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Forgotten Kingdoms
Of Blood & Nightmares
A woman with a haunted past.
A prince who was destroyed by it.
The fight for survival that could ruin everything they have left.
My life never truly felt like mine. It was like driving a rental car, mine on loan for now but never to belong to me. Never intended for me.
Now I knew why.
It was all a lie.
The moment that knight dragged me through The Veil into the realm of Terrea everything changed. This world is nothing like home, it’s like I’ve stepped into a fantasy and traveled back in time. The person I was and the life I lived are gone. Lost. That Veil is not reopening. I’m stuck here…Forever.
They insist I’m their lost vampire queen who has been brought back to make them whole again. But I don’t know how to rebuild a broken kingdom or why the vampires are dying. I don’t remember a past life or any sacrificial rituals they claim I did. I’m just an ER nurse from Los Angeles and I’m in way over my head. All I want is to get back to Earth and find my sister, the only person who ever meant anything to me.
Now the sacred Priestess demands I marry the heir to the throne and rule by his side. But Prince Varan is a cold, snarling, gorgeous nightmare who’d rather throw me into the pits of a volcano than even speak to me. No matter how cruel he is to me, I can’t help but be drawn to him. To need him. But trying to get through his walls might be harder than saving the kingdom from death.
In the end, Prince Varan will either kill me or break my heart into pieces…and I’m not sure which is worse.
***
Author note:
This book contains an intense slow-burn enemies to lovers steamy romance, high stakes fake dating, fated mates, and high spice with forced proximity and one bed. Content is for mature audiences and 18+ recommended.
A prince who was destroyed by it.
The fight for survival that could ruin everything they have left.
My life never truly felt like mine. It was like driving a rental car, mine on loan for now but never to belong to me. Never intended for me.
Now I knew why.
It was all a lie.
The moment that knight dragged me through The Veil into the realm of Terrea everything changed. This world is nothing like home, it’s like I’ve stepped into a fantasy and traveled back in time. The person I was and the life I lived are gone. Lost. That Veil is not reopening. I’m stuck here…Forever.
They insist I’m their lost vampire queen who has been brought back to make them whole again. But I don’t know how to rebuild a broken kingdom or why the vampires are dying. I don’t remember a past life or any sacrificial rituals they claim I did. I’m just an ER nurse from Los Angeles and I’m in way over my head. All I want is to get back to Earth and find my sister, the only person who ever meant anything to me.
Now the sacred Priestess demands I marry the heir to the throne and rule by his side. But Prince Varan is a cold, snarling, gorgeous nightmare who’d rather throw me into the pits of a volcano than even speak to me. No matter how cruel he is to me, I can’t help but be drawn to him. To need him. But trying to get through his walls might be harder than saving the kingdom from death.
In the end, Prince Varan will either kill me or break my heart into pieces…and I’m not sure which is worse.
***
Author note:
This book contains an intense slow-burn enemies to lovers steamy romance, high stakes fake dating, fated mates, and high spice with forced proximity and one bed. Content is for mature audiences and 18+ recommended.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
2115 people are currently reading
5126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
February 24, 2024
DNF 37%
Interesting idea but not exacuted well, this was chaotic and confusing to say the least and I felt no connection to any of the characters either. The writing was all over the place and the majority of the time I had no idea what was going on. Also the FMC Rhode seemed far to blase about being transported to a hidden realm and she accepted the fact she was now queen very easily, no disbelief and she was also extremely irritating. The world building here felt like an information dump at the detriment of the story and this wasn't working for me in any way. It's a shame because this did sound intriguing. I won't be continuing on with this series despite it being by various authors and this was unfortunately a DNF for me, I also read fairly far so I did give it a fair chance to improve.
Interesting idea but not exacuted well, this was chaotic and confusing to say the least and I felt no connection to any of the characters either. The writing was all over the place and the majority of the time I had no idea what was going on. Also the FMC Rhode seemed far to blase about being transported to a hidden realm and she accepted the fact she was now queen very easily, no disbelief and she was also extremely irritating. The world building here felt like an information dump at the detriment of the story and this wasn't working for me in any way. It's a shame because this did sound intriguing. I won't be continuing on with this series despite it being by various authors and this was unfortunately a DNF for me, I also read fairly far so I did give it a fair chance to improve.
January 27, 2024
Not my particular cup of tea. I appreciated the world building and plot, but I found the romance very lacking. The almost Insta love really bothered me. I also found the main character unrelatable. If I were transported to a different universe and told that I was the queen of this land, and I had no memories of my past life, I would deny it, and I hate my kidnappers. Instead, the main character makes friends and embraces this new life.
February 3, 2024
Reborn Queen Vampire
Rhodelia was a nurse who worked hard and had a difficult time leaving her job at the office to have a weekend of fun, but her adopted sisters and she were hitting Vegas for Halloween. While clubbing something crazy happened and a man she had been seeing in her dreams walked up and asked her to dance and then kidnapped her. The gorgeous man from Rhodes dreams took her to a place called Terrea that was on Earth, but through a portal that wouldn’t open for another fifty years. Oh, and the guy was a prince and he hates Rhodelia and by the was she is a reborn queen. Well, that was a shell shock, wasn’t it?
Some of the people were very lovely to Rhode and actually treat her like a queen even if Prince Varan acts like he would rather have her dead. Apparently she was a very beloved queen in her previous life, who fought with her people against her own husband who was an evil king and also Varan’s father.
There is great suffering among the people of Terrea and as Queen, Rhodelia wants to be involved in helping her people, but the new King Varan doesn’t seem to want to cooperate on projects even though they seem to have a magnetic draw to each other.
This was a beautifully built world and the bad guy is in the past mostly, but he was so bad! There is still evil afoot and Rhode and Varan will need to put their problems aside to solve the problems that have been hanging over the kingdom for fifty years.
This was a great story that I very much enjoyed and I give it an enthusiastic five stars.
Rhodelia was a nurse who worked hard and had a difficult time leaving her job at the office to have a weekend of fun, but her adopted sisters and she were hitting Vegas for Halloween. While clubbing something crazy happened and a man she had been seeing in her dreams walked up and asked her to dance and then kidnapped her. The gorgeous man from Rhodes dreams took her to a place called Terrea that was on Earth, but through a portal that wouldn’t open for another fifty years. Oh, and the guy was a prince and he hates Rhodelia and by the was she is a reborn queen. Well, that was a shell shock, wasn’t it?
Some of the people were very lovely to Rhode and actually treat her like a queen even if Prince Varan acts like he would rather have her dead. Apparently she was a very beloved queen in her previous life, who fought with her people against her own husband who was an evil king and also Varan’s father.
There is great suffering among the people of Terrea and as Queen, Rhodelia wants to be involved in helping her people, but the new King Varan doesn’t seem to want to cooperate on projects even though they seem to have a magnetic draw to each other.
This was a beautifully built world and the bad guy is in the past mostly, but he was so bad! There is still evil afoot and Rhode and Varan will need to put their problems aside to solve the problems that have been hanging over the kingdom for fifty years.
This was a great story that I very much enjoyed and I give it an enthusiastic five stars.
February 19, 2024
2.25 ⭐️
This had so much potential. So much, but it just didn’t deliver. There was a point where it was riding 3.5 star territory but then that ending. Oh the ending was painful.
Backing up, this is the start of a series of interconnected standalones by several different authors. The series says that these can be read in any order but after reading this one first, I have my doubts. This book needed to be a lot stronger in both world building and world history to set the stage for the entire series and I feel like those details were skimmed at best. I found myself quite confused about what went down previously to bring us to the point where this book starts. Maybe other books in the series will explain that more?
What really dropped this below 3 stars for me was the ending. There was a conflict and villain that the MCs had to overcome, but at the end we don’t really find out who the villain is! Like was he person B or was he really person A glamouring (Vampires have glamour in this world) himself to be person B, OR was person A and person B actually the same the whole time?! I don’t know! And on top of that, whoever the villain is we get literally zero motive for WHY he was the villain and did the things he did. There was no backstory, no grandstanding, villainous explanation, nothing! I’m baffled and unbelievably frustrated. The book just ends.
Positives of this book were the characters. I liked the FMC and a little of the MMC. They are the reason for additional .25 stars, otherwise this is a solid 2.
I started this series because I wanted to get to LJ Andrews book that will release in a couple weeks and I thought the theme of the series was interesting and a good way to try out new-to-me authors. I think I will read the next book because I’m curious to try a new author and see if this world improves. Probably won’t read anything else by this author.
This had so much potential. So much, but it just didn’t deliver. There was a point where it was riding 3.5 star territory but then that ending. Oh the ending was painful.
Backing up, this is the start of a series of interconnected standalones by several different authors. The series says that these can be read in any order but after reading this one first, I have my doubts. This book needed to be a lot stronger in both world building and world history to set the stage for the entire series and I feel like those details were skimmed at best. I found myself quite confused about what went down previously to bring us to the point where this book starts. Maybe other books in the series will explain that more?
What really dropped this below 3 stars for me was the ending. There was a conflict and villain that the MCs had to overcome, but at the end we don’t really find out who the villain is! Like was he person B or was he really person A glamouring (Vampires have glamour in this world) himself to be person B, OR was person A and person B actually the same the whole time?! I don’t know! And on top of that, whoever the villain is we get literally zero motive for WHY he was the villain and did the things he did. There was no backstory, no grandstanding, villainous explanation, nothing! I’m baffled and unbelievably frustrated. The book just ends.
