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Wildblood
The Witcher meets October Daye with a splash of John Wick in this dark, gritty, and sexy urban fantasy-noir.
Kai Donovan has always had sharp teeth.
Earning his keep as an underground fighter in South Boston, he revels in well-earned notoriety. Wild. Irreverent. Vicious. His secret: he’s the monster from a fable.
But when Kai loses a match against a mysterious opponent whose ferocity rivals his own, he finds himself beholden to the underworld. What he owes isn’t money, but the recovery of an elusive prize coveted by the city’s most dangerous criminals.
His partner Miya—burdened with the ability to traverse dreams—spends her days investigating supernatural phenomena. When she receives a shadowy proposal to find a missing teenager, she’s confronted with the possibility that another like her exists.
As Kai and Miya chase ghosts, the threads of their pursuits weave into a menacing tapestry. Kai’s dark past returns to haunt him, threatening the bonds he believed to be ironclad. Unhealed wounds fester as he’s faced with a ruinous choice: unravel his blood-soaked history or lose himself and the life he’s scavenged together.
Bare your teeth. The nightmares are at your door.
--------
Wildblood is a companion novel to The Chaos Cycle Duology. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, though familiarity with the duology may enrich reader experience.
Kai Donovan has always had sharp teeth.
Earning his keep as an underground fighter in South Boston, he revels in well-earned notoriety. Wild. Irreverent. Vicious. His secret: he’s the monster from a fable.
But when Kai loses a match against a mysterious opponent whose ferocity rivals his own, he finds himself beholden to the underworld. What he owes isn’t money, but the recovery of an elusive prize coveted by the city’s most dangerous criminals.
His partner Miya—burdened with the ability to traverse dreams—spends her days investigating supernatural phenomena. When she receives a shadowy proposal to find a missing teenager, she’s confronted with the possibility that another like her exists.
As Kai and Miya chase ghosts, the threads of their pursuits weave into a menacing tapestry. Kai’s dark past returns to haunt him, threatening the bonds he believed to be ironclad. Unhealed wounds fester as he’s faced with a ruinous choice: unravel his blood-soaked history or lose himself and the life he’s scavenged together.
Bare your teeth. The nightmares are at your door.
--------
Wildblood is a companion novel to The Chaos Cycle Duology. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, though familiarity with the duology may enrich reader experience.
422 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2024
204 people are currently reading
4528 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Vrana
8 books297 followersA. J. Vrana is a Serbian-Canadian academic and writer from Toronto, Canada. She lives with her rescue cats, Moonstone and Peanut Butter, who nest in her window-side bookshelf and cast judgmental stares at nearby pigeons. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto, and her doctoral research examines the supernatural in Japanese and former Yugoslavian literature and its relationship to modern nation-building and historiography. A. J. Vrana's published works include the Indie Author Project-winning Chaos Cycle Duology: The Hollow Gods (2020) and The Echoed Realm (2021), the companion novel Wildblood (2024) from Parliament House Press, and the romantic short story collection, Stray Feathers: Extras from The Chaos Cycle (2022). Her short fiction includes “These Silent Walls” (2020) printed in Three Crows Magazine, and “Sapling” (2023) from Clan Destine Press’ horror anthology This Fresh Hell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
November 23, 2024
dnf @ 30%
if you know me, you know i never dnf books, but with so little free time lately, i’ve decided not to spend it on books i’m not enjoying.
this book wasn’t bad by any means, i just couldn’t get into the story or connect with the characters. it’s probably because i didn’t read the chaos cycle duology beforehand, so i’d highly recommend starting with that before diving into this one.
honestly, this book put me in a major reading slump, and with how exhausting work has been, i don’t even feel like reading right now :(
a huge thanks to vee for buddy reading this with me. it’s such a relief knowing i’m not the only one who didn’t enjoy it 😭🫂
pre-read 🩸💜:
not me reading this arc solely because of the cover… 🫢
br with my bb vee <3
if you know me, you know i never dnf books, but with so little free time lately, i’ve decided not to spend it on books i’m not enjoying.
this book wasn’t bad by any means, i just couldn’t get into the story or connect with the characters. it’s probably because i didn’t read the chaos cycle duology beforehand, so i’d highly recommend starting with that before diving into this one.
honestly, this book put me in a major reading slump, and with how exhausting work has been, i don’t even feel like reading right now :(
a huge thanks to vee for buddy reading this with me. it’s such a relief knowing i’m not the only one who didn’t enjoy it 😭🫂
pre-read 🩸💜:
not me reading this arc solely because of the cover… 🫢
br with my bb vee <3
November 27, 2024
officially—i love kai donovan. unofficially—i love kai donovan.
wildblood is the companion novel to a.j. vrana’s duology, the chaos cycle. this time focusing on kai’s history, a.j. vrana introduces us to kai’s childhood trauma and how his difficult life experiences formed him into the man that he is. we witness kai overcome his hellish nightmares and undergo much needed healing, in between his relationship with miya strengthening and following them as they resolve a complex supernatural situation.
the way the author created an atmospheric, foreboding environment drew me in. the settings are wonderfully dark and haunting, albeit beautifully captivating, from the city cast in shadows to the dense forests and ethereal dreams (or nightmares) that are encountered—everything evoked a sense of wonder and enthrallment.
as someone who hasn’t read the chaos cycle, i didn’t feel lost or unsure or confused reading wildblood. there are vague mentions of events that occurred in the duology, but the events in this book are so far removed from what occurs in the duology that there's no feeling of confusion. considering this contains an established cohort of characters, including a long-term and serious romantic relationship between our main characters, everyone is introduced with enough information to know who they are without becoming overwhelmed by details. told in third person and dual perspectives, it’s well executed for first time readers.
tl;dr: this is able to be read as a standalone.
kai donovan, god of destruction reincarnate
kai’s my favourite kind of tortured soul—a man who thrives on sex and violence as ways to cope with trauma and express his emotions. i appreciate a morally grey man who’s unapologetically himself. kai believes angry fucking is perfect conflict resolution and his best method of processing his thoughts. if this is considered a red flag, consider me colourblind. i only see green. i melted and swooned when kai actually did something about attending therapy (under miya’s request), rather than give us empty promises to change. there’s nothing sexier and sweeter than a hot-blooded male going to therapy to overcome said trauma for the love of his life!
kai is one hundred percent a man whose love language is actions, not words.
emiliya delathorne, competent dreamwalker
i really loved miya’s character and the way she was portrayed in wildblood. she’s so kind and sweet and smart—a down to earth, selfless woman who wants to keep everyone happy while staying true to herself. rather than lean into kai for her character growth, miya is confident all on her own and thankfully the complete opposite of a clueless doormat with no idea of self-preservation. her extraordinary abilities to dreamwalk and explore the otherworld is fascinating. combined with a take-charge kind of attitude, she’s one of the best ways a female main character is showcased.
kai and miya made my heart burst with happiness. there's a strong sense of love and trust between them, and the use of words isn't a necessity because they show they care and love each other through actions. they weren’t just lovers, but also best friends who relied on each other for support and strength. this is an established relationship so if you are seeking a romance between two characters that have just met, this isn't it. the best part of them? they’re reincarnations of the dreamwalker and the god of destruction who vowed to find each other in every lifetime. if that’s not bittersweet, and simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming, i don’t know what is.
the overall vibe of wildblood screams the witcher within a dark fantasy, urban setting. from kai’s traumatic childhood to his inability to express his emotions outside of sex and violence. miya's abilities to dreamwalk and communicate with supernatural entities (her crow outfit and plummage reminds me so much of yennefer). the otherworldliness such as the leshy (literally my favourite slavic creature/forest spirit) and the domovoy. the way various people are involved, for different reasons, in seeking out caelan and hunting the forgery. it’s all wrapped up in layers of mysteriousness and the way it all comes together is well done.
i don’t usually read dark urban fantasy romance, however wildblood may have changed my opinions on that! it contains dark grittiness and violence; a well balanced cast of characters; true character growth and development; an amazing established couple and so much more! it’s an exploration of trauma, mental health and the complexities of human emotion, all tied within an urban fantasy setting. combined with a.j. vrana’s poetic writing and immersive settings, it makes the overall feel of this narrative more unsettling but really captivating.
you can expect the following tropes and elements:
˚ russian mobsters and underground fighting
˚ my absolute favourite—the found family
˚ wolf shifting with a twist
˚ dreamwalking and supernatural entities/creatures
˚ irish and slavic folklore (amazing!!!)
˚ a long-term established romance
˚ a man in therapy + adhd/ptsd representation
˚ morally grey characters + “touch her and die”
────────────────────
˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙ my first a.j. vrana novel! it had me at “the witcher” and “dark fantasy-noir”. i was very much intrigued by the spicy artwork the author shared on instagram 🤭
a massive thank you to a.j. vrana and parliament house press for the gifted e-arc
follow me on: instagram
wildblood is the companion novel to a.j. vrana’s duology, the chaos cycle. this time focusing on kai’s history, a.j. vrana introduces us to kai’s childhood trauma and how his difficult life experiences formed him into the man that he is. we witness kai overcome his hellish nightmares and undergo much needed healing, in between his relationship with miya strengthening and following them as they resolve a complex supernatural situation.
the way the author created an atmospheric, foreboding environment drew me in. the settings are wonderfully dark and haunting, albeit beautifully captivating, from the city cast in shadows to the dense forests and ethereal dreams (or nightmares) that are encountered—everything evoked a sense of wonder and enthrallment.
as someone who hasn’t read the chaos cycle, i didn’t feel lost or unsure or confused reading wildblood. there are vague mentions of events that occurred in the duology, but the events in this book are so far removed from what occurs in the duology that there's no feeling of confusion. considering this contains an established cohort of characters, including a long-term and serious romantic relationship between our main characters, everyone is introduced with enough information to know who they are without becoming overwhelmed by details. told in third person and dual perspectives, it’s well executed for first time readers.
tl;dr: this is able to be read as a standalone.
“i’m not death,” said kai. “i’m the fucking calamity that wields it.”
kai donovan, god of destruction reincarnate
kai’s my favourite kind of tortured soul—a man who thrives on sex and violence as ways to cope with trauma and express his emotions. i appreciate a morally grey man who’s unapologetically himself. kai believes angry fucking is perfect conflict resolution and his best method of processing his thoughts. if this is considered a red flag, consider me colourblind. i only see green. i melted and swooned when kai actually did something about attending therapy (under miya’s request), rather than give us empty promises to change. there’s nothing sexier and sweeter than a hot-blooded male going to therapy to overcome said trauma for the love of his life!
kai is one hundred percent a man whose love language is actions, not words.
with miya, he was naked. he’d let her into the catacombs of his fucked-up head, and there wasn’t space for anyone else.
emiliya delathorne, competent dreamwalker
i really loved miya’s character and the way she was portrayed in wildblood. she’s so kind and sweet and smart—a down to earth, selfless woman who wants to keep everyone happy while staying true to herself. rather than lean into kai for her character growth, miya is confident all on her own and thankfully the complete opposite of a clueless doormat with no idea of self-preservation. her extraordinary abilities to dreamwalk and explore the otherworld is fascinating. combined with a take-charge kind of attitude, she’s one of the best ways a female main character is showcased.
“you can’t whore your way out of trauma, kai.”
