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The Fireborne Blade #2
The Bloodless Princes
Orpheus meets A Natural History of Dragons in a tale of death, honor and true love's embrace.
It seemed the afterlife was bustling.
Cursed by the previous practitioner in her new role, and following an... incident... with a supremely powerful dragon, High Mage Saralene visits the afterlife with a boon to beg of the Bloodless Princes who run the underworld.
But Saralene and her most trusted advisor/champion/companion, Sir Maddileh, will soon discover that there's only so much research to be done by studying the old tales, though perhaps there's enough truth in them to make a start.
Saralene will need more than just her wits to leave the underworld, alive. And Maddileh will need more than just her Fireborne Blade.
A story of love and respect that endures beyond death. And of dragons, because we all love a dragon!
It seemed the afterlife was bustling.
Cursed by the previous practitioner in her new role, and following an... incident... with a supremely powerful dragon, High Mage Saralene visits the afterlife with a boon to beg of the Bloodless Princes who run the underworld.
But Saralene and her most trusted advisor/champion/companion, Sir Maddileh, will soon discover that there's only so much research to be done by studying the old tales, though perhaps there's enough truth in them to make a start.
Saralene will need more than just her wits to leave the underworld, alive. And Maddileh will need more than just her Fireborne Blade.
A story of love and respect that endures beyond death. And of dragons, because we all love a dragon!
5 pages, Audiobook
First published October 29, 2024
44 people are currently reading
4514 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Bond
34 books124 followersCharlotte is an author, freelance editor, and podcaster. Under her own name she has written within the genres of horror and dark fantasy, but she’s also worked as a ghostwriter. She edits books for individuals and publishers, and has also contributed numerous non-fiction articles to various websites. She is a co-host of the award-winning podcast, “Breaking the Glass Slipper”. Her micro collection The Watcher in the Woods won the British Fantasy Award for Best Collection in 2021. She is represented by Alex Cochran.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
August 1, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
This was a great conclusion to this fantasy novella duology! I love how it played with format and included in-world folktales from different perspectives. It explores how history looks quite different depending on who gets to frame it. But we're following our two heroines from the last book, this time into the underworld along with a smart and snarky dragon companion. It's fun, queer, and adventurous. What more could you want? I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
This was a great conclusion to this fantasy novella duology! I love how it played with format and included in-world folktales from different perspectives. It explores how history looks quite different depending on who gets to frame it. But we're following our two heroines from the last book, this time into the underworld along with a smart and snarky dragon companion. It's fun, queer, and adventurous. What more could you want? I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
November 19, 2025
Surprisingly, much lighter in tone than The Fireborne Blade. Reminded me a lot of The River Has Roots, actually, with the focus on storytelling and fable-like prose. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily a favorable comparison; it's just not my kind of story, and I preferred the tight plot and grittiness of book 1.
I work for Macmillan but opinions are my own. I am not involved in book production.
I work for Macmillan but opinions are my own. I am not involved in book production.
May 30, 2025
very gay to be in love with your best friend for 3 years and just never say or act on it just because
July 5, 2025
⚔️ Bookish Thoughts
I didn’t love The Bloodless Princes quite as much as The Fireborne Blade. The plot felt more disconnected, and the moments I was most excited for ended up feeling rushed.
It’s still a solid 3.5 star read, and the audiobook made the experience better. But overall I was hoping for more.
🛡️What You Can Expect
• Knight x mage
• Underworld quest
• Death magic
• Dragons
• Sapphic Romance
I didn’t love The Bloodless Princes quite as much as The Fireborne Blade. The plot felt more disconnected, and the moments I was most excited for ended up feeling rushed.
It’s still a solid 3.5 star read, and the audiobook made the experience better. But overall I was hoping for more.
🛡️What You Can Expect
• Knight x mage
• Underworld quest
• Death magic
• Dragons
• Sapphic Romance
December 10, 2024
I enjoyed the second installment in this series. The own world mythology and folk tales were definitely a highlight for me. I'm still blown away by how much world building this author packs into such a small page count. Highly recommend this series.
November 10, 2024
There is no doubt that The Fireborne Blade is a superior novella this one, it’s sequel. It had more wit, sarcasm, plot twists, and overall allure than its sequel The Bloodless Princes. We still get snippets of tales, writings, history and lore of the realm woven into the story (which I also adored in book 1). The biggest difference here is the story feels a bit secondary to the acceptance or display of love between our two ladies. And yet there is very little romance overall. Certainly the morale of the story (which gives nothing away to its end) is that you should love who you love openly and fervently, regardless of what others say; and yet I wanted more to the overall plot than what I got.
