Blood Tithe

by Tony Fuentes, C.S. Kading, Finley Hislop (Editor)

Monsters are real.

For Lyric Wax, who dreams of a future as a Historian for the Grand Archives, this chilling truth becomes a haunting reality as she navigates her Verdad - a perilous path to adulthood - to find her place in the Imperium and prove herself. She sets out on a journey beyond the safety of familiar walls. Her the mysteries that lie beyond the Great Gates of the Imperium of Kraphax.

What begins as a simple errand to a safe Shrine quickly transforms into a horrific ordeal. Lyric along with the irritable Inquisitor Jalin Cortez, and his partner Esperanza Boyorquez, must traverse treacherous realms of darkness and confront terrifying certainties hidden beneath the surface. Will she emerge triumphant, armed with the knowledge of the world's buried secrets, or will she succumb to the ghastly fate that awaits those who delve too deep into the mysteries of the unknown?

The answers lie in the shadows she must bring to light.

…they weren't supposed to be real.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2023

About the author

Tony Fuentes is a California-born Chicano writer now living in Arizona. Considered a Renaissance Man in Geek's clothing, he is not only an author with a weird imagination but also a painter, a gamer, and a practicing occultist. In his writing, he weaves Mexican folklore and sardonic humor. At the same time, he tries to inspire the audience to look up at the stars and dream even further. In short, he strives to give the weird and the wondrous things a place in the world for all to enjoy.

Reviews

[Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a book that will get you hooked in the first chapter? Here it is. Once again another fantastic piece of work by these two authors.

Let's be honest writing reviews is not my best skill. But is it a book I enjoyed? Yes! Is it a book I will recommend to people looking for new authors to enjoy? Yes!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyric Wax, a prodigious writer from the Imperium at age twenty, harbors a profound desire to undertake her Verdad ritual—a quest for unadulterated truth. Little does she anticipate that this fervent wish will launch her into a journey filled with unexpected perils. Along with the enigmatic Inquisitors Jalin Cortez and Esperanza Boyorquez, a seemingly straightforward supply run to a nearby shrine transforms into a harrowing encounter. The once-vibrant Paraiso Verde stands devastated, fallen to merciless ghouls, setting the ambiance for an unforgettable adventure.

Together with the wisdom of Judex Gale Stonebridge, Jalin's esteemed mentor, this unique trio ventures into the sacred shrine, seeking understanding and solace. However, they soon confront an age-old evil lurking within, threatening to consume innumerable mining settlements.

Blood Tithe, written by the talented duo Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading, is a mesmerizing narrative, intricately designed with elements of dark sorcery, formidable beasts, and action that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The authors' unparalleled talent lies in their ability to vividly render their fantastical world, making it feel nearly as tangible as reality. Their extensive world-building is complemented by legends and histories that captivate the reader's psyche. However, the characters stand as the crown jewels of this tale. Every character, brimming with emotions, motivations, and intricate details, is crafted with an authenticity that makes them compelling. The dynamic between Lyric, Jalin, and Esperanza provides a rich texture to the story, their diverse personalities harmonizing to lend depth to the overarching plot.

Blood Tithe beckons those who relish the allure of dark fantasy landscapes interwoven with the chilling excitement of mystery horror tales. The authors have masterfully constructed a story that lingers in one's mind, even after turning the final page. This novel is not to be missed for those searching for a deeply engaging and memorable journey.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Tithe pulls you into a dark and unsettling world where monsters are not myths but a brutal reality, and Lyric Wax is forced to confront that truth far sooner than she ever expected. What begins as a scholarly journey meant to prove herself quickly spirals into a terrifying descent filled with ruined towns, buried secrets, and horrifying discoveries lurking just beneath the surface of civilization. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the danger never feels distant or abstract. I really enjoyed how the story balances creeping horror with a strong coming of age arc, especially watching Lyric grow as she faces things no one should have to understand. It was one of those books where I kept telling myself I would stop after one chapter and then didn’t.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets bleed and truth comes at a cost..

I opened Blood Tithe thinking I was ready for monsters and wow I was not ready. This book grabbed me fast and dragged me straight into shadows full of secrets, blood, and seriously creepy surprises. Lyric is smart, brave, and way too relatable for someone dealing with nightmare fuel, and the tension just keeps climbing as everything goes wrong in the worst ways. I loved the uneasy teamwork, the gothic vibes, and that constant feeling that something awful is about to happen. If you like dark fantasy that actually feels dangerous and keeps you flipping pages late at night, you need this book in your life. 🕯️🩸📖

[Skylar Keeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
Blood Tithe by Tony Fuentes & C.S. Kading
⭐⭐⭐⭐
SandDancer Publications for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I like this world, the characters, the unique ideas, the unique storyline it's all fantastic it makes it hard to decide if I liked book one or two better!!
Blood Tithe pulls you into a dark, unsettling world where monsters are not just myths but a brutal, everyday reality and I am living for it!! Everything just pulled me in and kept my attention till the very end I can't wait to read more by this amazing author duo!!

[Miza · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me It’s a hard to put down once you started reading kinda book. It is about self discovery and to face the scariest monster. And it is not the vampire but the human that creates it. And i love the journey, adventure and the faith they show in the story.

I received an e-advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Missi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling adventure with an old time 30 Days of Night vibe. Couldn't put it down!