“no shit, lambchop. if that were possible, i would’ve fucked my way to enlightenment by now.”
kai and miya made my heart burst with happiness. there's a strong sense of love and trust between them, and the use of words isn't a necessity because they show they care and love each other through actions. they weren’t just lovers, but also best friends who relied on each other for support and strength. this is an established relationship so if you are seeking a romance between two characters that have just met, this isn't it. the best part of them? they’re reincarnations of the dreamwalker and the god of destruction who vowed to find each other in every lifetime. if that’s not bittersweet, and simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming, i don’t know what is.
the overall vibe of wildblood screams the witcher within a dark fantasy, urban setting. from kai’s traumatic childhood to his inability to express his emotions outside of sex and violence. miya's abilities to dreamwalk and communicate with supernatural entities (her crow outfit and plummage reminds me so much of yennefer). the otherworldliness such as the leshy (literally my favourite slavic creature/forest spirit) and the domovoy. the way various people are involved, for different reasons, in seeking out caelan and hunting the forgery. it’s all wrapped up in layers of mysteriousness and the way it all comes together is well done.
i don’t usually read dark urban fantasy romance, however wildblood may have changed my opinions on that! it contains dark grittiness and violence; a well balanced cast of characters; true character growth and development; an amazing established couple and so much more! it’s an exploration of trauma, mental health and the complexities of human emotion, all tied within an urban fantasy setting. combined with a.j. vrana’s poetic writing and immersive settings, it makes the overall feel of this narrative more unsettling but really captivating.
you can expect the following tropes and elements:
˚ russian mobsters and underground fighting
˚ my absolute favourite—the found family
˚ wolf shifting with a twist
˚ dreamwalking and supernatural entities/creatures
˚ irish and slavic folklore (amazing!!!)
˚ a long-term established romance
˚ a man in therapy + adhd/ptsd representation
˚ morally grey characters + “touch her and die”
────────────────────
˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙ my first a.j. vrana novel! it had me at “the witcher” and “dark fantasy-noir”. i was very much intrigued by the spicy artwork the author shared on instagram 🤭
a massive thank you to a.j. vrana and parliament house press for the gifted e-arc
follow me on: instagram
Read
November 21, 2024— ( 🎞 ) dnf @34% ⊹
i think this book is quite impressive, but it just didn't resonate with me personally.
to start, if you're considering this book, i recommend checking out the chaos cycle duology by the same author first, as it provides important background on kai and miya.
the writing is excellent, and the characters are well-developed. however, i struggled to connect with them, likely because i hadn't read the duology beforehand.
additionally, the pacing felt a bit slow for my taste. while i usually don't mind slower stories, this one seemed to drag on, which affected my motivation to keep reading.
i’m not suggesting that the book is bad. it’s more of a me problem here. and i definitely plan to revisit this book in the future after i’ve read the chaos cycle duology.
a big thank you to cherie for buddy reading this with me. yes, both decided to dnf it, and we’re really proud of that 💅
— ( 🎞 ) pre-read review ⊹
i’m absolutely buzzing to jump into this book. teaming up with my darling cherie for a buddy read—let the chaos unfold 🩷✨
i think this book is quite impressive, but it just didn't resonate with me personally.
to start, if you're considering this book, i recommend checking out the chaos cycle duology by the same author first, as it provides important background on kai and miya.
the writing is excellent, and the characters are well-developed. however, i struggled to connect with them, likely because i hadn't read the duology beforehand.
additionally, the pacing felt a bit slow for my taste. while i usually don't mind slower stories, this one seemed to drag on, which affected my motivation to keep reading.
i’m not suggesting that the book is bad. it’s more of a me problem here. and i definitely plan to revisit this book in the future after i’ve read the chaos cycle duology.
a big thank you to cherie for buddy reading this with me. yes, both decided to dnf it, and we’re really proud of that 💅
— ( 🎞 ) pre-read review ⊹
i’m absolutely buzzing to jump into this book. teaming up with my darling cherie for a buddy read—let the chaos unfold 🩷✨
November 20, 2024
dnf @ 10%
nope. can't do it.
sorry but i'm choosing happiness.
i can tell already the writing style is not for me. it's overly ornate and flowery making it difficult to read. long chapters plus wordy sentences leaving me confused and taking me out the story. main characters are already in a established relationship which i don't think is for me either (this is just personal preference)
thank you to netgalley for the eARC
all thoughts are my own
⊱──────────── ꕤ ────────────⊰
⌞pre-read⌝
the fanart got me
i'm just a girl
nope. can't do it.
sorry but i'm choosing happiness.
i can tell already the writing style is not for me. it's overly ornate and flowery making it difficult to read. long chapters plus wordy sentences leaving me confused and taking me out the story. main characters are already in a established relationship which i don't think is for me either (this is just personal preference)
thank you to netgalley for the eARC
all thoughts are my own
⊱──────────── ꕤ ────────────⊰
the fanart got me
i'm just a girl
November 1, 2024
Miya, Kai, Ama, Crowbar and Gavran are back once again, solving yet another mystery and...adopting a cat!! A cat was the last thing I was expecting from Kai, especially since he's the Big Bad Wolf and all that, but it somehow fits.
So, I know that Wildblood can be read as a standalone, but I decided to read the duology that came before it anyway. You don't HAVE to do that, everything you need to know is explained inside, and you get to know Kai better.
At the same time though, I'm glad I was able to experience Kai and Miya's beginnings, and watch them grow throughout each book, and with each challenge they face. So if you can, I'd recommend reading The Chaos Cycle first.
This time we follow only two PoVs, and Kai's is the main one. I won't lie, I definitely miss Mason from the past books and wonder what happened to him, but I suppose they wouldn't have had a reason to mention him.
Kai deals with a lot of stuff internally, which just makes me want to give him a big hug. If anyone needs therapy, it's him. Luckily, Miya convinces him to go and he actually listens. You can feel the development as you read, it doesn't come overnight, but by the end of the book, he's better at dealing with his emotions.
He's also a fighter now, which ultimately leads him into trouble (no surprise). Miya meanwhile, has become really confident in her powers and uses them in ways we haven't seen before, in order to find a missing girl.
Their relationship is stronger than ever, but still has its ups and downs. Either way, you can feel their love through the screen. There's also a higher steamy scene count than before, just putting that out there!!
As a Slavic, and specifically Serbian, reader, I love when I see little things from my culture sprinkled into a story. Be it creatures from our mythology or just characters with accurate, familiar names. Wildblood has both. At this point I know I'm going to have a little something to look forward to each time I pick up a book by this author.
Vrana mixes in some creatures non-Slavic readers might be familiar with (like the domovoy), as well as lesser known ones (bukavac, leshy). There's also an Irish mythological creature that fits in perfectly.
I'd say the first two books had more of a fairytale/folklore feel than this one though, which is pure urban fantasy. The vibes are still there, just a bit different.
The writing is even better than it was, and the story is just as engaging. I really hope this isn't the end for these characters, I want to see them going on more adventures, picking up new strays, maybe reuniting with Mason?? Fingers crossed.
Also, A.J. Vrana, THANK YOU for making Miya tall!!!! I don't recall her height being mentioned previously, but here we learn she's 5'9, which qualifies for my "tall girl rep" shelf. Never enough tall female MCs if you ask me.
Anywayyyyy, listen to me and go read this series from the beginning!!! Kai, Miya and the gang are all amazing characters who deserve your attention.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
So, I know that Wildblood can be read as a standalone, but I decided to read the duology that came before it anyway. You don't HAVE to do that, everything you need to know is explained inside, and you get to know Kai better.
At the same time though, I'm glad I was able to experience Kai and Miya's beginnings, and watch them grow throughout each book, and with each challenge they face. So if you can, I'd recommend reading The Chaos Cycle first.
This time we follow only two PoVs, and Kai's is the main one. I won't lie, I definitely miss Mason from the past books and wonder what happened to him, but I suppose they wouldn't have had a reason to mention him.
Kai deals with a lot of stuff internally, which just makes me want to give him a big hug. If anyone needs therapy, it's him. Luckily, Miya convinces him to go and he actually listens. You can feel the development as you read, it doesn't come overnight, but by the end of the book, he's better at dealing with his emotions.
He's also a fighter now, which ultimately leads him into trouble (no surprise). Miya meanwhile, has become really confident in her powers and uses them in ways we haven't seen before, in order to find a missing girl.
Their relationship is stronger than ever, but still has its ups and downs. Either way, you can feel their love through the screen. There's also a higher steamy scene count than before, just putting that out there!!
As a Slavic, and specifically Serbian, reader, I love when I see little things from my culture sprinkled into a story. Be it creatures from our mythology or just characters with accurate, familiar names. Wildblood has both. At this point I know I'm going to have a little something to look forward to each time I pick up a book by this author.
Vrana mixes in some creatures non-Slavic readers might be familiar with (like the domovoy), as well as lesser known ones (bukavac, leshy). There's also an Irish mythological creature that fits in perfectly.
I'd say the first two books had more of a fairytale/folklore feel than this one though, which is pure urban fantasy. The vibes are still there, just a bit different.
The writing is even better than it was, and the story is just as engaging. I really hope this isn't the end for these characters, I want to see them going on more adventures, picking up new strays, maybe reuniting with Mason?? Fingers crossed.
Also, A.J. Vrana, THANK YOU for making Miya tall!!!! I don't recall her height being mentioned previously, but here we learn she's 5'9, which qualifies for my "tall girl rep" shelf. Never enough tall female MCs if you ask me.
Anywayyyyy, listen to me and go read this series from the beginning!!! Kai, Miya and the gang are all amazing characters who deserve your attention.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Read
April 5, 2024*UPDATE*
WILDBLOOD is now available for pre-order. Ebooks and paperbacks are available on all major online retailers. There is a limited edition pre-order box and special edition hardback with sprayed edges, end pages, illustrated case laminate and more available on my website shop (www.thechaoscycle.com/shop). All copies purchased from my shop come signed.
---
I am thrilled to announce, WILDBLOOD, releasing October 29, 2024.
WILDBLOOD is a standalone companion novel to The Chaos Cycle Duology and centres Kai's POV, with Miya acting as the second, less prominent POV. Wildblood can be read by itself even if you haven't read The Chaos Cycle, though your experience may be enriched if you have familiarity with the duology. However, everything you need to know from The Chaos Cycle Duology is explained in Wildblood, so I encourage new readers to pick it up!
Wildblood is a gritty urban fantasy-noir with a strong romantic element and tackles some heavy themes like PTSD, generational trauma, and building healthy relationships in spite of trauma. You can also expect a good dose of Kai Donovan snark and at least a few spicy, sweet, heartwarming moments :).
What can you expect from Wildblood?
❤️🔥 Spice
❤️🔥 Men in therapy (yes, I did.)
❤️🔥 Found family
❤️🔥 Love conquers all
❤️🔥 Wicked banter
❤️🔥 Processing trauma
❤️🔥 Folklore in an urban setting
Content warnings are listed in the book, but I will update this post with them as soon as they are finalized!
WILDBLOOD is now available for pre-order. Ebooks and paperbacks are available on all major online retailers. There is a limited edition pre-order box and special edition hardback with sprayed edges, end pages, illustrated case laminate and more available on my website shop (www.thechaoscycle.com/shop). All copies purchased from my shop come signed.