Positives of this book were the characters. I liked the FMC and a little of the MMC. They are the reason for additional .25 stars, otherwise this is a solid 2.
I started this series because I wanted to get to LJ Andrews book that will release in a couple weeks and I thought the theme of the series was interesting and a good way to try out new-to-me authors. I think I will read the next book because I’m curious to try a new author and see if this world improves. Probably won’t read anything else by this author.
Read
January 10, 2024DNF at like 10%.
I don't like rating books I have read so little of. I couldn't stand the narrative voice and the writing style, and as it annoyed me from the start, I couldn't be bothered to battle through it. It could well be a decent book, but I could tell that the way it's written would just grate on me if I continued.
I don't like rating books I have read so little of. I couldn't stand the narrative voice and the writing style, and as it annoyed me from the start, I couldn't be bothered to battle through it. It could well be a decent book, but I could tell that the way it's written would just grate on me if I continued.
October 26, 2023
Thank you Chandelle for an ARC of your newest work of art!
Of Blood & Nightmares is the first novel in the Forgotten Kingdom eight-book series written by various authors. While parts of our favorite fangirl shine through, OB&N differs entirely from The Coven. Rhodelia’s story is a true testament to Chandelle’s talent, and I was hooked from the first chapter!
The plot, characters, setting, and pacing were elevated, enjoyable, and natural. Love at first read is real, and hard not to happen with relateable, humourous, and strong characters! Grasping and feeling emotion throughout the book was effortless and much appreciated! The artwork was stunning and truly aided in understanding Chandelle’s vision!
As readers, I believe we have been set up for an extraordinary journey. I hope you love Isramaya as much as I do! ✨
Of Blood & Nightmares is the first novel in the Forgotten Kingdom eight-book series written by various authors. While parts of our favorite fangirl shine through, OB&N differs entirely from The Coven. Rhodelia’s story is a true testament to Chandelle’s talent, and I was hooked from the first chapter!
The plot, characters, setting, and pacing were elevated, enjoyable, and natural. Love at first read is real, and hard not to happen with relateable, humourous, and strong characters! Grasping and feeling emotion throughout the book was effortless and much appreciated! The artwork was stunning and truly aided in understanding Chandelle’s vision!
As readers, I believe we have been set up for an extraordinary journey. I hope you love Isramaya as much as I do! ✨
January 4, 2024
Yikes this was bad.
September 23, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read out of the Forgotten Kingdom series and let me say I LOVED IT. I’m definitely going to finish this series. It was fast paced, great spice, and I really enjoyed the plot. The ending was a twist I didn’t see coming for sure but overall a great read!
October 24, 2023
Vampires like never before
50 years ago, 8 brave women from 8 different lives made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their world and in return they were prophesied to get a second chance to fix their wrongs.
Enter Rhodelia- a young woman on earth who has no idea that another realm exists or that she is a reincarnated queen until she is whisked away to the realm of the vampires. She finds out about the prophecy and struggles to find her footing- with absolutely 0 help from the prince.
The Prince- he has been waiting and dreading Rhode's return. His anger and betrayal towards her from her first life makes it impossible for him to be kind to her, but his history with her makes him unable to stay away
The two are charged with finding out why their people are dying, and they have to work together.
This world is so detailed and the lore is immaculate. I loved the way the vampires are written- they feel like a genuine people instead of mindless monsters.
I cannot WAIT for the rest of the series
50 years ago, 8 brave women from 8 different lives made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their world and in return they were prophesied to get a second chance to fix their wrongs.
Enter Rhodelia- a young woman on earth who has no idea that another realm exists or that she is a reincarnated queen until she is whisked away to the realm of the vampires. She finds out about the prophecy and struggles to find her footing- with absolutely 0 help from the prince.
The Prince- he has been waiting and dreading Rhode's return. His anger and betrayal towards her from her first life makes it impossible for him to be kind to her, but his history with her makes him unable to stay away
The two are charged with finding out why their people are dying, and they have to work together.
This world is so detailed and the lore is immaculate. I loved the way the vampires are written- they feel like a genuine people instead of mindless monsters.
I cannot WAIT for the rest of the series
January 11, 2024
So Disappointed
I heard LJ Andrews was participating as one of the authors in this ‘shared world’ with other authors called The Forgotten Kingdoms series. I knew LJ’s story wasn’t until book 3 or 4, but I was excited to start this as she’s my favorite author and I expected this series with other authors to be amazing.
The short prequel was a mess and this was no different. I’m so disappointed. I couldn’t read it fast enough to just get it done.
Everything was scattered. The characters and world were not developed well at all. The MFC was annoying and spoke poorly. This mixing of earth manners with this new realm was ridiculous. The references to movies was not witty or funny and just had me rolling my eyes.
The MMC was the best, but there was no development in anything. The whole story happened in like 3 days. And it jumped around so badly, I was left hanging.
