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Cursed and Fated Vampires #1
Mortal End
What if vampires had a soul? A soul that carries the memories and awareness of each previous life and incarnation?
In this Gothic fantasy romance where the passion of Romeo and Juliet meets the sacrifice of Braveheart, Dr. Phenice Jones is plagued by gruesome nightmares of a cursed Egyptian Queen. When these nightmares bleed into Phenice’s waking hours, her past traumas threaten to overwhelm her and destroy her carefully constructed existence.
Everything Phenice thought she knew about life changes after a late-night attack by supernatural hunters where her fate unfolds as she undergoes a transformation from a mortal woman to a vampire. In doing so, all of Phenice’s past human incarnations merge into her immortal body, giving her powers she thought only existed in myths.
With the memories of her soul intact, Phenice must deal with her past, come to terms with her destiny outlined by The Fates, and cope with rediscovering her fated mate all while imminent danger is lurking in the darkness.
Will Phenice be able to overcome her pain, trust in The Fates, and open her heart? Or, will sacrifices have to be made that could change the trajectory of the world?
What to expect:
Epic World Building/Gothic Horror Vibes
Mythology: Vampires, Demons/Shifters, Gods/Goddesses, The Fates
Fated Mates/Star-crossed Lovers
FMC: Fierce, Loyal, Resilient
MMC: Morally Gray, Stalker, Possessive
Spicy Slow Burn (open-door)
Who Hurt You?
Mental Health Rep (C-PTSD)
Fantasy Traumance
Feminine Rage
Found Family
Similar to Born of Blood and Ash, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, as well as The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, by Carissa Broadbent with an Urban Fantasy twist.
WARNING: This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. There is dark and possibly triggering content between these pages. 18+ and mature readers only. Please proceed with caution and read responsibly. Full content guidance available on author's website under the content guidance tab.
In this Gothic fantasy romance where the passion of Romeo and Juliet meets the sacrifice of Braveheart, Dr. Phenice Jones is plagued by gruesome nightmares of a cursed Egyptian Queen. When these nightmares bleed into Phenice’s waking hours, her past traumas threaten to overwhelm her and destroy her carefully constructed existence.
Everything Phenice thought she knew about life changes after a late-night attack by supernatural hunters where her fate unfolds as she undergoes a transformation from a mortal woman to a vampire. In doing so, all of Phenice’s past human incarnations merge into her immortal body, giving her powers she thought only existed in myths.
With the memories of her soul intact, Phenice must deal with her past, come to terms with her destiny outlined by The Fates, and cope with rediscovering her fated mate all while imminent danger is lurking in the darkness.
Will Phenice be able to overcome her pain, trust in The Fates, and open her heart? Or, will sacrifices have to be made that could change the trajectory of the world?
What to expect:
Epic World Building/Gothic Horror Vibes
Mythology: Vampires, Demons/Shifters, Gods/Goddesses, The Fates
Fated Mates/Star-crossed Lovers
FMC: Fierce, Loyal, Resilient
MMC: Morally Gray, Stalker, Possessive
Spicy Slow Burn (open-door)
Who Hurt You?
Mental Health Rep (C-PTSD)
Fantasy Traumance
Feminine Rage
Found Family
Similar to Born of Blood and Ash, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, as well as The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, by Carissa Broadbent with an Urban Fantasy twist.
WARNING: This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. There is dark and possibly triggering content between these pages. 18+ and mature readers only. Please proceed with caution and read responsibly. Full content guidance available on author's website under the content guidance tab.
307 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2025
47 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Rose Andry
3 books35 followersMaddie Rose Andry is a survivor who has blossomed into a thriver. She’s a person with a tragic backstory, like most fairy tales, and she has risen above it to realize her dreams.
She has been in the medical world for two decades helping others do exactly the same thing. She writes Gothic Romance because it’s in her heart to write stories about the ‘darker’ emotions and how love, in all its forms, is the light to help us through the darkest days.
Through her fiction, Maddie encourages readers to connect with themselves as they embark on otherworldly journeys that reflect real-life traumas, obstacles, and explore how to overcome, heal, and thrive.
She has been in the medical world for two decades helping others do exactly the same thing. She writes Gothic Romance because it’s in her heart to write stories about the ‘darker’ emotions and how love, in all its forms, is the light to help us through the darkest days.
Through her fiction, Maddie encourages readers to connect with themselves as they embark on otherworldly journeys that reflect real-life traumas, obstacles, and explore how to overcome, heal, and thrive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 29, 2024
3.5 stars ⭐️
⤷ spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
the first half of this book was so captivating that i couldn’t stop reading it. phenice’s constant spiraling felt so raw and real, and i appreciated the PTSD representation. some scenes were pretty gruesome and unsettling, and i felt awful for her with all the terrible things she had to go through 😭 unfortunately, the second half dragged on and fell flat for me, and the ending left me confused. i honestly thought this was a standalone, but it ended with a “To be continued…” 🫤
overall, i fairly enjoyed this book and will definitely read the next one, especially after the way this one ended.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ quotes:
”We were hardwired to crave love and acceptance. We desire a community, a group of people we can belong to. It's important to feel like you matter through feeling accepted, cared for, receiving kindness and empathy; knowing when you express your authentic self that community will see and hear the real you. Humans long for companionship and a life that is meaningful.”
“We forget, when we are in the thick of it, buried in our pain, it could be worse. It could always be worse.”
pre-read 🌑🌸:
not me starting another arc right after dnf-ing one 😭 hoping this is at least somewhat enjoyable 🤞🏻 (can you tell i’m feeling pretty disheartened by my recent less-than-enjoyable reads? 😔🥲)
⤷ spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
the first half of this book was so captivating that i couldn’t stop reading it. phenice’s constant spiraling felt so raw and real, and i appreciated the PTSD representation. some scenes were pretty gruesome and unsettling, and i felt awful for her with all the terrible things she had to go through 😭 unfortunately, the second half dragged on and fell flat for me, and the ending left me confused. i honestly thought this was a standalone, but it ended with a “To be continued…” 🫤
overall, i fairly enjoyed this book and will definitely read the next one, especially after the way this one ended.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ quotes:
”We were hardwired to crave love and acceptance. We desire a community, a group of people we can belong to. It's important to feel like you matter through feeling accepted, cared for, receiving kindness and empathy; knowing when you express your authentic self that community will see and hear the real you. Humans long for companionship and a life that is meaningful.”
“We forget, when we are in the thick of it, buried in our pain, it could be worse. It could always be worse.”
pre-read 🌑🌸:
not me starting another arc right after dnf-ing one 😭 hoping this is at least somewhat enjoyable 🤞🏻 (can you tell i’m feeling pretty disheartened by my recent less-than-enjoyable reads? 😔🥲)
June 8, 2025
This book had one of the strongest openings I’ve read in a while—it hooked me right away. I loved the unique take on vampires, especially the idea that they have souls carrying the memories of all their past lives. The scenes exploring those past lives were incredibly well done and emotionally gripping.
The worldbuilding is immaculate, and the main character, Phenice, really stood out. The way the author portrayed PTSD felt so real and nuanced—it’s honestly some of the best mental health representation I’ve come across in a book. You really feel like you’re going through it with her.
The romance is sweet, the emotional depth is strong, and that ending? Absolutely soul-crushing. Total cliffhanger. I’m definitely picking up the next one. If you’re looking for a fresh, layered take on vampires, this is a great pick.
The worldbuilding is immaculate, and the main character, Phenice, really stood out. The way the author portrayed PTSD felt so real and nuanced—it’s honestly some of the best mental health representation I’ve come across in a book. You really feel like you’re going through it with her.
The romance is sweet, the emotional depth is strong, and that ending? Absolutely soul-crushing. Total cliffhanger. I’m definitely picking up the next one. If you’re looking for a fresh, layered take on vampires, this is a great pick.
December 26, 2024
I’d like to thank NetGalley for this ARC. The idea of this book seemed so promising and the first part of the book captured my attention, however the second half fell flat. In this book you will have, Egyptian lore, vampires, mystical powers, fate and more.
The first chapter started off very strong. We learn of the trauma of the Egyptian Queen who only wanted a family. Her heart breaking tale foreshadows into what’ll become later on in the book. Then we meet Phenice, a psychologist who struggles with her own PTSD trauma from her childhood, and her best friend Alina, fellow psychology student. Phenice struggles with her one patient Emil, where she feels too strongly towards him and needs to cut ties being his psychologist. However, as fate likes to play it, their lives will forever be entwined.
I really enjoyed the concept of the book, however it just was not for me. The first few chapters were great, then I began to be immensely confused with the start of subsequent chapters. I wish there were notes of past, present, or future in the chapter titles. I think having more of a guide as to what time we’re reading would have been more helpful. I also did not believe in Phenice when her transition phase happened, and she was talking of how confident she was but yet kept bringing up her PTSD over and over and over again. She second guessed every single decision made and I felt Alina was more suited to be the powerful one than Phenice ever was. I ended up skimming the end of the book because I struggled to stay interested in it. The ending of the book also left me a bit confused based on what the beginning of the book stated - it didn’t seem to match up at all based on talk of how souls were bonded. This book is left on a cliffhanger, but I don’t believe I will continue on to book two.
The first chapter started off very strong. We learn of the trauma of the Egyptian Queen who only wanted a family. Her heart breaking tale foreshadows into what’ll become later on in the book. Then we meet Phenice, a psychologist who struggles with her own PTSD trauma from her childhood, and her best friend Alina, fellow psychology student. Phenice struggles with her one patient Emil, where she feels too strongly towards him and needs to cut ties being his psychologist. However, as fate likes to play it, their lives will forever be entwined.
I really enjoyed the concept of the book, however it just was not for me. The first few chapters were great, then I began to be immensely confused with the start of subsequent chapters. I wish there were notes of past, present, or future in the chapter titles. I think having more of a guide as to what time we’re reading would have been more helpful. I also did not believe in Phenice when her transition phase happened, and she was talking of how confident she was but yet kept bringing up her PTSD over and over and over again. She second guessed every single decision made and I felt Alina was more suited to be the powerful one than Phenice ever was. I ended up skimming the end of the book because I struggled to stay interested in it. The ending of the book also left me a bit confused based on what the beginning of the book stated - it didn’t seem to match up at all based on talk of how souls were bonded. This book is left on a cliffhanger, but I don’t believe I will continue on to book two.
November 29, 2025
English first, Dutch next!
Dark Desires and Broken Hearts in Mortal End
Maddie Rose Andry pulls you into a world that feels almost tangible from the very first page. In ‘Mortal End,’ you can feel every emotion and every desire flowing through you, from the chill of a night to the tension that hangs in the air. The beginning grabs you by the throat: nightmares of a cursed queen slowly becoming reality. When Phenice undergoes her transformation, you feel the pain, the confusion, and the realization that nothing will ever be the same. Her language is raw and sensual, with romance and danger inseparably intertwined. Dialogues are short and charged, and what remains unspoken is felt in every movement of the characters. The romance is battered, painful and heartbreakingly beautiful, full of longing, danger, and moral ambiguity.
It takes a moment to get used to the psychological terms and inner monologues, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. But they also make Phenice’s transformative journey so intense; her inner struggle is just as compelling as the supernatural dangers lurking around her. Alongside the main plot, multiple layers unfold: intense romantic tension, dark mystery, and psychological depth. Dreams mirror reality, romance is charged with danger, and inner conflict weaves seamlessly with the supernatural threat.
The story occasionally moves slowly, with the action picking up later. Yet this deliberate pacing only intensifies the emotional impact: as a reader, you are not just observing, you feel everything. ‘Mortal End’ is not a story you merely read; it is an experience that takes you along on a dark journey that lingers long after the last page.
***Dutch***
Duistere verlangens en gebroken harten in Mortal End
Maddie Rose Andry sleurt je vanaf de eerste pagina mee in een wereld die bijna tastbaar is. In ‘Mortal End’ voel je elke emotie en elk verlangen door je heen stromen, van de kilte van een nacht tot de spanning die in de lucht hangt. Het begin grijpt je bij de keel: nachtmerries van een vervloekte koningin die langzaam werkelijkheid worden. Wanneer Phenice haar transformatie ondergaat, voel je de pijn, de verwarring, en het besef dat niets ooit meer hetzelfde zal zijn. Haar taal is rauw en sensueel, romantiek en gevaar zijn onafscheidelijk. Dialogen zijn kort en geladen, en wat onuitgesproken blijft, voel je in elke beweging van de personages. De romance is gehavend, pijnlijk en hartverscheurend mooi, vol verlangen, gevaar en morele ambiguïteit.
Even wennen is het wel: de psychologische termen en innerlijke monologen kunnen soms overweldigend aanvoelen. Maar juist daardoor voelt Phenice’s transformatieve reis zo intens; haar innerlijke strijd is net zo meeslepend als de bovennatuurlijke gevaren die op de loer liggen. Naast de hoofdplot ontvouwen zich lagen vol romantische spanning, duister mysterie en psychologische diepgang. Dromen spiegelen de realiteit, romantiek wordt geladen door gevaar, en innerlijke strijd verweeft zich naadloos met bovennatuurlijke dreiging.
Het verhaal kabbelt af en toe langzaam, waardoor de actie pas later echt loskomt. Toch versterkt die traagheid de intensiteit en emotionele impact: je zit als lezer niet alleen te kijken, je hóéft te voelen. ‘Mortal End’ is geen verhaal dat je alleen leest; het is een ervaring die je meeneemt, een duistere reis
Dark Desires and Broken Hearts in Mortal End
Maddie Rose Andry pulls you into a world that feels almost tangible from the very first page. In ‘Mortal End,’ you can feel every emotion and every desire flowing through you, from the chill of a night to the tension that hangs in the air. The beginning grabs you by the throat: nightmares of a cursed queen slowly becoming reality. When Phenice undergoes her transformation, you feel the pain, the confusion, and the realization that nothing will ever be the same. Her language is raw and sensual, with romance and danger inseparably intertwined. Dialogues are short and charged, and what remains unspoken is felt in every movement of the characters. The romance is battered, painful and heartbreakingly beautiful, full of longing, danger, and moral ambiguity.
It takes a moment to get used to the psychological terms and inner monologues, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. But they also make Phenice’s transformative journey so intense; her inner struggle is just as compelling as the supernatural dangers lurking around her. Alongside the main plot, multiple layers unfold: intense romantic tension, dark mystery, and psychological depth. Dreams mirror reality, romance is charged with danger, and inner conflict weaves seamlessly with the supernatural threat.
The story occasionally moves slowly, with the action picking up later. Yet this deliberate pacing only intensifies the emotional impact: as a reader, you are not just observing, you feel everything. ‘Mortal End’ is not a story you merely read; it is an experience that takes you along on a dark journey that lingers long after the last page.
***Dutch***
Duistere verlangens en gebroken harten in Mortal End
Maddie Rose Andry sleurt je vanaf de eerste pagina mee in een wereld die bijna tastbaar is. In ‘Mortal End’ voel je elke emotie en elk verlangen door je heen stromen, van de kilte van een nacht tot de spanning die in de lucht hangt. Het begin grijpt je bij de keel: nachtmerries van een vervloekte koningin die langzaam werkelijkheid worden. Wanneer Phenice haar transformatie ondergaat, voel je de pijn, de verwarring, en het besef dat niets ooit meer hetzelfde zal zijn. Haar taal is rauw en sensueel, romantiek en gevaar zijn onafscheidelijk. Dialogen zijn kort en geladen, en wat onuitgesproken blijft, voel je in elke beweging van de personages. De romance is gehavend, pijnlijk en hartverscheurend mooi, vol verlangen, gevaar en morele ambiguïteit.