---
I am thrilled to announce, WILDBLOOD, releasing October 29, 2024.
WILDBLOOD is a standalone companion novel to The Chaos Cycle Duology and centres Kai's POV, with Miya acting as the second, less prominent POV. Wildblood can be read by itself even if you haven't read The Chaos Cycle, though your experience may be enriched if you have familiarity with the duology. However, everything you need to know from The Chaos Cycle Duology is explained in Wildblood, so I encourage new readers to pick it up!
Wildblood is a gritty urban fantasy-noir with a strong romantic element and tackles some heavy themes like PTSD, generational trauma, and building healthy relationships in spite of trauma. You can also expect a good dose of Kai Donovan snark and at least a few spicy, sweet, heartwarming moments :).
What can you expect from Wildblood?
❤️🔥 Spice
❤️🔥 Men in therapy (yes, I did.)
❤️🔥 Found family
❤️🔥 Love conquers all
❤️🔥 Wicked banter
❤️🔥 Processing trauma
❤️🔥 Folklore in an urban setting
Content warnings are listed in the book, but I will update this post with them as soon as they are finalized!
March 20, 2024
A gritty adventure through a dark, supernatural version of Boston, complete with bad-ass and morally grey characters that keep you turning the pages
October 11, 2024
He wanted to punish her, make her beg with need for him, and he wanted her to enjoy it.
Well, I love Kai
He couldn’t fuck his way out of trauma, but it sure as hell made everything hurt less.
4.5 stars
The author sent me this amazing PR Package 😭 Thank you thank you!!
Unboxing Reel
You're gonna want to see this art it is PERFECTION
The hardest fucking part, he’d learned, was finding his damn home.
This was such a fun read. It wasn’t a fun *book*, it was dark, depressing, and violent, but I had a great time reading it lmao
“How’s therapy treating you?”
“Well,” he feigned, “it made me mad enough to fuck you in a field, but that probably means it’s working.”
Kai and Miya were great! I rarely read books (or find them) with established couples and I always love that because there usually isn’t that standard relationship drama. You can technically read this one as a standalone, but I think I would have liked reading the other duology first, for all the background on our characters. But, it was described very well, so after the initial *new world, who dis* confusion, I was doing fine in understanding.
After his first therapy session with Dr. Krunić, he wanted to lie on a cold floor and stare at the ceiling. People yammered on about how validating therapy was, but Kai felt like a deflated tricycle tire after running over a mastiff turd.
I think the big thing about this book that stands out is the mental health rep. Not only the rep itself but also the fact that Kai starts therapy in the middle of the book and it helps him sort out his head and stop lashing out, as one does. That was seriously great.
It’s hard to empathize with others when you’re in pain.
Miya was so sweet but tough, I don’t have much to say about her, it’s one of those *vibes*, except I’m looking forward to reading the duology to see more of her beginning!
“It’ll take more than a few cracked ribs to stop me from fucking you”
I was crying at the plot tho, how it all unfolded, the revelations, and conclusions, ugh, so good.
He thought it was jealousy, seeing Ama’s fingers woven with his girl’s, until he glared at the white wolf and realized he felt nothing. The feeling wasn’t for her. It was for himself. Ama was there to comfort Miya because he’d fucked up. Kai wasn’t jealous. He was ashamed.
Well, I love Kai
He couldn’t fuck his way out of trauma, but it sure as hell made everything hurt less.
4.5 stars
The author sent me this amazing PR Package 😭 Thank you thank you!!
Unboxing Reel
You're gonna want to see this art it is PERFECTION
The hardest fucking part, he’d learned, was finding his damn home.
This was such a fun read. It wasn’t a fun *book*, it was dark, depressing, and violent, but I had a great time reading it lmao
“How’s therapy treating you?”
“Well,” he feigned, “it made me mad enough to fuck you in a field, but that probably means it’s working.”
Kai and Miya were great! I rarely read books (or find them) with established couples and I always love that because there usually isn’t that standard relationship drama. You can technically read this one as a standalone, but I think I would have liked reading the other duology first, for all the background on our characters. But, it was described very well, so after the initial *new world, who dis* confusion, I was doing fine in understanding.
After his first therapy session with Dr. Krunić, he wanted to lie on a cold floor and stare at the ceiling. People yammered on about how validating therapy was, but Kai felt like a deflated tricycle tire after running over a mastiff turd.
I think the big thing about this book that stands out is the mental health rep. Not only the rep itself but also the fact that Kai starts therapy in the middle of the book and it helps him sort out his head and stop lashing out, as one does. That was seriously great.
It’s hard to empathize with others when you’re in pain.
Miya was so sweet but tough, I don’t have much to say about her, it’s one of those *vibes*, except I’m looking forward to reading the duology to see more of her beginning!
“It’ll take more than a few cracked ribs to stop me from fucking you”
I was crying at the plot tho, how it all unfolded, the revelations, and conclusions, ugh, so good.
He thought it was jealousy, seeing Ama’s fingers woven with his girl’s, until he glared at the white wolf and realized he felt nothing. The feeling wasn’t for her. It was for himself. Ama was there to comfort Miya because he’d fucked up. Kai wasn’t jealous. He was ashamed.
October 29, 2024
Theydies and gentlethem, she has done it again!! 5 fantastic stars. Storytelling at it's finest and AJ has never given me less than that.
This was such a beautiful story. Was it violent? Yes. Was it heavy? Yes. Was it raw? Yes. And all those things added to the beauty of the characters. Separately and as a couple. And I confess (It's no secret) that I am a whole sucker for found family.
AJ never wastes page space or characters. Her writing has conquered a corner of my poor, shriveled up heart and there's no turning back for me.
This was such a beautiful story. Was it violent? Yes. Was it heavy? Yes. Was it raw? Yes. And all those things added to the beauty of the characters. Separately and as a couple. And I confess (It's no secret) that I am a whole sucker for found family.
AJ never wastes page space or characters. Her writing has conquered a corner of my poor, shriveled up heart and there's no turning back for me.
December 18, 2025
Wildblood was my introduction to A.J. Vrana's work, and what an introduction it was! It was everything and more—it was rollercoasters & fireworks; it was a marathon & a sprint in one; it was an explosion of emotions leaving you gasping for air. I feel like I need to rest and relax after coming down from a high that is Wildblood. Wow, just wow!
Wildblood is being released on October 29th, and I am so thankful to A.J. Vrana and NetGalley for gifting me the opportunity to read this story as an ARC.
I haven't read (yet) Vrana's Chaos Cycle duology, but I had no trouble following Kai and Miya's story. Still, it made me want to learn more about this dark & gritty world Vrana has created, and I can't wait to dive into the duology as well.
Wildblood is a story that grips you with its intense emotional journey. It's a dark and grim tale, yet a ray of light always manages to shine through. The narrative is raw and real, showing the profound impact of a haunted and dire childhood. It delves into trauma and inner demons, compelling you to understand the motivations behind the characters' actions. Vrana's characters are forced to confront themselves and their actions, and it's a testament to their strength to see them fight their inner battles, regardless of the outcome. The road to redemption and healing may be paved in pain and rage, but it's still achievable if you choose to step into it.
One of the aspects I loved about Wildblood was the portrayal of an established couple, allowing us to witness the highs and lows of their relationship. Both Kai and Miya are faced with decisions and consequences, especially Kai. His journey through therapy, where he delves into the most vulnerable parts of himself, was so devastatingly beautiful to watch.
The plot kept me intrigued and made me want to know more. I especially loved the elements of Slavic folklore interwoven into the story, being Slavic myself. Vrana has masterfully executed this aspect of Wildblood, and I loved every second of it.
Wildblood was a book that I was destined to read. It's a gateway to Vrana's world and storytelling, and I can't wait to immerse myself in the Chaos Cycle duology and fully grasp the depths of Kai and Miya's story.
Wildblood is being released on October 29th, and I am so thankful to A.J. Vrana and NetGalley for gifting me the opportunity to read this story as an ARC.
I haven't read (yet) Vrana's Chaos Cycle duology, but I had no trouble following Kai and Miya's story. Still, it made me want to learn more about this dark & gritty world Vrana has created, and I can't wait to dive into the duology as well.
Wildblood is a story that grips you with its intense emotional journey. It's a dark and grim tale, yet a ray of light always manages to shine through. The narrative is raw and real, showing the profound impact of a haunted and dire childhood. It delves into trauma and inner demons, compelling you to understand the motivations behind the characters' actions. Vrana's characters are forced to confront themselves and their actions, and it's a testament to their strength to see them fight their inner battles, regardless of the outcome. The road to redemption and healing may be paved in pain and rage, but it's still achievable if you choose to step into it.
One of the aspects I loved about Wildblood was the portrayal of an established couple, allowing us to witness the highs and lows of their relationship. Both Kai and Miya are faced with decisions and consequences, especially Kai. His journey through therapy, where he delves into the most vulnerable parts of himself, was so devastatingly beautiful to watch.
The plot kept me intrigued and made me want to know more. I especially loved the elements of Slavic folklore interwoven into the story, being Slavic myself. Vrana has masterfully executed this aspect of Wildblood, and I loved every second of it.
Wildblood was a book that I was destined to read. It's a gateway to Vrana's world and storytelling, and I can't wait to immerse myself in the Chaos Cycle duology and fully grasp the depths of Kai and Miya's story.
August 18, 2024
MORE SOON I absolutely adored this book
October 3, 2024
I love Kai, I love this couple, I love this book and the dream sequences.
There were so many quotes that spoke to my soul. AJ’s prose is beautifully crafted. I love how wild and brash Kai is. This whole mafia fantasy thing has me hooked.
The dream sequences were haunting. I wish I could give this book ♾️ ratings. I will continue to scream about it until I’m an old ass lady w all my smut books on the shelves.😂
There were so many quotes that spoke to my soul. AJ’s prose is beautifully crafted. I love how wild and brash Kai is. This whole mafia fantasy thing has me hooked.
The dream sequences were haunting. I wish I could give this book ♾️ ratings. I will continue to scream about it until I’m an old ass lady w all my smut books on the shelves.😂
October 5, 2024
I enjoyed that this book focused more on Kai and dived deeper into a portion of his past*. And we still got a Miya POV.
Loved being in Kai's head. I laughed so much throughout this book with his comments and internal thoughts. He makes me giggle. Also seeing Kai in therapy was the best.
It was fun seeing Ama, Crowbar and other friendly faces in this book and enjoyed the new location.
*Check out the Chaos Cycle Duology for the other pieces of his past and how Kai and Miya got together.
Loved being in Kai's head. I laughed so much throughout this book with his comments and internal thoughts. He makes me giggle. Also seeing Kai in therapy was the best.
It was fun seeing Ama, Crowbar and other friendly faces in this book and enjoyed the new location.
*Check out the Chaos Cycle Duology for the other pieces of his past and how Kai and Miya got together.
October 29, 2024
A dark and delightful journey of truth and discovery, where fighting off the mob and monsters are only slightly more terrifying than going to therapy.
More later. But this book is what my reading hopes and dreams are made of. And also… BL00D.
***UPDATE: FULL REVIEW***
Miya and Kai have fought inner demons (literally) and their own doubts (partially) and have settled (mostly) into domestic… well, not bliss, but comfort. Yet chaos never lets our paranormal duo and they both find themselves with jobs that might lead somewhere unknown even to them.
Read if you like: urban fantasy, paranormal, dual POV, dark and gritty action, folklore, shifters and dreamwalkers, cool companions (humanoid and otherwise), mysteries, hidden pasts, men in therapy, and an established couple working through their stuff and fighting bad guys.
Kai is cashing in at his underground fighting ring. Miya is flexing her muscles as a paranormal PI. But as the mob moves in on Kai for his abilities, and Miya snags a job from a fishy source, they find themselves deep in an unexpected situation. Kai is forced to face his past and Miya has to trust her abilities before everything they’ve built crumbles before them.
Wildblood is not a romance but it is a love story. It’s a story of figuring out how to love yourself so you can give back to the people who gave of themselves to get you to where you are today. Yes, there are bloody brawls and spicy goodness wrapped up in an investigation with drippy creatures and fuzzy familiars. But the real mystery is figuring how to live life as broken people (or people-like beings) and not bite the hand that helps you. We see our MCs take it on the nose in every way possible and come out stronger on the other side.
I love the tone—our characters aren’t forced to be together at every moment to make the story work. They have their own things and they have each other. You feel equally grounded in each side of the story so at the points of convergence it multiplies the impact of everything that’s going on. And of course, the star of the show (for me) is their relationship. It’s magical and messy but underscored with communication and willingness to understand. I love them.
More later. But this book is what my reading hopes and dreams are made of. And also… BL00D.
***UPDATE: FULL REVIEW***
Miya and Kai have fought inner demons (literally) and their own doubts (partially) and have settled (mostly) into domestic… well, not bliss, but comfort. Yet chaos never lets our paranormal duo and they both find themselves with jobs that might lead somewhere unknown even to them.
Read if you like: urban fantasy, paranormal, dual POV, dark and gritty action, folklore, shifters and dreamwalkers, cool companions (humanoid and otherwise), mysteries, hidden pasts, men in therapy, and an established couple working through their stuff and fighting bad guys.
Kai is cashing in at his underground fighting ring. Miya is flexing her muscles as a paranormal PI. But as the mob moves in on Kai for his abilities, and Miya snags a job from a fishy source, they find themselves deep in an unexpected situation. Kai is forced to face his past and Miya has to trust her abilities before everything they’ve built crumbles before them.
Wildblood is not a romance but it is a love story. It’s a story of figuring out how to love yourself so you can give back to the people who gave of themselves to get you to where you are today. Yes, there are bloody brawls and spicy goodness wrapped up in an investigation with drippy creatures and fuzzy familiars. But the real mystery is figuring how to live life as broken people (or people-like beings) and not bite the hand that helps you. We see our MCs take it on the nose in every way possible and come out stronger on the other side.
I love the tone—our characters aren’t forced to be together at every moment to make the story work. They have their own things and they have each other. You feel equally grounded in each side of the story so at the points of convergence it multiplies the impact of everything that’s going on. And of course, the star of the show (for me) is their relationship. It’s magical and messy but underscored with communication and willingness to understand. I love them.
October 20, 2024
4.5 stars
Can’t decide on a rating so I might change it after I think about it longer.
Wildblood is a complete standalone, but set in the same world as the Chaos Cycle duology, so I decided to read it first and I’m so glad I did. The duology is amazing and I highly recommend reading it first because I promise you will fall in love with it and be even more excited to read Wildblood. The Hollow Gods gave me the same feeling as reading Ninth House which is one of my favorite books of all time so finding a book with similar vibes made me so happy. This urban fantasy world is filled with spirits, demons, gods, dream realms, and wolf shifters. It’s dark and gory and gritty and violent and so realistic. The prose of these books hook me every time. The author’s attention to detail really makes a difference in setting the scene and tone to get you on the edge of your seat. I feel like I know these characters inside and out because they are just so honest and real. The first book made me cry cause I relate to Miya so much. These characters go through a lot so it was nice to see an emphasis on mental health and therapy in Wildblood. One of my favorite micro tropes when it comes to shifters is when they still have their creature’s mannerisms in their human form. And Kai may as well be a wolf 24/7 for how many wolf traits and habits cross over to his personality. This couple is one of my absolute favorite couples I’ve ever read so I could read 500 books about them and never get tired of them. The romance is amazing in every book and the spice is upped a few levels in this book which I loved. Wildblood leans into the urban world more than the duology, with all of the same fantasy aspects and mystery solving we are familiar with from the duology. Something we don’t see often in fantasy books is established couples and the characters figuring out their lives so it was refreshing to jump back into a world I already know and loved. Based on how much I loved these books, I will be reading absolutely anything this author writes in the future.
Can’t decide on a rating so I might change it after I think about it longer.
Wildblood is a complete standalone, but set in the same world as the Chaos Cycle duology, so I decided to read it first and I’m so glad I did. The duology is amazing and I highly recommend reading it first because I promise you will fall in love with it and be even more excited to read Wildblood. The Hollow Gods gave me the same feeling as reading Ninth House which is one of my favorite books of all time so finding a book with similar vibes made me so happy. This urban fantasy world is filled with spirits, demons, gods, dream realms, and wolf shifters. It’s dark and gory and gritty and violent and so realistic. The prose of these books hook me every time. The author’s attention to detail really makes a difference in setting the scene and tone to get you on the edge of your seat. I feel like I know these characters inside and out because they are just so honest and real. The first book made me cry cause I relate to Miya so much. These characters go through a lot so it was nice to see an emphasis on mental health and therapy in Wildblood. One of my favorite micro tropes when it comes to shifters is when they still have their creature’s mannerisms in their human form. And Kai may as well be a wolf 24/7 for how many wolf traits and habits cross over to his personality. This couple is one of my absolute favorite couples I’ve ever read so I could read 500 books about them and never get tired of them. The romance is amazing in every book and the spice is upped a few levels in this book which I loved. Wildblood leans into the urban world more than the duology, with all of the same fantasy aspects and mystery solving we are familiar with from the duology. Something we don’t see often in fantasy books is established couples and the characters figuring out their lives so it was refreshing to jump back into a world I already know and loved. Based on how much I loved these books, I will be reading absolutely anything this author writes in the future.
November 2, 2024
2.75⭐️
I liked the story, the characters were fairly decent, the artwork and cover were so cool. It was quite vicious and gory but that didn’t bother me. All of these were great. This book could’ve been a solid 4-4.5. I liked the PTSD and therapy aspect of it all.
But the descriptive dribbling really pulled me out of the book. 500 pages could’ve been reduced by about 100 pages if the unecessary descriptions were taken out. Especially in Kai’s POV. Every time there would be some kind of thought of Kai he would think something ridiculous.
“The scent of cortisol wafted off him like garlic breath”
“The goon fell over like a traffic sign knocked over by a storm”
There were so many of these in Kai’s POV. It just took me out of the story every time. That was a tad disappointing and I was so hyped for this book based off the description and the cover.
I liked the story, the characters were fairly decent, the artwork and cover were so cool. It was quite vicious and gory but that didn’t bother me. All of these were great. This book could’ve been a solid 4-4.5. I liked the PTSD and therapy aspect of it all.
But the descriptive dribbling really pulled me out of the book. 500 pages could’ve been reduced by about 100 pages if the unecessary descriptions were taken out. Especially in Kai’s POV. Every time there would be some kind of thought of Kai he would think something ridiculous.
“The scent of cortisol wafted off him like garlic breath”
“The goon fell over like a traffic sign knocked over by a storm”
There were so many of these in Kai’s POV. It just took me out of the story every time. That was a tad disappointing and I was so hyped for this book based off the description and the cover.
November 6, 2024
First off, I absolutely love this cover page! This is hot and spicy!🌶️ If I was a person only judging on cover to get this book. I would totally get this book! The author did an amazing job creating an atmospheric and foreshadowing environment paired with sensual characters. I didn’t know there was a duology before this book. I wish I would have known so I could have read them.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Read
September 17, 2024DNF at 33 percent
I’ve read the Chaos Cycle Duology and found the first book, Hollow Gods, pretty decent. The Echoed Realms was a bit of a disappointment, but not enough of a disappointment for me not to look forward to Wildblood and getting my hands on the ARC on Netgalley.
Imagine my surprise when I seriously considered DNF-ing after reading the first sentence. However, even I’m not that petty, so I ploughed on.
But no amount of ploughing could make this barren dirt into a fertile land which could sprout fantastical and magical …. stuff. Seedlings? Alas, each page was infested with vermin which nibbled at my concentration and interest with pestilent insistence, making me pause and wipe the sweat of my perspiring brow. I have endeavoured to fertilize my desire to continue the farming effort by ploughing other, more fertile fields, bereft of the colour purple. To my dismay, disappointment and disillusionment, all the seeds the author planted simply refused to blossom into something digestible.
Puck me, it’s hard to write like that. Anyways, the reason I decided to DNF the book is below.
“Unmotivated to pluck his clothes off the floor, he dressed like molasses.”
“Ama tried dissuading her, oscillating between amicable reasoning and maternal scolding, but it only cemented Miya’s prerogative.”
“He loved those nights when he wore his brazenness like an armor made of vice.”
“Had he alerted them to the Carvers’ return to help them escape, or was he cautioning them that the sand in the hourglass had drained to a few precious grains?”
“Her pulse hammered frantically, anxiety seeping into his skin like ink into fabric.”
“Like hollowed gourds with menace carved into them, they looked unnerving, but a tumble off a windowsill was enough to crack them open and leave them rotting in the sun.”
“The common was mired in a low, fey frequency that quavered beneath her feet and caressed her face like a hyaline mist.”
“He had a peculiar smell about him—a vinegary cocktail of irritation and apprehension that wormed beneath his coiffed veneer.”
Unfortunately, I was hyperaware of the words and the language, and could not see anything beyond what was written on the page.
I’ve read the Chaos Cycle Duology and found the first book, Hollow Gods, pretty decent. The Echoed Realms was a bit of a disappointment, but not enough of a disappointment for me not to look forward to Wildblood and getting my hands on the ARC on Netgalley.
Imagine my surprise when I seriously considered DNF-ing after reading the first sentence. However, even I’m not that petty, so I ploughed on.
But no amount of ploughing could make this barren dirt into a fertile land which could sprout fantastical and magical …. stuff. Seedlings? Alas, each page was infested with vermin which nibbled at my concentration and interest with pestilent insistence, making me pause and wipe the sweat of my perspiring brow. I have endeavoured to fertilize my desire to continue the farming effort by ploughing other, more fertile fields, bereft of the colour purple. To my dismay, disappointment and disillusionment, all the seeds the author planted simply refused to blossom into something digestible.
Puck me, it’s hard to write like that. Anyways, the reason I decided to DNF the book is below.
“Unmotivated to pluck his clothes off the floor, he dressed like molasses.”
“Ama tried dissuading her, oscillating between amicable reasoning and maternal scolding, but it only cemented Miya’s prerogative.”
“He loved those nights when he wore his brazenness like an armor made of vice.”
“Had he alerted them to the Carvers’ return to help them escape, or was he cautioning them that the sand in the hourglass had drained to a few precious grains?”
“Her pulse hammered frantically, anxiety seeping into his skin like ink into fabric.”