And soooo much was repeated over and over again! I’m so frustrated. I’m unsure if I’ll give book 2 a chance.
It rec’d 2 stars instead of 1, bc the potential was there, so there! But it fell flat. I pray the next books are better.
I heard LJ Andrews was participating as one of the authors in this ‘shared world’ with other authors called The Forgotten Kingdoms series. I knew LJ’s story wasn’t until book 3 or 4, but I was excited to start this as she’s my favorite author and I expected this series with other authors to be amazing.
The short prequel was a mess and this was no different. I’m so disappointed. I couldn’t read it fast enough to just get it done.
Everything was scattered. The characters and world were not developed well at all. The MFC was annoying and spoke poorly. This mixing of earth manners with this new realm was ridiculous. The references to movies was not witty or funny and just had me rolling my eyes.
The MMC was the best, but there was no development in anything. The whole story happened in like 3 days. And it jumped around so badly, I was left hanging.
And soooo much was repeated over and over again! I’m so frustrated. I’m unsure if I’ll give book 2 a chance.
It rec’d 2 stars instead of 1, bc the potential was there, so there! But it fell flat. I pray the next books are better.
February 25, 2024
.
.
So like 2.5?
.
.
.
.
.
Things that I liked:
FMC was a nurse in her Earth life✅
The world ideas/map were really cool✅
The storyline had great potential✅
The vampires also consumed nectar which was different✅
There was history (50 years back) that I thought was cool ✅
(Previous) villain was a true dick ✅
Things I wanted more of:
Worldbuilding 🆗
MMC’s personality was 🆗
The Main Characters’ relationship ❌
The (current) villain’s motivation❌
Information is withheld from FMC for no real purpose ❌
The last 30 pages were 🆗, very rushed
The book sucked me in right away but for a good portion of it, I was barely reading cause there was not much direction. The main characters had to discover cures but first we had to have mindless arguments where (to no one’s surprise and my utmost hatred) information was kept from the FMC for no reason.
MMC character was mad that she married his father (for good reason) and kept saying she lied to him but homeboy had the audacity to disguise himself and use a fake name first ❌ He wasn’t very book boyfriend-coded.
.
So like 2.5?
.
.
.
.
.
Things that I liked:
FMC was a nurse in her Earth life✅
The world ideas/map were really cool✅
The storyline had great potential✅
The vampires also consumed nectar which was different✅
There was history (50 years back) that I thought was cool ✅
(Previous) villain was a true dick ✅
Things I wanted more of:
Worldbuilding 🆗
MMC’s personality was 🆗
The Main Characters’ relationship ❌
The (current) villain’s motivation❌
Information is withheld from FMC for no real purpose ❌
The last 30 pages were 🆗, very rushed
The book sucked me in right away but for a good portion of it, I was barely reading cause there was not much direction. The main characters had to discover cures but first we had to have mindless arguments where (to no one’s surprise and my utmost hatred) information was kept from the FMC for no reason.
MMC character was mad that she married his father (for good reason) and kept saying she lied to him but homeboy had the audacity to disguise himself and use a fake name first ❌ He wasn’t very book boyfriend-coded.
Read
February 17, 2024DNF 35%
This book and writing style was chaotic to say the least.
World building, who? The FMC is kidnapped and thrown into another realm and adapts almost immediately.
This book and writing style was chaotic to say the least.
World building, who? The FMC is kidnapped and thrown into another realm and adapts almost immediately.
July 31, 2024
2.5 STARS:
So... I don't actually know what to say about this one? Like, I enjoyed parts of it, and I even had some fun. But this was just messy??
For one thing, the romance was barely there. It was undoubtedly the best part of the book and it just fell a little flat. Not instalove, but too much flipping back and forth behavior.
The plot was extremely all over the place. One minute, it's one plotline; the next, it's another. And that ending?? What kinda of ending was that??? It was just so out of nowhere. It seemed like the plot twist was there to make us all go "GASP!" without having actually set it up. When it happened, it just made no sense at all.
My favorite part was definitely the world and the lore. I thought that was interesting at least.
The characters... I am conflicted about (like with the rest of this book). I kinda went back and forth between liking and disliking the main character. I wish she got to show more intelligence and her training, but instead, she is dragged from one plot point to another with hardly any initiative. Still, sometimes, she was pretty funny.
Also, can I just say that the writing style was confusing? The way it did descriptions, I could never understand how the scene actually looked.
Will I continue this series? Normally, I would say no, but this is the only book in this series written by this author, so I am hoping beyond hope that the others are better. The higher rating than 1 star is because, despite this book's (many) flaws, I did have some fun. I just had to turn my brain way off to enjoy it after a while.
So yeah, overall very conflicted and hoping that the next are better. That's all.