Even wennen is het wel: de psychologische termen en innerlijke monologen kunnen soms overweldigend aanvoelen. Maar juist daardoor voelt Phenice’s transformatieve reis zo intens; haar innerlijke strijd is net zo meeslepend als de bovennatuurlijke gevaren die op de loer liggen. Naast de hoofdplot ontvouwen zich lagen vol romantische spanning, duister mysterie en psychologische diepgang. Dromen spiegelen de realiteit, romantiek wordt geladen door gevaar, en innerlijke strijd verweeft zich naadloos met bovennatuurlijke dreiging.
Het verhaal kabbelt af en toe langzaam, waardoor de actie pas later echt loskomt. Toch versterkt die traagheid de intensiteit en emotionele impact: je zit als lezer niet alleen te kijken, je hóéft te voelen. ‘Mortal End’ is geen verhaal dat je alleen leest; het is een ervaring die je meeneemt, een duistere reis
June 19, 2025
Well that was a damn ride… there were moments reading this book where I was waiting for it to pick up the pace, where during some of the “past lives”, I found myself a little less engaged… but then it paid it all off so fully… There are obviously characters I loathed (bc they were terrible and cruel) and then there was the perfect Emil and the lovely Alina and the flawless Crustos. I find so often the side characters really make the story so much more whole for me and this was no exception. I can’t wait to dive into book 2!
February 10, 2025
I’m still reeling from reading this book. What an emotional ride! Maddie takes you through all the feels with her incredible writing. Of all the books I’ve read, this one has truly wrecked my heart like no other. I experienced physical reactions to this story—it's that powerful. It tore me apart and then put me back together.
Phenice's journey through trauma, heartache, violence, change, and healing is a testament to Maddie's skill. Despite not having this kind of trauma in my life, I felt every moment with Phenice, thanks to the immersive storytelling. The constant state of fear I felt while reading this book, fearing the rug would be pulled out from under me, was intense yet compelling. It’s so good.
This is a captivating tale of self-discovery, empathy, perseverance, and remaining true to oneself and one's convictions. And let's not forget the really hot guys and spicy romance that add to the allure. The characters are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique backstories that shape their identities. Maddie's world-building is so immersive that you feel as though you're a part of the story.
In every lifetime, across the vast tapestry of time and space, two souls are inexorably drawn to one another. Their connection transcends the bounds of mere coincidence or fate—they are soulmates, bound by an unbreakable thread that spans across epochs.
Each time they find one another, there is an unspoken understanding, an aching familiarity that neither can deny. Their love, intense and profound, feels like a homecoming. Yet, woven into the joy of reunion is an inescapable sorrow: they know their time together is fleeting. Whether it's the tides of war, the ravages of disease, or the simplest twists of fate, something always tears them apart.
And so, each separation is not the end, but a beginning. They are reborn into new lives, with new faces and names, in different corners of the world. The yearning to find each other again is a fire that burns within them, driving them to search tirelessly. The angst of their quest is a sharp, lingering pain that they carry in their hearts, a wound that never truly heals.
As they navigate their new realities, fragments of memories from past lives haunt them—glimpses of a love that was, and a promise of what could be. Their journey is a testament to the endurance of love, a love that defies the constraints of time, geography, and circumstance.
Each reunion is bittersweet, an oasis of warmth and comfort amid the relentless march of time. They hold each other close, savoring every moment, knowing that it will soon be taken away again. But with every loss, their bond grows stronger, and their determination to find each other again becomes more resolute.
In a universe filled with endless possibilities and lifetimes, their love is a constant—a beacon of hope and a testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit. The promise of their love is eternal, and their souls forever entwined.
Maddie's depiction of soulmates is enlightening and her take on vampires is particularly refreshing, especially the exploration of whether they have souls. The fact that all the vampires have distinct personalities and motivations adds a new dimension to the narrative, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.
🌸💀TROPES:💀🌸
🌸Chosen One
💀Ancient Curse
💀Fated Mates/Star-crossed Lovers
🌸Morally Gray Characters
💀Who Hurt You?
🌸Reluctant Heroine
💀St@lker/Possessive MMC
🌸Mythology
💀Vampires, Demons, Gods/Goddesses
🌸Spicy Slow Burn
💀Feminine Rage
🌸Fantasy Traumance
💀Fates
🌸Shifters
💀Epic World Building
🌸Found Family
18+ Please check the content guidance. Your mental health and well being is important and matters to Maddie.
WARNING: This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. There is dark and possibly triggering content between these pages. 18+ and mature readers only. Please proceed with caution and read responsibly. Full content guidance available on author's website under the content guidance tab.
Phenice's journey through trauma, heartache, violence, change, and healing is a testament to Maddie's skill. Despite not having this kind of trauma in my life, I felt every moment with Phenice, thanks to the immersive storytelling. The constant state of fear I felt while reading this book, fearing the rug would be pulled out from under me, was intense yet compelling. It’s so good.
This is a captivating tale of self-discovery, empathy, perseverance, and remaining true to oneself and one's convictions. And let's not forget the really hot guys and spicy romance that add to the allure. The characters are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique backstories that shape their identities. Maddie's world-building is so immersive that you feel as though you're a part of the story.
In every lifetime, across the vast tapestry of time and space, two souls are inexorably drawn to one another. Their connection transcends the bounds of mere coincidence or fate—they are soulmates, bound by an unbreakable thread that spans across epochs.
Each time they find one another, there is an unspoken understanding, an aching familiarity that neither can deny. Their love, intense and profound, feels like a homecoming. Yet, woven into the joy of reunion is an inescapable sorrow: they know their time together is fleeting. Whether it's the tides of war, the ravages of disease, or the simplest twists of fate, something always tears them apart.
And so, each separation is not the end, but a beginning. They are reborn into new lives, with new faces and names, in different corners of the world. The yearning to find each other again is a fire that burns within them, driving them to search tirelessly. The angst of their quest is a sharp, lingering pain that they carry in their hearts, a wound that never truly heals.
As they navigate their new realities, fragments of memories from past lives haunt them—glimpses of a love that was, and a promise of what could be. Their journey is a testament to the endurance of love, a love that defies the constraints of time, geography, and circumstance.
Each reunion is bittersweet, an oasis of warmth and comfort amid the relentless march of time. They hold each other close, savoring every moment, knowing that it will soon be taken away again. But with every loss, their bond grows stronger, and their determination to find each other again becomes more resolute.
In a universe filled with endless possibilities and lifetimes, their love is a constant—a beacon of hope and a testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit. The promise of their love is eternal, and their souls forever entwined.
Maddie's depiction of soulmates is enlightening and her take on vampires is particularly refreshing, especially the exploration of whether they have souls. The fact that all the vampires have distinct personalities and motivations adds a new dimension to the narrative, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.
🌸💀TROPES:💀🌸
🌸Chosen One
💀Ancient Curse
💀Fated Mates/Star-crossed Lovers
🌸Morally Gray Characters
💀Who Hurt You?
🌸Reluctant Heroine
💀St@lker/Possessive MMC
🌸Mythology
💀Vampires, Demons, Gods/Goddesses
🌸Spicy Slow Burn
💀Feminine Rage
🌸Fantasy Traumance
💀Fates
🌸Shifters
💀Epic World Building
🌸Found Family
18+ Please check the content guidance. Your mental health and well being is important and matters to Maddie.
WARNING: This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. There is dark and possibly triggering content between these pages. 18+ and mature readers only. Please proceed with caution and read responsibly. Full content guidance available on author's website under the content guidance tab.
February 19, 2025
Rating: 5 🌟
Spice: 🌶 🌶
Wow! This book had such an impact on me, which I wasn't expecting. The combination of emotional depth, immersive world-building, and well-developed characters made for an unforgettable experience.
The idea of past lives and still being inexplicably drawn to one person just had me in a chokehold. Reading about the journey they embark on and the emotions they feel.....I mean, I ATE IT ALL UP! You will go through all of the emotions when reading this book with each separation and reunion of these characters. I don't often cry with a book, but tears came.....and they just kept coming 😭🤣.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to incorporate flashbacks and make them relevant and not just time fillers. Maddie made it so I felt like I was transported to another time and place, whilst also providing so much more to the story. The connection to ancient Egypt is such a fascinating element, too! The author really captured how the different worlds and relationships wove together and created something special.
The emotional journey Phenice goes through resonated deeply with me, especially with themes of grief, loss, and healing. And that ending... WOW! It's always so satisfying when a story leaves you with such a powerful impression.
THANK YOU Maddie for allowing me to read this ARC, it was absolutely incredible! I am so excited for Book 2!!!
Spice: 🌶 🌶
Wow! This book had such an impact on me, which I wasn't expecting. The combination of emotional depth, immersive world-building, and well-developed characters made for an unforgettable experience.
The idea of past lives and still being inexplicably drawn to one person just had me in a chokehold. Reading about the journey they embark on and the emotions they feel.....I mean, I ATE IT ALL UP! You will go through all of the emotions when reading this book with each separation and reunion of these characters. I don't often cry with a book, but tears came.....and they just kept coming 😭🤣.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to incorporate flashbacks and make them relevant and not just time fillers. Maddie made it so I felt like I was transported to another time and place, whilst also providing so much more to the story. The connection to ancient Egypt is such a fascinating element, too! The author really captured how the different worlds and relationships wove together and created something special.
The emotional journey Phenice goes through resonated deeply with me, especially with themes of grief, loss, and healing. And that ending... WOW! It's always so satisfying when a story leaves you with such a powerful impression.
THANK YOU Maddie for allowing me to read this ARC, it was absolutely incredible! I am so excited for Book 2!!!
February 11, 2025
I had to take some time after reading this to fully process it because it was SO FREAKING GOOD
The pacing of this was perfect and held my attention throughout the entire story. I didn’t want to put it down! The way Maddie wrote about the world, the characters and the plot itself made you feel like you were in it and along for the ride.
Maddie’s writing is so good and fully pulls you into the story. This one includes some flashback type scenes that really added to the main character’s storylines. These flashbacks were so immersive and well done that when they ended and went back to the ‘present’ storyline, I had forgotten about it because I was so immersed in the past.
The flashbacks that the main character, Phenice, goes through are heartbreaking and will have you feeling all of the same emotions that she is going through. Her story is one of loss, grief and healing, that is a perfect representation of what trauma does to a person. Maddie wrote this so well that I was in tears many many times.
This story has aspects of a few different times periods, a one of them being ancient Egypt, which I am obsessed with. The way the beginning of the timeline ties into the story as a whole, and comes full circle at the end, was a masterpiece that was truly amazing to follow. I really loved how all of the different events in the different timelines were linked.
Of course there’s love in this story; one that transcends time and different lives. I loved this aspect and how it all came together. The spice is here and I was 100% there for it!! The different character relationships were really dynamic and the characters all have distinct personalities and were easy to keep track of. I loved every single one, even the bad ones, they were so well written.
The last few chapters were so heartbreaking and emotional - and I felt every single blow as if I was experiencing it myself. The writing really is THAT good yall.
And the ending literally blew my mind! I had to take a break and read it again because it was so so good!! I had to take some time to process everything once I was done, and I can't wait to reread through entire story again.
I can’t wait to read more of this story and literally ANYTHING else that Maddie writes!!
The pacing of this was perfect and held my attention throughout the entire story. I didn’t want to put it down! The way Maddie wrote about the world, the characters and the plot itself made you feel like you were in it and along for the ride.
Maddie’s writing is so good and fully pulls you into the story. This one includes some flashback type scenes that really added to the main character’s storylines. These flashbacks were so immersive and well done that when they ended and went back to the ‘present’ storyline, I had forgotten about it because I was so immersed in the past.
The flashbacks that the main character, Phenice, goes through are heartbreaking and will have you feeling all of the same emotions that she is going through. Her story is one of loss, grief and healing, that is a perfect representation of what trauma does to a person. Maddie wrote this so well that I was in tears many many times.
This story has aspects of a few different times periods, a one of them being ancient Egypt, which I am obsessed with. The way the beginning of the timeline ties into the story as a whole, and comes full circle at the end, was a masterpiece that was truly amazing to follow. I really loved how all of the different events in the different timelines were linked.
Of course there’s love in this story; one that transcends time and different lives. I loved this aspect and how it all came together. The spice is here and I was 100% there for it!! The different character relationships were really dynamic and the characters all have distinct personalities and were easy to keep track of. I loved every single one, even the bad ones, they were so well written.
The last few chapters were so heartbreaking and emotional - and I felt every single blow as if I was experiencing it myself. The writing really is THAT good yall.
And the ending literally blew my mind! I had to take a break and read it again because it was so so good!! I had to take some time to process everything once I was done, and I can't wait to reread through entire story again.
I can’t wait to read more of this story and literally ANYTHING else that Maddie writes!!
May 6, 2025
Mortal End is an absolute debut masterpiece of literary fiction that gripped my heart and soul from the start.
This Gothic Romance contains all the hallmarks of the genre from horror, violence, supernatural effects, and tragedy to scenes shrouded in the dark of a moonlit night all taking place in a modern urban setting. Centered around the question, “What if Vampires had a soul?,” a soul that carries with it the memories and awareness of each life it had before, the author pieces together a tapestry through history and time where each string intertwines and joins with the other to create a completely consuming and life affirming tale of love, loss, perseverance and healing.
The precise and descriptive writing created beautiful imagery which made me feel like I was watching a motion picture instead of simply reading the book. The FMC, Dr. Phenice Jones, is developed with such depth she had me feeling deep compassion and sadness for her lingering PTSD from childhood trauma while cheering on her efforts to move on with her life. I could viscerally feel her overwhelming emotions and desperation driving her self-protection, even as those efforts left her lonely and isolated. As the story unfolds, I experienced her inner turmoil over her life, and the changes she’s experiencing as well as could feel her well of inner strength bubbling up to the surface.
With well-developed characters I am now completely invested in, a new take on vampires, creative world building, and gorgeous imagery, Mortal End asked me to consider some of life’s bigger questions: What is our soul? What does it mean to be human? Free-will versus Fate? What makes us Good or Evil?; all while taking me on an emotional and exciting urban fantasy adventure of epic proportions. One of the most moving and absorbing books I have read this year, Mortal End is one of my top 2024 reads. Even while my heart is anxiously awaiting for the next book, I cannot recommend this read highly enough.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the advanced copy. As always, these are my own honest thoughts and opinions.
This Gothic Romance contains all the hallmarks of the genre from horror, violence, supernatural effects, and tragedy to scenes shrouded in the dark of a moonlit night all taking place in a modern urban setting. Centered around the question, “What if Vampires had a soul?,” a soul that carries with it the memories and awareness of each life it had before, the author pieces together a tapestry through history and time where each string intertwines and joins with the other to create a completely consuming and life affirming tale of love, loss, perseverance and healing.
The precise and descriptive writing created beautiful imagery which made me feel like I was watching a motion picture instead of simply reading the book. The FMC, Dr. Phenice Jones, is developed with such depth she had me feeling deep compassion and sadness for her lingering PTSD from childhood trauma while cheering on her efforts to move on with her life. I could viscerally feel her overwhelming emotions and desperation driving her self-protection, even as those efforts left her lonely and isolated. As the story unfolds, I experienced her inner turmoil over her life, and the changes she’s experiencing as well as could feel her well of inner strength bubbling up to the surface.
With well-developed characters I am now completely invested in, a new take on vampires, creative world building, and gorgeous imagery, Mortal End asked me to consider some of life’s bigger questions: What is our soul? What does it mean to be human? Free-will versus Fate? What makes us Good or Evil?; all while taking me on an emotional and exciting urban fantasy adventure of epic proportions. One of the most moving and absorbing books I have read this year, Mortal End is one of my top 2024 reads. Even while my heart is anxiously awaiting for the next book, I cannot recommend this read highly enough.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the advanced copy. As always, these are my own honest thoughts and opinions.
January 21, 2025
The prologue of this book has you hooked from the start. You have no idea who the character is yet you feel so much empathy towards them. You find yourself waiting with bated breath to find out what fate has in store for them. The twists and turns in just the prologue gives you whiplash as just when you think you are done with the twists, another appears from nowhere and I am here for it. This book has amazing world building and stunning imagery. The first chapter lets you get to know the FMC a bit and I love the analogies and the way the author describes C-PTSD, as someone who suffers with it, it made the FMC very relatable. She is strong even if she doesn't always see it and she is very realistic which I loved as even though it is a book filled with fantasy, it is always nice to have an FMC you can relate to and who even though she has faced so much and continues to do so, still gets back up after being knocked down. The MMC is just perfection, is he morally grey? Yes but he is portrayed in a way you cannot help but like him. I do wish there was a bit more of him but as this is part of a series, I am hoping there will be more of him in the next part. The FMC's best friend is such an amazing addition to the story, she helps keep the FMC relatively sane and is very straight talking and I love that, she is such a loveable character. Some plot twists have you completely baffled until they are explained which I loved because it has you really thinking. The ending is not where I saw it going at all and I am looking forward to having it explained hopefully in the next book as I was rather confused. Overall a great debut from this author and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
March 10, 2025
Mortal End
By Maddie Rose Andry
4⭐️
Nightmares. Vampires. And a To Be Continued. Oh how my heart aches.
Maddie.. Maddie.. Maddie you have left me speechless and wanting more. If this is how you started your debut novel, I am so thrilled to have been apart of your journey with this ARC. Maddie Rose Andry's writing style is rich in descriptive language, the visuals while reading had me at the edge of my seat.
The book starts off with a bang. You are instantly embarked in the journey with Dr. Phenice Jones, who is plagued by gruesome nightmares of a cursed Egyptian Queen. When these nightmares bleed into Phenice's waking hours, her PTSD starts to revive and overwhelms her and the carefully constructed life she has made for herself starts a rift. Developing feelings for a patient her world is unraveling.
Phenice decided to go for a run and thought to herself, tomorrow’s going to be a new day (little did she know) and I’ll begin living my life right. WRONG! Suddenly she felt hands grab her. Six supernaturals hunters attacked Phenice, looking for their lost Queen, they started to bit down on her neck repeatedly. When they were done, the black haired female with the voice of a lion said “Throw her body in the river.”
Maddie’s take on vampires was unique. “What if Vampires had a soul?” This is question and story that will live rent free in my thoughts. Kind of makes me want to watch Twilight now and enjoy the HOA HOA HOA HOAAAA vibes I am left with.
By Maddie Rose Andry
4⭐️
Nightmares. Vampires. And a To Be Continued. Oh how my heart aches.
Maddie.. Maddie.. Maddie you have left me speechless and wanting more. If this is how you started your debut novel, I am so thrilled to have been apart of your journey with this ARC. Maddie Rose Andry's writing style is rich in descriptive language, the visuals while reading had me at the edge of my seat.
The book starts off with a bang. You are instantly embarked in the journey with Dr. Phenice Jones, who is plagued by gruesome nightmares of a cursed Egyptian Queen. When these nightmares bleed into Phenice's waking hours, her PTSD starts to revive and overwhelms her and the carefully constructed life she has made for herself starts a rift. Developing feelings for a patient her world is unraveling.
Phenice decided to go for a run and thought to herself, tomorrow’s going to be a new day (little did she know) and I’ll begin living my life right. WRONG! Suddenly she felt hands grab her. Six supernaturals hunters attacked Phenice, looking for their lost Queen, they started to bit down on her neck repeatedly. When they were done, the black haired female with the voice of a lion said “Throw her body in the river.”
Maddie’s take on vampires was unique. “What if Vampires had a soul?” This is question and story that will live rent free in my thoughts. Kind of makes me want to watch Twilight now and enjoy the HOA HOA HOA HOAAAA vibes I am left with.
February 11, 2025
“What if Vampires had a soul?”
This book is filled with emotional depth, descriptive world building, a unique take on vampires, and well-developed characters. I was enraptured reading about Dr. Phenice and her past life revelations, and I’m a sucker for an emotional rollercoaster of a story. I have a degree in psychology and teach it at a high school level, so I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the journey of trauma and healing from a therapists POV. I felt all the feels throughout this book, and can’t wait to read more!
ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻 𝕀𝔽 𝕐𝕆𝕌 𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼:
✨ Gothic Romance Turned Urban Fantasy
✨ Star-Crossed Lovers
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Fated Mates
✨ Tragic Backstory
✨ Mental Health Rep
✨ Morally Gray
✨ Ancient Curse
✨ Who Hurt You?
𝔽𝔸𝕍𝕆ℝ𝕀𝕋𝔼 ℚ𝕌𝕆𝕋𝔼𝕊:
“I wanted to be a carefree optimist. I wanted love, and he made me want to risk everything to have it. This morning he had made me feel like the Grinch whose heart had grown three sizes listening to his love and passion for this woman. I longed to be loved the way he loved her.”
“Maybe he and I were star-crossed lovers, soulmates designed only to find each other briefly, to love fiercely, then be torn apart, again and again. It seemed cruel but not as cruel as never loving at all.”
This book is filled with emotional depth, descriptive world building, a unique take on vampires, and well-developed characters. I was enraptured reading about Dr. Phenice and her past life revelations, and I’m a sucker for an emotional rollercoaster of a story. I have a degree in psychology and teach it at a high school level, so I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the journey of trauma and healing from a therapists POV. I felt all the feels throughout this book, and can’t wait to read more!
ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻 𝕀𝔽 𝕐𝕆𝕌 𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼:
✨ Gothic Romance Turned Urban Fantasy
✨ Star-Crossed Lovers
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Fated Mates
✨ Tragic Backstory
✨ Mental Health Rep
✨ Morally Gray
✨ Ancient Curse
✨ Who Hurt You?
𝔽𝔸𝕍𝕆ℝ𝕀𝕋𝔼 ℚ𝕌𝕆𝕋𝔼𝕊:
“I wanted to be a carefree optimist. I wanted love, and he made me want to risk everything to have it. This morning he had made me feel like the Grinch whose heart had grown three sizes listening to his love and passion for this woman. I longed to be loved the way he loved her.”
“Maybe he and I were star-crossed lovers, soulmates designed only to find each other briefly, to love fiercely, then be torn apart, again and again. It seemed cruel but not as cruel as never loving at all.”
February 16, 2025
If you’re into twilight books then this book is for you.
When Phenice tries to have a normal life after a childhood full of PTSD, she finds herself having dreams about ancient Egypt and a woman who was cursed for her sins. Little does she know, her life has been fated since she was born. She goes through a lot of past revelations and grossly event which also leads her to find her mate.
I got mix feelings for this book. Not for the whole mixing past and present together but for the fact that she was all over the place. Her emotions were never stable and accepting she is a vampire so quickly was like “oh… that’s it?” There wasn’t a plots twist since it was mostly just past events being revealed. Not so much spice. Only one scene. It was full of gore and I love that. It does end on a cliffhanger. Hope book 2 is better. Really hope for more action and spice. Now for the Q&A. Would I recommend this book? For a vampire/ fantasy ready who also wants some gore, yes. Was the plot twisting? Not really. Was the spice SPICY? No. Needs more.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️
When Phenice tries to have a normal life after a childhood full of PTSD, she finds herself having dreams about ancient Egypt and a woman who was cursed for her sins. Little does she know, her life has been fated since she was born. She goes through a lot of past revelations and grossly event which also leads her to find her mate.
I got mix feelings for this book. Not for the whole mixing past and present together but for the fact that she was all over the place. Her emotions were never stable and accepting she is a vampire so quickly was like “oh… that’s it?” There wasn’t a plots twist since it was mostly just past events being revealed. Not so much spice. Only one scene. It was full of gore and I love that. It does end on a cliffhanger. Hope book 2 is better. Really hope for more action and spice. Now for the Q&A. Would I recommend this book? For a vampire/ fantasy ready who also wants some gore, yes. Was the plot twisting? Not really. Was the spice SPICY? No. Needs more.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️
January 4, 2025
Beautiful. Empowering. Tragic. Soul Crushing. Healing.
A story of self-acceptance. A story of sacrifice. A love story that crosses time itself. A fresh view into this genre of vampires.
Gothic Romance meets Modern Day. In the BEST way!
The opportunity I had to read this book will forever stay with me. I loved it so much! The pain I felt radiating off these characters, the hurt and the healing. I experienced these things WITH them! I was pulled in so deep that I rarely came up for air. Review words won't do this story justice. Feeling the emotions can only be done through the eyes of the characters. And it is done in such a heart-wrenching way that broke me and pieced me back together again. Almost.
"Crave" is not a strong enough word for how badly I am already itching to read the second installment of this series! And every installment after that!
Miss Maddie Rose Andry has me enthralled!
A story of self-acceptance. A story of sacrifice. A love story that crosses time itself. A fresh view into this genre of vampires.
Gothic Romance meets Modern Day. In the BEST way!
The opportunity I had to read this book will forever stay with me. I loved it so much! The pain I felt radiating off these characters, the hurt and the healing. I experienced these things WITH them! I was pulled in so deep that I rarely came up for air. Review words won't do this story justice. Feeling the emotions can only be done through the eyes of the characters. And it is done in such a heart-wrenching way that broke me and pieced me back together again. Almost.
"Crave" is not a strong enough word for how badly I am already itching to read the second installment of this series! And every installment after that!
Miss Maddie Rose Andry has me enthralled!
November 30, 2024
This was an interesting book for sure! I liked the setting of the book a lot and how they showed that a therapist was handling ptsd and in general her own trauma. I liked that it was fast paced and the story was capturing.
I love how real the character felt with all her flaws and reactions. I really feel like the characters were well developed and they each had their own voice. It also has so many vibes from different genres all mixed into a fantasy book!
I did feel like the fast pace I was enjoying slowed down a bit in the second half of the book and I slightly missed that when we were reaching towards the cliffhanger this book gave us. With that said I absolutely cant wait to read book 2!
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced reader copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I love how real the character felt with all her flaws and reactions. I really feel like the characters were well developed and they each had their own voice. It also has so many vibes from different genres all mixed into a fantasy book!
I did feel like the fast pace I was enjoying slowed down a bit in the second half of the book and I slightly missed that when we were reaching towards the cliffhanger this book gave us. With that said I absolutely cant wait to read book 2!
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced reader copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
June 7, 2025
Maddie Rose Andry takes us on a journey in this book that will leave your head spinning. It’s a very unique book, unlike anything I’ve read. It’s very realistic with the experiences Phenice, the fmc, has with ptsd and anxiety. She has endured some horrific trauma. She pulled her big girl panties up and got her life together for it all to come crashing down.
This is about powerful vampires, elemental magic, and of course there’s an evil queen. I love how we get to experience becoming a vampire and what that life entails and experience the souls’ past lives. I just have to mention too that everybody needs a friend like Alina! This is an incredible journey and so beautifully written.
Mortal End is available now to purchase as well as on KU and you won’t have to wait long for the second book because Chaos Resurrected releases 9/2/25!
This is about powerful vampires, elemental magic, and of course there’s an evil queen. I love how we get to experience becoming a vampire and what that life entails and experience the souls’ past lives. I just have to mention too that everybody needs a friend like Alina! This is an incredible journey and so beautifully written.
Mortal End is available now to purchase as well as on KU and you won’t have to wait long for the second book because Chaos Resurrected releases 9/2/25!
February 22, 2025
3.5/5
I liked the premise of this novel and I enjoyed the majority of it. It took a DARK turn in the last couple of chapters and I felt like I was reading a different book. Doesn’t mean it was necessarily BAD, just that it felt different. We go from a happy time jump to that and it was jarring.
I wish we learned more about the vampire world and Emil. We are given a very quick introduction to side characters but I didn’t feel any emotional connection to them aside from Alina.
As I said I did really enjoy the bones of this book but I want MORE. More character growth, more exploration into the vampire world, and deeper connections to side characters.
I liked the premise of this novel and I enjoyed the majority of it. It took a DARK turn in the last couple of chapters and I felt like I was reading a different book. Doesn’t mean it was necessarily BAD, just that it felt different. We go from a happy time jump to that and it was jarring.
I wish we learned more about the vampire world and Emil. We are given a very quick introduction to side characters but I didn’t feel any emotional connection to them aside from Alina.
As I said I did really enjoy the bones of this book but I want MORE. More character growth, more exploration into the vampire world, and deeper connections to side characters.
January 21, 2025
Holy smokes! This book starts out with a bang and then keeps going from there. I was sucked in from the get go. The storyline and then the added spice just made it so much better. The FMC Phenice has a brutal awakening and it's just nuts from there. The MMC Emil is just the perfect gentleman but has a very dirty mouth. The side characters are superb as well. This book had me on the edge of me seat and then took me off a cliff. I can't wait for the next book . This is in my top fantasy reads for sure. I highly recommend it to all you vampire and fantasy loving fans!
January 18, 2025
This book was a captivating story that I really enjoyed. The first half of the book was fast paced and provided a complex story. The world building was a lot and at times hard to keep track of but it was still an interesting story. The second half of the book was a bit slower at times was needed with how complex this book is. Overall this is an interesting and captivating read.
I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest review.
Read
November 25, 2024DNF
Mortal End just wasn’t for me but not every book is going to connect with every reader. My opinion is my own, and I’d never want it to deter someone from giving it a shot—check it out for yourself! You might love it! 📚✨
Thank you Maddie Rose Andry and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review⭐️
Mortal End just wasn’t for me but not every book is going to connect with every reader. My opinion is my own, and I’d never want it to deter someone from giving it a shot—check it out for yourself! You might love it! 📚✨
Thank you Maddie Rose Andry and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review⭐️
January 16, 2026
This book had a genuinely interesting and ambitious idea 🩸✨—but unfortunately, the execution didn’t land the way I’d hoped.
At its core, this story explored a fascinating concept: what if vampires had souls—souls that carried memories from every past life and incarnation? We followed Dr. Phenice Jones, a psychologist haunted by brutal nightmares of a cursed Egyptian Queen 👑⚱️. Those nightmares slowly bled into her waking life, tangling with her own unresolved childhood trauma and PTSD 💔. When a supernatural attack shattered her mortal life, Phenice was forcibly transformed into a vampire, awakening ancient memories, immense power, and a fate woven by The Fates themselves 🧵🩶—along with the return of a fated mate she couldn’t escape.
The opening chapters truly hooked me 😮💨🔥. The tragic story of the Egyptian Queen—who only wanted love and family—was heartbreaking and beautifully foreshadowed the soul-bonded mythology that followed. I was intrigued by the blend of Egyptian lore, gothic vibes, vampires, fate, and reincarnation 🦇📜. On paper, this felt like something I should have loved.
But as the story progressed, things began to unravel for me 😞.
The dialogue often felt awkward and stiff, pulling me out of emotional moments 😬. I also struggled deeply with the ethical violations—particularly Phenice and Alina’s blatant disregard for professional boundaries and HIPAA 🚩. It made it very hard to believe Phenice as a practicing doctor or even someone who realistically could have completed her education.
While I empathized with Phenice’s abusive past and trauma 💔, I never truly connected with her as a character. Her transformation arc didn’t feel earned to me—she spoke about newfound confidence, yet continuously second-guessed herself and repeatedly circled the same PTSD beats 🔁. Instead of growth, it felt stagnant.
The timeline jumps also added to my confusion ⏳😵. I constantly wished the chapters had been labeled past / present / future because I often felt disoriented when new chapters began. By the second half, my engagement dropped significantly, and I ended up skimming toward the end 📖➡️. The ending itself left me confused, especially in relation to the opening lore about soul bonds—it didn’t seem to fully align, which was disappointing given how important that concept was meant to be.
The book did end on a cliffhanger 😮💨, but sadly, I didn’t feel compelled to continue on to book two.
🩸 Tropes & Themes You’ll Find:
🧛♀️ Vampires with Souls & Reincarnation
🧵 Fated Mates / Star-Crossed Lovers
🖤 Gothic Horror & Urban Fantasy Vibes
⚖️ Morally Gray, Possessive MMC
🧠 Mental Health Rep (C-PTSD)
🔥 Slow-Burn, Open-Door Romance
👑 Ancient Queens & Mythology
😡 Feminine Rage & Trauma-Focused Fantasy
✨ This might work better for readers who enjoy ambitious lore-heavy stories and darker fantasy romance concepts, especially if execution issues don’t bother you as much.
While this book ultimately wasn’t for me, I truly appreciate the creativity and heart behind the concept 💭🖤.
💌 Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity.
At its core, this story explored a fascinating concept: what if vampires had souls—souls that carried memories from every past life and incarnation? We followed Dr. Phenice Jones, a psychologist haunted by brutal nightmares of a cursed Egyptian Queen 👑⚱️. Those nightmares slowly bled into her waking life, tangling with her own unresolved childhood trauma and PTSD 💔. When a supernatural attack shattered her mortal life, Phenice was forcibly transformed into a vampire, awakening ancient memories, immense power, and a fate woven by The Fates themselves 🧵🩶—along with the return of a fated mate she couldn’t escape.
The opening chapters truly hooked me 😮💨🔥. The tragic story of the Egyptian Queen—who only wanted love and family—was heartbreaking and beautifully foreshadowed the soul-bonded mythology that followed. I was intrigued by the blend of Egyptian lore, gothic vibes, vampires, fate, and reincarnation 🦇📜. On paper, this felt like something I should have loved.
But as the story progressed, things began to unravel for me 😞.
The dialogue often felt awkward and stiff, pulling me out of emotional moments 😬. I also struggled deeply with the ethical violations—particularly Phenice and Alina’s blatant disregard for professional boundaries and HIPAA 🚩. It made it very hard to believe Phenice as a practicing doctor or even someone who realistically could have completed her education.
While I empathized with Phenice’s abusive past and trauma 💔, I never truly connected with her as a character. Her transformation arc didn’t feel earned to me—she spoke about newfound confidence, yet continuously second-guessed herself and repeatedly circled the same PTSD beats 🔁. Instead of growth, it felt stagnant.
The timeline jumps also added to my confusion ⏳😵. I constantly wished the chapters had been labeled past / present / future because I often felt disoriented when new chapters began. By the second half, my engagement dropped significantly, and I ended up skimming toward the end 📖➡️. The ending itself left me confused, especially in relation to the opening lore about soul bonds—it didn’t seem to fully align, which was disappointing given how important that concept was meant to be.
The book did end on a cliffhanger 😮💨, but sadly, I didn’t feel compelled to continue on to book two.
🩸 Tropes & Themes You’ll Find:
🧛♀️ Vampires with Souls & Reincarnation
🧵 Fated Mates / Star-Crossed Lovers
🖤 Gothic Horror & Urban Fantasy Vibes
⚖️ Morally Gray, Possessive MMC
🧠 Mental Health Rep (C-PTSD)
🔥 Slow-Burn, Open-Door Romance
👑 Ancient Queens & Mythology
😡 Feminine Rage & Trauma-Focused Fantasy
✨ This might work better for readers who enjoy ambitious lore-heavy stories and darker fantasy romance concepts, especially if execution issues don’t bother you as much.
While this book ultimately wasn’t for me, I truly appreciate the creativity and heart behind the concept 💭🖤.
💌 Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity.
December 23, 2025
This was one of the best vampire-themed books I’ve ever read!! It’s a beautifully written romantasy that moves between the past and the present, with an incredible plot centered around ancient secrets, curses, love, and reincarnation. I truly loved every moment of it, and I wholeheartedly believe that Phenice deserved happiness and a sense of belonging more than anyone.
Phenice is an extraordinary woman. Despite the horrific things she’s endured and the lack of love in her life, she somehow holds on and becomes a doctor. Because she never truly learned what love is, she’s unfamiliar with friendship and romance—this is her way of protecting herself. Even when she cares deeply for someone, fear makes her pull back completely. One day, she begins to feel something for her patient, Emil, and she can’t make sense of it—there’s an intense, strange pull between them. (The aura they radiated together was incredible!!)
Emil, on the other hand, is fiercely protective and would quite literally move the world for Phenice. They went through so much, especially in the beginning, but their eventual reunion was absolutely beautiful.
This was a true slow burn, and I read every single page constantly thinking, “What’s going to happen next?!”
I’m so grateful I had the chance to meet these characters, and I want to thank the wonderful author from the bottom of my heart—sending the biggest hug!!
Phenice is an extraordinary woman. Despite the horrific things she’s endured and the lack of love in her life, she somehow holds on and becomes a doctor. Because she never truly learned what love is, she’s unfamiliar with friendship and romance—this is her way of protecting herself. Even when she cares deeply for someone, fear makes her pull back completely. One day, she begins to feel something for her patient, Emil, and she can’t make sense of it—there’s an intense, strange pull between them. (The aura they radiated together was incredible!!)
Emil, on the other hand, is fiercely protective and would quite literally move the world for Phenice. They went through so much, especially in the beginning, but their eventual reunion was absolutely beautiful.
This was a true slow burn, and I read every single page constantly thinking, “What’s going to happen next?!”
I’m so grateful I had the chance to meet these characters, and I want to thank the wonderful author from the bottom of my heart—sending the biggest hug!!
February 12, 2025
Mortal End: An Opera of Cursed and Fated Vampires by Maddie Rose Andry is an absolutely mesmerizing tale that pulls you into a world of dark romance, intrigue, and supernatural horror. From the first page, the book grips you with its hauntingly poetic prose and deeply atmospheric storytelling, making it impossible to put down.
Andry’s writing is both elegant and immersive, crafting a gothic landscape filled with cursed vampires, doomed love, and a sense of fate that feels both tragic and beautiful. The characters are richly developed, particularly Phenice, each carrying the weight of their sorrow and desires, making their struggles all the more compelling. The romance is intense, filled with yearning and tension that keeps you hooked until the very last page.
One of the highlights of this novel is its operatic feel. Every scene is infused with drama, passion, and a grand, sweeping intensity that makes it feel like you’re experiencing a beautifully tragic performance rather than just reading a book. The world-building is stunning, blending historical elements with supernatural lore in a way that feels fresh yet timeless.
If you love gothic horror, dark fantasy, and deeply emotional storytelling, Mortal End is a must-read. Maddie Rose Andry has created a masterpiece that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. Highly recommended for fans of Anne Rice, Emily Brontë, and anyone who craves a darkly romantic, beautifully written novel.
Andry’s writing is both elegant and immersive, crafting a gothic landscape filled with cursed vampires, doomed love, and a sense of fate that feels both tragic and beautiful. The characters are richly developed, particularly Phenice, each carrying the weight of their sorrow and desires, making their struggles all the more compelling. The romance is intense, filled with yearning and tension that keeps you hooked until the very last page.
One of the highlights of this novel is its operatic feel. Every scene is infused with drama, passion, and a grand, sweeping intensity that makes it feel like you’re experiencing a beautifully tragic performance rather than just reading a book. The world-building is stunning, blending historical elements with supernatural lore in a way that feels fresh yet timeless.
If you love gothic horror, dark fantasy, and deeply emotional storytelling, Mortal End is a must-read. Maddie Rose Andry has created a masterpiece that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. Highly recommended for fans of Anne Rice, Emily Brontë, and anyone who craves a darkly romantic, beautifully written novel.
June 21, 2025
I haven’t read a Horror is a long while and this didn’t disappoint.
We join our FMC in her day to day life, sadly she isnt living her best life. The story starts off with her having disturbing dreams but she has no idea this is only the beginning. She is determined to carry on as normal BUT our FMC is special, very special and its time for her to be awakened. After being brutally attacked (and yes I mean brutally) Phenice (getting the shit end of the shit, again) must confront her troubled past and accept her fated path. Enter the rest of the amazing characters and i was gripped.
The author’s writing style is on point and she sets scenes in graphic detail, this just allows you to totally immersive yourself in the story. The author is talented and that shows in the whole book, especially in the story building. This book would make a brillaint Audiobook and i will be the first one to download it.
We join our FMC in her day to day life, sadly she isnt living her best life. The story starts off with her having disturbing dreams but she has no idea this is only the beginning. She is determined to carry on as normal BUT our FMC is special, very special and its time for her to be awakened. After being brutally attacked (and yes I mean brutally) Phenice (getting the shit end of the shit, again) must confront her troubled past and accept her fated path. Enter the rest of the amazing characters and i was gripped.
The author’s writing style is on point and she sets scenes in graphic detail, this just allows you to totally immersive yourself in the story. The author is talented and that shows in the whole book, especially in the story building. This book would make a brillaint Audiobook and i will be the first one to download it.
December 16, 2025
I received a copy for free to review. Mortal End grabbed me right away with a really wicked, high-impact opening that had so much promise. The beginning was dark, engaging, and made me think I was in for something special. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t quite hold. The middle felt a bit lost and unfocused, like the story wasn’t sure where it wanted to go, and the pacing started to drag.
By the time I reached the ending, things took a strange turn that didn’t fully land for me, which was disappointing after such a strong start. Overall, it’s not my favorite book, but it’s still a decent read. There are good ideas here and flashes of what could have been great—it just ended up feeling flatter than I’d hoped given how strong it began.
By the time I reached the ending, things took a strange turn that didn’t fully land for me, which was disappointing after such a strong start. Overall, it’s not my favorite book, but it’s still a decent read. There are good ideas here and flashes of what could have been great—it just ended up feeling flatter than I’d hoped given how strong it began.
December 13, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Mortal End. This Gothic romance skillfully incorporates the defining elements of the genre: horror, violence, supernatural intrigue, and tragedy, set against the shadowed backdrop of a modern urban landscape. Anchored by the compelling question, “What if vampires had a soul?” The novel explores a consciousness that carries the memories and awareness of every life lived before. Through this concept, everything weaves an intricate tapestry across history and time, creating an emotionally rich and deeply immersive story of love, loss, perseverance, and healing.
Dr. Phenice Jones is exceptionally well developed, inspiring both compassion and emotional investment. Her lingering PTSD from childhood trauma is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, allowing everyone who reads this to fully experience her vulnerability, inner conflict, and fierce instinct for self-preservation even when those efforts leave her isolated. As the narrative progresses, her internal struggle and personal evolution are palpable, as is the emergence of her inner strength rising steadily to the surface.
With its richly developed characters, imaginative reinterpretation of vampire lore, thoughtful world-building, and striking imagery, Mortal End invites everyone to reflect on life’s larger questions: What is the soul? What does it truly mean to be human? Is free will stronger than fate? And what defines good versus evil? All of this unfolds within an emotionally charged and thrilling urban fantasy adventure of epic scope. I am eagerly anticipating diving into the second book as soon as possible.💛
Dr. Phenice Jones is exceptionally well developed, inspiring both compassion and emotional investment. Her lingering PTSD from childhood trauma is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, allowing everyone who reads this to fully experience her vulnerability, inner conflict, and fierce instinct for self-preservation even when those efforts leave her isolated. As the narrative progresses, her internal struggle and personal evolution are palpable, as is the emergence of her inner strength rising steadily to the surface.
With its richly developed characters, imaginative reinterpretation of vampire lore, thoughtful world-building, and striking imagery, Mortal End invites everyone to reflect on life’s larger questions: What is the soul? What does it truly mean to be human? Is free will stronger than fate? And what defines good versus evil? All of this unfolds within an emotionally charged and thrilling urban fantasy adventure of epic scope. I am eagerly anticipating diving into the second book as soon as possible.💛
August 21, 2025
Maddie sure knows how to write an opening that will captivate you. In that single chapter I felt so many emotions from sadness to anger to confusion. But I was immediately hooked and invested in the story.
This was such a unique take on vampires that I absolutely loved. From how/why they were created, to their powers, all of it was so incredibly well written and thought out.
This is one of the best examples of Epic World Building I have ever seen. Maddie's writing is perfection, you can feel everything as if you are in the story yourself. The characters and character development- perfection. The relationships are real and messy, emotional, heartbreaking but so beautiful. I absolutely love the way Phenice was portrayed- she is angry and broken but still fighting. And Emil- that freaking man. Without giving too much away- he would do literally anything and everything for Phenice.
This is not a cute and fun read- it is emotional and introspective and will break you down and put you back together and I would do it over and over again!
This was such a unique take on vampires that I absolutely loved. From how/why they were created, to their powers, all of it was so incredibly well written and thought out.
This is one of the best examples of Epic World Building I have ever seen. Maddie's writing is perfection, you can feel everything as if you are in the story yourself. The characters and character development- perfection. The relationships are real and messy, emotional, heartbreaking but so beautiful. I absolutely love the way Phenice was portrayed- she is angry and broken but still fighting. And Emil- that freaking man. Without giving too much away- he would do literally anything and everything for Phenice.
This is not a cute and fun read- it is emotional and introspective and will break you down and put you back together and I would do it over and over again!
November 26, 2025
This was such a unique take on vampire fated mates. Being soulmates through multiple lifetimes is both beautiful and tragic. I thought the depiction of ptsd was so real it was hard to read at times but definitely worth it. Definitely check the trigger warnings before you read this. I can’t wait for book 2, some of the flashing back and forth to different timelines were a little confusing but overall this was a great book. Thank you to happily booked for the opportunity to arc read!
December 15, 2025
Mortal End was a very good read—beautifully written and completely intriguing from start to finish. I loved the fantasy elements, especially how different this fated mates story felt compared to others I’ve read. Instead of relying heavily on tropes, the story leans more into a strong, well-developed plot, which made it even more enjoyable.
The author did an amazing job crafting both the world and the storyline, and the writing kept me fully engaged throughout. It was captivating, refreshing, and a great choice for anyone looking for a fantasy romance that prioritizes plot just as much as connection. Definitely worth the read! ✨📖
The author did an amazing job crafting both the world and the storyline, and the writing kept me fully engaged throughout. It was captivating, refreshing, and a great choice for anyone looking for a fantasy romance that prioritizes plot just as much as connection. Definitely worth the read! ✨📖
March 20, 2025
This was a fun take on vampires with a great addition of Egyptian lore. Maddie’s writing is captivating and I loved her descriptions of places and actions. There were so many scene that really foreshadow what is to come. But even with the foreshadowing, the twists were fantastic and unpredictable. One pf my favorite themes throughout the book was the references and comparisons with the cherry blossom tree. You’ll have to read this on your own to find out why. This also ends on the cliffhanger of the century!
Also check the trigger warnings on Maddie’s website as this has darker themes. Take care of your mental health, babes!
Also check the trigger warnings on Maddie’s website as this has darker themes. Take care of your mental health, babes!
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