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Magic Bites: Tales of the Shadow Folk
Forgotten by the gods, Adelaide forges her power in the sweet judgment of the sword — her only weapon against the shadow folk that would burn her kingdom to ashes and feast upon its people.
As princess of Sunfall, Adelaide faces more than threats of marriage and stuffy dresses. As secondary heir to a distinguished lineage blessed by the gods themselves, she lives with the crushing reality that the divine powers that be skipped over her. Her father and brother wield divine light as easily as some breathe, imbuing their weapons and armor with protections against the vampires that loom beyond the kingdom walls.
At twenty-six, the only thing saving Adelaide from a life of marriage and death by childbirth is her keen skills with a sword, whose imbued steel has propelled her to the top of her kingdom’s ranks and earned her a reputation of skill and prowess with her soldiers. She knows her life will find its end in the clutches of some beast’s fangs on the battlefield, just as her mother was claimed by them sixteen years ago.
With King Alaric’s power waning and her brother’s inability to produce an heir, Adelaide finds herself on the chopping block. Even the chance of producing an heir that can wield the divine light of Siralto puts her on the nobles’ radar. Powerless, she’s never going to escape the fate she tried so hard to ignore.
But all this changes the day her brother-in-law returns home from war. The problem? Only Shadow Folk come back from the dead. And if Finch is alive, well, and within their walls, it’s only a matter of time before the Shadow King himself comes to claim the vengeance he’s sought for almost two decades. Adelaide is powerless to stop him.
Or is she?
Magic Bites is the first in the Tales of the Shadow Folk. Perfect for fans of dark, epic romantasies with slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romances, Magic Bites has plenty of twists and turns in store. Do you dare to fight back against the Shadow Folk? Or will you, too, be swept away by sweet, simmering lies and sultry fangs?
As princess of Sunfall, Adelaide faces more than threats of marriage and stuffy dresses. As secondary heir to a distinguished lineage blessed by the gods themselves, she lives with the crushing reality that the divine powers that be skipped over her. Her father and brother wield divine light as easily as some breathe, imbuing their weapons and armor with protections against the vampires that loom beyond the kingdom walls.
At twenty-six, the only thing saving Adelaide from a life of marriage and death by childbirth is her keen skills with a sword, whose imbued steel has propelled her to the top of her kingdom’s ranks and earned her a reputation of skill and prowess with her soldiers. She knows her life will find its end in the clutches of some beast’s fangs on the battlefield, just as her mother was claimed by them sixteen years ago.
With King Alaric’s power waning and her brother’s inability to produce an heir, Adelaide finds herself on the chopping block. Even the chance of producing an heir that can wield the divine light of Siralto puts her on the nobles’ radar. Powerless, she’s never going to escape the fate she tried so hard to ignore.
But all this changes the day her brother-in-law returns home from war. The problem? Only Shadow Folk come back from the dead. And if Finch is alive, well, and within their walls, it’s only a matter of time before the Shadow King himself comes to claim the vengeance he’s sought for almost two decades. Adelaide is powerless to stop him.
Or is she?
Magic Bites is the first in the Tales of the Shadow Folk. Perfect for fans of dark, epic romantasies with slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romances, Magic Bites has plenty of twists and turns in store. Do you dare to fight back against the Shadow Folk? Or will you, too, be swept away by sweet, simmering lies and sultry fangs?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
About the author
Eris Marriott
13 books39 followersEris Marriott is a fantasy author living in Virginia with her menagerie of animals. She loves wiener dogs, saddlebred, and any manner of creature that looks cute and noodly.
She writes immersive fantasy novels that typically exist in the same world; she has been working on building her universe and magic system since she was fourteen years old.
Author of the Tales of the Shadow Folk and Tales of the Selyento, Eris specializes in tugging heart strings, weaving together mystery, suspense, and magic, as well as keeping you on your toes with every turn of the page.
She writes immersive fantasy novels that typically exist in the same world; she has been working on building her universe and magic system since she was fourteen years old.
Author of the Tales of the Shadow Folk and Tales of the Selyento, Eris specializes in tugging heart strings, weaving together mystery, suspense, and magic, as well as keeping you on your toes with every turn of the page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 3, 2025
An interesting story about shadow folk with a bit of romance and lots of intriguing mystery! Adelaide was a delightful character. She was definitely not wilting flower. She was fierce and independent. I loved her strength!
Although, I do have to say my favorite character goes to Finch. He was fun and I enjoyed figuring out what was going on with him.
I loved the family loyalties between brothers and sister in this one as well!!
If you enjoy sibling bonds, dark fantasy, suitor, magic, mystery, strong FMC, enemies to lovers, epic battles and more then check this one out.
Although, I do have to say my favorite character goes to Finch. He was fun and I enjoyed figuring out what was going on with him.
I loved the family loyalties between brothers and sister in this one as well!!
If you enjoy sibling bonds, dark fantasy, suitor, magic, mystery, strong FMC, enemies to lovers, epic battles and more then check this one out.
July 7, 2025
Magic Bites opens on a battlefield with a gritty, evocative tone that pulled me in right away. Adelaide is a sword-wielding princess born into a kingdom of divinely gifted royals, but she’s the one the gods skipped. She’s fierce, duty-bound, and forged by trauma, and I loved her. She’s the heart of this book, and her complicated relationship with power, legacy, and her family was by far my favorite element.
The world-building is incredibly cool. Vampiric shadow folk, a decaying divine legacy, a warrior heroine surviving on grit instead of gifts; it’s rich and twisty. Every time the lore deepened, I was all in. I was here for the mystery!
That said, the tone does lean heavily into melodrama. The dialogue tends to go big; every line a declaration, every moment intense. For me, that made the emotional stakes feel less grounded, especially when major character decisions happened without much buildup. I wanted to connect more deeply with the side characters, but most felt like they were there to serve the plot rather than stand as individuals. Finch, her brother-in-law, had more development than the rest, but even he occasionally felt more like a role than a person. I honestly thought he should have been the love interest.
And while the romance doesn’t really appear until later in the book, it escalates quickly. Instant connection, though I do appreciate that our girl was also super confused. I personally prefer way more buildup, especially in a story so rich with tension and angst. The romantic arc wasn’t my favorite, but readers who enjoy fast-burn connections may feel differently.
In the end, I was really impressed by the atmosphere and world-building, and I adored Adelaide. While the pacing and tone didn’t always work for me, there’s a ton of potential in this series; and readers who don’t mind a heavy dose of drama with their fantasy will likely have a great time with it.
Thanks so much to R&R Book Tours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The world-building is incredibly cool. Vampiric shadow folk, a decaying divine legacy, a warrior heroine surviving on grit instead of gifts; it’s rich and twisty. Every time the lore deepened, I was all in. I was here for the mystery!
That said, the tone does lean heavily into melodrama. The dialogue tends to go big; every line a declaration, every moment intense. For me, that made the emotional stakes feel less grounded, especially when major character decisions happened without much buildup. I wanted to connect more deeply with the side characters, but most felt like they were there to serve the plot rather than stand as individuals. Finch, her brother-in-law, had more development than the rest, but even he occasionally felt more like a role than a person. I honestly thought he should have been the love interest.
And while the romance doesn’t really appear until later in the book, it escalates quickly. Instant connection, though I do appreciate that our girl was also super confused. I personally prefer way more buildup, especially in a story so rich with tension and angst. The romantic arc wasn’t my favorite, but readers who enjoy fast-burn connections may feel differently.
In the end, I was really impressed by the atmosphere and world-building, and I adored Adelaide. While the pacing and tone didn’t always work for me, there’s a ton of potential in this series; and readers who don’t mind a heavy dose of drama with their fantasy will likely have a great time with it.
Thanks so much to R&R Book Tours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
August 10, 2025
Magic Bites was a dark, gritty vampire romantasy that pulled me right in. The worldbuilding was immersive, and our princess heroine is a total bad-ass, sword-wielding warrior. I loved the journey she embarks on in this story, and the sibling bonds especially with my favorite character, Fitch was a highlight for me.
The romance does lean into insta-love, which isn’t usually my thing, but here it felt fitting for the characters and their circumstances. The atmosphere was wonderfully moody, with a sense of danger and magic woven through every scene.
I did predict the twist at the end, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. I still loved it and immediately dove into book two.
The romance does lean into insta-love, which isn’t usually my thing, but here it felt fitting for the characters and their circumstances. The atmosphere was wonderfully moody, with a sense of danger and magic woven through every scene.
I did predict the twist at the end, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. I still loved it and immediately dove into book two.
December 18, 2025
Wow I need the 2nd book now!
