"I am a daughter of Reaper and Earth, born from the soil and raised in the shadow of death. I do not fear you." With the kingdoms embroiled in a political war that threatens to exile all ungifted, twenty-year-old Bellamy must manifest, or everything she loves will be stripped away. Fueled by fierce determination, Bellamy will stop at nothing to prove she deserves to be amongst the ranks of the greatest elemental elites. Until one night, she confronts a mysterious hooded thief. As the fight unfolds, the key to unlocking her powers might have been triggered. Their fated encounter sends Bellamy spiraling down a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals. Once a weak princess, Bellamy uncovers the truth behind enemy lines. But will it be too late to unite the Kingdoms and usher peace between the gifted and the ungifted, or will her legacy be built upon war and treachery?
E.A. Noble is an emerging speculative fiction author and poet. She is passionate about centering Queer, fat, neurodivergent, Black, and POC characters. She crafts stories that challenge the norms and celebrates underrepresented voices. For more info, please visit: https://www.theeajournal.me/contact
I just finished reading my own book, and I'm pressed. Like, why TF did I have to end it like that? There's soooo much to process. So many questions. This book is a wild ass emotional Rollercoaster, and now I'm sitting here stuck. Looking stupid. I swear, it wasn't me. It was the characters. Blame them! I feel just as used as everybody else! And now I must finish book 2!? WILD!!!!!
Listen, idk what we got ourselves into....but let's see how we can get ourselves out!
Overall, the characters, the emotions, the twist and turns are amazing.
I absolutely enjoyed this journey, and I hope my readers did too. Thank you so much. 💓
I really wanted to love this book more and there are so many things to love. Almost all of my issues are reader preference things.
This book is beautiful, the cover is stunning and the interior is also beautiful with chapter artwork. Gorgeous. Formatting and cover design is A+. It has a rather thick spine tho and the page size is smaller than most books I read, so there was more resistance for my arthritic hands to spread open the pages enough to read them (and I hate breaking spines). I wish the author had chosen a 6x9 size to make it a skinnier spine with floppier pages, but this is a me thing. The size she chose is 100% industry norm too.
The author has created such a unique fantasy world with intriguing character voices and delicious spice. The action scenes were amazing and there was never a time I was confused by her writing. It definitely gave me Legend of Korra vibes.
The MC is bisexual, which I LOVED, and there are lots of well crafted steamy scenes. No complaints there at all. This author is exceptionally talented in this department. MC is also a badass and I loved her character so much.
The book follows Princess Bellamy, who is heir to the Earth Kingdom, but her magic hasn't manifested yet, which creates a lot of tension with her family. And that brings me to a personal preference thing I didn't like.
Sibling rivalry is not a trope I enjoy reading very much. I like sibling conflict just fine, it would be strange to read a book where that wasn't a thing, but when siblings are trying to actively screw their sibling over for their own personal gain and only for the sake of power and standing, it irks me. I recognize this is a me problem; this is a common trope for a reason and a lot of readers love it, it just happens to be one of my least favorites.
The biggest issue for me is the pacing. A lot of things happen, but it isn't until the 160s page range that the inciting incident or "the thing" that really rocks Bellamy's values enough to begin proactively changing her course happens. Prior to this were several interactions and scenes where cool stuff happened, but it was all establishing social hierarchy and relationships between characters. 160 pages is a lot before we get to the "thing", at least for me, and I feel like a lot of this could have been trimmed to keep the pace flowing at a steadier pace.
The worldbuilding was a little confusing for me too. There are multiple kingdoms and queens and I was confused about the hierarchy and power dynamic until the inciting incident chapter, where it's explained during a well crafted political argument/fight scene. Writing was superb. Again, no issues with delivery, but I wish I hadn't been confused for 160 pages prior to this, and the politics play a huge role in the overall plot and character conflict. A map would have been a huge help with some of my confusion, and adding more political clarity alongside the relationship building in the first 160 as well. Again, pacing is the real issue for me here.
One thing that isn't a me problem though is the editing. Despite having a proofreader listed in the copyright page, almost every page had a typo. It's written in 3rd person past (mostly) but an occasional random sentence would pop up in 1st person present and it threw me off. There were also several instances of wrong word usage, like tinge instead of twinge, or persimmon instead of permission. Not something a word processor would probably catch, but a reader will. I'm fine with a few typos in manuscripts, even the most renowned books have some, but one on almost every page is a bit excessive for having hired a professional to proofread. I was a little sad about this.
