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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
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.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was provided an arc read and am giving my revive openly and honestly! was waiting to finish this before I posted my physical book. This ripped me out of my book slump and threw me into I need to know what happens!!!! I laughed and fanned myself with blushes from tension. It also ripped my freaking out in the best way. That ending was ugh…. And the comical way the MMC and FMC build their relationship was perfect. From two different worlds and he definitely fell first. This was a five star read for me!!!! Being part of the street and arc team was such a fun experience. Definitely one of my top two favorite teams so far! If you like DARK (I can’t stress that enough) romantasy this is a need. I am already planning to circle back to this one and annotate my physical copy prior to release!!!!!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🖤 M/F
🖤 Romantasy
🖤 Unique Magic
🖤 Enemies to Allies to Lovers
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Slow Burn
Let me just start by saying: wow. A Bargain So Bloody completely swept me away. This dark, seductive romantasy delivered everything I love: vampires, secret identities, enemies to reluctant allies to lovers, and a possessive, morally gray MMC who takes the “touch her and die” trope very literally.
This was my very first ARC and my first book club pick on Fable, and the experience was electrifying. I truly couldn’t put this book down. From page one, I was hooked by the vivid world-building, the rich lore, and especially the incredibly unique magic system. Seriously, I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I was obsessed.
Watching Samara and Raphael evolve from uneasy allies to something so much deeper was the slowest of slow burns, and I loved every delicious, tension-filled second of it. Their chemistry? Top shelf. The banter, the plotting, the constant push and pull…it was everything I could have asked for and more.
Raphael absolutely owns the morally gray role, and he wears it so well. There’s an intensity to him that’s magnetic. I loved the fierce protectiveness under all that control. There’s nothing I could say that would do him justice. You’ll just have to meet him yourself.
Samara’s journey was just as compelling. Starting out timid and unsure, she gradually grows into her strength, and I can’t wait to see where her arc leads next. Experiencing everything through her POV made the emotional shifts feel raw and real. We’re right there with her as the world turns upside down.
The world building is flawless: vivid, immersive, and so easy to follow. Every page had me asking more questions, craving answers, and completely wrapped up in this mysterious, dangerous world. The story unfolds in a way that never overwhelms, just slowly pulls you in deeper and deeper.
And that ending?? I need the next book immediately. I’m already itching for the sequel.
**I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.**
🖤 Romantasy
🖤 Unique Magic
🖤 Enemies to Allies to Lovers
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Slow Burn
Let me just start by saying: wow. A Bargain So Bloody completely swept me away. This dark, seductive romantasy delivered everything I love: vampires, secret identities, enemies to reluctant allies to lovers, and a possessive, morally gray MMC who takes the “touch her and die” trope very literally.
This was my very first ARC and my first book club pick on Fable, and the experience was electrifying. I truly couldn’t put this book down. From page one, I was hooked by the vivid world-building, the rich lore, and especially the incredibly unique magic system. Seriously, I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I was obsessed.
Watching Samara and Raphael evolve from uneasy allies to something so much deeper was the slowest of slow burns, and I loved every delicious, tension-filled second of it. Their chemistry? Top shelf. The banter, the plotting, the constant push and pull…it was everything I could have asked for and more.
Raphael absolutely owns the morally gray role, and he wears it so well. There’s an intensity to him that’s magnetic. I loved the fierce protectiveness under all that control. There’s nothing I could say that would do him justice. You’ll just have to meet him yourself.
Samara’s journey was just as compelling. Starting out timid and unsure, she gradually grows into her strength, and I can’t wait to see where her arc leads next. Experiencing everything through her POV made the emotional shifts feel raw and real. We’re right there with her as the world turns upside down.
The world building is flawless: vivid, immersive, and so easy to follow. Every page had me asking more questions, craving answers, and completely wrapped up in this mysterious, dangerous world. The story unfolds in a way that never overwhelms, just slowly pulls you in deeper and deeper.
And that ending?? I need the next book immediately. I’m already itching for the sequel.
**I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.**
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
As a big fan of Vasilia Drake, I ran to sign up as an ARC reader for A Bargain So Bloody, and it did not disappoint. Her signature blend of dark romance, emotional depth, and razor-sharp banter is everything I hoped for. With morally grey characters, found family, and tension filled dialogue, this book hit all my favourite tropes.
Trope List
✅️ Enemies to lovers
✅️ Forced proximity - One horse
✅️ Bargain with a vampire
✅️ Morally grey MMC
✅️ Hidden identity
✅️ Unique Magical system
✅️ Power imbalance
✅️ Found family (with sharp edges)
✅️ Touch her and die
✅️ Slow burn romance
✅️ “I’ll burn the world for you” energy
📖 Storyline
Samara has been a prisoner since she was nine years old. Now 20, she’s spent over a decade surviving the brutal, magic suppressed prison that’s shaped her into someone quiet, careful, and unbreakable. When the head prison guard forces her to heal a newly arrived, brutally injured prisoner named Raphael, her life takes a sharp, dangerous turn.
Their uneasy connection begins with blood and salve, but it quickly turns into something much bigger. Raphael is terrifying, powerful, and very much not human, but he’s also her first real shot at escape. When he offers her freedom in exchange for her help, Samara takes the risk and steps into a world even more treacherous than the prison she left behind
Together, they embark on a quest across a cursed and fractured land, seeking answers and navigating a landscape full of hostile magic, haunted ruins, and ancient powers that would rather see them broken. As their bond deepens from uneasy alliance to something far more intimate, trust becomes both their greatest weapon and their biggest risk.
🎭Characters
Samara is a survivor in the truest sense. Stoic, smart, and slow to trust, her inner strength carries the story. Watching her evolve from a caged girl into someone who takes control of her fate is one of the book’s most satisfying arcs. She doesn’t trust easily, but when she starts to open up to Raphael, it feels earned.
Raphael is the ultimate dark love interest, ancient, broken, and terrifying in power. He’s introduced as a monster, and in many ways, he is one. But Samara’s quiet care cracks his armour, revealing layers of pain and loyalty, and buried humanity. Their dynamic is tense, emotional, and magnetic.
Their relationship is slo and unravelling. No insta-love, just guarded connection built on shared pain and mutual defiance.
Then there’s Thea and Demos, whose sharp, sarcastic banter adds levity and charm to the story’s darker moments. Though they’re not related by blood, their interactions are filled with sibling-like energy teasing, loyal, and deeply familiar. Over time, they (and their small circle) become a found family to Samara, offering her a rare kind of comfort: genuine connection, chosen loyalty, and acceptance without expectation. Their presence doesn’t just support the main story it enriches it, making the emotional stakes feel that much more real.
✒️Writing / Pacing
Drake’s writing is poetic, immersive, and steeped in mood. The pacing is deliberate in the best wayletting emotional beats breathe while ramping up tension between Samara and Raphael. From the prison scenes to the outside world, everything feels lived in and layered with danger.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its dialogue.Vasilia Drake has a gift for crafting sharp, emotionally charged banter that feels both natural and impactful. Whether it’s a biting exchange between Samara and Raphael or a sarcastic remark from Thea, Demos, or other side character, every line serves a purpose. The humour lands precisely when the tension needs breaking, adding depth to the relationships and grounding the story’s darker moments with wit and personality. Banter isn’t just a feature of her writing it’s one of Drake’s defining strengths
🌎 World Building
The prison itself is a character, dark, decaying, and filled with whispered magic and cruelty. Outside its walls, the world expands with curses, power struggles, and ancient legacies. Drake doesn't spoon-feed lore; instead, she lets it unfold naturally through Samara’s perspective. It's immersive, dangerous, and incredibly atmospheric.
💭Final Thoughts
A Bargain So Bloody is brutal, beautiful, and haunting. Samara’s years in captivity make her strength feel earned, not performative, and Raphael is the kind of monster love interest who burns slowly but completely. Their story begins in chains and blood, but it grows into something dangerous, tender, and unforgettable.
With razor-sharp tension, emotional depth, and banter that makes even the darkest moments spark, Vasilia Drake proves she can balance cruelty and charm in one addictively grim tale. For fans of romance that bites back, this one’s a must-read.
🖤Recommend for People Who Love…
🩸Dark fairytales with emotional depth
🩸Monster x girl dynamics with power shifts
🩸Tension-filled romance with biting banter
🩸Found families built through pain and loyalty
🩸Found families built through pain and survival
🩸Tension-filled romance and slow-burn payoff
🩸Villain love interests who unravel for one person
I received this as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Trope List
✅️ Enemies to lovers
✅️ Forced proximity - One horse
✅️ Bargain with a vampire
✅️ Morally grey MMC
✅️ Hidden identity
✅️ Unique Magical system
✅️ Power imbalance
✅️ Found family (with sharp edges)
✅️ Touch her and die
✅️ Slow burn romance
✅️ “I’ll burn the world for you” energy
📖 Storyline
Samara has been a prisoner since she was nine years old. Now 20, she’s spent over a decade surviving the brutal, magic suppressed prison that’s shaped her into someone quiet, careful, and unbreakable. When the head prison guard forces her to heal a newly arrived, brutally injured prisoner named Raphael, her life takes a sharp, dangerous turn.