July 8, 2025
"I'm keeping you alive because I knew, from the moment I saw you, that you were mine. Even if you deny it until the day Tryta and Siralto level the world as we know it, I know you belong to me."
🩸 Vampires | Enemies to Lovers | Divine Legacy | Strong FMC | Slow Burn 🗡️
The gods might’ve skipped Adelaide… but she’s not waiting around for divine favors. She’s slicing her way through court politics, shadow beasts, and very complicated family drama with nothing but her sword, her rage, and some seriously pent up feelings. And I? Was hooked.
What you’re getting:
🩸 A gritty, epic romantasy full of shadow folk, vampires, curses, and court chaos 🗡️ A sword-wielding princess who said absolutely not to a life of gowns & heirs 🖤 Family loyalty, betrayal, and twists that will make you yell “WAIT WHAT” 🔥 A very slow burn that finally erupts (and yes, I wanted more) 🧛♂️ Finch. Just… Finch. If you know, you know.
Adelaide’s journey is soaked in tension between duty and desire, survival and sacrifice, gods and monsters.
The worldbuilding is dark, moody, and absolutely spellbinding.
From divine magic and ancient curses to vampires crawling the edges of the kingdom, Magic Bites sinks its fangs into you and doesn’t let go.
The romance is definitely a slow simmer (more angst than steam here), but when it hits? It hits hard.
And the reveals?? Let’s just say the Shadow King knows how to keep secrets... 😏
If you love your fantasy with bloodied crowns, morally gray chaos, and a heroine who doesn’t flinch when faced with death (but maybe hesitates at love)? Add this to your list.
💭 Favorite trope moments:
— Grumpy-sunshine siblings — Epic battles & angsty yearning — One hell of a twisty "who even is he" MMC — "Don’t touch her" vampire energy 😮💨
🗣️ I will be continuing this series and yes, I’m still recovering from the ending.
"Welcome to a life in the shadows, Adelaide.”
📖 Thank you @erismarriott & @rrbooktours for the gifted copy!
🩸 Vampires | Enemies to Lovers | Divine Legacy | Strong FMC | Slow Burn 🗡️
The gods might’ve skipped Adelaide… but she’s not waiting around for divine favors. She’s slicing her way through court politics, shadow beasts, and very complicated family drama with nothing but her sword, her rage, and some seriously pent up feelings. And I? Was hooked.
What you’re getting:
🩸 A gritty, epic romantasy full of shadow folk, vampires, curses, and court chaos 🗡️ A sword-wielding princess who said absolutely not to a life of gowns & heirs 🖤 Family loyalty, betrayal, and twists that will make you yell “WAIT WHAT” 🔥 A very slow burn that finally erupts (and yes, I wanted more) 🧛♂️ Finch. Just… Finch. If you know, you know.
Adelaide’s journey is soaked in tension between duty and desire, survival and sacrifice, gods and monsters.
The worldbuilding is dark, moody, and absolutely spellbinding.
From divine magic and ancient curses to vampires crawling the edges of the kingdom, Magic Bites sinks its fangs into you and doesn’t let go.
The romance is definitely a slow simmer (more angst than steam here), but when it hits? It hits hard.
And the reveals?? Let’s just say the Shadow King knows how to keep secrets... 😏
If you love your fantasy with bloodied crowns, morally gray chaos, and a heroine who doesn’t flinch when faced with death (but maybe hesitates at love)? Add this to your list.
💭 Favorite trope moments:
— Grumpy-sunshine siblings — Epic battles & angsty yearning — One hell of a twisty "who even is he" MMC — "Don’t touch her" vampire energy 😮💨
🗣️ I will be continuing this series and yes, I’m still recovering from the ending.
"Welcome to a life in the shadows, Adelaide.”
📖 Thank you @erismarriott & @rrbooktours for the gifted copy!
June 14, 2025
“I can redeem myself yet. I can stand for something or nothing, but I’ve got to try.”
This book was so beautifully written. Eris weaves characters in such a unique way that you can almost feel them speaking directly at you. Adelaide is a fiery spirit who does not bow easily, but would go to literal war for her brother and her kingdom. Despite her father’s faults, she’s able to find a middle ground for the sake of her brother and kingdom.
Don’t even get me started on the Shadow King. The ending of the book truly had me kicking and screaming, I was so distraught and I cannot WAIT to see what happens in this story. It will be interesting to see if we find out why the Gods chose to heal her and how her perspective of the Shadow folk continues to change and develop.
I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy who love world building, relatable characters, and the gut wrenching heartbreak we’ve all grown to love with our fantasy novels.
SPOILER AHEAD:
MY BABY FINCH DESERVED BETTER. What character can I trade for their return?? I know how the deals with the ancient Gods go.
I love how often Adelaide mentions patricide, but if she doesn’t put her father’s head on a spike soon, I may riot.
Literally the only reasons it’s getting a 4 instead of a 5. The heartbreak still hurts. I still need chocolate. There were lots of tears shed.
This book was so beautifully written. Eris weaves characters in such a unique way that you can almost feel them speaking directly at you. Adelaide is a fiery spirit who does not bow easily, but would go to literal war for her brother and her kingdom. Despite her father’s faults, she’s able to find a middle ground for the sake of her brother and kingdom.
Don’t even get me started on the Shadow King. The ending of the book truly had me kicking and screaming, I was so distraught and I cannot WAIT to see what happens in this story. It will be interesting to see if we find out why the Gods chose to heal her and how her perspective of the Shadow folk continues to change and develop.
I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy who love world building, relatable characters, and the gut wrenching heartbreak we’ve all grown to love with our fantasy novels.
SPOILER AHEAD:
MY BABY FINCH DESERVED BETTER. What character can I trade for their return?? I know how the deals with the ancient Gods go.
I love how often Adelaide mentions patricide, but if she doesn’t put her father’s head on a spike soon, I may riot.
Literally the only reasons it’s getting a 4 instead of a 5. The heartbreak still hurts. I still need chocolate. There were lots of tears shed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
I’m leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Magic Bites is the first title of Eris Marriott’s Tales of the Shadow Folk, and follows Adelaide, the non-magic bearing princess of the kingdom of Sunfall.
This story is a whirlwind of action and adventure. Adelaide, an adept hunter and swordswoman, was raised not for politicking but for combat, while her brother was meant to be and bear heirs. But when an injury prevents him from being able to fulfill that task, their drunken and power hungry father shifts his attention then to Adelaide, planning to force her hand into marriage for his own gain.
All the while, something is happening with the shadow folk that calls into question all of what her kingdom thought they knew about them and their making, and Adelaide is determined to find answers.
When the suitor of her choice is then killed in an attack on Sunfall, rather than remain and marry the vile suitor of her fathers choice, she once again sets off, this time in search of her fallen betrothed’s kingdom, hopeful against all the odds that they will accept her and provide the help she’ll require to overthrow her father and bring an end to the Shadow King, once and for all…but some of the answers she finds prove not to be the ones she’d hoped for.
Read this if you love:
Vampires
Shifters
Dragons
Shadow king
Magic
Princess FMC
Magical fruit
Twists & turns
Hidden identity
Forced betrothal
Magical awakening
Cliffy ending
Overall I really enjoyed this fast paced read and will likely pick up the next installment to garner answers to so many questions that popped up during the last half of the story. Thanks so much to R&R Book Tours for allowing me to take part in the tour and putting this book on my radar!
Magic Bites is the first title of Eris Marriott’s Tales of the Shadow Folk, and follows Adelaide, the non-magic bearing princess of the kingdom of Sunfall.
This story is a whirlwind of action and adventure. Adelaide, an adept hunter and swordswoman, was raised not for politicking but for combat, while her brother was meant to be and bear heirs. But when an injury prevents him from being able to fulfill that task, their drunken and power hungry father shifts his attention then to Adelaide, planning to force her hand into marriage for his own gain.
All the while, something is happening with the shadow folk that calls into question all of what her kingdom thought they knew about them and their making, and Adelaide is determined to find answers.
When the suitor of her choice is then killed in an attack on Sunfall, rather than remain and marry the vile suitor of her fathers choice, she once again sets off, this time in search of her fallen betrothed’s kingdom, hopeful against all the odds that they will accept her and provide the help she’ll require to overthrow her father and bring an end to the Shadow King, once and for all…but some of the answers she finds prove not to be the ones she’d hoped for.
