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Twisted Fates #1
Blood and Sunlight
Jade
Life isn't supposed to be perfect. At least that's what Jade kept telling herself, that it was alright if she always felt like something was missing. It's what keeps her unable to ever stick to a decision.
When Jade wakes up in another world, there are only two options:
Trust a vampire named Soran who despises her, to help her get back home or accept that she'll be lost forever in a world not her own.
The decision seemed easy enough, but the longer Jade stays in this world where magic truly exists and creatures from storybooks run amok, the more she learns, this world is more than what it seems.
Danger lurks around every corner and the one person who detests her the most seems to be the only one who would stop at nothing to make sure no harm comes to her, even if it reveals he's hiding something, something that would change her life forever.
Soran
Jade should have never come here. She has no idea what she has set in motion, what dangers lurk here for her. For years, he's been running to forget what's coming for him and now it's finally here.
She's finally here.
All he has to do is get her back home, whatever it takes. Only death awaits them both if she stays. This should be an easy task, if it wasn't for how much she insists on disregarding every directive he gives her and that every time she does, he can't help but like her a little bit more.
Life isn't supposed to be perfect. At least that's what Jade kept telling herself, that it was alright if she always felt like something was missing. It's what keeps her unable to ever stick to a decision.
When Jade wakes up in another world, there are only two options:
Trust a vampire named Soran who despises her, to help her get back home or accept that she'll be lost forever in a world not her own.
The decision seemed easy enough, but the longer Jade stays in this world where magic truly exists and creatures from storybooks run amok, the more she learns, this world is more than what it seems.
Danger lurks around every corner and the one person who detests her the most seems to be the only one who would stop at nothing to make sure no harm comes to her, even if it reveals he's hiding something, something that would change her life forever.
Soran
Jade should have never come here. She has no idea what she has set in motion, what dangers lurk here for her. For years, he's been running to forget what's coming for him and now it's finally here.
She's finally here.
All he has to do is get her back home, whatever it takes. Only death awaits them both if she stays. This should be an easy task, if it wasn't for how much she insists on disregarding every directive he gives her and that every time she does, he can't help but like her a little bit more.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
33 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 24, 2023
Holy slow burn. 🥵
I will be running to get the sequel when it comes out because I need more on Jade and Soran. NEED.
This book is like a mashup of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, and as an avid fan of both- I was all about this book.
•Broody, dark haired, blue-eyed MMC? Check, check andddd check.
•Band of misfits? Check.
•FMC with a hidden past and memory probs to boot? Check.
•Infinite amounts of angst and sexual tension with witty banter to fuel the flame? ALL THE CHECKS.
However, despite being a fun and enjoyable read, there were a few little hiccups. My biggest qualms was that the ending felt a bit rushed. It was almost too broad of a cliffhanger, and didn’t feel conclusive enough in some aspects. And there seemed to be a lot of build up to a big plot twist, but it lacked any major action. But with that being said, I really enjoyed this and it was a great debut novel! I’m excited to see how the sequel will pick up where this book left off.
Huge thanks to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read the e-arc!
I will be running to get the sequel when it comes out because I need more on Jade and Soran. NEED.
This book is like a mashup of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, and as an avid fan of both- I was all about this book.
•Broody, dark haired, blue-eyed MMC? Check, check andddd check.
•Band of misfits? Check.
•FMC with a hidden past and memory probs to boot? Check.
•Infinite amounts of angst and sexual tension with witty banter to fuel the flame? ALL THE CHECKS.
However, despite being a fun and enjoyable read, there were a few little hiccups. My biggest qualms was that the ending felt a bit rushed. It was almost too broad of a cliffhanger, and didn’t feel conclusive enough in some aspects. And there seemed to be a lot of build up to a big plot twist, but it lacked any major action. But with that being said, I really enjoyed this and it was a great debut novel! I’m excited to see how the sequel will pick up where this book left off.
Huge thanks to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read the e-arc!
August 15, 2023
1 Star.
What I Liked:
• The author
What Wasn’t My Cup of Tea:
• Characters
• Jade’s Outspoken-ness
• Timing
Overall Thoughts:
I’d like to preface this review with I really wanted to like this book. I met the author at a local book signing at my favorite bookstore & she intrigued me with her short synopsis of the book. Danielle was very passionate about her book & big kudos to her on her first book. It’s amazing to be able to not only finish a book but to have it published as well. Plus under the dust cover the book is so pretty!
Which is why I might be more critical on this book than the others, just on the off chance that she reads this & becomes disheartened by a 1 star review. I just wanted to explain my reasoning.
First off, with the main characters, Jade, Soran & their traveling party, they were introduced so quickly with their different quirks that I had trouble figuring out who was who & their different species. This was just for the first bit.
With Jade I didn’t really like her outspoken-ness & how she never wants to back down. It started when they were eating breakfast after their journey had started & Jade wanted to sit & eat. She got really annoyed with Soran, basically demanding they stop. It came off as snotty. Especially because these 4 just uprooted their lives for a little over a week (4 days there, 4 days back) to help her get back home. There was also a moment during the raid where she was so upset about a waitress she had met about an hour ago dying. If it was someone she knew, I could see it a little more but she sounded almost in pieces for someone she talked to for maybe 30 minutes? 60 at most?
Then with Alice, Owen & Shara, they were just background characters the whole time. When they weren’t needed they basically didn’t exist. They don’t really have personalities either. Own & Shara love each other, Owen shape shifts so he needs to eat for energy. (Side note: he just randomly shifts sometimes, just to show Jade but it’s supposed to take a lot of energy out of him but we never see the payoff there. If he just shifts for fun sometimes, there should be something to show that it requires some energy on his behalf). Shara loves Owen, & she’s a witch. But people aren’t supposed to know because they’re frowned upon(?) yet when they take off on their quest not only does she put her wand in her belt but there’s visible witch symbols on her pockets for anyone to see. Then Alice just gets mad & reads books. Besides helping Jade train for a little bit, she doesn’t really do much more.
One of the last things I had a problem with was the timing. It felt a little off pace. It seemed like when Jade got to Layol she was slightly freaked out but then it was bedtime so she calmed down & went to sleep. Then she talked with Owen, Shara & Alice until the next day when it was decided they would take her to get her home.
Which is the last thing that bothered me. Jade was going to go home, something she had been wanting to do forever, said her goodbyes. Then suddenly she’s like ‘nah, I don’t want to go anymore.’ It didn’t feel like she really wanted to stay for any one reason.
Overall, this book wasn’t for me but Danielle accomplished a great feat of writing that book & for that I have nothing but respect.
What I Liked:
• The author
What Wasn’t My Cup of Tea:
• Characters
• Jade’s Outspoken-ness
• Timing
Overall Thoughts:
I’d like to preface this review with I really wanted to like this book. I met the author at a local book signing at my favorite bookstore & she intrigued me with her short synopsis of the book. Danielle was very passionate about her book & big kudos to her on her first book. It’s amazing to be able to not only finish a book but to have it published as well. Plus under the dust cover the book is so pretty!
Which is why I might be more critical on this book than the others, just on the off chance that she reads this & becomes disheartened by a 1 star review. I just wanted to explain my reasoning.
First off, with the main characters, Jade, Soran & their traveling party, they were introduced so quickly with their different quirks that I had trouble figuring out who was who & their different species. This was just for the first bit.
With Jade I didn’t really like her outspoken-ness & how she never wants to back down. It started when they were eating breakfast after their journey had started & Jade wanted to sit & eat. She got really annoyed with Soran, basically demanding they stop. It came off as snotty. Especially because these 4 just uprooted their lives for a little over a week (4 days there, 4 days back) to help her get back home. There was also a moment during the raid where she was so upset about a waitress she had met about an hour ago dying. If it was someone she knew, I could see it a little more but she sounded almost in pieces for someone she talked to for maybe 30 minutes? 60 at most?
