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The Holy Bloodlines #2
The Elysean Academy of Darkness and Secrets
Welcome to the Elysean Academy of Divine Light and Beauty, where darkness lurks in every corner, and secrets just might cost you your life…
I never wanted to have anything to do with Elyseans, descendants of the Olympian gods. But when I'm forced to participate in their deadly trials, I also learn that not everything is as it looks, and my past might just be very different from what I remember. So when I complete their trials and they offer me an invitation to the Academy, I do the unthinkable and say yes.
The plan is simple--find the man who did something outrageous to me when I was five years old, get out of the city of gods, and never look back.
If only it were that simple...
The Academy is full of wonders I hate to admit that I love. I make new friends, and new enemies that haunt me in the real world and in the Dream realm. Most importantly, Shade is right here, just as dark and as full of secrets, disappearing for days at a time before he comes back covered in blood and grime. Despite how things ended between us last time, I can't keep him away when he's always there. Always asking me to let him help me. Always ready to pick me up when I fall.
Eventually, I have no choice but to accept.
But with each new month at the Academy, I learn more about everything the Elyseans keep from the outside world. I always believed that they built their walls so high to show that they’re better than us, but the truth appears to be much different.
Worse yet, the reason why all of us, every student at the Academy mortal and Elysean, are being trained to fight every day might just explain everything I've been missing--and it's the secret that’s going to change my life forever.
***This book contains very explicit romantic scenes.
I never wanted to have anything to do with Elyseans, descendants of the Olympian gods. But when I'm forced to participate in their deadly trials, I also learn that not everything is as it looks, and my past might just be very different from what I remember. So when I complete their trials and they offer me an invitation to the Academy, I do the unthinkable and say yes.
The plan is simple--find the man who did something outrageous to me when I was five years old, get out of the city of gods, and never look back.
If only it were that simple...
The Academy is full of wonders I hate to admit that I love. I make new friends, and new enemies that haunt me in the real world and in the Dream realm. Most importantly, Shade is right here, just as dark and as full of secrets, disappearing for days at a time before he comes back covered in blood and grime. Despite how things ended between us last time, I can't keep him away when he's always there. Always asking me to let him help me. Always ready to pick me up when I fall.
Eventually, I have no choice but to accept.
But with each new month at the Academy, I learn more about everything the Elyseans keep from the outside world. I always believed that they built their walls so high to show that they’re better than us, but the truth appears to be much different.
Worse yet, the reason why all of us, every student at the Academy mortal and Elysean, are being trained to fight every day might just explain everything I've been missing--and it's the secret that’s going to change my life forever.
***This book contains very explicit romantic scenes.
496 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2023
884 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
July 28, 2024
I don't understand how this series isn't viral yet.
ITS SO GOOODDD 😩
ITS SO GOOODDD 😩
October 19, 2023
HOLY DANG WOW. I could not put this down at all. Highly HIGHLY recommend!!
I received this ARC for an honest review.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
August 2, 2024
Definitely better than book 1. We finally start to unravel things. But NOT the main characters secret. Ugh it’s like pulling teeth to get a grain of understanding. It’s frustrating as a reader to not get the payoff, even in book 2. But we are given a glimpse at the end that was pretty good. There’s still something in this book that kept me holding on, kept me reading well into the night. So 4 stars it is! The spice becomes a bit repetitive and cringy (ie-“wet folds” was used ad nauseam) in this book as well. But I like the main characters enough that I was able to overlook it.
May 16, 2025
dnfd at 81%
so I like the first book but the second book is okay but it's way too long and there's not a whole lot going on. it's pretty repetitive also even though there is a few time jumps. you have the same conversations happening over and over again. also even though the FMC is questioning things she's not getting answers to anything and she's not doing anything really to figure out the information she wanted to for being at the Academy in the first place. like she's taking months to do very basic things to research the three guys that were there during the accident that killed her when she was five. she also has a wealth of information and people to talk to and she doesn't do that. she also keeps a lot of things to herself. I can understand not telling people that she can see the crystals but she did tell Max and Mave about her past with the orphanage and things like that and you think that there would have been more of an exchange with information in general especially since she was going around and asking about the cleaning lady from the trials in the first book. then when she finds out information she's very like passive about it like when she overheard shade and the headmistress talking about her.
even though there's a lot of pages in these books you don't really connect with the MCs. we also are 100% sure why they like each other other than they're physically attracted to another. also in the first book they talk about how they have found past Elysians who for some reason I thought they were mortal and I'm just curious how exactly that happened like how did they find out that they were who they were and why can't they figure out who the FMC is? even though technically she was dead and she's now living but you think there would be something going on and then she talks about how she wants to learn things but she also doesn't want to research anything about death or what happened to her so it's like why are you in the school then anyway? why not just leave and go about your day considering she now has access to it the funding from her parents. specially if shade wanted to leave couldn't she just leave with him even if she took the drink or whatever. I don't know it just a lot of holes in a story for something that is super long and I am definitely not going to finish it at this point. great storyline though I wish they would make a condensed duet version.
