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House of Blood and Fury
With its fast paced narration style and Brine’s blood-thirsty need for revenge, this book will entice readers of Curse of Shadows and Thorns by LJ Andrews and Scarred by Emily Mclintire,. It is perfect for those that want to see a strong female take back her power from a patriarchal society and find her own path.
After all, who doesn’t love a little femme fatale with revenge, dripping with blood, love and political strife?
Since her mother abandoned her to live with her power-hungry and neglectful father, Lady Brine of House Alaris has only ever lived by two seduce and destroy. Her father, in his ambition, will do anything to gain more land and titles– even if it means selling his daughters’ body to the nobles, and the ones that don’t fall for pretty words and bare skin are forced to sign away their lands and lives’ away with Brine’s magic.
As she arrives at the castle of Alynthia, she is faced with the difficult journey of coming to terms with her own darkness and how she took pleasure in controlling the same men that would abuse her, and finding her place in this world– next to the delicious Crown Prince Calix, who seems to be handsome distraction to her mission; killing the King before he kills her.
Brine has entered a deadly game with high stakes; she needs to somehow convince Prince Calix to have her father and brother murdered without the Royal Family learning her true identity– the last of her kind, long since exterminated by the Kings' of the kingdom's past, and discover why her kind was eradicated and use her newfound power to destroy her chains.
Will she survive? Or will she succumb to her fury and be lost forever?
After all, who doesn’t love a little femme fatale with revenge, dripping with blood, love and political strife?
Since her mother abandoned her to live with her power-hungry and neglectful father, Lady Brine of House Alaris has only ever lived by two seduce and destroy. Her father, in his ambition, will do anything to gain more land and titles– even if it means selling his daughters’ body to the nobles, and the ones that don’t fall for pretty words and bare skin are forced to sign away their lands and lives’ away with Brine’s magic.
As she arrives at the castle of Alynthia, she is faced with the difficult journey of coming to terms with her own darkness and how she took pleasure in controlling the same men that would abuse her, and finding her place in this world– next to the delicious Crown Prince Calix, who seems to be handsome distraction to her mission; killing the King before he kills her.
Brine has entered a deadly game with high stakes; she needs to somehow convince Prince Calix to have her father and brother murdered without the Royal Family learning her true identity– the last of her kind, long since exterminated by the Kings' of the kingdom's past, and discover why her kind was eradicated and use her newfound power to destroy her chains.
Will she survive? Or will she succumb to her fury and be lost forever?
467 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 3, 2025
I'LL START OUT BY SAYING IF YOU ARE A FANTASY READER, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! MY FIRST READ BY DAKOTA AND NOT SURE WHAT TO EXPECT, BUT MY MIND WAS BLOWN WITH THIS STORY. LADY BRINE IS THE DETESTED AND DESPISED KOCARIS, WHICH WERE THOUGHT TO BE MASS MURDERED BY NONE OTHER THAN HER (THIRD) PROSPECTIVE GROOM, PRINCE CALIX. THE KOCARIS HAVE FORBIDDEN MAGIC AND LADY BRINE'S WAS BLOOD MAGIC. SHE HAD A TRAUMATIC UPBRINGING, ABUSE OF HER POWERS AND WAS SHIPPED OFF AFTER 2 FAILED ENGAGEMENTS. I FELL IN LOVE WITH PRINCE CALIX FROM DAY 1 - THE EPITOME OF A TRUE PRINCE!
THIS STORY DREW ME IN FROM THE VERY BEGINNING AND I WAS FASCINATED BY THE CHARACTERS, THE PLOT, THE SPICE, ACTUALLY ALL OF IT. PLEASE GO GRAB IT NOW!
THIS STORY DREW ME IN FROM THE VERY BEGINNING AND I WAS FASCINATED BY THE CHARACTERS, THE PLOT, THE SPICE, ACTUALLY ALL OF IT. PLEASE GO GRAB IT NOW!
December 15, 2024
*Feminine Rage has entered the chat*
Speechless. I am speechless. I will be screaming from all the rooftops and telling everyone (like minded) I know how much I love this book and to go read this book NOW! At the 20% mark, I was already gushing to my coworkers just how much I was enjoying this book. It just kept getting better and better.
I feel like this is ✨THE✨ book to perfectly embody feminine rage. Dakota has perfectly captured the complex emotions and dynamics of trauma, mental health and the struggles of women.
We enter the world where a special species of being existed called the Kocaris. There are (were) Kocaris that can control the elements and then rare Kocaris that can manipulate the blood, body and emotions of a person. I feel like this is reminiscent of Avatar The Last Airbender with the different kinds of benders and blood bending. Without spoiling too much, they were hunted and slaughtered to the point of extinction…or so they thought. We meet Brine, one of the last surviving Kocaris that can manipulative the blood, body and emotions of a person. Brine has suffered and been exploited at the hands of her father and half-brother in order for them to gain power and wealth. Brine must do whatever it takes to survive and has found that being in control and feeling powerful is addictive, exquisite, and delicious.
She’s giving femme fatale
She’s giving daddy (and mommy) issues
She’s giving unhinged (but honestly….warranted…understandable…slay queen)
Brine is ✨THAT✨ bitch.
Both MMCs are swoon-worthy…however Calix has completely captured my heart and he is now in my top 5 of favorite MMCs/ Book Boyfriend List. Calix sees her for exactly what she is and loves EVERY piece of her. He definitely reminds me of Dorian Havillard from Throne of Glass but BETTER (I SAID WHAT I SAID). The banter and the tension between Brine and Calix is electric, delectable, and wicked.
Truly, this is a masterpiece, top tier, ALL THE STARS. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed every single thing about this book. This story has many dark elements, please be sure to check the content warning before proceeding!
Dakota, thank you for allowing me to read this as an ARC! I can’t wait for everyone to read and fall in love with this story and these characters!
Speechless. I am speechless. I will be screaming from all the rooftops and telling everyone (like minded) I know how much I love this book and to go read this book NOW! At the 20% mark, I was already gushing to my coworkers just how much I was enjoying this book. It just kept getting better and better.
I feel like this is ✨THE✨ book to perfectly embody feminine rage. Dakota has perfectly captured the complex emotions and dynamics of trauma, mental health and the struggles of women.
We enter the world where a special species of being existed called the Kocaris. There are (were) Kocaris that can control the elements and then rare Kocaris that can manipulate the blood, body and emotions of a person. I feel like this is reminiscent of Avatar The Last Airbender with the different kinds of benders and blood bending. Without spoiling too much, they were hunted and slaughtered to the point of extinction…or so they thought. We meet Brine, one of the last surviving Kocaris that can manipulative the blood, body and emotions of a person. Brine has suffered and been exploited at the hands of her father and half-brother in order for them to gain power and wealth. Brine must do whatever it takes to survive and has found that being in control and feeling powerful is addictive, exquisite, and delicious.
She’s giving femme fatale
She’s giving daddy (and mommy) issues
She’s giving unhinged (but honestly….warranted…understandable…slay queen)
Brine is ✨THAT✨ bitch.
Both MMCs are swoon-worthy…however Calix has completely captured my heart and he is now in my top 5 of favorite MMCs/ Book Boyfriend List. Calix sees her for exactly what she is and loves EVERY piece of her. He definitely reminds me of Dorian Havillard from Throne of Glass but BETTER (I SAID WHAT I SAID). The banter and the tension between Brine and Calix is electric, delectable, and wicked.
Truly, this is a masterpiece, top tier, ALL THE STARS. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed every single thing about this book. This story has many dark elements, please be sure to check the content warning before proceeding!
Dakota, thank you for allowing me to read this as an ARC! I can’t wait for everyone to read and fall in love with this story and these characters!
December 20, 2024
House of Blood and Fury—is a dark, romantic fantasy by Dakota Brimage in which unfortunate circumstances and unexpected atrocities have made the FMC morally grey. Lady Brine has a secret that could get her killed. She is a descendant of the gods, part of a female race called the Kocaris. These individuals have the ability to control the elements in varying combinations and degrees. Out of fear of their immense power, they’ve been hunted to near extinction.