Read this if you love:
Vampires
Shifters
Dragons
Shadow king
Magic
Princess FMC
Magical fruit
Twists & turns
Hidden identity
Forced betrothal
Magical awakening
Cliffy ending
Overall I really enjoyed this fast paced read and will likely pick up the next installment to garner answers to so many questions that popped up during the last half of the story. Thanks so much to R&R Book Tours for allowing me to take part in the tour and putting this book on my radar!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2026
This book has it all, mystery, start of romance, world building, and an expansive magical system. There’s vampires, dragons, and shifters. Our FMC, Adelaide, has been blamed and used by her father, the king. Both her father and brother wield power blessed by the Gods, but not her. Instead she is used as a “sword” by the king to help fight the shadow folk. When she is out on a mission she is poisoned and her magic is then revealed. But even then her father ceases the opportunity to use her.
The love story portion of it doesn’t come until closer to the end, but it’s instant love and obsession. This is the catalyst for another set of events that happen that have Adelaide leaving the palace in search of vengeance.
This story is fast paced and easy to read with plenty of intrigue to keep you reading and wanting to know more. The cliffhanger… let’s just say in definitely going to continue the series.
The love story portion of it doesn’t come until closer to the end, but it’s instant love and obsession. This is the catalyst for another set of events that happen that have Adelaide leaving the palace in search of vengeance.
This story is fast paced and easy to read with plenty of intrigue to keep you reading and wanting to know more. The cliffhanger… let’s just say in definitely going to continue the series.
October 22, 2026
Thank you to Rattle The Stars PR for the opportunity to read this book!
I was definitely intrigued by this book as I wanted to expand my fantasy reads plus I love to support and indie author. This had all the tropes and makings of a good read: enemies to lovers, slow burn, he falls first however there were things that brought this down for me.
The pros for this were that the book was short, and started out with a punch of a scene. Opening with battle definitely was a good choice. I enjoyed the vampire hunter aspect as well as the sibling bond between Adelaide and Maverick.
Where this fell flat for me was while this was a short book, the pacing felt off. It dragged through the middle and honestly felt like we weren’t moving forward. Our FMC also became a bit hard to read about during this period as well. I was confused when we started saying that the vampires could shift into dragons. It felt like let’s throw everything in and see what sticks to me.
This is the opening to a series so I understand setting up things but I feel like I would have been happier with a longer book that actually explored the plot of this story.
I was definitely intrigued by this book as I wanted to expand my fantasy reads plus I love to support and indie author. This had all the tropes and makings of a good read: enemies to lovers, slow burn, he falls first however there were things that brought this down for me.
The pros for this were that the book was short, and started out with a punch of a scene. Opening with battle definitely was a good choice. I enjoyed the vampire hunter aspect as well as the sibling bond between Adelaide and Maverick.
Where this fell flat for me was while this was a short book, the pacing felt off. It dragged through the middle and honestly felt like we weren’t moving forward. Our FMC also became a bit hard to read about during this period as well. I was confused when we started saying that the vampires could shift into dragons. It felt like let’s throw everything in and see what sticks to me.
This is the opening to a series so I understand setting up things but I feel like I would have been happier with a longer book that actually explored the plot of this story.
August 31, 2026
This is pitched as a slow burn but you don’t meet the MMC till 60% in and it’s insta love. Even with a bond/fated mate situation I don’t want falling in love in two seconds.
I try to be open to new ideas and originality but having a vampire shift into a dragon bothered me. I just didn’t get the point of that when he gets ripped in half anyways.
I did like the idea of light vs dark magics but there were just too many plot holes. Sadly this book just wasn't for me.
I try to be open to new ideas and originality but having a vampire shift into a dragon bothered me. I just didn’t get the point of that when he gets ripped in half anyways.
I did like the idea of light vs dark magics but there were just too many plot holes. Sadly this book just wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
Vampires with a twist
I don't typically read about vampires but I really enjoyed reading Magic Bites. I am one who has a hard time with imagery inside my head while I read and I could picture this entire story and I ate it up. I cannot wait to read book 2.
I don't typically read about vampires but I really enjoyed reading Magic Bites. I am one who has a hard time with imagery inside my head while I read and I could picture this entire story and I ate it up. I cannot wait to read book 2.
January 25, 2026
This book gripped me at the beginning and held my attention to the end. I'm looking forward to the next book. The characters had dimension and were easy to follow. I will definitely be suggesting into to friends.
September 26, 2025
loved!! Absolutely adored Finch!
October 7, 2026
Give me vampires, royal magic, a fierce heroine, and a dangerous kingdom, and you've already caught my attention. *Magic Bites* was gifted to me as an ebook by Riddle the Stars, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
I finished this book in two sittings, spending approximately four hours reading it. Considering how easily I can get distracted when reading ebooks, that's saying something. Was it the greatest fantasy I've ever read? No, but it was entertaining, addictive, and surprisingly difficult to put down.
Unfortunately, the ending left me with some serious frustrations, particularly when it came to the protagonist's characterization. While I enjoyed most of the story, the final portion kept this from becoming a four-star read.
A Princess Without Magic
The story follows Adelaide, a young woman born into a royal bloodline known for its ability to harness light magic. Members of her family can wield light as a weapon, essentially projecting it from their fingertips. Except Adelaide can't. Despite belonging to this powerful bloodline, she's spent her life believing she possesses no magic whatsoever.
Rather than allowing that perceived weakness to define her, Adelaide has developed an entirely different set of skills. She's an excellent fighter, particularly with blades, and has learned to detect and track magic through her other senses. I loved that about her because instead of being helpless without magical abilities, she's worked incredibly hard to become dangerous in her own right.
She's fierce, capable, resourceful, and determined. She's exactly the kind of protagonist I love following, which is why I found some of her later characterization so frustrating.
Vampires, Invasions, and a Dangerous Kingdom
The novel opens with a vampire invasion of Adelaide's kingdom before taking readers backward to explore the events leading up to that moment. I liked that storytelling choice because beginning with such a dramatic event immediately creates tension. We know something terrible is coming, but we don't know exactly how everything reaches that point.
As the story progresses, we learn more about Adelaide's kingdom, its magical bloodline, and the threats surrounding it. The vampire mythology also introduces Mars, the vampire king, whose role becomes increasingly important as the story develops. I particularly enjoyed the use of names associated with Roman mythology because it adds another interesting element to the fantasy atmosphere.
The combination of royal politics, magical inheritance, and dangerous vampires creates an engaging foundation for the story. There's enough mystery surrounding the characters and their motivations to keep readers questioning what's really happening.
Finch Was One of My Favorite Characters
Can we talk about Finch? Because I absolutely loved Finch, and his relationship with Adelaide was easily one of my favorite aspects of the novel.
They're childhood friends with an incredibly strong bond, and their dynamic feels much more like that of a brother and sister than a potential romantic pairing. I was so happy about that because I kept expecting the story to reveal that they'd secretly been in love with each other all along.
You know the trope. Two childhood friends have amazing chemistry, they've been inseparable forever, and suddenly the story decides their relationship must have been romantic the entire time. But that doesn't happen here, and I genuinely appreciated that choice.
Their connection remains beautifully platonic. Finch loves Adelaide, supports her, and cares about her without needing romantic feelings to justify that devotion. I wish more fantasy novels allowed male and female characters to have relationships like this because not every meaningful connection needs to become a romance.
Friendship Doesn't Have to Become Romance
What made Finch and Adelaide's relationship work so well was how naturally their affection came across. They clearly understood each other, and their interactions felt comfortable and believable. The strength of their bond never depended on romantic tension, which made their friendship feel even more genuine.
I thought their relationship added a wonderful emotional foundation to the story. It also made Finch an incredibly valuable character because he helped reinforce the more personal side of Adelaide's journey. She wasn't simply a princess trying to survive dangerous circumstances; she was someone with a history, relationships, and people who mattered deeply to her.
I also appreciated that Adelaide's internal narrative never suggested their relationship was secretly romantic. Their chemistry came from familiarity, loyalty, and years of friendship rather than unspoken attraction, and that was refreshing.
Finch Deserved Better
I'm going to keep this relatively spoiler-free, but I was genuinely upset by what happened to Finch near the end. And I mean upset. I was approximately 85% through the book when that particular development occurred, and I almost wanted to stop reading because I was so frustrated.
Part of that reaction came from how much I liked Finch as a character. He brought warmth, emotional depth, and a genuinely wonderful friendship dynamic to the story, so watching events unfold the way they did was difficult.
Now, I don't necessarily believe authors need to protect characters simply because readers love them. Sometimes painful developments serve an important purpose, and I understand that storytelling often requires difficult choices. But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about those choices, and I definitely wasn't happy about this one.
Adelaide's Magic Changes Everything
One of the major developments in the story is the revelation that Adelaide isn't actually powerless. Her magic has been blocked, meaning she's spent her life believing she lacks abilities that were there all along.
