What do you think?
Rate this book
Ashen Heart
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”
Torenia Luca’s unparalleled beauty is the cause of her family’s hatred for her. She’s ignored by her father, cast aside by her mother, and despised by her sister, Aster. The increasing rivalry between herself and Aster pushes Torenia into the Craft before she is driven out of Silvania for witchcraft. Ten years later she finds herself on the other side of the Mørke Forest in Osleka, a region known for its brutal cold and a mysterious blood cult called The Brotherhood run by Roman and Ivan Sokolov.
Thrown into a world of blood lust, political affairs, and nightwalkers, Torenia finds herself swept up in the Brotherhood, shedding parts of herself that do not serve her and unlocking desires she had long since hidden. She claws her way up the hierarchy, uncaring of whom she usurps along the way.
“Torenia Luca is the fairest of them all.”
Torenia Luca’s unparalleled beauty is the cause of her family’s hatred for her. She’s ignored by her father, cast aside by her mother, and despised by her sister, Aster. The increasing rivalry between herself and Aster pushes Torenia into the Craft before she is driven out of Silvania for witchcraft. Ten years later she finds herself on the other side of the Mørke Forest in Osleka, a region known for its brutal cold and a mysterious blood cult called The Brotherhood run by Roman and Ivan Sokolov.
Thrown into a world of blood lust, political affairs, and nightwalkers, Torenia finds herself swept up in the Brotherhood, shedding parts of herself that do not serve her and unlocking desires she had long since hidden. She claws her way up the hierarchy, uncaring of whom she usurps along the way.
“Torenia Luca is the fairest of them all.”
- GenresFantasy
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2024
74 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Voerman
13 books107 followersSabrina Voerman is a self-proclaimed "genre-slut" who writes whatever she feels like. She started her writing in dark fantasy, fairy tales, and horror, dipped her toes in short stories, and is now focusing on chick-lit, romance, a touch of comedy, and even some teen fiction. She hopes you laugh at her jokes.
She lives on Vancouver Island, with her three plants she never asked for but somehow inherited. Thankfully, they thrive on neglect.
She lives on Vancouver Island, with her three plants she never asked for but somehow inherited. Thankfully, they thrive on neglect.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 5, 2024
I would give this book 10 stars if i could ❤️
No second in the series woe here as this book hits hard with very strong yet beautifully written characters that are so emotive. Torenias story is hard to read as she becomes someone who is truly unlikeable, yet the story compelled me to know more. I can only congratulate Sabrina on this book, and I can't wait to read more in the series! I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
No second in the series woe here as this book hits hard with very strong yet beautifully written characters that are so emotive. Torenias story is hard to read as she becomes someone who is truly unlikeable, yet the story compelled me to know more. I can only congratulate Sabrina on this book, and I can't wait to read more in the series! I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2024
Sabrina Voerman’s newest novel Ashen Heart, book two in the acclaimed dark fairytale retelling Blood Coven, oozes mood and introduces readers to the harsh and relentless court intrigue of Torenia. Torenia is an indelible character, styled in the vein of Elizabeth Bathory or Catherine the Great, who seizes power and does everything she can to maintain it. She surpasses the, albeit dark, pastoral lives of the characters in Blood Coven and reigns over a kingdom of vipers, each one attempting to unseat what power she has managed to wrest from it. The three vampire princes, Roman, Ivan, and Nikolai, are locked in a blood feud with Torenia that would make the hairs on Blood Coven’s Wolf stand on end. Their relationship is a nightmare of sibling rivalry, each out for blood and power and willing to tear the world apart to achieve their ends. Torenia infuriates and exacerbates their tensions, capitalizes on their suffering, and manipulates the court like a tsar hungry to consolidate power against the mob.
What a character Torenia is! A sharp mind, an unflinching resolve, and an appetite for combat, be it the brutality of the fighting pits or the festering politicking of the court. Voerman excels in writing complex female protagonists and stays faithful to their narrative despite the popularity of “likable” heroines. The machinations of Torenia are a brutal reckoning against the culture that seeks to diminish her, and something that makes her instantly memorable. She is not a character to like but a character to admire, a character to adore. This is perhaps Voerman’s greatest strength in storytelling: her unflinching, naturalistic view of women in all their iterations whose fantasy worlds put their authenticity in stark relief. Voerman’s stories are visceral, embodied, gripping, with artistic flourishes that never stray far from the endemic violence of the worlds she creates. Ashen Heart will gut readers who were bewitched by Blood Coven, and they will thank Voerman for the honor.
What a character Torenia is! A sharp mind, an unflinching resolve, and an appetite for combat, be it the brutality of the fighting pits or the festering politicking of the court. Voerman excels in writing complex female protagonists and stays faithful to their narrative despite the popularity of “likable” heroines. The machinations of Torenia are a brutal reckoning against the culture that seeks to diminish her, and something that makes her instantly memorable. She is not a character to like but a character to admire, a character to adore. This is perhaps Voerman’s greatest strength in storytelling: her unflinching, naturalistic view of women in all their iterations whose fantasy worlds put their authenticity in stark relief. Voerman’s stories are visceral, embodied, gripping, with artistic flourishes that never stray far from the endemic violence of the worlds she creates. Ashen Heart will gut readers who were bewitched by Blood Coven, and they will thank Voerman for the honor.
October 19, 2024
Book two of The Blood Bound Series is a dark re-telling of Snow White that absolutely delivers. Torenia Luca is positively and unapologetically savage. But what could one expect? She's a product of her experiences.
Enduring years of malice from within her own family, the hostility and rejection feeds the darkness lurking inside of her. A darkness that runs in Torenia's blood. Her intrigue with the forbidden craft is a pull she can't resist. She's a born natural witch that craves both beauty and power. Ostracized for carrying the Luca name, her actions result in a brutal heartbreaking act which drives Torenia to flee her town.
Fate will place her in the company of vampires whose viciousness matches her own. Lured into a life that gives the means and freedom to become a powerful witch and more, Torenia's ruthless nature intensifies.
"A battle had raged inside of her for so long, a battle against the darkness she was born with. Where had it gotten her? It was time to embrace the Luca within her."
I love complex characters like this. A part of me empathizes with Torenia while another is horrified by some of her actions. It's no surprise I loved this story. Voerman's writing is delicious, riveting and not for the faint of heart.
Enduring years of malice from within her own family, the hostility and rejection feeds the darkness lurking inside of her. A darkness that runs in Torenia's blood. Her intrigue with the forbidden craft is a pull she can't resist. She's a born natural witch that craves both beauty and power. Ostracized for carrying the Luca name, her actions result in a brutal heartbreaking act which drives Torenia to flee her town.
Fate will place her in the company of vampires whose viciousness matches her own. Lured into a life that gives the means and freedom to become a powerful witch and more, Torenia's ruthless nature intensifies.
"A battle had raged inside of her for so long, a battle against the darkness she was born with. Where had it gotten her? It was time to embrace the Luca within her."
I love complex characters like this. A part of me empathizes with Torenia while another is horrified by some of her actions. It's no surprise I loved this story. Voerman's writing is delicious, riveting and not for the faint of heart.
April 15, 2024
This story is a master class in character development. We watch Torenia go from a shunned sister in a toxic household to a cutthroat queen with the most sanguinary appetites. She is ruthless, Machiavellian, and infinitely alluring. There are vampiric Queen of the Damned-esque love scenes between Torenia & Ivan that will have you pulling at your collar to let some of the heat escape.
I adore complex characters like Torenia, those that claw up from humble origins to sup on all the powers and pleasures this world has to offer. There is betrayal, ascension, and merciless cunning at work here, and the reader will watch as Torenia teases with fangs, punctures deep, and drains all of those foolish enough to cross her until only husks remain.
Voerman continues to be such a confident force of nature in the landscape of dark literature, and I cannot wait to see what's next for her.
I adore complex characters like Torenia, those that claw up from humble origins to sup on all the powers and pleasures this world has to offer. There is betrayal, ascension, and merciless cunning at work here, and the reader will watch as Torenia teases with fangs, punctures deep, and drains all of those foolish enough to cross her until only husks remain.
Voerman continues to be such a confident force of nature in the landscape of dark literature, and I cannot wait to see what's next for her.
May 14, 2024
Torenia has always felt lesser than her sister Aster. She asks her mirror every night, Who is the fairest of them all? and seeks solace at the local brothel, where she begins to learn witchcraft. After she leaves her village, she catches the eye of Roman, who promises her eternal youth and beauty. But the Brotherhood of vampires has sibling rivalry of its own between Roman the leader, Ivan the fighter, and Nikolai the outcast. Torenia will use her beauty and wit to manipulate her way into power and get her revenge.
This installment of the Blood Bound series can be read as a standalone, although there are ties between this and Blood Coven (and Æsa, soon to be released as Song of the Sea). Torenia is the Evil Queen and there are similarities to Countess Bathory as well. She's a strong character, unafraid to go for what she wants, which means it's sometimes hard to identify with her - but her drive to be the most beautiful and the most powerful in a world dominated by men is something that I could get behind.
This installment of the Blood Bound series can be read as a standalone, although there are ties between this and Blood Coven (and Æsa, soon to be released as Song of the Sea). Torenia is the Evil Queen and there are similarities to Countess Bathory as well. She's a strong character, unafraid to go for what she wants, which means it's sometimes hard to identify with her - but her drive to be the most beautiful and the most powerful in a world dominated by men is something that I could get behind.
April 2, 2024
Sabrina Voerman once more continues to astound in her skill as a writer. Her ability to convey such detail so richly yet so concisely is amazing. She effortlessly sucks you into this world so that the words are no longer words but images that unfold and envelop you completely.
It’s worth noting this book is not afraid to go to some dark places - and has the balls to not shy away when it does. Voerman plays and torments her readers, just as her characters play and torment their victims, and she makes you grateful for the honour. Whilst taking pleasure in making its reader squirm, this book is full of twists and turns. It surprises you, guts you and entices you. It horrifies and delights, making you feel every range of emotion and then continues to give even more.
This is a story that will devour you as much as you will devour it.
We follow Torenia, a woman born of torment and cruelty yet driven in her pursuit of power and eternal beauty. And she’s one of my favourite literary characters I’ve read in recent times. Devious, ruthless, vicious and enthralling - I can’t wait to read more of her in books to come.
The other main characters, such as Roman and Ivan, are just as brutal and cunning, all of our MCs weaving a meticulous web of deceit, manipulation and challenges that entangles the reader and never releases them.
It has so much to entice you - vengeance, sacrifice, spice and taboo, murder, blood cults, vampires, witches, female empowerment, LGBTQ rep to name a few.
