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Nightwalkers of Concord #1
A Crimson Covenant
An adult sapphic romantasy filled with angst, obligation, and magic.
The vampires and werewolves of the town of Concord have for centuries worked to keep their home secret and safe. With the heirs of the founding houses paired from a young age to train together and complement each other, life is almost ideal.
Arche, lycan heir to the Warden Clan, is beginning to resent her best friend and partner, and can’t tell anyone.
Lenora, the vampiric heir to the House of the Arcane, is struggling with the expectations of an additional destiny she never wanted. Not to mention being in love with her partner, who is in love with someone else.
All of which matters much less when Concord is attacked by violent, vindictive cultists. In shock, on the run, and without the partners they’ve had for years, Arche and Lenora must venture far from home for the first time in search of something that will save their people. And, perhaps, consider that some partnerships are better forged in fire.
The vampires and werewolves of the town of Concord have for centuries worked to keep their home secret and safe. With the heirs of the founding houses paired from a young age to train together and complement each other, life is almost ideal.
Arche, lycan heir to the Warden Clan, is beginning to resent her best friend and partner, and can’t tell anyone.
Lenora, the vampiric heir to the House of the Arcane, is struggling with the expectations of an additional destiny she never wanted. Not to mention being in love with her partner, who is in love with someone else.
All of which matters much less when Concord is attacked by violent, vindictive cultists. In shock, on the run, and without the partners they’ve had for years, Arche and Lenora must venture far from home for the first time in search of something that will save their people. And, perhaps, consider that some partnerships are better forged in fire.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2024
38 people are currently reading
2042 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Donnellan
15 books123 followersAimee Donnellan is an author of fantasy adventures and romances centering queer women. She loves to write about bisexuals even more chaotic and disastrous than herself.
She lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her fiancè — who helps her write and worldbuild — and dreams of dog ownership when not playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons.
She lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her fiancè — who helps her write and worldbuild — and dreams of dog ownership when not playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
November 23, 2024
rating: 3.75★
this was a lighthearted fantasy adventure with a sapphic romance at the focus.
i like the subversion of the typical trope of vampires vs. werewolves and instead, donnellan has created a world where they've become allies and built their own community together.
lenora and arché's romance was sweet and organic and definitely my favorite part of this. they learn to rely on each other as allies, then friends, then lovers.
the world was fun w its dnd vibes and had its own magic system as well as rules for vampires/lycans, but it didn't stand out too much. the romance is what delivered and carried the story for me.
this was a perfect lighter fantasy break from my super heavy read of baru.
an honest arc review ♡
this was a lighthearted fantasy adventure with a sapphic romance at the focus.
i like the subversion of the typical trope of vampires vs. werewolves and instead, donnellan has created a world where they've become allies and built their own community together.
lenora and arché's romance was sweet and organic and definitely my favorite part of this. they learn to rely on each other as allies, then friends, then lovers.
the world was fun w its dnd vibes and had its own magic system as well as rules for vampires/lycans, but it didn't stand out too much. the romance is what delivered and carried the story for me.
this was a perfect lighter fantasy break from my super heavy read of baru.
an honest arc review ♡
December 17, 2024
[2.5/5] ✦
thank you to netgalley for the arc
unfortunately... this one didn't work for me huhuhu.
₊˚ ⊹ the plot was waaayyy too drawn out, especially for the first 2/3 of the book. it dragged in so many places and there weren't very many notable events in the story at the beginning, so much so that it all seemed to blend together. the plot felt a little chaotic and all over the place and it should definitely have been shorter. we also didn't really get to know much about the side characters, concord, or the crusaders before arché and lenora leave so it ended up being very difficult to care about them or their motives. for example, whenever arché thought about how much she missed her family, it was difficult to feel bad for her, as we didn't really get to know her family at the beginning... like at all.
₊˚ ⊹ the characters also fell quite flat. while lenora's personality was decently captivating and interesting, arché's wasn't so much as most of the time i was just very annoyed with how immature and annoying she could be. there were also too many underdeveloped side characters. leahi and alta were the most interesting side characters. they were both quite charismatic so it was easy to like and root for them and their stories, whereas many of the other characters were quite bland and didn't really have very distinct personalities.
though, with all that being said, i thought the premise was very nice and creative! werewolves and vampires teaming up to save their town was such a fun idea, but i just wish it was executed a little better. i did like the writing style though, so i'll probably give the second book in this series a try when it is released!
♡ pre-read review ♡
i need to read this soon, the downloaded ver from netgalley is about to expire help (߹ ᯅ ߹)
pretty excited for this one!! i love vampires (and werewolves) and having them be allies in a book, rather than enemies, is such an interesting concept!!
thank you to netgalley for the arc
unfortunately... this one didn't work for me huhuhu.
₊˚ ⊹ the plot was waaayyy too drawn out, especially for the first 2/3 of the book. it dragged in so many places and there weren't very many notable events in the story at the beginning, so much so that it all seemed to blend together. the plot felt a little chaotic and all over the place and it should definitely have been shorter. we also didn't really get to know much about the side characters, concord, or the crusaders before arché and lenora leave so it ended up being very difficult to care about them or their motives. for example, whenever arché thought about how much she missed her family, it was difficult to feel bad for her, as we didn't really get to know her family at the beginning... like at all.
₊˚ ⊹ the characters also fell quite flat. while lenora's personality was decently captivating and interesting, arché's wasn't so much as most of the time i was just very annoyed with how immature and annoying she could be. there were also too many underdeveloped side characters. leahi and alta were the most interesting side characters. they were both quite charismatic so it was easy to like and root for them and their stories, whereas many of the other characters were quite bland and didn't really have very distinct personalities.
though, with all that being said, i thought the premise was very nice and creative! werewolves and vampires teaming up to save their town was such a fun idea, but i just wish it was executed a little better. i did like the writing style though, so i'll probably give the second book in this series a try when it is released!
♡ pre-read review ♡
i need to read this soon, the downloaded ver from netgalley is about to expire help (߹ ᯅ ߹)
pretty excited for this one!! i love vampires (and werewolves) and having them be allies in a book, rather than enemies, is such an interesting concept!!
March 24, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book so much, I can not get over it honestly. I went in knowing only a little bit about the plot and characters, but it made everything so much better. This book follows the story of Lenora and Arché, two heirs to the founding families of Concord who have to embark on a quest to save their people when a cult tries to eliminate the people of their home. I love that Lenora and Arché both feel so distinctly human in a way. Throughout the story we see so much of how they struggle, but we also see how they grow and are able to work through their struggles together. I loved seeing their relationship form, starting from misunderstandings and morphing into a love so strong that they were able to take on anything that was thrown their way, knowing that they had each other's backs. I'm really hoping we get to see more of them in later books in the series, even as just a side couple. This book also had such good found family moments, the way the friendships in this book were written and the ability of Aimee Donnellan to write them so deeply was absolutely amazing. I'm honestly so excited to see what comes next in this series, as we are left with quite a few unanswered questions at the end of the book. I'm also really excited to see how more of the relationships play out from those we've already seen hints of throughout the story. Overall, I think this is an amazing sapphic read and honestly really recommend for anyone in the mood for a sapphic romantasy that's full of action, found family, and for really strong couples.
I enjoyed this book so much, I can not get over it honestly. I went in knowing only a little bit about the plot and characters, but it made everything so much better. This book follows the story of Lenora and Arché, two heirs to the founding families of Concord who have to embark on a quest to save their people when a cult tries to eliminate the people of their home. I love that Lenora and Arché both feel so distinctly human in a way. Throughout the story we see so much of how they struggle, but we also see how they grow and are able to work through their struggles together. I loved seeing their relationship form, starting from misunderstandings and morphing into a love so strong that they were able to take on anything that was thrown their way, knowing that they had each other's backs. I'm really hoping we get to see more of them in later books in the series, even as just a side couple. This book also had such good found family moments, the way the friendships in this book were written and the ability of Aimee Donnellan to write them so deeply was absolutely amazing. I'm honestly so excited to see what comes next in this series, as we are left with quite a few unanswered questions at the end of the book. I'm also really excited to see how more of the relationships play out from those we've already seen hints of throughout the story. Overall, I think this is an amazing sapphic read and honestly really recommend for anyone in the mood for a sapphic romantasy that's full of action, found family, and for really strong couples.
June 25, 2025
4 Stars
The Crimson Covenant is a magical fantasy novel by new to me author Aimee Donnellan. I enjoyed the story very much with its new and diverse world of vampires and werewolves as allies.
I was impressed by the author’s take on the werewolf/vampire dynamic especially having both species train and coexist together. Since we are all so used to both species being sworn enemies since the beginning of time, this little tweak makes a world of difference to a topic that’s been done a thousand times over.
The best asset of Crimson Covenant for me was the build up between the MCs. Their starting point as a love triangle was something different from the usual. The development was slow like molasses, forced to work together due to dire extenuating circumstances plus carrying their personal baggage, their friendship was forged in fire. Just like watching a seedling sprout and bloom to its fullness, it was beautiful to witness their relationship grow and mature from indifferent acquaintances to something deeper and more meaningful. And it wouldn’t have been so if the process was rushed. So, the author taking their time showing the readers a realistic process of growing trust and friendship was a great move.
In summary, if you like quality sapphic fantasy stories involving supernatural beings, The Crimson Covenant is a good bet.
The Crimson Covenant is a magical fantasy novel by new to me author Aimee Donnellan. I enjoyed the story very much with its new and diverse world of vampires and werewolves as allies.
I was impressed by the author’s take on the werewolf/vampire dynamic especially having both species train and coexist together. Since we are all so used to both species being sworn enemies since the beginning of time, this little tweak makes a world of difference to a topic that’s been done a thousand times over.
The best asset of Crimson Covenant for me was the build up between the MCs. Their starting point as a love triangle was something different from the usual. The development was slow like molasses, forced to work together due to dire extenuating circumstances plus carrying their personal baggage, their friendship was forged in fire. Just like watching a seedling sprout and bloom to its fullness, it was beautiful to witness their relationship grow and mature from indifferent acquaintances to something deeper and more meaningful. And it wouldn’t have been so if the process was rushed. So, the author taking their time showing the readers a realistic process of growing trust and friendship was a great move.
In summary, if you like quality sapphic fantasy stories involving supernatural beings, The Crimson Covenant is a good bet.
November 16, 2024
This book was such an unexpected delight. There is very little I don’t like about it. I think this might be the most diverse cast of characters and dynamics in a book without feeling tokenized. The queer and mental health representation is truly so well done, and the natural diversity of Concord feels like a warm hug. I devoured this book in two days, mostly because I could not get Lenora and Arché out of my head. I simply got so immersed in this world that it was hard to leave. This book is dual POV, which I love so you can see the inner workings of each main characters minds. When things got spicy between our characters, the constant check ins with each other and reassurance is beautiful to see. This book also explores complex family dynamics with high expectations.
There is one part of the plot that brought me out of the book, as it doesn’t quite seem necessary or make sense. It had to do with how Lenora obtains her full power. I thought this subplot left me with many unanswered questions. Once I read this scene, I was left wondering “that’s it?” I wanted to know why they were stuck, why was there a traitor? Was this done on purpose, or an accident? I do think a sub plot involving Lenora’s journey to her full potential was necessary, I’m just not sure I would use this way.