Suddenly, everything changes. Her father, who was already planning to use her marriage for political advantage, becomes even more interested in controlling her future. Initially, he views Adelaide as a means of continuing the royal bloodline, but once her magical abilities are revealed, finding a husband with the right magical heritage becomes even more important to him.
I have to say, I really didn't like her father. His treatment of Adelaide makes it clear that he values what she can provide for the family far more than her independence or happiness. I thought that conflict had plenty of potential, especially considering how hard Adelaide had worked to define herself outside her family's magical expectations.
The Romance Didn't Quite Work for Me
Unfortunately, the romance was another area where I struggled. Adelaide develops feelings for one of her suitors, and while I actually liked his characterization, the relationship progressed too quickly for my taste.
I'm not a huge fan of insta-love because I want to see a connection develop naturally. I want meaningful interactions, emotional investment, and enough time for the relationship to feel believable. While I could understand why Adelaide might be attracted to him, I wasn't entirely convinced by how quickly those feelings became love.
The characters had potential, and the relationship itself had potential. I just wanted more development before the story expected me to become fully invested in their romance. A little more time spent establishing their emotional connection would have made the relationship considerably stronger.
A Plot Twist That Almost Got Me
I did enjoy the mystery surrounding some of the characters and their motivations. There was a revelation toward the end that caught me off guard, although I can't say it came completely out of nowhere.
It was actually one of my suspicions, but I wasn't entirely convinced that my theory was correct. So when the reveal happened, I had that satisfying moment of realizing I'd been onto something without having completely figured everything out.
I always appreciate when a fantasy novel can surprise me while still leaving enough clues for readers to make their own guesses. For most of the book, I thought the storytelling was genuinely engaging, and the twists helped maintain that momentum.
Where Did Adelaide's Fire Go?
This was my biggest issue with *Magic Bites*. Adelaide's characterization changes significantly toward the end, and I wasn't a fan of that shift.
At the beginning of the novel, she's fierce, determined, and a skilled fighter who has spent her life compensating for what she believes is a lack of magic. She's not someone who simply accepts whatever other people tell her to do, and I loved that independence.
But once she's captured and more of the truth surrounding the vampires and Mars begins coming to light, something changes. Suddenly, the woman I'd spent most of the novel admiring seemed to lose much of her independence and determination.
She became far more submissive and lovestruck than I expected, and I kept wondering what happened to the character I'd been following. The shift didn't feel like a natural continuation of her earlier characterization, which made it difficult for me to remain as emotionally invested in her journey.
Trauma Can Change a Character, but I Needed More
To be fair, Adelaide experiences an incredible amount of trauma throughout the story. She's witnessed death, betrayal, and devastating events, and she's been placed in circumstances where she has very little control over what happens next.
I understand that trauma can change how someone behaves. I also understand that sometimes survival requires submission, especially when someone is being held captive. But I wanted more of Adelaide's internal resistance because that determination had been such an important part of her personality.
Even if she had to obey someone outwardly, I wanted to see that same strength continuing beneath the surface. I wanted to know she was still thinking, plotting, and looking for ways to regain control over her situation.
Instead, some of her reactions felt almost doe-eyed, and that was frustrating. The shift didn't feel like a natural progression of everything she'd experienced. It felt like I was suddenly reading about a different person, and I couldn't quite reconcile that version of Adelaide with the warrior introduced at the beginning.
Strong Heroines Can Fall in Love Without Losing Themselves
I think that's ultimately what bothered me most about the ending. I don't have a problem with strong female characters falling in love, showing vulnerability, or making decisions based on their emotions. I certainly don't believe a character has to remain aggressive or emotionally guarded to demonstrate strength.
But I do want consistency.
Adelaide begins the novel with so much determination and personality, and her resourcefulness is one of the reasons I became invested in her. So when the romance and later developments seemed to overshadow those qualities, I felt disappointed.
I wanted the story to show that she could fall in love, experience vulnerability, and navigate impossible circumstances without losing the fierce personality that made her compelling in the first place. That balance was missing for me, and it ultimately became the biggest reason I couldn't rate the book higher.
Fast-Paced and Surprisingly Addictive
Despite my issues with the ending, I can't ignore how much fun I had reading most of this book. I finished it in approximately four hours, and that doesn't happen unless a story is doing something right.
The pacing was strong, the vampire threat kept things interesting, and the combination of magic, royal politics, friendship, and unexpected revelations made the story easy to get lost in. I also appreciated that the book didn't waste too much time getting to the action.
The opening immediately establishes danger, and the flashback structure gives readers a reason to keep turning pages. For most of the novel, I was hooked, which is why my disappointment with the final stretch was so significant.
Will I Continue the Series?
Possibly! I believe I was also gifted the second book, and I'm definitely curious about where the story goes next.
The ending introduces developments that could lead to some interesting character growth, and I would love to see Adelaide reclaim the determination that made me like her so much in the beginning. There's enough here that I haven't completely written off the series, but I hope the next installment gives her a stronger sense of agency.
Final Thoughts
*Magic Bites* was a surprisingly entertaining fantasy that I genuinely enjoyed for most of its runtime. The magic system was interesting, the vampire mythology kept me engaged, and Adelaide initially stood out as a fierce, capable protagonist who refused to let her supposed lack of magic define her.
I also absolutely loved her friendship with Finch. Their platonic relationship was one of the strongest elements of the novel, and I appreciated that the author didn't feel the need to turn their lifelong connection into a romance.
Unfortunately, the ending significantly affected my overall enjoyment. I wasn't happy with what happened to Finch, and I was even less satisfied with the sudden shift in Adelaide's characterization. The heroine who began the story as a determined warrior seemed to lose too much of her fire, and I wanted more internal resistance and emotional consistency from her.
The romance also developed too quickly for my taste. While I liked the love interest as a character, I needed more time to become invested in their relationship before the story expected me to believe they were in love.
Still, I can't deny that I flew through this book. It was fun, fast-paced, and engaging enough to keep me reading for hours, and I would certainly recommend giving it a chance. I just wish the final portion had maintained the same strength of characterization as the beginning.
**Rating: 3.75/5 Stars**
A solid fantasy adventure with plenty of potential, but an ending that kept it from reaching four stars.
I finished this book in two sittings, spending approximately four hours reading it. Considering how easily I can get distracted when reading ebooks, that's saying something. Was it the greatest fantasy I've ever read? No, but it was entertaining, addictive, and surprisingly difficult to put down.
Unfortunately, the ending left me with some serious frustrations, particularly when it came to the protagonist's characterization. While I enjoyed most of the story, the final portion kept this from becoming a four-star read.
A Princess Without Magic
The story follows Adelaide, a young woman born into a royal bloodline known for its ability to harness light magic. Members of her family can wield light as a weapon, essentially projecting it from their fingertips. Except Adelaide can't. Despite belonging to this powerful bloodline, she's spent her life believing she possesses no magic whatsoever.
Rather than allowing that perceived weakness to define her, Adelaide has developed an entirely different set of skills. She's an excellent fighter, particularly with blades, and has learned to detect and track magic through her other senses. I loved that about her because instead of being helpless without magical abilities, she's worked incredibly hard to become dangerous in her own right.
She's fierce, capable, resourceful, and determined. She's exactly the kind of protagonist I love following, which is why I found some of her later characterization so frustrating.
Vampires, Invasions, and a Dangerous Kingdom
The novel opens with a vampire invasion of Adelaide's kingdom before taking readers backward to explore the events leading up to that moment. I liked that storytelling choice because beginning with such a dramatic event immediately creates tension. We know something terrible is coming, but we don't know exactly how everything reaches that point.
As the story progresses, we learn more about Adelaide's kingdom, its magical bloodline, and the threats surrounding it. The vampire mythology also introduces Mars, the vampire king, whose role becomes increasingly important as the story develops. I particularly enjoyed the use of names associated with Roman mythology because it adds another interesting element to the fantasy atmosphere.
The combination of royal politics, magical inheritance, and dangerous vampires creates an engaging foundation for the story. There's enough mystery surrounding the characters and their motivations to keep readers questioning what's really happening.
Finch Was One of My Favorite Characters
Can we talk about Finch? Because I absolutely loved Finch, and his relationship with Adelaide was easily one of my favorite aspects of the novel.
They're childhood friends with an incredibly strong bond, and their dynamic feels much more like that of a brother and sister than a potential romantic pairing. I was so happy about that because I kept expecting the story to reveal that they'd secretly been in love with each other all along.