so I like the first book but the second book is okay but it's way too long and there's not a whole lot going on. it's pretty repetitive also even though there is a few time jumps. you have the same conversations happening over and over again. also even though the FMC is questioning things she's not getting answers to anything and she's not doing anything really to figure out the information she wanted to for being at the Academy in the first place. like she's taking months to do very basic things to research the three guys that were there during the accident that killed her when she was five. she also has a wealth of information and people to talk to and she doesn't do that. she also keeps a lot of things to herself. I can understand not telling people that she can see the crystals but she did tell Max and Mave about her past with the orphanage and things like that and you think that there would have been more of an exchange with information in general especially since she was going around and asking about the cleaning lady from the trials in the first book. then when she finds out information she's very like passive about it like when she overheard shade and the headmistress talking about her.
even though there's a lot of pages in these books you don't really connect with the MCs. we also are 100% sure why they like each other other than they're physically attracted to another. also in the first book they talk about how they have found past Elysians who for some reason I thought they were mortal and I'm just curious how exactly that happened like how did they find out that they were who they were and why can't they figure out who the FMC is? even though technically she was dead and she's now living but you think there would be something going on and then she talks about how she wants to learn things but she also doesn't want to research anything about death or what happened to her so it's like why are you in the school then anyway? why not just leave and go about your day considering she now has access to it the funding from her parents. specially if shade wanted to leave couldn't she just leave with him even if she took the drink or whatever. I don't know it just a lot of holes in a story for something that is super long and I am definitely not going to finish it at this point. great storyline though I wish they would make a condensed duet version.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
Book 2 acts as a world building segment of the series as we learn about what goes on in the Elysean Academy and the lessons that our main characters go through. Pretty neat storytelling! The real focus of the story is on Sera and Shades relationship as they learn to grow as a couple and learning to deal with their demons that are giving them issues. The nightmare/dreams sequences that Sera and the other humans have been dealing with felt a little flat and pointless as during the second half of the book it just stopped being the main focus. However, Sera and Shades mending and building relationship made the story bearable, along with her finding some new Elysean friends who have her back at the academy against the rest of the bullies.
October 6, 2025
3.5*
I experienced the same confusing push-pull with this instalment as I did with the first.
On one hand, I had some of the same issues: the writing felt pretty basic, the plot dragged in a few spots, and the female main character remains generally unlikeable. She’s just not someone I feel invested in or am rooting for, which is usually a deal-breaker for me.
Yet, here I am, finishing the last few chapters at 1 a.m. because I simply could not put it down.
Honestly, I can’t put my finger on why this series is so captivating, but something is absolutely working.
Despite the flaws I can clearly point out, there’s an irresistible quality to the story that makes it a true page-turner. It’s the kind of book that defies critical analysis and just demands to be read.
I experienced the same confusing push-pull with this instalment as I did with the first.
On one hand, I had some of the same issues: the writing felt pretty basic, the plot dragged in a few spots, and the female main character remains generally unlikeable. She’s just not someone I feel invested in or am rooting for, which is usually a deal-breaker for me.
Yet, here I am, finishing the last few chapters at 1 a.m. because I simply could not put it down.
Honestly, I can’t put my finger on why this series is so captivating, but something is absolutely working.
Despite the flaws I can clearly point out, there’s an irresistible quality to the story that makes it a true page-turner. It’s the kind of book that defies critical analysis and just demands to be read.
October 15, 2023
I have been so lucky to receive and read The Elysean Academy of Darkness and Secrets which is book Two of The Holy Bloodlines by @author_d.n.hoxa . This is my honest review. It may contain spoilers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson but on steroids.
Wow , just wow. I finished this book within a day! I just couldn’t put it down. This is the second book of the series and it follows on flawlessly from where we left off.
Our main character Sera has made it through the trails and now is starting her first year in the Elysean academy, not many mortals get the chance to attend but those who do are blessed for the experience. Sera is having regrets for accepting her place among the Elysean, can she learn to like or even love her new life?
We are still world building , it’s a new location, new characters to be introduced. We still have some old faces from book one joining us along this adventure with Sera. The stories within the book still continue to unravel, the modern day mythology is still 😘👌🏻 (chefs kiss)
This book has some spice , some romance and complicated relationships. It’s really well portioned through the book and not too heavy on the smut. The writing is tasteful 😏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson but on steroids.
Wow , just wow. I finished this book within a day! I just couldn’t put it down. This is the second book of the series and it follows on flawlessly from where we left off.
Our main character Sera has made it through the trails and now is starting her first year in the Elysean academy, not many mortals get the chance to attend but those who do are blessed for the experience. Sera is having regrets for accepting her place among the Elysean, can she learn to like or even love her new life?
We are still world building , it’s a new location, new characters to be introduced. We still have some old faces from book one joining us along this adventure with Sera. The stories within the book still continue to unravel, the modern day mythology is still 😘👌🏻 (chefs kiss)
This book has some spice , some romance and complicated relationships. It’s really well portioned through the book and not too heavy on the smut. The writing is tasteful 😏
October 25, 2023
Let me just say I had VERY high hopes after reading the first book in this series and have been very impatiently waiting for this book. WOW did it live up to my expectations and I am HOOKED. I think my favorite thing so far is how I can’t predict where things are going or whats around the corner. It makes it SO hard to not read it all in one day. While it’s hard to predict, it makes complete sense and things really start to add up and come together. I loved getting Shades POV in the beginning & the suspenseful build up *chefs kiss 💋*. it had just the right amount of spice and world building. Sera is still great and such a strong woman & person. I also love that she found someone like Max & I’m excited to see their friendship continue to grow amongst other characters as well. I LOVED it. So here I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next one 🫶🏻
October 24, 2023
Omg I absolutely love this story. The characters are absolutely amazing. Once you start reading you will not want to stop.
