Bloodties: A Horror High Vampire Novel

by Drusilla Carlisle

Enter the world of Grandview Academy, where witches, werewolves, psychics, and other teen monsters roam the halls.

Lucy, a student haunted by dark forces, must navigate a world filled with dangers both supernatural and all too human. When the evil vampire Demetrius targets her, drawing her into a deadly game, Lucy finds unexpected allies in Ryan, a rugged vampire hunter with secrets of his own, and Scott Sparks, a fellow student wrestling with his own terrifying powers.

As ancient evils resurface, dark family secrets are revealed, and new alliances are forged, Lucy and Scott must confront their darkest fears and deepest desires. Together, they are thrust into a battle that will not only test their resolve but also their hearts. With Lana's life hanging in the balance, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice to protect each other and stop Demetrius.

In a fight where love and terror intertwine, will the darkness consume them, or will they find the light within?

Dive into a world of dark academia, where paranormal romance, teen fantasy, magic, love, and friendship come together in an unforgettable adventure.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2024

About the author

Drusilla Carlisle is an author of spice free, young adult supernatural fantasy and horror. She enjoys focusing on the relationships between her characters, featuring ride-or-die friendships and paranormal romance.

Born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, Drusilla has always been passionate about storytelling. She started writing at a young age and continued to hone her craft throughout high school and college. Her love for supernatural fantasy, horror, and paranormal romance led her to explore the genre of young adult fiction, and she hasn't looked back since.

When she's not writing, Drusilla can be found playing with her cats, reading, going out to dinner with her husband, or spending time with her family and friends. She is currently working on Book 2 of her Horror High series and can't wait to share it with her readers.

Whether you're a fan of supernatural fantasy, horror, paranormal romance, or simply love a good adventure, Drusilla Carlise's books are sure to captivate and enthrall you. Follow her on Author Central for updates on her latest releases and upcoming projects.

Reviews

[Jaki Pettigrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
Really good sequel to possession… can absolutely be read as a stand alone but you get a more impactful feeling reading after possession.

Really enjoyed Lucy’s story and how pieces come together.
Reading Lucy’s journey and her strength and growth. Amazing loved it

Thank you for this arc copy I’m looking forward to Gemini

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy sequel to an already thrilling series!

This book was so captivating I basically read it in one sitting. Fans of stuff like the show Wednesday and other fandoms that feature different supernatural characters will love it. I was immediately drawn to Scott in book one, he reminded me a bit of Christian Ozera from vampire academy and this time with Scott and Lucy as the main characters. It was a ride. Looking forward to many more exciting books from this amazing author.

[Lauryn Media · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jumping into Bloodties: A Horror High Vampire Novel by Drusilla Carlisle felt like stepping into a dark, chaotic, and surprisingly emotional world where nothing is ever as simple as it first seems. What I really enjoyed about this book is how it blends supernatural elements with very real emotional struggles, especially through its characters.

The setting at Grandview Academy is one of the strongest parts of the story. It has that classic paranormal school vibe, but it doesn’t feel overdone. Instead, it creates a space where witches, vampires, and other supernatural beings coexist, while still dealing with personal issues, friendships, and identity. That balance between fantasy and reality is what kept me fully engaged.

Lucy’s journey stood out to me the most. She goes through so much, and yet there’s a constant sense of resilience in her character. She’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her feel real. Watching her face fear, confusion, and pressure while still pushing forward made her story very compelling. At the same time, Scott’s character adds another layer to the story. His internal struggles and darker background create tension, but also make his development interesting to follow.

One thing I appreciated is how the relationships are handled. There’s a mix of friendship, loyalty, and emotional connection that feels very natural, especially in a high school setting. It captures that intensity of teenage emotions without losing focus on the bigger supernatural conflict happening in the background.

The pacing is fast enough to keep you hooked, but there are also moments where the story slows down to give more depth to the characters and their pasts. The flashbacks, in particular, help build a stronger understanding of who these characters are and why they act the way they do.

There were also some really fun and unexpected elements that added charm to the story. Certain side characters bring light moments that balance out the darker themes, which makes the reading experience more enjoyable overall.
What makes this book stand out is how it combines horror, mystery, and romance without letting one overpower the others. It feels like a complete experience rather than just focusing on one genre. Even if you haven’t read the previous book, you can still follow along, but it definitely feels like part of a bigger world that’s still unfolding.

By the end, I was fully invested in the characters and curious about what comes next. It’s the kind of book that keeps you entertained while also giving you characters you actually care about.

If you enjoy supernatural academy settings, vampires, emotional character journeys, and a mix of action and mystery, this is definitely a book worth picking up.

[Joanne Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodties is my first read in the Horror High series, I feel like I missed a little bit of depth and back story by not reading Possession first, so I recommend you do that.

I enjoyed the characters in this book, the relationships reflect the angst of Highschool, but also the deep connections that bloom. At first I was unsure if I would like Lucy or Scott, but as their characters developed through the book, I particularly loved Lucy’s resilience and determination. She could have given up so many times, but she keeps going despite horror and sorrow. Scott seems isolated, but I enjoyed seeing him thaw and allow people into his life and found family. I’m intrigued to see what happens with Cady in future books.

There is teenage drama in this book, that might not be enjoyed by everyone, but it feels like a true reflection of that time of life. My absolute favourite part though, was Pinky the teenage dragon! Can we have a novel about her please!

Overall this is a fun read, mixing horror with teenage development and some interesting additions to vampire lore. Let’s see what the Obsidian Board brings next!

[Marianne Tidwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and @booksirens for the ARC of Bloodties!

Tropes include:
- Evil vampires
- Touch her and ☠️
- Paranormal academy
- Witches
- Dark family secrets
- Kidnapping
- Animal sidekick

I enjoyed this book. It’s a YA supernatural academia novel as well as a thriller. This book is a standalone in the series, however I felt like I was missing something at times. I wonder if it would have been smoother if I’d read the other book first. I still enjoyed the story and the characters. I always love a supernatural academy book!

There was definitely a good amount of action that kept me invested and wanting to know what happened next. I loved some of the side characters. I think Pinky is my favorite! I’d love to read more about her in the future as well as Ryan.

Overall, I’d recommend this, especially to fans of supernatural academies and vampire diaries! I’m looking forward to seeing what the author does next.

[Morgan Barnard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Bloodties in just over 2 hours. I could not stop and put it down! At first, I was confused with the two different pairs we're following. (The L names didn't help lol) but when the two sides of the story came together… OMG! Everything made so much more sense!

Lucy is everything and I half wish she didn't have to go through what she did, but the other half of me is grateful cause we got this awesome story out of it! I'm so glad the author gave us flashbacks and Dean and Linda! They are the best parents, honestly. Such faith in Lucy while still healing from their own wounds.

My only thing is it seemed a little fast paced in some chapters where I wish it would've slowed down. It almost flew over certain details I would've liked reading more in to, or scenes that could have been more drawn out for a better reading experience.

*I received an ARC for free, and I'm leaving this review 100% by my own will.

[Kristian Morehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character Scott was born to a savage and a bringer of the apocalypse vampire of a father. He tormented his mother who was a human woman. And Demetrius, his father, wants to end the bloodline. Scott was took away to be studied as an infant age. He was brought into foster care into a witch home. So he feels out of place. Lana is his bonded gf.

Trigger warning in the beginning of the book from author. Which didn't bother me personally. First book from this author I ever read and was definitely a good book and definitely recommend as a stand alone. I have not read the first one which didn't bother me since it could be good as a stand alone novel. Definitely a fan. Wish there was more to read to earn my 5 stars. But totally am fine with a few hours read. Definitely will read the first novel soon and can't wait for the next.

I read this in a pdf format. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[|| ••Amber•• || · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I LOVED this one! Thank you Dru for letting me read this before release and then again as an ARC!! It was such a fun adventure and seeing this aside of some characters from Possession, was really cool. I definitely still have a soft spot for Scott. And after reading this, that soft spot only grew. It was nice to see him find himself AND accept it AND overcome what he was always told he was supposed to be. I also really enjoyed getting to know more of Lucy and her background and why she is the way she is. And don’t get me started on pinky…..too freakin cute. But the unlikely duo of the whole story is Scott and Lucy coming together. I can’t say enough good things without actually spoiling the whole story. It was so so good and I highly recommend getting your hands on both Possession and Bloodties!! I do NOT recommend reading them as standalones!!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read Book 1. However, this one is a good novella itself. You don't need to read the first to understand its turmoil's. The plot thickens with the turmoil each character faces. Who doesn't love Pinky, A dragon lady who can breathe fire. AWESOME. Carlisle proves that friendship and love can overpower evil and you never know who becomes an ally. It is also a story of love and redemption with such realistic & vivid descriptions of the characters' past and how they struggle to overcome them.

I can relate to the characters struggles due to my own life experiences. It is full of mystery and surprises. I would recommend this book to any supernatural fans out there. I am looking forward to read book 1 and eventually book 3.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[sugarmoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow-up to Possession, BLOODTIES really satisfied my cravings for a spooky vampiric story full of horror and great characters, not to mention amazing worldbuilding. Once again, I felt sucked into the story as if I were really there, kind of like a ghost watching everything happen and unfold.

While Bloodties can be read as a standalone, it's a much richer experience to read Possession first and I would recommend reading both to get the full scope of the story. The world is so rich and vibrant! I can't imagine coming into this without having read Possession first!

Another easy 5-star read for me :)

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great sequel to possession and I am so glad that I got to read it. It was interesting and intriguing getting to learn more of the backstories of the characters, especially Lucy. I enjoyed the flashbacks as well and thought they enhanced the world building and character development. Would highly recommend this book if you enjoy a great paranormal story full of intrigue and mystery. Thank you to Drusilla Carlisle and BookSirens for the ARC of this amazing story.

[Gwendafyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC Review⭐️

This book was a ride! Bloodties is an excellent mix of horror and YA academia. The twists and turns of the plot and world kept me turning the pages. And I have to say, I would have read the book for Pinky alone. I loved her!

This a second book, and while a stand-alone, I think it would have been a richer and better read if I'd read the first book first. Still, it was good!

For fans of Vampire Diaries, The Sookies Stackhouse Mysteries, and Vampire Academy

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book in the horror high books. I think reading Possession first would be helpful to get a better backstory. That being said it’s a good read you won’t be let down. It’s wonderful mix of horror and YA academia that you’ll love.

I enjoy reading about Lucy and her strength, resilience, determination and growth. She could have gave up but she kept going.

Pinky a teen dragon love her!!

[Ashley (bookworm84) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I am a fan of anything paranormal and this book did not disappoint! I enjoyed learning more about the characters and the world. I really enjoyed learning more about Lucy and meeting Pinky. I can't wait to read the next book!

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the Horror High series, I absolutely loved getting to know new characters like Pinky and Ryan while learning more about others like Lucy and Scott. It was a blast getting to see them confront some of their deepest fears with Demetrius, and I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Ashleigh Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next great addition to the Horror High series. I was very impressed with the depth of the characters and the development throughout. I love, too, that we see some of our previous favorites return, but this one very much revolves around a different, new set of characters. Refreshing, fun, and very tense. Lots of suspense to keep you reading late into the night! I must recommend!

[Meg Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I’d do anything for pinky- a teen dragon, outcast and living on the outskirts of grand view academy. I LOVE her and I mean it when I say I’d do anything! I loved the friendship between Lucy and Pinky, a shared past of loneness and abandonment, pinky’s optimism is unwavering despite it all. Now onto the main gal, Lucy, I loved her, she is SUCH a strong character despite the horrors and trauma she’s been through. Her determination is something to be admired♥️ I really loved how much thought and authentic backstory went into this book. It meant for a solid understanding and it kept me interested. You can definitely see the amount of effort put into to make it feel authentic and properly spooky. The world Drusilla has crafted here is just amazing. Think btvs but darker 😍. I loved how the plot unfolded, dual POV with a few chapters from the obsidian board containing facts, I loved each perspective and how they came together was just 😳👀. If your looking for supernatural horror, with found family, trauma, healing, vampire hunters, training, a fantastic plot and an amazing setting then THIS is the book for you, and it’s out TOMORROW!!! seriously if your a horror lover like me this is a MUST read for any lover of the supernatural! Thankyou for the ARC 😍

[Sakura_ lostinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start? Show me a vampire book and the chances are I’m going to want to read it. This gave me Vampire Academy and Wednesday vibes both of which I loved. Even though Bloodties can be read as a stand-alone, I wish I’d read the first one first as I think it would have given you more of depth to the characters or maybe just to see what I missed out on! That being said I really liked the dynamics of the characters and how they fitted together, made it feel like I really knew them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna Mullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was the second book in this series however; you do not need to have read the first book in order to read this.

If you like supernatural stories with a darkside then this book is the one for you. I found this to best a fast paced easy read which towards the end drew me right in.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.