This easily could have been a full length novel that delved into death, an afterlife (of any kind), resurrection, and the consequences of stories being twisted over time. How do we, as humans, hurt ourselves my allowing stories of history (or fiction) develop and no longer represent truth. After all the writers of history are always the ‘winners’ who rule in its aftermath. An interesting thought with Trump winning his second term a mere two days ago. How will history see this (frankly depressing era for a bisexual, female Canadian like myself) time that indicates the larger portion of the USA population would rather any president that is not a women (even a convicted felon who spouts nothing but lies)? Im disappointed we don’t get more from Charlotte Bond on this topic. A real miss in the grand scheme of this wonderful dragon world she had created. Perhaps she can revisit it in another story?
Overall I just didn’t feel the same endearment for our characters (except maybe our dragon) that I did in book 1. If you were to read this one first, which wouldn’t make any sense in terms of character and plot development; but say you did, you’d likely walk away wondering why anyone cared at all. There is just a lack of substance here to bring our love and support of these lovely ladies (and a cat dragon or is it dragon cat?) much further than we were from book 1.
Perhaps the story was rushed? A bit unfinished or underdeveloped in a hope to publish it quickly on the heels of the successful first story? I don’t know. What I do know is I am still hoping for more stories in this realm, with or without these ladies, and I also desire Bond to write us a more fulsome story next time. One that really bites into the sociopolitical world our ladies live in that is grounded, as our own world is, in misogyny and an unfair set of ‘rules’ that keeps women lower than everyone, just because they can. If there was ever a time we could use some desire and strength to fight back against the patriarchy it must be today after another shattering loss; one that is just stacked on top of so many in these early days of this millennium.
Finally, this story is still worth a read. It’s short and cute at times. It just doesn’t quite live up to what I loved about the first book. That doesn’t undercut its cute cat dragon, nor that it is still a decent novella for a quick read
This easily could have been a full length novel that delved into death, an afterlife (of any kind), resurrection, and the consequences of stories being twisted over time. How do we, as humans, hurt ourselves my allowing stories of history (or fiction) develop and no longer represent truth. After all the writers of history are always the ‘winners’ who rule in its aftermath. An interesting thought with Trump winning his second term a mere two days ago. How will history see this (frankly depressing era for a bisexual, female Canadian like myself) time that indicates the larger portion of the USA population would rather any president that is not a women (even a convicted felon who spouts nothing but lies)? Im disappointed we don’t get more from Charlotte Bond on this topic. A real miss in the grand scheme of this wonderful dragon world she had created. Perhaps she can revisit it in another story?
Overall I just didn’t feel the same endearment for our characters (except maybe our dragon) that I did in book 1. If you were to read this one first, which wouldn’t make any sense in terms of character and plot development; but say you did, you’d likely walk away wondering why anyone cared at all. There is just a lack of substance here to bring our love and support of these lovely ladies (and a cat dragon or is it dragon cat?) much further than we were from book 1.
Perhaps the story was rushed? A bit unfinished or underdeveloped in a hope to publish it quickly on the heels of the successful first story? I don’t know. What I do know is I am still hoping for more stories in this realm, with or without these ladies, and I also desire Bond to write us a more fulsome story next time. One that really bites into the sociopolitical world our ladies live in that is grounded, as our own world is, in misogyny and an unfair set of ‘rules’ that keeps women lower than everyone, just because they can. If there was ever a time we could use some desire and strength to fight back against the patriarchy it must be today after another shattering loss; one that is just stacked on top of so many in these early days of this millennium.
Finally, this story is still worth a read. It’s short and cute at times. It just doesn’t quite live up to what I loved about the first book. That doesn’t undercut its cute cat dragon, nor that it is still a decent novella for a quick read
November 21, 2024
I rented this book through Libby and I'm glad I did it that way instead of purchasing it outright like I normally would. I do like supporting my local library when I can, after all.
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This book takes place 3 years after the events of The Fireborne Blade, where Maddileh and Saralene are ruling the council of mages. Saralene finds herself to be struggling with powers beyond even her control after the events of the first novel and now it is up to Maddileh to save her.
Saralene takes a journey to the Gravelands to make a boon of the Bloodless Princes for assistance after taking care of the curse that befell her. However, this may be harder than she thought possible at first. Will she be able to escape with her life or will she be doomed to die in the Gravelands again?
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I found myself bored throughout my reading of this book, which I found to be the case with the first book as well. I just didn't care as much about the well-being of the characters, though I did like the addition of the dragon in this book.
I found myself sloughing through this one just to see it through to the end, which is a disappointment for me, for sure. I hate it when I feel this way about a book but I figured I'd get through it since it was shorter.
I didn't want to add another book to my DNF pile, though this one came close to that. I gave this one 3 stars, though, because I liked the ending. I was glad the two were able to get out of the quote-unquote "underworld", even if the way they got out was very freaking risky.
Is this book worth a read? I mean, if you read the first one and enjoyed that one, then I'd say this one is worth the read. If you want a good LGBTQ+ rec, I'd say this one is right up your alley. I was not expecting the romance at the end but it was a nice touch. I'll give it that much.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This book takes place 3 years after the events of The Fireborne Blade, where Maddileh and Saralene are ruling the council of mages. Saralene finds herself to be struggling with powers beyond even her control after the events of the first novel and now it is up to Maddileh to save her.
Saralene takes a journey to the Gravelands to make a boon of the Bloodless Princes for assistance after taking care of the curse that befell her. However, this may be harder than she thought possible at first. Will she be able to escape with her life or will she be doomed to die in the Gravelands again?
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
I found myself bored throughout my reading of this book, which I found to be the case with the first book as well. I just didn't care as much about the well-being of the characters, though I did like the addition of the dragon in this book.
I found myself sloughing through this one just to see it through to the end, which is a disappointment for me, for sure. I hate it when I feel this way about a book but I figured I'd get through it since it was shorter.
I didn't want to add another book to my DNF pile, though this one came close to that. I gave this one 3 stars, though, because I liked the ending. I was glad the two were able to get out of the quote-unquote "underworld", even if the way they got out was very freaking risky.
Is this book worth a read? I mean, if you read the first one and enjoyed that one, then I'd say this one is worth the read. If you want a good LGBTQ+ rec, I'd say this one is right up your alley. I was not expecting the romance at the end but it was a nice touch. I'll give it that much.
April 8, 2025
This was a really unique sequel. It still had the same slower pace as The Fireborne Blade, but there was such a unique expansion to the world building. I especially loved the unique folklore we got showing the differences between dragon tales and troubadour that highlighted how history can differ based on the perspective. Plus the cat is the best.
April 12, 2025
If you thought The Fireborne Blade was an insanely strong novella, just wait till you see what Charlotte Bond has in store in The Bloodless Princes. It maybe doesn't totally live up to its 'A Natural History of Dragons' comp, but I think I like it all the more for its wonderfully inventive uniqueness.
Even though roughly three years have passed since the events of The Fireborne Blade, I think Bond does a magnificent job of smoothly picking up the threads that were left open and cathing you up on what has happened since those diabolical events. I was completely reimmersed and invested from the very first page, and I just loved being back with my favourite rebellious sapphic ladies, High Mage Saralene and her protector Sir Maddileh.
Similarly to in the first novella, the main storyline of Saralane and Maddileh's quest (this time into the underworld, oh yessss baby!) is interspersed with unique in-world narratives. But whereas those 'interludes' jarred me out of the story in The Fireborne Blade, here they were some of my favourite pieces of the novella.
See, this time we're not reading different accounts of dragon slaying (though dragons still play a significant part in the story), but instead we get two versions of the same folk story constantly told two different perspectives. I absolutely loved seeing how Bond was not only able to add so much richness and nuance to the world through these tales, but also how they tied right back into the main conflicts that Saralene and Maddileh are faced with throughout this adventure.
Moreover, Bond's take on the underworld was SO cool and unique, and I loved how she brought this vivid setting to life through the eyes of our two fearsome ladies. They are separated for a large part of the novella, which really made them shine in their own right while also showing just how much they care for each other as we see just how far they are both willing to go to protect each other.
And then when they reunite? GOLD! I feel like the sapphic romance really came more to the forefront in The Bloodless Princes, and I was so here for the tenderly awkward and beautifully heartfelt relationship between two badass ladies who are just a bit afraid to admit their feelings to each other (and themselves). The feels were feeling, the vibes were vibing, and this dangeorus but wholesome journey just tugged on my hearstrings in all the most unexpected ways.
If this is the ending to this duology, then I think it's the perfect conclusion to this wonderfully wild folkloric adventure. However, I would totally sell my soul to read more instalments about these two lovely ladies being stupidly in love and boldly rebellious together. In any case, Bond's efficient and immersive storytelling has impresse me beyond belief, and she has now quickly established herself as an author to watch for me. Whatever comes next, I will be there day one!
Even though roughly three years have passed since the events of The Fireborne Blade, I think Bond does a magnificent job of smoothly picking up the threads that were left open and cathing you up on what has happened since those diabolical events. I was completely reimmersed and invested from the very first page, and I just loved being back with my favourite rebellious sapphic ladies, High Mage Saralene and her protector Sir Maddileh.
Similarly to in the first novella, the main storyline of Saralane and Maddileh's quest (this time into the underworld, oh yessss baby!) is interspersed with unique in-world narratives. But whereas those 'interludes' jarred me out of the story in The Fireborne Blade, here they were some of my favourite pieces of the novella.
See, this time we're not reading different accounts of dragon slaying (though dragons still play a significant part in the story), but instead we get two versions of the same folk story constantly told two different perspectives. I absolutely loved seeing how Bond was not only able to add so much richness and nuance to the world through these tales, but also how they tied right back into the main conflicts that Saralene and Maddileh are faced with throughout this adventure.
Moreover, Bond's take on the underworld was SO cool and unique, and I loved how she brought this vivid setting to life through the eyes of our two fearsome ladies. They are separated for a large part of the novella, which really made them shine in their own right while also showing just how much they care for each other as we see just how far they are both willing to go to protect each other.
And then when they reunite? GOLD! I feel like the sapphic romance really came more to the forefront in The Bloodless Princes, and I was so here for the tenderly awkward and beautifully heartfelt relationship between two badass ladies who are just a bit afraid to admit their feelings to each other (and themselves). The feels were feeling, the vibes were vibing, and this dangeorus but wholesome journey just tugged on my hearstrings in all the most unexpected ways.
If this is the ending to this duology, then I think it's the perfect conclusion to this wonderfully wild folkloric adventure. However, I would totally sell my soul to read more instalments about these two lovely ladies being stupidly in love and boldly rebellious together. In any case, Bond's efficient and immersive storytelling has impresse me beyond belief, and she has now quickly established herself as an author to watch for me. Whatever comes next, I will be there day one!
July 11, 2024
3.75/5
This was a better book that the rating shows, but I feel like this story would have been better as a standalone or having this sequel being longer. This felt rushed, some things you just have to go along with.
The cat dragon with wings was entirely fan service, but I'm that type of fan and it was so fucking cute.
This book felt like the end of a series, but so did book 1 so I'll just wait to see if a sequel pops up.
This was a better book that the rating shows, but I feel like this story would have been better as a standalone or having this sequel being longer. This felt rushed, some things you just have to go along with.
The cat dragon with wings was entirely fan service, but I'm that type of fan and it was so fucking cute.
This book felt like the end of a series, but so did book 1 so I'll just wait to see if a sequel pops up.
February 10, 2025
just two lesbians and their cat-dragon taking a stroll through the underworld ❤️
December 13, 2024
4.5 Stars. Charlotte Bond knows how to write a compelling story, and pack a big punch in a little novella. I love her characters and her ability to pull you into the story and make you genuinely care what’s going to happen. Dare I say that Bond is the T Kingfisher of sword and sorcery? I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
June 14, 2025
Cute and fun and sapphic and precious and DRAGONS. A lovely sequel. 🖤 Full review to come.
February 17, 2025
A worthy sequel, with nice character progression and expansion of the fourteen kingdoms and beyond. Packs quite a bit of story into a short novella — sometimes not to its benefit, as I think some of the bigger moments would have greater impact if given some more time to build.
Looking forward to the concluding (?) entry to trope-subverting sapphic adventure.
Looking forward to the concluding (?) entry to trope-subverting sapphic adventure.
August 25, 2025
I gave The Bloodless Prince 4 stars but if I’m honest, it’s more like a 3.75 : I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first novella in the series. Don’t get me wrong, I had a fun time with it, but this one felt a little less balanced.
The beginning of the book was great, the introduction was solid, but around the midway point, the pacing picked up so much that I felt like I didn’t have time to really breathe in the world. And what a world it is! The two cities of the Bloodless Prince were clever, atmospheric, and so well imagined. I loved that part and honestly wished the book had been about 100 pages longer so we could spend more time there.
The characters were interesting again (love Maddileh) but their arcs didn’t develop very much. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but I definitely wanted more depth.
