Bite the Power That Feeds

Dirty Blood #3

by Penelope Barsetti

Ellasara came at me with a blade—and she defeated me.

But my eyes open to my bedchambers and I see Kingsnake sitting at my beside with Fang next to my pillow. I expect to feel the horrible pain of my injury, but I already feel healed. When I sit up, the room doesn’t spin and I don’t feel weak. In fact, I feel better than I ever have…

Kingsnake takes my face in my hands and pulls me close. The relief in his chest is so palpable it’s like heat from the sun. But our beautiful moment is ruined by the horrible realization that I can’t feel my own heartbeat…

Kingsnake was left with an impossible decision, to either let me die, or sacrifice my soul so I could live in the darkness forever. Instead of accepting that decision, I grieve instead. Grieve for the life that I’ll never have. Now everything between us has changed. I told him I didn’t want to be a nightwalker—but he made me one anyway.

Kingsnake and I still have to finish what we started, to form an alliance with The Ethereal and share the cure with the humans, but now it’s hard to be in the same room with him. We’ve found our way back to each other before…but I’m not sure how we’ll do it this time.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal, Audiobook, Romantasy, Dark

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

Penelope Barsetti is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her beloved novels have sold more than 5 Million copies, and her work has been translated into a dozen languages. Readers may know her by another name, Penelope Sky, where she writes contemporary dark romance.

An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.

Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars
Love Cobra!

Larisa and Kingsnake's relationship is put to the test in multiple ways throughout the novel. As Larisa transforms into a vampire, the question arises: will she be able to adapt to her new identity and lifestyle? Deceit and lies surround the couple, putting their love to the ultimate test. Can their bond withstand the challenges they face? When the Ethereals need their help in the fight against Kingsnake's father, Larisa and Kingsnake must put aside their differences and unite to face this daunting challenge. Will their love be enough to overcome all obstacles, or will their relationship crumble under the pressure?

I absolutely loved the Cobra and Clara in this novel! They were so adorable together and I just couldn't get enough of their chemistry. The novel was fast-paced, but I wished there was a little more depth and development in the plot. Additionally, I wasn't a fan of the typical lack of communication and trust trope, but I was relieved that it was resolved quickly. Overall, a steamy and entertaining read. Would recommend it to fans of fantasy and paranormal romance.


***Thank you to NetGalley, Penelope Barsetti, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

[Thethingsheloves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bite the Woman that Feeds
Bite the Terror that Feeds
Bite the Power that Feeds

Those are the titles that sucked me in!
I mean how could you not want to them?

Vampires
Snakes
Elves
Werewolves

This trilogy has it all!
Not one, but two strong FMC’s.
Two arrogant vampire MMC’s
And the best friend in a snake.

The trilogy starts with Larissa and Kingsnake. It’s enemies to lovers with heavy tension. This book had me in a chokehold and I knew I would never have enough

Bite the Terror that Feeds: We have Larrissa and Kingsnake but we add in Kingsnake’s brother Cobra and an assassin.

Bite the Power that Feeds: The characters combine into a joint story. You want everyone to come out on top and to have peace for just a little while at least.

I’ll be honest, book 2 takes a turn with the addition of Cobra and Clara becoming main characters. I didn’t want them, I wanted Larissa and Kingsnake. It threw me off the story and I wasn’t sure if I liked it. But by book 3, I wanted more of all of them. The way Penelope brings the whole story together is fantastic.

When I reread, I’ll for sure binge them all to feel all the feelings. Which there are a lot!

And now we have one brother left. I cannot wait for his story with the princess! The Dirty Blood series continues and I couldn’t be happier about it!

[Cassandra Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bite The Power That Feeds by Penelope Barsetti
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

Eep! This was such a good third book in this series! We had ended on a bit of a cliffhanger in book 2 so I was so excited to see the audiobook release for book 3. We continue to follow Larisa and Kingsnake with the aftermath of the battle and the impossible decision Kingsnake was forced to make. I loved them of course but Cobra and Clara stole the show in this one! I highly recommend this series for vampire and fantasy lovers.

Read this book if you like:
-vampires
-snake bffs
-🥵🥵🥵
-strong characters
-multi-POVs

Bite The Power That Feeds is out NOW but will be newly released in audio on February 13th. If this series is not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

Review on Instagram

[Alexa Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excited to see how Auralia’s story turns out in November & hopefully we get a book for Viper.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larisa and Kingsnake

This was such an action packed storyline! Filled with so many characters. There are wars with the werewolves. So much attention to details and well written storyline. I found myself emotional towards the end because of Kingsnake.
Another fast paced story and I really enjoyed this book!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a series! This is my first series of Penelope Barsetti and I LOVED it! 😍

I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

The emotions were high in this one & I could feel the emotions leaking off the pages!

I enjoyed seeing Kingsnakes & Cobras relationships grow 🔥 & the different POVs.

I CAN'T wait to see where she takes us next with Aurelias!

FANG 🐍 is a must in all the books so I'm hoping to see more of him!

Thank you Penelope for the ARC! This review is voluntary! 🖤

[Katherine Bichler · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
3.75/5 STARS

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance

This is the third book in a series & the last of Kingsnake & Larissa storyline but not the last in the world.
I listened to it on audio in one day. The chapters are short and it is very fast paced. In this book Larissa becomes a vampire and adjusts to life as such. The show stealer is more Cobra, Kingsnake’s brother and Clara’s relationship. These books are fun, dark, enemies to lovers romances that are easy to read.

I will check out the next characters she writes about in the world. 🖤🧛

[Lena Mary Tran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy read just like the two books prior but in all honesty I can’t say that this series really captured by interest. I did read the first three books of this series however I’ve gotten bored with the monotonous spicy scenes and the seemingly unessential filler scenes. The story lacked excitement and depth, which is why it was difficult to me to become connected to the characters. Except for the size of the kings’ most precious part and the hair color as well as the eye color of some characters I still can’t picture them in my head.
A bit superficial but slightly entertaining

[Bulma · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Yasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the final book of Larisa and Kingsnake's story. I really enjoyed this trilogy but I must admit that while I did like this book, I felt it was underwhelming. There were a lot of things happening I didn't agree with. One being Kingsnake's decision to not tell Larisa that there was a way for her to be human again. She found out from his dad. Yes, King Serpentine was wrong for betraying his son's trust but Kingsnake was wrong for keeping that from Larisa. He was very selfish in his decision making this book and I didn't like that at all. I felt as though Larisa made more compromises than he did. I also thought he forgave his dad to easily in the end.

This book was the last in this trilogy and also the weakest one. It was still an enjoyable read but not better than the previous books. With that being said I will read Aurelias's story when it's finished. He worked my nerves in book 2 but he started redeeming himself. It'll be interesting seeing him in a relationship with Huntley's daughter. If he thought he was bad, I can't wait to see his interactions with Huntley.

[Kendyl Shantz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this trilogy, it’s a good time, easy to read and you have no choice but to like the characters

[Clark · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

At no point in any of these books does the female become an equal. Her status is granted 100% by the men around her and even a queen is humiliated and humbled by men who demand she “Speak!” At their command.

I read this series and the Forsaken King series and Penelope Barsetti has a moment in both when the MMC demands an apology from the FMC because she is mad at him for breaking a promise or making a decision without her, but then it turns out to be the right decision so the MMC is borderline cruel and demands she apologize for ever being mad. The MMC was still wrong to do what they did and just because it worked out doesn’t make it right. The FMC is given no chance to accept their new reality and be apologetic, their remorse and gratitude is given through guilt and at the demand of the man that “loves” them.

I can move past some of the writing issues (repetitiveness, lack of world building, etc) and just enjoy the story for the adventure, romance, sex, but I grew tired of the male arrogance that has not been earned.

Also…spoilers….

Why is okay for the vampires to kidnap humans, hold them against their will, kill those that try to run, drink their blood (some of the humans die from this), start wars just for the excitement of drinking from slain soldiers, etc., but the Ethereal are worse for unknowingly consuming souls? Only a handful of royals knew the reasons for their immortality, but they’re all treated as worse than the vampires who are knowledgeable about the brutality their leaders inflict on humans and do nothing?

[Donna Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Barestti has given us another 5 star story that will live in our hearts and mines for years. Full of action, ssssizzling romance, and to top it off a cliffhanger for a journey in the future. Oh, be still my heart.


My main take is about accepting change. Mourn those traditions and loved ones we have lost and embrace the new lives we've created and additions to our family. It's also about forgiveness.


One of my favorite lines from Kingsnake to Queen Larisa is, "I would rather have you forever. A single lifetime just isn’t enough.” ❤️❤️


To prevent a costly war the Vampires Brother's and Queen Larisa join Queen Clara in joining the kingdoms in peace. Queen Clara had a difficult time, but King Cobra was by her side with love and support.

A line from Cobra to Clara, "I’ve lived a long time and bedded a lot of women. None of them has ever meant a damn thing to me—except you.” ❤️❤️


The Ethereal people were given options to change to the dark side or remain human with no immoral lifeline. There was no wrong choice. This is now a new Kingdom, free to coexist.

Of course, it doesn't  end there.

Aurelias, our other brother, is still missing with teeth. Oh my. Will the brothers and their new brides go to fine him? Hmmm, I'm in.


Penelope Barestti, thank you for allowing me to be a member of this ARC group.

[Kim Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an action-packed continuation of the Dirty Blood series. I loved all three books. The brothers and father were in this one more. I loved all of his brothers and how they bantered each other, but I am not a big fan of his father. I won't spoil it for you, but trust me, it is worth every page! If you like fantasy romance, this series is a must-read. It's definitely in my top 10 reads! Thank you again, Penelope, for the chance to read another ARC and review it. I loved every bit of it. I highly recommend this series. I cannot wait to read Aurelia's The Forsaken Vampire.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this series! This whole series gave me all the feels. Never liked snakes or even mentioning of them but lemme find a snake like Fang. Seriously my favorite character. Penelope has became one of my favorite authors! Loved how she introduced us to other characters and wrote them all so beautifully.

[Peggy Koehler Hiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023
Penelope you have done it once again! Every book that you have written is five stars. I loved the ending to Larisa and Kingsnakes story and can’t wait for the next book.

[Sasha Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I loved this book. The angst, the drama, the romance, the action, the spice!!! All of it just hit!!! Fang is still my favorite snake of all time!!! GIVE ME MORE!!

[Kylieisreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS SERIES IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING 🩸🖤

I absolutely adore all of the characters especially Fang!

The ending of this series is all i could’ve wished for and more.

[jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I CANT BELIEVE ITS OVER!!! 😭😭😭

[Lucky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf
Extremely sexist narrative

[Jennifer Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. This is my unbiased review.

Spoilers ahead.

Overall, I do like this more than the first book. Although, I do have complaints. Larissa is turned into a vampire, her worst fear, and overcomes it very quickly. We find out the ethereals are the bad guys, and Kingsnake still has a massive dick. His brother, Cobra? Viper? Honestly everyone runs together in this book, decides to be in love with this queen lady, who eats souls? Honestly this story line is all over the place, but the sex scenes are spicy. Daddy snake man enters the picture and is also a dick.

The narrators are fine.. but the different characters have too similar of voices besides the snake, it is hard to tell who is speaking a lot of the time. Ellasara(?) is pronounced different continually.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ideas were there but the execution wasn't.

Larisa turned into a side character especially with the introduction of Cobra and Clara's POVs and she basically contributed nothing in this book. Would've loved if there was some training in her new vamp bod so she can be part of the action but all they did was talk about training and never did anything about it.

The werewolves were so random??? like I thought this was a vampire book and I skimmed the end because I just did not care about this werewolf war. I wished there was more emphasis about the sick people because nothing about it seemed like an urgent matter to take care of ever since the first book.

2nd random thing was oh how there's suddenly a cure to reverse a vampire back to mortal. C'mon that's too convenient and makes Larisa soo annoying being wishy washy again about turning into a vampire. If it was actually possible, why don't both Larisa and Kingsnake turn into mortals to have the babies Larisa wanted so bad and then turn back into vampire again?

[Biblio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling continuation to the dirty blood series. The brothers appear more in this book and I absolutely love that. Cobra and Clara’s story took off and resolves so nicely. The dialogue is so sentimental this book and whew it had my heart in a vice grip. Fang, my absolute favorite character. His banter is just *chefs kiss* all the sssssass. Kingsnake and Larissa. Mm mmm mmm. Gosh I love them. ““I would give up everything to be with you. My title. My immortality. My family. Everything. Because you’re the single most important thing in the world to me. If that’s what you decide, I’ll accept it without question. As long as we’re together, as long as we can resolve this, the details don’t matter.” 😭😭😭 absolutely amazing Penelope. Thank you for the immense pleasure and honor of ARCing for you again!

[D. BookAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It's feeding my vampire obsession. And we got two different love stories, I call that a win-win for me.

[JetteSoars4Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Personally I think the series could have been completed in one whole book. I loved the plot, but the writing was truly damaging to the story.

[Whitney D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have never read this far. Terrible writing and the storyline doesn’t make sense. Bleh.

[Melody Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 🌟 I found this one to be a bit monotonous tbh 🙈

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

1ª 4/5⭐

[Emily Maitland · Rating 5 out of 5]

✩ 𝙱𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙿𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙵𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚜 ✩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

"𝗶'𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶'𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆"

"𝗶 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲. 𝗠𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲”

✩ Finally finished book three in the Dirty Blood series! And 𝗪𝗢𝗪, this is a stunning continuation of what’s becoming one of my favorite vampires series. I started listening to this as an audiobook (they’re addicting), and finished it on my kindle!

✩ I 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 that Cobra and Viper were more prevalent in this book! Cobra cracks me up every time he was involved on page, and I loved getting to fall in love with his and Clara’s story. Their ending is perfect and the way it was interwoven with Larissa and Kingsnake’s but neither story lost anything?? ✨𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲✨ Kingsnake and Larissa continue to be one of my favorite enemies to lovers couples, they love one another deeply and watching their relationship grow by going through actual struggles with trust and learning one another instead of just an insta-love situation? I ate that sh*t up!

✩ as usual Fang and his sass was the saving grace of every tense moment during the battles fought in this book, including trust issues and miscommunication, but fang is there to relieve it all with just a quick hisssss

✩ I’m excited to continue to series and see what Aurealis has been up to across the ocean👀 will be staring that audiobook on my way to work!

✩ read this if you love:
🐍 enemies to lovers
🩸 complicated family
🐍 banter banter banter
🩸 sassy FMCs
🐍 “you almost died” makeup sex👀
🩸 possessive MMCs
🐍 vampires vs werewolves
🩸 snake besties
🐍 found family

✩ then you will love this!
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[Camryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good end to the trilogy !!!