Overall I am so excited to continue this series! This was my first Aimee Donnellan book, and I’m sure it won’t be my last.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Stars
Stand Out - The casual diversity of the series
Thank you to @NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review 💫
There is one part of the plot that brought me out of the book, as it doesn’t quite seem necessary or make sense. It had to do with how Lenora obtains her full power. I thought this subplot left me with many unanswered questions. Once I read this scene, I was left wondering “that’s it?” I wanted to know why they were stuck, why was there a traitor? Was this done on purpose, or an accident? I do think a sub plot involving Lenora’s journey to her full potential was necessary, I’m just not sure I would use this way.
Overall I am so excited to continue this series! This was my first Aimee Donnellan book, and I’m sure it won’t be my last.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Stars
Stand Out - The casual diversity of the series
Thank you to @NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review 💫
October 10, 2024
This was my first Aimee Donnellan book, and holy heck, it won't be my last! There was something very special and soft about how natural diversity was in the world of Concord, and I'm really glad that I came across the one book that revived my love for romantasy.
In this book we meet Arché and Lenora, two young women who haven't interacted much until a brutal siege on their hometown forces them to flee together in search of help. On the one hand, Arché doesn't quite know what to make of Lenora; on the other, Lenora harbors deep-seated resentment towards Arché for having been the object of Lenora's crush's affections. What starts out as an unlikely alliance for the sake of Concord soon grows into a much deeper bond, and together the two women will have to find a way to save their people.
One of the things that I loved the most about "A Crimson Covenant" was the beautiful worldbuilding, which was at once cozy and magical. Sometimes getting acquainted with a fantasy world gets overwhelming, particularly with too-rich, too-complex ones, but the "A Crimson Covenant" one was lovely all around and felt almost like coming home! There was very rich lore that was seamlessly woven into the story at just the right times, and although it's quite a challenge for obvious reasons, Aimee Donnellan managed to give vampires and werewolves a very interesting twist in her book.
There were many quotes that resonated with me, but I can't not mention the dedication. I feel like many of us have been made to feel overwhelming, unbearable and overall just not people that can be loved because they are "too much". Seeing an author address us in a dedication, then spend a whole book showing us that there is love for us too... It brought me to tears. Even more special was to see Arché, one of the deuteragonists, struggle with rejection-sensitive dysphoria and the crippling feelings of worthlessness that come with ADHD, since I hardly ever find ADHD rep that goes beyond the more externalising symptoms to discuss internalising ones. It was really special to see myself in a character, for perhaps the first time in my life, and Arché won me over pretty quickly. There was also the matter of Lenora's depression, which was handled with care and, in my opinion, did an amazing job of depicting what so-called high-functioning depression looks like. I loved that it wasn't there just for the shock value, nor as Lenora's sole personality trait, but rather as another part of Lenora's identity.
Even though the plot starts practically in media res, the story was easy to follow and entertaining, and I often found myself mesmerised by the twists and turns in the path to Arché and Lenora's fate. There was also a large, yet well-handled, cast of secondary characters, and for all the trouble I always have with remembering them all, Aimee Donnellan's prose made it a lot easier for my brain to know who was who.
This was an excellent book, as well as an outstanding first installment for a series, and I'm dying to put my hands on its sequel!!
In this book we meet Arché and Lenora, two young women who haven't interacted much until a brutal siege on their hometown forces them to flee together in search of help. On the one hand, Arché doesn't quite know what to make of Lenora; on the other, Lenora harbors deep-seated resentment towards Arché for having been the object of Lenora's crush's affections. What starts out as an unlikely alliance for the sake of Concord soon grows into a much deeper bond, and together the two women will have to find a way to save their people.
One of the things that I loved the most about "A Crimson Covenant" was the beautiful worldbuilding, which was at once cozy and magical. Sometimes getting acquainted with a fantasy world gets overwhelming, particularly with too-rich, too-complex ones, but the "A Crimson Covenant" one was lovely all around and felt almost like coming home! There was very rich lore that was seamlessly woven into the story at just the right times, and although it's quite a challenge for obvious reasons, Aimee Donnellan managed to give vampires and werewolves a very interesting twist in her book.
There were many quotes that resonated with me, but I can't not mention the dedication. I feel like many of us have been made to feel overwhelming, unbearable and overall just not people that can be loved because they are "too much". Seeing an author address us in a dedication, then spend a whole book showing us that there is love for us too... It brought me to tears. Even more special was to see Arché, one of the deuteragonists, struggle with rejection-sensitive dysphoria and the crippling feelings of worthlessness that come with ADHD, since I hardly ever find ADHD rep that goes beyond the more externalising symptoms to discuss internalising ones. It was really special to see myself in a character, for perhaps the first time in my life, and Arché won me over pretty quickly. There was also the matter of Lenora's depression, which was handled with care and, in my opinion, did an amazing job of depicting what so-called high-functioning depression looks like. I loved that it wasn't there just for the shock value, nor as Lenora's sole personality trait, but rather as another part of Lenora's identity.
Even though the plot starts practically in media res, the story was easy to follow and entertaining, and I often found myself mesmerised by the twists and turns in the path to Arché and Lenora's fate. There was also a large, yet well-handled, cast of secondary characters, and for all the trouble I always have with remembering them all, Aimee Donnellan's prose made it a lot easier for my brain to know who was who.
This was an excellent book, as well as an outstanding first installment for a series, and I'm dying to put my hands on its sequel!!
November 20, 2024
thank you so much to the author for the early copy! all opinions are my own!
aimee donnellan has become an auto read author of mine and i can't be happier because i was sooooo surprised by this book!!
it wasn't just the action and the idea of having to save their town. it was about furfulling expectations, accepting that no one is as perfect as they seem, that you can rely on others who want to help you. and i think that's what made this book so special, how it treated these things with such care my heart just shuddered whenever i read about the MCs' struggles. also, i love how sexualities are so casual, how everyone can be with whoever they want and no one will judge. i adore the importance of consent, of how it was asked and given (we need more of these in books). AND THE SMUTTY SCENES???? I WAS NOT EXPECTING THOSE OMG AIMEE I HAD TO PRETEND EVERYTHING WAS FINE WHILE READING THE BOOK IN PUBLIC 😱😱
i really adored their journey and how much they changed because of it. i love how it didn't take them days or wasn't described as such, a careful detail that not many authors take note of. so yeah, i'm really happy to have been able to read it and i cannot WAIT for the next book in the series 😍😍
aimee donnellan has become an auto read author of mine and i can't be happier because i was sooooo surprised by this book!!
it wasn't just the action and the idea of having to save their town. it was about furfulling expectations, accepting that no one is as perfect as they seem, that you can rely on others who want to help you. and i think that's what made this book so special, how it treated these things with such care my heart just shuddered whenever i read about the MCs' struggles. also, i love how sexualities are so casual, how everyone can be with whoever they want and no one will judge. i adore the importance of consent, of how it was asked and given (we need more of these in books). AND THE SMUTTY SCENES???? I WAS NOT EXPECTING THOSE OMG AIMEE I HAD TO PRETEND EVERYTHING WAS FINE WHILE READING THE BOOK IN PUBLIC 😱😱
i really adored their journey and how much they changed because of it. i love how it didn't take them days or wasn't described as such, a careful detail that not many authors take note of. so yeah, i'm really happy to have been able to read it and i cannot WAIT for the next book in the series 😍😍
October 30, 2024
I had the amazing opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this book and boy did it not disappoint! I’ve been searching for a Sapphic Romantasy that would make me feel something. This was that and more! I loved the magical elements and the characters as well as the character development between Arche and Lenora.
If you’re looking for a book with vampires and werewolves, angst, obligation and spice! Look no further.
If you’re looking for a book with vampires and werewolves, angst, obligation and spice! Look no further.
November 22, 2024
First, thank you, Aimee, for allowing me to read this ARC copy through NetGalley. I have never had the opportunity to read and review a nonpublished book, so I was very excited to receive this copy. It took me about four days to read this book, so I’m telling you I was hooked from the start.
Some pros of the book: I admire the portrayal of Arche’s (werewolf/lycan) and Lenora’s (Vampire) mental health and personal conflicts. The pressure of being the heirs to their respected house and losing their partners, along with being away from home after experiencing traumatic events is amazingly depicted. Some parts of the book had me kicking my feet in secondhand embarrassment, and other parts had me giggling at the relationship between the werewolf and vampire.
Some cons of the book: I am not sure if it is just me, but when reading, there were times I had issues figuring out who was talking or who was fighting despite the chapters being in either Lenora’s or Arche’s point of view. Another con (personally) was the ending. I understand the concept and why it ended how it did, but for some reason, it feels incomplete, like the ending was abrupt and slightly random.
Again, these are my personal opinions. Don’t let my comments dissuade you from reading this book. Instead, I suggest you read Crimson Covenant for yourself, and then express your disagreement or agreement with my opinions.
Thank you, Aimee, for allowing me to read your book. I can’t wait for the other two in this trilogy to come out so we can see what happens next!
Some pros of the book: I admire the portrayal of Arche’s (werewolf/lycan) and Lenora’s (Vampire) mental health and personal conflicts. The pressure of being the heirs to their respected house and losing their partners, along with being away from home after experiencing traumatic events is amazingly depicted. Some parts of the book had me kicking my feet in secondhand embarrassment, and other parts had me giggling at the relationship between the werewolf and vampire.
Some cons of the book: I am not sure if it is just me, but when reading, there were times I had issues figuring out who was talking or who was fighting despite the chapters being in either Lenora’s or Arche’s point of view. Another con (personally) was the ending. I understand the concept and why it ended how it did, but for some reason, it feels incomplete, like the ending was abrupt and slightly random.
Again, these are my personal opinions. Don’t let my comments dissuade you from reading this book. Instead, I suggest you read Crimson Covenant for yourself, and then express your disagreement or agreement with my opinions.
Thank you, Aimee, for allowing me to read your book. I can’t wait for the other two in this trilogy to come out so we can see what happens next!
January 15, 2025
One of the better romantasy books I've read. The characters felt very real, with real struggles and diversity.
This book is carried heavily by the (very) slow burn romance, but also the growing friendship between Arché and Lenora. If you're more interested in complex magic systems, or any other world-lore, you may be a bit disappointed. Usually I dislike romantasy exactly for this reason, but the way the characters were fleshed out, had conflict, and solved it again, truly got me hooked.
I don't think it's for everyone, but if you like romantasy I totally recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is carried heavily by the (very) slow burn romance, but also the growing friendship between Arché and Lenora. If you're more interested in complex magic systems, or any other world-lore, you may be a bit disappointed. Usually I dislike romantasy exactly for this reason, but the way the characters were fleshed out, had conflict, and solved it again, truly got me hooked.
I don't think it's for everyone, but if you like romantasy I totally recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 15, 2024
thank you Aimee for the earc
I really enjoyed this book, I found the worldbuilding really interesting and "new", i loved the concept of them being nightwalkers . I really liked every characters but Lenora has a special place in my heart.
I loved the sapphic relationship, they had a really good chemistry .
I also liked the demi rep, it was well done.
I'm curious to read other books from this serie.
I really enjoyed this book, I found the worldbuilding really interesting and "new", i loved the concept of them being nightwalkers . I really liked every characters but Lenora has a special place in my heart.
I loved the sapphic relationship, they had a really good chemistry .
I also liked the demi rep, it was well done.
I'm curious to read other books from this serie.
Want to read
July 28, 2024July 29, 2024
Found this thanks to Twitter! ✨ can’t wait to read it!
Found this thanks to Twitter! ✨ can’t wait to read it!
November 26, 2024
After reading the premise of A Crimson Covenant, I was excited to get the ARC, and this romantasy by Aimee Donnellan did not disappoint! The author creates a unique queernormative world where shifters, vampires, and all manner of magic users coexist.
Our two main characters live in a city isolated for safety, as werewolves and vampires are perceived as monsters. The lore surrounding the city of Concord and its inhabitants is unique, as are the rules that govern this society. When religious zealots attack their home, our two main characters are thrown together as the only hope to journey for help. Until that time, they had preconceived opinions of each other. Throughout their quest, they grow closer and realize that they do not really know each other at all. As they seek help to rescue their people, their bond solidifies. There are challenging and beautiful times of caring and nurturing one another and struggling to understand their differences.
Mental health issues, such as attention deficit, depression, anxiety, and crippling self-doubt, are explored so very well, along with demisexual orientation, genderfluid identity, and more, making this a lovely amalgam of important diverse representation.
Explicit consent and gentleness mark the intimate scenes, as well as adventurous exploration. Commitment and communication lead to a touch-her-and-die type of relationship that is the heart of this adventure. I smiled and maybe teared up a little at some scenes between Lenora and Arche. And the chemistry is fantastic!
A Crimson Covenant is a character-driven adventure where we see real growth as the MCs battle their personal demons and cultists at every turn. Family, community, and a strong moral code motivate the end boss battle.
A little mystery is left for the future of this series, giving us something to look forward to, but the ending is satisfying enough to hold over for the wait.
This book reminds me a bit of Aurora's Angel by Emily Noon. It is similar in that we have a butch/femme dynamic, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, though together a solid unit. They travel with a destination/goal in sight. They bond along the way, and they have a beautiful relationship. It is different enough through world-building, lore, system of magic, and home, community, and family dynamics to set it apart.
This is now on my list of favorites in the genre.
#romantasty #butch/femme #quest #shifters #vampires #magicusers ##questingparty #endbattle #worldbuilding #demisexualrep #WOCrep #mentalhealth #ADHA #depression #anxiety #familysupport #queernormative #fantasy #sapphic #oppositesattract #consentissexy #touchheranddie
I received a free ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
Our two main characters live in a city isolated for safety, as werewolves and vampires are perceived as monsters. The lore surrounding the city of Concord and its inhabitants is unique, as are the rules that govern this society. When religious zealots attack their home, our two main characters are thrown together as the only hope to journey for help. Until that time, they had preconceived opinions of each other. Throughout their quest, they grow closer and realize that they do not really know each other at all. As they seek help to rescue their people, their bond solidifies. There are challenging and beautiful times of caring and nurturing one another and struggling to understand their differences.
Mental health issues, such as attention deficit, depression, anxiety, and crippling self-doubt, are explored so very well, along with demisexual orientation, genderfluid identity, and more, making this a lovely amalgam of important diverse representation.
Explicit consent and gentleness mark the intimate scenes, as well as adventurous exploration. Commitment and communication lead to a touch-her-and-die type of relationship that is the heart of this adventure. I smiled and maybe teared up a little at some scenes between Lenora and Arche. And the chemistry is fantastic!
A Crimson Covenant is a character-driven adventure where we see real growth as the MCs battle their personal demons and cultists at every turn. Family, community, and a strong moral code motivate the end boss battle.
A little mystery is left for the future of this series, giving us something to look forward to, but the ending is satisfying enough to hold over for the wait.
This book reminds me a bit of Aurora's Angel by Emily Noon. It is similar in that we have a butch/femme dynamic, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, though together a solid unit. They travel with a destination/goal in sight. They bond along the way, and they have a beautiful relationship. It is different enough through world-building, lore, system of magic, and home, community, and family dynamics to set it apart.
This is now on my list of favorites in the genre.
#romantasty #butch/femme #quest #shifters #vampires #magicusers ##questingparty #endbattle #worldbuilding #demisexualrep #WOCrep #mentalhealth #ADHA #depression #anxiety #familysupport #queernormative #fantasy #sapphic #oppositesattract #consentissexy #touchheranddie
I received a free ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
December 21, 2024
2 ⭐️ - 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞…
As much as I love a good romance, this romantasy was kinda tough to read, in the sense that it felt like a drag. Which is why it took so long to finish.
I enjoyed this but not as much as I had hoped. The summary is what drew me to read this but when I was reading this, the story felt very dull - well at least not on the spice side. It felt like there was too much things going on and the trip that Arché and Lenora went on felt like it went on forever.
The story could’ve been shorter if there were things that were taken out, like the week’s trip which went on for about 170-ish pages. I get it though, it’s to build the story but a lot of the time it felt like it was unnecessary and boring.
As much as I liked the sapphic romance and the spice, what I didn’t like was Arché’s lack of communication in some chapters. It felt like she got depressed a lot and couldn’t find comfort in Lenora when (once the romance began) she was constantly there for her. It was infuriating. Especially when Arché “lost control" which, if I can recall, was not mentioned what it meant when a Lycan loses control during the full moon. So there were also a few unanswered questions that it left.
Overall, this novel was not for me. I enjoyed it but not a lot. I liked the side characters a touch more than the main ones; Tunvra is so mysterious I wanna know more bout him, Lenora’s sibling and Andreas and Mira’s relationship dynamic. Not to mention Leahi - she sounds pre interesting too.
I am very invested into seeing Nikos’ story, cause bruh whattt!! What happens for him now, I need to know. I’d continue with the next book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Aimee Donnellan for the arc in exchange for a review.
As much as I love a good romance, this romantasy was kinda tough to read, in the sense that it felt like a drag. Which is why it took so long to finish.
I enjoyed this but not as much as I had hoped. The summary is what drew me to read this but when I was reading this, the story felt very dull - well at least not on the spice side. It felt like there was too much things going on and the trip that Arché and Lenora went on felt like it went on forever.
The story could’ve been shorter if there were things that were taken out, like the week’s trip which went on for about 170-ish pages. I get it though, it’s to build the story but a lot of the time it felt like it was unnecessary and boring.
As much as I liked the sapphic romance and the spice, what I didn’t like was Arché’s lack of communication in some chapters. It felt like she got depressed a lot and couldn’t find comfort in Lenora when (once the romance began) she was constantly there for her. It was infuriating. Especially when Arché “lost control" which, if I can recall, was not mentioned what it meant when a Lycan loses control during the full moon. So there were also a few unanswered questions that it left.
Overall, this novel was not for me. I enjoyed it but not a lot. I liked the side characters a touch more than the main ones; Tunvra is so mysterious I wanna know more bout him, Lenora’s sibling and Andreas and Mira’s relationship dynamic. Not to mention Leahi - she sounds pre interesting too.
I am very invested into seeing Nikos’ story, cause bruh whattt!! What happens for him now, I need to know. I’d continue with the next book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Aimee Donnellan for the arc in exchange for a review.
October 25, 2024
This book is so good I had to postpone finishing it for as long as I could bear cause I knew it would be one of those books you cherish the first time you read it- and are definitely going to reread.
The world at his author has created is beautiful and inclusive and I’m excited to learn more about it- the setup for future books was incredibly well done I definitely want to see what is going to happen.
There’s something about religious fanatics committing atrocities for their god that is horribly familiar so the ending was satisfying af.
The adhd representation is better than I’ve ever seen I found these characters and their emotional and mental struggles so very relatable- I think they are both neurodivergent and the author does an amazing job of showing not telling that.
Honestly already wish I could go back in time and read this for the first time again it was so good.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC. This is my voluntary review.
The world at his author has created is beautiful and inclusive and I’m excited to learn more about it- the setup for future books was incredibly well done I definitely want to see what is going to happen.
There’s something about religious fanatics committing atrocities for their god that is horribly familiar so the ending was satisfying af.
The adhd representation is better than I’ve ever seen I found these characters and their emotional and mental struggles so very relatable- I think they are both neurodivergent and the author does an amazing job of showing not telling that.
Honestly already wish I could go back in time and read this for the first time again it was so good.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC. This is my voluntary review.
December 14, 2024
Mixed feelings about this, I love the premise and the execution was fine but the first half was soooooo slow. The romance takes so long to even enter the chat and THEN the slow burn pining begins, which makes everything drag on. The back half was stronger but it was hard to feel invested after the front slog. I also felt like things wrapped up a bit too conveniently in the end which made it fall a little flat.
If someone asked me for wolf/vampire sapphic novels (a pretty niche genre) I'd definitely recommend it but it wouldn't qualify for just general sapphic fantasy rep.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aimee Donnellan for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
If someone asked me for wolf/vampire sapphic novels (a pretty niche genre) I'd definitely recommend it but it wouldn't qualify for just general sapphic fantasy rep.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aimee Donnellan for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
December 7, 2024
I recieved this book as an arc and I flew through it, literally couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with Arche and Lenora and found myself giggling and kicking my feet as their relationship blossomed. Honestly such a fun read with characters that will stick with you long after you’re done reading.
October 31, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Aimee Donnellan for providing me this eARC!
I was first drawn to the stunning cover of this book after seeing it on Tiktok, then I read the blurb and it sounded so great so I immediately went on Netgalley to request it!
I DEVOURED this book and loved it so much that I had to postpone finishing it because I just did not want it to end.
"She burns bright at the centre of Arché's entire world. Like the sun Lenora so despises, she has become the light and warmth Arché looks for in every waking moment."
I love the relationship between Lenora and Arché, it was so so beautiful and very cute. All of their conversations and arguments felt very real which I thought was really interesting. The way they respect each other and really gave each other space when needed was so important and I'm so glad Donnellan wrote it just as she did! It was also interesting to follow them through same situations but through their own perspectives. I especially loved that they both had some of the same struggles, yet they dealt with them so differently.
The only criticism I have on this book is that the action sequences could have been more complex and I wish the end battle felt more realistic, to me it seemed a little too easy especially when the whole story is about how much of a threat the enemies are.
The ADHD and depression representation was also great!!
Overall this is an amazing book and I can't wait to read more books by Aimee Donnellan! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves sapphic vampires and werewolves.
I was first drawn to the stunning cover of this book after seeing it on Tiktok, then I read the blurb and it sounded so great so I immediately went on Netgalley to request it!
I DEVOURED this book and loved it so much that I had to postpone finishing it because I just did not want it to end.
"She burns bright at the centre of Arché's entire world. Like the sun Lenora so despises, she has become the light and warmth Arché looks for in every waking moment."
I love the relationship between Lenora and Arché, it was so so beautiful and very cute. All of their conversations and arguments felt very real which I thought was really interesting. The way they respect each other and really gave each other space when needed was so important and I'm so glad Donnellan wrote it just as she did! It was also interesting to follow them through same situations but through their own perspectives. I especially loved that they both had some of the same struggles, yet they dealt with them so differently.
The only criticism I have on this book is that the action sequences could have been more complex and I wish the end battle felt more realistic, to me it seemed a little too easy especially when the whole story is about how much of a threat the enemies are.
The ADHD and depression representation was also great!!
Overall this is an amazing book and I can't wait to read more books by Aimee Donnellan! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves sapphic vampires and werewolves.
April 2, 2025
Big thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC copy of "A Crimson Covenant". This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.
Concord, a hidden city inhabited by werewolves and vampires that have managed to live in secret and harmony for centuries, pairing young heirs of the founding houses to train together, complementing each other and to contribute to the peaceful live everybody there benefits from. An ideal life, except for some of them.
Arché, lycan heir to the Warden Clan, is beginning to resent her best friend and fighting partner, a secret that is eating her alive little by little and can't never be spoken aloud.
Lenora, vampiric heir to the House of the Arcane, is struggling with the expectations of a destiny she never wanted. Not to mention the excruciating pain of being in love with her fighting partner and friend, Nicos, who is already in love with someone else.
All of this stops mattering when Concord is attacked by violent, vindictive cultists. Lots of people get hurt, some even killed, but most of them trapped and prepared to be transported somewhere else. Most except Lenora and Arché who, grieving, partnerless and on the run, will have to leave their animosity and differences aside if they want to figure who and why would attack their home and if they want to save it and their people.
I loved this one! It is the first book that I read of Aimee Donnellan, though she has a series of shorter books already out, but I found her through "A Crimson Covenant". I saw the book at NetGalley, it caught my attention and here we are. All this to say that I'm declaring myself a fan of A.D's books from now on. Why? Well, a bit of everything.
First, the world. Donnellan has crafted an amazing world in this book, vivid and full of detail. First, with Concord, a hidden city were werewolves and vampires and common humans live peacefully within their own rules and routines, with magic and training be the most important part of our protagonist, alongside their families. Because the founding houses take care of concord from their position of power, which makes them the protectors and the guides of all of Concord inhabitants. We spent little time in Concord before the attack, so I hope we get to see more of it in the next book of the series, 'cause I'm intrigued.
And second, with the rest of the world that's outside of Concord and that our protagonists barely know, since they were born and raise in Concord an never went out. So, we learn the world alongside them, the good, the bad, the middle ground; how people actually view werewolves and vampires, not liking them a bit, and how some may be as indifferent as in Concord when finding out who Arché and Lenora really are. They make friends and enemies alike and go lots of ways to find truths, saved their people and claim forgotten powers.
On one hand, we have Arché, heir to one of the founding houses, shouldering lots of responsibility and bearing heavy secrets that she can never mutter for risk of everyone finding her a horrible person. Which she is not, actually, but her anxiety will not let her see it (relatable). She must be perfect, always in control and keep everybody save. As said, a lot of responsibility for someone so young. An example of how anxiety (and all these things) can affect anybody no matter how parents try to do it correctly (whether they manage or not). But, like Lenora, she won't stop until she saves her loved ones and makes amends with the friends she lost and the ones she will gain in this adventure. I also loved how her weapon of choice was a shield, not the usual type you'll see in protagonist in fantasy these days.
On the other hand, Lenora is the perfect example of a character with shadow magic done correct. She doesn't want those powers, but she is working hard to learn how to use them to help her people, no matter how "cursed" some of them say she is. But, those powers keep secrets that she'll have to unravel if she wants them to be of use. And that is why I say she is the perfect example, because while dangerous if not trained, the magic per se isn't bad (nor good) and it all depends on Lenora. And, having those powers, doesn't make her a bad person. All to say that having shadow powers is just a feature of the character (like their hair color, for example) and their personality doesn't have to be affected by them. Lenora is a lot of things, and while she struggles with life no matter her being one of the founding houses' heirs, she is never shamed by Arché for that.
All this to say that I loved Lenora's character, her resilience against life trying to bring her down, and her way of navigating the adventure, a world new to her and the loss of her loved ones.
The secondary characters, specifically the ones that join the girls in their quest, were amazing too. Well develop, with lives and motivations of their own, they felt rather real. They also provided a humorous touch that made me enjoy this book immensely. More over when Lenora and Arché have to lie about Arché feeding blood to Lenora and make up the excuse that they were together way before they actually got together, which generated awkward bur hilarious moments. I want to give an honorary mention to Arché's parent, an archeologist and studious of magic that add an incredible touch to the story; probably my favorite character of them all, so I hope they make more appearances in next books.
Finally, because nothing can be perfect in this life, I feel like this book dragged a bit in the middle, repeating the dynamics between Arché and Lenora a bit too much to emphasize some points. And, while it helped to create tension between the characters, it was a bit overdone for my taste. Also, and this is totally base on my personal taste and opinion and it doesn't make the book good nor bad, Lenora's character. She isn't as experience in sex as Arché (or other characters) due to her personality and being demisexual (I can't remember at the moment if the author confirmed it, but that's the impression she gives me), and so this fact bleeds into how she experiences the sexual aspects of life. And yet, the moment she finally starts getting closer to Arché, and they develop that intimate bond and Lenora sees her as a potential love interest ans object of her sexual desires, it all happened a bit too much for me, because it didn't feel as realistic within Lenora's character (for me, again, this is quite personal) to go that far with Arché that fast into all the sex they have on the page.
The chemistry was there, they spend lots of time together, get to know each other, get emotionally close, help each other when needed, etc, making a very healthy relationship full of trust and communication, something rare in romances these days and that should be more usual, really. There was tension, I was expecting the moment the finally talk about it, show their feelings and confess and could get together. Yet, when it came time for the sex and get physical after so much build up, it went a bit too fast for me. They kept communicating and making sure they were both comfortable (very important too) but they didn't stumble, nor was Lenora shy or doubted a bit.
I'm not sure if I'm making any sense😅 My point is that, for all the talk that Lenora has about her avoidant personality, not being that favorable towards sex and preferring a more emotional bond, she quickly goes overboard with whatever Arché proposes and being all active. And I'm not saying is back for her to want to have sex with someone she trust as Arché, of course not, just that I expected it to develop slow, like their emotional bond and relationship. That's all.
Anyway, that was quite the rant in the end, my bad. But I hope you enjoyed it and i manage to convince you to read "A Crimson Covenant". Perfect for fans of fantasy adventures with magic and pages full of tension and danger. I can't wait for book two, I need to know what happens next!
Concord, a hidden city inhabited by werewolves and vampires that have managed to live in secret and harmony for centuries, pairing young heirs of the founding houses to train together, complementing each other and to contribute to the peaceful live everybody there benefits from. An ideal life, except for some of them.
Arché, lycan heir to the Warden Clan, is beginning to resent her best friend and fighting partner, a secret that is eating her alive little by little and can't never be spoken aloud.
Lenora, vampiric heir to the House of the Arcane, is struggling with the expectations of a destiny she never wanted. Not to mention the excruciating pain of being in love with her fighting partner and friend, Nicos, who is already in love with someone else.
All of this stops mattering when Concord is attacked by violent, vindictive cultists. Lots of people get hurt, some even killed, but most of them trapped and prepared to be transported somewhere else. Most except Lenora and Arché who, grieving, partnerless and on the run, will have to leave their animosity and differences aside if they want to figure who and why would attack their home and if they want to save it and their people.
I loved this one! It is the first book that I read of Aimee Donnellan, though she has a series of shorter books already out, but I found her through "A Crimson Covenant". I saw the book at NetGalley, it caught my attention and here we are. All this to say that I'm declaring myself a fan of A.D's books from now on. Why? Well, a bit of everything.
First, the world. Donnellan has crafted an amazing world in this book, vivid and full of detail. First, with Concord, a hidden city were werewolves and vampires and common humans live peacefully within their own rules and routines, with magic and training be the most important part of our protagonist, alongside their families. Because the founding houses take care of concord from their position of power, which makes them the protectors and the guides of all of Concord inhabitants. We spent little time in Concord before the attack, so I hope we get to see more of it in the next book of the series, 'cause I'm intrigued.
And second, with the rest of the world that's outside of Concord and that our protagonists barely know, since they were born and raise in Concord an never went out. So, we learn the world alongside them, the good, the bad, the middle ground; how people actually view werewolves and vampires, not liking them a bit, and how some may be as indifferent as in Concord when finding out who Arché and Lenora really are. They make friends and enemies alike and go lots of ways to find truths, saved their people and claim forgotten powers.
On one hand, we have Arché, heir to one of the founding houses, shouldering lots of responsibility and bearing heavy secrets that she can never mutter for risk of everyone finding her a horrible person. Which she is not, actually, but her anxiety will not let her see it (relatable). She must be perfect, always in control and keep everybody save. As said, a lot of responsibility for someone so young. An example of how anxiety (and all these things) can affect anybody no matter how parents try to do it correctly (whether they manage or not). But, like Lenora, she won't stop until she saves her loved ones and makes amends with the friends she lost and the ones she will gain in this adventure. I also loved how her weapon of choice was a shield, not the usual type you'll see in protagonist in fantasy these days.
On the other hand, Lenora is the perfect example of a character with shadow magic done correct. She doesn't want those powers, but she is working hard to learn how to use them to help her people, no matter how "cursed" some of them say she is. But, those powers keep secrets that she'll have to unravel if she wants them to be of use. And that is why I say she is the perfect example, because while dangerous if not trained, the magic per se isn't bad (nor good) and it all depends on Lenora. And, having those powers, doesn't make her a bad person. All to say that having shadow powers is just a feature of the character (like their hair color, for example) and their personality doesn't have to be affected by them. Lenora is a lot of things, and while she struggles with life no matter her being one of the founding houses' heirs, she is never shamed by Arché for that.
All this to say that I loved Lenora's character, her resilience against life trying to bring her down, and her way of navigating the adventure, a world new to her and the loss of her loved ones.
The secondary characters, specifically the ones that join the girls in their quest, were amazing too. Well develop, with lives and motivations of their own, they felt rather real. They also provided a humorous touch that made me enjoy this book immensely. More over when Lenora and Arché have to lie about Arché feeding blood to Lenora and make up the excuse that they were together way before they actually got together, which generated awkward bur hilarious moments. I want to give an honorary mention to Arché's parent, an archeologist and studious of magic that add an incredible touch to the story; probably my favorite character of them all, so I hope they make more appearances in next books.
Finally, because nothing can be perfect in this life, I feel like this book dragged a bit in the middle, repeating the dynamics between Arché and Lenora a bit too much to emphasize some points. And, while it helped to create tension between the characters, it was a bit overdone for my taste. Also, and this is totally base on my personal taste and opinion and it doesn't make the book good nor bad, Lenora's character. She isn't as experience in sex as Arché (or other characters) due to her personality and being demisexual (I can't remember at the moment if the author confirmed it, but that's the impression she gives me), and so this fact bleeds into how she experiences the sexual aspects of life. And yet, the moment she finally starts getting closer to Arché, and they develop that intimate bond and Lenora sees her as a potential love interest ans object of her sexual desires, it all happened a bit too much for me, because it didn't feel as realistic within Lenora's character (for me, again, this is quite personal) to go that far with Arché that fast into all the sex they have on the page.
The chemistry was there, they spend lots of time together, get to know each other, get emotionally close, help each other when needed, etc, making a very healthy relationship full of trust and communication, something rare in romances these days and that should be more usual, really. There was tension, I was expecting the moment the finally talk about it, show their feelings and confess and could get together. Yet, when it came time for the sex and get physical after so much build up, it went a bit too fast for me. They kept communicating and making sure they were both comfortable (very important too) but they didn't stumble, nor was Lenora shy or doubted a bit.
