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Diamond Blood

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Book 1 of the Shadow Ice Saga, meets Estella Vincent . Once a proud vampire, Estella has spent centuries playing second fiddle to the man she loved. Her undead existence, although one of luxury and pomp, is unbecoming. Though she wants for nothing, Estella grows bored and feels the need to reignite the fire which has long dimmed.

After a sordid dalliance with the wrong kind of monster, Estella’s entire existence is threatened beyond all imagination. Pregnant with a hybrid entity, an unnatural occurrence that wasn’t supposed to happen, the consequence is dire.

Fearing not just for herself but for the new life she carries, Estella goes into hiding preparing for the ultimate battle that lies ahead.

Diamond Blood is a dark fatalistic story where love, lust and survival co-exist in the murky depths of the dark Underworld.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2024

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S.R. Walcott

3 books1 follower

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5 stars
19 (51%)
4 stars
6 (16%)
3 stars
11 (29%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for T || .
280 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2026
Due to my rating I had to wait until it ended to post review.

Diamond Blood by S.R Wilcott, thanks to Beth from Wings & Words  for this exposure review. Overall, as much as I was hoping this would be an amazing read, i rate it a 2.5, rounding up to 3 stars for the sake of GR etc. And I am gutted because I had huge hopes as I love my dark gothic vamp stories.
Triggers: SA scene in chapter chapter 5, page 49. Although it doesnt go into major detailing, it felt needed to mention.
Diamond Blood is a dark gritty vampire story set in the murky depths of the Underground. Estella, a 200+ years old vampire lives a pampered existence with her lover, Marc. But after a discreet dalliance, she becomes pregnant with a hybrid child destined to rule the Underworld. Estella must protect the child at all costs and goes into hiding creating a war between the clans. 
Why call yourself nightwalkers you are vampires just own it 😝🤣.  Spice right from the beginning is never a bad way to start a book 🤣.
Whilst I enjoyed the concept of the story, it fell very, I dunno flat? Also there was grammar errors and punctuation errors.
I felt like it could in some places had alot more depth, explanation & exploration. Some bits were kind of just mentioned and grazed over. An example: when her child is born, like. It sorta just happens then boom?? There is no angst really or build up, then after birth it felt very anticlimactic of sorts.
The writing style felt very, basic.  There was alot of telling instead showing. So although I did enjoy the concept of the story, these are the reasonings for my rating.
Also to me, a section of the book was kind of - a plot hole - maybe? I'm not sure what one could call it? Shes concerned about her 150+ year love finding her and killing her for her betrayal. But then it goes on about how devoted he was to her. If he was/probably still is blinded by his love for her then he wont be hunting her down to kill her would he ? "There were no doubts in her mind he would be plotting some elaborate plan when learned of her deceit. After all, she was his princess and could do no wrong. Catering to her every whim was a pastime he frequently enjoyed. Indeed, he had spoilt her rotten. Perhaps, that was half the problem. He gave her everything, and she wanted for nothing. Maybe if he hadn’t been so predictable." Being his princess and doing no wrong? Even if she has deceived him....his love is depicted as being that strong.. the "elaborate plan" would be illrevent and not actually happen???
#gothic #exposure #bookreview #srwilcott #bookreader
Profile Image for Rainbowsbooks.
48 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2026
Diamond Blood is a dark fantasy that introduces a world rich with grit and potential, but ultimately struggles to find its footing due to a breakneck pace. While the foundations of a great story are visible, the execution often feels like a missed opportunity.
​The Atmosphere & Potential
​The standout feature of this novel is its dark fantasy aesthetic. S.R. Walcott clearly has a knack for building a moody, atmospheric world that fans of the genre will appreciate. The "baselines"—the core concepts, the world-building, and the initial stakes—are all there. From the very first page, you can see the skeleton of a truly captivating epic.
​The Pacing: A Double-Edged Sword
​While the story is undeniably intriguing, it suffers from being hastily written. For a reader, the experience can feel like being on a high-speed train passing through beautiful scenery; you see the glimpses of greatness, but you never get to stop and truly experience them.
​Rushed Moments: Key emotional beats and pivotal chapters fly by too quickly.
​Lack of Elaboration: There were several segments where more descriptive depth or character introspection would have turned a "good" scene into a "great" one.
​Abrupt Transitions: The "starts and stops" of the narrative flow were jarring. The pacing felt uneven, making it difficult to stay fully immersed in the world Walcott created.
​The Conclusion
​As a saga the book concludes with a literal "The End" on the last page. However, for a story that felt rushed throughout, the ending followed suit. It left me feeling unsatisfied and carrying a handful of unanswered questions that lacked the closure a standalone usually provides.
​Final Verdict
​Diamond Blood is the definition of a "diamond in the rough." It has all the right ingredients for a 5-star dark fantasy, but the execution feels like a first draft that needed more room to breathe.
​Bottom Line: If you enjoy dark fantasy and don't mind a very fast-paced, plot-driven read, it’s worth a look. However, if you prefer deep character development and a lingering, immersive narrative, you might find this journey a bit too fleeting.
​It could have been so much more, but for now, it remains a solid 3-star read.

