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Blood and Rubies #0.5
Sacrament and Smoke
The death of a Saint. The birth of a monster.
Visions of war have haunted the oracle Kira for weeks. Those around her have ignored each warning—even her beloved Saint Hakan—leaving Kira with an impending sense of doom.
An enigmatic and charismatic leader of a growing cult, Hakan is on the verge of achieving the impossible. Monsters and men have gathered to discuss uniting the fractured kingdoms surrounding the Golden Citadel. But there is a dangerous faction who believe Hakan has become too powerful.
In one night, Kira’s world is transformed and the love she thought would last a lifetime is reshaped.
Discover the origins of the Saint in this prequel short story to the dark fantasy romance The Dead Saint - book one in the Blood and Rubies series.
Visions of war have haunted the oracle Kira for weeks. Those around her have ignored each warning—even her beloved Saint Hakan—leaving Kira with an impending sense of doom.
An enigmatic and charismatic leader of a growing cult, Hakan is on the verge of achieving the impossible. Monsters and men have gathered to discuss uniting the fractured kingdoms surrounding the Golden Citadel. But there is a dangerous faction who believe Hakan has become too powerful.
In one night, Kira’s world is transformed and the love she thought would last a lifetime is reshaped.
Discover the origins of the Saint in this prequel short story to the dark fantasy romance The Dead Saint - book one in the Blood and Rubies series.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2024
About the author
Kathryn Trattner
15 books195 followersKathryn Trattner is an award-winning author who has loved fairy tales, folk stories, and mythology all her life. Her hands-down favorites have always been East of the Sun, West of the Moon and the myth of Persephone and Hades. When not writing or reading, she's traveling as much as possible and taking thousands of photos that probably won't get edited later. She lives in Oklahoma with her wonderful husband, two very busy children, one of the friendliest dogs ever, and three cats who think they’re in charge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 21, 2025
5 stars ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹ ᡣ𐭩
forbidden love, magic, mythology
₊˚⊹ 𐦍༘⋆₊ ⊹ “I love you.” “In every lifetime.”
_______
thank you for the advanced reader copy.
forbidden love, magic, mythology
₊˚⊹ 𐦍༘⋆₊ ⊹ “I love you.” “In every lifetime.”
_______
thank you for the advanced reader copy.
April 9, 2024
Wow wow wow, everything I had read by this author has been amazing but this is my new favorite.
Sacrament and Smoke is the perfect set up for Kathryn's newest Blood and Rubies series. Kira is an oracle for the saint, Hakan, and they live in a golden citadel. She has been receiving visions of doom to come but no one will listen. We see the downfall of Hakan and the resurrection, and the destruction he sends forth as retribution.
I will be absolutely rabid for these books to be released! If you love dark fantasy don't sleep on this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sacrament and Smoke is the perfect set up for Kathryn's newest Blood and Rubies series. Kira is an oracle for the saint, Hakan, and they live in a golden citadel. She has been receiving visions of doom to come but no one will listen. We see the downfall of Hakan and the resurrection, and the destruction he sends forth as retribution.
I will be absolutely rabid for these books to be released! If you love dark fantasy don't sleep on this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2024
This a fast paced, easy to read prequel to The Dead Saint. I started this book without knowing anything about it, and was very surprised at how much I enjoyed it!
The book is dark and emotional, but so easy to read. Although it is super short, I still felt like I could get an understanding about the main character, Kira.
As soon as I finished this book, I immediately picked up The Dead Saint and am currently reading and enjoying it. I'm really glad I started in this order because I feel like I could jump right into the story and the world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book is dark and emotional, but so easy to read. Although it is super short, I still felt like I could get an understanding about the main character, Kira.
As soon as I finished this book, I immediately picked up The Dead Saint and am currently reading and enjoying it. I'm really glad I started in this order because I feel like I could jump right into the story and the world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2024
“Death is not the end,” she whispered, clutching the glittering remains of Hakan’s heart. “This is not our end.”
So good! I want more!
Review coming soon.
So good! I want more!
Review coming soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
As an oracle, Kira's job is to provide insight into the future, but what happens when she can't understand what her visions mean, and no one seems able, or willing, to help her? She feels that there is something bad on the horizon and isn't sure how to handle that when she doesn't know what exactly it is. Everyone seems to want to blow off her fears ... until it's too late.
