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4.27 AVERAGE


This book starts off rough- I was convinced I would DNF this book at the 10% mark. But I figured I would give it until a quarter of the way though, at which point I was intrigued enough by the world/story to keep reading. At 60% it felt like it had progressed to a fairly standard young adult fantasy. I’m not sure if I’ll read the next book in the series; I’m intrigued by the world and do want to see how the story continues but I do not like the way the main character is written. She feels a bit Mary-Sue. There are also some major characterization inconsistencies with both of the leads. Overall, I didn’t necessarily like this book, but I didn’t hate it either. I will probably read the next in the series, but it’s not at the top of my TBR.
adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense
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: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Justice for Vincent

"There she is..." I think I will just be angry with Oraya, her choices, her reasoning, her clarity. I was so invested in each of the characters, that I can't tell you who I'm rooting for. I think, I am angry with the whole cast. My heart breaks for Oraya, making all her decisions with half the information. What a complicated love story.

Action packed right from the beginning with some twists. I enjoyed the way Carissa unfolded the story all the way to the end.
adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

5 stars because this book was everything I love in a fantasy romance, dark, intense, emotional, and completely addicting. From the first chapter, I was locked in. The world is so rich without being confusing, and the stakes are so high. It’s got danger, blood, betrayal, slow burn tension… all the good stuff.
The main character? Obsessed. She’s strong, smart, and just trying to survive in a world that’s literally designed to kill her. And don’t even get me started on Raihn, the tension between them had me screaming internally. It’s one of those stories where every little glance and moment matters, and the way their relationship builds is everything.
This book gave me Hunger Games meets vampires with a dash of brutal romance, and I ate it up. The plot moves fast, the writing is beautiful, and the last few chapters had me holding my breath. If you're into badass heroines, high-stakes trials, and slow burn that hurts so good, this is da oneee
adventurous dark emotional 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

Oraya, a human raised under the protection of the Vampire King, dares to step into the deadly Kejari Tournament where survival is uncertain and the reward is a divine gift from Nyaxia, the Goddess of Death. With her life at risk, she forges an uneasy alliance with Raihn, a fellow contender whose secrets and allure may prove just as dangerous as the trials themselves. This dark, thrilling romance delivers nonstop tension, unforgettable characters, and a story that lingers long after the final page. As the opening to the series, it captivates from start to finish and leaves you eager for what comes next.


adventurous hopeful slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes