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dianawithane 's review for:
A Bargain So Bloody
by Vasilisa Drake
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
✨ ARC ✨
A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake is an addictive slow-burn vampire fantasy romance that I genuinely enjoyed. The story unfolds on the magical continent of Eurobis, and while we've only glimpsed a small corner of this world in the first book, it feels like the beginning of something much bigger. The groundwork has been laid for a vast and expanding world, and I’m excited to see how it evolves in the sequels.
With an intriguing magic system, so far we've mostly been introduced to voids (magicless humans), witches and vampires. Some witches use traditional spellwork, but they also create and use spell cards – magical items with specific functions that can be bought or traded, adding an unusual magical element that reminded me of the unique card-based magic in One Dark Window. Voids, despite being looked down on due to their lack of innate magic, can use spell cards, which furthers the interesting power dynamic. The vampires’ lore and abilities also seem to have some idiosyncrasies that have me curious to discover more.
Even though the series promises to get darker and spicier later on, this first book leaned pretty YA in tone. And listen – I struggle with YA sometimes because the heroines tend to be emotionally immature. Samara definitely had her frustrating moments, but I have to give credit where it’s due: her behavior does track given her messed-up upbringing. She’s not going to be emotionally wise or confident yet, and that felt realistic. Still, fingers crossed we see some serious character development ahead.
I really enjoyed the tension between Samara and Raphael – as long as I ignored that Raphael’s intense, immediate infatuation with her felt a bit hard to buy. That said, I have a feeling there’s more mystery to his obsession than we’ve yet been told. I suspect she was what he was looking for when he intentionally got himself captured and imprisoned in Greymere… All the same, even if she is what he was searching for, that still doesn’t explain what made him instantly so smitten and devoted. Maybe that will be revealed in the subsequent books?
I tend to be a suspicious reader – and this might be the ACOTAR girly in me talking – but I couldn’t help wondering if Raphael might be a Tamlin-type situation: a love interest who seems like the one, only to get swapped out for someone more compatible later on. Despite their chemistry, with their clashing ideologies and complicated dynamic, I wouldn’t be shocked if there’s a twist in the romance arc. And honestly? I’m not sure how I’d feel about that... Because on the other hand, Raphael genuinely seems to support Samara’s growth and would absolutely burn the world for her… If that’s sincere – and not just obsessive – then maybe this isn’t a bait-and-switch at all. Maybe it’s a dual character arc where we get to watch both Samara and Raphael evolve into the people they need to become, together.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book. I was genuinely annoyed every time life made me put it down. The setup is strong, the vibes are excellent, and I’m totally invested in where this story goes next. This series has so much potential, and I can’t wait to read more. Bring on book two!
If you enjoy expanding fantasy worlds with hints of deep lore, a slow-burn romance with tension and longing, a morally gray touch-her-and-💀 MMC, this is right up your alley—especially if you don’t mind a bit of YA flavor early on with the promise of more darkness and spice later.
✨My sincerest gratitude to Vasilisa Drake for the ARC. I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.✨