Their uneasy connection begins with blood and salve, but it quickly turns into something much bigger. Raphael is terrifying, powerful, and very much not human, but he’s also her first real shot at escape. When he offers her freedom in exchange for her help, Samara takes the risk and steps into a world even more treacherous than the prison she left behind
Together, they embark on a quest across a cursed and fractured land, seeking answers and navigating a landscape full of hostile magic, haunted ruins, and ancient powers that would rather see them broken. As their bond deepens from uneasy alliance to something far more intimate, trust becomes both their greatest weapon and their biggest risk.
🎭Characters
Samara is a survivor in the truest sense. Stoic, smart, and slow to trust, her inner strength carries the story. Watching her evolve from a caged girl into someone who takes control of her fate is one of the book’s most satisfying arcs. She doesn’t trust easily, but when she starts to open up to Raphael, it feels earned.
Raphael is the ultimate dark love interest, ancient, broken, and terrifying in power. He’s introduced as a monster, and in many ways, he is one. But Samara’s quiet care cracks his armour, revealing layers of pain and loyalty, and buried humanity. Their dynamic is tense, emotional, and magnetic.
Their relationship is slo and unravelling. No insta-love, just guarded connection built on shared pain and mutual defiance.
Then there’s Thea and Demos, whose sharp, sarcastic banter adds levity and charm to the story’s darker moments. Though they’re not related by blood, their interactions are filled with sibling-like energy teasing, loyal, and deeply familiar. Over time, they (and their small circle) become a found family to Samara, offering her a rare kind of comfort: genuine connection, chosen loyalty, and acceptance without expectation. Their presence doesn’t just support the main story it enriches it, making the emotional stakes feel that much more real.
✒️Writing / Pacing
Drake’s writing is poetic, immersive, and steeped in mood. The pacing is deliberate in the best wayletting emotional beats breathe while ramping up tension between Samara and Raphael. From the prison scenes to the outside world, everything feels lived in and layered with danger.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its dialogue.Vasilia Drake has a gift for crafting sharp, emotionally charged banter that feels both natural and impactful. Whether it’s a biting exchange between Samara and Raphael or a sarcastic remark from Thea, Demos, or other side character, every line serves a purpose. The humour lands precisely when the tension needs breaking, adding depth to the relationships and grounding the story’s darker moments with wit and personality. Banter isn’t just a feature of her writing it’s one of Drake’s defining strengths
🌎 World Building
The prison itself is a character, dark, decaying, and filled with whispered magic and cruelty. Outside its walls, the world expands with curses, power struggles, and ancient legacies. Drake doesn't spoon-feed lore; instead, she lets it unfold naturally through Samara’s perspective. It's immersive, dangerous, and incredibly atmospheric.
💭Final Thoughts
A Bargain So Bloody is brutal, beautiful, and haunting. Samara’s years in captivity make her strength feel earned, not performative, and Raphael is the kind of monster love interest who burns slowly but completely. Their story begins in chains and blood, but it grows into something dangerous, tender, and unforgettable.
With razor-sharp tension, emotional depth, and banter that makes even the darkest moments spark, Vasilia Drake proves she can balance cruelty and charm in one addictively grim tale. For fans of romance that bites back, this one’s a must-read.
🖤Recommend for People Who Love…
🩸Dark fairytales with emotional depth
🩸Monster x girl dynamics with power shifts
🩸Tension-filled romance with biting banter
🩸Found families built through pain and loyalty
🩸Found families built through pain and survival
🩸Tension-filled romance and slow-burn payoff
🩸Villain love interests who unravel for one person
I received this as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
Big thanks to Victory Editing and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
First, I need to mention that this narration was so good! The way she told the story was beautiful.
I liked this book. It was pretty unique in terms of magic. The vampires and witches were portrayed somewhat differently in this book compared to others I've read.
Raphael was a monster, truly the villain, but the way he treated Samara... absolute adoration. "Touch her and die" vibes. He definitely fell first and fell hard.
The whole book Samara is lost and confused, and for good reason. She has been imprisoned most of her life. She just wants acceptance, to be good enough. While she is trying to figure out who she is, she is questioning everything she has ever known. Are the vampires evil? Can they change? Is she any better than they are?
The irony of the ending is not lost on me. She felt all these warring opinions about the vampires. Now, she is faced with decisions she never thought she would have to make.
The only thing I disliked about this was that Samara had a lot of internal monolog with herself, asking herself the same questions. It became a little repetitive. Overall, this story was good. I would happily pick up book two!
First, I need to mention that this narration was so good! The way she told the story was beautiful.
I liked this book. It was pretty unique in terms of magic. The vampires and witches were portrayed somewhat differently in this book compared to others I've read.
Raphael was a monster, truly the villain, but the way he treated Samara... absolute adoration. "Touch her and die" vibes. He definitely fell first and fell hard.
The whole book Samara is lost and confused, and for good reason. She has been imprisoned most of her life. She just wants acceptance, to be good enough. While she is trying to figure out who she is, she is questioning everything she has ever known. Are the vampires evil? Can they change? Is she any better than they are?
The irony of the ending is not lost on me. She felt all these warring opinions about the vampires. Now, she is faced with decisions she never thought she would have to make.
The only thing I disliked about this was that Samara had a lot of internal monolog with herself, asking herself the same questions. It became a little repetitive. Overall, this story was good. I would happily pick up book two!
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I was so sucked into this book I literally missed my exit on the highway. That’s how good it was.
Epic vampire drama? Check. Gripping plot? Check. Surprisingly low spice but still had me feral? Also check. Normally, I need more heat to stay hooked, but this story had me locked in with its sharp teeth and sharp writing.
And when he started calling her Little Viper? Oh. My. Gosh. Take me now. 🫠
That ending?? I need book two yesterday.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Epic vampire drama? Check. Gripping plot? Check. Surprisingly low spice but still had me feral? Also check. Normally, I need more heat to stay hooked, but this story had me locked in with its sharp teeth and sharp writing.
And when he started calling her Little Viper? Oh. My. Gosh. Take me now. 🫠
That ending?? I need book two yesterday.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death, Violence, Murder
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
4.5 ⭐️ Book
4.75 ⭐️ Narration 🎧
I received an ALC/ARC of this book and following is my honest review.
A Bargain So Bloody is a well executed Dark Fantasy Romance. Please note, this is not a Romantasy. It is appropriately labeled as a Dark Fantasy Romance, with the romance potential kindling in book 1 and only a subplot. We have vampires, witches, humans, and other monsters. The FMC is human and the MMC is Vampire. We have enemies to an alliance (this is a slow burn). We have political intrigue and unique magic. From beginning to end, we have a well paced story leaving no room for dull/slow moments. The writing is mature. The twists were done well and not easily predictable. THE EPILOGUE! I especially appreciated the balance of the world building and character building. I didnt feel like I was missing anything given the length of the book.
If any of these things intrigue you, I highly suggest you read this book. I eagerly look forward to book 2.
4.75 ⭐️ Narration 🎧
I received an ALC/ARC of this book and following is my honest review.
A Bargain So Bloody is a well executed Dark Fantasy Romance. Please note, this is not a Romantasy. It is appropriately labeled as a Dark Fantasy Romance, with the romance potential kindling in book 1 and only a subplot. We have vampires, witches, humans, and other monsters. The FMC is human and the MMC is Vampire. We have enemies to an alliance (this is a slow burn). We have political intrigue and unique magic. From beginning to end, we have a well paced story leaving no room for dull/slow moments. The writing is mature. The twists were done well and not easily predictable. THE EPILOGUE! I especially appreciated the balance of the world building and character building. I didnt feel like I was missing anything given the length of the book.
If any of these things intrigue you, I highly suggest you read this book. I eagerly look forward to book 2.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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:
No
While this doesn’t reinvent the wheel, I found it offered a really refreshing taste of a very trope-heavy genre.
While the plot was rather predictable, Drake has a genuinely addictive writing style with such flow and individual voice/prose that I didn’t much mind that fact. I finished this book in just over a day which is very quick by my standards! I don’t have much comment about the narrator, she did the spooky voices well enough but otherwise I found her to be a little too slow for my tastes. I listened at 1.75x speed!
The surrounding cast is made largely of common archetypes but with enough individuality that made this book feel fleshed out, lived in and multi-dimensional. You have the witty assistant who takes no sh*t, the stoic mentor, the evil librarian (okay maybe that’s less an archetype but it was fun.)
I’ll also mention that I loved the FMC, where she could have easily fallen into the classic “I’m a badass” precisely until the MMC turns up and she in fact turns out to have all the backbone of a roasted marshmallow, Sam was really really enjoyable to follow. A strong, kind of violent, morale-driven character that reads (well listens) as just as intelligent as she claims to be. Her motives from first chapter to final always rang true and genuine, and the core of her character is something anyone reader would enjoy.
The MMC was hot, I have no shame in admitting it. One of my major problems with books centred on a character that changes midway through (SPOILER: [an obvious one but still a spoiler] he turns out to be the vampire king) is that after the reveal it feels like they change character completely. In the context of this book it only cemented what we already knew of the character, made motive and temperament more clear. He’s loyal, violent (hush I have a type) and rips people to shreds when they hurt his woman. Oh and he was hot.
What more does a woman need from her romantasy?
I’ll be blunt I pictured old Draco Malfoy for much of this for Raphael which might not have been the aim but it worked for me.
I don’t know where the trend for magic being based in decks of cards came from the last couple of years, this was another example of this and I really enjoyed the magic system. It was kind of basic, a little barebones but enough set rules that you could understand how and where things work.
Where this fell short of five stars for me was some of the theming, which I’ll admit is very personal. I really enjoyed when it seemed that Drake was going to explore themes of consent with the very obvious brothel allegories and power dynamics. I didn’t much enjoy that Sam tended to ignore and/or belittle the willingness of individuals to consent, I found this could be interpreted as demonising/dehumanising real life sex workers. Then I massively enjoyed that it was the MMC who called her out on this rhetoric.
Only for this meaty theme to be thrown aside to drive the storyline forward, by killing the individual. This could have been a genuine and very interesting exploration of that theme, instead it fell short by taking the easy way out for me.
However, I didn’t find this ruined the book nor the ending and I will absolutely be picking up the next book in this series.
While the plot was rather predictable, Drake has a genuinely addictive writing style with such flow and individual voice/prose that I didn’t much mind that fact. I finished this book in just over a day which is very quick by my standards! I don’t have much comment about the narrator, she did the spooky voices well enough but otherwise I found her to be a little too slow for my tastes. I listened at 1.75x speed!
The surrounding cast is made largely of common archetypes but with enough individuality that made this book feel fleshed out, lived in and multi-dimensional. You have the witty assistant who takes no sh*t, the stoic mentor, the evil librarian (okay maybe that’s less an archetype but it was fun.)
I’ll also mention that I loved the FMC, where she could have easily fallen into the classic “I’m a badass” precisely until the MMC turns up and she in fact turns out to have all the backbone of a roasted marshmallow, Sam was really really enjoyable to follow. A strong, kind of violent, morale-driven character that reads (well listens) as just as intelligent as she claims to be. Her motives from first chapter to final always rang true and genuine, and the core of her character is something anyone reader would enjoy.
The MMC was hot, I have no shame in admitting it. One of my major problems with books centred on a character that changes midway through (SPOILER: [an obvious one but still a spoiler] he turns out to be the vampire king) is that after the reveal it feels like they change character completely. In the context of this book it only cemented what we already knew of the character, made motive and temperament more clear. He’s loyal, violent (hush I have a type) and rips people to shreds when they hurt his woman. Oh and he was hot.
What more does a woman need from her romantasy?
I’ll be blunt I pictured old Draco Malfoy for much of this for Raphael which might not have been the aim but it worked for me.
I don’t know where the trend for magic being based in decks of cards came from the last couple of years, this was another example of this and I really enjoyed the magic system. It was kind of basic, a little barebones but enough set rules that you could understand how and where things work.
Where this fell short of five stars for me was some of the theming, which I’ll admit is very personal. I really enjoyed when it seemed that Drake was going to explore themes of consent with the very obvious brothel allegories and power dynamics. I didn’t much enjoy that Sam tended to ignore and/or belittle the willingness of individuals to consent, I found this could be interpreted as demonising/dehumanising real life sex workers. Then I massively enjoyed that it was the MMC who called her out on this rhetoric.
Only for this meaty theme to be thrown aside to drive the storyline forward, by killing the individual. This could have been a genuine and very interesting exploration of that theme, instead it fell short by taking the easy way out for me.
However, I didn’t find this ruined the book nor the ending and I will absolutely be picking up the next book in this series.