic system. Not what I used to while reading about witches.
Samara (FMC) starts off quite lost and a little clueless (understandably, given her backstory), but I really enjoyed watching her grow into herself over the course of the book. Her character development was well-paced and believable, and I’m honestly excited to see what she’ll do next.
And then there’s the Raphael - unbothered, unhinged and unintentionally hilarious vampire.
Spoiler quote:
The dynamic between him and Samara added the right amount of tension and intrigue to the darker tone of the story. The book is supposed to be a slow-burn romance, but for me it was more a lust than a romance between them (not saying that's bad).
I did see the big revelation coming about halfway through, but even so, the way it was revealed still surprised me and had a satisfying impact.
The only thing I missed? A map. It’s a minor thing, but with so many kingdoms and moving parts, a map would’ve helped, and I do believe a map is essential in fantasy books. Hopefully, one will be included in the final version or the sequel.
If you love morally gray characters, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and dark worlds this one’s for you. I devoured it in 2 days (would have been 1 day if social life didn't get in the way) and I need second book right now.