Hakan is a saint in human form. They are meant to be perfect, or at least that's what's expected by those who follow the saints. Hakan, however, has fallen in love with the oracle, and that is a definite flaw. He has also invited monsters into the Golden Citadel, and not everyone is on board with what he has in mind. The rebels want to bring Hakan down, but what happens when you kill someone who can't die?
Sacrament and Smoke is a prequel to the Blood and Rubies series by Kathryn Trattner. This short story tells of the origin of a monster, the death of a saint who returns to exact retribution on those who rebelled against him. It was well written, with a fairly fleshed out world, but it left me feeling as though I had come into the middle of something. While I did experience some emotion reading about the night everything comes to a head, it left me with more questions. Was Hakan actually good intentioned or the narcissist with an agenda the rebels thought he was? How did we get to this place of hate and violence? I need an origin story for this origin story.
I wish this prequel had been longer with more of a lead up to the rebellion. I wanted to understand the characters and the circumstances more, and since the first book in the series seems to come in at some future time, I will be left feeling slightly unfulfilled.
I received an advanced copy of this book and have chosen to leave my objective review.
Hakan is a saint in human form. They are meant to be perfect, or at least that's what's expected by those who follow the saints. Hakan, however, has fallen in love with the oracle, and that is a definite flaw. He has also invited monsters into the Golden Citadel, and not everyone is on board with what he has in mind. The rebels want to bring Hakan down, but what happens when you kill someone who can't die?
Sacrament and Smoke is a prequel to the Blood and Rubies series by Kathryn Trattner. This short story tells of the origin of a monster, the death of a saint who returns to exact retribution on those who rebelled against him. It was well written, with a fairly fleshed out world, but it left me feeling as though I had come into the middle of something. While I did experience some emotion reading about the night everything comes to a head, it left me with more questions. Was Hakan actually good intentioned or the narcissist with an agenda the rebels thought he was? How did we get to this place of hate and violence? I need an origin story for this origin story.
I wish this prequel had been longer with more of a lead up to the rebellion. I wanted to understand the characters and the circumstances more, and since the first book in the series seems to come in at some future time, I will be left feeling slightly unfulfilled.
I received an advanced copy of this book and have chosen to leave my objective review.
March 25, 2024
"I love you in every lifetime. Do not ever doubt it." Hakan, the Saint
A well written, addictive, anguish, sad and passionate short story, showing how love can be threatened by the death itself and yet it endures, lingering in the air like smoking incense.
Gorgeous characters, depicted so well that the reader can empathize with them even in those few pages. The atmosphere, the ambience, the places, too, were so good. I felt like I was here, assisting all events and part of the plot.
Plot:
The Golden City. Hundreds of pilgrims visit everyday to witness the miracles provided by the imposing hands and the handsome figure of the golden Saint. Hakan is a god in human form yet, like every human, he isn't immune to flawless. Someones tell it is love its flaw, others power, more others greed. Kira, the Saint's oracle, fears something bad could happen every moment and in only few hours her fears will become reality: his closest allies closed up on him from everywhere, screaming out their riot and treason. Kira longed to the incense filling Hakan's chambers, holding to the memories they consumed here not so time ago, flushed away with the menace of the impelling dawn; his chambers where they stole moments of love and desire, embracing their mutual needings and the craving hunger to be in each other arms. Where there had been faith and devotion, now there are death and fear. Yet Kira resolves herself to stay.
When everything seems to be lost, where reality crushes down, the Golden City and the Temple who headed the riot will remember the only impending truth: a god remains a god, no matter who or what claims his fall. And Hakan will show no pity…
I recieved an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A well written, addictive, anguish, sad and passionate short story, showing how love can be threatened by the death itself and yet it endures, lingering in the air like smoking incense.
Gorgeous characters, depicted so well that the reader can empathize with them even in those few pages. The atmosphere, the ambience, the places, too, were so good. I felt like I was here, assisting all events and part of the plot.
Plot:
The Golden City. Hundreds of pilgrims visit everyday to witness the miracles provided by the imposing hands and the handsome figure of the golden Saint. Hakan is a god in human form yet, like every human, he isn't immune to flawless. Someones tell it is love its flaw, others power, more others greed. Kira, the Saint's oracle, fears something bad could happen every moment and in only few hours her fears will become reality: his closest allies closed up on him from everywhere, screaming out their riot and treason. Kira longed to the incense filling Hakan's chambers, holding to the memories they consumed here not so time ago, flushed away with the menace of the impelling dawn; his chambers where they stole moments of love and desire, embracing their mutual needings and the craving hunger to be in each other arms. Where there had been faith and devotion, now there are death and fear. Yet Kira resolves herself to stay.