You know the trope. Two childhood friends have amazing chemistry, they've been inseparable forever, and suddenly the story decides their relationship must have been romantic the entire time. But that doesn't happen here, and I genuinely appreciated that choice.
Their connection remains beautifully platonic. Finch loves Adelaide, supports her, and cares about her without needing romantic feelings to justify that devotion. I wish more fantasy novels allowed male and female characters to have relationships like this because not every meaningful connection needs to become a romance.
Friendship Doesn't Have to Become Romance
What made Finch and Adelaide's relationship work so well was how naturally their affection came across. They clearly understood each other, and their interactions felt comfortable and believable. The strength of their bond never depended on romantic tension, which made their friendship feel even more genuine.
I thought their relationship added a wonderful emotional foundation to the story. It also made Finch an incredibly valuable character because he helped reinforce the more personal side of Adelaide's journey. She wasn't simply a princess trying to survive dangerous circumstances; she was someone with a history, relationships, and people who mattered deeply to her.
I also appreciated that Adelaide's internal narrative never suggested their relationship was secretly romantic. Their chemistry came from familiarity, loyalty, and years of friendship rather than unspoken attraction, and that was refreshing.
Finch Deserved Better
I'm going to keep this relatively spoiler-free, but I was genuinely upset by what happened to Finch near the end. And I mean upset. I was approximately 85% through the book when that particular development occurred, and I almost wanted to stop reading because I was so frustrated.
Part of that reaction came from how much I liked Finch as a character. He brought warmth, emotional depth, and a genuinely wonderful friendship dynamic to the story, so watching events unfold the way they did was difficult.
Now, I don't necessarily believe authors need to protect characters simply because readers love them. Sometimes painful developments serve an important purpose, and I understand that storytelling often requires difficult choices. But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about those choices, and I definitely wasn't happy about this one.
Adelaide's Magic Changes Everything
One of the major developments in the story is the revelation that Adelaide isn't actually powerless. Her magic has been blocked, meaning she's spent her life believing she lacks abilities that were there all along.
Suddenly, everything changes. Her father, who was already planning to use her marriage for political advantage, becomes even more interested in controlling her future. Initially, he views Adelaide as a means of continuing the royal bloodline, but once her magical abilities are revealed, finding a husband with the right magical heritage becomes even more important to him.
I have to say, I really didn't like her father. His treatment of Adelaide makes it clear that he values what she can provide for the family far more than her independence or happiness. I thought that conflict had plenty of potential, especially considering how hard Adelaide had worked to define herself outside her family's magical expectations.
The Romance Didn't Quite Work for Me
Unfortunately, the romance was another area where I struggled. Adelaide develops feelings for one of her suitors, and while I actually liked his characterization, the relationship progressed too quickly for my taste.
I'm not a huge fan of insta-love because I want to see a connection develop naturally. I want meaningful interactions, emotional investment, and enough time for the relationship to feel believable. While I could understand why Adelaide might be attracted to him, I wasn't entirely convinced by how quickly those feelings became love.
The characters had potential, and the relationship itself had potential. I just wanted more development before the story expected me to become fully invested in their romance. A little more time spent establishing their emotional connection would have made the relationship considerably stronger.
A Plot Twist That Almost Got Me
I did enjoy the mystery surrounding some of the characters and their motivations. There was a revelation toward the end that caught me off guard, although I can't say it came completely out of nowhere.
It was actually one of my suspicions, but I wasn't entirely convinced that my theory was correct. So when the reveal happened, I had that satisfying moment of realizing I'd been onto something without having completely figured everything out.
I always appreciate when a fantasy novel can surprise me while still leaving enough clues for readers to make their own guesses. For most of the book, I thought the storytelling was genuinely engaging, and the twists helped maintain that momentum.
Where Did Adelaide's Fire Go?
This was my biggest issue with *Magic Bites*. Adelaide's characterization changes significantly toward the end, and I wasn't a fan of that shift.
At the beginning of the novel, she's fierce, determined, and a skilled fighter who has spent her life compensating for what she believes is a lack of magic. She's not someone who simply accepts whatever other people tell her to do, and I loved that independence.
But once she's captured and more of the truth surrounding the vampires and Mars begins coming to light, something changes. Suddenly, the woman I'd spent most of the novel admiring seemed to lose much of her independence and determination.
She became far more submissive and lovestruck than I expected, and I kept wondering what happened to the character I'd been following. The shift didn't feel like a natural continuation of her earlier characterization, which made it difficult for me to remain as emotionally invested in her journey.
Trauma Can Change a Character, but I Needed More
To be fair, Adelaide experiences an incredible amount of trauma throughout the story. She's witnessed death, betrayal, and devastating events, and she's been placed in circumstances where she has very little control over what happens next.
I understand that trauma can change how someone behaves. I also understand that sometimes survival requires submission, especially when someone is being held captive. But I wanted more of Adelaide's internal resistance because that determination had been such an important part of her personality.
Even if she had to obey someone outwardly, I wanted to see that same strength continuing beneath the surface. I wanted to know she was still thinking, plotting, and looking for ways to regain control over her situation.
Instead, some of her reactions felt almost doe-eyed, and that was frustrating. The shift didn't feel like a natural progression of everything she'd experienced. It felt like I was suddenly reading about a different person, and I couldn't quite reconcile that version of Adelaide with the warrior introduced at the beginning.
Strong Heroines Can Fall in Love Without Losing Themselves
I think that's ultimately what bothered me most about the ending. I don't have a problem with strong female characters falling in love, showing vulnerability, or making decisions based on their emotions. I certainly don't believe a character has to remain aggressive or emotionally guarded to demonstrate strength.
But I do want consistency.
Adelaide begins the novel with so much determination and personality, and her resourcefulness is one of the reasons I became invested in her. So when the romance and later developments seemed to overshadow those qualities, I felt disappointed.
I wanted the story to show that she could fall in love, experience vulnerability, and navigate impossible circumstances without losing the fierce personality that made her compelling in the first place. That balance was missing for me, and it ultimately became the biggest reason I couldn't rate the book higher.
Fast-Paced and Surprisingly Addictive
Despite my issues with the ending, I can't ignore how much fun I had reading most of this book. I finished it in approximately four hours, and that doesn't happen unless a story is doing something right.
The pacing was strong, the vampire threat kept things interesting, and the combination of magic, royal politics, friendship, and unexpected revelations made the story easy to get lost in. I also appreciated that the book didn't waste too much time getting to the action.
The opening immediately establishes danger, and the flashback structure gives readers a reason to keep turning pages. For most of the novel, I was hooked, which is why my disappointment with the final stretch was so significant.
Will I Continue the Series?
Possibly! I believe I was also gifted the second book, and I'm definitely curious about where the story goes next.
The ending introduces developments that could lead to some interesting character growth, and I would love to see Adelaide reclaim the determination that made me like her so much in the beginning. There's enough here that I haven't completely written off the series, but I hope the next installment gives her a stronger sense of agency.
Final Thoughts
*Magic Bites* was a surprisingly entertaining fantasy that I genuinely enjoyed for most of its runtime. The magic system was interesting, the vampire mythology kept me engaged, and Adelaide initially stood out as a fierce, capable protagonist who refused to let her supposed lack of magic define her.
I also absolutely loved her friendship with Finch. Their platonic relationship was one of the strongest elements of the novel, and I appreciated that the author didn't feel the need to turn their lifelong connection into a romance.
Unfortunately, the ending significantly affected my overall enjoyment. I wasn't happy with what happened to Finch, and I was even less satisfied with the sudden shift in Adelaide's characterization. The heroine who began the story as a determined warrior seemed to lose too much of her fire, and I wanted more internal resistance and emotional consistency from her.
The romance also developed too quickly for my taste. While I liked the love interest as a character, I needed more time to become invested in their relationship before the story expected me to believe they were in love.
Still, I can't deny that I flew through this book. It was fun, fast-paced, and engaging enough to keep me reading for hours, and I would certainly recommend giving it a chance. I just wish the final portion had maintained the same strength of characterization as the beginning.
**Rating: 3.75/5 Stars**
A solid fantasy adventure with plenty of potential, but an ending that kept it from reaching four stars.
September 2, 2026
Possible spoilers ahead!
I enjoyed this one! I loved the FMC - Adelaide. She was a warrior but also had a big heart. Adelaide and Mavericks relationship really stood out for me as there was such a strong loyalty between them.
The first half was a little slow. I think it was mostly world building and character development but around halfway through, the pace really picked up and I found myself wanting to keep reading.
I did not see the twist near the end coming. Poor Finch! I was trying to figure him out the whole time because I was convinced he was up to something.