And the aesthetic? Gothic ‘til you die. Castles, forests, theatrics, blood baths (in more ways than one), decadence, old libraries, power plays, ravens, black hair, red lips and roses…
And I still haven’t named all the reasons you should read this book!!
And I shan’t - I must leave something to tempt and surprise you… but do yourself a service and check this book out. It’s a deadly delight full of horrors lying wait in the dark and available for pre-order now, release date is 15th March 2024.
This is the second book of The Blood Bound series but can also be read as a standalone novel.
For my full review and author interview, check out “Kate Anjou’s Book Reviews” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
It’s worth noting this book is not afraid to go to some dark places - and has the balls to not shy away when it does. Voerman plays and torments her readers, just as her characters play and torment their victims, and she makes you grateful for the honour. Whilst taking pleasure in making its reader squirm, this book is full of twists and turns. It surprises you, guts you and entices you. It horrifies and delights, making you feel every range of emotion and then continues to give even more.
This is a story that will devour you as much as you will devour it.
We follow Torenia, a woman born of torment and cruelty yet driven in her pursuit of power and eternal beauty. And she’s one of my favourite literary characters I’ve read in recent times. Devious, ruthless, vicious and enthralling - I can’t wait to read more of her in books to come.
The other main characters, such as Roman and Ivan, are just as brutal and cunning, all of our MCs weaving a meticulous web of deceit, manipulation and challenges that entangles the reader and never releases them.
It has so much to entice you - vengeance, sacrifice, spice and taboo, murder, blood cults, vampires, witches, female empowerment, LGBTQ rep to name a few.
And the aesthetic? Gothic ‘til you die. Castles, forests, theatrics, blood baths (in more ways than one), decadence, old libraries, power plays, ravens, black hair, red lips and roses…
And I still haven’t named all the reasons you should read this book!!
And I shan’t - I must leave something to tempt and surprise you… but do yourself a service and check this book out. It’s a deadly delight full of horrors lying wait in the dark and available for pre-order now, release date is 15th March 2024.
This is the second book of The Blood Bound series but can also be read as a standalone novel.
For my full review and author interview, check out “Kate Anjou’s Book Reviews” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
May 4, 2024
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Voerman’s newest release since reading, and then re-reading, "Blood Coven." And "Ashen Heart" is a wild ride! Compared to the morally gray protagonists in "Blood Coven," Torenia is an outright villain who revels in the bloodshed and chaos she causes. Part of the fun (and horror) is seeing the lengths to which she’ll go in achieving her goals. You might not agree with Torenia’s methods, but you have to admire her cunning and creativity.
Then we get to the Sokolov brothers. The mind games between Roman and Torenia keep you guessing what will happen next and who will win, at least for the time being. Meanwhile, the sexual tension between Ivan and Torenia is very palpable. (I could feel the heat in the steamier scenes!) And of course, there are the literal bloodbaths scattered throughout. If you felt like the first book was too tame in terms of violence, then you’ll love the second.
While it’s a good idea to read "Blood Coven" to get the references, it’s not required since there’s enough information in "Ashen Heart" to follow along. And while "Blood Coven" set the groundwork for the lore and family drama that ensues, "Ashen Heart" greatly expands on the worldbuilding and action while nicely setting up "Song of the Sea."
Some of the time skips are jarring but most of the story flows smoothly, alternating between intense and deceptively calm moments. I did wish we could have spent more time with Nikolai (though it’s his turn to shine in "Song of the Sea") and Svetlana. Sensitive readers may be put off by the bloody scenes, and while the sex isn’t graphic, I wouldn’t recommend this book to your Christian mom, unless she’s into bloodplay with sexy vampires.
"Ashen Heart" is a worthy follow-up to "Blood Coven," but it also stands on its own in all its wicked, bloodstained glory. Voerman does it again with complicated, evil-yet-oh-so-good characters and an unrelenting story that gets better as it grows darker. Looking forward to dipping my toes into "Song of the Sea"!
Then we get to the Sokolov brothers. The mind games between Roman and Torenia keep you guessing what will happen next and who will win, at least for the time being. Meanwhile, the sexual tension between Ivan and Torenia is very palpable. (I could feel the heat in the steamier scenes!) And of course, there are the literal bloodbaths scattered throughout. If you felt like the first book was too tame in terms of violence, then you’ll love the second.
While it’s a good idea to read "Blood Coven" to get the references, it’s not required since there’s enough information in "Ashen Heart" to follow along. And while "Blood Coven" set the groundwork for the lore and family drama that ensues, "Ashen Heart" greatly expands on the worldbuilding and action while nicely setting up "Song of the Sea."
Some of the time skips are jarring but most of the story flows smoothly, alternating between intense and deceptively calm moments. I did wish we could have spent more time with Nikolai (though it’s his turn to shine in "Song of the Sea") and Svetlana. Sensitive readers may be put off by the bloody scenes, and while the sex isn’t graphic, I wouldn’t recommend this book to your Christian mom, unless she’s into bloodplay with sexy vampires.
"Ashen Heart" is a worthy follow-up to "Blood Coven," but it also stands on its own in all its wicked, bloodstained glory. Voerman does it again with complicated, evil-yet-oh-so-good characters and an unrelenting story that gets better as it grows darker. Looking forward to dipping my toes into "Song of the Sea"!
April 2, 2025
A bewitching dark fairytale of lust and power.
Torenia Luca has felt loathed by her family since her childhood, and has long dreamt of leaving her life in Silvania far behind.
Delving into her family’s legacy of witchcraft, she is finally embracing something akin to happiness when her life is once again torn to devastation.
Finally making her escape, she becomes embroiled with blood cult The Brotherhood, discovering a dark kingdom of blood lust and power games, one that may promise her all she has ever desired.
'Ashen Heart' is a dark fantasy novel by Sabrina Voerman, the second in 'The Blood Bound Series', taking place between the dual timelines we explored in the first novel 'Blood Coven'. We follow the life story of Torenia Luca, perhaps the most notorious of the Luca witches since Azalea, from her humble, lonely beginnings and her discovery of the Craft, charting her rise to power to become the merciless queen of Osleka and its legion of vampires. Weaving luscious descriptive prose, frothing with gothic imagery, Voerman conjures a gripping, character-driven narrative; a sensual, tense and bloodthirsty tale of empowerment and survival – simultaneously devastating and alluring; an unflinching portrait of the corruption of a soul.
We begin with Torenia’s childhood, finding her often neglected by her parents in favour of her sister. Feeling alone and worthless, she longs to be beautiful, to be seen. When she discovers the power she can wield in her teenage years, inspiring desire in another, she seeks an outlet for her pain. As the rivalry with her sister intensifies, she begins to learn the legacy of the Luca family, the lure of magic intoxifying. But her family and the villagers have no tolerance for witchcraft, fearing its power and history repeating itself. When she believes she may have nowhere left to run, Torenia meets Roman, a mysterious man of the night who promises he can bestow upon her all she has ever wished for – infinite power, eternal youth, staggering beauty. Yet this comes with a life fraught with danger and paranoia, as she finds herself caught in the midst of a blood feud between three brothers, monarchs whose grasp on the throne is tenuous, under constant threat of conspiracy and betrayal.
Voerman seduces us with a staggering cocktail of depravity and sin, Torenia immersing herself in a life of desire, indulgence and avarice, fully embracing the vanity, envy and rage that has danced in her heart since trauma laced her blood with their masochistic sting. In her quest for survival and dominion, she becomes cold, brutal and vicious. Taking much inspiration from the Evil Queen of the 'Snow White' fairytale, with touches of Elizabeth Bathory, the novel presents a delicious fairy tale retelling, combined with the lore of witchcraft and vampirism to create a rich dark fantasy, with elements of horror and erotica sewn into the seams - a thrilling delight charting the trajectory of a villain, an origin story and condemnation tale. Confronting us with the stark horror of abuse and misogyny, as we witness the effects of the insidious poison of insecurity and unhealed wounds, Torenia’s story is often relatable, beginning as deeply sympathetic, but ultimately she becomes more depraved and intolerable as she embraces evil and hatred, nevertheless remaining intensely captivating as her unquenchable thirst for vengeance and power turn her once-innocent heart black.
The novel ends with a tantalising glimpse of the future, dovetailing with the end of 'Blood Coven' as the narratives diverge for the fourth and final novel 'Blood Queen'. In the meantime, strands of 'Ashen Heart' also lead us into the third novel 'Song of the Sea'. I’m excited to read both books after the strength of the first two in the series!
Torenia Luca has felt loathed by her family since her childhood, and has long dreamt of leaving her life in Silvania far behind.
Delving into her family’s legacy of witchcraft, she is finally embracing something akin to happiness when her life is once again torn to devastation.
Finally making her escape, she becomes embroiled with blood cult The Brotherhood, discovering a dark kingdom of blood lust and power games, one that may promise her all she has ever desired.
'Ashen Heart' is a dark fantasy novel by Sabrina Voerman, the second in 'The Blood Bound Series', taking place between the dual timelines we explored in the first novel 'Blood Coven'. We follow the life story of Torenia Luca, perhaps the most notorious of the Luca witches since Azalea, from her humble, lonely beginnings and her discovery of the Craft, charting her rise to power to become the merciless queen of Osleka and its legion of vampires. Weaving luscious descriptive prose, frothing with gothic imagery, Voerman conjures a gripping, character-driven narrative; a sensual, tense and bloodthirsty tale of empowerment and survival – simultaneously devastating and alluring; an unflinching portrait of the corruption of a soul.
We begin with Torenia’s childhood, finding her often neglected by her parents in favour of her sister. Feeling alone and worthless, she longs to be beautiful, to be seen. When she discovers the power she can wield in her teenage years, inspiring desire in another, she seeks an outlet for her pain. As the rivalry with her sister intensifies, she begins to learn the legacy of the Luca family, the lure of magic intoxifying. But her family and the villagers have no tolerance for witchcraft, fearing its power and history repeating itself. When she believes she may have nowhere left to run, Torenia meets Roman, a mysterious man of the night who promises he can bestow upon her all she has ever wished for – infinite power, eternal youth, staggering beauty. Yet this comes with a life fraught with danger and paranoia, as she finds herself caught in the midst of a blood feud between three brothers, monarchs whose grasp on the throne is tenuous, under constant threat of conspiracy and betrayal.
Voerman seduces us with a staggering cocktail of depravity and sin, Torenia immersing herself in a life of desire, indulgence and avarice, fully embracing the vanity, envy and rage that has danced in her heart since trauma laced her blood with their masochistic sting. In her quest for survival and dominion, she becomes cold, brutal and vicious. Taking much inspiration from the Evil Queen of the 'Snow White' fairytale, with touches of Elizabeth Bathory, the novel presents a delicious fairy tale retelling, combined with the lore of witchcraft and vampirism to create a rich dark fantasy, with elements of horror and erotica sewn into the seams - a thrilling delight charting the trajectory of a villain, an origin story and condemnation tale. Confronting us with the stark horror of abuse and misogyny, as we witness the effects of the insidious poison of insecurity and unhealed wounds, Torenia’s story is often relatable, beginning as deeply sympathetic, but ultimately she becomes more depraved and intolerable as she embraces evil and hatred, nevertheless remaining intensely captivating as her unquenchable thirst for vengeance and power turn her once-innocent heart black.
The novel ends with a tantalising glimpse of the future, dovetailing with the end of 'Blood Coven' as the narratives diverge for the fourth and final novel 'Blood Queen'. In the meantime, strands of 'Ashen Heart' also lead us into the third novel 'Song of the Sea'. I’m excited to read both books after the strength of the first two in the series!
March 6, 2024
Overall, I enjoyed Ashen Heart! The story kept me hooked from the beginning with its fast pace, and I enjoyed Voerman's nod to Snow White and the Evil Queen. While I loved the fast pace, there were a couple instances where the pace was a little too quick, so the plot felt rushed at times. There were also some spots where some additional editing would have helped clarify some details (although I know not all ARCs are in their final form!) and others where the language read more modern than the setting. Ultimately, though, Ashen Heart is an entertaining read, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
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.
March 16, 2024
"A Brotherhood falls, but a Sisterhood rises from the ashes."
If you're looking for female empowerment in your novels, and don't mind a little (or a lot) of blood and morally dark characters, Sabrina Voerman is the author for you!
Ashen Heart is the next novel in the Blood Bound Series second to Blood Coven. Now I absolutely loved and devoured Blood Coven: The darkness, the queerness, the beauty of power and support in female relationships. It was a great reading experience for me. Now Ashen Heart doesn't quite hit the same mark for me, but we get there in the end either way.
If you're looking for likeable/redeemable characters in your stories, look away. Our girl Torenia is unlikeable to the core. A victim of familial trauma, Torenia is hellbent on vengeance. She's power and beauty hungry, and will do anything to achieve what she wants, even if that means slicing innocent throats to get it. Sabrina Voerman is great at writing villian arcs. You will have your emotions manipulated. You may not like what Torenia does, but you will understand every step of the way. Just be prepared for the brutality of it. If you're like me, you might find yourself cheering her on.
"I am tired of working for men who do not respect me. I want to work for a woman who will fight for me."
Ashen Heart continues to explore the witchy, paranormal realm from Blood Coven with the addition of vampires to the mix. Once turned, Torenia becomes a member of The Brotherhood, a council of ruling vampires that are not without their own inner turmoils. Half-blood pitted against Full-blood for control of all. And boy does Torenia have her moment in its midst. This is what I was craving from Blood Coven. Women taking control of their fate, destroying their oppressors, bringing each other up from the ashes, and creating something better for the world. And it's still beautifully queer with Torenia exploring all her sexual desires with whomever she chooses. Patriarchy? We don't know him, and we don't want him (except maybe as a foot rest).
Ashen Heart can be read as a standalone and is a good introduction to the series as it technically takes place about 100 years prior to the events in Blood Coven. It's also faster in pace, with quite a few time jumps throughout. I'm actually thinking about re-reading BC now because I got so excited seeing all the little nods and connections to those characters.
Sabrina Voerman's books are dark and gritty and will haunt you long after you leave their pages behind. A must read author for me. I recommend her work to readers who love fantasy, horror, dark fairy-tale retellings, and strong female mcs who are not afraid to get their beautiful hands dirty.
I recieved an advanced review copy for free from the author via BookSirens. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
If you're looking for female empowerment in your novels, and don't mind a little (or a lot) of blood and morally dark characters, Sabrina Voerman is the author for you!
Ashen Heart is the next novel in the Blood Bound Series second to Blood Coven. Now I absolutely loved and devoured Blood Coven: The darkness, the queerness, the beauty of power and support in female relationships. It was a great reading experience for me. Now Ashen Heart doesn't quite hit the same mark for me, but we get there in the end either way.
If you're looking for likeable/redeemable characters in your stories, look away. Our girl Torenia is unlikeable to the core. A victim of familial trauma, Torenia is hellbent on vengeance. She's power and beauty hungry, and will do anything to achieve what she wants, even if that means slicing innocent throats to get it. Sabrina Voerman is great at writing villian arcs. You will have your emotions manipulated. You may not like what Torenia does, but you will understand every step of the way. Just be prepared for the brutality of it. If you're like me, you might find yourself cheering her on.
"I am tired of working for men who do not respect me. I want to work for a woman who will fight for me."
Ashen Heart continues to explore the witchy, paranormal realm from Blood Coven with the addition of vampires to the mix. Once turned, Torenia becomes a member of The Brotherhood, a council of ruling vampires that are not without their own inner turmoils. Half-blood pitted against Full-blood for control of all. And boy does Torenia have her moment in its midst. This is what I was craving from Blood Coven. Women taking control of their fate, destroying their oppressors, bringing each other up from the ashes, and creating something better for the world. And it's still beautifully queer with Torenia exploring all her sexual desires with whomever she chooses. Patriarchy? We don't know him, and we don't want him (except maybe as a foot rest).
Ashen Heart can be read as a standalone and is a good introduction to the series as it technically takes place about 100 years prior to the events in Blood Coven. It's also faster in pace, with quite a few time jumps throughout. I'm actually thinking about re-reading BC now because I got so excited seeing all the little nods and connections to those characters.