That said, if you loved the first book (which I thought was phenomenal), definitely dive into this one. It’s still a short, fun adventure with incredible worldbuilding and unique ideas—I just wish there had been a little more of it.
The beginning of the book was great, the introduction was solid, but around the midway point, the pacing picked up so much that I felt like I didn’t have time to really breathe in the world. And what a world it is! The two cities of the Bloodless Prince were clever, atmospheric, and so well imagined. I loved that part and honestly wished the book had been about 100 pages longer so we could spend more time there.
The characters were interesting again (love Maddileh) but their arcs didn’t develop very much. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but I definitely wanted more depth.
That said, if you loved the first book (which I thought was phenomenal), definitely dive into this one. It’s still a short, fun adventure with incredible worldbuilding and unique ideas—I just wish there had been a little more of it.
December 7, 2024
i'll be honest, i didn't know this was a sequel when i requested this from netgalley oops.
i feel like this can still be enjoyed even without having read the first one, as i did.
a short and sweet romp through magical worlds and underworlds, visiting corrupted princes, and learning lots about the lore and mythology of the world.
the dragon was my favourite part, she was so funny and their ability to change forms was awesome. her lore was also very interesting.
its also a sapphic book so immediately that bumps it up in my mind i love slightly bickering sapphics going on a quest it fulfils me.
even though i didn't feel the strongest connection to the characters i did still find myself rooting for them often.
i feel like this can still be enjoyed even without having read the first one, as i did.
a short and sweet romp through magical worlds and underworlds, visiting corrupted princes, and learning lots about the lore and mythology of the world.
the dragon was my favourite part, she was so funny and their ability to change forms was awesome. her lore was also very interesting.
its also a sapphic book so immediately that bumps it up in my mind i love slightly bickering sapphics going on a quest it fulfils me.
even though i didn't feel the strongest connection to the characters i did still find myself rooting for them often.
September 19, 2024
Thank you Netgalley, publishers and the author for giving me a early copy for review.
This is the second book in this world by Charlotte Bond and I ate it up just like the other one. There was some world building in this one, however I wish there was more. I said this for the first book, The Fireborne Blade, as well. They way Bond has the small yet very important history text, stories that are told but totally different on whos telling it or even how the different realms handle their dead and marriage.
If Bond came out with more stories of this world, I will be in the first in line to read it.
This is the second book in this world by Charlotte Bond and I ate it up just like the other one. There was some world building in this one, however I wish there was more. I said this for the first book, The Fireborne Blade, as well. They way Bond has the small yet very important history text, stories that are told but totally different on whos telling it or even how the different realms handle their dead and marriage.
If Bond came out with more stories of this world, I will be in the first in line to read it.
November 2, 2024
What a surprise! This second story in “The Fireborne Blade” series was much more satisfying and interesting to me than book one. I think this is because instead of accounts of Knights slaying dragons, we get folktales and legends, which I far preferred, and we get, in addition to Maddileh's point of view, Saralene's also.
Just like book one, the author wove the legends and myths throughout the narrative; these stories provide some great background on the culture, beliefs and history of the land; they not only expand the world's lore, but are also important to the story's trajectory.
Saralene has been High Mage for three years, while Maddileh is her guard, which no one can object to as she holds the deadly Fireborne Blade. When the two women discover that the previous High Mage Hosh plagues Saralene during sleep, they decide to consult the White Lady, who has been speaking to Maddileh for some time.
The old dragon explains there is a way to deal conclusively with Hosh, but it will involve a little trip to the afterlife, which will of course be extremely dangerous. Once there, Saralene will have to petition the Bloodless Princes for help. The Bloodless Princes govern the realm, though each has a different vision for how spirits are treated once they arrive.
Saralene encounters a figure who featured in one of the stories, and learns she has a very short time to convince one of the princely brothers to help her return home. Maddileh must use a different method to get to the afterlife, and has a companion (super cute!) to guide her. Both Saralene and Maddileh have challenges to deal with separately, then later when reunited. Every obstacle is significant in some way, such as both women having to deal with their feelings for one another and how their positions complicate things between them.
Something that rubbed me the wrong way with book one was the whole "kill the dragons!" ethos, and was something I found unpalatable. Here, that very idea is confronted, and challenged, with Maddileh having to accept that this is one of several messed up beliefs her society is built on.
I'm not sure if I fully accept that three years have elapsed since the end of book one, particularly as Maddileh doesn't seem to have changed in all that time. She's a tiny more interesting this time around, but paled in relation to Saralene and the White Lady, who were the stars of this story.