I did predict the Mars reveal though. The romance came a little later and was giving a bit of love at first sight. Maybe we’ll get more from this in the next books.
I enjoyed this one! I loved the FMC - Adelaide. She was a warrior but also had a big heart. Adelaide and Mavericks relationship really stood out for me as there was such a strong loyalty between them.
The first half was a little slow. I think it was mostly world building and character development but around halfway through, the pace really picked up and I found myself wanting to keep reading.
I did not see the twist near the end coming. Poor Finch! I was trying to figure him out the whole time because I was convinced he was up to something.
I did predict the Mars reveal though. The romance came a little later and was giving a bit of love at first sight. Maybe we’ll get more from this in the next books.
October 9, 2025
I couldn't book this book down! I loved every little bit and detail that Eris had to offer in this book. Each chapter flowed elegantly, and I truly felt I was within this realm of Shadow Folk, fighting for the kingdom. There are characters I aboslutely loved and absolutely LOATHED (For good reasons!) I can't wait to get started on book 2!
November 3, 2024
a balance of heat and light
Well written. So enjoyed the story and would love to read more!I Monsters, dragons, light and vampires. What more could you want? The story was weaved wonderfully!
Well written. So enjoyed the story and would love to read more!I Monsters, dragons, light and vampires. What more could you want? The story was weaved wonderfully!
October 20, 2026
I had a hard time figuring out how I felt about Magic Bites, because it had some ideas and plot points that kept me interested, but I was struggling with the in-between.
Let's start with what I enjoyed, or maybe a better way to put it: in what I saw great potential.
The FMC, Adelaide started out really great: a warrior princess, fighting for her kingdom against the shadow folks, aka vampires, but then she might be forced into an arranged marriage to help her father keep his power -- it's a very interesting start to the story of a seemingly complex character.
I also enjoyed Finch, actually, he is the most interesting piece of this book for me, and definitely wanted to get more of him and his story.
The vibes were really great in the beginning, as the first pieces of the world building were hinted around, and I was hooked through most of Adelaide and Finch's little excursion into that past battlefield where he was turned, because it really felt like a great build up to an exciting storyline.
The political intrigue alluded about Alaric was interesting and the king himself is a very menacing character, I wish we had more details about him and his motivations as well.
Speaking of the king, I enjoyed the family dynamics, the whole sibling relationship was one of the strongest points of the story, and I think it had great potential for later conflicts and maybe even for some heartbreak.
But, and here comes my beef with the book, the halfway point of the story came and went, and we only had questions, the action scenes started to come out of nowhere (they actually made me really confused about the geography of the whole kingdom). And then suddenly the 'slow-burn romance' came which was anything but slow burn, unless it refers to the fact that the love interest doesn't pop up (well...) until like 60% into the book and
This is where the story started to lose me, because the strong female character just threw all her strength and autonomy away in an instant, and no, I wasn't satisfied with the kind of 'explanation' we got in the end.
It didn't help that the narrative was extremely repetitive -- it's first person, but the same exact thought processes were repeated over and over again, it didn't show much change, and it definitely was more showing than telling how the characters were feeling.
After a few days of thinking it over, I came to the conclusion that the whole book felt like the exposition of a bigger story -- which could be true as this is a first of a series, but it doesn't really stand on its own. I honestly think that many scenes could have been edited out, also, tightening up the plot and pushing the story a bit forward (or maybe make the relationship between Adelaide and the love interest a bit longer so their reactions felt much more authentic and believable) would have made a huge favor for the book.
Alas, we didn't have that.
I am on the fence about going on with the series, because the cliffhanger kind of worked on me, or at least it kept enough curiosity in me to wonder what could come next... but I don't know if I am actually invested in any of the remaining characters well enough to keep on going.
It's a petty, really, as the story did have some really good ideas.
Let's start with what I enjoyed, or maybe a better way to put it: in what I saw great potential.
The FMC, Adelaide started out really great: a warrior princess, fighting for her kingdom against the shadow folks, aka vampires, but then she might be forced into an arranged marriage to help her father keep his power -- it's a very interesting start to the story of a seemingly complex character.
I also enjoyed Finch, actually, he is the most interesting piece of this book for me, and definitely wanted to get more of him and his story.
The vibes were really great in the beginning, as the first pieces of the world building were hinted around, and I was hooked through most of Adelaide and Finch's little excursion into that past battlefield where he was turned, because it really felt like a great build up to an exciting storyline.
The political intrigue alluded about Alaric was interesting and the king himself is a very menacing character, I wish we had more details about him and his motivations as well.
Speaking of the king, I enjoyed the family dynamics, the whole sibling relationship was one of the strongest points of the story, and I think it had great potential for later conflicts and maybe even for some heartbreak.
But, and here comes my beef with the book, the halfway point of the story came and went, and we only had questions, the action scenes started to come out of nowhere (they actually made me really confused about the geography of the whole kingdom). And then suddenly the 'slow-burn romance' came which was anything but slow burn, unless it refers to the fact that the love interest doesn't pop up (well...) until like 60% into the book and
This is where the story started to lose me, because the strong female character just threw all her strength and autonomy away in an instant, and no, I wasn't satisfied with the kind of 'explanation' we got in the end.
It didn't help that the narrative was extremely repetitive -- it's first person, but the same exact thought processes were repeated over and over again, it didn't show much change, and it definitely was more showing than telling how the characters were feeling.
After a few days of thinking it over, I came to the conclusion that the whole book felt like the exposition of a bigger story -- which could be true as this is a first of a series, but it doesn't really stand on its own. I honestly think that many scenes could have been edited out, also, tightening up the plot and pushing the story a bit forward (or maybe make the relationship between Adelaide and the love interest a bit longer so their reactions felt much more authentic and believable) would have made a huge favor for the book.
Alas, we didn't have that.
I am on the fence about going on with the series, because the cliffhanger kind of worked on me, or at least it kept enough curiosity in me to wonder what could come next... but I don't know if I am actually invested in any of the remaining characters well enough to keep on going.
It's a petty, really, as the story did have some really good ideas.
July 7, 2025
4.5 rounded up.
I wonder when I’ll fall down the tunnels of fire in his eyes to be burned alive within his soul.
This epic dark romantasy has all the best this genre has to offer, intrigue and mystery, dragons, monsters and other mythical creatures, vampires, shadow folk and gods/goddesses, twists and turns, magic and a feisty FMC. Add a sprinkle of epic battles, sibling bonds, and enemies-to-lovers romance and it’s a true romantasy gem!
This story follows Adeliade, who in attempt to avoid marriage and the possibility of death in childbirth, she is following in her mother’s footsteps becoming a fierce warrior, skilled and fighting her way through the ranks, earning herself a fierce reputation. However, her kingdom is growing desperate need of an heir. The King’s power is fading and her brother is finding it difficult to fulfil his duty. It is becoming apparent that she may have to step up and fulfill her duty that she has literally fought so hard to avoid. When her brother-in-law returns from the war, seemingly unscathed which is impossible as only the Shadow Fold come back from the dead, there is an ever-present looming fear and darkness that festers amongst the court. Will Adelaide be able to stop this darkness? Will she be able to solve the heir problem without losing herself?
Well written with a magic system that was well explained and easy to comprehend, complex character that are thoroughly thought out and developed, along with imaginative and immersive world building that leaps off the page. This FMC was the definition of a spitfire, she was strong, independent and willing to go the distance. The bond the FMC shares with her brother and her kingdom shows that you have a loyalty to both and still stay true to both.
The fire in my core says several other things about how he makes me feel, and I hate myself for even considering them.
I wonder when I’ll fall down the tunnels of fire in his eyes to be burned alive within his soul.
This epic dark romantasy has all the best this genre has to offer, intrigue and mystery, dragons, monsters and other mythical creatures, vampires, shadow folk and gods/goddesses, twists and turns, magic and a feisty FMC. Add a sprinkle of epic battles, sibling bonds, and enemies-to-lovers romance and it’s a true romantasy gem!
This story follows Adeliade, who in attempt to avoid marriage and the possibility of death in childbirth, she is following in her mother’s footsteps becoming a fierce warrior, skilled and fighting her way through the ranks, earning herself a fierce reputation. However, her kingdom is growing desperate need of an heir. The King’s power is fading and her brother is finding it difficult to fulfil his duty. It is becoming apparent that she may have to step up and fulfill her duty that she has literally fought so hard to avoid. When her brother-in-law returns from the war, seemingly unscathed which is impossible as only the Shadow Fold come back from the dead, there is an ever-present looming fear and darkness that festers amongst the court. Will Adelaide be able to stop this darkness? Will she be able to solve the heir problem without losing herself?