Sabrina Voerman's books are dark and gritty and will haunt you long after you leave their pages behind. A must read author for me. I recommend her work to readers who love fantasy, horror, dark fairy-tale retellings, and strong female mcs who are not afraid to get their beautiful hands dirty.
I recieved an advanced review copy for free from the author via BookSirens. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
March 2, 2024
I’ve had to sit with this book a while. There are some seriously hard to read scenes in this book, especially the ending. The thing I love about both this book and book 1 in the series is how beautifully the author writes these scenes.
Torenia is one of those characters that I have a serious love/hate relationship with. She grows into her strength and then ends up pole vaulting over the line, not just crossing it, when it comes to wanting to be seen as an equal. Her actions are sometimes horrifying. I caught myself saying, “Whoa, did I really just read that?!?” a few times.
I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait for book 3 to see how it’s all tied together.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Torenia is one of those characters that I have a serious love/hate relationship with. She grows into her strength and then ends up pole vaulting over the line, not just crossing it, when it comes to wanting to be seen as an equal. Her actions are sometimes horrifying. I caught myself saying, “Whoa, did I really just read that?!?” a few times.
I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait for book 3 to see how it’s all tied together.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
February 18, 2024
This is a story that starts slowly but then bursts into quite the tale. Reminiscent of the classic vampire tales, its impact is rooted in the psychological, the trauma that Torenia experiences as a child, then gives her the will to become a powerful being. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of violence and blood. but it's not gratuitous but necessary in this dark vampiric story. How Torenia comes into her own and surrounds herself with females she trusts, sets the scene for the next book- the last line of the epilogue promises that this is not over! I did receive an ARC of this book.
March 6, 2024
First off I would like to Thank the author and BookSirens for the advance copy of this book and these are my true and honest opinions.
This is the second installment in The Blood Bound Series and while in the beginning it takes time to get into Sabrina has the most unique way of writing a story and captivating you. By the end I wasn't sure if I was rooting for or against our FMC but I was absorbed in the story and can not wait to continue the story and see it all wrap up together and intertwine
This is the second installment in The Blood Bound Series and while in the beginning it takes time to get into Sabrina has the most unique way of writing a story and captivating you. By the end I wasn't sure if I was rooting for or against our FMC but I was absorbed in the story and can not wait to continue the story and see it all wrap up together and intertwine
March 14, 2024
What an amazing story. Torenia’s character was so beautifully written, and her rise to power and efforts to maintain that power made for such an engaging story. The politics, the drama, it all had me on the edge of my seat. This was the first of Sabrina’s works I have read, but I will for sure be checking out the rest of this series. I received an ARC of this book via BookSirens.
May 5, 2024
Oof. First of all Sabrina just writes like poetry. There is something oddly pleasing about a book where there is no morally grey for the main character, for the most part it’s just blackened souls. You get to see their creation, which I love. Monsters are created. SPOILERS: I was low key in love with Ivan. And will forever be a little jaded we didn’t get more Torenia-Ivan scenes 😍. Also scarlet!? The entire second half of the book I just kept thinking “what would she think”… it would of been a five star for me except that I had a hard time with the kids scenes at the end. They were absolutely effective, but as a mom that type of graphic childrens murder pulled me out of the story a little bit and I struggled. Otherwise it was an absolutely swoon worthy, dark and twisty, beautifully messy fairy tale.
Read
December 31, 2025Yep, still love this book, I feel like this explores feminine rage in a way that most books shy away from for fear of judgement, however it fits this character so well and you can’t help but agree with her, until, the end anyway. But even that is so gripping and unputdownable,
March 21, 2024
An immersive, fast paced and twisty story unveiling the true price of beauty and power as well as the monster from within which is unleashed in order to attain it.
The story was entertaining and had varied perspectives from different characters as well as a fractured family dynamic (a toxic sisterly relationship) included and the choices made by each sister along the way.
In terms of the twist it was unexpected and interesting although in some parts a bit "too bloody" for my liking even though I can see how it was needed for the story as a whole.
The story was entertaining and had varied perspectives from different characters as well as a fractured family dynamic (a toxic sisterly relationship) included and the choices made by each sister along the way.
In terms of the twist it was unexpected and interesting although in some parts a bit "too bloody" for my liking even though I can see how it was needed for the story as a whole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
What an adventure. I started this book last year due, but due to life getting crazy, I put it down, and I was very happy to pick it up again. I am happy I decided to start from the beginning and emerge myself back into this world. Sabrina goes a marvelous job of heaving this world and its history you learn from book 1 with the continuation of bad ass Luca women. I am very excited about book 3.
June 14, 2024
The prose in this story is delectable, I was ensnared by the descriptions, and the way the author started each chapter, focusing on the outterworld before pinpointing the inner one of Torenia. And let me add, it was a very wise choice of Voerman to introduce Torenia to readers as nought but a child, because let me warn you right now: this character in my opinion is not gray. If she is, then the gradient is turned up to level 100, because...WHEW... I literally had to stop and take a deep breath at her actions, especially toward the end.
So let me back up a bit. We have Torenia (as I said we meet her in the beginning as a child) shaped into jealousy by a set of torturous parents. She gets to watch her younger sister get everything even though they both meddle in the forbidden craft of witchcraft. But the way she is treated obviously would push anybody to find acceptance elsewhere. Thus she ends up meeting Scarlet, a woman's woman--and a witch. A wonderful, kind hearted witch and fierce protector of women. One very minor complaint would be that we don't get to spend enough time in this section of the book, although I understand things happen that change it, but I think it would be juicy to see Torenia in this world met with temptations and then branch off and leave into the Brotherhood.