Then with Alice, Owen & Shara, they were just background characters the whole time. When they weren’t needed they basically didn’t exist. They don’t really have personalities either. Own & Shara love each other, Owen shape shifts so he needs to eat for energy. (Side note: he just randomly shifts sometimes, just to show Jade but it’s supposed to take a lot of energy out of him but we never see the payoff there. If he just shifts for fun sometimes, there should be something to show that it requires some energy on his behalf). Shara loves Owen, & she’s a witch. But people aren’t supposed to know because they’re frowned upon(?) yet when they take off on their quest not only does she put her wand in her belt but there’s visible witch symbols on her pockets for anyone to see. Then Alice just gets mad & reads books. Besides helping Jade train for a little bit, she doesn’t really do much more.
One of the last things I had a problem with was the timing. It felt a little off pace. It seemed like when Jade got to Layol she was slightly freaked out but then it was bedtime so she calmed down & went to sleep. Then she talked with Owen, Shara & Alice until the next day when it was decided they would take her to get her home.
Which is the last thing that bothered me. Jade was going to go home, something she had been wanting to do forever, said her goodbyes. Then suddenly she’s like ‘nah, I don’t want to go anymore.’ It didn’t feel like she really wanted to stay for any one reason.
Overall, this book wasn’t for me but Danielle accomplished a great feat of writing that book & for that I have nothing but respect.
August 6, 2023
Blood & Sunlight follows Jade, a seemingly normal college girl whose biggest worry is not graduating on time as she keeps changing her major, unable to decide what she wants to do with her life. When she falls into the world of Layol, she finds herself among a group of misfits in the forest that she grows close to. And discovers a place where she may fit better than she ever did on earth.
There was a lot I liked about this book. The characters were great and we get a lot of time with all of them to slowly uncover everyone’s stories, bit by bit. Jade herself is very relatable to any of us who struggled to find their own place or pinpoint what we want to do. Soren is more mysterious. A vampire, or “ageless”, who no longer drinks human blood, he wants to get Jade home asap and doesn’t want her even thinking she could stay. Shara is a powerful witch that’s hiding from service to the crown. Owen’s a shapeshifter who’s in a relationship with Shara. He’s not a fighter, and he’s very friendly, but he can be fierce when he shifts. Alice is a harper with horns and purple hair. She used to be a noble before the war, and Soren saved her and basically raised her after that, teaching her to be a warrior.
The world and its history was very interesting. We learn that humans and creatures once lived in peace, with the queen ruling all of them equally, more or less. Though, we do get hints about how royalty acts and others inability to deny them anything at all. The queen was connected to Layol itself and able to draw upon its magic. The war tore the world apart. With humans and creatures now fighting one another except in small villages father out or where people like Soren’s group hide out in the woods. We didn’t get to see too much of this yet. We did get to see a raid and Jade and the others spent some time helping in the village after. But I’m looking forward to exploring more.
The mystery we’re dealing with is sort of several fold. Soren is obviously hiding things, and once Jade finds out what she really is, the story becomes about her training to take this up. I like the storyline I just wish we got some more movement forward on it. A lot of the story takes place in the woods. There’s a lot of the traveling and training and while I liked those things as they gave us some good scenes, they went on a bit long for my taste. We didn’t get a whole lot of action where things changed. When they deal with the raid was the most action based part of the story.
I liked Jade and Soren’s relationship a lot. The two have great chemistry that shines even when Soren is trying to keep his distance. There are several starts and stops with them. Soren is committed to making Jade hate him, but it only makes her want to know more of him. The two clearly really like one another and are drawn to each other, but Soren is keeping something back that he thinks will change her opinion on him. But, he eventually cracks a bit and the two grow closer.
I’m excited for the next book and hope we start to see Jade move forward and meeting the council. I also hope we find out exactly what Soren is hiding along with what it is Jade has forgotten. Or been made to forget? I always hope we see Peter again, and find out why he did the things he did. There’s a lot more to uncover here and I can’t wait to find out!
There was a lot I liked about this book. The characters were great and we get a lot of time with all of them to slowly uncover everyone’s stories, bit by bit. Jade herself is very relatable to any of us who struggled to find their own place or pinpoint what we want to do. Soren is more mysterious. A vampire, or “ageless”, who no longer drinks human blood, he wants to get Jade home asap and doesn’t want her even thinking she could stay. Shara is a powerful witch that’s hiding from service to the crown. Owen’s a shapeshifter who’s in a relationship with Shara. He’s not a fighter, and he’s very friendly, but he can be fierce when he shifts. Alice is a harper with horns and purple hair. She used to be a noble before the war, and Soren saved her and basically raised her after that, teaching her to be a warrior.
The world and its history was very interesting. We learn that humans and creatures once lived in peace, with the queen ruling all of them equally, more or less. Though, we do get hints about how royalty acts and others inability to deny them anything at all. The queen was connected to Layol itself and able to draw upon its magic. The war tore the world apart. With humans and creatures now fighting one another except in small villages father out or where people like Soren’s group hide out in the woods. We didn’t get to see too much of this yet. We did get to see a raid and Jade and the others spent some time helping in the village after. But I’m looking forward to exploring more.
The mystery we’re dealing with is sort of several fold. Soren is obviously hiding things, and once Jade finds out what she really is, the story becomes about her training to take this up. I like the storyline I just wish we got some more movement forward on it. A lot of the story takes place in the woods. There’s a lot of the traveling and training and while I liked those things as they gave us some good scenes, they went on a bit long for my taste. We didn’t get a whole lot of action where things changed. When they deal with the raid was the most action based part of the story.
I liked Jade and Soren’s relationship a lot. The two have great chemistry that shines even when Soren is trying to keep his distance. There are several starts and stops with them. Soren is committed to making Jade hate him, but it only makes her want to know more of him. The two clearly really like one another and are drawn to each other, but Soren is keeping something back that he thinks will change her opinion on him. But, he eventually cracks a bit and the two grow closer.
I’m excited for the next book and hope we start to see Jade move forward and meeting the council. I also hope we find out exactly what Soren is hiding along with what it is Jade has forgotten. Or been made to forget? I always hope we see Peter again, and find out why he did the things he did. There’s a lot more to uncover here and I can’t wait to find out!
September 5, 2023
5⭐
0.5🌶️
"One day," he mumbled with a heavy heart under his breath, so soft he thought she couldn't hear it, but she did.
This is a slooooow burn book friends.
Imagine falling through a portal and waking up in another world when all you were trying to do was get home to make some meatloaf. When you wake up you find yourself surrounded by a harper, a witch, and a shifter and shortly after a really impressive looking vampire.
Jade is very strong willed despite not being good at most things. Throughout the book we Jade and Soran butt heads and continuously bicker as they suppress the feelings they have for each other. As well as the secrets that Soran is keeping hidden. One thing I really liked about the races in her world were the shifters due to the fact when Owen shifts, his clothes shifts with him. Also that vampires can walk in the sun and aren't always cold. After they feed it creates an illusion that their warm which I thought was super cool. Especially since vamps are usually referred to being as cold as ice. Definitely thinking back to another series and how a certain someone had to snuggle up with someone else when they needed body heat because someone couldn't provide. (So I really like that this is a thing in this book. That Soran can actually accommodate things that someone might crave from their partner.)
I felt a healthy dose of emotions while reading this book from laughing at a silly remark to crying from the arguments to the past being revealed this book took me on a ride. There's so many unique elements to this book and I absolutely adored it.
There is a scene where Jade experiences some trauma and I felt like the reaction was really spot on. Witnessing a death or seeing the aftermath of it can be so traumatizing and make you react in such a radical way. It was one of those scenes I felt particularly connected to.
I listened to the book with an accompanied playlist and it had me sobbing. Such a great and fun experience! I highly recommend this book, but do be warned it ends on a cliff hanger! I cannot wait to dive into book two!
0.5🌶️
"One day," he mumbled with a heavy heart under his breath, so soft he thought she couldn't hear it, but she did.
This is a slooooow burn book friends.