Lady Brine has only ever wanted to make her father proud and earn his love. Unfortunately, Lady Brine is a product of her environment, where women have no real value in male-dominated society, resulting in a deep sense of self-loathing and loneliness. When her father isn’t using her as a weapon to expand his territory, she’s being isolated from the public eye. What she really wants is freedom to make her own decisions.
The little peace Lady Brine gets comes from the brief moments with her friends Delia and Nikolai. Things turn complicated after she and Delia share a moment of passion. Lady Brine has had feelings for Nikolai, but he refuses to be with her while she’s under her father’s control. Then when the news that Crown Prince Calix is searching for a bride reaches her, she begins devising a plan for freedom and power. Who said being a noblewoman wasn’t hard?!
Sparks fly as there’s an instant attraction between Lady Brine and Prince Calix. More importantly, he’s able to keep up with her every remark. It seems they’ve met their match. But Lady Brine can’t help but feel guilty about Delia and Nikolai. Where Prince Calix is dominant and possessive, Delia and Nikolai are considerate and caring. Lady Brine finds herself with a decision to make.
Then Lady Brine’s father and half-brother show up to ruin her plan. What will she do when her life hangs in the balance? Surprising twists and turns will keep you guessing! This author has truly created an incredible story! I highly recommend the read!
3.5 🌶️
Lady Brine has only ever wanted to make her father proud and earn his love. Unfortunately, Lady Brine is a product of her environment, where women have no real value in male-dominated society, resulting in a deep sense of self-loathing and loneliness. When her father isn’t using her as a weapon to expand his territory, she’s being isolated from the public eye. What she really wants is freedom to make her own decisions.
The little peace Lady Brine gets comes from the brief moments with her friends Delia and Nikolai. Things turn complicated after she and Delia share a moment of passion. Lady Brine has had feelings for Nikolai, but he refuses to be with her while she’s under her father’s control. Then when the news that Crown Prince Calix is searching for a bride reaches her, she begins devising a plan for freedom and power. Who said being a noblewoman wasn’t hard?!
Sparks fly as there’s an instant attraction between Lady Brine and Prince Calix. More importantly, he’s able to keep up with her every remark. It seems they’ve met their match. But Lady Brine can’t help but feel guilty about Delia and Nikolai. Where Prince Calix is dominant and possessive, Delia and Nikolai are considerate and caring. Lady Brine finds herself with a decision to make.
Then Lady Brine’s father and half-brother show up to ruin her plan. What will she do when her life hangs in the balance? Surprising twists and turns will keep you guessing! This author has truly created an incredible story! I highly recommend the read!
3.5 🌶️
December 24, 2024
Read if you’re looking for a unique magic system and a dark why choose romance to whet your appetite
🔥 Female serial killer
🗡️ Dual POV
🔥 Arranged marriage
🗡️ Found family
🔥 Slow burn
🗡️ FF, MFM
Check the TW as you would for any dark romance!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Boy Howdy. Dakota took me on a roller coaster of emotions in this book. My heart raged, swelled, cried, rallied, and screamed, sometimes in the same chapter. I fall for a morally grey FMC every single time and Brine was no different. After suffering at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her, what is left but anger? Her growth is not quiet but bloody and full of feminine rage.
The journey was not a straightforward one. I gasped out loud multiple times. But my favorite sections were Calix’s POV. That is a book boyfriend we readers can drool over. And he isn’t the only one. 🤐
Justice for the Kocaris. That is all.
Favorite Quotes:
“Mine to protect, mine to have, and mine to possess.”
“Anger is better than grief, better than guilt, and better than hope. Pekple line to think that it’s anger that damns someone’s soul, but really - it’s hope.”
I received an advanced reader copy and this is my honest review!
🔥 Female serial killer
🗡️ Dual POV
🔥 Arranged marriage
🗡️ Found family
🔥 Slow burn
🗡️ FF, MFM
Check the TW as you would for any dark romance!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Boy Howdy. Dakota took me on a roller coaster of emotions in this book. My heart raged, swelled, cried, rallied, and screamed, sometimes in the same chapter. I fall for a morally grey FMC every single time and Brine was no different. After suffering at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her, what is left but anger? Her growth is not quiet but bloody and full of feminine rage.
The journey was not a straightforward one. I gasped out loud multiple times. But my favorite sections were Calix’s POV. That is a book boyfriend we readers can drool over. And he isn’t the only one. 🤐
Justice for the Kocaris. That is all.
Favorite Quotes:
“Mine to protect, mine to have, and mine to possess.”
“Anger is better than grief, better than guilt, and better than hope. Pekple line to think that it’s anger that damns someone’s soul, but really - it’s hope.”
I received an advanced reader copy and this is my honest review!
December 21, 2024
Rating : 3.75⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Because it’s expected, and…… I’m lost. For the first time the events about to unfold are my own symphony, and I can’t help but think I want to play the nightmare.”
This is a dark fantasy that highlights the oppression of women as Brine struggles to own herself. But she is also fierce and so unapologetic. There is a some very spicy 🥵 moments that somehow work in this story. I enjoy the storyline, but at times was confused with some of the writing as was set in a historical realm but dialogue would change to modern day dialogue.
If you like:
🩸Friends to lovers
🖤Strong feminine energy
🩸Blood magic
🖤Trauma and Healing
🩸Found family
🖤Dual POV
🩸Why choose
Thank you Dakota for providing opportunity to read and review this novel.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Because it’s expected, and…… I’m lost. For the first time the events about to unfold are my own symphony, and I can’t help but think I want to play the nightmare.”
This is a dark fantasy that highlights the oppression of women as Brine struggles to own herself. But she is also fierce and so unapologetic. There is a some very spicy 🥵 moments that somehow work in this story. I enjoy the storyline, but at times was confused with some of the writing as was set in a historical realm but dialogue would change to modern day dialogue.
If you like:
🩸Friends to lovers
🖤Strong feminine energy
🩸Blood magic
🖤Trauma and Healing
🩸Found family
🖤Dual POV
🩸Why choose
Thank you Dakota for providing opportunity to read and review this novel.
August 24, 2026
Loved it!
wow ! This ARC ticked all the boxes for me the mystery and magic and the fantasy vibes ! Our FMC is a total bad ass and her journey to freedom is littered with truma, heartache, love, loss, and the smut is top tier one of the spicest books I've read in a while. The MFM and FF scense where steamy AF!! This book had me in a chockhold and once I started reading it I could not put it down !! 5 star read!
I received an free Advanced reader copy of this book from the author and leave this honest view voluntarily.
wow ! This ARC ticked all the boxes for me the mystery and magic and the fantasy vibes ! Our FMC is a total bad ass and her journey to freedom is littered with truma, heartache, love, loss, and the smut is top tier one of the spicest books I've read in a while. The MFM and FF scense where steamy AF!! This book had me in a chockhold and once I started reading it I could not put it down !! 5 star read!
I received an free Advanced reader copy of this book from the author and leave this honest view voluntarily.
December 17, 2024
House of Blood and Fury is for the women!!!!!
Mommy Brine 🥵😗 I would let her hurt me just for the fun of it.🤣 I love it all! The novel focuses on the fierce and feisty protagonist, Brine, whose unwavering determination and complex personality make her an unforgettable character.
Brine is faced with betrayals, alliances, and a looming threat that challenges her strength and she is not the one to cross. ⚔️
Mommy Brine 🥵😗 I would let her hurt me just for the fun of it.🤣 I love it all! The novel focuses on the fierce and feisty protagonist, Brine, whose unwavering determination and complex personality make her an unforgettable character.
Brine is faced with betrayals, alliances, and a looming threat that challenges her strength and she is not the one to cross. ⚔️
December 24, 2024
Reading about a BADASS Female who is morally grey and strong. It was an incredible read with wonderful characters and a brilliant writing style. The magic, the special beings, the world-building, all so amazing. Being through so much our FMC had to become the way she was and all she wanted was to get her father's love. But that never happened. The twists, the turns, and the whole plot had me hooked. Recommending this to all.
December 26, 2024
Rating:4.5 stars
The beginning was a bit of a slow burn for me, it took me a little longer to read. However, once I got through the first part everything else ran smoothly. This story was so cute. Why choose meets a little of touch her and die. I loved that Nikolai and Calix could keep their girl, and they all got their happily ever after. A lot of different plot twists were there too. But they made the story worth reading. And the SPICE!!! THE SPICE!!!
The beginning was a bit of a slow burn for me, it took me a little longer to read. However, once I got through the first part everything else ran smoothly. This story was so cute. Why choose meets a little of touch her and die. I loved that Nikolai and Calix could keep their girl, and they all got their happily ever after. A lot of different plot twists were there too. But they made the story worth reading. And the SPICE!!! THE SPICE!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
This book is an intense blend of revenge, political intrigue, and raw feminine rage. Lady Brine’s journey is fueled by her need to take back control from the devastating manipulationand abused she faced at the hands of those she should have been able to trust, which leads her through a dangerous game of survival and finding herself as more than her upbringing and past.
The author does a brilliant job of balancing emotional turmoil with elements of found family, betrayal, and revenge. The queer representation and delectable MMCs give extra layers to the story, while the romance and numerous explicit scenes are the perfect addition of spice.
I know I'm going to keep thinking of this book for a long time.
5⭐️/5
3.5🌶/5
Thank you for letting me read this as an ARC!
The author does a brilliant job of balancing emotional turmoil with elements of found family, betrayal, and revenge. The queer representation and delectable MMCs give extra layers to the story, while the romance and numerous explicit scenes are the perfect addition of spice.
I know I'm going to keep thinking of this book for a long time.
5⭐️/5
3.5🌶/5
Thank you for letting me read this as an ARC!
January 4, 2025
WOW! This book had me hooked from the first two pages of TW's. This book was dark, spicy, very spicy, with so much action. This dark romance fantasy was extremely captivating. I was always guessing what was to come next. Lady Brine , the FMC, is a badass on a mission to destroy what destroyed her kind. What she didn't expect was the overwhelming emotions and love story that came along with it! I loved the FMC's personal growth in this story and the way her story came full circle! If you are a dark romance reader, this book is for YOU! I will absolutely be reading more of Dakota Brimage! Bravo!
December 23, 2024
❤️Blood Magic
⚔️Dual POV
❤️Found Family
⚔️Major Feminie Rage
Did you have a bad day at work? Are you tired of doing everything? Are you just angry? This Dark Romantacy lets you scream it out. The oppression and the rage.such a stress reliever. Great job putting it on paper.
⚔️Dual POV
❤️Found Family
⚔️Major Feminie Rage
Did you have a bad day at work? Are you tired of doing everything? Are you just angry? This Dark Romantacy lets you scream it out. The oppression and the rage.such a stress reliever. Great job putting it on paper.
December 28, 2024
The book was so good! Enjoyed it thoroughly!! You really get immersed into this book and right there with this main character!!
December 25, 2024
This book was epic.. ok at first I was iffy but OMGGGGGGGGG Brine is female rage embodied and we here for it!!!! Calix I think I loved you from the start… now Niko I didn’t because of the foolishness buttttt we love you too!!!! Can’t wait for more from this amazing author!!!! Ty for this loved it so much💜
October 3, 2024
This book, had be from the first chapter, the fmc is so strong and has made herself a warrior with what little she was given I just can’t with our walking morally-grey men ! This book has put me in a book slump idk what will get me out of it 💜 the plot has kept me wanting to know what happens next as well !!
June 5, 2025
Absolutely flawless, murderous and sexy. A unique concept for a magic system that will have you staying up all night to finish the book! Oh, and don't forget the romantic dilemmas and pining. So much mining. There are plot twists and raw, gut-wrenching emotional scenes that had me crying like a baby. A must read dark romantasy.
December 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dakota Brimage’s House of Blood and Fury is a dark romantasy masterpiece that had me hooked from page one. With a morally grey FMC, a unique magic system, and a tension-filled Why Choose romance, this book delivers everything dark romance lovers crave.
Lady Brine is a complex and captivating heroine. As a descendant of gods with elemental powers, she’s been weaponized by her father and oppressed by a society that devalues women. But her journey—marked by rage, resilience, and rebellion—is nothing short of epic.
🔥 What Stole My Heart:
Magic System: The Kocaris blood magic and elemental control are beautifully woven into the plot, creating a world as dangerous as it is fascinating.
Romantic Tension: Prince Calix brings dominant, possessive energy, while Nikolai and Delia offer softer, more emotional connections. It’s angsty, messy, and everything I love about Why Choose.
Dual POV: Seeing events unfold from multiple perspectives adds depth and complexity, keeping you invested in every twist.
💋 Spice Factor: This is a slow burn that delivers a payoff worth the wait. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: As with any dark romance, be sure to check TWs before diving in. This book explores heavy themes but handles them with care and depth.
House of Blood and Fury is perfect for fans of morally grey heroines, complex relationships, and dark, magical worlds. The twists will keep you guessing, the characters will steal your heart, and the romance will leave you breathless.
Lady Brine isn’t just a character—she’s an experience. I can’t recommend this book enough! 👑
📚 Read if you love:
Why Choose romance
Unique magic systems
Major feminine rage
Found family vibes
House of Blood and Fury
Dakota Brimage
Dakota Brimage’s House of Blood and Fury is a dark romantasy masterpiece that had me hooked from page one. With a morally grey FMC, a unique magic system, and a tension-filled Why Choose romance, this book delivers everything dark romance lovers crave.
Lady Brine is a complex and captivating heroine. As a descendant of gods with elemental powers, she’s been weaponized by her father and oppressed by a society that devalues women. But her journey—marked by rage, resilience, and rebellion—is nothing short of epic.
🔥 What Stole My Heart:
Magic System: The Kocaris blood magic and elemental control are beautifully woven into the plot, creating a world as dangerous as it is fascinating.
Romantic Tension: Prince Calix brings dominant, possessive energy, while Nikolai and Delia offer softer, more emotional connections. It’s angsty, messy, and everything I love about Why Choose.
Dual POV: Seeing events unfold from multiple perspectives adds depth and complexity, keeping you invested in every twist.
💋 Spice Factor: This is a slow burn that delivers a payoff worth the wait. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: As with any dark romance, be sure to check TWs before diving in. This book explores heavy themes but handles them with care and depth.
House of Blood and Fury is perfect for fans of morally grey heroines, complex relationships, and dark, magical worlds. The twists will keep you guessing, the characters will steal your heart, and the romance will leave you breathless.
Lady Brine isn’t just a character—she’s an experience. I can’t recommend this book enough! 👑
📚 Read if you love:
Why Choose romance
Unique magic systems
Major feminine rage
Found family vibes
House of Blood and Fury
Dakota Brimage
December 18, 2024
House of Blood and Fury is abolutely incredible. Brimage has written a story that is equal parts fierce, emotional, and utterly addictive. The story is a whirlwind of betrayal, power plays, and shocking twists that kept me glued to the pages. The world-building is rich with the lore of the Kocaris adding intrigue.
Brine is everything I could want in a protagonist- fierce, flawed, and unapologetically powerful. Her journey from being exploited and underestimated to owning her power and destiny is incredibly inspiring. She’s the kind of female lead who embodies feminine rage and resilience in the best possible way.
And let’s talk about the romance! Calix and Nikolai are everything. Calix is the ultimate book boyfriend- strong, loyal, and utterly devoted to Brine, flaws and all. The way he sees and loves her for exactly who she is made my heart ache (in the best way). Nikolai has a sweet and romantic nature which makes the romantic tension deliciously unbearable. How can anyone choose between these two? The answer: Why choose?
This book doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes and the balance between Brine’s strength and her vulnerabilities creates an emotional and satisfying read. The spice? Chef’s kiss. The banter? Perfection. Every interaction between Brine and the male leads sizzles with tension and chemistry.
House of Blood and Fury is an awesome blend of dark fantasy, romance, and unrelenting emotion. It’s for anyone who loves fierce heroines, morally gray characters, and a plot that keeps you on your toes. Brimage has created something really special and I cannot wait to see what’s next in the Kocaris Tomes. This book is everything I didn’t know I needed and more.
Brine is everything I could want in a protagonist- fierce, flawed, and unapologetically powerful. Her journey from being exploited and underestimated to owning her power and destiny is incredibly inspiring. She’s the kind of female lead who embodies feminine rage and resilience in the best possible way.
And let’s talk about the romance! Calix and Nikolai are everything. Calix is the ultimate book boyfriend- strong, loyal, and utterly devoted to Brine, flaws and all. The way he sees and loves her for exactly who she is made my heart ache (in the best way). Nikolai has a sweet and romantic nature which makes the romantic tension deliciously unbearable. How can anyone choose between these two? The answer: Why choose?
This book doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes and the balance between Brine’s strength and her vulnerabilities creates an emotional and satisfying read. The spice? Chef’s kiss. The banter? Perfection. Every interaction between Brine and the male leads sizzles with tension and chemistry.
House of Blood and Fury is an awesome blend of dark fantasy, romance, and unrelenting emotion. It’s for anyone who loves fierce heroines, morally gray characters, and a plot that keeps you on your toes. Brimage has created something really special and I cannot wait to see what’s next in the Kocaris Tomes. This book is everything I didn’t know I needed and more.
July 3, 2026
Absolute Must Read! ❤️
House of Blood and Fury by Dakota Brimage was everything I love in a dark romantasy. Lady Brine is a fierce, morally gray heroine fueled by trauma, vengeance, and a determination to reclaim her own destiny. Watching her embrace her power instead of letting it consume her made her impossible not to root for.
The world-building is rich, the magic system is unique, and the political intrigue kept me hooked from beginning to end. Add in simmering tension, multiple love interests, found family, and plenty of twists, and I couldn't put it down.
This is a darker fantasy with heavy themes, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. If you love strong female leads, feminine rage, why choose romance, slow-burn spice, and stories where revenge and redemption collide, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
I can't wait to see where this series goes next! 🖤
House of Blood and Fury by Dakota Brimage was everything I love in a dark romantasy. Lady Brine is a fierce, morally gray heroine fueled by trauma, vengeance, and a determination to reclaim her own destiny. Watching her embrace her power instead of letting it consume her made her impossible not to root for.
The world-building is rich, the magic system is unique, and the political intrigue kept me hooked from beginning to end. Add in simmering tension, multiple love interests, found family, and plenty of twists, and I couldn't put it down.
This is a darker fantasy with heavy themes, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. If you love strong female leads, feminine rage, why choose romance, slow-burn spice, and stories where revenge and redemption collide, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
I can't wait to see where this series goes next! 🖤
December 30, 2024
Wow! This book is intense. Dakota Brimage has phenomenal world building. Her descriptions of the capital and cities are so well written, it feels like you are in her story. Her writing is so impassioned you connect emotionally and can feel Brines absolute rage for everything that happened to her.
The book starts off slow, but the imagery is off the charts. You become immersed in this world she has created. You can feel her characters anguish and terror, their rage and lust. Brine's need for vengeance against the people who harmed others like her. The feminine rage is real in this book but I must commend Dakota and her ability to add plot twists that leave us reeling. Your epilogue and the historian had me shook! 😳
I'm keen to see what is next for this kingdom since this was book 1, but if this book was anything to go by, I'll definitely be reading the next one too.
The book starts off slow, but the imagery is off the charts. You become immersed in this world she has created. You can feel her characters anguish and terror, their rage and lust. Brine's need for vengeance against the people who harmed others like her. The feminine rage is real in this book but I must commend Dakota and her ability to add plot twists that leave us reeling. Your epilogue and the historian had me shook! 😳
I'm keen to see what is next for this kingdom since this was book 1, but if this book was anything to go by, I'll definitely be reading the next one too.
January 2, 2025
If you want an extra spicy romantasy with an unhinged (rightfully so) FMC that reminds you of an ATLA love triangle with Zuko x Katara x Jet, you’d love this!
It was refreshing to see a female protagonist who's allowed to be messy and complex without the story trying to "fix" her and loving her for who she was. I also enjoyed the epilogue in regards to how Brine progressed the kingdom forward when it came to how society treated women who weren’t virgins.
The fantasy world is pretty fascinating, especially when it comes to the Kocaris people. My only critique is that I wanted to know way more about how they fit into society; the world-building definitely leaves you curious about some things.
If you like:
- Romantasy with extra spice 🌶️
- Love triangles that'll give you ATLA flashbacks
- Female leads who are perfectly imperfect
Give this a read!
It was refreshing to see a female protagonist who's allowed to be messy and complex without the story trying to "fix" her and loving her for who she was. I also enjoyed the epilogue in regards to how Brine progressed the kingdom forward when it came to how society treated women who weren’t virgins.
The fantasy world is pretty fascinating, especially when it comes to the Kocaris people. My only critique is that I wanted to know way more about how they fit into society; the world-building definitely leaves you curious about some things.
If you like:
- Romantasy with extra spice 🌶️
- Love triangles that'll give you ATLA flashbacks
- Female leads who are perfectly imperfect
Give this a read!
December 27, 2024
My first read from Dakota Brimage and I will be reading more of their work. This is well written and I love the feminine rage aspect, Brine is a great character. She is a strong fierce character, not letting anything get in her way. Looking for freedom. Sees an opportunity when Prince Calix is looking for a bride, and they have a strong connection. But there is also Nikolai who she has strong feelings for. Both have different personalities that work with hers. I enjoyed the twists and turns and it was a page turner from the start.
December 30, 2024
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is super spicy! This wasn't too bad! It's interesting!
The ending had some twist and turns! I was not expecting it!
Brine is savage! She is strong and is a fighter. I like Brine!
This book will make you feel different emotions! I definitely don't like Brine’ dad or brother. This does have a lot of triggers, so check the triggers before you read. I ended up liking the story! It's intense but it was good..
I received this as an advanced reader copy and I'm writing this review voluntarily.
This is super spicy! This wasn't too bad! It's interesting!
The ending had some twist and turns! I was not expecting it!
Brine is savage! She is strong and is a fighter. I like Brine!
This book will make you feel different emotions! I definitely don't like Brine’ dad or brother. This does have a lot of triggers, so check the triggers before you read. I ended up liking the story! It's intense but it was good..
I received this as an advanced reader copy and I'm writing this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2024
This book was such a fun and interesting read, amazing plot, great character building, healthy dose of smut, what else can I say. This book has it all. Oh and the plot twist at the end, did not see that one coming with Delia. Guess you have to read this great book to find out.
Calix is how men should be, period. Nikolai was such a gentleman as well. I think they both needed to do a bit more groveling in the end, but nevertheless, still enjoyed how everything turned out.
Lord Andri, my favourite character, hands down
Calix is how men should be, period. Nikolai was such a gentleman as well. I think they both needed to do a bit more groveling in the end, but nevertheless, still enjoyed how everything turned out.
Lord Andri, my favourite character, hands down
November 3, 2024
i had the chance to read this as a beta/ alpha reader and I'm obsessed with it. I can't wait to see what she did to it after final edits and formatting, because Brine ripped my heart out every page. She's so powerful and sad all at the same time. and don't even get me started on the male leads- Calix and Nikolai- I don't know who I want more!
January 5, 2025
Our girl is trying so, hard to get away from her father and half brother. She finally fines away to do it. She tells them that she will go to the kingdom and bring it to its knees. What she doesn't realize is there is so, much more that meets the eye in the kingdom. I really enjoyed this story and loved that some character got what they deserve.
January 8, 2025
This book has everything I could desire. It features a paranormal romance with a strong female warrior, incorporating all the elements I love: action, love, mystery, and the supernatural. The story embodies the essence of a strong woman, making it a perfect read. The world-building is fantastic, the plot is engaging, and the romance is spot on.
January 12, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. It has so much potential. I didn’t finish it. Nothing in this book grabbed me and made me want to keep reading. The writing style was not for me. It felt like the author used her thesaurus too much to try and sound different/smarter/idk what. This was not it for me.
March 22, 2025
DNF...
April 30, 2025
I wanted to like this book...it started off promising. But I felt like there were a lot of holes in the plot. And every 5 pages was a sex scene. Also, the ending was a bit incestuous for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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