So... I don't actually know what to say about this one? Like, I enjoyed parts of it, and I even had some fun. But this was just messy??
For one thing, the romance was barely there. It was undoubtedly the best part of the book and it just fell a little flat. Not instalove, but too much flipping back and forth behavior.
The plot was extremely all over the place. One minute, it's one plotline; the next, it's another. And that ending?? What kinda of ending was that??? It was just so out of nowhere. It seemed like the plot twist was there to make us all go "GASP!" without having actually set it up. When it happened, it just made no sense at all.
My favorite part was definitely the world and the lore. I thought that was interesting at least.
The characters... I am conflicted about (like with the rest of this book). I kinda went back and forth between liking and disliking the main character. I wish she got to show more intelligence and her training, but instead, she is dragged from one plot point to another with hardly any initiative. Still, sometimes, she was pretty funny.
Also, can I just say that the writing style was confusing? The way it did descriptions, I could never understand how the scene actually looked.
Will I continue this series? Normally, I would say no, but this is the only book in this series written by this author, so I am hoping beyond hope that the others are better. The higher rating than 1 star is because, despite this book's (many) flaws, I did have some fun. I just had to turn my brain way off to enjoy it after a while.
So yeah, overall very conflicted and hoping that the next are better. That's all.
October 26, 2023
Supernatural, world-building, lost then found love, and spice!
This book is great with the world-building. In a lot of books, it gets confusing because all the names are so weird and can get messed up. And the rules of the supernaturals can get confusing. But this book did a wonderful job at introducing things slowly so you don't feel overwhelmed.
This book is a complete stand-alone and can be read without having to have read any of this authors other books. It is the start of a series, but features its own couple and has a HEA. We do see a few characters briefly that will be in some of the next books.
This book is great with the world-building. In a lot of books, it gets confusing because all the names are so weird and can get messed up. And the rules of the supernaturals can get confusing. But this book did a wonderful job at introducing things slowly so you don't feel overwhelmed.
This book is a complete stand-alone and can be read without having to have read any of this authors other books. It is the start of a series, but features its own couple and has a HEA. We do see a few characters briefly that will be in some of the next books.
October 23, 2023
Stunning start to a new series, I loved this so much. This book is set in a whole new world where 50 years ago 8 women sacrificed their lives to rid the lands of an evil king. Prophesy stated that these women would return after the 50 years so they might reclaim their lost loves.
Rhodelia is the first of those women, she is abducted to Isramaya with no memory of her previous life or the people that live there. There are instant sparks with Prince Varan but he appears to hate her for some reason, when they are named as King and Queen of the land neither want the job. In order to be relived of their duty they are charged with discovering what is killing the vampires of Isramaya and how to help them.
Along the way memories start to return to Rhodelia but will she remember everything before it's too late?
Rhodelia is the first of those women, she is abducted to Isramaya with no memory of her previous life or the people that live there. There are instant sparks with Prince Varan but he appears to hate her for some reason, when they are named as King and Queen of the land neither want the job. In order to be relived of their duty they are charged with discovering what is killing the vampires of Isramaya and how to help them.
Along the way memories start to return to Rhodelia but will she remember everything before it's too late?
October 25, 2023
Chandelle is incredible. I love her writing style. This book is interesting from the start- the lore immediate resonates. I love the concept they’ve come up with, where different authors will write about different women who are all connected from the start. The overarching story line is capturing. This first book is about vampires and sets the stage for the books to come, which will feature strong women of (or somehow related to) different “species”. The main character Rhode is relatable, confident, and the love story is HOT. I honestly wish it didn’t have to end. I can’t wait to ready book #2 and I’ve already pre-ordered books 2-8!!
October 24, 2023
This collection of book is such an amazing idea. All the authors are incredible and I cannot wait to read them all. To start off with Of Blood and Nightmares from Chandelle was just the best thing that could have happened. This story is incredible and you can see the future books tie in and that’s just so cool ! Ro and her king are great characters and their storyline is so powerful. The way the vampires are depicted is enthralling and so original. I do suggest reading the prequel story to help you with the background. 10/10 loved it !
November 6, 2023
Great start to a new series! The author brings strong characters and weaves an intriguing story filled with mystery and secrets and had me glued to the pages with all the twists and turns. I loved the characters and their banter and reading their story. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
May 23, 2024
The beginning was really really good like out of this world good but then as the story continues it just deteriorates.
Everything became rush, the romance, the plot, the characters. The characters became corny and stiff.
So over all I did like it at first, it had such amazing potential to be something ridiculously good but fell flat for me in the end.
Everything became rush, the romance, the plot, the characters. The characters became corny and stiff.
So over all I did like it at first, it had such amazing potential to be something ridiculously good but fell flat for me in the end.
November 11, 2025
Out of all the forgotten kingdom books, this one was my least favorite. I liked the different vampire lore and world building, but the plot and Character development were very subpar. Still going to finish the series though. I think the concept is brilliant to bring all these different stand alone books together by connecting all the main characters.
October 24, 2023
New World, Same Chandelle Brilliance!
Another amazing book by Chandelle. Great world building, lots of unexpected twists and turns. This is a great book to set the tone for a new series. This book is not just another typical vampire book with only slight variations like we’ve seen done so many other times. It’s a completely new take and I’m excited to see where the rest of the books go.
Another amazing book by Chandelle. Great world building, lots of unexpected twists and turns. This is a great book to set the tone for a new series. This book is not just another typical vampire book with only slight variations like we’ve seen done so many other times. It’s a completely new take and I’m excited to see where the rest of the books go.
August 16, 2025
I didn’t really like this too much unfortunately. I still have hope for the other books in the series as they are all written by different authors, but this one wasn’t for me. I didn’t love the writing, thought the plot was quite messy and confusing and didn’t feel the MCs connection at all. It was still somehow entertaining but definitely not great.
2.25⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶
2.25⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶
November 9, 2023
Great start to an interesting series
Rhodesia is kidnapped and brought into another realm where the gateway is sealed and won’t open for another fifty years on Halloween.
Separated from her Sister and foster Sister she is distraught and even more so to learn that she is the people’s long awaited returned Queen.
Featuring enemies to loves, soulmates and a hea this book and indeed series is for anyone in search of a fast paced fantasy adventure with a little spice and intrigue.
Rhodesia is kidnapped and brought into another realm where the gateway is sealed and won’t open for another fifty years on Halloween.
Separated from her Sister and foster Sister she is distraught and even more so to learn that she is the people’s long awaited returned Queen.
Featuring enemies to loves, soulmates and a hea this book and indeed series is for anyone in search of a fast paced fantasy adventure with a little spice and intrigue.
November 5, 2023
This book kept me HOOKED.
Positives:
- really enjoyed the FMC she was strong without being overly annoying and I kinda liked that after the initial trying to run away she just kinda went with it.
-I liked the memories randomly distributed throughout cause it helped put the pieces together but still made the final reveal fun.
-loved that we got to see the sister.
-really enjoyed the spin with the modern terminology I also really appreciated using modern references like the battle of Helms Deep. Sometimes in battle scenes my eyes blur at all the descriptions so that was very helpful.
-the animosity from him was totally warranted and I felt really bad for him.
-always love when men cry for their women.
Not as positive but not negative:
-Parts of it felt a bit uhm idk YA maybe but from like 20 years ago if that makes sense? Maybe I associate purple with teenage-level books for whatever reason.
-felt like there was maybe Too Much action like there was barely a scene that wasn’t interrupted by some calamity happening.
-what was Ambrose’s motive? Like .. did Hollyn know? Was there ever a real what’s his name? I feel like it just kinda ended without any kind of explanation. Is that coming in future books? Like, there was no GASP IT WAS AMBROSE ALL ALONG feeling because it felt simultaneously obvious and also out of nowhere and irrelevant.
-needed more Varan POVs.
-wouldn’t market this as fake relationship there was literally one (1) scene where he’s like touching her to pretend but that was it. And I’m a fake relationship connoisseur so I was expecting more and it didn’t come.
This is a really cool concept having different authors writing each story I’m looking forward to the rest.
Positives:
- really enjoyed the FMC she was strong without being overly annoying and I kinda liked that after the initial trying to run away she just kinda went with it.
-I liked the memories randomly distributed throughout cause it helped put the pieces together but still made the final reveal fun.
-loved that we got to see the sister.
-really enjoyed the spin with the modern terminology I also really appreciated using modern references like the battle of Helms Deep. Sometimes in battle scenes my eyes blur at all the descriptions so that was very helpful.
-the animosity from him was totally warranted and I felt really bad for him.
-always love when men cry for their women.
Not as positive but not negative:
-Parts of it felt a bit uhm idk YA maybe but from like 20 years ago if that makes sense? Maybe I associate purple with teenage-level books for whatever reason.
-felt like there was maybe Too Much action like there was barely a scene that wasn’t interrupted by some calamity happening.
-what was Ambrose’s motive? Like .. did Hollyn know? Was there ever a real what’s his name? I feel like it just kinda ended without any kind of explanation. Is that coming in future books? Like, there was no GASP IT WAS AMBROSE ALL ALONG feeling because it felt simultaneously obvious and also out of nowhere and irrelevant.
-needed more Varan POVs.
-wouldn’t market this as fake relationship there was literally one (1) scene where he’s like touching her to pretend but that was it. And I’m a fake relationship connoisseur so I was expecting more and it didn’t come.
This is a really cool concept having different authors writing each story I’m looking forward to the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2024
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The idea itself was interesting, the execution - not so much. The story was entertaining and engaging, and I did have fun (that’s why I’m not rating it one star), however the writing was very chaotic at times and only got worse the further you got into the book. The last 30% of the book was so meandering, I still have no idea what exactly happened.
The other thing is the lack of development, both of the characters and the relationship between them. The romance was not good - it had potential, but the things went sideways pretty quickly. We did not see these characters getting to know each other, we were just told they had this amazing connection in the past life so let’s just move forward to present and pretend like it’s enough to explain where their feelings are coming from and why do they love each other. It was really enemies turned lovers in basically one chapter.
Moreover, there was no inividual character development either. Rhode was the exact same person as she was at the beginning of the story and I felt like the events of the story did not affect her at all. It was even worse with the male love interest (I already forgot his name), because I do not know this man at all. He’s like a blank page.
Overall, although I didn’t hate this book and did enjoy it at times, I still feel like it has a lot of flaws. I am interested in continuing with the series though, I would like to see the other characters’ journeys through this fantasy world.
The other thing is the lack of development, both of the characters and the relationship between them. The romance was not good - it had potential, but the things went sideways pretty quickly. We did not see these characters getting to know each other, we were just told they had this amazing connection in the past life so let’s just move forward to present and pretend like it’s enough to explain where their feelings are coming from and why do they love each other. It was really enemies turned lovers in basically one chapter.
Moreover, there was no inividual character development either. Rhode was the exact same person as she was at the beginning of the story and I felt like the events of the story did not affect her at all. It was even worse with the male love interest (I already forgot his name), because I do not know this man at all. He’s like a blank page.
Overall, although I didn’t hate this book and did enjoy it at times, I still feel like it has a lot of flaws. I am interested in continuing with the series though, I would like to see the other characters’ journeys through this fantasy world.
November 6, 2023
loved it!!
I really enjoyed jumping into this new world and learning the new characters. I had many suspicions about what was happening come true but of course, there were always the twists right after I didn’t see coming. That’s what I love about Chandelles writing! I can’t wait to read more of this world!
I really enjoyed jumping into this new world and learning the new characters. I had many suspicions about what was happening come true but of course, there were always the twists right after I didn’t see coming. That’s what I love about Chandelles writing! I can’t wait to read more of this world!
December 17, 2025
DNF 40%. Idk why this is rated so high. It’s awful.
January 29, 2024
Of Blood & Nightmares is Book One in the Forgotten Kingdoms series, an epic shared world romantasy series.
What stays in Vegas definitely does NOT stay in Vegas, at least not for Rhodelia “Rhode/Ro” one Halloween night. After driving to Vegas with her sister, Morgana to catch up and celebrate their foster sister, Sephira’s 21st birthday, things go a bit south when a hot guy asks her to dance and she’s suddenly unable to find her sisters…little does she know that’s the least of her problems.
Rhodelia finds herself in a completely new world surrounded by creatures she’d only heard of in fairytales…with no memories and a new appearance…and a really angry hot guy that seems to hate her for no reason at all.
I absolutely adored Rhodelia. She was sassy and quite funny throughout the book when she easily could have been written as more of a whiny damsel in distress (I’m so glad she was not written that way). Despite his prickly attitude, I also loved Varan. His backstory was just as traumatic as Rhode’s was, but dang dude, if you’d just said something earlier a lot of the bickering and hurt could have been avoided! But I guess he’s just a typical male in that sense. I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t go into any details, but I will say that I really enjoyed the unique twist on the different types of vampires. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a take like that before. @chandellelavaun definitely has a new fan after this and I can’t wait to check out her other stuff AND I can’t wait to dive into the rest (well the ones that are published so far) of the Forgotten Kingdoms books!
What stays in Vegas definitely does NOT stay in Vegas, at least not for Rhodelia “Rhode/Ro” one Halloween night. After driving to Vegas with her sister, Morgana to catch up and celebrate their foster sister, Sephira’s 21st birthday, things go a bit south when a hot guy asks her to dance and she’s suddenly unable to find her sisters…little does she know that’s the least of her problems.
Rhodelia finds herself in a completely new world surrounded by creatures she’d only heard of in fairytales…with no memories and a new appearance…and a really angry hot guy that seems to hate her for no reason at all.
I absolutely adored Rhodelia. She was sassy and quite funny throughout the book when she easily could have been written as more of a whiny damsel in distress (I’m so glad she was not written that way). Despite his prickly attitude, I also loved Varan. His backstory was just as traumatic as Rhode’s was, but dang dude, if you’d just said something earlier a lot of the bickering and hurt could have been avoided! But I guess he’s just a typical male in that sense. I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t go into any details, but I will say that I really enjoyed the unique twist on the different types of vampires. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a take like that before. @chandellelavaun definitely has a new fan after this and I can’t wait to check out her other stuff AND I can’t wait to dive into the rest (well the ones that are published so far) of the Forgotten Kingdoms books!
March 21, 2024
“Of Blood and Nightmares” is the first book in the fantasy romance series Forgotten Kingdoms, which takes place in a shared world where each book is written by a different author.
This was my first time reading anything by Chandelle LaVaun, and I have to say that while it wasn’t what I was expecting, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t amazing!
I’ll be honest, I was annoyed by Varan for a good chunk of the book, because he was constantly being a jerk to Rhodelia and I didn’t know why. His reasons were eventually revealed, and while it didn’t excuse his behavior, it definitely explained it. I have mixed feelings about Varan, but overall, I thought his heart was in the right place.
As for Rhodelia, I felt bad for her from the very beginning. The whole reincarnation thing would be enough on its own, but she’s dealing with a lot more than that, so I don’t blame her for being confused and upset. Her sassy personality was really refreshing, and I loved that she was always ready with a snarky comeback whenever Varan tried to fight with her.
I thought this was a great read, and a solid start to this series. It had hilarious banter between the characters, and the plot twists shocked me every time! Varan and Rhodelia had some serious chemistry, even when they were still at odds with each other, so I’d say this book was a very successful enemies to lovers romance!
I know this series can technically be read in any order, but I’m really glad I started at the beginning. The information given in this book helped me understand the world better, especially when it came to the prophecy. No spoilers, but it’s a complicated situation, and I’m looking forward to reading the other books!
This was my first time reading anything by Chandelle LaVaun, and I have to say that while it wasn’t what I was expecting, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t amazing!
I’ll be honest, I was annoyed by Varan for a good chunk of the book, because he was constantly being a jerk to Rhodelia and I didn’t know why. His reasons were eventually revealed, and while it didn’t excuse his behavior, it definitely explained it. I have mixed feelings about Varan, but overall, I thought his heart was in the right place.
As for Rhodelia, I felt bad for her from the very beginning. The whole reincarnation thing would be enough on its own, but she’s dealing with a lot more than that, so I don’t blame her for being confused and upset. Her sassy personality was really refreshing, and I loved that she was always ready with a snarky comeback whenever Varan tried to fight with her.
I thought this was a great read, and a solid start to this series. It had hilarious banter between the characters, and the plot twists shocked me every time! Varan and Rhodelia had some serious chemistry, even when they were still at odds with each other, so I’d say this book was a very successful enemies to lovers romance!
I know this series can technically be read in any order, but I’m really glad I started at the beginning. The information given in this book helped me understand the world better, especially when it came to the prophecy. No spoilers, but it’s a complicated situation, and I’m looking forward to reading the other books!
August 8, 2024
I decided to try this series after having read the Sarah J Maas books, the Jennifer L Armentrout B&A/F&F books & the Amber V Nicole Gods & Monsters books because I figured that out of 8 authors maybe I’d find a few that I liked so I could read their series as well.
One thing I should probably state up front is that I used to do text editing as part of my job. This book had a lot of errors in the text where the word printed literally made absolutely no sense. I doubt the author intended this but it made it so I had to guess what word should have been there in some instances.
I chose to read this book first in the Forgotten Kingdoms series even though there isn’t a specific order simply because it was released first. I truly hope the other 7 books aren’t similar to the story arc of this book because it was not a style I truly enjoyed. There were situations and characters in this book that were introduced which had zero effect on the story. There were also situations and characters in this book which seemed like they were randomly inserted without enough back story for their actual importance. The romance portion of this book was pretty lacking outside of two small parts which weren’t executed all that well. The FMC is a very intelligent nurse who makes decisions & says/thinks things that are pretty vapid. The constant use of fangirl pop culture references got old quickly. The move from earthly FMC to terrean FMC did not work well and seemed to move forward on an oddly drawn out timeline that suddenly snapped into the ending. All in all the idea was solid but the execution wasn’t there.
One thing I should probably state up front is that I used to do text editing as part of my job. This book had a lot of errors in the text where the word printed literally made absolutely no sense. I doubt the author intended this but it made it so I had to guess what word should have been there in some instances.
I chose to read this book first in the Forgotten Kingdoms series even though there isn’t a specific order simply because it was released first. I truly hope the other 7 books aren’t similar to the story arc of this book because it was not a style I truly enjoyed. There were situations and characters in this book that were introduced which had zero effect on the story. There were also situations and characters in this book which seemed like they were randomly inserted without enough back story for their actual importance. The romance portion of this book was pretty lacking outside of two small parts which weren’t executed all that well. The FMC is a very intelligent nurse who makes decisions & says/thinks things that are pretty vapid. The constant use of fangirl pop culture references got old quickly. The move from earthly FMC to terrean FMC did not work well and seemed to move forward on an oddly drawn out timeline that suddenly snapped into the ending. All in all the idea was solid but the execution wasn’t there.
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