Imagine falling through a portal and waking up in another world when all you were trying to do was get home to make some meatloaf. When you wake up you find yourself surrounded by a harper, a witch, and a shifter and shortly after a really impressive looking vampire.
Jade is very strong willed despite not being good at most things. Throughout the book we Jade and Soran butt heads and continuously bicker as they suppress the feelings they have for each other. As well as the secrets that Soran is keeping hidden. One thing I really liked about the races in her world were the shifters due to the fact when Owen shifts, his clothes shifts with him. Also that vampires can walk in the sun and aren't always cold. After they feed it creates an illusion that their warm which I thought was super cool. Especially since vamps are usually referred to being as cold as ice. Definitely thinking back to another series and how a certain someone had to snuggle up with someone else when they needed body heat because someone couldn't provide. (So I really like that this is a thing in this book. That Soran can actually accommodate things that someone might crave from their partner.)
I felt a healthy dose of emotions while reading this book from laughing at a silly remark to crying from the arguments to the past being revealed this book took me on a ride. There's so many unique elements to this book and I absolutely adored it.
There is a scene where Jade experiences some trauma and I felt like the reaction was really spot on. Witnessing a death or seeing the aftermath of it can be so traumatizing and make you react in such a radical way. It was one of those scenes I felt particularly connected to.
I listened to the book with an accompanied playlist and it had me sobbing. Such a great and fun experience! I highly recommend this book, but do be warned it ends on a cliff hanger! I cannot wait to dive into book two!
September 4, 2023
I will be 100% transparent here, The cover art for Shadows and Secrets (Book two of The Twisted Fates Series) blew my mind away and I knew I had to read it so I went looking for book one as fast as my fingers could type.
After finding it on Kindle Unlimited my journey began into this world-bending tale that blends reality and fantasy beautifully.
Before I get into an actual review (I know that's what you're all here for) I have to talk about two things I can't thank the author enough for, the map (again just beyond beautiful) and the pronunciation guide, I wish more books had both of them, they truly add to the reading experience and I found myself referencing them often.
I'm not going to say much about the actual story here, because I think you should read it if you're looking for vampires, read it, if you're looking for fantasy that's woven into the threads of reality and vice versa, read it, and if you're looking for a swoon-worthy cast of characters, well you guessed it read it.
Let's talk about a few things that I absolutely loved.
Can we just say a vampire that hunts so that everyone else can eat, ohh how my vamp-loving heart went pitter-patter at that one. Found family is something that just makes me smile and root for them, even when I don't particularly trust them all, and lastly the slow-burn romance, oh, it's so good, drawn out just enough to have you holding your breath and biting your bottom lip one second and saying holy hell the next.
I can't wait to start book two in this series, I know where we left off and let me just say, that Danielle Cancel is a master at making the reader want more.
After finding it on Kindle Unlimited my journey began into this world-bending tale that blends reality and fantasy beautifully.
Before I get into an actual review (I know that's what you're all here for) I have to talk about two things I can't thank the author enough for, the map (again just beyond beautiful) and the pronunciation guide, I wish more books had both of them, they truly add to the reading experience and I found myself referencing them often.
I'm not going to say much about the actual story here, because I think you should read it if you're looking for vampires, read it, if you're looking for fantasy that's woven into the threads of reality and vice versa, read it, and if you're looking for a swoon-worthy cast of characters, well you guessed it read it.
Let's talk about a few things that I absolutely loved.
Can we just say a vampire that hunts so that everyone else can eat, ohh how my vamp-loving heart went pitter-patter at that one. Found family is something that just makes me smile and root for them, even when I don't particularly trust them all, and lastly the slow-burn romance, oh, it's so good, drawn out just enough to have you holding your breath and biting your bottom lip one second and saying holy hell the next.
I can't wait to start book two in this series, I know where we left off and let me just say, that Danielle Cancel is a master at making the reader want more.
May 15, 2024
3.5⭐️ I so badly wanted this to be a five star read! I loved the storyline so much in this book. The plot is very unique and different from most fantasy books I’ve read. I felt there was so much filler and the book could’ve been a lot shorter. With any fantasy book there’s a lot of world building but it was a little much in my opinion. Danielle is a new writer, so I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt and will definitely be reading book two! The story is too good to stop reading!
April 25, 2023
This book has a little of everything! A brooding vampire and Stubborn princess lost in a fantasy world at war. The vampire is mysterious and has a dark secret that will destroy everyone’s trust. Growing tension and fantastic banter. A must read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
I want to start by saying this book layout, is beautiful. The cover, the art I received with it, the chapter designs. It is all very beautiful to look at.
For the actual book, to me it was an easy 5 stars. I see comments about how it��s a slow paced book, but this is also the first in a series. I honestly liked the slow pace. I felt like it put so many more details into the characters, the world, and dialogue.
Again, yes it was a slow burn book, but I also have a feeling the next one won’t be. I think this one was building everything up, the relationships, the world, the plot, etc.
Jade was the first female main character in a fantasy book that I have fully fell in love with. I liked how strong she was, even if absolutely devastating times. I like how she always pushed back up ten times harder. I loved how it was always everyone before herself. The way she held herself, and handled everything was top tier. Her and Soran are obviously going to keep pulling back towards each other, so the back and forth didn’t bother me. I loved it.
Soran, I absolutely loved him. I get why some people dislike him, but for me personally I loved him. I get why he kept pushing her away. I think there is a lot that is going to come out in book two to explain everything. When he was sweet, he was so sweet, and when he was rude or pushing her away, it was full scale. Him and Jade pushed each other and I fell head over heels for that aspect of the book.
Side characters:
Owen, hilarious and charming at all times. I loved his love for Shara.
Shara, she is one powerful witch and such a sweet and loyal character.
Alice reminded me of Amren from ACOTAR in the best ways possible.
The world was built beautifully. All the action scenes had me flipping the pages so fast. The raid scene had my heart racing.
The plot twists? Absolutely.
The only thing that absolutely did not sit well with me? The ending. It left me beyond upset that book two is not out yet 😂
Danielle, for a debut book you absolutely nailed this, I can’t wait to see what you bring in the next book and thank you so much for sending this my way. ❤️
For the actual book, to me it was an easy 5 stars. I see comments about how it��s a slow paced book, but this is also the first in a series. I honestly liked the slow pace. I felt like it put so many more details into the characters, the world, and dialogue.
Again, yes it was a slow burn book, but I also have a feeling the next one won’t be. I think this one was building everything up, the relationships, the world, the plot, etc.
Jade was the first female main character in a fantasy book that I have fully fell in love with. I liked how strong she was, even if absolutely devastating times. I like how she always pushed back up ten times harder. I loved how it was always everyone before herself. The way she held herself, and handled everything was top tier. Her and Soran are obviously going to keep pulling back towards each other, so the back and forth didn’t bother me. I loved it.
Soran, I absolutely loved him. I get why some people dislike him, but for me personally I loved him. I get why he kept pushing her away. I think there is a lot that is going to come out in book two to explain everything. When he was sweet, he was so sweet, and when he was rude or pushing her away, it was full scale. Him and Jade pushed each other and I fell head over heels for that aspect of the book.
Side characters:
Owen, hilarious and charming at all times. I loved his love for Shara.
Shara, she is one powerful witch and such a sweet and loyal character.
Alice reminded me of Amren from ACOTAR in the best ways possible.
The world was built beautifully. All the action scenes had me flipping the pages so fast. The raid scene had my heart racing.
The plot twists? Absolutely.
The only thing that absolutely did not sit well with me? The ending. It left me beyond upset that book two is not out yet 😂
Danielle, for a debut book you absolutely nailed this, I can’t wait to see what you bring in the next book and thank you so much for sending this my way. ❤️
August 1, 2023
Blood & Sunlight by Danielle Cancel is the first book of the Twisted Fates series. This is a new adult romantic epic fantasy. College student Jade, who in no way has her life in order, falls through a portal to another world where magic, and magical creatures, exist. A vampire, Soran, that despises her (and isn’t shy about letting Jade know it) can help her get home and survive the dangers of the adventure. But Sora has his own history and knows Jade needs to go home, even as he starts to like her just a little bit. But her staying will easily be his ruin. Tropes include banter, found family, hate to sometimes love and a slowww burn. And a lot of angst.
The Lovely: The cave scene. That is all. Just kidding. I really liked the character, main and secondary, and Al, their relationships with each other. Jade and Soran’s relationship has this constant push and pull, and I quickly become invested. It hurt when they pushed each other away. I also loved the world building and the writing itself - together this set the stage for a beautiful world told in lush prose.
The Mundane: The pacing of this book was slower (but not painfully slow) as one, it was the first book of a series, and two, it’s not a high action (ie constant battles) book. That makes the pacing good for this book. Also, the first chapter was a bit fluffy, but that ends up not being terribly important.
The Dreadful: I did occasionally want to smack Soran (and sometimes Jade) for being cruel to each other (with their words). But, the wit is their way.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Recommendation: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I knew by the 63 percent mark this was a five star book, all the way from the characters to the world to the storytelling and dialogue. I had trouble putting this down because I just wanted to know what happened next to the characters. If you like romantic fantasies set in another world, with a strong FMC and brooding MMC, I think you would LOVE this book/series.
The Lovely: The cave scene. That is all. Just kidding. I really liked the character, main and secondary, and Al, their relationships with each other. Jade and Soran’s relationship has this constant push and pull, and I quickly become invested. It hurt when they pushed each other away. I also loved the world building and the writing itself - together this set the stage for a beautiful world told in lush prose.
The Mundane: The pacing of this book was slower (but not painfully slow) as one, it was the first book of a series, and two, it’s not a high action (ie constant battles) book. That makes the pacing good for this book. Also, the first chapter was a bit fluffy, but that ends up not being terribly important.
The Dreadful: I did occasionally want to smack Soran (and sometimes Jade) for being cruel to each other (with their words). But, the wit is their way.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Recommendation: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I knew by the 63 percent mark this was a five star book, all the way from the characters to the world to the storytelling and dialogue. I had trouble putting this down because I just wanted to know what happened next to the characters. If you like romantic fantasies set in another world, with a strong FMC and brooding MMC, I think you would LOVE this book/series.
July 12, 2023
First off I loved the storyline and watching the characters relationships develop with Jade over time (especially Soran’s relationship with Jade).
This book starts off with Jade on Earth attending College and there being missing people. She lives with her “dad” Peter and one evening she falls through a Gateway to Layol where she meets Soran (Vampire and potential love interest), Alice (A Hopper), Owen (shapeshifter and Shara’s lover), and Shara (witch).
In Layol there are plenty secrets, lies, and hidden memories waiting for Jade to discover as the group makes their way across Layol. Soran wants her to go back home to Earth but Jade feels lost there, wonder why😉
She makes new friends and starts to fall for the grumpy vampire Soran and he’s falling for her too they’re both just to stubborn to tell one another and we don’t officially know if we will see them end up together as this book ends on a major cliffhanger. This is definitely a slow burn haters to lovers book and plenty of moments where you’ll for sure laugh (Owen, “on second thought…..I think I’ll just go back to bed.”[if you know you know]) and other moments that’ll make you wanna pull your hair out because Soran just makes you want to slap some sense into him.
The only reason why I’m not rating at 5 starts is because there’s some grammatical errors and spelling errors and also for me the first 3 chapters were slow and I felt that things were slightly over explained so it was hard to keep track of what was going on (but I just had a baby so my brain is a little fried at the moment) however once I got past them I didn’t want to put the book down. It’s one of those books that you say one more chapter before bed and you end up staying up till the sun comes up without you even realizing it. Definitely check it out and add to you TBR, highly recommended and can’t wait to read book 2: Shadows and Secrets
Keep up the good work Danielle!
This book starts off with Jade on Earth attending College and there being missing people. She lives with her “dad” Peter and one evening she falls through a Gateway to Layol where she meets Soran (Vampire and potential love interest), Alice (A Hopper), Owen (shapeshifter and Shara’s lover), and Shara (witch).
In Layol there are plenty secrets, lies, and hidden memories waiting for Jade to discover as the group makes their way across Layol. Soran wants her to go back home to Earth but Jade feels lost there, wonder why😉
She makes new friends and starts to fall for the grumpy vampire Soran and he’s falling for her too they’re both just to stubborn to tell one another and we don’t officially know if we will see them end up together as this book ends on a major cliffhanger. This is definitely a slow burn haters to lovers book and plenty of moments where you’ll for sure laugh (Owen, “on second thought…..I think I’ll just go back to bed.”[if you know you know]) and other moments that’ll make you wanna pull your hair out because Soran just makes you want to slap some sense into him.
The only reason why I’m not rating at 5 starts is because there’s some grammatical errors and spelling errors and also for me the first 3 chapters were slow and I felt that things were slightly over explained so it was hard to keep track of what was going on (but I just had a baby so my brain is a little fried at the moment) however once I got past them I didn’t want to put the book down. It’s one of those books that you say one more chapter before bed and you end up staying up till the sun comes up without you even realizing it. Definitely check it out and add to you TBR, highly recommended and can’t wait to read book 2: Shadows and Secrets
Keep up the good work Danielle!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
Blood and Sunlight Forbidden – Twisted Fates #1 - Review
Couple: Jade & Soran
Author: Danielle Cancel
Tropes: vampire romance, hidden heir, found family, save the world themes, PNR, fantasy romance, YA/NA romance, hidden prophecy, enemy to lover
Review: In this debut novel we meet Jade, is a young woman who suddenly finds herself in another world that is full of magical creatures and hidden identities. This book is written in the third person and has dual POV but centers mainly on Jade’s POV.
Jade believes she is human and as she travels through this new world she learns many secrets about herself and those she considers new friends. I loved how this book was not focused as much on the romance aspect but more on the quest for Jade to find herself and “get home”. I found myself waiting anxiously for the next big thing to happen so I could see hoe Jade dealt with it.
Soran on the other hand is a cynical vampire who wants to deny his curiosity and attraction towards Jade. I enjoyed his character and the wit and depth he had. I also thought Danielle created his dark past perfectly and unveiled it at a speed that leaves you intrigued. I am looking forward to uncovering more about Soran in the next book and am anxious to learn how he will tell Jade his dark past towards the crown and the hidden prophecy between them.
This book is a fantasy quest and is more YA or NA in this first installment. I loved how it is a very slow burn story and is mainly enemies to lovers in book 1. I also really enjoyed the bonds between Jade and each of the characters in her band of misfits. Alice ended up being one of my favorite characters outside of Jade and Soran. I hope to learn more about her and her past.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and will create questions about how Jade and Soran will come out on top but is worth the read and wait for book 2.
Rating: 10/10, oh Soran….why are you hiding the truth?
Couple: Jade & Soran
Author: Danielle Cancel
Tropes: vampire romance, hidden heir, found family, save the world themes, PNR, fantasy romance, YA/NA romance, hidden prophecy, enemy to lover
Review: In this debut novel we meet Jade, is a young woman who suddenly finds herself in another world that is full of magical creatures and hidden identities. This book is written in the third person and has dual POV but centers mainly on Jade’s POV.
Jade believes she is human and as she travels through this new world she learns many secrets about herself and those she considers new friends. I loved how this book was not focused as much on the romance aspect but more on the quest for Jade to find herself and “get home”. I found myself waiting anxiously for the next big thing to happen so I could see hoe Jade dealt with it.
Soran on the other hand is a cynical vampire who wants to deny his curiosity and attraction towards Jade. I enjoyed his character and the wit and depth he had. I also thought Danielle created his dark past perfectly and unveiled it at a speed that leaves you intrigued. I am looking forward to uncovering more about Soran in the next book and am anxious to learn how he will tell Jade his dark past towards the crown and the hidden prophecy between them.