Well written with a magic system that was well explained and easy to comprehend, complex character that are thoroughly thought out and developed, along with imaginative and immersive world building that leaps off the page. This FMC was the definition of a spitfire, she was strong, independent and willing to go the distance. The bond the FMC shares with her brother and her kingdom shows that you have a loyalty to both and still stay true to both.
The fire in my core says several other things about how he makes me feel, and I hate myself for even considering them.
August 11, 2025
Magic Bites by Eris Marriott is the first book in the Tales of the Shadow Folk series. It introduces a dark world where humans and vampires are locked in battle, a group of characters clearly set to play important roles as the series progresses, and the FMC, Adelaide, who is fierce despite not being given the same gifts her family enjoys.
Adelaide is smart, battle-ready, and far more compelling than many of the magically blessed characters around her. Her personal journey in this book is marked by grief, loyalty, and a strained relationship with her father. She continually fights to be seen as more than just a political pawn to be sold off in marriage.
The book also introduces a wide range of side characters, from Adelaide’s family to other members of their court she fights alongside. The standout is Finch who is her brother-in-law, friend, and fellow warrior. His unwavering optimism and close friendship with Adelaide make him instantly lovable.
This is very much a slow burn, with the romance only beginning to spark near the end of the book. When the MMC finally enters the story, there’s an instant connection that neither he nor Adelaide fully understands, paired with an air of mystery surrounding who he truly is.
In the end, Magic Bites is largely about introducing Adelaide and the dark world in which she is constantly trying to prove herself. I can’t wait to see how she navigates the challenges and politics in book two, especially after the events revealed toward the end of book one. I’m also eager to learn more about the connection between her and the MMC.
Adelaide is smart, battle-ready, and far more compelling than many of the magically blessed characters around her. Her personal journey in this book is marked by grief, loyalty, and a strained relationship with her father. She continually fights to be seen as more than just a political pawn to be sold off in marriage.
The book also introduces a wide range of side characters, from Adelaide’s family to other members of their court she fights alongside. The standout is Finch who is her brother-in-law, friend, and fellow warrior. His unwavering optimism and close friendship with Adelaide make him instantly lovable.
This is very much a slow burn, with the romance only beginning to spark near the end of the book. When the MMC finally enters the story, there’s an instant connection that neither he nor Adelaide fully understands, paired with an air of mystery surrounding who he truly is.
In the end, Magic Bites is largely about introducing Adelaide and the dark world in which she is constantly trying to prove herself. I can’t wait to see how she navigates the challenges and politics in book two, especially after the events revealed toward the end of book one. I’m also eager to learn more about the connection between her and the MMC.
July 7, 2025
This is my first time reading a vampire series. I usually stay away from fantasy or anything mystical related. However after reading this book I was pleasantly surprised and impressed!
The main character Adelaide is anything hut helpless despite her situation. She is defiant, confident, and determined to do what she has to do, to defend her family and her people. I enjoy the realism of Adelaide. I love how real she feels, the author gives her a voice that is easily able to relate to while still allowing us to find out who Adelaide is as a person and how she shows different sides of herself throughout the book. Despite Adelaide wanting to take matters into her own hands as a strong character, E.M. also made her vulnerable. I love the balance. Adelaide is strong but she also desires love and affection, not for her social status or potential power that she may possess but she wants to be loved for who she is.
I cant wait to read book 2! There's so much more to unlock in this beautiful universe. I also want to add that the world building is so realistic that I feel like ive been transported there.
I love how the author (E.M.) shows different layers to her characters, especially Adelaide and the Shadow King--which his identity was a surprise considering the contrast of who he was pretending to be.
P.S. Justice for Finch! He was my second favorite character. If you know, you know!
The main character Adelaide is anything hut helpless despite her situation. She is defiant, confident, and determined to do what she has to do, to defend her family and her people. I enjoy the realism of Adelaide. I love how real she feels, the author gives her a voice that is easily able to relate to while still allowing us to find out who Adelaide is as a person and how she shows different sides of herself throughout the book. Despite Adelaide wanting to take matters into her own hands as a strong character, E.M. also made her vulnerable. I love the balance. Adelaide is strong but she also desires love and affection, not for her social status or potential power that she may possess but she wants to be loved for who she is.
I cant wait to read book 2! There's so much more to unlock in this beautiful universe. I also want to add that the world building is so realistic that I feel like ive been transported there.
I love how the author (E.M.) shows different layers to her characters, especially Adelaide and the Shadow King--which his identity was a surprise considering the contrast of who he was pretending to be.
P.S. Justice for Finch! He was my second favorite character. If you know, you know!
April 25, 2026
Vampires, light magic, dragons and a badass warrior princess who will do anything for the people she loves, this book has all the classic feels of a romantasy in the best way.
You follow the FMC Adelaide, who after her mothers death, has spent her life training to be the best warrior to defend her kingdom as her brother, the crown prince has the light powers she does not and can produce and heir her father requires. When after months of going missing, her brother in law returns a turned vampire of the shadow court, more questions about what that process truly involved are raised and she must decide who she can trust, all while thwarting her fathers plans to marry her off to the highest bidder after her brother’s attempts at producing an heir have failed again.
This book was filled with world building to set the scene, character building and the complex relationships between them, a short lived but passionate romance and the devastation of what war between kingdoms can bring. I enjoyed the bond between the FMC and both her brothers and sister in law and how they lean on one another through her fathers chaos, and try to make the best of what he is putting them through. I also really enjoyed seeing her kick butt in battle and unlock some hidden truths about herself through a poisoning subplot. Overall this was a great quick read, my rating 4.3/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow the FMC Adelaide, who after her mothers death, has spent her life training to be the best warrior to defend her kingdom as her brother, the crown prince has the light powers she does not and can produce and heir her father requires. When after months of going missing, her brother in law returns a turned vampire of the shadow court, more questions about what that process truly involved are raised and she must decide who she can trust, all while thwarting her fathers plans to marry her off to the highest bidder after her brother’s attempts at producing an heir have failed again.
This book was filled with world building to set the scene, character building and the complex relationships between them, a short lived but passionate romance and the devastation of what war between kingdoms can bring. I enjoyed the bond between the FMC and both her brothers and sister in law and how they lean on one another through her fathers chaos, and try to make the best of what he is putting them through. I also really enjoyed seeing her kick butt in battle and unlock some hidden truths about herself through a poisoning subplot. Overall this was a great quick read, my rating 4.3/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
June 27, 2025
This is the first book in the Tales of the Shadow Folk series, a dark, epic romantasy. I received a review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for my paperback review copy.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Slow meet (like, super slow)
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Sibling bonds
✨Strong FMC
✨Slow burn
✨Vampires
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Nickname: My Fire
The Lovely: I loved the characters in this story, especially the FMC. We, as the reader, could understand her motivations and goals given her backstory and inner monologues. I appreciated that though she seemed alone (physically) much of the time, the inner monologues were not too frequent or long. Much of this was accomplished via dialogue and interactions with her brother, and her friend Finch (who was my favorite character).
The Mundane: When I say this was a slow meet, I mean it was past the halfway mark before she ever met the MMC. Once they met, I loved their relationship but it felt like we didn’t get *enough* of it. I would have liked to have seen more of them together.
Recommendation: There were a lot of twists and turns throughout the book, many of which I didn’t see coming. However, the big “reveal” at the end did feel a bit predictable. I will definitely be reading book two to see more of these characters together and find out how the story progresses.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Slow meet (like, super slow)
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Sibling bonds
✨Strong FMC
✨Slow burn
✨Vampires
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Nickname: My Fire
The Lovely: I loved the characters in this story, especially the FMC. We, as the reader, could understand her motivations and goals given her backstory and inner monologues. I appreciated that though she seemed alone (physically) much of the time, the inner monologues were not too frequent or long. Much of this was accomplished via dialogue and interactions with her brother, and her friend Finch (who was my favorite character).
The Mundane: When I say this was a slow meet, I mean it was past the halfway mark before she ever met the MMC. Once they met, I loved their relationship but it felt like we didn’t get *enough* of it. I would have liked to have seen more of them together.
Recommendation: There were a lot of twists and turns throughout the book, many of which I didn’t see coming. However, the big “reveal” at the end did feel a bit predictable. I will definitely be reading book two to see more of these characters together and find out how the story progresses.
June 20, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Magic Bites: Tales of the Shadow Folk by Eris Marriott. This is book one of a Romantasy series, which includes a strong FMC, Vampires, Royalty, a unique magic system, and a very intriguing plot twist. This fantasy storyline completely swept me away. The author did a really good job at describing the rules of the magic system in this narrative, therefore, it was really easy to understand the extent of the power within the royal family and the mysterious shadow folk. As someone who enjoys a good romance subplot, I was completely drawn to the romantic tension in the storyline, however, I was still left wanting more, and I can’t wait to see how that relationship unfolds in the next book. I also loved reading about the sibling dynamic, the loyalty and protectiveness they had to a certain degree for each other added more depth and heart to the story. Overall, I recommend this book to any fellow reader who is into vampires, epic battles, enemies to lovers tension, and mythical creatures. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!
August 27, 2025
Discovering a talented storyteller so close to home has been such a treat. This fantasy series has all the right elements:immersive world building, characters with depth, and just enough mystery to keep you hooked. The world feels like it’s only beginning to unfold, and I’m excited to see how much deeper it will go in future books.
The story also weaves in a compelling love interest who may/or may not turn out to be the villain. That tension keeps the pages turning and adds a layer of unpredictability I really enjoyed.
But what truly sets this FMC apart from other fantasy heroines is her emotional honesty. She isn’t afraid to cry when she’s angry, to feel her emotions fully, and then transform that vulnerability into strength. It makes her feel refreshingly human while still being fierce and determined in her fight against injustice.
Overall, this series shows so much promise. It has the foundations of a great fantasy world, layered characters, and a heroine who feels both relatable and inspiring. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and see where the story goes.
The story also weaves in a compelling love interest who may/or may not turn out to be the villain. That tension keeps the pages turning and adds a layer of unpredictability I really enjoyed.
But what truly sets this FMC apart from other fantasy heroines is her emotional honesty. She isn’t afraid to cry when she’s angry, to feel her emotions fully, and then transform that vulnerability into strength. It makes her feel refreshingly human while still being fierce and determined in her fight against injustice.
Overall, this series shows so much promise. It has the foundations of a great fantasy world, layered characters, and a heroine who feels both relatable and inspiring. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and see where the story goes.
October 9, 2026
🖤✨REVIEW✨🖤
I have had the wonderful opportunity to read Magic Bites by Eris Marriott with Rattle the Stars PR and it gave me all the epic fantasy vibes u was expecting. Vampires, forbidden magic, a princess hellbent on being a badass and many a twist to sink my teeth into.
Adelaide is not your typical princess. She's fierce, stubborn and more than capable of fighting her own battles in a world where she's constantly underestimated. Add in a kingdom full of secrets, dangerous Shadow Folk and a whole lot of political drama, and you've got a fantasy adventure with plenty going on. Adelaide was a heroine you couldn't help but root for.
If you are exoecting an epic romantasy then this doesnt tick that box straight away but the fantasy vibes kept me intrigued and desperate to find out what will happen and then giving me proper enemies to lovers was the gift that I had waited for.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's got plenty of magic, danger and unexpected twists. A must-read for fantasy lovers who like their heroines fierce and their worlds full of secrets!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have had the wonderful opportunity to read Magic Bites by Eris Marriott with Rattle the Stars PR and it gave me all the epic fantasy vibes u was expecting. Vampires, forbidden magic, a princess hellbent on being a badass and many a twist to sink my teeth into.
Adelaide is not your typical princess. She's fierce, stubborn and more than capable of fighting her own battles in a world where she's constantly underestimated. Add in a kingdom full of secrets, dangerous Shadow Folk and a whole lot of political drama, and you've got a fantasy adventure with plenty going on. Adelaide was a heroine you couldn't help but root for.
If you are exoecting an epic romantasy then this doesnt tick that box straight away but the fantasy vibes kept me intrigued and desperate to find out what will happen and then giving me proper enemies to lovers was the gift that I had waited for.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's got plenty of magic, danger and unexpected twists. A must-read for fantasy lovers who like their heroines fierce and their worlds full of secrets!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
July 9, 2025I’m loving the resurgence of vampires and Magic Bites delivers irresistible, feisty vampires you can’t help but love. The story is a very slow-build, slow-burn and sets up a literal battle between the light wielders and creatures of darkness. I loved the switch up of brother as court politician and sister as head warrior and strategist and the dynamics this created. Adelaide’s strong determination leads to entertaining moments when she’s forced into choosing a suitor at her father/the king’s demand. Although I had trouble emotionally connecting with the FMC and several side characters at times, Finch stole the entire book—and my heart—when he graced the pages. The story has several “twists” I saw coming, but I was not emotionally prepared for those final chapters! For me, the romance tested my patience (they don't even meet until about 60% mark) and I have many unanswered questions, but look forward to seeing the romance play out and having more answers revealed.
August 10, 2025
Magic Bites primarily serves as the introduction to Adelaide’s story. She is an intelligent, battle ready princess determined to protect her people despite being cast aside by her drunken father, the King of Sunfall. Alongside her brother, Maverick, she works tirelessly to defend their kingdom from the looming threat of the Shadow Folk.
Both siblings bear scars from past trauma, but their world shifts when someone they believed lost forever appears at their doorstep. What follows is a journey as the trio unravels hidden truths and searches for a way to end the Shadow Folk’s menace. Obstacles are a constant, but the bond between characters, rooted in loyalty, resilience, and family- carries the narrative.
This first book leans fully into fantasy rather than romantasy, with zero spice and a focus on political intrigue, worldbuilding, and sibling dynamics. This book sets the stage for even greater stakes in the sequel, Sunlight’s Shadow.
Both siblings bear scars from past trauma, but their world shifts when someone they believed lost forever appears at their doorstep. What follows is a journey as the trio unravels hidden truths and searches for a way to end the Shadow Folk’s menace. Obstacles are a constant, but the bond between characters, rooted in loyalty, resilience, and family- carries the narrative.
This first book leans fully into fantasy rather than romantasy, with zero spice and a focus on political intrigue, worldbuilding, and sibling dynamics. This book sets the stage for even greater stakes in the sequel, Sunlight’s Shadow.
August 16, 2025
Magic, vampires and an FMC raised to fight.
I love Adelaide. Her struggle, her purpose, her needs and desires, all felt so real and relatable. She wanted to be in control of her life during a time where women didnt have that luxury. She is strong willed, strong in arms, and dedicated af to her family. The story felt magical and comforting in the ways that lured you to have your heart ripped out when things weren't as they seemed. I loved the existence of magic and the role it played as well as Adelaide's downfall and what it took to get her there. Her relationship with her brother and brother in law had me yearn for siblings and to be cared for as they do for her in this. Also of course we get a love interest just to have it hurt us. The ending wasn't the kind of cliffhanger that left me angry, im seriously looking so forward to seeing where this journey takes Adelaide.
I love Adelaide. Her struggle, her purpose, her needs and desires, all felt so real and relatable. She wanted to be in control of her life during a time where women didnt have that luxury. She is strong willed, strong in arms, and dedicated af to her family. The story felt magical and comforting in the ways that lured you to have your heart ripped out when things weren't as they seemed. I loved the existence of magic and the role it played as well as Adelaide's downfall and what it took to get her there. Her relationship with her brother and brother in law had me yearn for siblings and to be cared for as they do for her in this. Also of course we get a love interest just to have it hurt us. The ending wasn't the kind of cliffhanger that left me angry, im seriously looking so forward to seeing where this journey takes Adelaide.
September 28, 2026
Devastatingly brilliant
For a shorter book than I am accustomed to, it was a very easy read to get sucked into it relatively quickly. The premise of the story was the first to hook me, but boy am I glad I got to read this as an ARC from the author. It took me a couple chapters before I really got sucked in but the works building, character driven story is one that will linger on My mind for some time. The FMC was sassy, strong, determined and easy to relate to. I loved how much she grew as the story progressed, and for a while there I was completely oblivious to what was going to happen next, and just when I thought I knew what direction this story would take me, the author presented the reader *that* ending! Deliciously devious and I'm delighted I got to read it before it's release. It's absolutely perfect and I cannot wait to read the second book!
For a shorter book than I am accustomed to, it was a very easy read to get sucked into it relatively quickly. The premise of the story was the first to hook me, but boy am I glad I got to read this as an ARC from the author. It took me a couple chapters before I really got sucked in but the works building, character driven story is one that will linger on My mind for some time. The FMC was sassy, strong, determined and easy to relate to. I loved how much she grew as the story progressed, and for a while there I was completely oblivious to what was going to happen next, and just when I thought I knew what direction this story would take me, the author presented the reader *that* ending! Deliciously devious and I'm delighted I got to read it before it's release. It's absolutely perfect and I cannot wait to read the second book!
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