I wanted to like this book so much. This might be a book I need to distance myself from for a bit and try again later because there really was a lot to enjoy here, I just... I don't know. Another author I follow rated this book 5 stars and her review was glowing. But it just wasn't for me. However, if you're looking for a Korra like fmc with magics kind of similar to avatar too, and you want action and spice and LGBTQ and bipoc cast, then I REALLY think you need to give this book a shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received this book as an ARC and will be giving my honest review. When I first started the book I wasn't really sure what was going on and I kinda hesitant on if I was even going to enjoy it, But by the next chapter the book quickly grabbed me and I couldn't put it down. There was so many plot twists and when I thought that I knew what was going to happen it turned out to be the complete opposite. The trust you build with the characters are lost so quickly and you don't know who you can trust and your constantly on the edge of you seat biting your nails the whole time. I loved the connection between Malakey and her and I CANNOT wait to see what happens with them. As soon as this book comes out I will be purchasing it to have on my shelf and i cant wait to read the next book!
One word- INCREDIBLE. I am in shock with how sucked up I am with these characters. Read this book. You wont regret it. I felt like I was right there with them during every scene. It is so descriptive, so realistic. I could picture these perfect images in my head. Bellamy and Silvia, Bellamy and Malakey, Bellamy and Quande, Bellamy and her Father- I CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT THEM!! The author is so great at creating an actual movie in your head as you read. There was so many plots twists, so much spice (ooooooooohhhh boy. So good!) So much heartbreak. I was on the edge of my seat. This book completely consumed me! I think about it so much when I am supposed to be working that I had to take a day off last week just to get my fill. That’s how much I loved it.
Read this book. Read this book.
Update - 9/7/2024. I re read this book because I missed the characters so much. I am dying to know what happens next. The author has such a way of making you FEEL for these characters. I have so much love for Bellamy and Key! I feel for Key. I feel for him! And poor Bellamy man, being lied to all the time?? and then SILVIA????? Come onnnnn. IM DYING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
I feel like I swallowed this book whole! I read it in 3 sittings but I would've done it in 1 if I didn't have a stupid day job taking up all my reading time!
This book draws you in with a compelling storyline and a richly built world and keeps you guessing with layer after layer of plot! Did I mention the world is queer normative?? And the queer rep is abundant??!!
My only criticism is for the editing. The close first person perspective sometimes made it difficult to take heavy moments seriously and the occasional grammatical errors were distracting.
Overall, I LOVED it and I can't wait for the next one in the series!
ahh okay so i am INVESTED in this storyline honey and im soo excited to finally have a fantasy series with a casual but large queer presence!!! cant wait to see where they take this😆😆
The wide variety of relationships represented never overpowers the fantasy world - its never forced ...it simply flows so brilliantly fitting together in perfect harmony for EA Noble’s debut work! There’s something for everyone & it broadens your imagination, possibly even your perspective with vivid descriptions & high energy action scenes from fights to orgies or a combination of both LOL We are thoroughly entertained as secrets unravel - who is really good vs evil among this cast of strong-willed powerful characters & most of all - who can be trusted? I’m hooked! I haven’t read a fantasy in a while & When Blood Meets Earth has reminded me how much fun Fantasy can be! The characters lured me in as their personalities & allegiances or conflicts are revealed. A little sibling rivalry for good measure with a dash of doubt as to who you should trust here and there. All wrapped in imaginative creations like a chrome horse - A CHROME horse??? The sexy scenes remind us how sinful lust can be. There's tons of other action as the story takes readers on a beautiful journey. EA Noble entertains us with witty lines, well developed characters as well as hot & bothered sex & fight scenes or a combination thereof & action galore! When do we get book 2 again?
** An ARC was provided and honest review was made. **
I finished this weeks ago and forgot to upload my review here.
Wow, this was intense and had me hooked from the get go. It had me on the edge of my seat, in fits of rage, wanting to cry and laughing out loud. We follow Bellamy, a Princess, who is yet to manifest her powers, but there is something else at work for poor Bellamy and she’s not sure who exactly she can trust; if anyone. I though I knew where this was going and then curve ball it went the complete opposite direction. Bellamy has become one of my favourite fictional characters and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
This was filled with everything I love: magic, mystery, adventure, love and heartache all of which took me on a wild rollercoaster of emotions from the second chapter.
What did I love: The magic Bellamy (obviously) Missy the pig - IYKYK. 😅
What I didn’t: Other than a cocky prince and his mother (ugh), I loved everything about this book!
For any fantasy fan, this is a must read! Cannot wait for book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
OMG. The emotions this book gave me. It was like a rollercoaster. I was laughing, I was crying, I was swooning, I was shocked. Then repeat. Honestly hands down one of the best sapphic fantasy books I have read all year.
I was hooked from page one. I didn't want to put it down. The twists and turns, the secrets and lies, the PLOT. My god. There is magic, mayhem, and fights. There is sex, tension, and flirting.
There was queer representation everywhere. Bisexuals, Lesbians, Gays, Poly, Non-Binary. Brilliant. The FLI is plus-sized. This book is written by a black author and has a black cast and I loved every single bit of it. And Bellamy.... I think you're my book girlfriend.
Hands down, if you like fantasy with an engaging plot, that makes you want to through the book at the wall after reading it, in the best ways, this is the book for you.
Please hurry up with book two. Please.
Thanks to the author, E.A Noble, who gave me a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
I was in a reading slump, and then I read this book, and it got me excited about reading again. I would say this is a character driven fantasy. If you're a heavy plot driven reader, this book might not be it for you. It may fall a tad bit flat for heavy plot driven readers. The book focuses on the intricate lives of the characters. Which, I enjoy. Bellamy, Silvia, the parents, Malakey, they all seem so real to me. Very vivid. Also, I would recommend this book for anyone who isn't a fan of fantasy because of the info dump most fantasy has. (OK, I'm not the hugest fan), BUT this book was absolutely perfect. I didn't feel overwhelmed by info dumps, world setup, and characters.
Also, the ending!!!!!!! The dragon!!!!!!! This book has a dragon. I did not see that coming. I literally did not see that coming at all. I'm still looking crazy. I had to re read it three times and was shocked every time. Idk 😆🤷🏽♀️ I loved this book. I can't wait until book 2 comes out. 😩 Honestly, if anyone can recommend me more fantasy books like this one, I would highly appreciate it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Holy wow. I thought I knew what to expect from this book but it exceeded all expectations completely. I was hooked from the start and didn't want to stop the whirlwind adventure that is Princess Bellamy's life. This book has mystery, drama, action, adventure, romance and a little spice. It has queer representation with gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters and poly relationships, and has you bouncing between 2 compelling love interests. This was so engaging, page turning and heart wrenching, and has a range of characters including those you will love and hate. The rollercoaster of emotions this journey takes you on is intense and has you at the edge of your seat especially the final chapters! There's still so much to uncover, prophecies to fulfill, and deciding who can be trusted. I am completely hooked and need book 2 immediately.
(I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review)
Reading this books was like running at break neck speed. Just when I thought I had a handle on the conflicts, some new piece of the puzzle was revealed and changed the game again.
Bellamy is such a beautifully flawed heroine that you can’t help but root for her, even when she’s devolving down a fiery path. Her relationships with her father, Silvia and Quande seem so real. I never once questioned if these people helped shaped Bellamy’s world. She is living, breathing and dangerously out of control.
She a daughter of reaper and earth, temperamental and ungifted, and has no choice but to forge her own course. With no one to trust, she must guide on herself and she might just be the most deadly person to rely on.
Every chapter brings you closer to a culmination you won’t see coming. I was absolutely blown away at every dark revelation.
All five stars for this beautiful debut. Can’t wait for the second installment.
I was completely hooked from page one and spent the whole night reading. I just love every part of it, from the dialogue to the description...I already felt myself floating. The main thing I love about this book is how Bellamy was designed and crafted to be true, it was like a movie was playing in my head; her actions, her point of view, and let's not forget how I had to cook up a fancy voice just to sound like what I thought would be her speaking. Lol. It's one the best books I've ever read and, it's relatable! Like yeah! The skin itching, how tangled her curls get and how feisty she gets when Prince Theolo proves annoying. Her lust-struck eyes on Malakey killed everything for me and I am stuck imagining what she'd look like at that time.
Freaking love the book so I'm sure whoever is going to buy this will LOVE IT!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*Received a e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This book dragged me through it mentally. I spent the entire time, as I should, wondering what was going on. Some of my suspicions proved true but I ended with the cliffhanger with so many questions! So many questions… The last 100 pages or so made it even worse and I almost wished the book had ended sooner to then get more time to digest. And the betrayals and the angst… jeez. I got whiplash. I ended up not trusting anyone, rightfully so. I’m looking forward to getting more of the world building (which I did feel was a little weak) and background as well as growth from Bellamy as she felt a little stuck this book (which I can’t blame her).
This Fantasy read is without a doubt for the culture!
I was hooked from the first page and left wanting a book two in the worst way. The culture references were added with such precision that during certain scenes I found myself laughing out loud or in a state of reverence.
Each character and their personal journey pulled emotions out of me that I haven't felt in a minute while reading a story other than my own. Some had me punching the air and others (one character in particular) had me clutching my chest.
From the proverbs found throughout each chapter, the exciting action scenes, and the overall riveting writing that E.A. Noble's displays in this story - it's safe to say that I am a fan.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and also discovered how truly slow I am at reading. But I'm so excited to purchase this book, now! I think E.A. Noble is absolutely fantastic. This book was incredibly creative, fast-paced, fun, shocking, gritty, and overall something I think anyone could sink their teeth into.
Very excited for where Bellamy goes from here, to discover who she can really trust since there is seemingly no one to trust except for a couple of people I'm holding out hope for. Or the redemption of certain characters, too! Looking forward to the upward trajectory of E.A. Noble with this fantastic debut!
I am so grateful to have received an arc copy of this amazing book.
This is a perfect book if you like a strong yet flawed FMC, intricate magic system, intense world's, LGBTQ+ representation, and large helping of emotional damage.
Bellamy's journey from the first page to the last and beyond was an intense rollercoaster. After all the struggle, and growth she endured . As well as the lies, secrets and betrayal at the hands of her loved ones. I am left with some serious trust issues and a need for more.
A thrilling blend of romance, danger, and myth, this book is an absolute page-turner. Eira is a fierce and compelling heroine, navigating a world filled with magic, gods, and deadly secrets. The tension between her and Kol crackles with chemistry, adding an irresistible layer of slow-burn romance to the high-stakes adventure. With lush world-building, breathtaking twists, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and mythology-infused tales.
"When Blood Meets Earth" truly captivated me from the very first page. The journey of Bellamy resonated deeply as she navigated a world filled with magic, secrets, and the weight of her own choices. I found myself emotionally invested in her struggles and triumphs, and the intricate relationships kept me turning pages late into the night. This book not only transported me to a beautifully crafted fantasy realm but also left me eagerly anticipating what comes next for Bellamy and her companions.
A whole wind of emotions. This is my first black fantasy book that I've read. I read it on my live and we're all equally flabbergasted. there was a lot going on that needs to be deciphered but feel like it all came together towards the end. definitely was pretty devastated and I can't wait for the next book, however long it takes lol.
If you have not taken the time to read this book, I don't know what your are waiting for! This book is definitely for the fantasy girlies!! And I'm here for all the installments!! Bellamy is that chick!!! Great Debut E.A.!!!!
The characters were very well developed and the world building was super impressive. I also loved that there were diverse types of relationships represented. You’ll love this book if you love avatar the last airbender with lots of world ending dangers. The FMC was also super well written and didn’t come off as a damsel in distress which I loved
Honestly, it was pretty great. It started out slow in the beginning. It was so hard to read, especially with all the repeated smut adjacent scenes (lowkey porn :/), and smut is not really my cup of tea. I nearly dropped the book cause of it. Had to push through cause I’m trying to finish the books I start, especially when they are by POC authors.
It died down though and the story line is finally shining through. Thankfully.
I can’t say I have a character I like. Everyone is just so flawed. Probably the authors intention. At least it wasn’t so bad that I had to stop reading. I understood the Mc even if I don’t like her a 100% at this point.
Let’s see where book two leads. So many plots to cover.
When Blood Meets Earth is a fantasy by E.A. Noble. This book features an LQBTQ+ love interest as well as elemental magic. The cover is really mysterious making me curious about what this story will bring. What will E.A. Noble have in store for her readers? Will this debut be a succes?
When Blood Meets Earth is a book full of plottwists. From the start there are twists and many relationships between the characters, making it a difficult book to get into. I managed to get into the story, but still found it not a very easy read. I do hope the next part will be balanced out better, since I really felt like this book lackes some balance and depth to it.
I NEED the next book immediately. This book’s world building is insane and I loved Noble’s writing in general. Great political/social commentary that’s more nuanced than good versus evil.