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Empire of Blood
So they were stuck like this, the rage orchestrating Jackson’s actions propelling him to hurt Clio. And Clio, who could not be hurt. They were forces of equal match, Jackson’s brutality and Clio’s invincibility, caught up in a hellish ouroboros that would never give up.
Perhaps this is why he dragged me here, Clio thought. To feel nothing but his anger, until the end of time.
Agent Jackson has one agenda: kill all paranormals. A bit hypocritical, considering that he himself is a werewolf. Yet the violent scheme is assigned to him by the same agency he works for, and the only way he can eventually live happily, free of this gruesome duty, is if he becomes their best clawed-hitman. Yet his own goal is put to the test when he meets an unlikely creature in the forest on one of his killing sprees: a predator, a demon, a god of all paranormals. An incubus. A being so powerful, it poses a threat to even the mighty agency he has sold his soul to.
And it will change everything.
This is a standalone novel. Themes include paranormal creatures, incubi, werewolves, vampires, a paranormal agency, and a gut-wrenching, high-stakes revenge plot. Reader advisory can be found in the front of book (can be previewed).
Perhaps this is why he dragged me here, Clio thought. To feel nothing but his anger, until the end of time.
Agent Jackson has one agenda: kill all paranormals. A bit hypocritical, considering that he himself is a werewolf. Yet the violent scheme is assigned to him by the same agency he works for, and the only way he can eventually live happily, free of this gruesome duty, is if he becomes their best clawed-hitman. Yet his own goal is put to the test when he meets an unlikely creature in the forest on one of his killing sprees: a predator, a demon, a god of all paranormals. An incubus. A being so powerful, it poses a threat to even the mighty agency he has sold his soul to.
And it will change everything.
This is a standalone novel. Themes include paranormal creatures, incubi, werewolves, vampires, a paranormal agency, and a gut-wrenching, high-stakes revenge plot. Reader advisory can be found in the front of book (can be previewed).
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2024
19 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Nicky
2 books44 followersWriter of MM Romance.
A.J. Nicky is a city girl, though often thinks of settings of rolling hills and countrysides, and other little rural bits in between. While Curse of the Winter Kingdom is her first published, debut novel, she has written much more, and plans to publish again soon. Please follow her journey and keep up with her future works!
A.J. Nicky is a city girl, though often thinks of settings of rolling hills and countrysides, and other little rural bits in between. While Curse of the Winter Kingdom is her first published, debut novel, she has written much more, and plans to publish again soon. Please follow her journey and keep up with her future works!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 24, 2024
5 Stars
Gritty, dark, and enthralling, Empire of Blood was an utterly original paranormal M/M romance that held me absolutely enraptured from the first page until the very last.
Demons, werewolves, vampires, witches, evil organisations that hunt the supernatural and morally grey characters that do what they must to survive—this PNR had it all.
The story is violent and gruesome at times, but the intensity of the situations and the complexities of the morally grey characters involved made for one hell of a riveting read.
I loved MC Clio, who is this wonderful snowflake of a character, who we get to follow from childhood to adulthood, all curious and sweet and yearning to be loved—but who happens to be a rare and powerful demon who holds a great darkness within him, clawing to break out to devastating consequences.
The second MC, Jackson, is a much broodier, revenge-driven, cut throat figure. He’s a werewolf hitman indentured to the bad guys, warring between his obsession and his hatred for Clio, which keeps the two in a decades cycle of destruction, hurt, and eventually love and healing and utter devotion.
I’m not going to divulge more plot details, because I read this blind, only knowing the little that the synopsis teases, and I think that worked in my favour, keeping things fresh and surprising.
If—like me—you’re an M/M reader who loves fantasy/paranormal stories and enemies-to-lovers romances with a bit of extra grit, and you don’t mind taking a walk on the darker side of life, then this might just be the story for you, too.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
***A special thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Gritty, dark, and enthralling, Empire of Blood was an utterly original paranormal M/M romance that held me absolutely enraptured from the first page until the very last.
Demons, werewolves, vampires, witches, evil organisations that hunt the supernatural and morally grey characters that do what they must to survive—this PNR had it all.
The story is violent and gruesome at times, but the intensity of the situations and the complexities of the morally grey characters involved made for one hell of a riveting read.
I loved MC Clio, who is this wonderful snowflake of a character, who we get to follow from childhood to adulthood, all curious and sweet and yearning to be loved—but who happens to be a rare and powerful demon who holds a great darkness within him, clawing to break out to devastating consequences.
The second MC, Jackson, is a much broodier, revenge-driven, cut throat figure. He’s a werewolf hitman indentured to the bad guys, warring between his obsession and his hatred for Clio, which keeps the two in a decades cycle of destruction, hurt, and eventually love and healing and utter devotion.
I’m not going to divulge more plot details, because I read this blind, only knowing the little that the synopsis teases, and I think that worked in my favour, keeping things fresh and surprising.
If—like me—you’re an M/M reader who loves fantasy/paranormal stories and enemies-to-lovers romances with a bit of extra grit, and you don’t mind taking a walk on the darker side of life, then this might just be the story for you, too.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
***A special thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2024
Weird so very weird, and WTF is that ending????!!!!
Somehow I was expecting a completely different story. I must have misunderstood something completely. But anyway, once I started I couldn't put the book down. If I hadn't had to sleep at some point, I would have read it in one go.
My goodness, that was really something else. I don't even know how to describe it ...
Hmm, it's definitely not really a romantic story. It's a dystopian world and for a lot of the story Clio is a child or teen. Even later when he's “grown up” he's not really mature, he just lacks a lot of experiences.