ENTER THE BROTHERHOOD. I won't go into the Brotherhood much, except to say the viciousness was done expertly. There was a scene that reminded me of one in 'Interview with the Vampire' by Anne Rice with the theatre vampires. And amidst it all, Torenia plots to put herself into the highest seat of power no matter what it takes to get there. She is definitely one of my favorite female baddie characters.
Lastly, I can't wait for Voerman's next release in this series! Whether you read this one (Blood Bound, bk 2) or the first one first, it really doesn't matter. These stories have connections, but do not need to be read in chronological order. Just hurry up and pick one up (preferably BOTH) and enjoy!!
So let me back up a bit. We have Torenia (as I said we meet her in the beginning as a child) shaped into jealousy by a set of torturous parents. She gets to watch her younger sister get everything even though they both meddle in the forbidden craft of witchcraft. But the way she is treated obviously would push anybody to find acceptance elsewhere. Thus she ends up meeting Scarlet, a woman's woman--and a witch. A wonderful, kind hearted witch and fierce protector of women. One very minor complaint would be that we don't get to spend enough time in this section of the book, although I understand things happen that change it, but I think it would be juicy to see Torenia in this world met with temptations and then branch off and leave into the Brotherhood.
ENTER THE BROTHERHOOD. I won't go into the Brotherhood much, except to say the viciousness was done expertly. There was a scene that reminded me of one in 'Interview with the Vampire' by Anne Rice with the theatre vampires. And amidst it all, Torenia plots to put herself into the highest seat of power no matter what it takes to get there. She is definitely one of my favorite female baddie characters.
Lastly, I can't wait for Voerman's next release in this series! Whether you read this one (Blood Bound, bk 2) or the first one first, it really doesn't matter. These stories have connections, but do not need to be read in chronological order. Just hurry up and pick one up (preferably BOTH) and enjoy!!
April 16, 2025
I truly wish I could say that Ashen Heart was a major improvement from Blood Coven, but I would be lying if I did.
I will say that this story had the potential to be very interesting, but plentiful timeskips saw to ruining all of that. Many events that should have happened on page were waved away in a sentence or two. This happens several times and makes for an unenjoyable experience.
An example of this is at a point in the story where Torenia is supposed to be teaching Svetlana, the daughter of the man she wishes to overthrow for power, the Craft. We are to believe that Torenia was able to use this time to manipulate Svetlana into distrusting her own father in favor of trusting her teacher, but this is never shown to us through any meaningful scenes. We just get one throw away sentence that states that in just under a year this was achieved.
All of Torenia's studying and training is also done off page, so we never get to see the trial and error which makes Torenia seem like an instant badass. Character growth? Don't know her.
And then there's the major plot twist toward the end. I'm not going to ruin it for those who have yet to read this book, but it annoyed me so much that I had to save the last twenty or so pages for this morning instead of finishing the book last night despite being 95% done. The plot twist at the end of The Idol was better than this bullsh*t, and I hated that nonsensical twist with a fiery passion that consumed my soul.
Also, I have to laugh at the introductory note in this book that states that The Blood Bound Series has, and I quote, feminist themes woven throughout. With this book, feminism wasn't even in the room with us. All of Torenia's motives were driven by vanity, petty jealousy of the women around her and a thirst for power. Sure, in the beginning she was helping women in need, but as soon as she is promised power by a random man, her motives become a lot more self-centered.
*Sigh*
I really wanted to love this, guys. I honestly, truly did.
I will say that this story had the potential to be very interesting, but plentiful timeskips saw to ruining all of that. Many events that should have happened on page were waved away in a sentence or two. This happens several times and makes for an unenjoyable experience.
An example of this is at a point in the story where Torenia is supposed to be teaching Svetlana, the daughter of the man she wishes to overthrow for power, the Craft. We are to believe that Torenia was able to use this time to manipulate Svetlana into distrusting her own father in favor of trusting her teacher, but this is never shown to us through any meaningful scenes. We just get one throw away sentence that states that in just under a year this was achieved.
All of Torenia's studying and training is also done off page, so we never get to see the trial and error which makes Torenia seem like an instant badass. Character growth? Don't know her.
And then there's the major plot twist toward the end. I'm not going to ruin it for those who have yet to read this book, but it annoyed me so much that I had to save the last twenty or so pages for this morning instead of finishing the book last night despite being 95% done. The plot twist at the end of The Idol was better than this bullsh*t, and I hated that nonsensical twist with a fiery passion that consumed my soul.
Also, I have to laugh at the introductory note in this book that states that The Blood Bound Series has, and I quote, feminist themes woven throughout. With this book, feminism wasn't even in the room with us. All of Torenia's motives were driven by vanity, petty jealousy of the women around her and a thirst for power. Sure, in the beginning she was helping women in need, but as soon as she is promised power by a random man, her motives become a lot more self-centered.
*Sigh*
I really wanted to love this, guys. I honestly, truly did.
March 13, 2024
Mark your calendars, 15th March 2024 as that is the release date of Ashen Heart by Sabrina Voerman and it is a book, a series you will not want to miss. Full disclosure, I have been introduced to Voerman's writing via this book which is the second in the Bloodbound Series, and while it stangs powerfully strong as a standalone, I just had to put book one on to my shopping list as this is now a series I would happily invest in
Wow. I just... wow. I knew I was getting into a good book by the synopsis, but by the first few pages I was lost in the narrative and whisked away to a whole different plane of existence. I love a good anti-hero and Torenia has everything it takes and then some. Just the way her mother told Toreina and Aster a scary bedtime story, then kissed Aster and walked away resonated on so very many levels that I was hooked, let alone the premise of the injustices toward Torenia lighting the touchpaper of her becoming the Villain FMC of the book
The writing is silk wrapped around the sharpest blade and gritty rock. A beautiful narrative that is so elegant yet so deliciously dark and brutal. I am utterly invested in this series and I am only one book in! The chapters are short, so the story goes at a middle to fast pace, but that compliments the narrative.
An absolutely blinding book and I am very much looking forward to reading more
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow. I just... wow. I knew I was getting into a good book by the synopsis, but by the first few pages I was lost in the narrative and whisked away to a whole different plane of existence. I love a good anti-hero and Torenia has everything it takes and then some. Just the way her mother told Toreina and Aster a scary bedtime story, then kissed Aster and walked away resonated on so very many levels that I was hooked, let alone the premise of the injustices toward Torenia lighting the touchpaper of her becoming the Villain FMC of the book
The writing is silk wrapped around the sharpest blade and gritty rock. A beautiful narrative that is so elegant yet so deliciously dark and brutal. I am utterly invested in this series and I am only one book in! The chapters are short, so the story goes at a middle to fast pace, but that compliments the narrative.
An absolutely blinding book and I am very much looking forward to reading more
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 7, 2024
Ashen Heart, The Blood Bound Series 2, started well and then turned 180 in the main character's personality. Because of this, it was offputting and not my style.
At the beginning of the book, I had high hopes as this series has vampires, witches, and werewolves - yes!, Torenia, the main character, is a strong female girl, who lives with her mother, father, and sister. She is the black sheep of the family and testing what she has been told her whole life about herself and women. At this point, I was supporting this character. She is forced to leave her family (no spoilers) and helps other women. She is kind, looks after them, and helps as much as she can.
But after a big event happens the only things she cares about are beauty and power. For the rest of the book - Torenia is solely focused on how she can get more power and more beauty. Nothing else. Her personality is solely focused on these things and so she becomes a one-dimensional character.
At the beginning of the book, I had high hopes as this series has vampires, witches, and werewolves - yes!, Torenia, the main character, is a strong female girl, who lives with her mother, father, and sister. She is the black sheep of the family and testing what she has been told her whole life about herself and women. At this point, I was supporting this character. She is forced to leave her family (no spoilers) and helps other women. She is kind, looks after them, and helps as much as she can.
But after a big event happens the only things she cares about are beauty and power. For the rest of the book - Torenia is solely focused on how she can get more power and more beauty. Nothing else. Her personality is solely focused on these things and so she becomes a one-dimensional character.
June 14, 2024
Ashen Heart again showcases Sabrina Voerman's talent for world-building. I liken this to sitting in a cozy cabin with the fire crackling; snow caked on the windows, a warm drink in hand, and a world you can lose yourself in. There is a comfort to her style of writing that makes this read like therapy for anxiety.
The story begins with Torenia, who is not the fairest of them all but wishes to be. Her sister, Aster, is loved by their parents and adored and can do no wrong.
Then, Voerman shifts the fairy tale into her dark style when Torenia meets a friend who helps her uncover a power that lives within her powerful blood. I will also say the character building is top notch and the author doesn't need many words to establish her characters. All the scenes feel just right and never too long. If anything, I wish this was twice as long.
Torenia also meets another powerful ally that will be the bulk of this story. A large castle, blood, and a bear! Yes, I love the bear in this so much! You have to read the scene, it is written wonderfully and introduces another main character in the process.
Torenia finds many secrets and ends up playing a game of 'Who can you trust' as she rises to power and fulfills her potential.
To note, this book does tie in Voerman's other two works, which can be read separately. I highly recommend checking them all out.
There are a lot of characters, but I never felt lost reading about them. The only knock I have is that it was too short. That is a critique worth having, and this is a book worth reading!
The story begins with Torenia, who is not the fairest of them all but wishes to be. Her sister, Aster, is loved by their parents and adored and can do no wrong.
Then, Voerman shifts the fairy tale into her dark style when Torenia meets a friend who helps her uncover a power that lives within her powerful blood. I will also say the character building is top notch and the author doesn't need many words to establish her characters. All the scenes feel just right and never too long. If anything, I wish this was twice as long.
Torenia also meets another powerful ally that will be the bulk of this story. A large castle, blood, and a bear! Yes, I love the bear in this so much! You have to read the scene, it is written wonderfully and introduces another main character in the process.
Torenia finds many secrets and ends up playing a game of 'Who can you trust' as she rises to power and fulfills her potential.
To note, this book does tie in Voerman's other two works, which can be read separately. I highly recommend checking them all out.
There are a lot of characters, but I never felt lost reading about them. The only knock I have is that it was too short. That is a critique worth having, and this is a book worth reading!
September 27, 2023
Sabrina is a truly masterful writer who has woven an intricate fantasy world and created a lineage of powerful characters that will pull you into her stories. Even weeks after finishing the book, I’ll find myself contemplating parts of the story and trying to figure out what twists and turns will come in the next installment of her series. Brilliant, witty, and a fun read overall.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews