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The Dangerous Ones
A romantic historical fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood, set in the American Civil War with vampires and people with demigod-like abilities.
1863, Pennsylvania
War doesn’t scare Jerusalem—she’s a Saint. Thanks to powerful demigod-style reflexes, endurance, and strength, she’s fearless. And ever since the Confederates declared civil war, partnering with the vampires who benefitted off slavery, she and her battalion of Saints are essential to the Union army.
Jerusalem herself had been enslaved by a vampire, escaping North only after her family was murdered. She knows the enemy better, hates the enemy more than anyone in her battalion, and has been using it to her advantage since she joined the war a year ago. More than anything she wants revenge, but if she can help Black people gain freedom and equality without having to steal it for themselves like she had to, then all the better.
But she never expects to have to team up with a vampire to do it. Alexei is one of those handsome, arrogant Ancient Vampires. But he’s on the Union’s side, and in the year they've known each other, has never done anything but prove he’s on hers.
Together, they set out to change the course of the war and take down the vampire who destroyed everyone Jerusalem loved. But for her, it’s about more than justice.
It's about killing a god.
1863, Pennsylvania
War doesn’t scare Jerusalem—she’s a Saint. Thanks to powerful demigod-style reflexes, endurance, and strength, she’s fearless. And ever since the Confederates declared civil war, partnering with the vampires who benefitted off slavery, she and her battalion of Saints are essential to the Union army.
Jerusalem herself had been enslaved by a vampire, escaping North only after her family was murdered. She knows the enemy better, hates the enemy more than anyone in her battalion, and has been using it to her advantage since she joined the war a year ago. More than anything she wants revenge, but if she can help Black people gain freedom and equality without having to steal it for themselves like she had to, then all the better.
But she never expects to have to team up with a vampire to do it. Alexei is one of those handsome, arrogant Ancient Vampires. But he’s on the Union’s side, and in the year they've known each other, has never done anything but prove he’s on hers.
Together, they set out to change the course of the war and take down the vampire who destroyed everyone Jerusalem loved. But for her, it’s about more than justice.
It's about killing a god.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
69 people are currently reading
18082 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blackwood
7 books869 followersLauren Blackwood is the NYT/Indie Bestselling author of Within These Wicked Walls and Wildblood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews
September 11, 2024
The premise of this story is so good - what would the Civil War have been like if vampires, werewolves, and humans with supernatural abilities were involved? I'm always excited to see historical fantasy and a romantic subplot doesn't hurt. I was pumped to dive in.
Our main characters fight with the Union Army. Jerusalem is a Saint, a human with supernatural abilities. She escaped slavery in Virginia one year ago and was trained to fight by Alexi. Alexi is a 3000 year old vampire (yes, another old guy paired with a young woman), one of the few fighting for the Union. Most vampires, including the one that originally "turned" him and her companion, fight for the Confederacy. No spoilers here, but suffice it to say our main characters have shared adversaries.
Unfortunately, the language used here, especially by main character Jerusalem, is so modern that it's very difficult to stay in the 1863 setting. "Dumbass" was used so often that I did a search of the word and found it 17 times. We also have "stank-ass," "cute-ass," "fancypants," "hella," and mention of thread count with sheets. At one point Jerusalem talks about having a concussion. I'm guessing it was a deliberate choice to have modern words used, but it did not serve the book. It pulled me out of the story over and over again.
Another major issue is the constant physical and verbal attacks from Jerusalem towards Alexi, who is her companion throughout the story. Alexi loves Jerusalem from the start. We get scene after scene of her calling him names and literally attacking him. He takes it every single time. Had I known I was in for an abusive relationship, I don't think I would have read this book.
Reviews are for readers. This was available on NetGalley for early reads in exchange for an honest review.
Our main characters fight with the Union Army. Jerusalem is a Saint, a human with supernatural abilities. She escaped slavery in Virginia one year ago and was trained to fight by Alexi. Alexi is a 3000 year old vampire (yes, another old guy paired with a young woman), one of the few fighting for the Union. Most vampires, including the one that originally "turned" him and her companion, fight for the Confederacy. No spoilers here, but suffice it to say our main characters have shared adversaries.
Unfortunately, the language used here, especially by main character Jerusalem, is so modern that it's very difficult to stay in the 1863 setting. "Dumbass" was used so often that I did a search of the word and found it 17 times. We also have "stank-ass," "cute-ass," "fancypants," "hella," and mention of thread count with sheets. At one point Jerusalem talks about having a concussion. I'm guessing it was a deliberate choice to have modern words used, but it did not serve the book. It pulled me out of the story over and over again.
Another major issue is the constant physical and verbal attacks from Jerusalem towards Alexi, who is her companion throughout the story. Alexi loves Jerusalem from the start. We get scene after scene of her calling him names and literally attacking him. He takes it every single time. Had I known I was in for an abusive relationship, I don't think I would have read this book.
Reviews are for readers. This was available on NetGalley for early reads in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2024
This book had potential to be amazing, but it sadly fell really flat.
The writing was pretty choppy and inconsistent, there were a lot of choices I didn't really understand. If you're going to write a historical fantasy set in the civil war, stick with the language from that time. Don't casually throw in modern words and saying here and there, it really took me out of the story whenever that happened. I still don't think I could fully tell you the plot of this book actually is. The plot just didn't feel consistent, I kept getting lost. The best way I can explain it is if they wrote out a whole series but cut pieces from each book and combined them into 1 book. If it weren't for the fact that this was an ARC I probably would have DNF'ed at the 30% mark.
I think my biggest issue with the book was the romance. Where was it?? This was the most one sided romance I think I've ever read and you cannot convince me Jerusalem actually cares at all for Alexei. I understand she has trauma towards Vampires and all but no need to literally constantly verbally putting down, and constantly insulting your friend who has protected you this entire time. On the other side of the coin; Almost every second word was him saying how much he loved her which is fine, but not almost every sentence.
I will admit the last few chapters of the book were good, I just wish that writing was throughout the whole book, because that a lot of pages to read before you get consistency in plot.
I just feel really disappointed! Within These Wicked Walls was literally such a good book that I think it made me have too high of expectations for The Dangerous Ones.
thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
The writing was pretty choppy and inconsistent, there were a lot of choices I didn't really understand. If you're going to write a historical fantasy set in the civil war, stick with the language from that time. Don't casually throw in modern words and saying here and there, it really took me out of the story whenever that happened. I still don't think I could fully tell you the plot of this book actually is. The plot just didn't feel consistent, I kept getting lost. The best way I can explain it is if they wrote out a whole series but cut pieces from each book and combined them into 1 book. If it weren't for the fact that this was an ARC I probably would have DNF'ed at the 30% mark.
I think my biggest issue with the book was the romance. Where was it?? This was the most one sided romance I think I've ever read and you cannot convince me Jerusalem actually cares at all for Alexei. I understand she has trauma towards Vampires and all but no need to literally constantly verbally putting down, and constantly insulting your friend who has protected you this entire time. On the other side of the coin; Almost every second word was him saying how much he loved her which is fine, but not almost every sentence.
I will admit the last few chapters of the book were good, I just wish that writing was throughout the whole book, because that a lot of pages to read before you get consistency in plot.