And even though this felt like an acceptable place to wrap up both women's stories, I would be interested in getting to know other characters in the world after the events of this book.
Note that I listened to this instalment of the story. I greatly enjoyed Helen McAlpine's narration, particularly as the White Lady, whose age,wisdom and sly humour are perfectly captured by McAlpine. I felt more entertained by this novella, I think, because McAlpine had me, through her portrayals, more engaged in the action, the stakes, and the outcome.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Just like book one, the author wove the legends and myths throughout the narrative; these stories provide some great background on the culture, beliefs and history of the land; they not only expand the world's lore, but are also important to the story's trajectory.
Saralene has been High Mage for three years, while Maddileh is her guard, which no one can object to as she holds the deadly Fireborne Blade. When the two women discover that the previous High Mage Hosh plagues Saralene during sleep, they decide to consult the White Lady, who has been speaking to Maddileh for some time.
The old dragon explains there is a way to deal conclusively with Hosh, but it will involve a little trip to the afterlife, which will of course be extremely dangerous. Once there, Saralene will have to petition the Bloodless Princes for help. The Bloodless Princes govern the realm, though each has a different vision for how spirits are treated once they arrive.
Saralene encounters a figure who featured in one of the stories, and learns she has a very short time to convince one of the princely brothers to help her return home. Maddileh must use a different method to get to the afterlife, and has a companion (super cute!) to guide her. Both Saralene and Maddileh have challenges to deal with separately, then later when reunited. Every obstacle is significant in some way, such as both women having to deal with their feelings for one another and how their positions complicate things between them.
Something that rubbed me the wrong way with book one was the whole "kill the dragons!" ethos, and was something I found unpalatable. Here, that very idea is confronted, and challenged, with Maddileh having to accept that this is one of several messed up beliefs her society is built on.
I'm not sure if I fully accept that three years have elapsed since the end of book one, particularly as Maddileh doesn't seem to have changed in all that time. She's a tiny more interesting this time around, but paled in relation to Saralene and the White Lady, who were the stars of this story.
And even though this felt like an acceptable place to wrap up both women's stories, I would be interested in getting to know other characters in the world after the events of this book.
Note that I listened to this instalment of the story. I greatly enjoyed Helen McAlpine's narration, particularly as the White Lady, whose age,wisdom and sly humour are perfectly captured by McAlpine. I felt more entertained by this novella, I think, because McAlpine had me, through her portrayals, more engaged in the action, the stakes, and the outcome.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 7, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
The Bloodless Princes is the thrilling second novella in the Fireborne Blade series, an epic fantasy proposal written by Charlotte Bond, and published by TorDotCom. A sequel to the Fireborne Blade that explores the underworld of this universe created by Charlotte Bond, while developing the relationship between Saralene and Maddileh, in a plot that still has surprises for us, blending together Orpheus with A Natural History of Dragons.
Cursed by the previous practitioner in her role, High Mage Saralene visits the afterlife with a boon to beg of the Bloodless Princes, two entities that rule the underworld, all following the advice given by the White Lady. Separated from sir Maddileh, her protector, she will have to navigate the afterlife city, discovering that all research might be inaccurate; and that appearances and concepts such as justice can be difficult to apply if they are taken to the extreme.
On the other side, we have a sir Maddileh that will need to take an alternative route to reach the afterlife, together with a new companion (and I don't want to spoil this surprise, because I absolutely loved it) and armed with her Fireborne Blade; reuniting with Saralene will just be the first of the challenges she will have to face, and probably the easiest in comparison with how complicated are her feelings for Saralene.
In this sequel, Bond offers a unique vision of the afterlife, a complicated world ruled by two brothers and which represents opposite poles of the same vision; it is interesting how the concept of good and bad gets substituted by a big gray morality, symbolizing how things are not simple.
The lore of the world is expanded, including more stories that are introduced as interludes across our main plot; dragons are still relevant, but pass to play a secondary role.
We have a really intense sequel from the emotional standpoint, as the author explores the relationship between Saralene and Maddileh, how they are attracted and how their roles can be a barrier; not only that, but also the fear of being rejected by the other, choosing to stay in a middle situation that doesn't satisfy anybody. It also mimics that fear that queer people have of being discovered and deemed as weird, or being ostracised by those that they love.
The Bloodless Princes is an excellent second novella, the perfect close-up for this duology, and again shows Bond's talent to create a compelling story; if you want a great and feminist take-up on epic fantasy, I totally recommend you to read The Fireborne Blade duology.
The Bloodless Princes is the thrilling second novella in the Fireborne Blade series, an epic fantasy proposal written by Charlotte Bond, and published by TorDotCom. A sequel to the Fireborne Blade that explores the underworld of this universe created by Charlotte Bond, while developing the relationship between Saralene and Maddileh, in a plot that still has surprises for us, blending together Orpheus with A Natural History of Dragons.
Cursed by the previous practitioner in her role, High Mage Saralene visits the afterlife with a boon to beg of the Bloodless Princes, two entities that rule the underworld, all following the advice given by the White Lady. Separated from sir Maddileh, her protector, she will have to navigate the afterlife city, discovering that all research might be inaccurate; and that appearances and concepts such as justice can be difficult to apply if they are taken to the extreme.
On the other side, we have a sir Maddileh that will need to take an alternative route to reach the afterlife, together with a new companion (and I don't want to spoil this surprise, because I absolutely loved it) and armed with her Fireborne Blade; reuniting with Saralene will just be the first of the challenges she will have to face, and probably the easiest in comparison with how complicated are her feelings for Saralene.
In this sequel, Bond offers a unique vision of the afterlife, a complicated world ruled by two brothers and which represents opposite poles of the same vision; it is interesting how the concept of good and bad gets substituted by a big gray morality, symbolizing how things are not simple.
The lore of the world is expanded, including more stories that are introduced as interludes across our main plot; dragons are still relevant, but pass to play a secondary role.
We have a really intense sequel from the emotional standpoint, as the author explores the relationship between Saralene and Maddileh, how they are attracted and how their roles can be a barrier; not only that, but also the fear of being rejected by the other, choosing to stay in a middle situation that doesn't satisfy anybody. It also mimics that fear that queer people have of being discovered and deemed as weird, or being ostracised by those that they love.
The Bloodless Princes is an excellent second novella, the perfect close-up for this duology, and again shows Bond's talent to create a compelling story; if you want a great and feminist take-up on epic fantasy, I totally recommend you to read The Fireborne Blade duology.
November 29, 2024
3.5 stars
I loved The Fireborne Blade, and this was good, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book. I think the main problem for me was that I lost some momentum with the story waiting the few months between publication of the two books. I’ve read 58 books since I read the first book, so I guess a little loss of momentum is not unreasonable.
I really don’t understand why publishers split publishing dates like this, particularly with novellas. If both books are ready just publish them either at the same time or within a month of each other while my hold on the story — and its hold on me — is still fresh!
Anyway…this time around I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator was excellent. The first half didn’t entirely capture me but I enjoyed the second half and especially once they got to the lands of the dead.
Recommended, but I do suggest reading both books close together to appreciate the full effect of the story.
I loved The Fireborne Blade, and this was good, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book. I think the main problem for me was that I lost some momentum with the story waiting the few months between publication of the two books. I’ve read 58 books since I read the first book, so I guess a little loss of momentum is not unreasonable.
I really don’t understand why publishers split publishing dates like this, particularly with novellas. If both books are ready just publish them either at the same time or within a month of each other while my hold on the story — and its hold on me — is still fresh!
Anyway…this time around I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator was excellent. The first half didn’t entirely capture me but I enjoyed the second half and especially once they got to the lands of the dead.
Recommended, but I do suggest reading both books close together to appreciate the full effect of the story.
December 19, 2024
More of an adventure story than the last one, with some cultural stories thrown in for some nice world building. I don’t know that I liked it as much as the first book, but I liked it differently. It had more eastern storytelling elements than the first book, it was also a little pulp-ier where the first was more western and grimdark. It was still great fun.
January 9, 2025
A perfectly executed, short novella duology. Thematically interesting (the original mythology and folk tales told here in small sections were a highlight for me in that regard) and original in its characters and settings. I don't know how long I will think about these books ~ except about the sapphic lady knight and her noble lady, that I will contemplate about for a looong time lol ~ BUT I definitely want to read more from this author! 4,5 ⭐
November 21, 2024
3.75⭐️
Because sometimes you just need a cozy, sapphic fantasy to disassociate from the horrors of reality with. This one features a female Knight who falls for the first female high mage. Plus there are dragons and a cute little winged kitty! It’s all just way better vibes than reality lately.
Because sometimes you just need a cozy, sapphic fantasy to disassociate from the horrors of reality with. This one features a female Knight who falls for the first female high mage. Plus there are dragons and a cute little winged kitty! It’s all just way better vibes than reality lately.
June 11, 2025
Second book in this series and I have to say I like this better than book 1. Book 1 is a lot of world building. So reading it is important to understand what happens in book 2. This time, we see more of the history and stories in this world. The 2 MCs have to ultimately confront the Bloodless Princes, who rule the land of the dead.
September 30, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! First all, love the previous book. It was such a well executed fantasy story, with its twist and turns, the beauty of queer sapphic characters in a fantasy setting. And this was a great continuation of that! With new challenges and more depth into dragon magic and even death. Honestly for such a short book it took through so many scenes and stories. It began somewhere I did not expect to end… And I loved the ride! If you want a quick read, or just loved the prequel, feel free to pick this one up!
January 25, 2025
4.5
Dragon kitty helps the ladies put some bloodless brutes in their place.
https://youtube.com/@chanelchapters
Dragon kitty helps the ladies put some bloodless brutes in their place.
https://youtube.com/@chanelchapters
April 15, 2025
3.5 stars
October 31, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I love this story and the ending, but this story felt more ‘traditional fantasy quest’ with no unnerving horror elements like the first which was surprising to me. I also wish it were a bit longer as the quest could have had more to it, basically it’s not a perfect 5 stars because there needed to be more heh
I love this story and the ending, but this story felt more ‘traditional fantasy quest’ with no unnerving horror elements like the first which was surprising to me. I also wish it were a bit longer as the quest could have had more to it, basically it’s not a perfect 5 stars because there needed to be more heh
July 10, 2025
The sequel and conclusion to The Fireborne Blade, Maddileh and Saralene must go to the underworld to ask its rulers, the Bloodless Princes, for a boon.
I read this in a recent vlog where prompts determined what series I would read right now or DNF forever, check it out here: Do it or DNF Vlog
I read the first book of this on ARC from the publisher, and I'm pretty sure that I didn't know these were novellas. I'm not a big novella person because its very rare that I think the book fully executes on its premise. These books also have lots of historical/folklore inserts from people who aren't the main characters that take up a large amount of the short page count. So, even though it's a novella, we don't spend the whole time with the characters, so we get to know them even less. I think the world here with the dragons vs humans conflict and the types of magic we have going on here are really cool. I liked the story of the two princes and thought the journey in this book felt similar to a lot of Greek myth. I liked that this book differed from the first in that it focuses more on magic, which mirrors the differences in our two main characters. But basically everything I liked, I wanted more of because we didn't get enough time. These books would have been better on the scale of a novel. If this author wrote something longer, I would be interested. I think if you already read book one, it's worth spending one afternoon knocking this one out, but this isn't a series I'll be recommending everywhere.
Overall, like a lot of fantasy novellas, I think this one suffers from being too short. The world is cool enough that it deserved expansion, and I felt no connection to our characters in that small time.
I read this in a recent vlog where prompts determined what series I would read right now or DNF forever, check it out here: Do it or DNF Vlog
I read the first book of this on ARC from the publisher, and I'm pretty sure that I didn't know these were novellas. I'm not a big novella person because its very rare that I think the book fully executes on its premise. These books also have lots of historical/folklore inserts from people who aren't the main characters that take up a large amount of the short page count. So, even though it's a novella, we don't spend the whole time with the characters, so we get to know them even less. I think the world here with the dragons vs humans conflict and the types of magic we have going on here are really cool. I liked the story of the two princes and thought the journey in this book felt similar to a lot of Greek myth. I liked that this book differed from the first in that it focuses more on magic, which mirrors the differences in our two main characters. But basically everything I liked, I wanted more of because we didn't get enough time. These books would have been better on the scale of a novel. If this author wrote something longer, I would be interested. I think if you already read book one, it's worth spending one afternoon knocking this one out, but this isn't a series I'll be recommending everywhere.
Overall, like a lot of fantasy novellas, I think this one suffers from being too short. The world is cool enough that it deserved expansion, and I felt no connection to our characters in that small time.
July 28, 2024
I wanted to like this series better! I love a good twist and a good land of the dead journey but there was a bit too much random knowledge that came out at inopportune times and I felt like I didn't have a grasp on the characters as much as in the first book. Overall too much packed into too little pages - this could easily have been twice as long and not suffered for it!
Plus seriously it still wasn't gay enough like are you kidding me.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC!
Plus seriously it still wasn't gay enough like are you kidding me.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC!
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