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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
Miscommunication trope is my least favorite trope and unfortunately it’s heavy in this book. Also I struggled with the fmc. It didn’t feel like love but lust so no the same.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
Thank you to NetGalley & Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this Audio ARC 🔥
This was an adventure from start to finish!
We get witches, vampires, unique magic system where magic can be bought via enchanted cards, prison breaks, treasure hunts, court politics, murder mystery, betrayal AND a slow burn romance with a morally dark grey MMC who gives Mr Darcy vibes 😍
The emotional journey and thought processes that Samara goes through are so well written that you really feel like you are there with her and are part of her struggle.
I would have liked to have read more about the side characters but hopefully they will be developed more in the next book.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give us book 2 ASAP 🙏
This was an adventure from start to finish!
We get witches, vampires, unique magic system where magic can be bought via enchanted cards, prison breaks, treasure hunts, court politics, murder mystery, betrayal AND a slow burn romance with a morally dark grey MMC who gives Mr Darcy vibes 😍
The emotional journey and thought processes that Samara goes through are so well written that you really feel like you are there with her and are part of her struggle.
I would have liked to have read more about the side characters but hopefully they will be developed more in the next book.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give us book 2 ASAP 🙏
emotional
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
My first ever ARC and book review couldn’t be for a better book! A Bargain so Bloody was just a breath of fresh air from what I’ve been reading. While I love reading similar stories but with different characters, A bargain so bloody had some storylines that I haven’t read in books in a long time.
The MMC Raphael and FMC Samara’s banter was so fun, and while I would call it an enemies to lovers, to me, it definitely felt like it was one-sided, enemy wise haha. But the Slow Burn was done so wonderful well, to where I don’t know what’s gonna happen in book 2 and I desperately need it now! The way the author handled some of the things that Samara went through, was done so beautifully, especially with the way Raphael as a man, was there for her, that I just wanted to read more! Plus the magic system was just so cool and not something I have read in a book.
Thank you for bringing such a wonderful unique world Vasilisa to the book community and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. 💚. And while this may be my first review, it’s definitely not my first romantasy/fantasy book. A Bargain so Bloody comes out June 30th and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed and will love the world as much as I did.
The MMC Raphael and FMC Samara’s banter was so fun, and while I would call it an enemies to lovers, to me, it definitely felt like it was one-sided, enemy wise haha. But the Slow Burn was done so wonderful well, to where I don’t know what’s gonna happen in book 2 and I desperately need it now! The way the author handled some of the things that Samara went through, was done so beautifully, especially with the way Raphael as a man, was there for her, that I just wanted to read more! Plus the magic system was just so cool and not something I have read in a book.
Thank you for bringing such a wonderful unique world Vasilisa to the book community and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. 💚. And while this may be my first review, it’s definitely not my first romantasy/fantasy book. A Bargain so Bloody comes out June 30th and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed and will love the world as much as I did.
“I received a ARC and am voluntarily and happily leaving a review”
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Review: A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake
I just finished A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake, and wow, what a ride! I had the chance to listen to the audiobook while reading, and it elevated the entire experience. This is one of those rare books that truly sticks to its lovers-to-enemies arc, and stays there, which I found refreshing and bold. Who said vampire books were out of style? This one proves they’re very much alive (or undead?).
The author crafted such an intricate, tension-filled story that I was constantly on edge, wondering what twist was coming next. I absolutely adored it. The world building is immersive, the mystery keeps you hooked, and the pacing never drags.
The audiobook narrator, Cecily Foster, brought this story to life. Although it’s not told in dual POV, I didn’t mind at all. Everything is seen through our FMC, Samara’s, eyes, and Foster did an incredible job giving depth and personality to all the characters, especially Raphael. Her voice work was dynamic, and she nailed Raphael’s tone and presence perfectly.
The story begins with Samara, imprisoned since the age of 8, living in a grim cell where catching rats is part of her survival. She’s endured years of trauma and is just trying to stay invisible. One night, she’s told to tend to a new, badly beaten prisoner, and walks straight into the cell of a vampire. Raphael promises to take her with him if she helps him escape, and against all odds, she does.
Now, while Samara had every reason to fear Raphael, especially after her childhood experiences, I found her constant distrust a little frustrating. He consistently tried to make her feel safe, but she clung to her trauma so tightly it became a bit much for me. Especially considering the world that locked up a child and never blinked an eye. It made me question her loyalty to that homeland more than her fear of vampires.
As for Raphael? Swoon. I’m a sucker for vampires and he had me completely charmed. If he offered to turn me, I wouldn’t even hesitate.
This book has it all, adventure, magic, dark romance, vampires, witches, and even a hint of trolls. If you're craving your next addicting romantasy, this is it. Fair warning: it ends on a massive cliffhanger that had my jaw on the floor! But you won’t have to wait long, A Bargain So Bloody releases June 30th!
I just finished A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake, and wow, what a ride! I had the chance to listen to the audiobook while reading, and it elevated the entire experience. This is one of those rare books that truly sticks to its lovers-to-enemies arc, and stays there, which I found refreshing and bold. Who said vampire books were out of style? This one proves they’re very much alive (or undead?).
The author crafted such an intricate, tension-filled story that I was constantly on edge, wondering what twist was coming next. I absolutely adored it. The world building is immersive, the mystery keeps you hooked, and the pacing never drags.
The audiobook narrator, Cecily Foster, brought this story to life. Although it’s not told in dual POV, I didn’t mind at all. Everything is seen through our FMC, Samara’s, eyes, and Foster did an incredible job giving depth and personality to all the characters, especially Raphael. Her voice work was dynamic, and she nailed Raphael’s tone and presence perfectly.
The story begins with Samara, imprisoned since the age of 8, living in a grim cell where catching rats is part of her survival. She’s endured years of trauma and is just trying to stay invisible. One night, she’s told to tend to a new, badly beaten prisoner, and walks straight into the cell of a vampire. Raphael promises to take her with him if she helps him escape, and against all odds, she does.
Now, while Samara had every reason to fear Raphael, especially after her childhood experiences, I found her constant distrust a little frustrating. He consistently tried to make her feel safe, but she clung to her trauma so tightly it became a bit much for me. Especially considering the world that locked up a child and never blinked an eye. It made me question her loyalty to that homeland more than her fear of vampires.
As for Raphael? Swoon. I’m a sucker for vampires and he had me completely charmed. If he offered to turn me, I wouldn’t even hesitate.
This book has it all, adventure, magic, dark romance, vampires, witches, and even a hint of trolls. If you're craving your next addicting romantasy, this is it. Fair warning: it ends on a massive cliffhanger that had my jaw on the floor! But you won’t have to wait long, A Bargain So Bloody releases June 30th!
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:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated
I got given a copy of this book as an arc reader and all I can say is WOW. The magic system is unique and dynamic. The plot twists leave you guessing, and the characters make you fall in love with them. The banter is wonderful, the tension and slow burn is delicious. This book is easily a 6 out of 5 star read and will absolutely take the fantasy world by storm. Now can I have book two? Like tomorrow? So maybe I can sleep tonight 😂
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-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
I received this book as an ARC and all I can say is wow!!!
Firstly, this book has amazing pacing that once I began it, I rarely wanted to put it down. I read at work, during dinner, late into the night. The plot kept moving and it was so refreshing.
Secondly, this world is beautiful. The magic cards and powers are fascinating. The array of vampire powers and the fact they dont all have the same powers is refreshing. And I cannot wait to see how that grows in book 2.
Ok, enough counting because I'll reach a million by the time I'm done talking about all the things I loved.
The banter between Samara and Raphael while traveling is TOP NOTCH. The little found family she creates so beautiful and diverse in the personalities. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, I felt all the things while reading this book. It is so smooth and well done that I felt so immersed in the story.
Firstly, this book has amazing pacing that once I began it, I rarely wanted to put it down. I read at work, during dinner, late into the night. The plot kept moving and it was so refreshing.
Secondly, this world is beautiful. The magic cards and powers are fascinating. The array of vampire powers and the fact they dont all have the same powers is refreshing. And I cannot wait to see how that grows in book 2.
Ok, enough counting because I'll reach a million by the time I'm done talking about all the things I loved.
The banter between Samara and Raphael while traveling is TOP NOTCH. The little found family she creates so beautiful and diverse in the personalities. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, I felt all the things while reading this book. It is so smooth and well done that I felt so immersed in the story.
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"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?"
This book has a lot of my favorite elements:
-witches
-vampires
-enemies to...well, still enemies at this point
-single horse
-single bed
-blood exchange to save a life
-MMC needs to keep FMC warm
And I will note that I wrote this text to my friends: "There's slow burn and there's whatever this is. 81% read, and barely a relationship beginning to develop between the main characters."
Overall, the world-building is great and I want to know more about the characters. I want to see them grow (whether separately or together). AND the FMC seems a bit irrationally stubborn to me and the MMC, while taken with the FMC, doesn't appear to have much reason to be. I received an advance reader's copy (ARC) of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
I'm excited to read more of Vasilia Drake's work and looking forward to the next book in this series!
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
I’m not usually a vampire girlie but I found this story to be engaging, funny, and easy to read. I loved how trust grew between Samara and Raphael, ultimately leading to a deeper connection beyond what the rest of the vampire kingdom perceived. I thought the magic system was super interesting and unique and really added to the world-building components the author laid out in this first installment of this series. I’m a sucker for a morally grey & possessive MMC so I was a big fan of Raphael’s “touch her and die” attitude toward anyone who came near Sam as their relationship grew. Not a fan of when the spice gets interrupted 😂 but I understand why things were laid out the way they were in this first book. I saw one of the twists coming but was VERY surprised by some of the other surprise elements, including that cliffhanger ending! I absolutely cannot wait for book 2 🤩
Infinitely grateful to Vasilisa Drake for entrusting me with an advanced copy of this wonderful story in exchange for an honest review 🖤
Infinitely grateful to Vasilisa Drake for entrusting me with an advanced copy of this wonderful story in exchange for an honest review 🖤