It's also a very brutal and bloody story full of brainwashing and misunderstood gizmos. A lot of hate between the protagonists and when something like love and family develops, it is accompanied by so much pain ...
No, I don't think I can say that I enjoyed the story. Reading this book did not relax me, and that is my main goal when I read. But obviously, the whole thing took such a toll on me that I couldn't look away and put so much hope in Clio and Jackson that I held on to the end.
Yes, I love this book, but I also hate this story a little bit. Anyway, extremely well written and I'll have to keep an eye on this author. Also, there are still a few unanswered questions that the story left ...
For a moment, with Jackson, it had felt as though his problems could fall away. That wherever that light was in Jackson’s eyes, if he was there, it could bleed away the darkness around him so that the filth would never touch him. But that hope was a dream that now fell and wrecked its decay into the earth. 🥺😢😭😩😪🤧
Somehow I was expecting a completely different story. I must have misunderstood something completely. But anyway, once I started I couldn't put the book down. If I hadn't had to sleep at some point, I would have read it in one go.
My goodness, that was really something else. I don't even know how to describe it ...
Hmm, it's definitely not really a romantic story. It's a dystopian world and for a lot of the story Clio is a child or teen. Even later when he's “grown up” he's not really mature, he just lacks a lot of experiences.
It's also a very brutal and bloody story full of brainwashing and misunderstood gizmos. A lot of hate between the protagonists and when something like love and family develops, it is accompanied by so much pain ...
No, I don't think I can say that I enjoyed the story. Reading this book did not relax me, and that is my main goal when I read. But obviously, the whole thing took such a toll on me that I couldn't look away and put so much hope in Clio and Jackson that I held on to the end.
Yes, I love this book, but I also hate this story a little bit. Anyway, extremely well written and I'll have to keep an eye on this author. Also, there are still a few unanswered questions that the story left ...
For a moment, with Jackson, it had felt as though his problems could fall away. That wherever that light was in Jackson’s eyes, if he was there, it could bleed away the darkness around him so that the filth would never touch him. But that hope was a dream that now fell and wrecked its decay into the earth. 🥺😢😭😩😪🤧
February 6, 2024
This book was such a good start to my year. It was a dark, paranormal fantasy read with a plot that kept on giving. This author is REALLY great at building towards dramatic moments, and throwing the readers way off, like they did in their first novel, and it's always SOOO SATISFYING.
This was a friends-to enemies-to lovers, and when they DID become enemies, I felt it all the way to my bones, which is another thing the author does well. When the MCs hate each other, you flipping feel that shit! I really like when the start of lovers' relationships feel this way. There's so much passion, it's my favorite trope.
The writing was lyrical and effective, and the ending, very ending, left me in absolute tears. Seriously, I needed wine and meditation after it. In a good way, promise.
So, sooooo good. If this is the start of the author's career in mm, I cannot WAIT to see what they come up with next!
This was a friends-to enemies-to lovers, and when they DID become enemies, I felt it all the way to my bones, which is another thing the author does well. When the MCs hate each other, you flipping feel that shit! I really like when the start of lovers' relationships feel this way. There's so much passion, it's my favorite trope.
The writing was lyrical and effective, and the ending, very ending, left me in absolute tears. Seriously, I needed wine and meditation after it. In a good way, promise.
So, sooooo good. If this is the start of the author's career in mm, I cannot WAIT to see what they come up with next!
January 20, 2024
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Empire of Blood was an intriguing, different take on the paranormal genre. The storytelling was extremely well done, gripping and enthralling.
I do have some itty bitty niggles, though. Spoilers ahead.
As good as the plot was, filled with action and lore and drama, I felt the romance portion was a little lacking.
There is a love story, but it was very much a slow burn. And once it started burning, it was just a small flame.
A romance between a werewolf and an incubus gave me so many expectations and hopes, but I was a little disappointed on that front. Same goes for the spice. Didn’t feel like enough, especially considering that one of the characters is known as an extremely sexual being.
Extreme spoiler:
The pacing was also a little off. The ending seemed abrupt and left me a bit unsatisfied. There definitely needed to be less time jumps in the beginning, and more build up of the end phase - too much was happening towards the end, and I felt rushed to finish. The epilogue left me… incomplete, and honestly a little sad.
Right up til the ending, this was an amazing read, despite my niggles and what-not.
If you’re looking for something less romance-y and more action-filled, this is right up your alley.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Incubus vs werewolf
- Slow burn
- Violence, gore & death
- Medical testing, brainwashing
- Suicidal thoughts
- Strict top/bottom (one scene)
- Brief rimming
«Clio felt his eyes swell as he ignored the man who called up to him. One he could have known, perhaps, in another life. But for now, he rose towards the light, flying toward it, like the creature of night he was.»
Empire of Blood was an intriguing, different take on the paranormal genre. The storytelling was extremely well done, gripping and enthralling.
I do have some itty bitty niggles, though. Spoilers ahead.
As good as the plot was, filled with action and lore and drama, I felt the romance portion was a little lacking.
There is a love story, but it was very much a slow burn. And once it started burning, it was just a small flame.
A romance between a werewolf and an incubus gave me so many expectations and hopes, but I was a little disappointed on that front. Same goes for the spice. Didn’t feel like enough, especially considering that one of the characters is known as an extremely sexual being.
Extreme spoiler:
The pacing was also a little off. The ending seemed abrupt and left me a bit unsatisfied. There definitely needed to be less time jumps in the beginning, and more build up of the end phase - too much was happening towards the end, and I felt rushed to finish. The epilogue left me… incomplete, and honestly a little sad.
Right up til the ending, this was an amazing read, despite my niggles and what-not.
If you’re looking for something less romance-y and more action-filled, this is right up your alley.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Incubus vs werewolf
- Slow burn
- Violence, gore & death
- Medical testing, brainwashing
- Suicidal thoughts
- Strict top/bottom (one scene)
- Brief rimming
January 18, 2024
What a brilliant story with a genius plot! I don’t want to give away too much, but to give an impression about how good it was I have to give at least some directions so you want to read it too!
The truth about Jackson?
“115,320 was his new number. 84,680 more points to go. It would be about another twenty years until he could raise those points. And then he would be free.”
Those points? Are won by killing paranormals! 😳
The Paranormal Control Agency, the PCA, has Jackson under control, or he’ll lose his family.
Clio was just an infant when Jackson found him. Handed him over to PCA, and they locked him away. Clio has already lived there for over twelve years in a sort of laboratory, they keep a close eye on him, Clio is an innocent soul, with happy smiles. He’s different, they are afraid of him, and he doesn’t understand why. He can’t ask questions without punishment. So he keeps them inside.
Jackson has a bond with Clio, he hates what the PCA does with Clio. It is quite devastating!
More years are passing by. Clio is an adult, still kept locked.
After a disastrous event full of misunderstandings, Jackson turns against Clio and wants to terminate him, but Clio escapes.
It’s gotten so bad, Clio understands what he is, and what all the people around him want from him.
He knows it has to end, he has to end!!
At some point, Jackson, still full of hatred, meets Clio again.
It’s one big rich story, overflowing with events. All amazingly intriguing, it felt like a combination of sci-fi and fantasy. Sci-fi types of equipment and many sorts of fantasy pnr elements.
I ended this story in tears. I knew it was good but still, tears. Tears for Clio and all he was and is, for all he went through, for all he missed out in life, for all he yearned for, for all he didn’t get, for all the horror he’d been through, the pain, the loss.
And at last happy tears for what was coming his way, their way. A future, a happy one.
“Forever and ever?” “Forever and ever.”!
The truth about Jackson?
“115,320 was his new number. 84,680 more points to go. It would be about another twenty years until he could raise those points. And then he would be free.”
Those points? Are won by killing paranormals! 😳
The Paranormal Control Agency, the PCA, has Jackson under control, or he’ll lose his family.
Clio was just an infant when Jackson found him. Handed him over to PCA, and they locked him away. Clio has already lived there for over twelve years in a sort of laboratory, they keep a close eye on him, Clio is an innocent soul, with happy smiles. He’s different, they are afraid of him, and he doesn’t understand why. He can’t ask questions without punishment. So he keeps them inside.
Jackson has a bond with Clio, he hates what the PCA does with Clio. It is quite devastating!
More years are passing by. Clio is an adult, still kept locked.
After a disastrous event full of misunderstandings, Jackson turns against Clio and wants to terminate him, but Clio escapes.
It’s gotten so bad, Clio understands what he is, and what all the people around him want from him.
He knows it has to end, he has to end!!
At some point, Jackson, still full of hatred, meets Clio again.
It’s one big rich story, overflowing with events. All amazingly intriguing, it felt like a combination of sci-fi and fantasy. Sci-fi types of equipment and many sorts of fantasy pnr elements.
I ended this story in tears. I knew it was good but still, tears. Tears for Clio and all he was and is, for all he went through, for all he missed out in life, for all he yearned for, for all he didn’t get, for all the horror he’d been through, the pain, the loss.
And at last happy tears for what was coming his way, their way. A future, a happy one.
“Forever and ever?” “Forever and ever.”!
February 3, 2024
3.5
The author structured her story into 3 parts with each part following a significant timeline in Clio's life until his HFN with Jackson.
I loved part 1. It's an enthralling, gritty and heartbreaking tale of dark paranormal. We don't get much world building, just enough details necessary to get the story going and that adds to a vibe of inescapable fate and brain-washing ordinariness. We start with Jackson, a werwolf, who hunts other paranormals by order of the PCA. We don't know if it's a federal or a private agency or if society knows about paranormal beings. Doesn't matter here. What matters is that Jackson is forced to kill for such a long time that he's already jaded and numb. Only after killing a succubus and picking one of her twin babies from the crib his wall shows first cracks. Neither boy is killed but taken into a compound-like laboratory. Now part 1 follows the childhood of one of those incubus boys, Clio. Also being brain-washed and living a dull together with a few other paranormal beings and never leaving the windowless building he grows into a happy-go-lucky boy following the rules, his routine only interrupted by Jackson's sporadic visits. Of course the PCA has ulterior motives and is waiting for Clio's incubus nature to kick in. So everything comes to a terrifying event when Clio's puberty can't be hidden anymore.
Part 2 is starting after a time jump of more than a decade and now the world-building becomes an issue. While some questions are answered it becomes more apparent that some other are not and that gets my inner niggler raising his eyebrow doubtfully. There was also the question on whom and when Clio's skills had an effect. The antagonistic relationship between Clio and Jackson fleshed out. Sometimes it seemed like there happened more in the authors head than she put on page. If I wouldn't have still felt for Clio and his tragic lonely life I would have been unimpressed with part 2.
Part 3 continues seamlessly only that after the revelation at end of part 2 the relationship between Jackson and Clio is changing. While part 3 got somehow back on track again there were still some holes in the story flow and the romance part … the sudden change in Jackson felt never believable and while I could believe without a doubt Clio's childhood crush surviving everything what happened since, I wondered if all those feelings in the air were nothing more than incubus magic. There's also the case with Clio's brother and their childhood friend which again made me guess that the author had Otto's story in her mind and forgot that we don't. Let's say my eyebrow had a hard time to come down again although I still rooted for Clio who unfortunately only got a HFN and an end of his story that looks like passage into the next book.
Still it's an unique take on the incubus lore and I liked that the author didn't make them into some cute demons feeding only on sex vibes but with a more focused editor it could have been so much more. So the rounding up into 4 stars is mostly due to the excellent part 1 and how she created Clio throughout the nevertheless gripping story.
The author structured her story into 3 parts with each part following a significant timeline in Clio's life until his HFN with Jackson.
I loved part 1. It's an enthralling, gritty and heartbreaking tale of dark paranormal. We don't get much world building, just enough details necessary to get the story going and that adds to a vibe of inescapable fate and brain-washing ordinariness. We start with Jackson, a werwolf, who hunts other paranormals by order of the PCA. We don't know if it's a federal or a private agency or if society knows about paranormal beings. Doesn't matter here. What matters is that Jackson is forced to kill for such a long time that he's already jaded and numb. Only after killing a succubus and picking one of her twin babies from the crib his wall shows first cracks. Neither boy is killed but taken into a compound-like laboratory. Now part 1 follows the childhood of one of those incubus boys, Clio. Also being brain-washed and living a dull together with a few other paranormal beings and never leaving the windowless building he grows into a happy-go-lucky boy following the rules, his routine only interrupted by Jackson's sporadic visits. Of course the PCA has ulterior motives and is waiting for Clio's incubus nature to kick in. So everything comes to a terrifying event when Clio's puberty can't be hidden anymore.
Part 2 is starting after a time jump of more than a decade and now the world-building becomes an issue. While some questions are answered it becomes more apparent that some other are not and that gets my inner niggler raising his eyebrow doubtfully. There was also the question on whom and when Clio's skills had an effect. The antagonistic relationship between Clio and Jackson fleshed out. Sometimes it seemed like there happened more in the authors head than she put on page. If I wouldn't have still felt for Clio and his tragic lonely life I would have been unimpressed with part 2.
Part 3 continues seamlessly only that after the revelation at end of part 2 the relationship between Jackson and Clio is changing. While part 3 got somehow back on track again there were still some holes in the story flow and the romance part … the sudden change in Jackson felt never believable and while I could believe without a doubt Clio's childhood crush surviving everything what happened since, I wondered if all those feelings in the air were nothing more than incubus magic. There's also the case with Clio's brother and their childhood friend which again made me guess that the author had Otto's story in her mind and forgot that we don't. Let's say my eyebrow had a hard time to come down again although I still rooted for Clio who unfortunately only got a HFN and an end of his story that looks like passage into the next book.
Still it's an unique take on the incubus lore and I liked that the author didn't make them into some cute demons feeding only on sex vibes but with a more focused editor it could have been so much more. So the rounding up into 4 stars is mostly due to the excellent part 1 and how she created Clio throughout the nevertheless gripping story.
January 28, 2024
What an interesting and unique story, in this new-to-me author's latest story.
Jackson is a werewolf who hunts other paranormals, because of an organization run by humans, who have his brother in their custody, and who is in a coma. With that, they can do anything to his brother if he doesn't comply with their orders to kill as many supernaturals as they deem fit before he can be free.
Clio is one of two incubi taken from a cabin in the woods, where their succubus mother is killed by Jackson before he is aware of their presence. The organization keeps both babies - although one is kept even more locked up and caged than Clio is.
Clio may be a demon, that has to feed on hearts and sexual energy, and is damn near impossible to kill, but who he is at the heart of it all is a sweet, adorable guy who just wants a normal life. As a child, he's happy-go-lucky, seeing the best in those around him even when they aren't really the best at all. He's just so kind, in his soul.
But his demon nature, as he gets older, takes over at times, and while Clio hates that part of him, doesn't want to hurt anyone, at times it takes over, at least at first before he grows older and learns to control it.
Jackson is one of the few good things for Clio growing up in the facility. He visits occasionally, and he and Clio are friends.
Some might find it weird, that Jackson finds Clio as a baby and sees him on occasion as he's growing up, becomes a friend to him, all the way up until Clio is 16 and shit hits the fan - and they don't see each for 23 years - but Jackson never once sees Clio that way until he is well into adulthood. He's always had a connection to Clio, but only when Clio is an adult does he also feel lust and desire.
Clio, while so sheltered - and brainwashed - never realized that since about the time of puberty, he had a crush on Jackson. He didn't know what it was at the time, but it's pretty clear to the reader he had a crush, and an older Clio.
This was so engaging, such a fast and easy read, I couldn't get enough. This was such an interesting world, and the interpretation of Incubi in this was fascinating. How they were looked at almost like gods among other paranormals, how rare they were because how they came to be born.
My few issues mainly came with how little time, I felt, we spent with Jackson and Clio as adults, falling in love. It felt rushed, because Jackson thinks Clio was the one to kill his brother all these years ago when shit hit the fan when Clio was 16. Also,
So Jackson thinks this of Clio for some time - because Clio, for reasons seeming to be that he wants to provoke Jackson into trying to kill him - doesn't tell Jackson the truth, that he didn't kill his brother. And then once he does learn of it, Jackson completely lets all his anger and hate go and is basically kind of...at the stage of love for Clio. Which, he was having mixed feelings, before, for sure, but it still didn't seem like enough time went by for them, as adults, to get to the in love stage. There was a form of love before, when Clio was a kid until he was 16, but definitely not romantic. So I think the transition from mixed feelings to love needed to be longer with Jackson. Clio kind of already loved Jackson that way since he was at least a teenager, so his transition didn't feel as quick. It was like he was already there, buried underneath "hate" that wasn't actually hate.
Jackson was real hate - with mixed feelings of want anyway - before the hate was let go and then real love started. So that transition for him need to be longer and more detailed.
Also, the ending was too abrupt. Or more, it needed an epilogue. It felt almost bittersweet that it ends
So yeah, I had a few issues - another small one being there were some grammatical errors here and there as well - hence me giving this 4 stars. I do hope we get more of this universe, though. It was, overall, really good, and I would love more of Jackson and Clio in the future. Or maybe about Otto and Four - like maybe they both grow to be more adult, mentally and have their own love story.
Whichever could be next, I am excited to read it. This was certainly, overall, a strong first read for me for this author. And this is too unique and rich of a world to leave it be, so I'll be on the lookout for more.
And if nothing else, a short novella between Jackson and Clio living their HEA together would be amazing.
Guess we'll see what comes next from this author, who I will definitely be reading again in the future.
Can't wait for more!😍
Jackson is a werewolf who hunts other paranormals, because of an organization run by humans, who have his brother in their custody, and who is in a coma. With that, they can do anything to his brother if he doesn't comply with their orders to kill as many supernaturals as they deem fit before he can be free.
Clio is one of two incubi taken from a cabin in the woods, where their succubus mother is killed by Jackson before he is aware of their presence. The organization keeps both babies - although one is kept even more locked up and caged than Clio is.
Clio may be a demon, that has to feed on hearts and sexual energy, and is damn near impossible to kill, but who he is at the heart of it all is a sweet, adorable guy who just wants a normal life. As a child, he's happy-go-lucky, seeing the best in those around him even when they aren't really the best at all. He's just so kind, in his soul.
But his demon nature, as he gets older, takes over at times, and while Clio hates that part of him, doesn't want to hurt anyone, at times it takes over, at least at first before he grows older and learns to control it.
Jackson is one of the few good things for Clio growing up in the facility. He visits occasionally, and he and Clio are friends.
Some might find it weird, that Jackson finds Clio as a baby and sees him on occasion as he's growing up, becomes a friend to him, all the way up until Clio is 16 and shit hits the fan - and they don't see each for 23 years - but Jackson never once sees Clio that way until he is well into adulthood. He's always had a connection to Clio, but only when Clio is an adult does he also feel lust and desire.
Clio, while so sheltered - and brainwashed - never realized that since about the time of puberty, he had a crush on Jackson. He didn't know what it was at the time, but it's pretty clear to the reader he had a crush, and an older Clio.
This was so engaging, such a fast and easy read, I couldn't get enough. This was such an interesting world, and the interpretation of Incubi in this was fascinating. How they were looked at almost like gods among other paranormals, how rare they were because how they came to be born.
My few issues mainly came with how little time, I felt, we spent with Jackson and Clio as adults, falling in love. It felt rushed, because Jackson thinks Clio was the one to kill his brother all these years ago when shit hit the fan when Clio was 16. Also,
So Jackson thinks this of Clio for some time - because Clio, for reasons seeming to be that he wants to provoke Jackson into trying to kill him - doesn't tell Jackson the truth, that he didn't kill his brother. And then once he does learn of it, Jackson completely lets all his anger and hate go and is basically kind of...at the stage of love for Clio. Which, he was having mixed feelings, before, for sure, but it still didn't seem like enough time went by for them, as adults, to get to the in love stage. There was a form of love before, when Clio was a kid until he was 16, but definitely not romantic. So I think the transition from mixed feelings to love needed to be longer with Jackson. Clio kind of already loved Jackson that way since he was at least a teenager, so his transition didn't feel as quick. It was like he was already there, buried underneath "hate" that wasn't actually hate.
Jackson was real hate - with mixed feelings of want anyway - before the hate was let go and then real love started. So that transition for him need to be longer and more detailed.
Also, the ending was too abrupt. Or more, it needed an epilogue. It felt almost bittersweet that it ends
So yeah, I had a few issues - another small one being there were some grammatical errors here and there as well - hence me giving this 4 stars. I do hope we get more of this universe, though. It was, overall, really good, and I would love more of Jackson and Clio in the future. Or maybe about Otto and Four - like maybe they both grow to be more adult, mentally and have their own love story.
Whichever could be next, I am excited to read it. This was certainly, overall, a strong first read for me for this author. And this is too unique and rich of a world to leave it be, so I'll be on the lookout for more.
And if nothing else, a short novella between Jackson and Clio living their HEA together would be amazing.
Guess we'll see what comes next from this author, who I will definitely be reading again in the future.
Can't wait for more!😍
July 11, 2024
2.5 Stars rounded up. So much potential here.
Once again, this wasn’t a romance. This was more Clio’s story with a dash of romance in it. It started out so strong but once Clio and Jackson got together everything fell apart. The remainder of the book was way too rushed, lost the flow, forgot about the romance, just kinda stumbled. There was also quite a few editing errors and even wrong words used (lude instead of lewd). It needed to be longer with much more romance and character development put in.
Also, the driving force of Jackson’s vengeance and hatred? He seemed to completely forget about it at the end when the true bad guy of his life moves in with him and Clio without a single mention of the event that made Jackson (wrongfully) hate Clio.
The ending was terrible. Fuck that. Pissed me right off. Also, there’s very little steam in this considering one character is an incubus.
This was a good try though, and with more editing and more story this could’ve easily been a five star. I adored Clio.
Once again, this wasn’t a romance. This was more Clio’s story with a dash of romance in it. It started out so strong but once Clio and Jackson got together everything fell apart. The remainder of the book was way too rushed, lost the flow, forgot about the romance, just kinda stumbled. There was also quite a few editing errors and even wrong words used (lude instead of lewd). It needed to be longer with much more romance and character development put in.
Also, the driving force of Jackson’s vengeance and hatred? He seemed to completely forget about it at the end when the true bad guy of his life moves in with him and Clio without a single mention of the event that made Jackson (wrongfully) hate Clio.
The ending was terrible. Fuck that. Pissed me right off. Also, there’s very little steam in this considering one character is an incubus.
This was a good try though, and with more editing and more story this could’ve easily been a five star. I adored Clio.
January 20, 2024
"He was naked, now. Milky skin shadowed with the slopes of lean muscle that rounded softly, like an Italian Renaissance sketch. The horns and tail remained, though, like the artist had gone disturbed in his renderings."
Empire of Blood is the second book by author A.J. Nicky and I think I loved it even more than the first one (Curse of the Winter Kingdom). Both books are standalone, dark-ish MM fantasy/PNR, with Empire of Blood being Jackson (wolf shifter) and Clio's (incubus/demon) story - and I absolutely loved it!
This is such a unique story, so imaginative, with some fantastic world and character building, and an unusual style of writing sometimes that is very specific to this author, not exactly flowery but nuanced and layered.
Recommended!
4.25-4.5 stars
Empire of Blood is the second book by author A.J. Nicky and I think I loved it even more than the first one (Curse of the Winter Kingdom). Both books are standalone, dark-ish MM fantasy/PNR, with Empire of Blood being Jackson (wolf shifter) and Clio's (incubus/demon) story - and I absolutely loved it!
This is such a unique story, so imaginative, with some fantastic world and character building, and an unusual style of writing sometimes that is very specific to this author, not exactly flowery but nuanced and layered.
Recommended!
4.25-4.5 stars
January 29, 2024
Paranormal-Friends to enemies to lovers-Slowburn
I was a little iffy when I started this because of the age thing but I’m glad I stuck with it though because it ended up being a great story! It was a lot sweeter than I expected because I came ready for all the trauma but it was a nice addition overall.
Clio had my heart from the start, he’s soft and a little damaged, always seeing the best in people even though they don’t deserve it. I wasn’t a huge fan of the drama between him and Jackson but I know it was needed for the plot and I’m glad it didn’t take up a huge part of the story.
Jackson is a complex character because of his past, and I’m glad he didn’t suddenly change half way through and start caring about things he never did before. I appreciated the way he was written and I love the whole ‘touch him and you’ll die’ kinda trope so extra points for that. It was enjoyable seeing both of their character’s development throughout though the ending had me in my absolute feels.
I was a little iffy when I started this because of the age thing but I’m glad I stuck with it though because it ended up being a great story! It was a lot sweeter than I expected because I came ready for all the trauma but it was a nice addition overall.
Clio had my heart from the start, he’s soft and a little damaged, always seeing the best in people even though they don’t deserve it. I wasn’t a huge fan of the drama between him and Jackson but I know it was needed for the plot and I’m glad it didn’t take up a huge part of the story.
Jackson is a complex character because of his past, and I’m glad he didn’t suddenly change half way through and start caring about things he never did before. I appreciated the way he was written and I love the whole ‘touch him and you’ll die’ kinda trope so extra points for that. It was enjoyable seeing both of their character’s development throughout though the ending had me in my absolute feels.
January 23, 2024
First off, I loved this so much. It was so completely unique and addictive, I found myself constantly thinking about it when I couldn’t be reading it. I didn’t really want to finish, but now that I have…
I need there to be more. I NEED it. I feel like it could easily end here, but… PLEASE. I loved the story, the romance and the world.
-age gap
-captivity
-hurt/comfort
-enemies to lovers
-body gore
-paranormals
-trauma
After their amazing debut, I legit saw AJ Nicky put out another book, downloaded it immediately and started right away. I’m so happy I did.
One thing: PLEASE release paperbacks. I need both books on my shelves like air.
I need there to be more. I NEED it. I feel like it could easily end here, but… PLEASE. I loved the story, the romance and the world.
-age gap
-captivity
-hurt/comfort
-enemies to lovers
-body gore
-paranormals
-trauma
After their amazing debut, I legit saw AJ Nicky put out another book, downloaded it immediately and started right away. I’m so happy I did.
One thing: PLEASE release paperbacks. I need both books on my shelves like air.
January 20, 2024
I really can't put into words how much I loved this!
It was really dark and harrowing for the most part, but when the sentimental moments came, I was swooning! The ending had me in absolute tears. I laughed, I cried, I'm a mess.
Really looking forward to more from this new author!
It was really dark and harrowing for the most part, but when the sentimental moments came, I was swooning! The ending had me in absolute tears. I laughed, I cried, I'm a mess.
Really looking forward to more from this new author!
January 22, 2024
so good
It was so sad and heartbreaking reading what Clio and his brother went through. Jackson I really did not like in the beginning but throughout the book you learn to like him a little. At the end though you wish there was a part 2 to the book because you wish to read more about Jackson and Clio rediscovering their love again.
It was so sad and heartbreaking reading what Clio and his brother went through. Jackson I really did not like in the beginning but throughout the book you learn to like him a little. At the end though you wish there was a part 2 to the book because you wish to read more about Jackson and Clio rediscovering their love again.
January 20, 2024
Got off to a really strong start, but lost its way near the end. I feel like the last 20ish percent of the book should've been much longer. It felt rushed, with several (sometimes nonsensical) events happening in quick succession without much flow between. Still good overall, but it had the potential to be so much better.
January 30, 2024
I’m obsessed and have my fingers crossed for this to be a series! I’m so glad I decided to give this a read - I loved it more than some of the more notorious books in the MM romance genre. The plot was so dark and completely devastating. Love. Definitely will be a reread for me in the future and I’ll be immediately reading this authors other book!
January 24, 2024
This was an interesting story that I’m glad I had the opportunity to read. This starts as a classic but likely tale of a human organization bent on eradicating paranormals while doing shady stuff at the same time. Jackson (a paranormal himself) finds a set of incubi twins during one of his missions for this shady organization and is ordered to hand one of them over while the other is ordered terminated.
Enter Clio’s tragic story and the start of their friendship (admittedly while Clio is young). Jackson feels drawn to check in with Clio to ensure he is being treated well inside the facility even though he knows how this story will end.
After the (severe) misunderstanding leads to them hating each other when Clio is 16 and through the next decades, Jackson still finds himself searching for and hating Clio until they are thrust back together.
I really liked the book up until about 75-80%, then it seems to become either rushed or disjointed. That’s not to say I disliked it in any way, it just really felt like two different books or pieces of two different stories put together. There were alot of questions for me that were left unanswered. Maybe this is intentional if there is supposed to be more and this is part of a series, but I’m uncertain if that’s the plan.
I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
Enter Clio’s tragic story and the start of their friendship (admittedly while Clio is young). Jackson feels drawn to check in with Clio to ensure he is being treated well inside the facility even though he knows how this story will end.
After the (severe) misunderstanding leads to them hating each other when Clio is 16 and through the next decades, Jackson still finds himself searching for and hating Clio until they are thrust back together.
I really liked the book up until about 75-80%, then it seems to become either rushed or disjointed. That’s not to say I disliked it in any way, it just really felt like two different books or pieces of two different stories put together. There were alot of questions for me that were left unanswered. Maybe this is intentional if there is supposed to be more and this is part of a series, but I’m uncertain if that’s the plan.
I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2024
Marvelous MM fantasy read
The world building in this novel kept amazing me and I had to keep stopping to savor it and not rush through it like I usually would. Jackson and Clio are great main characters and the push and pull of their relationship is both heartbreaking and heartwarming to read. There are some great side characters also that I would love to read more about. A.J. Nicky has done a magnificent job of keeping us interested in the different plots that are going on, the relationships and especially what the heck is going on without ever making us feel like we are at a lecture or bogging down what is a very dark story. Don’t try to feel like you’re going to figure everything out quickly because Nicky drips things out for us with history bits and modern stuff and conversations and every other type of literary device that you could think of that works it’s way to a very interesting end to this book. Let’s hope that there is more story left in her brain.
The world building in this novel kept amazing me and I had to keep stopping to savor it and not rush through it like I usually would. Jackson and Clio are great main characters and the push and pull of their relationship is both heartbreaking and heartwarming to read. There are some great side characters also that I would love to read more about. A.J. Nicky has done a magnificent job of keeping us interested in the different plots that are going on, the relationships and especially what the heck is going on without ever making us feel like we are at a lecture or bogging down what is a very dark story. Don’t try to feel like you’re going to figure everything out quickly because Nicky drips things out for us with history bits and modern stuff and conversations and every other type of literary device that you could think of that works it’s way to a very interesting end to this book. Let’s hope that there is more story left in her brain.
January 24, 2024
Wow. That was different. I'd forgotten the back copy blurb by the time I got to this one, so went in unawares. For the first little bit I wasn't sure I was going to like it but some strange curiosity kept me turning pages and I'm glad that I did. The story is compelling and the characters interesting. My only complaints are that sometimes the plot and characters seemed...off? Like things just abruptly happened without making sense to me (outside of "because the author needed/wanted that to happen"). And while that was jarring, I'm willing to let it go. Not sure how I feel about the end, to be honest. The total turnaround on everything was a lot to take in. STILL THOUGH, I enjoyed the reading and that's what matters.
July 10, 2025
Ok...so this one's actually surprised me in the most delightful way possible. I didn't know where the story was heading and when I found out, it was pleasant to know I couldn't even imagine an end like that. It was emotional, sexy at times, and, above all, highly entertaining...what more can I ask for? It was incredible. Clio and Jackson were sexy together, although at times I got angry with the book and Miss Nicky for leaving us clueless about some of the story's dark points.
Agent Jackson is part of a secret organisation to eliminate supernaturals. Being a werewolf, this doesn't make much sense, until we know the reason behind this behaviour. In one of those missions, he end up finding two male incubi...hence, putting the world he lives and everyone around in grave danger.
All in all, it was a pleasant enough novel...heretofore, I'll be looking forward to reading more of what A. J. Nicky produces, thank you very much. For all my gals and my gays with an insatiable hunger to appease, this one's for you
Agent Jackson is part of a secret organisation to eliminate supernaturals. Being a werewolf, this doesn't make much sense, until we know the reason behind this behaviour. In one of those missions, he end up finding two male incubi...hence, putting the world he lives and everyone around in grave danger.
All in all, it was a pleasant enough novel...heretofore, I'll be looking forward to reading more of what A. J. Nicky produces, thank you very much. For all my gals and my gays with an insatiable hunger to appease, this one's for you
September 19, 2025
I didn’t read the blurb and assumed this was a vampire story based on the title. So lemme tell you I was kinda shocked. I’m honestly down for an age gap romance but not when one mc starts developing feelings for the other while they are a literal child… like forget the immortal paranormal aspect they’re still a CHILD. Also the discussion of of Clio’s puberty/genitals while he was a CHILD AND UNDERAGE was just really uncomfortable. If you disregard that, this did have potential like I see the vision just the execution was poor. The ending felt rushed… it’s left on a cliff hanger... Clio and Jackson aren’t really anything... Like what’s gonna happen to Otto and Four??? A lot of events are packed in and the timelines seem kind of off. Eg. Clio learning to live within the world 23 years after his escape… it was a sweet moment to do it with Jackson but girl be real he had plenty of time to do this earlier on. Idk there’s just so many questions and no answers to go with them.
January 28, 2024
This story weaves together some interesting and often intense threads. The worldbuilding is full of darkness and twists and grit. Shadowy agency? Complex paranormal elements, characters with plenty of depth? All here. There are plenty of sharp edges and unexpected turns in this narrative, and I’ll keep descriptions of those to a minimum because they deserve to be experienced on their own terms. Clio and Jackson go through a lot, and it’s easy to break your heart for both of them– there’s plenty to be intrigued by, emotional about, and to feel all the feelings for here, and despite a few rough edges in terms of narrative balance (drama, suspense, and surprise drive this narrative, which can leave some elements, like the romance, feeling a bit rushed in comparison) all in all it adds up to a rewarding reading experience.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 27, 2024
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it, the story grabbed by attention and kept it from the beginning to the end. The story is a paranormal fantasy with a side of slow burn romance, I loved Clio from the beginning but Jackson not so much but as the story progressed I liked him more. I went through quite an emotional rollercoaster reading this story especially were Clio was concerned and I know the author says it’s a standalone but the last part of the story felt a bit rushed and left me with a few unanswered questions so I’d really like to see another book or even a novella featuring Clio and Jackson but overall the story is definitely worth a read.
January 31, 2024
I am so delighted the author kept this story to a standalone, as I would have hated to have to wait for the resolution to Clio's and Jackson's story. This is a true enemies to lovers tale of the hitman out to eliminate paranormals who is himself a paranormal and trying to deal with that contradiction and the role he's forced to play for one of those all controlling "agencies" one encounters in spy and operative fiction. His target is Clio a demon who is definitely not prepared to go down without a fight and intends that Jackson be the one to go down in the most tortuous way possible. Great world building and two amazing characters.
Read
February 2, 2024Warning! This book contains,
BRAINWASHING, MEDICAL TESTING, and SEXUAL/MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABUSE of a MINOR who is the MC
This book has a warning in the beginning but I think it should be in capital bold letters and worded like that...
This book is very messed up so be warned.. I read the first 2 chapters and quickly stopped reading.. Which is not the author's fault..
If this book is not for you, read this author's other book Curse of the Winter Kingdom which is a very good book that is very different with no minors involved :)
BRAINWASHING, MEDICAL TESTING, and SEXUAL/MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABUSE of a MINOR who is the MC
This book has a warning in the beginning but I think it should be in capital bold letters and worded like that...
This book is very messed up so be warned.. I read the first 2 chapters and quickly stopped reading.. Which is not the author's fault..
If this book is not for you, read this author's other book Curse of the Winter Kingdom which is a very good book that is very different with no minors involved :)
February 1, 2024
This book kinda fell short for me. It's not like it was bad, it was interesting enough but after the amazing first debut novel (Curse of the Winter Kingdom), I had expectations, and they were not met. First of all, it's all kind of crumpled. The timeline starts from when the main character is 1 year old and spans almost 40 years all in ~300 pages. The author should have written a series instead. Add some torture in the prison, add some real pining, and make sense of the twin, and their relationship. I dunno, the story had the potential to be great. I believe we still can have a second book but another the twin.
January 29, 2024
Jackson and Clio were both in very difficult straits and not in control of their fates. Each is not free and made to do things that he would not have chosen to do. They first met as children. I felt for Clio and understood why Jackson is the person that he is at the point that they meet again as adults. Theirs is not an easy story and their journey towards rediscovering their connection and love for one another is not an easy one but this was an intriguing story that took us on an interesting journey with them.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2024
WOW, what a story, nothing like I expected it to be.
Realistically, I should rate it closer to a 4, but I simply couldn't put it down because it completely captured my attention.
The author’s writing style is truly unique, seamlessly blending subtle nuances with layered storytelling to create a reading experience that feels both fresh and engaging.
This isn’t a story about romance; it’s about a deeply lonely soul striving to find a family and live a fulfilling life, despite essentially being a god to all paranormals.
Realistically, I should rate it closer to a 4, but I simply couldn't put it down because it completely captured my attention.
The author’s writing style is truly unique, seamlessly blending subtle nuances with layered storytelling to create a reading experience that feels both fresh and engaging.
This isn’t a story about romance; it’s about a deeply lonely soul striving to find a family and live a fulfilling life, despite essentially being a god to all paranormals.
January 28, 2024
This author has really impressed me with both books so far and I'm sad that both have been standalones. This one more so than the first. The characters make you want to stay with them just a little bit longer. I was hoping for a sequel especially because of Otto and Four. The ending was perhaps bitter sweet but also so perfect for Clio. It's just sad for Jackson.
I'm really looking forward for more from this author and I recommend this particular story to fans of monster romances.
I'm really looking forward for more from this author and I recommend this particular story to fans of monster romances.
January 29, 2024
A new author for me and I was really impressed and thoroughly enjoyed this book. A imaginative, captivating, dramatic, dark, emotional, roller-coaster pnr that had me hooked until the end. Brilliant characters Clio and Jackson (who endeared me to him more and more as the story unfolded). Looking forward to more from this author and will definitely go back and read their first book.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
January 30, 2024
So...that happened and I wouldn't mind it happening again. Jackson and Clio were complicated characters to say the least. Clio was so easy to like but Jackson, he was a bit of an 🫏 although he did shape up and grow on me as the story progressed. This was a fantastic roller-coaster of manipulation and revenge and enjoyed every minute.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the GRR team*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the GRR team*
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