This book is a fantasy quest and is more YA or NA in this first installment. I loved how it is a very slow burn story and is mainly enemies to lovers in book 1. I also really enjoyed the bonds between Jade and each of the characters in her band of misfits. Alice ended up being one of my favorite characters outside of Jade and Soran. I hope to learn more about her and her past.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and will create questions about how Jade and Soran will come out on top but is worth the read and wait for book 2.
Rating: 10/10, oh Soran….why are you hiding the truth?
August 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
She would see he was the villain in her story.
Book: Blood & Sunlight
Series: The Twisted Fates Book 1
Author: Danielle Cancel
Format: Ebook
Pages: 454
Published: June 1, 2023
Blurb: In Comments
Review:
Holy moly, this was some read. I could not put my book down. I needed to keep reading just to see what would happen. And the slow burn. YES! I do relate to Jade on so many levels, being in college and not fully knowing what she wants to do but always puts everyone else before her to the point it does keep her up late. I love her determination, her wanting to learn to fight and save herself, plus the way she tells it as it is. It shows the moment she meets the small group of people, she finally finds people who like her for her. Not wanting her to change or bite her tongue.
Then we got Soran, he seems to be a newly added book boyfriend. His conflict about wanting Jade and not wanting her to get close is throughout the book. You truly find yourself feeling it. You want to just push them together and yell kiss. But that makes the story that much more better. Then you got Alice, I love how protective of Soran is of her and how she carried herself through the story. The only one who truly did not like Jade right away and their friendship built up. I absolutely loved that. Finally you got the silly couple Owen and Shara, they truly feel like couple goals with all that we learn from them. All these characters were vastly different but they all felt like they belonged in the little rag tag group. And honestly I cannot wait for the next one because I need more. I truly want more. If you love slow burn fantasy about finding yourself and abilities appearing, you will truly enjoy this story! So give it a shot.
She would see he was the villain in her story.
Book: Blood & Sunlight
Series: The Twisted Fates Book 1
Author: Danielle Cancel
Format: Ebook
Pages: 454
Published: June 1, 2023
Blurb: In Comments
Review:
Holy moly, this was some read. I could not put my book down. I needed to keep reading just to see what would happen. And the slow burn. YES! I do relate to Jade on so many levels, being in college and not fully knowing what she wants to do but always puts everyone else before her to the point it does keep her up late. I love her determination, her wanting to learn to fight and save herself, plus the way she tells it as it is. It shows the moment she meets the small group of people, she finally finds people who like her for her. Not wanting her to change or bite her tongue.
Then we got Soran, he seems to be a newly added book boyfriend. His conflict about wanting Jade and not wanting her to get close is throughout the book. You truly find yourself feeling it. You want to just push them together and yell kiss. But that makes the story that much more better. Then you got Alice, I love how protective of Soran is of her and how she carried herself through the story. The only one who truly did not like Jade right away and their friendship built up. I absolutely loved that. Finally you got the silly couple Owen and Shara, they truly feel like couple goals with all that we learn from them. All these characters were vastly different but they all felt like they belonged in the little rag tag group. And honestly I cannot wait for the next one because I need more. I truly want more. If you love slow burn fantasy about finding yourself and abilities appearing, you will truly enjoy this story! So give it a shot.
August 1, 2023
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 🌶
📚ᎪᏒᏟ ᏒᎬᏉᎥᎬᎳ📚
This book was truly a beautiful, slow burn romance - perfect for Danielle Cancel duet story. Who doesn’t love a story about an indecisive college student, struggling to decide what to do with her life, who falls through a magic portal and is rescued by a band of misfits?! I will admit that the cover is absolutely stunning and while it is what originally captured & encouraged me to read this book, I am so happy that I did. I can not WAIT for book 2 and so on.
The author introduces us to a strong group of friends, including a vampire (an ageless), a witch, a shifter and a harper. She dives a little into each of their backstories throughout the book, just enough to understand their personalities.
Soren is definitely a Damon Salvatore wanna-be. He’s dark, mysterious and overall has major bad boy vibes with his flirtatious banter. He internally struggles throughout the whole book between being good and bad while you, as the reader, want to just reach in & punch him in the face for acting like a stupid boy.
Jade is our FMC with a fiesty "don't know when to give up" attitude. She is continuously pushing Soren with questions and attitude. Their banter back and forth throughout, keeps you on edge being hilarious one page and frustrating the next.
This story has world building, new magical creatures, adventure, banter and slooooooooow burn. WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?! ----- Although, Danielle Cancel has hinted to MORE magical creatures, MORE character backstories and MORE romance/steam in Book 2, Shadows & Secrets!!
1 🌶
📚ᎪᏒᏟ ᏒᎬᏉᎥᎬᎳ📚
This book was truly a beautiful, slow burn romance - perfect for Danielle Cancel duet story. Who doesn’t love a story about an indecisive college student, struggling to decide what to do with her life, who falls through a magic portal and is rescued by a band of misfits?! I will admit that the cover is absolutely stunning and while it is what originally captured & encouraged me to read this book, I am so happy that I did. I can not WAIT for book 2 and so on.
The author introduces us to a strong group of friends, including a vampire (an ageless), a witch, a shifter and a harper. She dives a little into each of their backstories throughout the book, just enough to understand their personalities.
Soren is definitely a Damon Salvatore wanna-be. He’s dark, mysterious and overall has major bad boy vibes with his flirtatious banter. He internally struggles throughout the whole book between being good and bad while you, as the reader, want to just reach in & punch him in the face for acting like a stupid boy.
Jade is our FMC with a fiesty "don't know when to give up" attitude. She is continuously pushing Soren with questions and attitude. Their banter back and forth throughout, keeps you on edge being hilarious one page and frustrating the next.
This story has world building, new magical creatures, adventure, banter and slooooooooow burn. WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?! ----- Although, Danielle Cancel has hinted to MORE magical creatures, MORE character backstories and MORE romance/steam in Book 2, Shadows & Secrets!!
September 22, 2023
** THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW **
*** These opinions are solely my own and can be subjective. I have not been compensated for any review or recommendations that I post ***
Blood and Sunlight by Danielle Cancel
4/5 ⭐
1/5 🌶️
KINDLE UNLIMITED
SERIES BOOK 1
This was interesting…. Its like Twilight and The Vampire Diaries had a baby. This is the definition of slow burn. The author does a nice job of hooking you into the relationship between the FMC and MMC. But i wanted more! I hope we get some more romantic action in the next book. One thing I didnt care for is the beginning. It felt rushed. There wasnt a lot of world building for our FMC before she is dumped into a completely different world. I like our FMC but with that at times its been hard to relate to the other characters. Also since much of the world and magic is hidden/secretive etc its been hard to piece things together at times. Is there a hint of romance? Yes. Are there plot twists? Yes. But sometimes the characters felt a little flat. Especially our side characters. I needed more personality, more background to relate to them and care about them etc. Definitely more NA/YA. Will I continue the series? Yes because i want to see how this plays out. Will i re-read? Probably not. Its a quicker reader if you can get into it. I liked the authors writing style and voice. Also LOVED the cover design and blurb.
July 28, 2023
🌙 Book Review 🌙
Blood & Sunlight | Danielle Cancel | Fantasy | 4 ⭐️
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🌙 Thoughts 🌙
This year, I swear, I'm just reading great fantasy books and I am so happy hehe 🤭. I'm usually not a big fan of vampire fantasy but THIS ONE WAS SO GOOD!!! Firstly, the cover art is so good and fits the aesthetic and the vibes of this book 😘. Secondly, the slow burn of this book was a great pacing for this book because of the chemistry and the tension between Soran and Jade isn't instant but a developmental type which I LOVE! Thirdly, wow great side characters and I absolutely love it when the side characters are great and has humor and charm. Fourthly, Soran is such a grumpy stubborn vampire and Jade the stubborn strong heroine is such a cute match and them getting close to one another just makes me wanna kick my feet in the air!!! Also the twist in the book continues to have me hooked and the friendship aspect to this book is everything hehe 🩵🩶. I am definitely excited for book 2 HARHARHAR 🤭. Also the cliffhanger omg...
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🌙 Appreciation 🌙
Thank you Danielle Cancel for this finished e-copy!
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🌙 Tags 🌙
#bloodandsunlightbook #daniellecancel #indieauthor #indiebooks #fantasybook #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #booksta #bookish #vampireromance #paranormalreromance #finishedcopy
Blood & Sunlight | Danielle Cancel | Fantasy | 4 ⭐️
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.
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🌙 Thoughts 🌙
This year, I swear, I'm just reading great fantasy books and I am so happy hehe 🤭. I'm usually not a big fan of vampire fantasy but THIS ONE WAS SO GOOD!!! Firstly, the cover art is so good and fits the aesthetic and the vibes of this book 😘. Secondly, the slow burn of this book was a great pacing for this book because of the chemistry and the tension between Soran and Jade isn't instant but a developmental type which I LOVE! Thirdly, wow great side characters and I absolutely love it when the side characters are great and has humor and charm. Fourthly, Soran is such a grumpy stubborn vampire and Jade the stubborn strong heroine is such a cute match and them getting close to one another just makes me wanna kick my feet in the air!!! Also the twist in the book continues to have me hooked and the friendship aspect to this book is everything hehe 🩵🩶. I am definitely excited for book 2 HARHARHAR 🤭. Also the cliffhanger omg...
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.
.
🌙 Appreciation 🌙
Thank you Danielle Cancel for this finished e-copy!
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.
🌙 Tags 🌙
#bloodandsunlightbook #daniellecancel #indieauthor #indiebooks #fantasybook #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #booksta #bookish #vampireromance #paranormalreromance #finishedcopy
August 3, 2023
Rating is more of a 4.75 ⭐️ it’s closer to a 5 than a 4!!
Roses:🌹🌹
I really, really liked this story a lot. To me there was the right amount of want and angst happening between the two MC Jade and Soran. I thought all of the side characters were a great support to our main characters but stayed unique to their own story. The pace was great nothing seemed to rushed or oddly placed and I thought the length of this first book was perfect.I’m so happy that this story didn’t leave me feeling like Im missing to much information about anything. Knowing there’s a second book coming I think my questions that I did have can be easily answered. Character wise I actually really like Jade. I think she came across really relatable and I enjoyed her curiosity she has for people and things around her. I also like she wants to see what people are for herself instead of what others say. Soran is such a good grumpy marshmallow. I cannot wait to hear more about his past and see how his future ends up.
Thorns 🔻
I would have loved to have more scenes with Jade sharing her memories with Soran and being able to have his reactions to them. I feel if there were more of these, they could have provided great moments for readers to have more context on what he experienced in the past but also how these conversations might have helped build the relationship between them.
Roses:🌹🌹
I really, really liked this story a lot. To me there was the right amount of want and angst happening between the two MC Jade and Soran. I thought all of the side characters were a great support to our main characters but stayed unique to their own story. The pace was great nothing seemed to rushed or oddly placed and I thought the length of this first book was perfect.I’m so happy that this story didn’t leave me feeling like Im missing to much information about anything. Knowing there’s a second book coming I think my questions that I did have can be easily answered. Character wise I actually really like Jade. I think she came across really relatable and I enjoyed her curiosity she has for people and things around her. I also like she wants to see what people are for herself instead of what others say. Soran is such a good grumpy marshmallow. I cannot wait to hear more about his past and see how his future ends up.
Thorns 🔻
I would have loved to have more scenes with Jade sharing her memories with Soran and being able to have his reactions to them. I feel if there were more of these, they could have provided great moments for readers to have more context on what he experienced in the past but also how these conversations might have helped build the relationship between them.
October 28, 2023
First and foremost: I understand this was a debut novel, but did the author have a proofreader or editor at ALL? There were so many grammatical errors, and spelling errors all over. The writing was incredibly clunky in many spots.
It started off interesting enough! The whole “normal college girl who falls through a strange light and wakes up in another world” angle was cool. I liked the later reveal that Jade actually came from the other world, and is the princess.
Everything else, truthfully, was…not great.
I’ve seen reviews talking about the “slow burn” between Soran and Jade. Really?? I just saw a guy who treated Jade like absolute shit 90% of the time, but it’s ok because he’s hot, right?? Good grief. Really healthy relationship goals.
Jade was truthfully not that likable herself. The other characters in their merry band of friends were just kind of there. Alice had very minor backstory, but it felt like they were barely given much thought.
I got through 72% of the book and then had to speed read through the rest because the training part was dragging for so, SO long.
I was really hoping to enjoy this book since the author has done events at a local bookshop, and I’m all for supporting local authors! Sadly, I’m going to be giving book two in this series a pass. There’s just nothing in this series that, to me, makes it stand out enough for me to want to continue it.
It started off interesting enough! The whole “normal college girl who falls through a strange light and wakes up in another world” angle was cool. I liked the later reveal that Jade actually came from the other world, and is the princess.
Everything else, truthfully, was…not great.
I’ve seen reviews talking about the “slow burn” between Soran and Jade. Really?? I just saw a guy who treated Jade like absolute shit 90% of the time, but it’s ok because he’s hot, right?? Good grief. Really healthy relationship goals.
Jade was truthfully not that likable herself. The other characters in their merry band of friends were just kind of there. Alice had very minor backstory, but it felt like they were barely given much thought.
I got through 72% of the book and then had to speed read through the rest because the training part was dragging for so, SO long.
I was really hoping to enjoy this book since the author has done events at a local bookshop, and I’m all for supporting local authors! Sadly, I’m going to be giving book two in this series a pass. There’s just nothing in this series that, to me, makes it stand out enough for me to want to continue it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
This book was okay. Uhh I was a little confused for parts of the book because it kinda jumped around giving different insight into different characters minds. But there was no warning, it almost seemed as if it was meant to be third person omniscient but it wasn’t done well.
Other than that the book was great. The world building was good when describing the places they went and were, but I didn’t get a lot of info on other characters, like I still have no clue what a Harper really is, I think that’s what Alice is. I just know she had horns and is strong enough to wield an axe as a weapon. Otherwise I’m lost.
Over half of the book was purely training. I could have done without quite a bit of the training it just seemed like filler. Also the kissing scene later in the book kinda came without explanation, like why did he decide to kiss her. Why exactly did he say fuck it in that moment. I get that there’s some taboo thing about highbornes and non highbornes being together. I hope book two explains a lot that book one just didn’t. Like the council that he said would have his head. Or what Alice is.
Other than that the book was great. The world building was good when describing the places they went and were, but I didn’t get a lot of info on other characters, like I still have no clue what a Harper really is, I think that’s what Alice is. I just know she had horns and is strong enough to wield an axe as a weapon. Otherwise I’m lost.
Over half of the book was purely training. I could have done without quite a bit of the training it just seemed like filler. Also the kissing scene later in the book kinda came without explanation, like why did he decide to kiss her. Why exactly did he say fuck it in that moment. I get that there’s some taboo thing about highbornes and non highbornes being together. I hope book two explains a lot that book one just didn’t. Like the council that he said would have his head. Or what Alice is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2023
***BOOK REVIEW***
Book: Blood & Sunlight Author: Danielle Cancel
Rate: 4 🌟 Genre: Paranormal Vampire Romance
~ This is an adult romantic epic vampire fantasy novel. The first book of the Twisted Fate Series. It’s for sure a slow burn between the main characters. We meet Jade FMC who is a college student that is always changing her major every semester. One night she falls through a portal that takes her to a magical world!!! Here we meet magical creatures; shapeshifters, witches, vampires, etc.… When Jade fell through the magical portal she was unconscious, she was found and taken to a house where she met Soran, Owen, Alice, and Shara. Now Soran MMC is a broody, dark-haired, blue-eyed vampire. His main goal is to get rid of Jade, he despises her presence since she showed up in his world. Soran helps Jade to get home, so throughout their journey, there is a lot of tension & argument between them. Eventually, they start to show some chemistry with each other!!! The story is well written, there is a big plot twist & the ending does end with a cliffhanger…. Can’t wait for book 2….
Book: Blood & Sunlight Author: Danielle Cancel
Rate: 4 🌟 Genre: Paranormal Vampire Romance
~ This is an adult romantic epic vampire fantasy novel. The first book of the Twisted Fate Series. It’s for sure a slow burn between the main characters. We meet Jade FMC who is a college student that is always changing her major every semester. One night she falls through a portal that takes her to a magical world!!! Here we meet magical creatures; shapeshifters, witches, vampires, etc.… When Jade fell through the magical portal she was unconscious, she was found and taken to a house where she met Soran, Owen, Alice, and Shara. Now Soran MMC is a broody, dark-haired, blue-eyed vampire. His main goal is to get rid of Jade, he despises her presence since she showed up in his world. Soran helps Jade to get home, so throughout their journey, there is a lot of tension & argument between them. Eventually, they start to show some chemistry with each other!!! The story is well written, there is a big plot twist & the ending does end with a cliffhanger…. Can’t wait for book 2….
August 5, 2023
Right, this is hands down one my of my favourite books of the year so far! It is SOOOOO GOOD!
This book very much starts off as Jade’s journey trying to get him with the help of a group of misfits. However, it turns into something much more than that. From the get go, Jade’s journey to get home is steeped in other mysteries hovering just at the surface but not quite within reach.
Jade and Soran push each others buttons no end, they rile each other up at every turn, provoking, teasing, and flirting. These interactions, along with those sweeter moments with Owen, Shara, and Alice helped these characters bury their way into my heart.
Saying this though, Soran is ridiculously frustrating, he’s practically playing emotional ping pong at points, but that is definitely part of his intrigue; frustrating but at the same time alluring in a way that really draws you in.
I cannot wait to see what Danielle creates next in this series, there is so much more to discover, so many mysteries yet to be solved.
I received an ARC copy of this book and can confirm that this is my honest review.
This book very much starts off as Jade’s journey trying to get him with the help of a group of misfits. However, it turns into something much more than that. From the get go, Jade’s journey to get home is steeped in other mysteries hovering just at the surface but not quite within reach.
Jade and Soran push each others buttons no end, they rile each other up at every turn, provoking, teasing, and flirting. These interactions, along with those sweeter moments with Owen, Shara, and Alice helped these characters bury their way into my heart.
Saying this though, Soran is ridiculously frustrating, he’s practically playing emotional ping pong at points, but that is definitely part of his intrigue; frustrating but at the same time alluring in a way that really draws you in.
I cannot wait to see what Danielle creates next in this series, there is so much more to discover, so many mysteries yet to be solved.
I received an ARC copy of this book and can confirm that this is my honest review.
July 15, 2023
This book was amazing. @daniellecancelwrites please thank your sister for being your biggest fan and encourager, because this story was perfect. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens next!
This book kept me on my toes! A true page turner.. things kept happening and you just have to find out what happens next. I will say the frustration of the romantic aspect made me so mad 😭 I honestly hope they have their love moment before this truth comes out.
However it was wonderful to see Jade’s character grow, and to see Soran lighten up a little bit. I love how they both push each other; their relationship is chefs kiss.. for now.
I also enjoyed getting to know the other characters as well.
I hope we find out why Jade’s guardian slacked off his duties. He could have at least prepared her for the what if’s/just in case…
So if you’re looking for a great fantasy read - go check out #BloodandSunlight, book one of the #TwisterFates series
This book kept me on my toes! A true page turner.. things kept happening and you just have to find out what happens next. I will say the frustration of the romantic aspect made me so mad 😭 I honestly hope they have their love moment before this truth comes out.
However it was wonderful to see Jade’s character grow, and to see Soran lighten up a little bit. I love how they both push each other; their relationship is chefs kiss.. for now.
I also enjoyed getting to know the other characters as well.
I hope we find out why Jade’s guardian slacked off his duties. He could have at least prepared her for the what if’s/just in case…
So if you’re looking for a great fantasy read - go check out #BloodandSunlight, book one of the #TwisterFates series
September 29, 2023
Blood and Sunlight was so full of built up tension that it could have easily been sliced with a butter knife. Even as a reader I could feel it crowding around me and I am not ashamed to admit that I was urging Soran and Jade to break it every time I felt it build. Danielle describes the scenes so eloquently and in such detail that you could paint a clear picture in your mind and feel what the characters are feeling. It has a strong plot and has so much potential to be an amazing series.
There were times when I had to double back on what I read because the flipping back and forth between characters and what they were thinking was a lot and didn’t flow all that well. The spelling mistakes throughout the book were kind of off-putting but it didn’t detract from the story itself.
Like I said before this story has great potential and I am really looking forward to reading the next couple of books and discovering all of Soran’s secrets.
There were times when I had to double back on what I read because the flipping back and forth between characters and what they were thinking was a lot and didn’t flow all that well. The spelling mistakes throughout the book were kind of off-putting but it didn’t detract from the story itself.
Like I said before this story has great potential and I am really looking forward to reading the next couple of books and discovering all of Soran’s secrets.
July 13, 2023
We find Jade a typical college student who keeps changing her majors because she cannot decide what she wants to do.. afraid of disappointing her step father.. on her home one day, she falls through a portal after tripping over some branches and tree roots… now, she finds herself in Layol.. a land that is foreign yet feels familiar.. Her journey begins here.. she learns that the kingdom is in turmoil and finds that she wants to help the people as much as she can.. she starts having nightmare/memories/dreams … she learns about herself and that she’s originally from Layol and her stepfather is actually her guardian who’s supposed to train her for her station in life in Layol.. fights ensue, friendships and bonds are made… What will Jade decide to do? Go home to the world she knows? Or will she step into her true power? Read if you want to find out what happens!
July 17, 2023
4.5 Stars
The first thing to draw me to this book was the cover. It is absolutely stunning and I’m obsessed with the artwork.
The second thing was the author saying the MMC was inspired by Damon from The Vampire Diaries. And I’m happy to report, Danielle did not disappoint! She managed to incorporate all of the things we love about Damon into Soran. He’s broody, insanely good looking, mysterious, and a good guy at his core but willing to do anything for those he loves.
”I’m not allowed to want you. And I surely don’t deserve you.”
The slow burn romance was phenomenal. There was so much banter that had me both frustrated and giggling at different points. I’m excited to see how Soran and Jade’s relationship grows in the second book.
There were many secrets throughout the book and I can’t wait to find out how they all come to light. Specifically how Soran is entangled in Jade’s past. I hate that the next book doesn’t come out until October! I’m dying over here!
The first thing to draw me to this book was the cover. It is absolutely stunning and I’m obsessed with the artwork.
The second thing was the author saying the MMC was inspired by Damon from The Vampire Diaries. And I’m happy to report, Danielle did not disappoint! She managed to incorporate all of the things we love about Damon into Soran. He’s broody, insanely good looking, mysterious, and a good guy at his core but willing to do anything for those he loves.
”I’m not allowed to want you. And I surely don’t deserve you.”
The slow burn romance was phenomenal. There was so much banter that had me both frustrated and giggling at different points. I’m excited to see how Soran and Jade’s relationship grows in the second book.
There were many secrets throughout the book and I can’t wait to find out how they all come to light. Specifically how Soran is entangled in Jade’s past. I hate that the next book doesn’t come out until October! I’m dying over here!
August 3, 2023
Blood and Sunlight is book 1 in the Twisted Fates series. Jade lives her mundane life always feeling something is missing, but that is normal and okay, right? One day, on her way home, she finds herself slipping down and waking up in another world. Now she learns that all those stories about vampires and mystic creatures might be a reality. Not only that, one part of herself feels like there is so much more in this world and she may not be as ready to leave it as she thought. Here she meets Soran, a vampire who shows nothing but disdain for her, but even so, she cant help but trust him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Danielle did not disappoint with this one. I liked the world she is building, the little band of miss fits she created, but I mostly loved how they all got along. I mostly loved the banter between Jade and Soran. I wanted to know more about their world, their background and how we move forward from this. I am ready to read book 2 and know what happens between Jade and Soran and what happens with her and reclaiming her place.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Danielle did not disappoint with this one. I liked the world she is building, the little band of miss fits she created, but I mostly loved how they all got along. I mostly loved the banter between Jade and Soran. I wanted to know more about their world, their background and how we move forward from this. I am ready to read book 2 and know what happens between Jade and Soran and what happens with her and reclaiming her place.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 11, 2023
i really enjoyed this book!! i’m so happy that this is a multiple book series because i need more of soran and jade. if you are a fan of vampire diaries and twilight then you will LOVE this book.
i loved jade and sorans chemistry and tension. the slow burn was so good and it makes me so excited for the next book.
i really enjoyed jades character, i felt like she was so strong and selfless fmc. i also loved sorans character, i mean who doesn’t like a grumpy, dark haired, blue eyed vampire?
i did also love the cliff hanger ending. i love a good cliff hanger that makes me want to come back for more. and that is exactly what this book did.
i do wish there was a few more plot twists because i felt like there was a build up and i was waiting for a huge plot twist to happen.
with that being said i really did enjoy this book and i can’t wait to read the next one!!
i loved jade and sorans chemistry and tension. the slow burn was so good and it makes me so excited for the next book.
i really enjoyed jades character, i felt like she was so strong and selfless fmc. i also loved sorans character, i mean who doesn’t like a grumpy, dark haired, blue eyed vampire?
i did also love the cliff hanger ending. i love a good cliff hanger that makes me want to come back for more. and that is exactly what this book did.
i do wish there was a few more plot twists because i felt like there was a build up and i was waiting for a huge plot twist to happen.
with that being said i really did enjoy this book and i can’t wait to read the next one!!
August 29, 2023
Blood and Sunlight is Book 1 of Twisted Fates series.
Jade, an unfulfilled college student, feels completely lost— not only is she uncertain of her future but after running through the woods during a storm, she wakes up in another realm.
Jade is saved by a quirky group of misfits who volunteer to help her get back home. However, one of the group members Soran is quite outspoken about how Jade doesn’t belong. His being an ageless (vampire), piques Jade’s interest but Soran is not interested in sharing and engaging with her at all. Their journey to seek answers only brings about more questions.
Why does Jade feel a sense of familiarity?
What secrets is Soran keeping from her?
Tropes/themes:
Dual POV
Contemporary PNR
Strong-willed FMC
Brooding MMC
Forced proximity
Magic
Training
Banter
Found family
Hidden identities
Slow burn
🌶️: 0.5/5
As the book progresses, we see Jade’s relationships deepen with her new friends. Jade and Soran have a hot and cold relationship but you can feel their connection and the tension between them.
Some of the pacing during their time in the woods felt a bit slow but does drive the plot’s advancement.
Blood and Sunlight was an enjoyable novel featuring an interesting world with elements of magic and room to explore as the series continues. Jade is a formidable FMC with a curious mind and soft heart. I’m looking forward to Jade and Soran’s dynamic once his secrets are revealed.
Book 1 is currently available on Kindle Unlimited
**I received a free copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you to Danielle Cancel for the opportunity!**
Jade, an unfulfilled college student, feels completely lost— not only is she uncertain of her future but after running through the woods during a storm, she wakes up in another realm.
Jade is saved by a quirky group of misfits who volunteer to help her get back home. However, one of the group members Soran is quite outspoken about how Jade doesn’t belong. His being an ageless (vampire), piques Jade’s interest but Soran is not interested in sharing and engaging with her at all. Their journey to seek answers only brings about more questions.
Why does Jade feel a sense of familiarity?
What secrets is Soran keeping from her?
Tropes/themes:
Dual POV
Contemporary PNR
Strong-willed FMC
Brooding MMC
Forced proximity
Magic
Training
Banter
Found family
Hidden identities
Slow burn
🌶️: 0.5/5
As the book progresses, we see Jade’s relationships deepen with her new friends. Jade and Soran have a hot and cold relationship but you can feel their connection and the tension between them.
Some of the pacing during their time in the woods felt a bit slow but does drive the plot’s advancement.
Blood and Sunlight was an enjoyable novel featuring an interesting world with elements of magic and room to explore as the series continues. Jade is a formidable FMC with a curious mind and soft heart. I’m looking forward to Jade and Soran’s dynamic once his secrets are revealed.
Book 1 is currently available on Kindle Unlimited
**I received a free copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you to Danielle Cancel for the opportunity!**
August 25, 2023
Book starts with an American college student who has changed majors so many times she is struggling what to do next. When walking home, in a forest, she sees a glowing orb which, little does she know, is a portal to an alternative world.
Jade (FMC) wakes up in a strange places with strange noises and smells. What can be described as a bunch of misfits, rescued her and took her to a house to get healed. The portal Jade was pulled through took her to a world full of magic and wonder.
Wanting to go home, Jade needs the help of her new friends to find another portal back to Earth. The closet village is a four day walk. Along the journey, we learn more about each character and a slow burn romance commences.
This book was a easy read with likeable characters and some world building. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Jade (FMC) wakes up in a strange places with strange noises and smells. What can be described as a bunch of misfits, rescued her and took her to a house to get healed. The portal Jade was pulled through took her to a world full of magic and wonder.
Wanting to go home, Jade needs the help of her new friends to find another portal back to Earth. The closet village is a four day walk. Along the journey, we learn more about each character and a slow burn romance commences.
This book was a easy read with likeable characters and some world building. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 25, 2023
Amazing debut novel...
I have been reading fantasy novels for about twenty years now and I have to say this will take a place amongst my favorites.
A great debut novel from an author that keeps you engaged through the entirety of the novel. Displaying a nice balance of excitement and sentiment throughout. She makes you want to continue to read and learn more about the characters she's created and does so in a lovely writing style that flows off the pages.
I greatly look forward to reading any further books the author has planned for this series and only hope that she decides to continue to expand the world of Layol even further as it feels like there is so much more to explore with the fascinating world she has created.
I have been reading fantasy novels for about twenty years now and I have to say this will take a place amongst my favorites.
A great debut novel from an author that keeps you engaged through the entirety of the novel. Displaying a nice balance of excitement and sentiment throughout. She makes you want to continue to read and learn more about the characters she's created and does so in a lovely writing style that flows off the pages.
I greatly look forward to reading any further books the author has planned for this series and only hope that she decides to continue to expand the world of Layol even further as it feels like there is so much more to explore with the fascinating world she has created.
July 25, 2023
4.75/5
“If you lead with yourself, you’re bound to make at least one persons day.”
Seeking a good romantasy novel that has an abundance of magic and magical creatures? One that has a broody vampire? Well look no further, because Blood and Sunlight by Danielle Cancel features all these incredible things!
From the plot to the world, Blood and Sunlight will have you enchanted. The characters (Jade, Soran, Owen, Alice, and Shara) are absolutely perfect. The friendships, romance, and character building was incredible. Not to mention the plot twists and amazing cliffhanger that left me wanting more! Blood and Sunlight is easily one of my favorite reads this month! I cant wait for Shadows and Secrets!
“If you lead with yourself, you’re bound to make at least one persons day.”
Seeking a good romantasy novel that has an abundance of magic and magical creatures? One that has a broody vampire? Well look no further, because Blood and Sunlight by Danielle Cancel features all these incredible things!
From the plot to the world, Blood and Sunlight will have you enchanted. The characters (Jade, Soran, Owen, Alice, and Shara) are absolutely perfect. The friendships, romance, and character building was incredible. Not to mention the plot twists and amazing cliffhanger that left me wanting more! Blood and Sunlight is easily one of my favorite reads this month! I cant wait for Shadows and Secrets!
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