A review by maranreadsknitsandbakes
A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake

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? Yes

5.0

 

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of the book.  I am excited to leave a review.

A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in the Kingdom of Dark Magic series and releases on 6/30/25.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story as Samara learns about herself and the world that she lives in.  Watching her grow throughout the book and gain confidence in herself and what she believes was truly beautiful.  Raphael was wonderfully developed.  He has a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming but he keeps you guessing and wanting to see what comes next.  While amazing on their own, the relationship between Samara and Raphael is entertaining with witty banter and a slow burn.

The world and the magic system are unique but easy to follow as you read and learn more about them.  The side characters are interesting and provide color to the story and are just as entertaining (looking at you, Amalthea and Iademos).  The twists and turns in the story are perfect and kept me guessing right up to the very end.  I cannot wait for the next book.