I'm not sure if I'm making any sense😅 My point is that, for all the talk that Lenora has about her avoidant personality, not being that favorable towards sex and preferring a more emotional bond, she quickly goes overboard with whatever Arché proposes and being all active. And I'm not saying is back for her to want to have sex with someone she trust as Arché, of course not, just that I expected it to develop slow, like their emotional bond and relationship. That's all.
Anyway, that was quite the rant in the end, my bad. But I hope you enjoyed it and i manage to convince you to read "A Crimson Covenant". Perfect for fans of fantasy adventures with magic and pages full of tension and danger. I can't wait for book two, I need to know what happens next!
January 14, 2025
Oh my god I loved this so much. A CRIMSON COVENANT had me addicted to it from page one. Limiting myself to reading 1-hour increments on my lunch breaks was torturous, but looking forward to Arche and Lenora’s adventure got me through my mornings. I was at once intrigued by the setting and lore of this book—I always love seeing different authors’ unique spins on vampire (and werewolf) mythology. I loved the journey in this book—the adventure itself as well as the gradual growth of trust and affection between Arche and Lenora. I very much want to see more of them and their world, and I look forward to reading more of Donnellan’s work!
October 21, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Aimee Donnellan for approving my request to read an arc of this book.
“I fell in love with you because you tried so hard at everything even when the world made it difficult for you, because you created beauty to survive the monsters in your head. And then, when those voices came for *my* head, you saw the value in me.”
I was first drawn to this book by the stunning cover, then once I read the description I requested it immediately. I definitely didn’t regret it! This book was absolutely fantastic. I loved the world building and the queer normative setting so much. The slow burn romance was written just right. It didn’t drag and it wasn’t too rushed. I adored the representation. Both in adhd rep and also demi sexual, nonbinary and lesbian representation, plus so many more colours on the rainbow.
I couldn’t put this book down, the danger and the plans kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters. Arché and Lenora were such wonderful main characters and I really enjoyed getting to read their different povs throughout the story. I’m so happy that it’s going to be a series, as I’m not ready to say goodbye to them all yet.
There was such a lovely found family aspect to this story and the bonds that were built were so strong and beautiful.
As long as you’re comfortable with fantasy typical fighting and slight gore, then I’d recommend this book so highly. It was an absolute joy to read
featured
May 24, 2025Lenora from A Crimson Covenant is demiromantic demisexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
January 28, 2025
What to expect:
❤️ Sapphic Romance
❤️ Dual Third-person POV
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Action/Adventure
❤️ Lycans
❤️ Vampires that have Magic
❤️ Mages
❤️ Grief Representation
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶/5
I never would have thought an introduction to a sapphic romance would start with killing off the only relevant male characters. Absolutely WILD.
I was really interested in reading this story because there aren't as many sapphic romances out there as there should be, and I adore supernatural/paranormal fantasy.
I was really fascinated by the magic of this world: vampires who have magic, humans being called daywalkers, vampires and those of another nature being referred to as nightwalkers, a world outside the one our protagonists know, and bloodlines that maintain certain magical traits. It was A LOT to absorb, but it was executed quite well.
Arché, our lycan protagonist, reminded me of the song “Surface Pressure” by Jessica Darrow (Luisa’s song from the movie Encanto). She’s a selfless, hardworking, extremely hard on herself, anxiety-induced, respectful character. The thing I love the most about her is that although she struggles with dealing with her emotions that she often times pulls away from people, she doesn’t let misunderstandings stew. She’s extremely respectful of boundaries and consent and wants to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Lenora, our vampire protagonist, is a touch-starved, co-dependent, overthinker, who oftentimes remains in her head and avoids her problems until she no longer can. She, thankfully, gets better near the end of the book by learning to not avoid problems and trust in herself and her abilities. I didn’t like Lenora as much as I wish I did, but there were times I found her endearing. When she first takes blood from Arché and becomes elated/energetic, like a kid on a candy high, I found her adorable. Near the end of the book, when she tries to show Arché how much she cares for her and how she views her, invalidating any of Arché’s fears, I gained an appreciation for her.
This is a forced proximity and shared grief sapphic romance. Both Arché and Lenora lost people dear to them, one in particular (Nikos) who was an anchor for both of them. Nikos was someone Arché confided in when she felt lost, and Lenora was his partner and was in love with him. The relationship between the two is SLOW. EXTREMELY SLOW. The majority of the book is the characters talking to themselves in their head. The main issue with Arché and Lenora’s relationship is a lack of communication (I’m speaking on both the before and after of them establishing feelings for one another). Thankfully, these issues are cleared up rather quickly, but before they do, their internal monologue was both frustrating and saddening to read.
The villain being religion gone astray, was classic and somewhat boring, HOWEVER, I love how real the reactions of the characters were when they discovered the reason their town was invaded—I’ve always wanted a character to voice what Arché did when she was able to question one of the invaders.
The ending left me feeling empty?? I don’t really know how to explain it. It’s a complete story that sets up the next book interestingly enough. I'm intrigued to read it, however, I did not like how Lenora was in the end. For all her talk and the feelings she held at the beginning of the book, it didn’t make sense for her to act in the way she did, with such a lack of empathy (I would elaborate but it would be a MAJOR SPOILER).
One issue I have with this story is how the romance came to be. Why did a male have to die so they could be together? I found it a little frustrating and annoying that the connection between Lenora and Arché stemmed from their relationship with Nikos. I have NO issues with friends or acquaintances being introduced and then falling in love, but to make a “love triangle” the reason for a sapphic romance to occur, is kinda disappointing. And don’t get me wrong, I KNOW you can fall in love with someone else while having feelings for another—love is love and life happens—BUT Arché and Lenora’s seemed to dwindle to forced proximity and shared grief. While Arché’s feelings for Lenora appear more genuine and reasonable, Lenora’s realization that she was in love with Arché went from zero to one hundred real quick, and really only stemmed when she was comparing her love for Nikos to her feelings for Arché—which I get because she’s never been in a proper relationship, but it felt halfhearted. It wasn’t as believable as Arché’s moment of realization. Love that stems from death is true and real and possible, but I feel that this execution wasn't done as well as it could have been.
Another issue I had was the random namedrops. No context on who this person is at the time of mention, and the little explanations of who they are that follow the initial name drop weren’t helpful. It was even more confusing at the very end of the book when the main battle occurs and you’re being introduced to people who are relevant to Concord that you were not introduced to in the beginning chapters.
I really loved the action scenes, they were immersive. My FAVORITE character is Alta, one of Arché’s parents. I loved reading every scene they were in.
OVERALL, it was a good book. The characters left me somewhat frustrated, and I often had to reread a page because of the random namedrops, BUT if you’re in the mood for an action and adventure, sapphic fantasy romance, I recommend giving this book a read.
I received an eARC from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
❤️ Sapphic Romance
❤️ Dual Third-person POV
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Action/Adventure
❤️ Lycans
❤️ Vampires that have Magic
❤️ Mages
❤️ Grief Representation
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶/5
I never would have thought an introduction to a sapphic romance would start with killing off the only relevant male characters. Absolutely WILD.
I was really interested in reading this story because there aren't as many sapphic romances out there as there should be, and I adore supernatural/paranormal fantasy.
I was really fascinated by the magic of this world: vampires who have magic, humans being called daywalkers, vampires and those of another nature being referred to as nightwalkers, a world outside the one our protagonists know, and bloodlines that maintain certain magical traits. It was A LOT to absorb, but it was executed quite well.
Arché, our lycan protagonist, reminded me of the song “Surface Pressure” by Jessica Darrow (Luisa’s song from the movie Encanto). She’s a selfless, hardworking, extremely hard on herself, anxiety-induced, respectful character. The thing I love the most about her is that although she struggles with dealing with her emotions that she often times pulls away from people, she doesn’t let misunderstandings stew. She’s extremely respectful of boundaries and consent and wants to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Lenora, our vampire protagonist, is a touch-starved, co-dependent, overthinker, who oftentimes remains in her head and avoids her problems until she no longer can. She, thankfully, gets better near the end of the book by learning to not avoid problems and trust in herself and her abilities. I didn’t like Lenora as much as I wish I did, but there were times I found her endearing. When she first takes blood from Arché and becomes elated/energetic, like a kid on a candy high, I found her adorable. Near the end of the book, when she tries to show Arché how much she cares for her and how she views her, invalidating any of Arché’s fears, I gained an appreciation for her.
This is a forced proximity and shared grief sapphic romance. Both Arché and Lenora lost people dear to them, one in particular (Nikos) who was an anchor for both of them. Nikos was someone Arché confided in when she felt lost, and Lenora was his partner and was in love with him. The relationship between the two is SLOW. EXTREMELY SLOW. The majority of the book is the characters talking to themselves in their head. The main issue with Arché and Lenora’s relationship is a lack of communication (I’m speaking on both the before and after of them establishing feelings for one another). Thankfully, these issues are cleared up rather quickly, but before they do, their internal monologue was both frustrating and saddening to read.
The villain being religion gone astray, was classic and somewhat boring, HOWEVER, I love how real the reactions of the characters were when they discovered the reason their town was invaded—I’ve always wanted a character to voice what Arché did when she was able to question one of the invaders.
The ending left me feeling empty?? I don’t really know how to explain it. It’s a complete story that sets up the next book interestingly enough. I'm intrigued to read it, however, I did not like how Lenora was in the end. For all her talk and the feelings she held at the beginning of the book, it didn’t make sense for her to act in the way she did, with such a lack of empathy (I would elaborate but it would be a MAJOR SPOILER).
One issue I have with this story is how the romance came to be. Why did a male have to die so they could be together? I found it a little frustrating and annoying that the connection between Lenora and Arché stemmed from their relationship with Nikos. I have NO issues with friends or acquaintances being introduced and then falling in love, but to make a “love triangle” the reason for a sapphic romance to occur, is kinda disappointing. And don’t get me wrong, I KNOW you can fall in love with someone else while having feelings for another—love is love and life happens—BUT Arché and Lenora’s seemed to dwindle to forced proximity and shared grief. While Arché’s feelings for Lenora appear more genuine and reasonable, Lenora’s realization that she was in love with Arché went from zero to one hundred real quick, and really only stemmed when she was comparing her love for Nikos to her feelings for Arché—which I get because she’s never been in a proper relationship, but it felt halfhearted. It wasn’t as believable as Arché’s moment of realization. Love that stems from death is true and real and possible, but I feel that this execution wasn't done as well as it could have been.
Another issue I had was the random namedrops. No context on who this person is at the time of mention, and the little explanations of who they are that follow the initial name drop weren’t helpful. It was even more confusing at the very end of the book when the main battle occurs and you’re being introduced to people who are relevant to Concord that you were not introduced to in the beginning chapters.
I really loved the action scenes, they were immersive. My FAVORITE character is Alta, one of Arché’s parents. I loved reading every scene they were in.
OVERALL, it was a good book. The characters left me somewhat frustrated, and I often had to reread a page because of the random namedrops, BUT if you’re in the mood for an action and adventure, sapphic fantasy romance, I recommend giving this book a read.
I received an eARC from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 31, 2024
A Crimson Covenant by Aimee Donnellan
Book 1 in the Nightwalkers of Concord series
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Summary:
The vampires and werewolves of the town of Concord have for centuries worked to keep their home secret and safe. With the heirs of the founding houses paired from a young age to train together and complement each other, life is almost ideal. However:
Arche, lycan heir to the Warden Clan, is beginning to resent her best friend and partner, and can’t tell anyone.
Lenora, the vampiric heir to the House of the Arcane, is struggling with the expectations of an additional destiny she never wanted. Not to mention being in love with her partner, who is in love with someone else.
All of which matters much less when Concord is attacked by violent, vindictive cultists. In shock, on the run, and without the partners they’ve had for years, Arche and Lenora must venture far from home for the first time in search of something that will save their people. And, perhaps, consider that some partnerships are better forged in fire.
First Impressions:
I was pretty sure I’d enjoy this book before I even started, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I’d fall in love with it! A Crimson Covenant exceeded my expectations in every way, from its layered worldbuilding to its compelling characters. The mix of fantasy, romance, and adventure had me hooked, and I was swept up in every twist and turn.
Characters:
The characters are the beating heart of this story, and both main characters, Lenora and Arche, absolutely stole my heart. They’re both fierce, capable, and complex, each facing their own inner struggles that make them feel relatable and real. I loved that, even with their strengths, they each have vulnerabilities and moments of self-doubt. Their journeys of growth—especially Lenora’s—are written with such authenticity that it’s hard not to root for them.
Lenora, in particular, won me over. There’s a purity to her character, a depth to her struggles, and a relatability in her moments of jealousy and frustration. Watching her discover herself, come into her own, and start seeing herself the way others do was one of my favorite parts of the book. And let me just say, after reading the dedication in the book, that feeling only grew!
Special shoutout to one of the new friends they make on their journey—a no-nonsense character who tells them exactly what they need to hear. We all need that friend who knows when to tell us to get over ourselves and push forward!
Romance:
The romance between Lenora and Arche is beautifully developed, with a slow burn that feels both natural and deeply rewarding. Through the dual POVs, we get to see their growing connection from both sides—the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) glances, the quiet moments, the heart-pounding and sometimes hilarious interactions that deepen their bond. Their relationship is layered with genuine warmth and tension, and their journey from partners to something more is both heartwarming and gut-punching in the best ways. The more romantic and spicy moments were perfectly woven in, complementing the characters' arcs without taking over the story.
World-Building:
The world of Concord felt truly lived-in, with its customs, rules, and a fascinating bond between vampires and werewolves. The magical elements were woven into the fabric of the world seamlessly, and I loved discovering its nuances alongside the characters. The town itself has a charm that contrasts well with the darker forces at play. My only small wish is to see more depth in the magic system’s rules and limitations in the next book, as I’m left wanting just a bit more of an understanding of how it all works.
Writing Style:
The writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy to stay absorbed in the story. As a reader with dyslexia, I appreciated how smooth most of it was to follow, though there were a few spots where sentence phrasing made me reread for clarity. Those moments were rare, though, and overall, it was a well-paced, enjoyable read.
Final Thoughts:
This book was simply a joy from start to finish. The plot was gripping, the world was immersive, and the characters felt real and full of life. I found myself sneaking in chapters when I should have been working on my own writing because I just couldn’t put it down. There are still questions left unanswered and new mysteries waiting to be explored, and I can’t wait for the next installment. Spending more time with Lenora and Arche will be a delight, and I’m excited to see where their journey takes them next!
I will also get a physical copy of the book when it comes out!
I had the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader through NetGalley, for which I want to express my gratitude! This review is my honest and voluntary opinion, and I am thrilled to share my thoughts.
Book 1 in the Nightwalkers of Concord series
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Summary:
The vampires and werewolves of the town of Concord have for centuries worked to keep their home secret and safe. With the heirs of the founding houses paired from a young age to train together and complement each other, life is almost ideal. However:
Arche, lycan heir to the Warden Clan, is beginning to resent her best friend and partner, and can’t tell anyone.
Lenora, the vampiric heir to the House of the Arcane, is struggling with the expectations of an additional destiny she never wanted. Not to mention being in love with her partner, who is in love with someone else.
All of which matters much less when Concord is attacked by violent, vindictive cultists. In shock, on the run, and without the partners they’ve had for years, Arche and Lenora must venture far from home for the first time in search of something that will save their people. And, perhaps, consider that some partnerships are better forged in fire.
First Impressions:
I was pretty sure I’d enjoy this book before I even started, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I’d fall in love with it! A Crimson Covenant exceeded my expectations in every way, from its layered worldbuilding to its compelling characters. The mix of fantasy, romance, and adventure had me hooked, and I was swept up in every twist and turn.
Characters:
The characters are the beating heart of this story, and both main characters, Lenora and Arche, absolutely stole my heart. They’re both fierce, capable, and complex, each facing their own inner struggles that make them feel relatable and real. I loved that, even with their strengths, they each have vulnerabilities and moments of self-doubt. Their journeys of growth—especially Lenora’s—are written with such authenticity that it’s hard not to root for them.
Lenora, in particular, won me over. There’s a purity to her character, a depth to her struggles, and a relatability in her moments of jealousy and frustration. Watching her discover herself, come into her own, and start seeing herself the way others do was one of my favorite parts of the book. And let me just say, after reading the dedication in the book, that feeling only grew!
Special shoutout to one of the new friends they make on their journey—a no-nonsense character who tells them exactly what they need to hear. We all need that friend who knows when to tell us to get over ourselves and push forward!
Romance:
The romance between Lenora and Arche is beautifully developed, with a slow burn that feels both natural and deeply rewarding. Through the dual POVs, we get to see their growing connection from both sides—the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) glances, the quiet moments, the heart-pounding and sometimes hilarious interactions that deepen their bond. Their relationship is layered with genuine warmth and tension, and their journey from partners to something more is both heartwarming and gut-punching in the best ways. The more romantic and spicy moments were perfectly woven in, complementing the characters' arcs without taking over the story.
World-Building:
The world of Concord felt truly lived-in, with its customs, rules, and a fascinating bond between vampires and werewolves. The magical elements were woven into the fabric of the world seamlessly, and I loved discovering its nuances alongside the characters. The town itself has a charm that contrasts well with the darker forces at play. My only small wish is to see more depth in the magic system’s rules and limitations in the next book, as I’m left wanting just a bit more of an understanding of how it all works.
Writing Style:
The writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy to stay absorbed in the story. As a reader with dyslexia, I appreciated how smooth most of it was to follow, though there were a few spots where sentence phrasing made me reread for clarity. Those moments were rare, though, and overall, it was a well-paced, enjoyable read.
Final Thoughts:
This book was simply a joy from start to finish. The plot was gripping, the world was immersive, and the characters felt real and full of life. I found myself sneaking in chapters when I should have been working on my own writing because I just couldn’t put it down. There are still questions left unanswered and new mysteries waiting to be explored, and I can’t wait for the next installment. Spending more time with Lenora and Arche will be a delight, and I’m excited to see where their journey takes them next!
I will also get a physical copy of the book when it comes out!
I had the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader through NetGalley, for which I want to express my gratitude! This review is my honest and voluntary opinion, and I am thrilled to share my thoughts.
October 27, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Aimee Donnellan for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Crimson Covenant is a cute, fun romantasy centered around Arché and Lenora, the werewolf and vampire (respectively) heirs of the hidden town of Concord as they race to save their people from frenzied cultists and find themselves along the way, all without the aid of their preordained life partners. It's your standard romantasy, with a stronger core in romance and some fantasy flavoring.
It was quick and light read, and I can absolutely see an audience who will absolutely eat this up. Sadly, it looks like I don't fall into that demographic. Teenage me probably would've absolutely eaten this up, but now I feel myself wanting more in development.
The absolutely stunning cover was what originally drew me to A Crimson Covenant, but the title and blurb were what pushed me to request this ARC.
For centuries, vampires and werewolves (nightwalkers) have lived in harmony with each other and daywalkers (self-explanatory) in Concord, a hidden town nestled in the Howling Peaks Valley. Founded by six families of lycans and vampires, the heirs of each house are paired together by the heads of the town. These partnerships are designed to create balance and help the heirs grow into best and most well-rounded versions of themselves.
Except. It doesn't always work out like that.
We follow Arché, a werewolf heir who's growing frustrated with her partner, Rohan, and Lenora, a vampire heir who's in love with her partner, Nikos... Who is in love with Arché who sees him as nothing more than a friend because she's literally a lesbian.
Very romantasy.
Everything is mostly fine and awesome in Concord until the town is attacked by cultists in the name of the Everflame, and Arché and Lenora are forced to flee the safety of their home to seek outside aid from Arché's other parent.
All in all, A Crimson Covenant is a classic hero story, with our not-quite-up-to-bluff protagonists leaving on an adventure to save their town and coming back stronger and wiser.
The world building in A Crimson Covenant is pretty good. There's clearly a lot of lore and care put into the history and design of the world, but we don't get too much of it within this story. Donnellan does have another novella series set in this same world, and this is only the first book of a trilogy, so I expect that a lot of that lore has been / will be fleshed out elsewhere.
The premise was really interesting, but the story melded into a pretty repetitive pattern for me.
The plot of this book takes place over the course of around 1-2 months, and a good chunk of it was Arché and Lenora traveling and literally repeating the same actions over and over until they hit a town. The action sequences weren't super compelling, and often felt short or anti-climatic.
Both Arché and Lenora felt kind of juvenile to me, and neither was particularly gripping or surprising. Arché is incredibly horny and anxious (not necessarily in that order), with a crippling fear of not living up to expectations. Lenora is angsty and anxious, with deep rooted fears of rejection partially stemming from her status as the chosen Shadow, which is as emo as it sounds.
Before the events of the start of the story, Arché and Lenora are vague acquaintances at best, never having had a real conversation with each other, but quickly bond and fall in love during this period of forced proximity and shared trauma. Which is fine, but it was a little hard for me to get over the fact that Lenora is clearly demisexual / demiromantic and has been in love with her partner Nikos for years and then in the span of less than a month, falls for Arché. But I mean. Trauma and stuff will do that to you.
Arché and Lenora are cute together, albiet somewhat boring. They're supportive and understanding, and generally communicate pretty decently. There's some one-sided pining and a lot of horniness from Arché, but their relationship was pretty predictable and there wasn't ever really a doubt that things wouldn't work out for them.
Overall, A Crimson Covenant was a fun and light read, but it came off as unpolished and heavy handed. Everything just conveniently worked out for our heroes, and it was generally pretty flat and straightforward to me. It felt more like someone's D&D backstory more than a full-fledged novel. I do think the story would shine in a D&D campaign where there's an active human touch to the portrayal of each individual event, but as is, it feels almost cliff note-y in a way.
This is probably about a 2.5/5 stars for me, but I'll round up to 3 for the nod to Critical Role and the Kiki fish.
A Crimson Covenant is a cute, fun romantasy centered around Arché and Lenora, the werewolf and vampire (respectively) heirs of the hidden town of Concord as they race to save their people from frenzied cultists and find themselves along the way, all without the aid of their preordained life partners. It's your standard romantasy, with a stronger core in romance and some fantasy flavoring.
It was quick and light read, and I can absolutely see an audience who will absolutely eat this up. Sadly, it looks like I don't fall into that demographic. Teenage me probably would've absolutely eaten this up, but now I feel myself wanting more in development.
The absolutely stunning cover was what originally drew me to A Crimson Covenant, but the title and blurb were what pushed me to request this ARC.
For centuries, vampires and werewolves (nightwalkers) have lived in harmony with each other and daywalkers (self-explanatory) in Concord, a hidden town nestled in the Howling Peaks Valley. Founded by six families of lycans and vampires, the heirs of each house are paired together by the heads of the town. These partnerships are designed to create balance and help the heirs grow into best and most well-rounded versions of themselves.
Except. It doesn't always work out like that.
We follow Arché, a werewolf heir who's growing frustrated with her partner, Rohan, and Lenora, a vampire heir who's in love with her partner, Nikos... Who is in love with Arché who sees him as nothing more than a friend because she's literally a lesbian.
Very romantasy.
Everything is mostly fine and awesome in Concord until the town is attacked by cultists in the name of the Everflame, and Arché and Lenora are forced to flee the safety of their home to seek outside aid from Arché's other parent.
All in all, A Crimson Covenant is a classic hero story, with our not-quite-up-to-bluff protagonists leaving on an adventure to save their town and coming back stronger and wiser.
The world building in A Crimson Covenant is pretty good. There's clearly a lot of lore and care put into the history and design of the world, but we don't get too much of it within this story. Donnellan does have another novella series set in this same world, and this is only the first book of a trilogy, so I expect that a lot of that lore has been / will be fleshed out elsewhere.
The premise was really interesting, but the story melded into a pretty repetitive pattern for me.
The plot of this book takes place over the course of around 1-2 months, and a good chunk of it was Arché and Lenora traveling and literally repeating the same actions over and over until they hit a town. The action sequences weren't super compelling, and often felt short or anti-climatic.
Both Arché and Lenora felt kind of juvenile to me, and neither was particularly gripping or surprising. Arché is incredibly horny and anxious (not necessarily in that order), with a crippling fear of not living up to expectations. Lenora is angsty and anxious, with deep rooted fears of rejection partially stemming from her status as the chosen Shadow, which is as emo as it sounds.
Before the events of the start of the story, Arché and Lenora are vague acquaintances at best, never having had a real conversation with each other, but quickly bond and fall in love during this period of forced proximity and shared trauma. Which is fine, but it was a little hard for me to get over the fact that Lenora is clearly demisexual / demiromantic and has been in love with her partner Nikos for years and then in the span of less than a month, falls for Arché. But I mean. Trauma and stuff will do that to you.
Arché and Lenora are cute together, albiet somewhat boring. They're supportive and understanding, and generally communicate pretty decently. There's some one-sided pining and a lot of horniness from Arché, but their relationship was pretty predictable and there wasn't ever really a doubt that things wouldn't work out for them.
Overall, A Crimson Covenant was a fun and light read, but it came off as unpolished and heavy handed. Everything just conveniently worked out for our heroes, and it was generally pretty flat and straightforward to me. It felt more like someone's D&D backstory more than a full-fledged novel. I do think the story would shine in a D&D campaign where there's an active human touch to the portrayal of each individual event, but as is, it feels almost cliff note-y in a way.
This is probably about a 2.5/5 stars for me, but I'll round up to 3 for the nod to Critical Role and the Kiki fish.
December 23, 2024
Do you want to read a wholesome, lighthearted, queer vampire/werewolf romantasy? Well this is exactly that! I managed to receive this as an e-arc through NetGalley (thank you very much NetGalley!). I enjoyed reading it, it was on the whole very cutesy and lovely, whilst still having a full on fantasy plot which was fun. However, there are definitely some things I think could have been improved on. Don’t be put off as my dislikes may differ from yours!
Quick summary:
This story follows Lenora and Arché who are heirs to two of the founding houses, vampire and werewolf, of a town called Concord. In the beginning of the book, Concord is invaded and the whole town is captured, apart from Lenora and Arché who manage to escape. The plot follows the two as they try and find help and save their captured people.
What I liked:
- I liked Lenora and Arche and how funny they both were and also really cute and wholesome;
- I LOVED the queerness in this book - there wasn’t any homophobia which was really nice to read;
- I think this would make a really cool graphic novel - I really want to visually see all of the characters and scenery!
- Leahi (side character) is super cool - I want to be friends with her;
- There was so much representation which was amazing! This is the first book I’ve read with demisexual representation;
- There was a lot of intense plot going on BUT Aimee kept it lighthearted which was really nice;
- I loved Lenora and Arches’ tension in beginning/middle;
- This is a vampire book….with a romance plot….you can see where this might be going and it was fabulous - the spice in general was good;
- I liked the world and the story;
Not so good:
- It was a bit hard to keep up with whose chapter was whose due to it being in third person and there being WAY too much telling and not enough showing;
- Because of this, the story didn’t feel like it flowed as well as it could have done Instead of feeling like I was completely immersed in the story like I often do, I felt slightly outside of it, noticing frequently when there was too many words in a sentence;
- For me personally, they were a bit too quick to repair things and I would have preferred for the arguments/tensions to have taken a bit longer to resolve. Whilst this is of course very nice and healthy, I feel like for there to be growth, you need to not be very good at it in the beginning at least;
- I could have done with more tension and for them to ‘give in’ a little bit later on.
Read this if:
- You are fed up of dystopian, dark and intense romantasy books, but you want to read something in the romantasy genre;
- You want a book with representation coming out of its ears;
- You’ve read many other cosy, lighthearted romantasy books and have loved them;
- You don’t mind there being less showing than telling.
Quick summary:
This story follows Lenora and Arché who are heirs to two of the founding houses, vampire and werewolf, of a town called Concord. In the beginning of the book, Concord is invaded and the whole town is captured, apart from Lenora and Arché who manage to escape. The plot follows the two as they try and find help and save their captured people.
What I liked:
- I liked Lenora and Arche and how funny they both were and also really cute and wholesome;
- I LOVED the queerness in this book - there wasn’t any homophobia which was really nice to read;
- I think this would make a really cool graphic novel - I really want to visually see all of the characters and scenery!
- Leahi (side character) is super cool - I want to be friends with her;
- There was so much representation which was amazing! This is the first book I’ve read with demisexual representation;
- There was a lot of intense plot going on BUT Aimee kept it lighthearted which was really nice;
- I loved Lenora and Arches’ tension in beginning/middle;
- This is a vampire book….with a romance plot….you can see where this might be going and it was fabulous - the spice in general was good;
- I liked the world and the story;
Not so good:
- It was a bit hard to keep up with whose chapter was whose due to it being in third person and there being WAY too much telling and not enough showing;
- Because of this, the story didn’t feel like it flowed as well as it could have done Instead of feeling like I was completely immersed in the story like I often do, I felt slightly outside of it, noticing frequently when there was too many words in a sentence;
- For me personally, they were a bit too quick to repair things and I would have preferred for the arguments/tensions to have taken a bit longer to resolve. Whilst this is of course very nice and healthy, I feel like for there to be growth, you need to not be very good at it in the beginning at least;
- I could have done with more tension and for them to ‘give in’ a little bit later on.
Read this if:
- You are fed up of dystopian, dark and intense romantasy books, but you want to read something in the romantasy genre;
- You want a book with representation coming out of its ears;
- You’ve read many other cosy, lighthearted romantasy books and have loved them;
- You don’t mind there being less showing than telling.
September 30, 2024
I first off would like to thank Aimee for giving me this ARC!
I ended up giving the book 3.5 stars, and I’ll get into the depth of why!
Pros:
1) I loved the way emotion is approached within this book. Between the description, the thoughts, and the actions and conflicts that come out of that, the way emotions are both expressed and addressed in this book is beautifully done. Particularly well-done is the way mental health is addressed between Archè’s strong emotions and Lenora’s depression without being patronizing or stereotypical!
2) THE RELATIONSHIP. I LOVE ARCHE AND LENORA AND HOW WHOLESOME THEY ARE! I’m a slow burn girl through and through, and seeing as this book was not a slow burn is a testament to how much I love the relationship Aimee created!
3) The theme of violence & religion and how zealous beliefs can harm others (particularly marginalized and discriminated communities) is such an important theme to highlight and I’m glad Aimee did so. It was refreshing to see this take, especially in the fantasy genre.
I did have a few things that I think would’ve helped this book be better for me:
1) The world-building. Though I overall had a general understanding of the world and I don’t remember encountering an cumbersome info-dumping, the world building was not as fleshed out as I’d hoped and I couldn’t really connect with the world as its own separate entity. It kind of just felt like a generic fantasy world without enough distinctions that would help it feel fully fledged. This is what disrupted my enjoyment most for me I think because a huge part of reading fantasy for me is getting lost in the world, and because I just couldn’t do that I couldn’t love this book as much as I wanted to.
2) The pacing. I’m one for action so this could very well be a reflection of my personal preference, but the pacing felt too slow during the mid section of the book. I think we got to spend a little too much time with the characters and their internal conflicts and not enough with the external conflicts and stakes they were dealing with.
3) Showing V.S. Telling/Action Sequences: As I mentioned before, I’m a huge fan of action packed scenes within books and that being said I felt like the action in this book didn’t quite hit for me. For the most part it felt mechanical in the explanations as well as the flow, and I think Aimee focused a lot on describing exactly what was happening rather than equally focusing on conveying the tension and the way the characters felt (like pain) during the fights.
Overall, this book was a fun read and I recommend it!
Thank you so much Aimee again for the ARC, I’m so proud of you and your publishing journey despite how young are friendship is and I definitely expect you to grow even more!
I ended up giving the book 3.5 stars, and I’ll get into the depth of why!
Pros:
1) I loved the way emotion is approached within this book. Between the description, the thoughts, and the actions and conflicts that come out of that, the way emotions are both expressed and addressed in this book is beautifully done. Particularly well-done is the way mental health is addressed between Archè’s strong emotions and Lenora’s depression without being patronizing or stereotypical!
2) THE RELATIONSHIP. I LOVE ARCHE AND LENORA AND HOW WHOLESOME THEY ARE! I’m a slow burn girl through and through, and seeing as this book was not a slow burn is a testament to how much I love the relationship Aimee created!
3) The theme of violence & religion and how zealous beliefs can harm others (particularly marginalized and discriminated communities) is such an important theme to highlight and I’m glad Aimee did so. It was refreshing to see this take, especially in the fantasy genre.
I did have a few things that I think would’ve helped this book be better for me:
1) The world-building. Though I overall had a general understanding of the world and I don’t remember encountering an cumbersome info-dumping, the world building was not as fleshed out as I’d hoped and I couldn’t really connect with the world as its own separate entity. It kind of just felt like a generic fantasy world without enough distinctions that would help it feel fully fledged. This is what disrupted my enjoyment most for me I think because a huge part of reading fantasy for me is getting lost in the world, and because I just couldn’t do that I couldn’t love this book as much as I wanted to.
2) The pacing. I’m one for action so this could very well be a reflection of my personal preference, but the pacing felt too slow during the mid section of the book. I think we got to spend a little too much time with the characters and their internal conflicts and not enough with the external conflicts and stakes they were dealing with.
3) Showing V.S. Telling/Action Sequences: As I mentioned before, I’m a huge fan of action packed scenes within books and that being said I felt like the action in this book didn’t quite hit for me. For the most part it felt mechanical in the explanations as well as the flow, and I think Aimee focused a lot on describing exactly what was happening rather than equally focusing on conveying the tension and the way the characters felt (like pain) during the fights.
Overall, this book was a fun read and I recommend it!
Thank you so much Aimee again for the ARC, I’m so proud of you and your publishing journey despite how young are friendship is and I definitely expect you to grow even more!
October 27, 2024
Aimee's best book yet, a must-read for sapphic romantasy fans!!
The world in which this book takes place is so immersive, full of so many different types of magic and fantastical creatures. Aimee's take on vampires and werewolves is such an interesting, unique one, seeing them pair up together and become the heart of this fantasy town. Within that, there are so many different types of mages that we get to see and explore. With our main characters constantly travelling, you never get bored of the surroundings!
Aimee always writes such brilliant characters and dynamics, but these characters are on another level. From the beginning, you find you're connected to them. Their realistic traits only make them more raw and loveable, I can truly imagine them as real people. Both of our POV characters are so strong, both for different reasons. Their dynamic and partnership is so special and it only develops the longer they spend together.
Without spoiling the romance, the connection Arche and Lenora have is one of the best I've read. They have a way of communicating and working together that is so pure and loving, and also very healthy. Even when they're getting to know each other better, the emotions they hold are so believable. They're able to balance out each other in a way that no one else can and I think that's very beautiful. Their more steamy scenes together are also both very hot while also being sensual and raw. Either way, it had me kicking my feet and wanting more!
While I've spoken mainly of the romance and characters, the plot itself is just as strong. The stakes are so incredibly high and you see that take a toll on our characters and those around them. The Crusaders make brilliant, but purely evil, villains and the anguish they're putting the nightwalkers through makes the reader want to continue to see them brought to justice. I also love the journey that we go on along the way, both physically and mentally. The characters that join Arche and Lenora are just as loveable, and their time together brings out some of the rawer more realistic traits in them. Fear, anxiety, depression. All real things for these reluctant chosen ones to go through with an entire town relying on them.
I truly think I could talk about the aspects of this book forever, there are so many scenes and elements that I haven't even covered but I think that just proves you need to read this book for yourself. It's definitely one of my favourites of the year, and with that epilogue, I cannot wait for the next in the series. These characters will definitely continue to hold a place in my heart and I can't wait to get a physical copy to put proudly on my shelves. A huge shoutout to Aimee for providing me with an advanced copy :)
The world in which this book takes place is so immersive, full of so many different types of magic and fantastical creatures. Aimee's take on vampires and werewolves is such an interesting, unique one, seeing them pair up together and become the heart of this fantasy town. Within that, there are so many different types of mages that we get to see and explore. With our main characters constantly travelling, you never get bored of the surroundings!
Aimee always writes such brilliant characters and dynamics, but these characters are on another level. From the beginning, you find you're connected to them. Their realistic traits only make them more raw and loveable, I can truly imagine them as real people. Both of our POV characters are so strong, both for different reasons. Their dynamic and partnership is so special and it only develops the longer they spend together.
Without spoiling the romance, the connection Arche and Lenora have is one of the best I've read. They have a way of communicating and working together that is so pure and loving, and also very healthy. Even when they're getting to know each other better, the emotions they hold are so believable. They're able to balance out each other in a way that no one else can and I think that's very beautiful. Their more steamy scenes together are also both very hot while also being sensual and raw. Either way, it had me kicking my feet and wanting more!
While I've spoken mainly of the romance and characters, the plot itself is just as strong. The stakes are so incredibly high and you see that take a toll on our characters and those around them. The Crusaders make brilliant, but purely evil, villains and the anguish they're putting the nightwalkers through makes the reader want to continue to see them brought to justice. I also love the journey that we go on along the way, both physically and mentally. The characters that join Arche and Lenora are just as loveable, and their time together brings out some of the rawer more realistic traits in them. Fear, anxiety, depression. All real things for these reluctant chosen ones to go through with an entire town relying on them.
I truly think I could talk about the aspects of this book forever, there are so many scenes and elements that I haven't even covered but I think that just proves you need to read this book for yourself. It's definitely one of my favourites of the year, and with that epilogue, I cannot wait for the next in the series. These characters will definitely continue to hold a place in my heart and I can't wait to get a physical copy to put proudly on my shelves. A huge shoutout to Aimee for providing me with an advanced copy :)
November 4, 2024
a crimson covenant offers a playful romantasy set in concord, a secluded town where vampires, werewolves, and daywalkers coexist in harmony—until cultists threaten everything they hold dear in the name of the mysterious everflame. our protagonists, arche (a lycan) and lenora (a vampire), are both reluctant heroes and heirs who embark on a journey to save their home, navigating tangled relationships and a budding romance along the way.
i have mixed feelings about the book, so i'll start with what worked for me.
the lore and worldbuilding are impressive, with clearly layered details that made the story compelling. as a fan of high fantasy, i value intricate details, and a crimson covenant delivers here. from concord’s founding history to the systems that sustain it and the dark forces lurking beneath, the world feels rich and thought-out. the lore is mainly what kept me invested enough to finish the book. though i had questions by the end, i didn’t mind that they weren’t answered since this is just the first book in a series—i'm sure more will be revealed as the story progresses.
in terms of pacing, the story falls into a repetitive rhythm of travel and action. plot elements often align too conveniently for the main characters, making the narrative feel simplistic and predictable at times. some key moments, like the main characters’ romantic progression and the final battle, lacked the build-up needed to feel impactful, which made them feel anti-climactic.
as for the characters, arche and lenora felt a bit one-dimensional to me. arche is full of nervous energy and weighed down by expectations, while lenora’s character leans heavily into angst and abandonment issues due to her unique status as “the shadow.” although they begin as acquaintances, they bond through shared trauma on their journey. however, lenora's sudden romantic shift toward arche, despite having been in love with her best friend for years, felt rushed—especially considering her implied (though unconfirmed) demiromantic nature.
that said, i found myself obsessed with a side couple, alta and kale! their chemistry is undeniable, even though they only get together in the finale. i'm seriously hoping to see more of them in future installments because they were a highlight for me!
overall, a crimson covenant is still an enjoyable read. while some elements didn’t fully work for me, my interest was sustained through to the ending, and i'm looking forward to the next books—especially with the author’s thoughtful inclusion of future character pairings at the end of the book, which i appreciated.
thank you to booksirens and aimee donnellan for providing an e-arc of a crimson covenant in exchange for an honest review.
i have mixed feelings about the book, so i'll start with what worked for me.
the lore and worldbuilding are impressive, with clearly layered details that made the story compelling. as a fan of high fantasy, i value intricate details, and a crimson covenant delivers here. from concord’s founding history to the systems that sustain it and the dark forces lurking beneath, the world feels rich and thought-out. the lore is mainly what kept me invested enough to finish the book. though i had questions by the end, i didn’t mind that they weren’t answered since this is just the first book in a series—i'm sure more will be revealed as the story progresses.
in terms of pacing, the story falls into a repetitive rhythm of travel and action. plot elements often align too conveniently for the main characters, making the narrative feel simplistic and predictable at times. some key moments, like the main characters’ romantic progression and the final battle, lacked the build-up needed to feel impactful, which made them feel anti-climactic.
as for the characters, arche and lenora felt a bit one-dimensional to me. arche is full of nervous energy and weighed down by expectations, while lenora’s character leans heavily into angst and abandonment issues due to her unique status as “the shadow.” although they begin as acquaintances, they bond through shared trauma on their journey. however, lenora's sudden romantic shift toward arche, despite having been in love with her best friend for years, felt rushed—especially considering her implied (though unconfirmed) demiromantic nature.
that said, i found myself obsessed with a side couple, alta and kale! their chemistry is undeniable, even though they only get together in the finale. i'm seriously hoping to see more of them in future installments because they were a highlight for me!
overall, a crimson covenant is still an enjoyable read. while some elements didn’t fully work for me, my interest was sustained through to the ending, and i'm looking forward to the next books—especially with the author’s thoughtful inclusion of future character pairings at the end of the book, which i appreciated.
thank you to booksirens and aimee donnellan for providing an e-arc of a crimson covenant in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2024
(3.25)
I really wish I liked this one more. The premise is great, the world setting is interesting and dare I say a little unique? The execution is just not the best.
In this world, Arché and Lenora’s village has a mixture of lycans and vampires living together, peacefully. The council for this town is made up of different houses that each has their heir. Arché is a lycan, Lenora a vampire and they're both the heirs of their respective houses. They've both been training for years on end to be able to live up to their family's expectations. Each heir is put on a team of two, consisting of one lycan and one vampire. When both their teammates die in a sudden attack on their town, they have to escape and find a way to save everyone whilst traversing their now new partnership.
The goal is clear, and even though it’s a classic hero story I was curious to see where it went.
When I started I immediately noticed the writing wasn’t for me, it’s very quick and straightforward.. and some interactions felt disconnected. Their feelings and actions seemed strange at times and because it all went so fast - you immediately get thrown into the attack (which sometimes works great, this just wasn’t) - I had no time to really care for what happened. The reason I kept going was because I liked the relationship between the two characters.
One thing the writer does well is creating a gradual romance story. The plot writing wasn’t the best so some scenes fell flat, but I liked Lenora and Arché a lot together. Arché even seemed to have social anxiety, or struggles with grasping other people’s emotions - it gets stressed in the book that lycans feel emotions heavier than humans and vampires. I liked that a lot. Lenora has depressive episodes and is demisexual (as far as I know, it wasn’t explicitly said). It made them likable, it made them real to me.
Unfortunately around 60% they already had a huge love confession, which then felt too fast paced again. I think it’s just difficult to write romance with a booming love confession, knowing that all their family members are at threat of dying somewhere at the other side of the continent. It can be done amazingly but it just - again - didn’t work for me. Sad but true.
Thank you so much for the ARC, NetGalley and Victory Editing, in return for my honest opinion.
I really wish I liked this one more. The premise is great, the world setting is interesting and dare I say a little unique? The execution is just not the best.
In this world, Arché and Lenora’s village has a mixture of lycans and vampires living together, peacefully. The council for this town is made up of different houses that each has their heir. Arché is a lycan, Lenora a vampire and they're both the heirs of their respective houses. They've both been training for years on end to be able to live up to their family's expectations. Each heir is put on a team of two, consisting of one lycan and one vampire. When both their teammates die in a sudden attack on their town, they have to escape and find a way to save everyone whilst traversing their now new partnership.
The goal is clear, and even though it’s a classic hero story I was curious to see where it went.
When I started I immediately noticed the writing wasn’t for me, it’s very quick and straightforward.. and some interactions felt disconnected. Their feelings and actions seemed strange at times and because it all went so fast - you immediately get thrown into the attack (which sometimes works great, this just wasn’t) - I had no time to really care for what happened. The reason I kept going was because I liked the relationship between the two characters.
One thing the writer does well is creating a gradual romance story. The plot writing wasn’t the best so some scenes fell flat, but I liked Lenora and Arché a lot together. Arché even seemed to have social anxiety, or struggles with grasping other people’s emotions - it gets stressed in the book that lycans feel emotions heavier than humans and vampires. I liked that a lot. Lenora has depressive episodes and is demisexual (as far as I know, it wasn’t explicitly said). It made them likable, it made them real to me.
Unfortunately around 60% they already had a huge love confession, which then felt too fast paced again. I think it’s just difficult to write romance with a booming love confession, knowing that all their family members are at threat of dying somewhere at the other side of the continent. It can be done amazingly but it just - again - didn’t work for me. Sad but true.
Thank you so much for the ARC, NetGalley and Victory Editing, in return for my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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