When everything seems to be lost, where reality crushes down, the Golden City and the Temple who headed the riot will remember the only impending truth: a god remains a god, no matter who or what claims his fall. And Hakan will show no pity…
I recieved an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2024
Sacrament and Smoke: Blood and Rubies by Kathryn Trattner is a captivating and enchanting prequel short story that delves into the origins of the enigmatic and charismatic Saint Hakan. This dark fantasy romance offers readers a glimpse into the world of the Blood and Rubies series, where love, power, and the supernatural collide in a tale of destiny and betrayal. As the oracle Kira struggles to navigate her visions and the looming threat of war, she finds herself torn between her love for Hakan and her growing sense of foreboding. The story's beautifully crafted world is a seamless blend of dark fantasy and romance, with intriguing supernatural elements that add depth and complexity to the narrative. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers in with their unique personalities and emotional journeys. As Kira's world is transformed and her love for Hakan is reshaped, the story is a testament to the power of destiny and the lengths one will go to achieve their goals. Sacrament and Smoke: Blood and Rubies by Kathryn Trattner is a captivating and enchanting prequel short story that offers readers a glimpse into the dark and alluring world of the Blood and Rubies series. With unforgettable characters and a beautifully crafted world, this book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy romance. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2024
Kathryn, you've done it again! Another masterpiece, this time tightly packed into 80 pages. Yes, 80 pages or pure and utter perfection. The way you've woven the plot, the depth of the characters, and the emotional impact of the story are all breathtaking.
Sacrament and Smoke is a short story set almost 400 years before the main events of The Dead Saint. In this beautifully crafted story, we are given a peek into the history and the true story of the Saint. And Kathryn has done it perfectly! I was left speechless and heartbroken after witnessing events leading to and after the Saint's (Hakan's) death.
And now we understand Kira, the priestess from The Dead Saint, so much better. We knew her motives, but now we've seen first-hand the depth of her character and why she made her choices.
The Blood and Rubies series is a dark fantasy saga that defies comparison. It offers, in the author's words, 'bottomless joy,' but also inflicts pain and heartache. This is a narrative that demands to be read and experienced, and I implore you to embark on this unique and compelling journey at your earliest convenience.
Sacrament and Smoke is a short story set almost 400 years before the main events of The Dead Saint. In this beautifully crafted story, we are given a peek into the history and the true story of the Saint. And Kathryn has done it perfectly! I was left speechless and heartbroken after witnessing events leading to and after the Saint's (Hakan's) death.
And now we understand Kira, the priestess from The Dead Saint, so much better. We knew her motives, but now we've seen first-hand the depth of her character and why she made her choices.
The Blood and Rubies series is a dark fantasy saga that defies comparison. It offers, in the author's words, 'bottomless joy,' but also inflicts pain and heartache. This is a narrative that demands to be read and experienced, and I implore you to embark on this unique and compelling journey at your earliest convenience.
May 7, 2024
The prequel to the upcoming series of the dead saint about a man who is considered more than a man and is revered by some as a god but by others as taking too much power unto himself. He and the oracle fall in love but the faction who think he has taken too much power rise up against him and take his life. Unfortunately, he doesn’t die but undergoes a transformation paving the way for what comes next.
This was a romantic story that ended in tragedy but
then still carried on as such as one was not able to assume human form again at the end of the story. With the possibility of the saint coming back to life will Kira be able to be resurrected and be brought back also after hundreds of years? Those questions will only be answered in later books.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as one to whet your appetite for the upcoming series which will be
a very interesting and exciting read I’m sure!
This was a romantic story that ended in tragedy but
then still carried on as such as one was not able to assume human form again at the end of the story. With the possibility of the saint coming back to life will Kira be able to be resurrected and be brought back also after hundreds of years? Those questions will only be answered in later books.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as one to whet your appetite for the upcoming series which will be
a very interesting and exciting read I’m sure!
March 23, 2024
I received a free ARC, and this review is voluntary
The synopsis is accurate for the story, with the ending a pretty wild ride. Although I haven't read the first in the series, I can see how the events that took place in this novella would surely open up a can of worms, nonetheless.