I just feel really disappointed! Within These Wicked Walls was literally such a good book that I think it made me have too high of expectations for The Dangerous Ones.
thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
June 5, 2024
The Dangerous Ones
by Lauren Blackwood
YA Paranormal Historical Fiction
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: May 14, 2024
St. Martin's Press
Ages: 16+
Set during the Civil War, Jerusalem escapes to the North after spending her first seventeen years as a slave on a plantation, owned by abusive humans and a single female vampire. Seeking revenge against that vampire who killed her family, she joins the Union army and also finds out she is a Saint. A rare person gifted with strength, reflexes, and endurance; perfect to fight against the vampires who have joined forces with the Confederates.
But one vampire also joined with the North, who does not agree with the other vampires and their abusive way of living.
This was a good story, a quick read. I really liked how the supernatural was incorporated into the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, though I felt as if some details about the Underground were left out. I understand the secrecy of the railroad, but I feel that a little more depth about a few of the characters would've created a more dramatic effect.
As would some backstory about the Saints. There should be a lot of explanations of who, why, how, when, etc about the Saints and how they came to be.
The romantic aspect, I didn't care for the MCs', but their friends' romance was a more 'heartfelt' romance, and I liked that one more.
Another thing that bothered me was the pet names the two MCs had for each other. It got a little confusing at times. Sure I can understand the shortening of names, but some of the 'pet names' he had for her were a tad creepy.
And the title of the book; it sounds ominous but by the end of the book...who?
There is violence and some innuendos so I think it's more suitable for 'mature' 16+ readers.
3 Stars
by Lauren Blackwood
YA Paranormal Historical Fiction
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: May 14, 2024
St. Martin's Press
Ages: 16+
Set during the Civil War, Jerusalem escapes to the North after spending her first seventeen years as a slave on a plantation, owned by abusive humans and a single female vampire. Seeking revenge against that vampire who killed her family, she joins the Union army and also finds out she is a Saint. A rare person gifted with strength, reflexes, and endurance; perfect to fight against the vampires who have joined forces with the Confederates.
But one vampire also joined with the North, who does not agree with the other vampires and their abusive way of living.
This was a good story, a quick read. I really liked how the supernatural was incorporated into the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, though I felt as if some details about the Underground were left out. I understand the secrecy of the railroad, but I feel that a little more depth about a few of the characters would've created a more dramatic effect.
As would some backstory about the Saints. There should be a lot of explanations of who, why, how, when, etc about the Saints and how they came to be.
The romantic aspect, I didn't care for the MCs', but their friends' romance was a more 'heartfelt' romance, and I liked that one more.
Another thing that bothered me was the pet names the two MCs had for each other. It got a little confusing at times. Sure I can understand the shortening of names, but some of the 'pet names' he had for her were a tad creepy.
And the title of the book; it sounds ominous but by the end of the book...who?
There is violence and some innuendos so I think it's more suitable for 'mature' 16+ readers.
3 Stars
March 7, 2024
What?!? No seriously... what!!! I am so excited that I got approved to read this, as I've read "Wildblood" from Lauren Blackwood and LOVED IT! Her writing style and world building is just absolutely fantastic. It truly puts you into a trance. This one did that to me as well. I felt like I was a part of the story right along with the MMC and FMC. The back and forth between the two main characters was interesting to watch, in the beginning I expected Alexei to definitely die at some point at the hands of Jerusalem. Because of how brutal they were with one another, until I saw how the story was unfolding. The character development between the two characters was truly remarkable, especially Jerusalem. I also loved Odessa... for so many reasons. This story truly had me on the edge of my seat so many times. I even got teary-eyed a few times. I loved every moment of this! I cannot wait to check out more books from Lauren Blackwood as they're always so brilliant! I never knew I'd be so into a book about slavery plus had vampires. I truly loved Jerusalem's resilience to overcome what she's been through in the south and truly becoming an amazing warrior!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
January 20, 2024
*boo! Tomato, tomato, tomato* You can not be serious? I know the girls like to tussle and love their IR romance but can yall do it without fetishizing Black women please? Also, if you’re going to do a historical piece at least bother to get the antebellum AAVE correct. There’s no way this was written for teen girls in mind. This was written for grown women who like to read as if they were still in high school.
December 19, 2023
Hey guys! Behold book baby #3! TW are always listed in my books, but will be adding them to my website soon, and online here: The Dangerous Ones contains depictions war and slavery, blood and gore, murder, death, physical abuse, hate crimes, racial discrimination, gun violence, and references to sexual abuse. Please take care of yourselves and enjoy!
November 10, 2024
A lot of tropes, poorly composed plot/logic scenarios, and overall fairly uninspired. Maybe I’m just not into US civil war books; but you’d have thought adding vampires would make it interesting enough?!
A little surprised at the white vampire saviour story here given the author is of colour. Although I do like the attempt to break people, races, and vampires (species?) from stereotypes and look at people as individuals first.
And then there are the tropes! For me, its odd that author Lauren Blackwood admits to wanting to write a book with all the tropes in her afterword… not sure why you would the tropes to be so boring and cliche the way they are here. I don’t mind tropes (generally) but the overall story has gotta capture me, or have really good characters; sadly this had neither. I didn’t hate the characters; but I also didn’t love them. I was very meh for a lot of this story. Again, it’s worth noting I’m Canada and USA civil war stories are far from my thing. That said I’ve read others where I loved the commentary on racism, classism, sexism, etc.
Overall this one just missed the mark for me. One of many subpar romance in a supernatural setting that are available today. Given the flood of these books to the market in recent years I feel that you really need to have something that is fast paced, well written, engaging reader with characters, and has an element that is unique. Vampires during the civil war is just not unique enough for me. All that said I might consider reading another novel Lauren Blackwood, however, I’d be sure the premise is something I really care about.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
A little surprised at the white vampire saviour story here given the author is of colour. Although I do like the attempt to break people, races, and vampires (species?) from stereotypes and look at people as individuals first.
And then there are the tropes! For me, its odd that author Lauren Blackwood admits to wanting to write a book with all the tropes in her afterword… not sure why you would the tropes to be so boring and cliche the way they are here. I don’t mind tropes (generally) but the overall story has gotta capture me, or have really good characters; sadly this had neither. I didn’t hate the characters; but I also didn’t love them. I was very meh for a lot of this story. Again, it’s worth noting I’m Canada and USA civil war stories are far from my thing. That said I’ve read others where I loved the commentary on racism, classism, sexism, etc.
Overall this one just missed the mark for me. One of many subpar romance in a supernatural setting that are available today. Given the flood of these books to the market in recent years I feel that you really need to have something that is fast paced, well written, engaging reader with characters, and has an element that is unique. Vampires during the civil war is just not unique enough for me. All that said I might consider reading another novel Lauren Blackwood, however, I’d be sure the premise is something I really care about.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
June 6, 2024
Check out this review with photo along with other reviews on my blog @ https://shannarareads.com/?p=609
I am irritated because I wanted to love this so much and I hate having to rate stuff less than three stars. But I just had to!! I was so disappointed in the story. And the characters for that matter. Basically a woman and vampire team up to go on a revenge spree. And they are really heartless too. Like killing kids that are 15 and stuff like that.
But the main character Jerusalem is just terrible. She’s hateful, vengeful, crass, and overall really shitty. Almost the entire time!!!! Like there’s supposed to be this great romance, but it just seemed very unbelievable to me. I wasn’t into the two of them together. There was no heat and no chemistry!!! At all. Smh.. it was just all very disappointing.
I didn’t rate it one star because there was a fun Sasquatch, a few vaguely funny parts, and because Jerusalem finally stopped being a dick in the very end. Like the last ten pages.
So I don’t recommend this one. At all. I’d apologize, but I just can’t help what I don’t like.
I am irritated because I wanted to love this so much and I hate having to rate stuff less than three stars. But I just had to!! I was so disappointed in the story. And the characters for that matter. Basically a woman and vampire team up to go on a revenge spree. And they are really heartless too. Like killing kids that are 15 and stuff like that.
But the main character Jerusalem is just terrible. She’s hateful, vengeful, crass, and overall really shitty. Almost the entire time!!!! Like there’s supposed to be this great romance, but it just seemed very unbelievable to me. I wasn’t into the two of them together. There was no heat and no chemistry!!! At all. Smh.. it was just all very disappointing.
I didn’t rate it one star because there was a fun Sasquatch, a few vaguely funny parts, and because Jerusalem finally stopped being a dick in the very end. Like the last ten pages.
So I don’t recommend this one. At all. I’d apologize, but I just can’t help what I don’t like.
May 13, 2024
The premise of The Dangerous Ones is intriguing one: in the midst of the Civil War, a young Black woman named Jerusalem has spent a year working alongside Ancient Vampire Alexei and their other allies known as “Saints,” against the Confederate Army. Mentioned in the papers as “The Demon Saint,” Jerusalem possess remarkable reflexes and strength akin to a demigod, a powerful spear that she utilizes to dispatch her enemies and a desire for vengeance against the monstrous vampire who enslaved and murdered her family.
Told from the perspectives of Jerusalem and Alexei and shifting between both of their pasts and their presents, The Dangerous Ones does a great job at presenting their motivations and depicting the depths of their emotions. Given the nature of the setting and the histories of the characters, there are moments of brutality and abuse depicted and the content warnings in the beginning of the audiobook should be given proper consideration.
The narrations from Angel Pean and Jay Ben Markson are captivating and they do an excellent job at infusing Jerusalem and Alexei-as well as the other characters-with the believable anguish, vulnerability, teasing and menace that reflects the novel’s writing. Jerusalem is headstrong and fearless in the face of adversity, but more uncertain when when navigating her complicated feelings towards Alexei and while Alexei is charming and steadfast in his adoration of Jerusalem, his carefully hidden fear relating to his own past trauma is also understandable.
In regards to aspects of The Dangerous Ones that I was not as fond of: there are moments when modern dialogue is used and it is jarring in relation to the historical setting. Alexei also refers to Jerusalem by a nickname relating to her diminutive stature excessively, as though the listener may possibly forget that she is very petite.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing access to this audiobook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Told from the perspectives of Jerusalem and Alexei and shifting between both of their pasts and their presents, The Dangerous Ones does a great job at presenting their motivations and depicting the depths of their emotions. Given the nature of the setting and the histories of the characters, there are moments of brutality and abuse depicted and the content warnings in the beginning of the audiobook should be given proper consideration.
The narrations from Angel Pean and Jay Ben Markson are captivating and they do an excellent job at infusing Jerusalem and Alexei-as well as the other characters-with the believable anguish, vulnerability, teasing and menace that reflects the novel’s writing. Jerusalem is headstrong and fearless in the face of adversity, but more uncertain when when navigating her complicated feelings towards Alexei and while Alexei is charming and steadfast in his adoration of Jerusalem, his carefully hidden fear relating to his own past trauma is also understandable.
In regards to aspects of The Dangerous Ones that I was not as fond of: there are moments when modern dialogue is used and it is jarring in relation to the historical setting. Alexei also refers to Jerusalem by a nickname relating to her diminutive stature excessively, as though the listener may possibly forget that she is very petite.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing access to this audiobook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 21, 2024
The Dangerous Ones is an enemies to lovers story about a Vampire and his natural predators which are human's called Saints. This takes place during the Confederation war, which was difficult to surmise given the language used other than the fact of characters referencing the war as current thing. I understand that this is for YA but I think language of the book was modernized too much to the detriment of the story and the characters. The premise was a fantastic idea but the structure just didn't vibe for me. I didn't feel any sort of connection to any of the characters, I found them flat, whinny and weak. The world building was flawed and boring. The time jumping didn't flow well for me. It pulled me out of the story rather than reeling me deeper in. I liked the fight scenes. I do not think think this book is bad, it just wasn't what I was hoping it would be.
I unfortunately did not enjoy this book, which is sad because it is right up my alley but it just missed the mark for me on too many levels. ☹️ 1 ⭐
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me access to this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I unfortunately did not enjoy this book, which is sad because it is right up my alley but it just missed the mark for me on too many levels. ☹️ 1 ⭐
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me access to this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 18, 2024
In 'The Dangerous Ones' by Lauren Blackwood, I found a captivating blend of Civil War history and fantasy, exploring themes of racism, slavery, and the fight for freedom. Following the journey of Jerusalem, a powerful 'Saint,' and Alexei, an ancient vampire, as they join forces against their adversaries, I was immersed in a world where fantasy seamlessly intertwines with historical events. I particularly enjoyed Jerusalem's portrayal as a strong yet vulnerable character and the intricacies of her relationship with Alexei. The novel skillfully tackles issues of racism and slavery, using vampires as a metaphor for oppressors. While some may have desired more depth, I was hooked by the fast-paced plot, despite a few predictable moments. Overall, 'The Dangerous Ones' is a compelling story of courage and hope, perfect for fans of dark fantasy and historical fiction.
March 10, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 14, 2024
“The Dangerous Ones” by Lauren Blackwood is a historical drama, set during the Civil War in the American South, where vampires and mortals with special abilities can be partners or enemies, depending on what side you’re fighting on.
Jerusalem is known as a “Saint”, someone with demi-god like super abilities, including super speed, strength and reflexes. After escaping from the home where she was held captive as a slave, Jerusalem’s only goal is to seek revenge on the family who “owned” her. When she teams up with Alexei, a powerful vampire, she doesn’t expect to get along with him, much less fall in love with him, but both Alexei and Jerusalem seem to have the same goal- fight for the freedom of the Black American people, and seek revenge.
I had high hopes for “The Dangerous Ones”, but the novel fell flat. Although I enjoyed the vampire component, the story made it feel like it was a sequel and I had skipped over the first novel where all the character development took place. Although Blackwood goes back in both Jerusalem and Alexei’s past so we can understand a bit more about what brought them together, I felt like I was simply thrown into the middle of an ongoing story where everyone knew what was going on except me.
The language, too, was off-putting. Not because of the slang used, but the fact that some of the slang was not relevant to the time. For example, Jerusalem uses the term “minute” (as in, “I haven’t done that in a minute”), “hella”, “fancypants” and other modern terms that, to the best of my limited knowledge, would not have been understood during the Civil War era. Jerusalem used to be a slave, so her language use is supposed to reflect that, but she doesn’t use it consistently. When she is speaking, she uses it but when she is narrating and not speaking directly, her slang use comes and goes, which makes it difficult to read and follow.
I liked the Civil War revenge plot, I liked the Underground railway and the quest to free Black slaves and I liked the vampire component (obviously), but somehow, putting them all together did not work. I haven’t read anything else by Blackwood, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I was hopeful that this novel would bring yet another author into my orbit but “Dangerous Ones” did not succeed in this task.
Expected publication date: May 14, 2024
“The Dangerous Ones” by Lauren Blackwood is a historical drama, set during the Civil War in the American South, where vampires and mortals with special abilities can be partners or enemies, depending on what side you’re fighting on.
Jerusalem is known as a “Saint”, someone with demi-god like super abilities, including super speed, strength and reflexes. After escaping from the home where she was held captive as a slave, Jerusalem’s only goal is to seek revenge on the family who “owned” her. When she teams up with Alexei, a powerful vampire, she doesn’t expect to get along with him, much less fall in love with him, but both Alexei and Jerusalem seem to have the same goal- fight for the freedom of the Black American people, and seek revenge.
I had high hopes for “The Dangerous Ones”, but the novel fell flat. Although I enjoyed the vampire component, the story made it feel like it was a sequel and I had skipped over the first novel where all the character development took place. Although Blackwood goes back in both Jerusalem and Alexei’s past so we can understand a bit more about what brought them together, I felt like I was simply thrown into the middle of an ongoing story where everyone knew what was going on except me.
The language, too, was off-putting. Not because of the slang used, but the fact that some of the slang was not relevant to the time. For example, Jerusalem uses the term “minute” (as in, “I haven’t done that in a minute”), “hella”, “fancypants” and other modern terms that, to the best of my limited knowledge, would not have been understood during the Civil War era. Jerusalem used to be a slave, so her language use is supposed to reflect that, but she doesn’t use it consistently. When she is speaking, she uses it but when she is narrating and not speaking directly, her slang use comes and goes, which makes it difficult to read and follow.
I liked the Civil War revenge plot, I liked the Underground railway and the quest to free Black slaves and I liked the vampire component (obviously), but somehow, putting them all together did not work. I haven’t read anything else by Blackwood, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I was hopeful that this novel would bring yet another author into my orbit but “Dangerous Ones” did not succeed in this task.
October 3, 2025
Magic • Romance • Civil War
I had high hopes for this book but it ended up being a letdown. The premise sounded exciting, with supernatural elements tied to the Civil War era, but the story never came together in a satisfying way.
The pacing dragged and the chapters felt overly long. Flashbacks and point of view changes happened often and broke the flow of the story instead of adding depth. The dialogue was also distracting. Modern slang did not fit the historical setting and made it difficult to stay immersed.
The world building had promise but was never clearly explained. The Saints and their powers could have been fascinating, but instead felt vague and underdeveloped.
Jerusalem as a main character was hard to connect with. She often acted impulsively and her treatment of Alexi felt more toxic than romantic. Their relationship lacked chemistry and never fully convinced me. The side characters felt flat and were not used to their full potential.
Overall, this story had potential but the uneven writing, poor pacing, and lack of depth left me disappointed.
I had high hopes for this book but it ended up being a letdown. The premise sounded exciting, with supernatural elements tied to the Civil War era, but the story never came together in a satisfying way.
The pacing dragged and the chapters felt overly long. Flashbacks and point of view changes happened often and broke the flow of the story instead of adding depth. The dialogue was also distracting. Modern slang did not fit the historical setting and made it difficult to stay immersed.
The world building had promise but was never clearly explained. The Saints and their powers could have been fascinating, but instead felt vague and underdeveloped.
Jerusalem as a main character was hard to connect with. She often acted impulsively and her treatment of Alexi felt more toxic than romantic. Their relationship lacked chemistry and never fully convinced me. The side characters felt flat and were not used to their full potential.
Overall, this story had potential but the uneven writing, poor pacing, and lack of depth left me disappointed.
July 26, 2024
Well the elements seemed to be here..
Vampires taking sides in the Civil War...Strong Feist Black female protagonist
However the book just disappointed.
Everything seemed so superficial and plot lines ...were sketched out hazily..with perils overcome and a hasty ending.
Disappointed because I have liked the Authors previous work.
Vampires taking sides in the Civil War...Strong Feist Black female protagonist
However the book just disappointed.
Everything seemed so superficial and plot lines ...were sketched out hazily..with perils overcome and a hasty ending.
Disappointed because I have liked the Authors previous work.
May 29, 2024
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Dangerous Ones was actually pretty freaking good. In this book, you will meet Jerusalem. She's a Saint and is completely and unapologetically herself. Now, what's a Saint exactly? Picture Wonder Woman, and that's our badass FMC. She's a powerful demigod with quick reflexes, endurance, and strength. Her weapon of choice? A spear. She's also pretty fearless and her mouth gets her in a lot of trouble.
Then there's her sparring partner, Alexei. He's a vampire, which makes their friendship pretty unique. They both have survived trauma from vampires, and together, they are in the Union army trying to take down other vampires. They also have really fun banter between them and flirt constantly.
If I could complain about one thing, it would be the romance. I'm a sucker for it sometimes and just really enjoyed the tango between Alexei and Jerusalem. I wanted so much more than the moments we got between them. Some were spicy, but they could've been spicier in my eyes. Other than that, it was cute and I'm happy with how things happened between them.
Besides that, we get revenge, betrayal, and death—lots of death since it is technically a war. Either way, I enjoyed every second of this and loved how certain things happened towards the end. I still want more romance, but I will just pretend everything is happening in my head now that it's all over.
In the end, this was so good, and I can't wait for the next book that Lauren writes. She never disappoints!
"'All we have in the world is each other,' I said. 'Let's stick together, no matter what.'
'Like a coven,' Lex said.
'I was going to say 'family,' but actually coven might suit us better—sounds dangerous, like us. Agreed?'
'Agreed.'"
The Dangerous Ones was actually pretty freaking good. In this book, you will meet Jerusalem. She's a Saint and is completely and unapologetically herself. Now, what's a Saint exactly? Picture Wonder Woman, and that's our badass FMC. She's a powerful demigod with quick reflexes, endurance, and strength. Her weapon of choice? A spear. She's also pretty fearless and her mouth gets her in a lot of trouble.
Then there's her sparring partner, Alexei. He's a vampire, which makes their friendship pretty unique. They both have survived trauma from vampires, and together, they are in the Union army trying to take down other vampires. They also have really fun banter between them and flirt constantly.
If I could complain about one thing, it would be the romance. I'm a sucker for it sometimes and just really enjoyed the tango between Alexei and Jerusalem. I wanted so much more than the moments we got between them. Some were spicy, but they could've been spicier in my eyes. Other than that, it was cute and I'm happy with how things happened between them.
Besides that, we get revenge, betrayal, and death—lots of death since it is technically a war. Either way, I enjoyed every second of this and loved how certain things happened towards the end. I still want more romance, but I will just pretend everything is happening in my head now that it's all over.
In the end, this was so good, and I can't wait for the next book that Lauren writes. She never disappoints!
October 26, 2024
This was a great book. I listened to the audio of this book for a while and then I would read a few chapters in my physical book. It made for a super quick read this way and I really enjoyed reading it on both mediums. The audio book was done nicely and it was a great experience.
I have read the author’s other books, and really enjoyed them, and this one was done just as wonderfully. The author always writes strong FMC’s and I appreciate that and think it is even more important in YA books. The banter between Alexei and Jerusalem was top notch and done so well. I think I chuckled so many times I lost count, it was great and led to a great base for their romance. I did have a few frustrations because I wanted a little more backstory as to how the characters got to where they were, but I did get past that eventually and enjoyed the story immensely. There were also some fun added historical points which I really enjoyed. This was a fantastic mash-up of genres and I think that it will appeal to a wide variety of readers.
I have read the author’s other books, and really enjoyed them, and this one was done just as wonderfully. The author always writes strong FMC’s and I appreciate that and think it is even more important in YA books. The banter between Alexei and Jerusalem was top notch and done so well. I think I chuckled so many times I lost count, it was great and led to a great base for their romance. I did have a few frustrations because I wanted a little more backstory as to how the characters got to where they were, but I did get past that eventually and enjoyed the story immensely. There were also some fun added historical points which I really enjoyed. This was a fantastic mash-up of genres and I think that it will appeal to a wide variety of readers.
July 5, 2024
The cover is pretty. The description is eye-catching. I have enjoyed two books by Lauren Blackwood thus far and was excited to read this one based on the premise. The description alone was giving me Justina Ireland vibes as well. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into this book. I tried several times but there were several things that made it hard. The biggest issue with this book is the writing, specifically, modern-day language used for a specific time period. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but it made it very difficult for me to lose myself in the story. Also, the writing style reminded me so much of this movie called Hollywood Shuffle in which intelligent African American actors are made to speak in broken English in a stereotypical way by the movie writers and directors. What I'm saying is that it felt forced and inauthentic. Another disappointment is that this is the first Lauren Blackwood character that I didn't like. She wasn't well developed and was borderline harsh/abusive when it came to Alexi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2024
A fun and creative reimagining of the Civil War that blends history and the paranormal. The characters started off slower for me, especially Jerusalem, but by the end, I was invested in their storyline. While not necessarily historically accurate, this imaginative take on history made for an interesting read.
May 3, 2024
"A romantic historical fantasy set in the American Civil War with vampires & people with demigod-like abilities."
I was fascinated by this synopsis. How cool would it have been to have paranormal creatures wandering around during the Civil War?
The execution is lacking a bit for me.
It was a lot of chatting and not a lot of action.
I liked the writing and will definitely checking out Blackwood's other books.
Much love to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for my ALC.
I was fascinated by this synopsis. How cool would it have been to have paranormal creatures wandering around during the Civil War?
The execution is lacking a bit for me.
It was a lot of chatting and not a lot of action.
I liked the writing and will definitely checking out Blackwood's other books.
Much love to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for my ALC.
August 28, 2024
2024 reads: 118/250
2024 tbr: 53/120
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
raised a slave, and seeing her family killed by a vampire, jerusalem is eager to use her powers as a saint to fight against the confederacy and (some of) the vampires. much to her dismay, this leads to her having to team up with a vampire named alexei. together, they set out to not only win the war, but also take down the vampire who killed jerusalem’s family.
i’ve been a huge lauren blackwood fan ever since i got to read an early copy of within these wicked walls in 2021, so i’m always excited to hear when she has a new release!
even though i typically don’t read books about war, i was interested to see how this would play out with the vampires and saints being present. i enjoyed how the fantastical elements blended with the historical ones.
i recommend this to fantasy readers and i’m very excited for more from lauren blackwood!
2024 tbr: 53/120
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
raised a slave, and seeing her family killed by a vampire, jerusalem is eager to use her powers as a saint to fight against the confederacy and (some of) the vampires. much to her dismay, this leads to her having to team up with a vampire named alexei. together, they set out to not only win the war, but also take down the vampire who killed jerusalem’s family.
i’ve been a huge lauren blackwood fan ever since i got to read an early copy of within these wicked walls in 2021, so i’m always excited to hear when she has a new release!
even though i typically don’t read books about war, i was interested to see how this would play out with the vampires and saints being present. i enjoyed how the fantastical elements blended with the historical ones.
i recommend this to fantasy readers and i’m very excited for more from lauren blackwood!
May 14, 2024
Happy Pub Day!
Book Stats
Stars: 2 Stars
Start Date: 05/02/24
Ending Date: 05 /12/24
Genre: YA Historical Romance Fantasy
Form: E-Arc/ ALC
Page Count: 368
Publishing Date: 05/14/24
Point of View: Dual 1st Person
Setting: Civil War America
My Blog: https://tanyasreading.wordpress.com/2...
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
Thank you MacMillan Audio for the Audiobook Arc exchange for an honest review. Thank you Edelweiss for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Dangerous Ones is set in the Antebellum/ Civil War period where vampires had slaves, were helping the confederate states keep and uphold the Constitution of Slavery in the Southern States of America. Jerusalem, a former slave who ran away after her family was killed by a set of vampires who enslaved her, met a group of people who are called Saints. Saints are people who have demi-god strength and powers who can kill vampires, and are helping the Union Army in the war effort to unify the country and kill the vampires. She meets Alexi, a 300 year old vampire who is helping the Saints and the Union Army in the cause. Jerusalem and Alexi are both looking for the same vampire who caused them harm. For Jerusalem, it’s the one who enslaved her, killed her family and may have her brother. For Alexi, it’s the one who made him a monster and tortured him.
This had so much potential to be good because the premise reminded me so much of Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Dread Nation. Taking the historical event like the Civil war and flip on its head by adding Vampires or other supernatural creatures trying to help the Confederate States and Zombies that change the course of the war.
This really needs to be edited better because the chapters are too long with the POV Switches between Alexi and Jerusalem inside one chapter felt disjointed. Then add the fact you also have it switching from present time to flashbacks from Jerusalem or Alexi in the chapter as well. This book is 350 pages and it’s only 15 chapters which could have spilt up to at least 4 or 5 chapters. One of the chapters was 41 pages long which in the audiobook it was an hour and seventeen mins long. Some people's attention span is not long in which a couple times I found myself zone out.
I really don’t like how the flashbacks were used as well. You go from her running away from her enslavers to two years since that happened and using the flashback to fill the holes between those times. Like how Jerusalem met the Saints and Alexi is all flashback that you get either in her or his pov but not in real time. Something that important should be told in real time and then you can time jump. It doesn’t work when you are trying to establish a relationship between Jerusalem and the Saints that she met after she ran away. It really doesn’t work when you are trying to convince readers that a love story is supposed to be brewing between our main two characters. When part of the development and interaction is flashback and not in the present.
It is almost like cutting corners while doing all the work. I do like fast pace books that get to the point but I like well throughout fast pace books which this one is not it. Especially if it’s at the detriment of you developing your characters, the relationship between the characters, the world building and the story you are trying to tell as a whole.
Jerusalem is just so damn impulsive for damn good which I’m trying so hard to understand since have been enslaved her whole life and her family has been killed. She is really the definition of fighting now, asking questions later which gets her so much trouble. Like if she was near Harriett Tubman she would smack the living shit out of her. She is 18 but the way she verbally talks down to Alexi who is supposed to be in love with her, she feels like a two year old learning a new word and keeps repeating it over and over again. Which that word is either dumbass, smartass, stupid-ass, cute ass, white boy, and anything else that she sticks the world ass to. It's supposed to be playful banter but just not working at all and the borderline feels toxic. Jerusalem’s narrator seems like she was always out of breath as if she was reading too fast. You can clearly hear her intake of breath which gets very annoying as you continue to listen.
This was supposed to be set in 1863 but the way Jerusalem talks modern you would say this was set in the present day. Who the hell in 1863 going to use the word “reparations"? Especially the fact it’s during the war meaning that the slaves are not officially free yet. The modern talk could have worked if this was a time traveling story. Like if she was from our time and get sent back to 1863 to help an ancestor who was an OG saint and former slave. Then it would have made sense since she wouldn’t be from that time at all.
Alexi's narrator was good but the fact he is supposed to be an eternally immorally 18 year old teenage boy who is just 300 year old, doesn't fit the narrator's voice at all. He should sound younger like a teenager and not like he is almost a 40 years old man even if he is 300 years old. I cringed every time he called Jerusalem his nickname he gave her which is Tiny or called her small. He just doesn’t sound right saying it at all. Also the fact that he is supposed to be in love with her but feels like obsession more than love.
This doesn’t feel properly researched at all as well. The only battle that was mentioned was the Battle of Gettysburg and the only historical figures mentioned were Lee and Grant. Like there wasn't more battle than that in Civil War that you could have incorporated the vampire into. Since the author did put the Underground Railroad they could have easily made a character that was almost like Harriet Tubman and made her into a Saint.
The characters are super underdeveloped to the point that if the character is not either Alexi or Jerusalem, they are very disposable and don't add anything of value to the story. Its one character I was supposed to care about but I could care less once something happens to them. Even the main villain feels so one dimensional and just there for the main two characters to have something in common. She is supposed to be 3,000 years old aka created before the time of Christ for goodness sakes and it’s nothing interesting about her. Like where did she come from? Why did she think it was a good idea to go to America, go to the south and help the south with slavery? She has zero backstory at all! Then for her to kill so easily at the hands of an 18 year old child? For a story about Vampires there is hardly any lore for the vampires that are in the story.
For a story that is supposed to be about Civil War and incorporating vampires and demi-gods into the story, the world building and magical system explanation feels so nonexistent. Ok the Vampires come from Europe but why did they decide to come to America and own slaves? The Saints are supposed to have demi-god powers but how do they get them? What makes them so special to be born with this super strength that others are not? Did we have to make a damn joke about the Underground Railroad not being “Underground”? Did we have to spend 10-15 something pages of the Underground council trying to decide if the vampire can use the passages with Jerusalem just for him to shift as a bird to go with her?
This book had so much potential to fall so flat.
One Dimensional Main and Side Characters
One Dimensional Villain with zero backstory
No World Building
All over the place Storytelling
Flashbacks that really took you out of the story.
Choppy Writing
Modern Language that didn’t need to be used in 1863.
No Character Development
Forced Romance to the point it felt cringe worthy.
It honestly would have been better if it was set in the present day instead of the Civil War period.
I was going to read This Wicked Halls from this author but after being so disappointed in the book it’s a no go.
Book Stats
Stars: 2 Stars
Start Date: 05/02/24
Ending Date: 05 /12/24
Genre: YA Historical Romance Fantasy
Form: E-Arc/ ALC
Page Count: 368
Publishing Date: 05/14/24
Point of View: Dual 1st Person
Setting: Civil War America
My Blog: https://tanyasreading.wordpress.com/2...
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
Thank you MacMillan Audio for the Audiobook Arc exchange for an honest review. Thank you Edelweiss for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Dangerous Ones is set in the Antebellum/ Civil War period where vampires had slaves, were helping the confederate states keep and uphold the Constitution of Slavery in the Southern States of America. Jerusalem, a former slave who ran away after her family was killed by a set of vampires who enslaved her, met a group of people who are called Saints. Saints are people who have demi-god strength and powers who can kill vampires, and are helping the Union Army in the war effort to unify the country and kill the vampires. She meets Alexi, a 300 year old vampire who is helping the Saints and the Union Army in the cause. Jerusalem and Alexi are both looking for the same vampire who caused them harm. For Jerusalem, it’s the one who enslaved her, killed her family and may have her brother. For Alexi, it’s the one who made him a monster and tortured him.
This had so much potential to be good because the premise reminded me so much of Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Dread Nation. Taking the historical event like the Civil war and flip on its head by adding Vampires or other supernatural creatures trying to help the Confederate States and Zombies that change the course of the war.
This really needs to be edited better because the chapters are too long with the POV Switches between Alexi and Jerusalem inside one chapter felt disjointed. Then add the fact you also have it switching from present time to flashbacks from Jerusalem or Alexi in the chapter as well. This book is 350 pages and it’s only 15 chapters which could have spilt up to at least 4 or 5 chapters. One of the chapters was 41 pages long which in the audiobook it was an hour and seventeen mins long. Some people's attention span is not long in which a couple times I found myself zone out.
I really don’t like how the flashbacks were used as well. You go from her running away from her enslavers to two years since that happened and using the flashback to fill the holes between those times. Like how Jerusalem met the Saints and Alexi is all flashback that you get either in her or his pov but not in real time. Something that important should be told in real time and then you can time jump. It doesn’t work when you are trying to establish a relationship between Jerusalem and the Saints that she met after she ran away. It really doesn’t work when you are trying to convince readers that a love story is supposed to be brewing between our main two characters. When part of the development and interaction is flashback and not in the present.
It is almost like cutting corners while doing all the work. I do like fast pace books that get to the point but I like well throughout fast pace books which this one is not it. Especially if it’s at the detriment of you developing your characters, the relationship between the characters, the world building and the story you are trying to tell as a whole.
Jerusalem is just so damn impulsive for damn good which I’m trying so hard to understand since have been enslaved her whole life and her family has been killed. She is really the definition of fighting now, asking questions later which gets her so much trouble. Like if she was near Harriett Tubman she would smack the living shit out of her. She is 18 but the way she verbally talks down to Alexi who is supposed to be in love with her, she feels like a two year old learning a new word and keeps repeating it over and over again. Which that word is either dumbass, smartass, stupid-ass, cute ass, white boy, and anything else that she sticks the world ass to. It's supposed to be playful banter but just not working at all and the borderline feels toxic. Jerusalem’s narrator seems like she was always out of breath as if she was reading too fast. You can clearly hear her intake of breath which gets very annoying as you continue to listen.
This was supposed to be set in 1863 but the way Jerusalem talks modern you would say this was set in the present day. Who the hell in 1863 going to use the word “reparations"? Especially the fact it’s during the war meaning that the slaves are not officially free yet. The modern talk could have worked if this was a time traveling story. Like if she was from our time and get sent back to 1863 to help an ancestor who was an OG saint and former slave. Then it would have made sense since she wouldn’t be from that time at all.
Alexi's narrator was good but the fact he is supposed to be an eternally immorally 18 year old teenage boy who is just 300 year old, doesn't fit the narrator's voice at all. He should sound younger like a teenager and not like he is almost a 40 years old man even if he is 300 years old. I cringed every time he called Jerusalem his nickname he gave her which is Tiny or called her small. He just doesn’t sound right saying it at all. Also the fact that he is supposed to be in love with her but feels like obsession more than love.
This doesn’t feel properly researched at all as well. The only battle that was mentioned was the Battle of Gettysburg and the only historical figures mentioned were Lee and Grant. Like there wasn't more battle than that in Civil War that you could have incorporated the vampire into. Since the author did put the Underground Railroad they could have easily made a character that was almost like Harriet Tubman and made her into a Saint.
The characters are super underdeveloped to the point that if the character is not either Alexi or Jerusalem, they are very disposable and don't add anything of value to the story. Its one character I was supposed to care about but I could care less once something happens to them. Even the main villain feels so one dimensional and just there for the main two characters to have something in common. She is supposed to be 3,000 years old aka created before the time of Christ for goodness sakes and it’s nothing interesting about her. Like where did she come from? Why did she think it was a good idea to go to America, go to the south and help the south with slavery? She has zero backstory at all! Then for her to kill so easily at the hands of an 18 year old child? For a story about Vampires there is hardly any lore for the vampires that are in the story.
For a story that is supposed to be about Civil War and incorporating vampires and demi-gods into the story, the world building and magical system explanation feels so nonexistent. Ok the Vampires come from Europe but why did they decide to come to America and own slaves? The Saints are supposed to have demi-god powers but how do they get them? What makes them so special to be born with this super strength that others are not? Did we have to make a damn joke about the Underground Railroad not being “Underground”? Did we have to spend 10-15 something pages of the Underground council trying to decide if the vampire can use the passages with Jerusalem just for him to shift as a bird to go with her?
This book had so much potential to fall so flat.
One Dimensional Main and Side Characters
One Dimensional Villain with zero backstory
No World Building
All over the place Storytelling
Flashbacks that really took you out of the story.
Choppy Writing
Modern Language that didn’t need to be used in 1863.
No Character Development
Forced Romance to the point it felt cringe worthy.
It honestly would have been better if it was set in the present day instead of the Civil War period.
I was going to read This Wicked Halls from this author but after being so disappointed in the book it’s a no go.
June 4, 2024
I really liked the premise of this story, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver for me.
I liked the historical fantasy setting. It was intriguing and made for a great world. I did feel like Jerusalem's language was a touch too modern, but it didn't distract me from the story. I also really liked how Blackwood brought in the horrors of slavery and even the underground railroad into the story. I think she did really well with that aspect. The writing was also captivating.
The thing that really turned me off is that this claimed to be a romance, but I really didn't feel it. Alexei was in love with Jerusalem from the beginning and only showed her kindness, understanding, caring, and love. Jerusalem spent 75% of the book physically and verbally assaulting him, and he just took it and kept loving her. I understand she was coming from a place of trauma and deep emotions, but that is not a reason to abuse someone constantly. Especially someone you claim to be friends with.
Also, I understand she was only 18 and I remember how hard it was to control my emotions as a teenager. I just feel like she took it out on everyone around her without ever thinking things through and trying to heal herself. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt, but it just became too much for me.
Maybe this was just too YA for me and I just couldn't connect. This one just missed the mark for me. I hope it connects well with others!
I liked the historical fantasy setting. It was intriguing and made for a great world. I did feel like Jerusalem's language was a touch too modern, but it didn't distract me from the story. I also really liked how Blackwood brought in the horrors of slavery and even the underground railroad into the story. I think she did really well with that aspect. The writing was also captivating.
The thing that really turned me off is that this claimed to be a romance, but I really didn't feel it. Alexei was in love with Jerusalem from the beginning and only showed her kindness, understanding, caring, and love. Jerusalem spent 75% of the book physically and verbally assaulting him, and he just took it and kept loving her. I understand she was coming from a place of trauma and deep emotions, but that is not a reason to abuse someone constantly. Especially someone you claim to be friends with.
Also, I understand she was only 18 and I remember how hard it was to control my emotions as a teenager. I just feel like she took it out on everyone around her without ever thinking things through and trying to heal herself. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt, but it just became too much for me.
Maybe this was just too YA for me and I just couldn't connect. This one just missed the mark for me. I hope it connects well with others!
May 15, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an audiobook in exchange of my honest review.
I did not enjoy this one y'all, I had to def 60% in because I just didn't have the time or the patience for the main character to keep calling everyone a dumbass. For a story that supposed to be set during the civil war, the main character uses modern slang and it was distracting and annoying if I'm being honest.
I did like the premise of the book, it sounded interesting but sadly the delivery was just nor me. I found the FMC not likable and I did not like the MMC much either.
2.5 stars
I did not enjoy this one y'all, I had to def 60% in because I just didn't have the time or the patience for the main character to keep calling everyone a dumbass. For a story that supposed to be set during the civil war, the main character uses modern slang and it was distracting and annoying if I'm being honest.
I did like the premise of the book, it sounded interesting but sadly the delivery was just nor me. I found the FMC not likable and I did not like the MMC much either.
2.5 stars
dnf
April 15, 2024I think I'm done with Blackwood at this point. This book was strike 3.
I really don't understand how this book takes place during the Civil War, yet current language is used...this is especially disappointing considering how impactful this could have been to the Black community.
I really don't understand how this book takes place during the Civil War, yet current language is used...this is especially disappointing considering how impactful this could have been to the Black community.
May 15, 2024
This book was so much fun. It has found its own little special place in the vampire lore, and it shines. This is an alternate history urban fantasy that reimagines the time of the civil war and vampires. The book opens with Jerusalem running away from life as a slave. She has been gifted the superhuman powers of “saints” to counter the dark powers of ancient vampires that run the south. The Union army employs saints and even other vampires in their fight to reclaim the south. Jerusalem has spent a year with the union army, working closely with a vampire named Alexei. Alexei is the standard enemies to lovers handsome bad boy with a heart of gold. He is attracted to Jerusalem despite her skin color and obvious disdain for his kind. He helps her train to defeat his kind while also watching out for her to make sure she stays alive and well. Jerusalem on the other hand has a hard time letting her guard down enough to trust Alexei. His kind is the reason for all of the suffering in her life. Together they embark on a scouting mission for the union army, but only Jerusalem knows that this is a revenge mission. A chance to finally take down the ancient vampire that has plagued her life. Everything about the world building in this book is perfect. You feel transported back in time to a magical world that never existed and there are enough clever surprises that enhance the magic of this book. The characters are to die for. They have rich backgrounds that are glimpsed at in flashbacks and asides plus, they have the smart and snarky banter that makes romances so much fun to read. The romantic aspects of the book were not too overdone, without them there would still be an amazing story, but there are romantic scenes. So, if you prefer closed door romance, please take that into consideration. I think they were handled well and don’t pose any power dynamics/coercion issues but I feel You, the potential reader, should be aware of this before you decide to pick up this book.
Thank you to MacMillan audio for the chance to listen to an advanced copy of the audiobook presentation. Angel Pean and Jay Ben Markson embody their characters and were a pleasure to listen to. The emotions of the characters shine through their performances and it was so easy to get caught up in the worldbuilding/ story. There is not one thing I would change about this production, it’s perfect.
Thank you to MacMillan audio for the chance to listen to an advanced copy of the audiobook presentation. Angel Pean and Jay Ben Markson embody their characters and were a pleasure to listen to. The emotions of the characters shine through their performances and it was so easy to get caught up in the worldbuilding/ story. There is not one thing I would change about this production, it’s perfect.
May 13, 2024
The Dangerous Ones is a standalone alternate fantasy - one in which the Civil War is fought with the help of vampires and demi-gods (called "Saints"). Jerusalem is a saint who escaped slavery about a year ago and is now seeking vengeance on her former master's wife, who just happens to be a vampire. Jerusalem hates all vampires since they killed her entire family. However one vampire has been working with the saints the whole year Jerusalem has been free and although she says she doesn't trust him, she also knows he's different from the other vampires that once held her in captivity. Alexei is a vampire fighting on the union side and is drawn to Jerusalem unlike anything he's ever experienced. They soon realize that they have a mutual enemy and work together to try to bring her down.
There were parts of this I liked - I thought the beginning was really engaging and had me invested in the characters and where the story was going. I liked Jerusalem's strength and that Alexei never considered her weak or incapable due to her being a female.
Unfortunately, after a while I realized that I really didn't care about what was going on in the plot. The relationship came out of nowhere for me (or at least in terms of Jerusalem, we had spent enough time in Alexei's head to know he loved her even though I'm not sure it was shown much to us). I think what wrenched me out of the story in particular was that, though the book is set in the Civil War era, the language is incredibly modern - so it never really felt grounded into the time period for me. And for a book set in the Civil War there was...honestly not that much to do with the Civil War itself? The ending was also a little all over the place for me.
I liked the narration by Angel Pean. I didn't love Jay Ben Markson's choices for narration, particularly his voice for Jerusalem when we were in Alexei's POV. I am glad it was dual narration though, as I do feel like it added to the story.
Read this for:
- Alternate fantasy (Civil War)
- BIPOC Character
- Vampires and other creatures
- Strong FMC
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily,
There were parts of this I liked - I thought the beginning was really engaging and had me invested in the characters and where the story was going. I liked Jerusalem's strength and that Alexei never considered her weak or incapable due to her being a female.
Unfortunately, after a while I realized that I really didn't care about what was going on in the plot. The relationship came out of nowhere for me (or at least in terms of Jerusalem, we had spent enough time in Alexei's head to know he loved her even though I'm not sure it was shown much to us). I think what wrenched me out of the story in particular was that, though the book is set in the Civil War era, the language is incredibly modern - so it never really felt grounded into the time period for me. And for a book set in the Civil War there was...honestly not that much to do with the Civil War itself? The ending was also a little all over the place for me.
I liked the narration by Angel Pean. I didn't love Jay Ben Markson's choices for narration, particularly his voice for Jerusalem when we were in Alexei's POV. I am glad it was dual narration though, as I do feel like it added to the story.
Read this for:
- Alternate fantasy (Civil War)
- BIPOC Character
- Vampires and other creatures
- Strong FMC
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily,
July 18, 2024
Special thanks to the author, @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for my advanced listening copy & @WednesdayBooks for my gifted e-ARC‼️
This was an interesting book it had a lot of potential but fell short for me. Jerusalem was a young teen with supernatural abilities who escapes the plantation where she was held captive and teams up with Alexei a couple centuries old vampire stuck in a teenage body to help get revenge for her family and kill those who enslaved her. The premise was quite clever and original with the vampires during the Civil War but the slavery aspects involved threw me for a loop. I think I would’ve loved it more without that being included in the context because it just seemed weird to me.
For it to be a historical fantasy I also felt the dialogue was very modern. Imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer mixed with True Blood and the book The American Queen these are the vibes the book was giving.
I wasn’t feeling the chemistry or connection between Jerusalem and Alexei. For the majority of the book she had a lot of anger and aggression towards him kinda felt like she hated him. I do understand why she felt the way she did considering her past encounters with other vampires. But when they began working together her thoughts about him slowly changed. Still wasn’t feeling them together but I liked that Alexei was a good guy.
Overall, the book was okay not at all what I expected. The author touched on quite a few themes surrounding slavery, the Civil War, death, physical abuse, hate crimes, racial discrimination, and references to sexual abuse. The characters are kinda fascinating in their own way once you understand their backstories. The pacing was up and down but if you’re a lover of vampires, Romantasy, or historical fiction you may like this book.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
This was an interesting book it had a lot of potential but fell short for me. Jerusalem was a young teen with supernatural abilities who escapes the plantation where she was held captive and teams up with Alexei a couple centuries old vampire stuck in a teenage body to help get revenge for her family and kill those who enslaved her. The premise was quite clever and original with the vampires during the Civil War but the slavery aspects involved threw me for a loop. I think I would’ve loved it more without that being included in the context because it just seemed weird to me.
For it to be a historical fantasy I also felt the dialogue was very modern. Imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer mixed with True Blood and the book The American Queen these are the vibes the book was giving.
I wasn’t feeling the chemistry or connection between Jerusalem and Alexei. For the majority of the book she had a lot of anger and aggression towards him kinda felt like she hated him. I do understand why she felt the way she did considering her past encounters with other vampires. But when they began working together her thoughts about him slowly changed. Still wasn’t feeling them together but I liked that Alexei was a good guy.
Overall, the book was okay not at all what I expected. The author touched on quite a few themes surrounding slavery, the Civil War, death, physical abuse, hate crimes, racial discrimination, and references to sexual abuse. The characters are kinda fascinating in their own way once you understand their backstories. The pacing was up and down but if you’re a lover of vampires, Romantasy, or historical fiction you may like this book.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
May 13, 2024
The Dangerous Ones
Thank you to Macmillian Audio for this ALC!
The Dangerous Ones is an American Civil War YA fantasy with vampires and demi-gods, also known as Saints. Jerusalem is a Saint who escaped slavery from a Southern vampire and rode the underground railroad to join the war in the North. Alexei is a vampire fighting on the side of the Union, who has been with Jerusalem every step of the way. He can't stay away from her as they go to war to take down the vampire who murdered Jerusalem's family and kept her enslaved for so many years.
I wanted to badly to like this one, but it was not for me. The romance between Jerusalem and Alexei felt abrupt, with a missing element of chemistry other than Alexei wanted the scent of her blood. Listening to the audio was also difficult because the flashback endings were not announced so I got lost in the timeline a few times. The male narrator also did not work for me - the voice felt more predator and prey when he talked about Jerusalem and protective mate in love. The language used also did not seem to match the timeline. I often forgot it was set during the civil war, which was a bit jarring when I was reminded.
This one had a lot of potential, but it did not deliver for me. I hope other readers / listeners enjoy!
Specifically if you're looking for:
YA romantasy
Civil war time
Themes of slavery and white privilege
Vampires and demigod humans
The Dangerous Ones is on shelves May 14, 2024. My opinions are my own.
Thank you to Macmillian Audio for this ALC!
The Dangerous Ones is an American Civil War YA fantasy with vampires and demi-gods, also known as Saints. Jerusalem is a Saint who escaped slavery from a Southern vampire and rode the underground railroad to join the war in the North. Alexei is a vampire fighting on the side of the Union, who has been with Jerusalem every step of the way. He can't stay away from her as they go to war to take down the vampire who murdered Jerusalem's family and kept her enslaved for so many years.
I wanted to badly to like this one, but it was not for me. The romance between Jerusalem and Alexei felt abrupt, with a missing element of chemistry other than Alexei wanted the scent of her blood. Listening to the audio was also difficult because the flashback endings were not announced so I got lost in the timeline a few times. The male narrator also did not work for me - the voice felt more predator and prey when he talked about Jerusalem and protective mate in love. The language used also did not seem to match the timeline. I often forgot it was set during the civil war, which was a bit jarring when I was reminded.
This one had a lot of potential, but it did not deliver for me. I hope other readers / listeners enjoy!
Specifically if you're looking for:
YA romantasy
Civil war time
Themes of slavery and white privilege
Vampires and demigod humans
The Dangerous Ones is on shelves May 14, 2024. My opinions are my own.
December 24, 2024
The description of the book made me want to read this so very badly. Sadly, I didn't enjoy The Dangerous Ones. I was unable to suspend my disbelief for many reasons. First, the language was not at all consistent with the setting. No matter how rebellious, Jerusalem would not have been using modern language. Secondly, if the vampires in the story were as old as they said, their language would have also been much different, especially Alexei's as he came from Russia not long ago. I think a lot more research needed to have been done to make this work as a historical fantasy set in 1863, especially considering the fact that a woman who had just been freed from slavery would have had as many dangers to navigate from human society as from vampires and werewolves.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2025
I love the story and the way it was told.
This one was bloody and brutal with a lot of action and a bit of romance. It also came from a perspective I think a lot of people could benefit by being exposed to. The story confronted prejudice, hate, and the effects of both.
The narrator was also spectacular. She had a beautiful sultry voice and compelling acting skills. She made a great story even better.
This one was bloody and brutal with a lot of action and a bit of romance. It also came from a perspective I think a lot of people could benefit by being exposed to. The story confronted prejudice, hate, and the effects of both.
The narrator was also spectacular. She had a beautiful sultry voice and compelling acting skills. She made a great story even better.
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