November 6, 2023
This is book two of The Holy Bloodlines series and Sera Sinclair was released and taken home after the trials ended, but since she had turned eighteen, she refused to stay with her uncle and instead stayed with her friend Layla for the summer. She could see her other besties James and her cousin Miles, without being controlled by her uncle. She has full control of her parent’s trust fund and has made sure Miles will be taken care of. Now the time has come for the first day at the Elysean Academy of Divine Light & Beauty, a place Shade had warned her not to accept a place at, but which she needed to do to get answers about her parent’s deaths and her own resurrection at the hands of an Elysean, which had been hidden in her memories all of her life. She wants to find the three Elyseans she saw in her memory during art of the final trial, that apparently no one else could see or access. She has also had to get over the hurt and heartbreak Shade put her through, with his revelations about their relationship and telling her he had been told to get close to her to distract her by the Head Carmine! Sera was chosen by the head of House Opal and given her Godstone, something she can see, but no other humans actually can. Something obviously happened when she was brought back to life aged five, but what, she has no idea and that is what she wants answers to!
But the academy is not exactly what she thought. There are five of them who passed the trials and were offered a Godstone, whilst her friend Maia didn’t receive one. She has no idea what happened to her, nor to those who ended up in a coma from the final trail, those sorts of answers aren’t exactly handed out! The video of her outside her school stating she didn’t believe in the gods, has already been around the other students, so she doesn’t have anyone looking to be her friend to start with. She thought the other human students would stick together, especially after knowing that was what got them through the trials, but the Headmistress soon gets them dissuaded from that idea. There are some amongst the Elyseans that believe humans should not be allowed in the academy, nor allowed to become Elyseans themselves if they graduate! The human students all soon start having nightmares as they sleep, with masked people standing over figures that look exactly like each of them. They are warned that if they don’t leave of their own accord, then these nightmares will continue in what is known as a Dream realm, but feels completely real. When they don’t leave, the ante is upped and they are warned they are in danger at any time, not just in their dreams and Sera is attacked a couple of times by a mystery figure. Each time they have told the headmistress, but she plays it off as teenagers having fun and playing pranks!
She makes a couple of friends, Max (Maxim), who is a bit of a loner, and his former best friend Mave, whose father forbade her for seeing him anymore because of something max’s own father did. But this was told in confidence to Sera and she can’t tell Max, even though it is really plain they are both still in love with each other! One good thing about the academy is the different subjects they are learning about and also about magic. There are also hidden dangers for them as humans, without any sort of magic until they graduate, if they make it that far! She had looked and asked about for Shade when she entered the academy, but he stayed out of her sights for the first month. But when he can see how much she is struggling with the lack of sleep and all the pressure on her. He wants to help her, but she still believes he lied to her about their relationship. It takes a while, but she eventually caves and needs the comfort of his darkness and the Void to get any sleep. He is soon working closely to protect her, as does the rest of his team, but they have to go away for days at a time to somewhere dangerous he won’t tell her about! Often she has seen him returning with blood all over his clothes and new wounds on his body. He is looking haggard himself and she overhears the Carmine telling Shade he needs to stop spending so much time watching over at the detriment of his work, which could be a danger to them all. Sera is the same as she was during the trials and helps stand up for Max when he gets bullied by other Elyseans, leading to one called Tiger shapeshifting before he has his Godstone filled with magic, which only happens if they pass their first year, and attacking Max. Sera steps in front of him to protect him, with just the small dagger Shade got her, but is quickly overpowered. Her late night training with Shade allows her to get out from under him and he collapses. Now his sister is after her, just as Shade returns back from a mission.
What happens next shows how dangerous the void can be and the danger that Shade can cause to all those in the academy if he is not in top form! She refuses to leave him whilst everyone else evacuates, as the true meaning of the really high walls around the Elyseans home is made plain. The real reasons why mortals are even taken through the trials and accepted into the academy are obvious. The way they are taught to fight in their combat lessons every day of the week, with mortals in the inner circle, whilst an outer circle of Elyseans is there to protect them, and Sera kept getting told off for trying to fight! She has spent what little spare time she has, trying to find the men from her memories she discovered aged five. A few shocking surprises appear about that right at the end! Shade failing to control the Void places the whole academy in danger, and shocking revelations will appear when the wards protecting the academy fall and a huge attack occurs. So many secrets come out at the end which are clearly leading to many more surprises in the final book of the series and I can’t wait to read it! Certainly one to recommend to one and all, if you love a mixture of supernatural powers, magic in an academy setting, alongside a sort of danger games trial to get a better life supposedly. Lots more to find out about Shade in this book, especially at the start as you get a recap of the first book from Shade’s POV. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
But the academy is not exactly what she thought. There are five of them who passed the trials and were offered a Godstone, whilst her friend Maia didn’t receive one. She has no idea what happened to her, nor to those who ended up in a coma from the final trail, those sorts of answers aren’t exactly handed out! The video of her outside her school stating she didn’t believe in the gods, has already been around the other students, so she doesn’t have anyone looking to be her friend to start with. She thought the other human students would stick together, especially after knowing that was what got them through the trials, but the Headmistress soon gets them dissuaded from that idea. There are some amongst the Elyseans that believe humans should not be allowed in the academy, nor allowed to become Elyseans themselves if they graduate! The human students all soon start having nightmares as they sleep, with masked people standing over figures that look exactly like each of them. They are warned that if they don’t leave of their own accord, then these nightmares will continue in what is known as a Dream realm, but feels completely real. When they don’t leave, the ante is upped and they are warned they are in danger at any time, not just in their dreams and Sera is attacked a couple of times by a mystery figure. Each time they have told the headmistress, but she plays it off as teenagers having fun and playing pranks!