I don't usually read literature with themes of romance, but I found it interesting to catch a glimpse into that side of storytelling, especially for this plot and how the relationship of the two main characters was defined as events around them changed. It was also cool to see the perspective of the other side, or the villain so to speak, as the leading voice. It was well written, and I'm inclined to read more about this series to see how all of this develops.
The synopsis is accurate for the story, with the ending a pretty wild ride. Although I haven't read the first in the series, I can see how the events that took place in this novella would surely open up a can of worms, nonetheless.
I don't usually read literature with themes of romance, but I found it interesting to catch a glimpse into that side of storytelling, especially for this plot and how the relationship of the two main characters was defined as events around them changed. It was also cool to see the perspective of the other side, or the villain so to speak, as the leading voice. It was well written, and I'm inclined to read more about this series to see how all of this develops.
March 28, 2024
If you have never read Trattner - this is a great start. She always delivers an amazing story.
This is the introduction to a new series - and when you finish and are left with the excitement of the wild ending you will want to pre-order the next in the series and wait with baited anticipation for it to come out.
Well written, short enough to read in a day - or a weekend. And filled with action and emotions. Great opener.....can't wait to see the rest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the introduction to a new series - and when you finish and are left with the excitement of the wild ending you will want to pre-order the next in the series and wait with baited anticipation for it to come out.
Well written, short enough to read in a day - or a weekend. And filled with action and emotions. Great opener.....can't wait to see the rest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2024
Sacrament and Smoke is the prequel to the dark fantasy romance The Dead Saint (due from release 15 May 2024)
This short prequel is quite full on, there was so much going on so quickly, but was still is to follow.
It follows Kira the oracle and her beloved Saint Hakan and how in one night their world changed.
It is quite interesting and would love to see where the series go from here.
This is the first of Kathryn’s work that I have read and it was quite good, everything was so throughly written especially the scenery, so you can definitely visualise.
This short prequel is quite full on, there was so much going on so quickly, but was still is to follow.
It follows Kira the oracle and her beloved Saint Hakan and how in one night their world changed.
It is quite interesting and would love to see where the series go from here.
This is the first of Kathryn’s work that I have read and it was quite good, everything was so throughly written especially the scenery, so you can definitely visualise.
April 30, 2024
A fantastic dark romantasy novella helping set the scene for the upcoming Blood and Rubies series.
This is the story of the Oracle and the Saint, a love that will last across time, and the origins of a monster.
With dark visions of the future Kira fears what may come, but no-one heeds her warnings. Destruction, rebellion, chaos, sacrifice and transformation. Loyalty and love will be tested.
A creative quick read with a dark ending that leaves you wanting more. Excited for 'The Dead Saint' - coming 15th May 2024.
"Death is not the end"
"I love you in every lifetime"
This is the story of the Oracle and the Saint, a love that will last across time, and the origins of a monster.
With dark visions of the future Kira fears what may come, but no-one heeds her warnings. Destruction, rebellion, chaos, sacrifice and transformation. Loyalty and love will be tested.
A creative quick read with a dark ending that leaves you wanting more. Excited for 'The Dead Saint' - coming 15th May 2024.
"Death is not the end"
"I love you in every lifetime"
July 5, 2024
Really enjoyed this short story, really immersive and drew me in from the start. I would really like to know more about what happens in the aftermath so I would definitely love to read the books that accompany this short story. You get some good insight into the characters and I would love to know more!
Fantasy lovers would really enjoy this short story, especially those who enjoyed empire of the vampire, nevernight, and who liked the world but wanted more plot from king of battle and blood.
Please note: I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Fantasy lovers would really enjoy this short story, especially those who enjoyed empire of the vampire, nevernight, and who liked the world but wanted more plot from king of battle and blood.
Please note: I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 13, 2024
A super short prequel to The Dead Saint! Gripping first look into the Blood and Rubies series. A saint, an oracle, believers who don't believe - catastrophe strikes for Kira when the believers turn on their saint - her saint and lover - the outcome is one you won't see coming. Great world-building with mystery, intrigue, action, some gore, single pov, timeline and a steady pace to keep you turning pages. Can't wait for The Dead Saint!
July 10, 2024
A short story indeed!
Discovering characters in this way - not knowing their other adventures - felt daring. However, the situations of this short story, their exchanges and thoughts, makes them familiar to the reader quite quickly.
Story as old as time - with its adapted twists. A fun read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I am looking forward to reading the series!
Discovering characters in this way - not knowing their other adventures - felt daring. However, the situations of this short story, their exchanges and thoughts, makes them familiar to the reader quite quickly.
Story as old as time - with its adapted twists. A fun read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I am looking forward to reading the series!
August 8, 2024
I wanted to 5-star this, but it's super hard to 5-star a short story, so I'm slamming it with a 4.9.
I'm already hooked. I HAVE to know what's going to happen in this story! The storyline, the lore, the characters... everything has me needing more.
I hope Kira gets the HEA that she deserves!!! And I STILL don't know who the bad guy is!
I already know the novel will be a 5-star read for me and I'm diving in RIGHT NOW!
I'm already hooked. I HAVE to know what's going to happen in this story! The storyline, the lore, the characters... everything has me needing more.
I hope Kira gets the HEA that she deserves!!! And I STILL don't know who the bad guy is!
I already know the novel will be a 5-star read for me and I'm diving in RIGHT NOW!
May 28, 2024
In the begining i was confused but in the end i LOVED IT. Gods and erotic romance together in a book. I Loved how the female protagonist against everyone's opion, she chooose to be with the man she loves even her man is the villain in the end. I reccoment this book if someone wants to read something small. i received an advance review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2024
I read this first as it is labeled as book zero. It was wonderful. It set up the world and book one amazingly. It was short, but it’s a short story so it was expected. I believe it is a prequel to book one, which I am reading next. I look forward to seeing the story progress. The author did a great job describing things without going too graphic for those that don’t want that.
June 11, 2024
Strong prequel opening short to what promises to be a highly entertaining, empire spanning fantasy full of treachery, traitors, bloody deaths and maybe an equally bloody rise and redemption.
Eager to see this play out!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eager to see this play out!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2024
The first chapter of a saga, short but intriguing
I’m not a great fun of romance novel, but in this case, I was pleasantly surprised to find a novel that addicted me. I appreciated very much the good description of the relationship between the two main characters and the choice of the villain as leading voice of the narration.
I’m not a great fun of romance novel, but in this case, I was pleasantly surprised to find a novel that addicted me. I appreciated very much the good description of the relationship between the two main characters and the choice of the villain as leading voice of the narration.
March 22, 2024
This romantasy short story is amazing!! It takes place in a world where magic happens and paranormal creatures exist. There's the oracle and the Saint, and they face certain danger. This story is the perfect introduction to the upcoming book, The Dead Saint.
May 16, 2024
*Short Novella/Prequel
*Paranormal Dark Romance
*Magic/Fantasy
Expert writing by Kathryn Trattner depicting love, loyalty, and duty. The birth of a villain, will true love stand the test of time.
*Paranormal Dark Romance
*Magic/Fantasy
Expert writing by Kathryn Trattner depicting love, loyalty, and duty. The birth of a villain, will true love stand the test of time.
June 27, 2024
A nice face paced quick read that provides background information for the novel The Dead Saint. It was nice to learn some details that help enhance the world the novel is set in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2024
This one had me from the start! So much was going on and I love the fact that there is more to come. This book is well written and gripping. I will definitely be reading more from this author!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2024
I received a copy from the author and I have to say she has became a favorite fantasy author for me this book just cemented that for me. Sacrament and Smoke is a dark fantasy read and I have to say I have really enjoyed this short read. I loved reading about Kira the oracle who has seen so much and the saint/god she falls in love with Hakan.. There is so much going on in this book, betrayal, hurt, pain, gods, priest, priestess, and other godly stuff. This book is highly enjoyable. It shows even in death love isn’t lost. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!!!
November 8, 2025
This is a very short book, and in the few chapters you get, as a reader you have to quickly learn a bunch of names while trying to figure out exactly what is happening to who and why. It ends dramatically with the expectation the reader will jump to the next book. No thanks.
March 21, 2024
really compelling start to a series. i already preordered the other two because i Know this is something i'm going to be into.
April 22, 2024
Okay, the book was good but I wish it was longer.
I’ll read the second one when it comes out though.
I’ll read the second one when it comes out though.
May 30, 2024
It was an intriguing but short read. I also feel as though too many characters were introduced all at once, but otherwise, it was a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews