Glitter and Gore

by Kirsten Krueger

I thought college was ruining my life, but I'd take that over the vampire dating show my magical blood has cursed me to participate in.



Nova doesn't think anything could distract her more from her alchemy goals than boring university classes until she and her best friend suddenly start to sparkle.

Before she can devise an escape plan, two vampires whisk them away to a paranormal realm, claiming their blood possesses magical properties.

In an ancient vampire tradition, Nova and eleven other glittery humans must display their value to a coven of potential vampire partners, but it all goes awry when people start mysteriously losing their livers (and their lives).



A slow burn enemies to lovers romance filled with action, humor, and mystery. Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and The Vampire Diaries.

Genres: Fantasy

652 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2024

Reviews

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading it currently on Quotev! Once again, Kirsten’s character writing is so so so good, the plot and mystery has my on the edge of my seat, and I am always shitting bricks with how Nova and Zoran will end up (espcially after the latest chapters…). ALL THAT TO SAY, this is a super great read and I cant wait to see how it all ends!!

[Karima chermiti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️- A glitter bomb of chaos—fun to watch, but a bit of a mess when the sparkle settles

This was a weird one—in both the best and most baffling ways. Glitter and Gore is amusing, quirky, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, and I did enjoy the absurdity of it all. But despite the entertainment value, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. The plot wobbled between chaotic fun and frustrating nonsense, and while I appreciated the humor, the characters felt more like exaggerated caricatures than real people I could care about.

It’s the kind of book you read for a giggle, not for emotional connection. I didn’t hate it—but I didn’t love it either.

[Yawenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's my second time reading this, and holy hell, i am in love. Here's a list of things (spoiler-free) that i love about this book so far:

♡ really cool world building, i just wanna learn more about these unholy underrealms, it's so interesting, and im literally thinking of making a wiki fan page about it bc im a bit obsessed with this new world.

♡ the main character being an edgelord psycho and hella relatable tbh, and then the love interest being also a psycho but optimistic and ball of sunshine literally is so funny to me and sooo entertaining to read like the bantering in this book is top-tier

♡ so many cool and well thought-out characters, side characters. The dynamics between characters and chemistry are really strong, like it feels realistic to read, and it's very entertaining and funny, too

♡ generally so funny and even absurb sometimes i love it. Definitely a comedy romance to me.

♡ well-written. I really feel like i am in the locations and living in the moments. There is drama, there is humor, there are funny descriptions of characters, funny nicknames, just overall good narration, in my opinion.

♡ a page-turner. I can't stop reading. I don't wanna stop reading. Just entertainment after entertainment. I find myself laughing out loud, giggling, wanting to tell someone about what im reading because i can't contain myself.

♡ everything about this book for real. I can't get enough.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might not be for the soft-hearted, but for me, it was an amazing and wild ride guided by one of my favourite authors of all time!
The author is unafraid to depict a protagonist who isn’t all glitter and unicorns and through that, she writes a unique narrative full of the dark fantasies I think we all have, but don’t dare to express.  
What I love most about Kirsten Krueger’s stories is that she creates such well-developed and distinctive characters, who feel real in all their flaws. Most readers are looking for a protagonist they can relate to, and they might not find that in Nova on a surface level because this young woman’s waters are running so much deeper and darker.
Moreover, I love the worldbuilding of the under realms, where the author depicts such a rich and vivid story world. Through the writing, I can feel Nova’s pain as if a vampire’s teeth are sinking into my very own skin. And I haven’t even mentioned Zoran yet; if I do that, I’ll probably end up writing an entire novella about him being a wonderfully amazing douchebag.
All in all, the author knows how to give a unique twist to an all-time favourite trope, daring to explore paths beyond mainstream expectations and I can’t wait for the second novel to be released!

[Roxy Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a decent book, but also sooo frustrating to read. I feel like every interaction was agitating me - but not really in a good way. I feel so unsatisfied and reading the book was somehow annoying. I wanna know how it ends, and will read the next book, but I am also happy when the story is over, so I can move on.

Novas character trait of feeling inferior to everyone else is so tiresome.

Also I don’t really think Zoran and Nova can truly be happy, if they never have the chance to explore their relationship without the blood bond. And that’s so frustrating. I wanna believe Zoran is all into Nova, but I totally get that she has qualms about the relationship, because nothing happened on her own accord, and she was forced into everything.
I really hope she can get rid of the blood bond and be free, because I don’t see them being happy and in love by the end. (In general: None of the connections feel really good or genuine.)

[Hattingmad · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book that was both well written and also horrible. The protagonist is eminently unlikeable, an egotist and a self-centered and self-absorbed young woman who thinks everything and everyone is beneath her in her bizarre quest to do ALCHEMY.

The male lead is ostensibly the sunshine to her murderous-grumpy, but he isn't exactly convincing as a love interest, given her behavior toward him...it's more of a grudging and resentful attraction that the protagonist spends the entirety of the book battling with varying degrees of success.

It technically ends on a cliffhanger I suppose, to entice you forward in the series, but these people clearly are together by circumstance and force, not actual like, let alone love, and Nova is so utterly awful that I can't stand living in her head any longer. Maybe if the male lead's perspective is the one we're in for book two I'd consider it.

[Kassandra Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in under twenty-four hours because it’s THAT good! I was, and still am, screaming at the ending and I need more. I want more. I crave more of this series. I love the introduction of new vampire lore. And I love seeing an FMC that is a lot like me. Seriously though - if you’re thinking about giving this book a try, DO IT.

[Bella Rahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling adult novel that captures you from the very beginning. Tantalizing and attention gripping throughout the entire book. READ THIS. You will not regret it.

[lixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Zoran and the 'third boob girl' 's story. I also loved how Amy and her friendship increased throughout the story.

[Rogueish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read... Had me cackling a few times...

[Fizz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't waste your time on this

[Sidra Bibi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNFed

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nova can do no wrong!!! Also Kirsten writing a sunshine love interest instead of a broody jerk was not on my bingo card AND SHE DID IT SO WELL???? Zoran is such an icon, I adore him with all my heart. Ugh everything about this book is *chefs kiss*. If you like the Vampire Diaries but want a more interesting MC (sorry Elena ily but...) and a more chaotic plot, THIS IS FOR YOU!!!!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was actually so bad it deserves 1 star, but since it kinda made since in the beginning I gave it 2 stars