“Like hollowed gourds with menace carved into them, they looked unnerving, but a tumble off a windowsill was enough to crack them open and leave them rotting in the sun.”
“The common was mired in a low, fey frequency that quavered beneath her feet and caressed her face like a hyaline mist.”
“He had a peculiar smell about him—a vinegary cocktail of irritation and apprehension that wormed beneath his coiffed veneer.”
Unfortunately, I was hyperaware of the words and the language, and could not see anything beyond what was written on the page.
October 29, 2024
Want a perfect read for this spooky season? Wildblood, a dark urban contemporary fantasy, is the one for you!
🐦⬛Mysteries to solve
🐺Wolves
🐦⬛Journey into the world of dreams
🐺Strong, witty characters with lots of grit
🐦⬛Mental health
🐺Men in therapy
This and much more is present in this magnificent book by A.J. Vrana.
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
In this book, Kai is working as an underground fighter in South Boston to pay the bills. He is earned notoriety. But one day he loses a match against a mysterious opponent who seems so similar to him. So he found himself having to recover a prize coveted by the city’s most dangerous criminals.
On the other hand, Miya, who is capable of traverse dreams, spends her days investigating supernatural phenomena. When she receives a shadowy proposal to find a missing teenager, she’s confronted with the possibility that another like her exists..
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
It was wonderful to re-enter the lives of Kai and Miya, their adventures, their mysteries, and their romance after the Chaos Cycle duology. (Wildblood can be read safely without having any notion of the duology); it was wonderful to catch up with old characters and meet new ones. Each of AJ's characters is well delineated and so different from the others that it is great to discover the various personalities and it is hard to choose one's favorite character.
Kai, however, always has a special place in my heart. In this book we find out even more about him, his story, his family. His story so similar to the story of the missing girl (the case Miya is working on) makes him open up more, explore his feelings. We notice his fragility, the one he always wanted to keep hidden, and we finally see him explore his love for Miya in a deeper way.
🐺 "I'm not Death," said Kai. "I'm the f***ing calamity that wields it. 🐺
Kai is simply one of my favorite MMCs 🖤 (I would have loved to give him a hug during the story, but I think he would have beaten me up 🤣 as he said he is: "poorly socialized with a history of violence.")
If you see my notes on my e-reader you can see how much I loved this book--I underlined almost every sentence. AJ's writing is so intense and expressive that it triggers incredible emotions when you read her books. In Wildblood the author has outdone herself, there are so many scenes full of meaning and depth.
🖤"Letting the people who love you take care of you won't change you. It'll only give you the space to be yourself."🖤
I really recommend this book to everyone. Don't miss your chance to meet (or meet again) Kai and Miya and all the other incredible characters in Wildblood.
🐺"Bare your teeth. The nightmares are at your door."🐺
Thank you to the author for the ARC coy and All of the thoughts are my own.
🐦⬛Mysteries to solve
🐺Wolves
🐦⬛Journey into the world of dreams
🐺Strong, witty characters with lots of grit
🐦⬛Mental health
🐺Men in therapy
This and much more is present in this magnificent book by A.J. Vrana.
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
In this book, Kai is working as an underground fighter in South Boston to pay the bills. He is earned notoriety. But one day he loses a match against a mysterious opponent who seems so similar to him. So he found himself having to recover a prize coveted by the city’s most dangerous criminals.
On the other hand, Miya, who is capable of traverse dreams, spends her days investigating supernatural phenomena. When she receives a shadowy proposal to find a missing teenager, she’s confronted with the possibility that another like her exists..
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
It was wonderful to re-enter the lives of Kai and Miya, their adventures, their mysteries, and their romance after the Chaos Cycle duology. (Wildblood can be read safely without having any notion of the duology); it was wonderful to catch up with old characters and meet new ones. Each of AJ's characters is well delineated and so different from the others that it is great to discover the various personalities and it is hard to choose one's favorite character.
Kai, however, always has a special place in my heart. In this book we find out even more about him, his story, his family. His story so similar to the story of the missing girl (the case Miya is working on) makes him open up more, explore his feelings. We notice his fragility, the one he always wanted to keep hidden, and we finally see him explore his love for Miya in a deeper way.
🐺 "I'm not Death," said Kai. "I'm the f***ing calamity that wields it. 🐺
Kai is simply one of my favorite MMCs 🖤 (I would have loved to give him a hug during the story, but I think he would have beaten me up 🤣 as he said he is: "poorly socialized with a history of violence.")
If you see my notes on my e-reader you can see how much I loved this book--I underlined almost every sentence. AJ's writing is so intense and expressive that it triggers incredible emotions when you read her books. In Wildblood the author has outdone herself, there are so many scenes full of meaning and depth.
🖤"Letting the people who love you take care of you won't change you. It'll only give you the space to be yourself."🖤
I really recommend this book to everyone. Don't miss your chance to meet (or meet again) Kai and Miya and all the other incredible characters in Wildblood.
🐺"Bare your teeth. The nightmares are at your door."🐺
Thank you to the author for the ARC coy and All of the thoughts are my own.
October 29, 2024
Wildblood by AJ Vrana, set in the same world as the Chaos Cycle Duology, is everything I could have wanted in a standalone and more. Picking up after the events of Chaos Cycle, we find our favorite couple just trying to live a “normal” life (or at least trying to? 😆). It’s this perfect blend of mafia urban fantasy meets slice-of-life, and I didn’t know how much I needed this blending of genres.
Let’s talk about Kai. MY GOD, Kai. 🔥 He’s got that “burn-the-world-down” energy, and it’s impossible not to be captivated by his banter, his attitude, and his fierce love for Miya. I’m an absolute puddle on the floor. The mental health and therapy rep in this book? So refreshing! and as a MALE? SO REFRESHING. It's woven so beautifully into Kai’s journey, and honestly, his character development is the star of this book. Seeing him work through such honest, raw moments, heal, and come out stronger? I loved every bit of it. 🖤 This book dives into so many important issues—PTSD, self-worth, generational trauma, and the whole concept of love itself. AJ Vrana doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, and the result is such an empowering and heart-wrenching story.
Plus, hes a shifter.
Vrana’s prose is just spectacular — poetic, emotional, and so funny. I highlighted entire pages! I’m counting down the days to see what she creates next because this book was perfection. Thank you, AJ, for the ARC! I truly adored every second of this read. 💜
Let’s talk about Kai. MY GOD, Kai. 🔥 He’s got that “burn-the-world-down” energy, and it’s impossible not to be captivated by his banter, his attitude, and his fierce love for Miya. I’m an absolute puddle on the floor. The mental health and therapy rep in this book? So refreshing! and as a MALE? SO REFRESHING. It's woven so beautifully into Kai’s journey, and honestly, his character development is the star of this book. Seeing him work through such honest, raw moments, heal, and come out stronger? I loved every bit of it. 🖤 This book dives into so many important issues—PTSD, self-worth, generational trauma, and the whole concept of love itself. AJ Vrana doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, and the result is such an empowering and heart-wrenching story.
Plus, hes a shifter.
Vrana’s prose is just spectacular — poetic, emotional, and so funny. I highlighted entire pages! I’m counting down the days to see what she creates next because this book was perfection. Thank you, AJ, for the ARC! I truly adored every second of this read. 💜
June 2, 2024
“I’m not Death,” said Kai. “I’m the fucking calamity that wields it.”
I'm sure the majority of the people who have written a review for Wildblood have used that quote. But can you blame them? It's such a good quote, and Wildblood is metal as hell. I would like to say first off, thank you to A.J Vrana for giving me the opportunity to read and review Wildblood before its release date. I literally squealed when I saw an e-arc copy of it in my email. It has taken me a little bit longer to read than expected, but, nonetheless, it was still an amazing experience.
Wildblood is the companion book for The Chaos Cycle Duology, so it has the same cast of morally grey characters and similar urban settings with a mix of irish and slavic folklore and duel POV. But, instead of being solely about Miya, it follows Kai and explores his trauma and his origins. It is marketed as a book that you can either read as a standalone or together with the duology, and I can confirm that you can read this just fine on its own. All the characters have their introductions and explanations of how they've gotten to this point. It mentions enough events from the duology that you don't need to read it to get a grasp on all the things happening in Wildblood. I would still recommend reading the duology along with this book though, simply because it really enhances the whole experience.
With that out of the way, let's get to the meat of the book. I already loved Kai from The Chaos Cycle, and I still loved him in Wildblood. We get to see his childhood trauma and his upbringing. He even goes to therapy because he understands that his mentality is putting a wedge in his relationships. So there is therapy and mental illness rep. We get pieces of who Kai was before he had given himself the name Kai and where he came from, and what he actually is besides the reincarnation of a god of destruction. There are other characters who also get more development and evolve throughout the story. Miya herself has grown into a badass of a character, willing to take things into her own hands while also having the powers to do so. Ama, who is a side character, deals with being extremely overprotective of Miya due to her own fears and has to learn that she can't dictate or control everything. We are diving into the darkest parts of people's minds, and it is an emotional roller-coaster. Through these emotional struggles, there is the found family troupe, and we see just how much Kai and Miya love each other as an established couple.
There is a fair amount of gore and violence throughout Wildblood, like limbs getting removed, faces being punched in, and lots of bones breaking, specifically noses. The fighting scenes are well written, and they're absolutely wild. There is so much blood. But that is what happens when mob business is involved. Besides that, A.J Vrana's writing is still an absolute treat to read. Her work is so poetic and beautiful while being dark and gritty at the same time. She has mastered that balance between both worlds. I was sending quotes to friends while I was reading, and all I received was praise. So if that doesn't tell you that people are going to devour this book, I don't know what will. This book made me cry and laugh and I regret nothing.
If you haven't already pre-ordered Wildblood, I would highly recommend doing so. There is a pre-order incentive, and the books themselves are gorgeous. It will be coming out on October 29th of 2024. Thanks for reading.
I'm sure the majority of the people who have written a review for Wildblood have used that quote. But can you blame them? It's such a good quote, and Wildblood is metal as hell. I would like to say first off, thank you to A.J Vrana for giving me the opportunity to read and review Wildblood before its release date. I literally squealed when I saw an e-arc copy of it in my email. It has taken me a little bit longer to read than expected, but, nonetheless, it was still an amazing experience.
Wildblood is the companion book for The Chaos Cycle Duology, so it has the same cast of morally grey characters and similar urban settings with a mix of irish and slavic folklore and duel POV. But, instead of being solely about Miya, it follows Kai and explores his trauma and his origins. It is marketed as a book that you can either read as a standalone or together with the duology, and I can confirm that you can read this just fine on its own. All the characters have their introductions and explanations of how they've gotten to this point. It mentions enough events from the duology that you don't need to read it to get a grasp on all the things happening in Wildblood. I would still recommend reading the duology along with this book though, simply because it really enhances the whole experience.
With that out of the way, let's get to the meat of the book. I already loved Kai from The Chaos Cycle, and I still loved him in Wildblood. We get to see his childhood trauma and his upbringing. He even goes to therapy because he understands that his mentality is putting a wedge in his relationships. So there is therapy and mental illness rep. We get pieces of who Kai was before he had given himself the name Kai and where he came from, and what he actually is besides the reincarnation of a god of destruction. There are other characters who also get more development and evolve throughout the story. Miya herself has grown into a badass of a character, willing to take things into her own hands while also having the powers to do so. Ama, who is a side character, deals with being extremely overprotective of Miya due to her own fears and has to learn that she can't dictate or control everything. We are diving into the darkest parts of people's minds, and it is an emotional roller-coaster. Through these emotional struggles, there is the found family troupe, and we see just how much Kai and Miya love each other as an established couple.
There is a fair amount of gore and violence throughout Wildblood, like limbs getting removed, faces being punched in, and lots of bones breaking, specifically noses. The fighting scenes are well written, and they're absolutely wild. There is so much blood. But that is what happens when mob business is involved. Besides that, A.J Vrana's writing is still an absolute treat to read. Her work is so poetic and beautiful while being dark and gritty at the same time. She has mastered that balance between both worlds. I was sending quotes to friends while I was reading, and all I received was praise. So if that doesn't tell you that people are going to devour this book, I don't know what will. This book made me cry and laugh and I regret nothing.
If you haven't already pre-ordered Wildblood, I would highly recommend doing so. There is a pre-order incentive, and the books themselves are gorgeous. It will be coming out on October 29th of 2024. Thanks for reading.
October 1, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I’m excited to give my thoughts on Wildblood!
Trigger or content warning? Yes, it is found in book.
Details?
Main character of the book is Kai Donovan. He is 31 years old and 6’2. He lost his parents at 10 years old, and then lost his second guardian (Alice) at 16 years old.
Miya is The Dreamwalker. She is also Kai’s life’s partner. I remember it being mentioned that she is 5’8.
Ama is the White Wolf. She has watched over Miya her entire life, and is now in a relationship with Crowbar.
Crowbar is a friend of them all, and wonderfully human. She is also in a relationship with Ama.
Caelan is a fifteen year old girl who is missing from her home. She was adopted 3 years ago after she showed up out of the blue with no memory of where she’s from.
Domovoy is a house spirit attached to the King of Spades building. King of Spades is the grunge bar Crowbar and Miya own together.
Connor is the owner of the Confessional.
Carol is the cook at the Confessional.
Sergei is a middleman of the Bravta, and organizes the fights at the Confessional. He’s also the man who pays Kai for the fights he wins.
Kai and Miya have been in a relationship for the past 5 years since meeting in Black Hollow, British Columbia. There is no cheating in their relationship, but after issues that arise in the story Miya heavily influenced Kai to find a therapist.
My thoughts?
This is a poignant story. Vivid and startling in some instances. I’ve read a good chunk of fantasy romance, but very rarely pure-fantasy. So I needed to remind myself- a happily ever after is not guaranteed which kept me on my toes. I found myself reading this in my spare moments, sucked into the world that A.J Vrana has created.
Kai Donovan is not a perfect character, he’s like an onion with all of the layers he has. With a heart sprinkle of feral-cat energy. A God reborn into the body of a paranormal being, with his fate intertwined with the Dreamwalker. They made a choice 5 years ago to stick together, and make a life for themselves after spending multiple previous reincarnations together fighting their battles. Which leads them to living in Boston in an apartment with bug-friends and cozy-elbow-rubbing-space (it’s small and it has bugs but it’s within their price range so I have no judgment). I didn’t read the Chaos Cycle Duology so I came into this book blind with the curiosity of who Kai Donovan is. I also have a love for established relationships in books and one where they actually work on themselves? Beautiful.
Kai reinvented himself at 10 years old, 16 years old and now 31 years old. To see him building himself back up after everything he’s faced was a slow build. It wasn’t easy to read about because of how fragile it was but I did find myself unable to put down the book. Nearly everyone was pleasantly morally grey, it was difficult to predict who would be the antagonist in the story because the person seemed to be ever shifting depending on what piece of the story was being focused on.
I was captivated by the bold pictures the author is able to create, something my imagination latched onto and brought into my own dreaming world. While this book does tie up the issues introduced, there are many things left to resolve which I hope is in a future book featuring Caelan as the main character.
I look forward to the future books of A.J Vrana.
Trigger or content warning? Yes, it is found in book.
Details?
Main character of the book is Kai Donovan. He is 31 years old and 6’2. He lost his parents at 10 years old, and then lost his second guardian (Alice) at 16 years old.
Miya is The Dreamwalker. She is also Kai’s life’s partner. I remember it being mentioned that she is 5’8.
Ama is the White Wolf. She has watched over Miya her entire life, and is now in a relationship with Crowbar.
Crowbar is a friend of them all, and wonderfully human. She is also in a relationship with Ama.
Caelan is a fifteen year old girl who is missing from her home. She was adopted 3 years ago after she showed up out of the blue with no memory of where she’s from.
Domovoy is a house spirit attached to the King of Spades building. King of Spades is the grunge bar Crowbar and Miya own together.
Connor is the owner of the Confessional.
Carol is the cook at the Confessional.
Sergei is a middleman of the Bravta, and organizes the fights at the Confessional. He’s also the man who pays Kai for the fights he wins.
Kai and Miya have been in a relationship for the past 5 years since meeting in Black Hollow, British Columbia. There is no cheating in their relationship, but after issues that arise in the story Miya heavily influenced Kai to find a therapist.
My thoughts?
This is a poignant story. Vivid and startling in some instances. I’ve read a good chunk of fantasy romance, but very rarely pure-fantasy. So I needed to remind myself- a happily ever after is not guaranteed which kept me on my toes. I found myself reading this in my spare moments, sucked into the world that A.J Vrana has created.
Kai Donovan is not a perfect character, he’s like an onion with all of the layers he has. With a heart sprinkle of feral-cat energy. A God reborn into the body of a paranormal being, with his fate intertwined with the Dreamwalker. They made a choice 5 years ago to stick together, and make a life for themselves after spending multiple previous reincarnations together fighting their battles. Which leads them to living in Boston in an apartment with bug-friends and cozy-elbow-rubbing-space (it’s small and it has bugs but it’s within their price range so I have no judgment). I didn’t read the Chaos Cycle Duology so I came into this book blind with the curiosity of who Kai Donovan is. I also have a love for established relationships in books and one where they actually work on themselves? Beautiful.
Kai reinvented himself at 10 years old, 16 years old and now 31 years old. To see him building himself back up after everything he’s faced was a slow build. It wasn’t easy to read about because of how fragile it was but I did find myself unable to put down the book. Nearly everyone was pleasantly morally grey, it was difficult to predict who would be the antagonist in the story because the person seemed to be ever shifting depending on what piece of the story was being focused on.
I was captivated by the bold pictures the author is able to create, something my imagination latched onto and brought into my own dreaming world. While this book does tie up the issues introduced, there are many things left to resolve which I hope is in a future book featuring Caelan as the main character.
I look forward to the future books of A.J Vrana.
October 24, 2024
Gritty, spicy urban fantasy with the perfect noir vibes. This story will take you on a trip that blurs the lines between reality and dreams to an adventure to save characters from villains and maybe even themselves at times. I loved the gritty tone and nature of these book.
I loved this return to Miya and Kai's story and see the return of some favorite side characters (Crownbar, Ama, Gavran). The characters truly sell this story. The are raw, flawed, and delicious messes just trying to do right by each other. I love the found family vibes between them. I loved always seeing Kai grow so much in this book -- from his trips to therapy to his willingness finally let Miya in on his past.
As for the plot, Vrana sets up this seedy and gritty Bostonian adventure that is amazing fun. She weaves in dangerous foes (mainly, Bratva) as well as returns to the dreamworld. In order to save a young girl, Miya, Kai, and the rest of the gang need to be their own issues aside and work together. The powerful narrative that Vrana makes this such a dark and deep story that sticks in your brain in all the best ways. I love the writing and how it gets to the heart of very real themes of love, loss, independence, and family. AJ weaves it all together so beautifully.
I cannot wait to see what AJ comes up with next, but whatever it is... count me in!
I loved this return to Miya and Kai's story and see the return of some favorite side characters (Crownbar, Ama, Gavran). The characters truly sell this story. The are raw, flawed, and delicious messes just trying to do right by each other. I love the found family vibes between them. I loved always seeing Kai grow so much in this book -- from his trips to therapy to his willingness finally let Miya in on his past.
As for the plot, Vrana sets up this seedy and gritty Bostonian adventure that is amazing fun. She weaves in dangerous foes (mainly, Bratva) as well as returns to the dreamworld. In order to save a young girl, Miya, Kai, and the rest of the gang need to be their own issues aside and work together. The powerful narrative that Vrana makes this such a dark and deep story that sticks in your brain in all the best ways. I love the writing and how it gets to the heart of very real themes of love, loss, independence, and family. AJ weaves it all together so beautifully.
I cannot wait to see what AJ comes up with next, but whatever it is... count me in!
November 11, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
First things first, this is being marketed as a standalone is A.J. Vrana’s other universe. I disagree with this marketing as it seems like the main characters in this novel are the main characters in the author’s duology. I was not aware of this prior to reading so I have not read the duology. I believe the duology will provide important context for specific interactions between characters. Thus keep in mind that I am reviewing this book without having read this author’s duology.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They all seemed to be a little bit messed up and I think that works for the characters that they are. The only issue with the characters I found is that they had interactions that didn’t make sense with the characterization that we got on page. Additionally, one of the characters goes to therapy randomly in the middle of the action. I didn’t mind the addition but I thought it could have come at a better time.
The plot was really good if a little slow. There would be times of intense action and then absolutely nothing to push the plot forward. There were times when we ignored the problem until the very last moment for no reason. It was just strange how the action was split up.
Overall, I did really like the book but I think in order to read this, you need to have read A.J. Vrana’s duology.
First things first, this is being marketed as a standalone is A.J. Vrana’s other universe. I disagree with this marketing as it seems like the main characters in this novel are the main characters in the author’s duology. I was not aware of this prior to reading so I have not read the duology. I believe the duology will provide important context for specific interactions between characters. Thus keep in mind that I am reviewing this book without having read this author’s duology.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They all seemed to be a little bit messed up and I think that works for the characters that they are. The only issue with the characters I found is that they had interactions that didn’t make sense with the characterization that we got on page. Additionally, one of the characters goes to therapy randomly in the middle of the action. I didn’t mind the addition but I thought it could have come at a better time.
The plot was really good if a little slow. There would be times of intense action and then absolutely nothing to push the plot forward. There were times when we ignored the problem until the very last moment for no reason. It was just strange how the action was split up.
Overall, I did really like the book but I think in order to read this, you need to have read A.J. Vrana’s duology.
October 29, 2024
I adore a book with a good emotional growth journey, couple that with; some fantastic snark, relationship empowerment, sassy side characters, grit, trauma, a whole lot of fighting and Wildblood checked everything I needed in a story.
Wildblood can be read as a stand-alone, although it is a companion novel to Vrana’s duology The Chaos Cycle. Having only read the first, The Hollow Gods, prior to Wildblood I can speak to not needing to be completely aware of all the characters had traversed before jumping into Wildblood. Vrana did an excellent job providing just enough background on the folklore and relationship to jump right into this established couple’s newest story.
We follow a tale of mystery as both our MC’s are looking for something others have lost, while also going through relationship struggles. We get some fantastic fight scenes, kick ass side characters, some delicious spice, all the highs and lows of a relationship rooted in trust and love, and a main mystery plot rooted in Irish and Slavic folklore . At the same time Kai Donovan has never had an easy time with relationships and his past trauma and present feelings are weighty and creating problems that seem unsurmountable.
This is where I feel Wildblood shines. A. J. Vrana tackles men’s mental health and the unique struggles men face when it comes to therapy and working through societal biases to become more aware and healthier versions of themselves. In no way does Vrana try to “fix” something about Kai, but instead brings him and us on a journey of finding healing even from our darkest moments, and recognizing ways that Kai is sabotaging the things he values most.
I’ve said this so many times since discovering Vrana’s works:
A. J. Vrana HANDLES TRAUMA WITH CARE.
In no way does she try to sensationalize the depth of Kai’s pain; instead, she takes us on a journey of helping Kai understand himself and his place in his world. A. J. Vrana handles real world diagnosis in a fantastical realm with care and compassion for the whole person. She does not evoke feelings of pain and trauma just to leave you on an emotional cliffhanger, but instead she brings us to understanding how to process the journey we’ve been on.
Kai helped me recognize that my broken misfit pieces aren’t trash to be discarded, but I just needed help finding how they fit into the whole of me.
Wildblood quickly became not only one of my top 5 reads this year, but also a comfort read that I will hold onto for a very long time.
TLDR: We’re making men do therapy and still letting them dominate in the sheets.
Thank you A. J. Vrana for the ARC, these thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Wildblood can be read as a stand-alone, although it is a companion novel to Vrana’s duology The Chaos Cycle. Having only read the first, The Hollow Gods, prior to Wildblood I can speak to not needing to be completely aware of all the characters had traversed before jumping into Wildblood. Vrana did an excellent job providing just enough background on the folklore and relationship to jump right into this established couple’s newest story.
We follow a tale of mystery as both our MC’s are looking for something others have lost, while also going through relationship struggles. We get some fantastic fight scenes, kick ass side characters, some delicious spice, all the highs and lows of a relationship rooted in trust and love, and a main mystery plot rooted in Irish and Slavic folklore . At the same time Kai Donovan has never had an easy time with relationships and his past trauma and present feelings are weighty and creating problems that seem unsurmountable.
This is where I feel Wildblood shines. A. J. Vrana tackles men’s mental health and the unique struggles men face when it comes to therapy and working through societal biases to become more aware and healthier versions of themselves. In no way does Vrana try to “fix” something about Kai, but instead brings him and us on a journey of finding healing even from our darkest moments, and recognizing ways that Kai is sabotaging the things he values most.
I’ve said this so many times since discovering Vrana’s works:
A. J. Vrana HANDLES TRAUMA WITH CARE.
In no way does she try to sensationalize the depth of Kai’s pain; instead, she takes us on a journey of helping Kai understand himself and his place in his world. A. J. Vrana handles real world diagnosis in a fantastical realm with care and compassion for the whole person. She does not evoke feelings of pain and trauma just to leave you on an emotional cliffhanger, but instead she brings us to understanding how to process the journey we’ve been on.
Kai helped me recognize that my broken misfit pieces aren’t trash to be discarded, but I just needed help finding how they fit into the whole of me.
Wildblood quickly became not only one of my top 5 reads this year, but also a comfort read that I will hold onto for a very long time.
TLDR: We’re making men do therapy and still letting them dominate in the sheets.
Thank you A. J. Vrana for the ARC, these thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
August 2, 2024
✨Wildblood✨
Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. The. Ending. So utterly perfect. 🥹😭
It’s so surreal after having read books 1,2, and the novella with extras (Strayed Feathers, which I recommend!) to now go back to normal life without Kai and Miya. Despite the fantasy aspect, this was one of the most real books I’ve read. Lots of focus on trauma and facing it, addressing it, forgiving and acknowledging it, and not letting it define you or your future.
Back with our nitty gritty found family, Wildblood is focusing mainly on Kai’s story. We learn a lot of his history and making in books 1&2, but we don’t get to address it until now. And how else to do that but with monsters, shadows, violence, and mobsters?
Miya and Kai must face their relationship head on, acknowledging that they can’t grow unless they heal. The mission they both receive is different, supernatural, and yet entangled. Who knew ghosts could force you to introspect?
I love Miya and Kai’s relationship. Miya’s grace. Kai’s loyalty. Miya’s unconditional love. Kai’s fight to understand what love looks like. Such a brutally beautiful story.
This is technically a standalone and can be read that way, but I HIGHLY suggest reading The Hollow Gods, The Echoed Realm, and Stray Feathers to truly understand the relationship between Miya and Kai. And so you don’t think Kai is just a jerk. He has SUCH depth. My favorite character by far.
Tropes you may find in Wildblood are established relationship, found family, mobsters and street fighting, monsters and shifters, dream realms, gore and language, spice 3/5, men in therapy, mental health rep, and a completed ending.
I’m so thankful I signed up for this arc by AJ. It was totally out of my normal realm but a story that is so delicate despite its brutality and will stick with me always.
Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. The. Ending. So utterly perfect. 🥹😭
It’s so surreal after having read books 1,2, and the novella with extras (Strayed Feathers, which I recommend!) to now go back to normal life without Kai and Miya. Despite the fantasy aspect, this was one of the most real books I’ve read. Lots of focus on trauma and facing it, addressing it, forgiving and acknowledging it, and not letting it define you or your future.
Back with our nitty gritty found family, Wildblood is focusing mainly on Kai’s story. We learn a lot of his history and making in books 1&2, but we don’t get to address it until now. And how else to do that but with monsters, shadows, violence, and mobsters?
Miya and Kai must face their relationship head on, acknowledging that they can’t grow unless they heal. The mission they both receive is different, supernatural, and yet entangled. Who knew ghosts could force you to introspect?
I love Miya and Kai’s relationship. Miya’s grace. Kai’s loyalty. Miya’s unconditional love. Kai’s fight to understand what love looks like. Such a brutally beautiful story.
This is technically a standalone and can be read that way, but I HIGHLY suggest reading The Hollow Gods, The Echoed Realm, and Stray Feathers to truly understand the relationship between Miya and Kai. And so you don’t think Kai is just a jerk. He has SUCH depth. My favorite character by far.
Tropes you may find in Wildblood are established relationship, found family, mobsters and street fighting, monsters and shifters, dream realms, gore and language, spice 3/5, men in therapy, mental health rep, and a completed ending.
I’m so thankful I signed up for this arc by AJ. It was totally out of my normal realm but a story that is so delicate despite its brutality and will stick with me always.
September 3, 2024
I received an eARC copy. I was already willing to write A.J. Vrana a review due to thoroughly enjoying her Chaos Cycle Duology and pre-ordering the special edition of Wildblood, so many happy tears were shed upon surprisingly receiving this eARC. Before I jump into the review though, I want to open with this statement:
If you do not usually read rich, fully fleshed-out supernatural fantasy characters that have relatable problems and trauma that they overcome through realistic methods/timelines, or are not a visual reader who enjoys immersive settings that an author paints throughout their novels, or just don't finish books because it does not fit some preconceived blueprint; do everyone and yourself a favor and keep your unhelpful overly-critical keyboard kikimora comments completely to yourself cupcake. K? K…Kisses! 😘
Now, onto the review!
------------------------------
This spin-off from the Chaos Cycle (which you should absolutely go read...right now...top of TBR) weaves supernatural elements with fantasy and enthralling action sequences, creating an atmosphere of thrilling chaos and turmoil interwoven with steamy spice. The pacing in Wildblood is a testament to Vrana's storytelling expertise. It skillfully transitions between tense, suspenseful moments and slower story-building sections, ensuring the characters and readers have room to breathe. This balance leads to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion that ties up all the story threads, keeping the narrative engaging without falling into monotony or boredom. The story is raw and intense without crossing into gratuitous or senseless violence since each scene has a purpose and seamlessly builds on the previous ones. Vrana's writing style skillfully immerses the reader in the narrative, painting realistic scenes without overwhelming unnecessary detail. The settings are brought to life with striking vividness, and the side characters are imbued with depth and complexity without being redundantly explained. All the main characters are rich and relatable, grappling with complex themes such as found family, overcoming past and current trauma, pain, family dysfunction, going to therapy, and the unseen effects of untreated ADHD. The main characters confront genuine relationship challenges that cannot be easily resolved with a quick chat or a miraculous solution. This authentic depiction provides a welcome departure from the often superficial and clichéd love stories commonly encountered in numerous romance and fantasy novels. And yes, there is sex, but the scenes serve a narrative purpose and are not just there for fan service. Although you may need a fan service yourself during the hot and spicy bits. The main antagonist has semi-complex motivations for their antics, although they are not morally justified and engage in reprehensible behavior due to twisted personal reasons that only add to the depravity of those actions.
Now some people's criticism of this book could be about stereotypical villains, villain tropes, or that it's not 100% standalone. However, you do not need to read the The Hollow Gods and The Echoed Realm to enjoy this book because Vrana includes vital elements throughout Wildblood as both a review to past readers and a recap for new. The Chaos Cycle definitely adds a much deeper understanding of the relationships between the returning characters, but it is optional to enjoy the book. Vrana also provides expositions for the antagonists that, although they could seem stereotypical or one-dimensional on the surface, are subtly more complex and warrant further consideration before writing them off as such.
Bottom line, this book is a well-balanced, immersive, and emotionally action-packed experience that cements Vrana's talent and skill as a storyteller and serves as a Magnum Opus to the author, her readers, and the Chaos Cycle world. I have already read this book twice, and I will be re-reading Vrana's works tirelessly for the foreseeable future. Vrana deserves every bit of recognition and more for her work, and I hope you will be able to experience the rawness of Wildblood's writing as Vrana's very soul has clearly been inked out on every page of this book.
If you do not usually read rich, fully fleshed-out supernatural fantasy characters that have relatable problems and trauma that they overcome through realistic methods/timelines, or are not a visual reader who enjoys immersive settings that an author paints throughout their novels, or just don't finish books because it does not fit some preconceived blueprint; do everyone and yourself a favor and keep your unhelpful overly-critical keyboard kikimora comments completely to yourself cupcake. K? K…Kisses! 😘
Now, onto the review!
------------------------------
This spin-off from the Chaos Cycle (which you should absolutely go read...right now...top of TBR) weaves supernatural elements with fantasy and enthralling action sequences, creating an atmosphere of thrilling chaos and turmoil interwoven with steamy spice. The pacing in Wildblood is a testament to Vrana's storytelling expertise. It skillfully transitions between tense, suspenseful moments and slower story-building sections, ensuring the characters and readers have room to breathe. This balance leads to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion that ties up all the story threads, keeping the narrative engaging without falling into monotony or boredom. The story is raw and intense without crossing into gratuitous or senseless violence since each scene has a purpose and seamlessly builds on the previous ones. Vrana's writing style skillfully immerses the reader in the narrative, painting realistic scenes without overwhelming unnecessary detail. The settings are brought to life with striking vividness, and the side characters are imbued with depth and complexity without being redundantly explained. All the main characters are rich and relatable, grappling with complex themes such as found family, overcoming past and current trauma, pain, family dysfunction, going to therapy, and the unseen effects of untreated ADHD. The main characters confront genuine relationship challenges that cannot be easily resolved with a quick chat or a miraculous solution. This authentic depiction provides a welcome departure from the often superficial and clichéd love stories commonly encountered in numerous romance and fantasy novels. And yes, there is sex, but the scenes serve a narrative purpose and are not just there for fan service. Although you may need a fan service yourself during the hot and spicy bits. The main antagonist has semi-complex motivations for their antics, although they are not morally justified and engage in reprehensible behavior due to twisted personal reasons that only add to the depravity of those actions.
Now some people's criticism of this book could be about stereotypical villains, villain tropes, or that it's not 100% standalone. However, you do not need to read the The Hollow Gods and The Echoed Realm to enjoy this book because Vrana includes vital elements throughout Wildblood as both a review to past readers and a recap for new. The Chaos Cycle definitely adds a much deeper understanding of the relationships between the returning characters, but it is optional to enjoy the book. Vrana also provides expositions for the antagonists that, although they could seem stereotypical or one-dimensional on the surface, are subtly more complex and warrant further consideration before writing them off as such.
Bottom line, this book is a well-balanced, immersive, and emotionally action-packed experience that cements Vrana's talent and skill as a storyteller and serves as a Magnum Opus to the author, her readers, and the Chaos Cycle world. I have already read this book twice, and I will be re-reading Vrana's works tirelessly for the foreseeable future. Vrana deserves every bit of recognition and more for her work, and I hope you will be able to experience the rawness of Wildblood's writing as Vrana's very soul has clearly been inked out on every page of this book.
November 5, 2024
"What are you going to do?"
"What I do best. Lose my f*cking temper."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5
Author: A. J. Vrana
Publisher: Parliament House Press LLC
Series: Standalone - Companion Novel to the Chaos Cycle Duology
Release Date: 29th October, 2024
What you'll find in this book:
- Secret Identities
- PTSD & ADHD Rep
- Illegal Fight Clubs
- Mobsters
- Men in Therapy
- Troll-y Ravens
- Her BFF Hates Him
- Established Couple
- Troll-y House Spirits
- Hate-F*cking
What an utter wild ride this book was, I read this as a standalone having not yet read the Chaos Cycle Duology, but you can bet that after this amazing book I will be picking up the duology. If you're looking for a gripping paranormal mystery filled with Slavic folklore, Irish mythology, illegal fight clubs and a heavy dose of hate f*cking then this book is definitely for you. I really enjoyed the darker and intense quality of this book, that permeates every aspect of this story and sets the tone.
Throughout the book in amongst the paranormal chaos you get these glimpses of normal contemporary life, providing the contrast that reminds you the book is set in the modern day and the dive into the paranormal we are getting it still absolutely mind boggling for some of the characters. Some people definitely bite of more than they can chew with Kai, Miya, Ama, Crowbar and Gavren and this adds that sprinkle of slightly comedic value which I loved. Like I say not having read the Chaos Cycle Duology, I thought the world building was amazing and the lore incorporate worked so well to reinforce a haunting and moving story.
Kai definitely gets more limelight in this book than Miya with a POV in place throughout. We get to know more about Kai's backstory and explore him emotionally, and I felt that Miya's POV is in place to help us understand Kai from the perspective of the person that loves him the most. You can tell that Kai's loyalty is unwavering even if he feels his moral compass doesn't always point true, he would do anything to protect Miya. As the book goes on you can tell that Kai is trying to, even if slightly unwilling, to understand himself more and his relationship with Miya. Their love language is so different to what you find in other books that I was absolutely captivated by their interactions and how this impacted their actions when apart.
The plot itself was just what I was looking for, the paranormal mystery was fabulous, it kept me guessing in the best kind of way. Of course what initially looked mundane on the outset turns into something very much within the realm of paranormal and upped the pace and the stakes. This book has the gear absolutely turned up to highest level, resulting in a non stop story that had me in a chokehold.
"What I do best. Lose my f*cking temper."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5
Author: A. J. Vrana
Publisher: Parliament House Press LLC
Series: Standalone - Companion Novel to the Chaos Cycle Duology
Release Date: 29th October, 2024
What you'll find in this book:
- Secret Identities
- PTSD & ADHD Rep
- Illegal Fight Clubs
- Mobsters
- Men in Therapy
- Troll-y Ravens
- Her BFF Hates Him
- Established Couple
- Troll-y House Spirits
- Hate-F*cking
What an utter wild ride this book was, I read this as a standalone having not yet read the Chaos Cycle Duology, but you can bet that after this amazing book I will be picking up the duology. If you're looking for a gripping paranormal mystery filled with Slavic folklore, Irish mythology, illegal fight clubs and a heavy dose of hate f*cking then this book is definitely for you. I really enjoyed the darker and intense quality of this book, that permeates every aspect of this story and sets the tone.
Throughout the book in amongst the paranormal chaos you get these glimpses of normal contemporary life, providing the contrast that reminds you the book is set in the modern day and the dive into the paranormal we are getting it still absolutely mind boggling for some of the characters. Some people definitely bite of more than they can chew with Kai, Miya, Ama, Crowbar and Gavren and this adds that sprinkle of slightly comedic value which I loved. Like I say not having read the Chaos Cycle Duology, I thought the world building was amazing and the lore incorporate worked so well to reinforce a haunting and moving story.
Kai definitely gets more limelight in this book than Miya with a POV in place throughout. We get to know more about Kai's backstory and explore him emotionally, and I felt that Miya's POV is in place to help us understand Kai from the perspective of the person that loves him the most. You can tell that Kai's loyalty is unwavering even if he feels his moral compass doesn't always point true, he would do anything to protect Miya. As the book goes on you can tell that Kai is trying to, even if slightly unwilling, to understand himself more and his relationship with Miya. Their love language is so different to what you find in other books that I was absolutely captivated by their interactions and how this impacted their actions when apart.
The plot itself was just what I was looking for, the paranormal mystery was fabulous, it kept me guessing in the best kind of way. Of course what initially looked mundane on the outset turns into something very much within the realm of paranormal and upped the pace and the stakes. This book has the gear absolutely turned up to highest level, resulting in a non stop story that had me in a chokehold.
May 18, 2024
'I'm not Death. I'm the fucking calamity that weilds it.'
'Nothing felt better than a sharp blade slicing through the larynx of an overconfident shit talker.'
.
.
.
Kai Donovan is officially back, bitches!
Typical Kai, beginning the book with his on point sarcasm and devil may care attitude.
The book begins after the events of book 2 of The Chaos Cycle. We have our FC and MC trying to live a relatively normal life. As normal as they can manage considering the reincarnated baggage that shadows them. We see domesticity..... well, an attempt at domesticity but trouble follows them as it usually does.
Reminded me of a line from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, when the golden trio is in trouble yet again and Prof. McGonagall asks them: Why is always you three?
.
.
.
'Kai Donovan was her best friend.'
Isn't that just the best kind of love when you find your soul mate in your best friend.
Kai and Miya have that easy banter filled friendship as well as an exploding love.
.
.
.
Can we take a minute to talk about the dialogue?
Yes, the dialogue always has to be on point but not many characters have that Chandler Bing like sarcasm on point and Kai is one who always knows what to say.
'I prefer poorly socialised with a history of violence.'
.
.
.
One mistake I made was not rereading the first two books because it did take me a minute to remember the terminologies and what everyone was.
.
.
.
'If you want to know how big someone's heart is, watch them when they're in pain. Pay attention when they have something to lose.'
Kai's father is officially the wisest character of the series.
I wish he'd passed a bit of that to his son and that he'd finally wise up and say this one particular thing to Miya....
.
.
.
Hats off to Alex for writing another gem. And giving us a literary hotness to pine over.
The author wrote in her acknowledgements.... YES, I READ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS!
'Since writing The Hollow gods in which he first appeared, I knew that he deserved his own book - to have his story told.'
And you were right, he (and we) deserved this book!
.
.
.
And lastly, thanks to the author for sending me this ARC.
'Nothing felt better than a sharp blade slicing through the larynx of an overconfident shit talker.'
.
.
.
Kai Donovan is officially back, bitches!
Typical Kai, beginning the book with his on point sarcasm and devil may care attitude.
The book begins after the events of book 2 of The Chaos Cycle. We have our FC and MC trying to live a relatively normal life. As normal as they can manage considering the reincarnated baggage that shadows them. We see domesticity..... well, an attempt at domesticity but trouble follows them as it usually does.
Reminded me of a line from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, when the golden trio is in trouble yet again and Prof. McGonagall asks them: Why is always you three?
.
.
.
'Kai Donovan was her best friend.'
Isn't that just the best kind of love when you find your soul mate in your best friend.
Kai and Miya have that easy banter filled friendship as well as an exploding love.
.
.
.
Can we take a minute to talk about the dialogue?
Yes, the dialogue always has to be on point but not many characters have that Chandler Bing like sarcasm on point and Kai is one who always knows what to say.
'I prefer poorly socialised with a history of violence.'
.
.
.
One mistake I made was not rereading the first two books because it did take me a minute to remember the terminologies and what everyone was.
.
.
.
'If you want to know how big someone's heart is, watch them when they're in pain. Pay attention when they have something to lose.'
Kai's father is officially the wisest character of the series.
I wish he'd passed a bit of that to his son and that he'd finally wise up and say this one particular thing to Miya....
.
.
.
Hats off to Alex for writing another gem. And giving us a literary hotness to pine over.
The author wrote in her acknowledgements.... YES, I READ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS!
'Since writing The Hollow gods in which he first appeared, I knew that he deserved his own book - to have his story told.'
And you were right, he (and we) deserved this book!
.
.
.
And lastly, thanks to the author for sending me this ARC.
September 9, 2024
Curse me & my mood reader ways for sitting on this book for so long. Seriously I waited way too long to get into this but also this was probably the right time to start. The folklore feeling this book gives off is wonderful & why it’s a perfect read for fall.
This felt like a coming home. I just became so invested right away I didn’t want to stop reading. The setting & atmosphere are just 🧑🍳 💋 perfection! The setting is after what happens in The Chaos Cycle duology. Now you don’t have to read that before hand but if you’d like to know more about Miya & Kai’s history & how they ended up together definitely read those first.
I love Miya & Kai! They are everything. Seeing the growth in Kai in this book & getting to know more of his past! Fantastic. His character growth was 10/10. Loved it. I was glad to see that he went to seek help & talk to someone. I really related to that because I have a hard time talking about things. I loved the domovoy! He was too cute 🥰.
I was also cracking up. There’s a bit of humor mixed in & it’s all Kai. I loved it. Also the spice. 🥵. Wonderfully done.
This felt like a coming home. I just became so invested right away I didn’t want to stop reading. The setting & atmosphere are just 🧑🍳 💋 perfection! The setting is after what happens in The Chaos Cycle duology. Now you don’t have to read that before hand but if you’d like to know more about Miya & Kai’s history & how they ended up together definitely read those first.
I love Miya & Kai! They are everything. Seeing the growth in Kai in this book & getting to know more of his past! Fantastic. His character growth was 10/10. Loved it. I was glad to see that he went to seek help & talk to someone. I really related to that because I have a hard time talking about things. I loved the domovoy! He was too cute 🥰.
I was also cracking up. There’s a bit of humor mixed in & it’s all Kai. I loved it. Also the spice. 🥵. Wonderfully done.
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