She makes a couple of friends, Max (Maxim), who is a bit of a loner, and his former best friend Mave, whose father forbade her for seeing him anymore because of something max’s own father did. But this was told in confidence to Sera and she can’t tell Max, even though it is really plain they are both still in love with each other! One good thing about the academy is the different subjects they are learning about and also about magic. There are also hidden dangers for them as humans, without any sort of magic until they graduate, if they make it that far! She had looked and asked about for Shade when she entered the academy, but he stayed out of her sights for the first month. But when he can see how much she is struggling with the lack of sleep and all the pressure on her. He wants to help her, but she still believes he lied to her about their relationship. It takes a while, but she eventually caves and needs the comfort of his darkness and the Void to get any sleep. He is soon working closely to protect her, as does the rest of his team, but they have to go away for days at a time to somewhere dangerous he won’t tell her about! Often she has seen him returning with blood all over his clothes and new wounds on his body. He is looking haggard himself and she overhears the Carmine telling Shade he needs to stop spending so much time watching over at the detriment of his work, which could be a danger to them all. Sera is the same as she was during the trials and helps stand up for Max when he gets bullied by other Elyseans, leading to one called Tiger shapeshifting before he has his Godstone filled with magic, which only happens if they pass their first year, and attacking Max. Sera steps in front of him to protect him, with just the small dagger Shade got her, but is quickly overpowered. Her late night training with Shade allows her to get out from under him and he collapses. Now his sister is after her, just as Shade returns back from a mission.
What happens next shows how dangerous the void can be and the danger that Shade can cause to all those in the academy if he is not in top form! She refuses to leave him whilst everyone else evacuates, as the true meaning of the really high walls around the Elyseans home is made plain. The real reasons why mortals are even taken through the trials and accepted into the academy are obvious. The way they are taught to fight in their combat lessons every day of the week, with mortals in the inner circle, whilst an outer circle of Elyseans is there to protect them, and Sera kept getting told off for trying to fight! She has spent what little spare time she has, trying to find the men from her memories she discovered aged five. A few shocking surprises appear about that right at the end! Shade failing to control the Void places the whole academy in danger, and shocking revelations will appear when the wards protecting the academy fall and a huge attack occurs. So many secrets come out at the end which are clearly leading to many more surprises in the final book of the series and I can’t wait to read it! Certainly one to recommend to one and all, if you love a mixture of supernatural powers, magic in an academy setting, alongside a sort of danger games trial to get a better life supposedly. Lots more to find out about Shade in this book, especially at the start as you get a recap of the first book from Shade’s POV. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
February 3, 2025
Great story, needs a proofreading
Again loved this series so far. Much like book one, this needs a proofreading to correct errors (I.e. misspelling, missing words, words spelled correctly but the “wrong” word used (which means spell check wouldn’t catch it). I’m a weird one that reads fast so when I stumble on these I have to “reset” myself so that’s why the 3 star.
Again loved this series so far. Much like book one, this needs a proofreading to correct errors (I.e. misspelling, missing words, words spelled correctly but the “wrong” word used (which means spell check wouldn’t catch it). I’m a weird one that reads fast so when I stumble on these I have to “reset” myself so that’s why the 3 star.
June 7, 2025
A rare case in which the second book is better than the first in the series. I could scarcely put it down. It has a great mix of plot, character development, side characters, and mystery. And a nice side dish of spice. And the author manages a very nice pace where events and relationships get time to unfold while still enough interesting stuff happens all around them. The only thing I miss from the first book are the references to Greek mythology.
We start with a chapter from Shades point of view. Shade is / was the love interest from the first book and a lot in this chapter adjusts your perspective on things in the first book. At the same time, it hints at later developments and secrets that are unveiled in this book.
Sera decided to attend the "beautiful deathtrap" of an academy. Because there are things in her past she wants to unravel and the academy is the only way. Yes, there is Shade but for her that's more of a complication.
Sera has a rough start as her past actions carry on to negatively impact how others see her. And she still can't keep her mouth shut. She still hates most of the Elyseans. And they don't try to prove her wrong at all. There is some bullying with quite high stakes going on.
Still, Sera finds that not all Elyseans are bad, and she even likes the stuff they teach at the academy. And there is Shade and yes, they get over the breakup from the end of the first book. But at least this gets time to unfold. I like the chemistry between the characters. And Shade got some very good lines.
During the book, we get a lot of hints that Sera is special. She sees things mortals are not supposed to see. And she reacts differently to some things than most of the people around her. Sera has her own theory why this is the case and she keeps these things secret. Yes, you get the feeling that some things would be easier for her if she were to come clean. Then again, she learned her whole life that being different gets her punished. And at least she is not a hypocrite. She understands that other people keep things to themselves, too.
Besides Sera being special, something else is going on. We get hints about this as well. And a rather big one, and a chunk of what is really going on at the end. Even though I hate cliffhangers, the timing for this one is perfect.
We start with a chapter from Shades point of view. Shade is / was the love interest from the first book and a lot in this chapter adjusts your perspective on things in the first book. At the same time, it hints at later developments and secrets that are unveiled in this book.
Sera decided to attend the "beautiful deathtrap" of an academy. Because there are things in her past she wants to unravel and the academy is the only way. Yes, there is Shade but for her that's more of a complication.
Sera has a rough start as her past actions carry on to negatively impact how others see her. And she still can't keep her mouth shut. She still hates most of the Elyseans. And they don't try to prove her wrong at all. There is some bullying with quite high stakes going on.
Still, Sera finds that not all Elyseans are bad, and she even likes the stuff they teach at the academy. And there is Shade and yes, they get over the breakup from the end of the first book. But at least this gets time to unfold. I like the chemistry between the characters. And Shade got some very good lines.
"And because someone once told me that the paths of life either wear us down or turn us into snowflakes—each one unique, each one created by different conditions. And we should always hold onto the snowflakes because they have the truest magic of all.”
During the book, we get a lot of hints that Sera is special. She sees things mortals are not supposed to see. And she reacts differently to some things than most of the people around her. Sera has her own theory why this is the case and she keeps these things secret. Yes, you get the feeling that some things would be easier for her if she were to come clean. Then again, she learned her whole life that being different gets her punished. And at least she is not a hypocrite. She understands that other people keep things to themselves, too.
Besides Sera being special, something else is going on. We get hints about this as well. And a rather big one, and a chunk of what is really going on at the end. Even though I hate cliffhangers, the timing for this one is perfect.
July 10, 2025
READ IT
Hold onto your seat, because Book 2 in The Holy Bloodlines series by D.N. Hoxa is a wild ride from start to finish—and honestly, it might just blow the first book out of the water. If you thought the first installment was intense, prepare yourself. The stakes are higher, the twists are sharper, and the emotional rollercoaster? Buckle up, because this is no ordinary journey.
The story goes beyond just a simple character arc. Watching Sera grow is just the beginning—there's so much more at play here: a love story that grips your heart, a friendship that begins to challenge that of Harry, Ron and Hermione, and a plot thick with murder and secrets. Oh, and did I mention the angst? You’ll feel every twist in your gut.
D.N. Hoxa has truly created a universe that you don’t just read about—you’re sucked into it. The world-building is top-tier. It’s not just the setting that’s immersive though. The emotions are raw and real. You’ll catch yourself grinning, frowning, and holding your breath as you turn page after page, completely absorbed in the characters' lives.
And the suspense? Holy smokes. This book doesn’t let up for a second. The drama doesn’t just exist in the plot; it consumes you. This series is shaping up to be one of the best I’ve read in a long time, and Book 2? It's a must-read.
Hold onto your seat, because Book 2 in The Holy Bloodlines series by D.N. Hoxa is a wild ride from start to finish—and honestly, it might just blow the first book out of the water. If you thought the first installment was intense, prepare yourself. The stakes are higher, the twists are sharper, and the emotional rollercoaster? Buckle up, because this is no ordinary journey.
The story goes beyond just a simple character arc. Watching Sera grow is just the beginning—there's so much more at play here: a love story that grips your heart, a friendship that begins to challenge that of Harry, Ron and Hermione, and a plot thick with murder and secrets. Oh, and did I mention the angst? You’ll feel every twist in your gut.
D.N. Hoxa has truly created a universe that you don’t just read about—you’re sucked into it. The world-building is top-tier. It’s not just the setting that’s immersive though. The emotions are raw and real. You’ll catch yourself grinning, frowning, and holding your breath as you turn page after page, completely absorbed in the characters' lives.
And the suspense? Holy smokes. This book doesn’t let up for a second. The drama doesn’t just exist in the plot; it consumes you. This series is shaping up to be one of the best I’ve read in a long time, and Book 2? It's a must-read.
June 2, 2025
Ok why was I almost sobbing in the opening bit when Miles and Sera have made a list of things they want the other person to do while they’re apart and Miles hands her just one piece of paper and it says “Live”. I definitely felt more engaged in this book than the first in the series. Sera is thrown into life at the Academy of Divine Light & Beauty with the sole goal of finding the 3 Elyseand she saw in her memory of dying and being resurrected in the accident that killed her parents. The mortal students are haunted by nightmares of the Soter - hooded/masked people that want the mortals to die / forfeit their place at the academy. I loved meeting Max and Mave - we find out Alan is actually Max’s dad and Carmine’s step-brother. I also loved the academy vibe / following the students to their different classes where they learn about magic and combat and physical appearance. And how Shade would bring Sera into the Void every night he was there just so she could sleep. The ending is crazy - Tiger tries to attack Max, Sera intervenes, Shade is overcome by the Void and destroys the wards around the Academy and then Sera kills the daemons with godlight?! And then the Goddess Artemis shows up??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
🐍⚡️Welcome to the Elysean Academy of Divine Light and Beauty, where darkness lurks in every corner, and secrets just might cost you your life.... ⚡️🐍
5✨/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
QOTD: Where are my Percy Jackson girlies at?
You're gonna want to read this.
Okay, you got me hooked 😮💨
I enjoy Greek mythology on its own but throw in some dark academia and fantasy romance... it's chef's kiss. This is the second book to Elysian Trials (the holy bloodline, book 1), which gave me hunger games/percy Jackson vibes). The FMC Sera, is determined more than ever to succeed in her new environment and just try to live. But with a new environment, there's new people... will she finally be able to put her best foot forward?
I honestly finished this in 2 days. I enjoyed this so much and look forward to the 3rd book.
I'm in awe of the character
development of Sera, from book 1 to 2 and I can't wait to see how these friendships/relationships flourish. The spice, romance, story line meshed so well. And the bottom line. I'm a fucking fan. ❤️🔥⚡️🐍✨⚔️
** I received this amazing arc in exchange for my opinion, thank you @D.N. Hoxa 💓**
5✨/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
QOTD: Where are my Percy Jackson girlies at?
You're gonna want to read this.
Okay, you got me hooked 😮💨
I enjoy Greek mythology on its own but throw in some dark academia and fantasy romance... it's chef's kiss. This is the second book to Elysian Trials (the holy bloodline, book 1), which gave me hunger games/percy Jackson vibes). The FMC Sera, is determined more than ever to succeed in her new environment and just try to live. But with a new environment, there's new people... will she finally be able to put her best foot forward?
I honestly finished this in 2 days. I enjoyed this so much and look forward to the 3rd book.
I'm in awe of the character
development of Sera, from book 1 to 2 and I can't wait to see how these friendships/relationships flourish. The spice, romance, story line meshed so well. And the bottom line. I'm a fucking fan. ❤️🔥⚡️🐍✨⚔️
** I received this amazing arc in exchange for my opinion, thank you @D.N. Hoxa 💓**
November 30, 2023
By now, y'all know what sort of chokehold Greek mythos has on me, and if you add a bit of smut to it, it's game over for me.
I annihilated these three books in 3 days. It's 'Hunger Games' meets 'Neon Gods', and I was completely absorbed. Each book ends on a cliffhanger, and the next picks up exactly where the previous ended. As if they're one giant book. Each book getting gradually more smutty than the next, too.
The detail and plots are so well written that you have a hard time knowing where to stop! Stopping only once you've finished the book. Knowing I'll have to wait until mid-December for the fourth book is pure anguish.
I was left constantly questioning who the villain was, thinking I had it figured out until there was another plot twist. By the end of the third book, I'm still not sure who the bad guy is! But there is a delicious shadow daddy who made me drool on my kindle!
I can't recommend this series enough. I'm so glad December is right around the corner so I can see what happens next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
I annihilated these three books in 3 days. It's 'Hunger Games' meets 'Neon Gods', and I was completely absorbed. Each book ends on a cliffhanger, and the next picks up exactly where the previous ended. As if they're one giant book. Each book getting gradually more smutty than the next, too.
The detail and plots are so well written that you have a hard time knowing where to stop! Stopping only once you've finished the book. Knowing I'll have to wait until mid-December for the fourth book is pure anguish.
I was left constantly questioning who the villain was, thinking I had it figured out until there was another plot twist. By the end of the third book, I'm still not sure who the bad guy is! But there is a delicious shadow daddy who made me drool on my kindle!
I can't recommend this series enough. I'm so glad December is right around the corner so I can see what happens next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
October 31, 2023
Sera is probably one of a very few mortal children who never wanted to attend the Elysean Academy of Divine Light and Beauty. When she received the offer to attend her first thought was to run away as fast and as far as she could, but instead she accepted. She was sure she needed to be there if she ever wanted to find out the truth about what had happened to her when she was five years old. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes obvious that she cannot just ask around. The classes are brutal and between them, the fight training, and the individuals stalking her in her dreams, she doesn’t know how she will survive an entire year. Then there is Shade. He says he will help her, but he is hiding his own dark secrets and as much as she wants to, Sera isn’t sure that she can trust him again.
I love these characters. They are all well written and unique. There is magic, violence, exciting action, and very steamy interactions between Sera and Shade. Unexpected twists in the plot kept me engrossed in this book from the first to the last page. A must-read book that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I love these characters. They are all well written and unique. There is magic, violence, exciting action, and very steamy interactions between Sera and Shade. Unexpected twists in the plot kept me engrossed in this book from the first to the last page. A must-read book that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 24, 2024
So good
The 2nd book in this incredible series starts 3 months after the end of the first book. It’s a slow start. Sera and 4 other mortals go to the Academy and start training. Sera is a little confused what they’re training for. She has a different agenda. She sometimes annoys me but she also has so many redeeming qualities. She’s also hurt by the things Shade said to her near the end of the first book. Shade keeps his distance but not for long. He has to grovel quite a bit to get Sera to even talk to him. Their relationship deepens in this book. They both have tons of secrets. They’re both damaged. They’re each arrogant and entitled. And they both meet each other halfway. It’s told just from Sera’s POV. I sometimes wish I could see what Shade is thinking. But it’s such a well written story, Sera’s POV is just enough. This is a must read. On with the 3rd book.
The 2nd book in this incredible series starts 3 months after the end of the first book. It’s a slow start. Sera and 4 other mortals go to the Academy and start training. Sera is a little confused what they’re training for. She has a different agenda. She sometimes annoys me but she also has so many redeeming qualities. She’s also hurt by the things Shade said to her near the end of the first book. Shade keeps his distance but not for long. He has to grovel quite a bit to get Sera to even talk to him. Their relationship deepens in this book. They both have tons of secrets. They’re both damaged. They’re each arrogant and entitled. And they both meet each other halfway. It’s told just from Sera’s POV. I sometimes wish I could see what Shade is thinking. But it’s such a well written story, Sera’s POV is just enough. This is a must read. On with the 3rd book.
October 20, 2023
Literally… no words. O.M.G.
The growth, the plot twists, the questions, the new characters everything. We leave so much about Sera, we finally find out who Alan is and how it connects to Sera. Shade is back and better than ever. Giving Sera space but always being there for her when she need him. I literally could not put the book down. There are still so many questions left unanswered plus all the new ones. The story has you on your feet basically. I never in a million years would have guessed what Sera’s power is but honestly it makes sense. I love that we’re going to get more into Greek Mythology in the next book. Geez, it’s just perfect. Sometimes authors can’t get the story to flow right with series and going into book 2, but D.N. Hoxa does a freaking phenomenal job.
The growth, the plot twists, the questions, the new characters everything. We leave so much about Sera, we finally find out who Alan is and how it connects to Sera. Shade is back and better than ever. Giving Sera space but always being there for her when she need him. I literally could not put the book down. There are still so many questions left unanswered plus all the new ones. The story has you on your feet basically. I never in a million years would have guessed what Sera’s power is but honestly it makes sense. I love that we’re going to get more into Greek Mythology in the next book. Geez, it’s just perfect. Sometimes authors can’t get the story to flow right with series and going into book 2, but D.N. Hoxa does a freaking phenomenal job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
I am pleased that this book continues as well as the first one! Much like the first book, it seems to be pretty slow for the first half. I am glad it picked up eventually, as I was getting a little bored.
Sera is very strong, but for all that she is intent on finding answers, she doesn't seem to be looking all that hard for them. She stumbled across the information at the end by accident.
I am glad that she didn't just fall back in with Shade like she wanted to. She did try to stay away after he hurt her, and I am glad that they actually communicated with each other enough for her to let him know she wanted an apology.
I am definitely moving on to the next book, and would definitely recommend this series to others, still.
Sera is very strong, but for all that she is intent on finding answers, she doesn't seem to be looking all that hard for them. She stumbled across the information at the end by accident.
I am glad that she didn't just fall back in with Shade like she wanted to. She did try to stay away after he hurt her, and I am glad that they actually communicated with each other enough for her to let him know she wanted an apology.
I am definitely moving on to the next book, and would definitely recommend this series to others, still.
July 10, 2025
fantastic. this did feel like a middle/stepping-stone type of book to me, if you will... but we were learning more about their world, gathering important information, & setting up for the next step/phase. so even though i thought (& still think) the dream stuff was kind of random & stupid - I was still hooked & couldnt read it fast enough. the real focus was actually probably S&S's relationship mending/building to be honest, which is maybe why the dream stuff seemed so secondary & *basically* stopped happening for the 2nd half of the book. however - that relationship building was SO necessary & SO wonderful. 10/10. in fact, the entire ending of this book was kind of epic. i'm absolutely pumped for the next one.
July 12, 2025
4 ⭐
Book #2 of 4
✅ Mythology: descendants from the Olympians Gods (Elyseans), mythological beings/creatures, myths
✅ Segregated society: Elyseans Vs mortals
✅ Elysean Academy: being 1 of the few mortals chosen to study there amongst the Elyseans
✅ Powers
✅ Shadow daddy
✅ Nicknames: snowflake & shadow boy (I think I prefer when she used Elysean prick for him...)
✅ FMC hates Elyseans & how everyone worships the gods & is cast aside by everyone, even bullied because of it
✅ Secrets
✅ Trying to find out the truth about what happened to her & her parents' death
🔥 Spice
❗Bullying
❗Past parents death (car)
❗Growing up in the system, including an orphanage under extreme religious punishments & force doctrines
Book #2 of 4
✅ Mythology: descendants from the Olympians Gods (Elyseans), mythological beings/creatures, myths
✅ Segregated society: Elyseans Vs mortals
✅ Elysean Academy: being 1 of the few mortals chosen to study there amongst the Elyseans
✅ Powers
✅ Shadow daddy
✅ Nicknames: snowflake & shadow boy (I think I prefer when she used Elysean prick for him...)
✅ FMC hates Elyseans & how everyone worships the gods & is cast aside by everyone, even bullied because of it
✅ Secrets
✅ Trying to find out the truth about what happened to her & her parents' death
🔥 Spice
❗Bullying
❗Past parents death (car)
❗Growing up in the system, including an orphanage under extreme religious punishments & force doctrines
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2023
This is the second book in the The Holy Bloodlines series and it was amazing. Sera is finally at the Academy and things are definitely not how she imagined. The character and world building makes you feel like you are there with Sera. She has so many questions and no one will answer them. There were so many twists to keep you enmeshed in the story and it will keep you spellbound. The ending had me quite surprised and I wasn’t even mad about the cliffhanger. If you like mythology, magic and a Hunger Games-like Academy, this book is for you. I highly enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait until the next book.
December 1, 2023
I’m not okay. Everything I expected from this book just kicked me in the face with the plot twist it threw at me. This is the second book in the Holy Bloodlines series and takes place after the “mortals” finished the trials and got accepted into the Elysean Academy. This book was slow burn as it mainly went into a lot of detail about the school, along with the different classes that the students would be taking during the first year. Throughout this book, random events would happen causing the slowness to pick up for a bit before calming down. I actually really enjoyed that since it kept my attention more. All in all, I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it.
January 7, 2024
Still enjoying this series. Not always a huge fan of how “weak” Sera is around Shade and how quickly she seemed to forgive him. Like stand up, girl. But I also adore Shade so … same, honestly. I enjoyed all the side characters more: Maxim and Mave, finding out more about the other mortals like Ethan and Marie, getting background on Shade and meeting his team — even Carmine is showing shades of gray. Not all is as it seems. Super excited at the twist re: Maxims dad & aunt - I’m excited to see where that leads esp knowing a little tidbit about his dad embarrassing Maves. . And lovely surprises in the last 10% leave this on a cliffhanger worth following up on.
April 22, 2024
This is the story of Serah and shade,they are going to the academy Sera is a student, they are going to meet again and continue from where they left over their story and a new discoveries in you information about Serah and shade about Serah and her abilities and she made elysean friends and what else mave and Max and Max is Alan's son so that's when they told her on the river that the one that brought her back to life again was alen and he is Max's father and that's that was like incredible you know like and Carmen is Max's aunt and that was also incredible and the book here has steamy scenes but not a lot and it's beautiful and it's good I love them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
Sera is now in the Academy and still trying to find answers! She does come across as a little naive but given her age I suppose that's to be expected. It does irritate a bit though as she seems to be angry all the time! Her relationship with Shade is up and down as he hides everything from her. Her friendship with Max and Mave is lovely though. At least she has a friend this time around. It does drag a little at times but then the exciting bits rally through! Headmistress Carmine is a terror as usual but there are developments in the story which are an eye-opener. The cliffhanger ending is an exciting one. Looking forward to see what happens next!
June 20, 2025
A 3.5 Star Read.
The Elysean Academy of Darkness and Secrets: The Holy Bloodlines, Book 2
By: D.N. Hoxa
🎧 Audiobook Narrated By: Hollie Jackson and Troy Duran
Length: 15 hrs and 41 mins
📖 Ebook Read Using Kindle Unlimited
The narrator is ok. I actually prefer her as Shade, etc, than the mfc.🤦🏻♀️
I like this story, but I feel these books are just too lengthy.🤷🏻♀️ There isn't enough world building to support the length or story movement to justify, for me! I want the main the main story and the romance. I dont need the 3 billion side stories that don't really mean much to me.🤦🏻♀️
Debbie, 1970, UK
The Elysean Academy of Darkness and Secrets: The Holy Bloodlines, Book 2
By: D.N. Hoxa
🎧 Audiobook Narrated By: Hollie Jackson and Troy Duran
Length: 15 hrs and 41 mins
📖 Ebook Read Using Kindle Unlimited
The narrator is ok. I actually prefer her as Shade, etc, than the mfc.🤦🏻♀️
I like this story, but I feel these books are just too lengthy.🤷🏻♀️ There isn't enough world building to support the length or story movement to justify, for me! I want the main the main story and the romance. I dont need the 3 billion side stories that don't really mean much to me.🤦🏻♀️
Debbie, 1970, UK
July 22, 2025
DNF. I really tried. I made it through about 80% and was bored. Going into book 2 there were many questions that I looked forward to finding out. 1. What was Sera’s past? 2. What was going on outside of the academy? 3. Why didn’t the school want her there? 4. What will happen with Sera and Shade? However, at the 80% mark all that has been revealed is the reunion of her and Shade. I wanted at least some answers or at least hints but we got nothing. On top of that, there was nothing exciting about any of the side characters. Maybe some answers are given at the end of this book but unfortunately I just don’t care anymore.
October 16, 2023
Book 2 was so good. I didn’t want to put it down but had to because I had to work the next day. I shouldn’t have bothered because scenes kept running through my head keeping me awake so I should have just gotten up to finish it.
Sera has actually made a couple of friends in the academy. I love them! They are so fun. Max is my favorite. He is so sweet. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop that he was not really who he seemed to be. But that didn’t happen.
Lots of stuff going on in this book. Quite a few shockers. I am definitely counting the days until book 3 comes out.
Sera has actually made a couple of friends in the academy. I love them! They are so fun. Max is my favorite. He is so sweet. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop that he was not really who he seemed to be. But that didn’t happen.
Lots of stuff going on in this book. Quite a few shockers. I am definitely counting the days until book 3 comes out.
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