This e-book was given to me by the author trusting that i leave a honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jaye Winkley .
255 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2025
I was kindly send this book to read and review by the lovely author, in the respect of being honest, personally this one was not for me but I can see that there would be a target audience out there for it!!

The politics between the vampire, were & daemon species was interesting, and it was definitely a unique story from the get go, especially with Estella’s character & her progression throughout the book… some of the content & the way the spice was written just was not my thing.
Profile Image for Meg Williams.
149 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2026
Diamond Blood — S.R. Walcott
⭐️⭐️⭐️

A lovely read with a great storyline and strong characters. While I can see why others would really enjoy it, I didn’t personally connect with it as much as I’d hoped. It just didn’t feel quite like the right fit for me, but it was still a well-written story with a lot to appreciate.
Profile Image for Shannon's Books.
170 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2026
I am in two minds, on a whole the story was there and I enjoyed it but I am not sure the style of writing was for me.
Profile Image for Shaz Book  Nook.
16 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2026
I couldn't put this book down it's amazing I would highly recommend it's full of twist and I loved the characters and there journeys
Profile Image for Gemma Williamson.
120 reviews13 followers
April 24, 2026
What can I say about this supurb amazingly written book its storyline pulls un in and keeps you hooked until the end its good i shouted out at one point luckily no one was in lol but the characters are brilliant and I highly recommend this to anyone that loves a beyound decent read you need this in your life trust me xx
221 reviews5 followers
May 30, 2024
Diamond Blood presents a fascinating dive into the supernatural world, where love, adultery, and survival are intertwined in a story that is as mesmerizing as it is haunting. At its heart lies Estella Vincent, a vampire whose immortal existence takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with a monster. This relationship, taboo and fraught with danger, leads to the conception of a hybrid being, a symbol of their forbidden union.

I loved the intensity of the narrative which brought out the cynical and raw chemistry between Estella and her monstrous lover. Estella Vincent is a compelling protagonist, portrayed with a depth that captures her internal conflicts and desires. Her struggle between her vampiric instincts tugging her unexpected lust for the monster while continuing to love her husband, Marc, creates a thrilling canvas of emotional landscape for readers to explore.

I enjoyed the author's writing style which is evocative and lyrical, perfectly capturing the dark, gothic atmosphere of the story. The descriptive prose immersed me in the eerie, otherworldly settings, while the dialogue reveals the characters’ complex emotions and motivations. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with reflective, introspective scenes.

Overall, this book is a complete package, offering a thrilling blend of survival, doomed love, and the fierce desire to protect what one holds dear. It stands out in the crowded field of vampire literature with its unique storyline and well-crafted characters. Fans of supernatural romances and dark fantasy will find Estella Vincent’s tale both gripping and heart-wrenching, making this book a must-read.
Profile Image for Read & Filed.
56 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2026
A huge thanks to S.R. Walcott for providing a copy of Diamond Blood.

Diamond Blood offers an interesting spin on the familiar vampire–werewolf dynamic, with the addition of daemons adding another layer to the supernatural mix. While the novel introduces a few fresh ideas, many of its themes and story elements feel strongly inspired by other works in the genre, making those influences fairly apparent throughout.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its character dynamics. The cast works well together, and for much of the story the narrative flows smoothly. However, the pacing is uneven at times, with certain sections slowing momentum without meaningfully advancing the plot.

The ending, in particular, felt like a missed opportunity. While it resolves the immediate events of the story, it lacks the cohesion and impact needed to fully tie everything together, resulting in a conclusion that feels looser than it could have been.

Overall, Diamond Blood has moments of intrigue and solid character dynamics, but uneven pacing and a less impactful ending held it back from fully coming together. Diamond Blood leans heavily on familiar genre elements, which kept it from standing out for me.
Profile Image for Chanel Barnard.
20 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2026
Diamond Blood completely surprised me in the best way. It’s dark, intense, and lowkey addictive, with characters who live in that morally grey space I love.
The story really shines because of Estella. She’s sharp, stubborn, and deeply flawed in a way that makes her feel real rather than “perfectly strong” like so many other fantasy books portray their FMCs. She’s constantly walking the line between survival and morality, making messy choices and owning them. I loved how she isn’t softened to be likeable, she’s hardened by her world, and it shows in everything she does. Watching her navigate danger, power, and her own limits made the story feel intense and personal. Estella is the kind of FMC who doesn’t ask for permission and absolutely carries the book.
The world feels brutal but intriguing, the tension never lets up, and the stakes actually feel real. S.R. Walcott really leans into the grit and doesn’t soften the edges, which made it impossible to put down. Thank you S.R Walcott for giving me the opportunity to read her book.
16 reviews
January 6, 2026
Diamond Blood is a gritty, fast-paced paranormal dark romance that delivers danger, desire, and constant tension without ever letting you get too comfortable. The FMC is a vampire with a restless spirit-and a wandering eye—that proves to be both her strength and her downfall, pulling her into a web of chaos she can't easily escape.
Packed with vampires, werewolves, shifters, betrayal, murder, and death, this story leans hard into its darker elements. The tone is raw and edgy, with a thriller-like pace that keeps on your toes from start to finish. Every choice feels dangerous, and the consequences are brutal.

If you loved the dark, atmospheric vibe of the Underworld movies, this book will absolutely be up your street. I rated this a strong 4 stars and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Perfect if you crave dark paranormal romance with sharp teeth and even sharper twists.
Profile Image for Louise Smalley.
83 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2026
Diamond Blood needs to be on your radar. It’s the perfect blend of dark Underworld vibes and juicy, high-stakes romancell. Estella Vincent. She’s a proud vampire who has spent the last few centuries living a life of total luxury and pomp. Sounds great, right? Wrong. She’s bored out of her mind and completely tired of playing second fiddle to her undead partner.
Wanting to reignite her inner fire, she makes a wonderfully chaotic choice and has a sordid fling with exactly the wrong kind of creature. The twist? She gets pregnant. In this world, a vampire carrying a hybrid entity is an absolute, rule-breaking impossibility.thank you to Beth of the wings and words book arc community and of course the author for the opportunity in reading this book and many others always a pleasure
Profile Image for Becci Hudson.
238 reviews14 followers
November 20, 2025
When the author reached out to me about sending me this book for an honest review, I’m so pleased that I said yes.
This is the first book in the series and follows Estella who is a vampire. This isn’t your typical vampire story. Estella has been around for centuries staying with the same companion but starts to get bored of his affections. She then meets somebody else who she is tempted by and this starts a whole load of twists and turns. One being that she becomes pregnant.
I love The New take on vampires that is in this book. I have always been a huge paranormal romance fan and loved how this wasn’t your typical vampire story. The writing is beautiful and descriptive and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Mila Bykova.
Author 12 books
December 6, 2025
A dark, brutal and addictive supernatural story
I went into Diamond Blood expecting a more typical vampire romance, but it turned out to be much darker and stranger. Estella starts as a pampered vampire at Heath Hall and ends up on the run, pregnant with a daemon’s child and hunted by both vampires and daemons. I liked how the author slowly reveals what she did to Marc and why the hybrid baby is so dangerous, mixing bloody action with guilt, trauma and twisted family ties. Some moments with Stefan, Jasper and the baby were unexpectedly tender against all the violence. If you enjoy brutal supernatural worlds with morally grey characters and high-stakes, this one is worth picking up.
Profile Image for Courtney S.
119 reviews9 followers
January 15, 2026
This one’s for my vampire girlies

Estella Vincent is a centuries-old vampire living her fancy immortal life… until everything goes sideways. There’s danger, dark creatures, forbidden romance, and yes… a hybrid pregnancy that I definitely did not see coming. 😳

All vampire books are unique, and this one was no exception. The world-building is insane—gothic, messy, and dangerous. Estella is complicated and watching her try to survive all this chaos was so fun. The tension and stakes kept me reading all night .

This one’s dark, twisted, and a little extra… but if you love vampires that aren’t just broody and stories that keep you up, grab it.


Profile Image for Heather Deffley.
126 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2026
This book is the first in the series and it is unlike any other vampire book that I have read! If you're looking for a different type of vampire/werewolf/demon book then this is for you.

This book follows Estella and her perils through being a vampire and then transitioning in to something... Different, I don't want to say too much and spoil it for anyone!

She has a tricky time of it and theres lots of people coming in and out of her life, but lets just say I am already after book 2 and I can not wait to see where this story goes!

Thank you to wings and words for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Printessan .
258 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2026
This book felt different from a lot of vampire books I’ve read, which I liked. It had some darker parts without feeling over the top, and the paranormal world kept things interesting. I also liked that Estella wasn’t written as a perfect character and actually made messy choices.
My biggest issue was mostly the pacing. Some scenes moved too fast, and I wanted a bit more depth in certain moments. But overall, it was still an enjoyable read and I’m curious to see where the series goes next.

This review is voluntary.

Thank you so much S.R and Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team.❤️🌺
Profile Image for Ava.
6 reviews
October 17, 2024
This book was brilliant from start to the very last page. I loved the protagonist and the way her life played out and the challenges that came with that. The detail is amazing with a good dose of lust, romance and nostalgia thrown into a background of gore and darkness. I was so impressed I bought books 2 and 3 and hope I won’t be disappointed
Profile Image for Charlotte.
97 reviews17 followers
August 29, 2025
What an intriguing start to a series! Estella is such a fascinating heroine strong yet vulnerable, ancient yet facing something entirely new with her hybrid child. The mix of dark romance, danger, and survival had me hooked from the very first line. A fresh twist on the vampire genre that feels both gothic and modern.
186 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2025
Dark and Gripping Underworld Tale

This story mixes love, survival, and intense emotions deep in a shadowy underworld, making it perfect for readers who like dark, dramatic tales. You’ll get drawn into a world filled with twists and complex characters. Great for those who enjoy stories that combine danger and passion in a gritty setting.
45 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2025
Although it was quite entertaining, I found it very derivative, particularly from this series of Underworld movies. Nothing hugely original in here, I'm afraid, but nonetheless an enjoyable read. The ennui that accompanies an immortal life is very well described, and I found that the most engaging part of the whole book.
Profile Image for Pamela Anderson.
6 reviews
October 18, 2024
I loved Estella’s character and way the story interweaves back and forth between her and Marc’s pov. It was entertaining, chilling and had me going from the start. I don’t usually come across a real good vampire story, but Diamond Blood is a great asset to the genre
Profile Image for Rebecca Isaac.
8 reviews
October 19, 2025
This was such a great read I could read it again! I loved the way it was written, i could feel all the emotions as if i was in the story myself. Estella was great, I felt for her and the book captured her struggles perfectly. I also loved Marc’s character and now wishing I was a vampire myself!
5 reviews
November 26, 2025
Diamond Blood dark, action packed and engaging. I didn’t expect to get into it so quickly. It is fast paced and I love the mix of vampires and werewolves and how Estella navigates the underworld. If strong female leads are your thing; you’ll definitely enjoy this
22 reviews
December 6, 2025
Through Estella's terrifying journey, Diamond Blood offers a novel and captivating perspective on vampire mythology. It is a riveting blend of darkness, desire, and danger. It draws you into an underworld where survival is both tempting and lethal, and it's equally thrilling and eerie.
Profile Image for Ash_reads24.
154 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2025
Spoiler free review- I Really enjoyed reading this binged in 1 sitting . It was dark gritty and unique! Flawed FMC and interesting story line not just your usual vampire story, the writing was immersive and the pacing was good, no matter what genre you read I think this would be appealing to dark fantasy /dark romance lovers! Really pleased I came across this book. I definitely would read the rest of the authors writing.
Profile Image for Elara Vancroft.
Author 10 books2 followers
March 22, 2026
Diamond Blood delivers a gripping blend of dark fantasy, romance, and danger. Estella is a compelling, complex heroine, and her story keeps you hooked throughout. The stakes feel real, the tone deliciously moody. A few pacing dips, but overall a thrilling, memorable start to a promising saga.
Profile Image for Tara B.
18 reviews
November 11, 2025
All I can say is wow. For an indie, this book is so well done and the imagery is brilliant and the characters were very interesting with all the different dynamics. I absolutely loved it!!
Profile Image for Kristina S.
14 reviews
May 13, 2026
This ticked all my vampire romantasy boxes. Such a great story, I am eagerly looking forward to the other books
13 reviews
November 11, 2025
This was such a good read, I can’t wait to read the others. The author is great at captivating you, I was mesmerised until the end. Estella’s journey was dangerous, sad but also quite beautiful when you realised how much she loved and sacrificed for her child. Sorry to throw in a spoiler but I was gutted when Estella was killed. She really deserved to live. I’m now looking forward to reading the others to know what happened to the baby ?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews