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The Eternal Curse #1
Blood of the Blackthorn
HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO GO TO KEEP YOUR SECRETS?
After years of living as a lady in the Givensmir court - a life of luxury and opulence - Eve's past has slowly come back to haunt her. One of secrets and magic that courses through her veins, thought to have been long forgotten.
Now, a princess lies mysteriously dead before her in the great hall.
The eyes of the duplicitous court are everywhere.
And there is nowhere left to hide.
In a realm known for its witch hunts and the ongoing conflict with the Blackthorn, the kingdom of witchcraft across the treacherous Dallise Sea, Eve now finds herself on the wrong side of this war.
And the time to escape is running out.
After years of living as a lady in the Givensmir court - a life of luxury and opulence - Eve's past has slowly come back to haunt her. One of secrets and magic that courses through her veins, thought to have been long forgotten.
Now, a princess lies mysteriously dead before her in the great hall.
The eyes of the duplicitous court are everywhere.
And there is nowhere left to hide.
In a realm known for its witch hunts and the ongoing conflict with the Blackthorn, the kingdom of witchcraft across the treacherous Dallise Sea, Eve now finds herself on the wrong side of this war.
And the time to escape is running out.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
28 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Rocio Carranza
5 books88 followersRocio Carranza, a multi-genre writer from Austin, TX, spent most of her youth with a book in her hand, consuming stories of fantasy and horror as if her life depended on it.
This naturally led into a love of writing stories as an excellent way to get lost in worlds of her own making—fighting epic battles, undoing curses (or casting them), and confronting the things that go bump in the night.
Rocio is the author of Blood of the Blackthorn, Flame in the Silver Storm, and My Dreams Come True. Other published works include short stories featured in various literary magazines such as Griffel and Sad Girl Diaries.
Curious to know more?
You can find Rocio on social media on IG/Threads/TT @rociocarranzawrites and Bluesky @rociocarranza.
This naturally led into a love of writing stories as an excellent way to get lost in worlds of her own making—fighting epic battles, undoing curses (or casting them), and confronting the things that go bump in the night.
Rocio is the author of Blood of the Blackthorn, Flame in the Silver Storm, and My Dreams Come True. Other published works include short stories featured in various literary magazines such as Griffel and Sad Girl Diaries.
Curious to know more?
You can find Rocio on social media on IG/Threads/TT @rociocarranzawrites and Bluesky @rociocarranza.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 25, 2025
court intrigue • witchcraft • secrets
Blood of the Black Thorn by Roccio Carranza drew me in with its blend of dark magic, court politics, and a heroine whose secrets are as dangerous as they are compelling.
Eve has spent years hiding behind the wealth and beauty of the Givensmir court, but when a princess is found dead, the lies that protect her begin to unravel. In a world on edge with witch hunts and the looming threat of the Blackthorn kingdom across the Dallise Sea, she is forced into choices that test her loyalty, her morals, and her heart.
I really enjoyed Eve’s complexity. She is not afraid to make hard decisions, even when they hurt others, which made her frustrating yet very human. Her familiar and apprentice were standout characters for me, both brave and quietly loyal. I hope they step into even bigger roles in the next book.
Carranza builds a vivid atmosphere of opulence shadowed by suspicion. The writing captures the duality of luxury and danger, and the magical elements are mysterious and sharp edged.
Overall, this was a gripping and atmospheric read that sets the stage for what promises to be an intense and layered series. I am looking forward to following Eve’s path as the story continues.
Blood of the Black Thorn by Roccio Carranza drew me in with its blend of dark magic, court politics, and a heroine whose secrets are as dangerous as they are compelling.
Eve has spent years hiding behind the wealth and beauty of the Givensmir court, but when a princess is found dead, the lies that protect her begin to unravel. In a world on edge with witch hunts and the looming threat of the Blackthorn kingdom across the Dallise Sea, she is forced into choices that test her loyalty, her morals, and her heart.
I really enjoyed Eve’s complexity. She is not afraid to make hard decisions, even when they hurt others, which made her frustrating yet very human. Her familiar and apprentice were standout characters for me, both brave and quietly loyal. I hope they step into even bigger roles in the next book.
Carranza builds a vivid atmosphere of opulence shadowed by suspicion. The writing captures the duality of luxury and danger, and the magical elements are mysterious and sharp edged.
Overall, this was a gripping and atmospheric read that sets the stage for what promises to be an intense and layered series. I am looking forward to following Eve’s path as the story continues.
February 12, 2025
4.5 stars! Wow i really ate this book up! I was so captivated by the story and the characters, the multi pov was so fun and was a great way to really connect with the characters. I was utterly sat every time Clarissa had a chapter, her magic was so bone chilling.
Dakon was iconic i think he might be my favorite, and i thought the dynamics of the siblings reminded me a lot of game of thrones, Marc was definitely giving Anemond from house of dragons.
I loved learning about the witches and their kingdom and was super intrigued by the kingdom and the enchantress.
My only complaint truly was that I wanted more, i felt that it could definitely be longer to explore and explain a couple things that i thought were not fully fleshed out but I also assume the author plans to explains upon these topics in future books.
Definitely an amazing read and I am so so honored that I was able to be an ARC reader for it!
Dakon was iconic i think he might be my favorite, and i thought the dynamics of the siblings reminded me a lot of game of thrones, Marc was definitely giving Anemond from house of dragons.
I loved learning about the witches and their kingdom and was super intrigued by the kingdom and the enchantress.
My only complaint truly was that I wanted more, i felt that it could definitely be longer to explore and explain a couple things that i thought were not fully fleshed out but I also assume the author plans to explains upon these topics in future books.
Definitely an amazing read and I am so so honored that I was able to be an ARC reader for it!
February 17, 2025
I receive an e-arc of this book and this is my honest review.
This is a medieval fantasy about witchcraft, magic, forbidden love, siblings pitted at each other , power hungry spares and villains you love to hate.
While I genuinely enjoyed this book, the first 60% of it is world building and character development yet I found myself wanting more. The last 100 pages are a wild ride of twist and turns with shocking truths revealed that make the slow pace of the beginning worth it.
While most of the characters and magic system are built up beautifully, a few felt under developed for me although so much time was spent on world building. they have so much potential to be more.
I look forward to the magic system in this universe being built up/explained more and am looking forward to the second book. I hope certain characters get their time in the spot light and we learn more about them
This is a medieval fantasy about witchcraft, magic, forbidden love, siblings pitted at each other , power hungry spares and villains you love to hate.
While I genuinely enjoyed this book, the first 60% of it is world building and character development yet I found myself wanting more. The last 100 pages are a wild ride of twist and turns with shocking truths revealed that make the slow pace of the beginning worth it.
While most of the characters and magic system are built up beautifully, a few felt under developed for me although so much time was spent on world building. they have so much potential to be more.
I look forward to the magic system in this universe being built up/explained more and am looking forward to the second book. I hope certain characters get their time in the spot light and we learn more about them
September 16, 2025
Content warnings: genocide, dead parent, threats of sexual assault, violence, blood, immolation, emetophobia, executions
I got a physical copy of this book in a trade with the author while we both endured Once Upon a Con. What immediately drew me in was the print that featured two women embracing and cover copy promising political intrigue and magic. I found myself sucked in by the conspiracies abound in this fantasy where a kingdom sits on the precipice of war between humans and witches long in the making. Eve is ward of a lord, with an estranged sister who lives on the island of witches. Eve doesn't know Clarisa lives and doesn't think their mother's magic touched her, but then a grimoire appears in her room and lures her down a rabbit hole of secrets both royal and personal.
Watching Eve struggle with what she thought she knew about her family and lineage was really compelling, and the world felt so lived in. She's curious about the way things are, and the different POVs help the reader unravel the mysteries unfolding. This story and its set-up had me so drawn in that I did not even realize that the incident promised in the back cover copy does not show up until over three-quarters through. The characters are well-balanced and have several competing agendas; watching them all try to outwit each other to their own ends gave me such a rush.
While there are queer characters, this is the kind of fantasy where no one is safe. I personally love a bit of tragedy, and the angst between all the couples in general is so tasty. Blood of the Blackthorn scratched a specific kind of fantasy political intrigue itch left behind by House of the Dragon, so if you like family drama spanning generations and magic that threatens to consume all, absolutely get this on your TBR.
I got a physical copy of this book in a trade with the author while we both endured Once Upon a Con. What immediately drew me in was the print that featured two women embracing and cover copy promising political intrigue and magic. I found myself sucked in by the conspiracies abound in this fantasy where a kingdom sits on the precipice of war between humans and witches long in the making. Eve is ward of a lord, with an estranged sister who lives on the island of witches. Eve doesn't know Clarisa lives and doesn't think their mother's magic touched her, but then a grimoire appears in her room and lures her down a rabbit hole of secrets both royal and personal.
Watching Eve struggle with what she thought she knew about her family and lineage was really compelling, and the world felt so lived in. She's curious about the way things are, and the different POVs help the reader unravel the mysteries unfolding. This story and its set-up had me so drawn in that I did not even realize that the incident promised in the back cover copy does not show up until over three-quarters through. The characters are well-balanced and have several competing agendas; watching them all try to outwit each other to their own ends gave me such a rush.
While there are queer characters, this is the kind of fantasy where no one is safe. I personally love a bit of tragedy, and the angst between all the couples in general is so tasty. Blood of the Blackthorn scratched a specific kind of fantasy political intrigue itch left behind by House of the Dragon, so if you like family drama spanning generations and magic that threatens to consume all, absolutely get this on your TBR.
October 22, 2025
I picked up Blood of the Blackthorn and, like magic, two days later I’d already devoured it. You know that kind of book where you promise yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2AM and your tea’s gone cold? Yeah. That.
What really sold me was the rotating POVs. Every character gets their own spotlight, which means you’re not just watching the story unfold; you’re living it through different eyes. It adds this cinematic quality to the world that made me feel like I was right there in the thick of court intrigue and whispered spells.
Rocio Carranza builds a world that’s rich, dark, and layered. Like a cake you can’t quite stop tasting. It’s got the perfect mix of political tension, magical lore, and characters with secrets sharp enough to draw blood.
Now I’m just curious how the sisters are going to navigate all those trust issues and a country teetering on the brink of war at the same time. Because honestly? That’s one family therapy session I wouldn’t want to miss!!
What really sold me was the rotating POVs. Every character gets their own spotlight, which means you’re not just watching the story unfold; you’re living it through different eyes. It adds this cinematic quality to the world that made me feel like I was right there in the thick of court intrigue and whispered spells.
Rocio Carranza builds a world that’s rich, dark, and layered. Like a cake you can’t quite stop tasting. It’s got the perfect mix of political tension, magical lore, and characters with secrets sharp enough to draw blood.
Now I’m just curious how the sisters are going to navigate all those trust issues and a country teetering on the brink of war at the same time. Because honestly? That’s one family therapy session I wouldn’t want to miss!!
September 9, 2025
a solid first book in a romantasy series! a bit predictable but I loved the witches storyline and am excited to see what happens in book two when things start to come together.
the pacing was a bit slow but the multi pov kept it interesting and I think I’m gonna have a hard time picking a favorite character 😅
thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
the pacing was a bit slow but the multi pov kept it interesting and I think I’m gonna have a hard time picking a favorite character 😅
thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
February 27, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]
Y’all. This book is setting up for something big and I can see the potential. Sign me up for a high fantasy epic anyday.
I’d say it’s about 70/30 world-building to plot. I find these types of fantasy books require to really set the world and stage before moving into what’s happening so the reader doesn’t have to sit and wonder just what exactly is going on in this world. So it’s a bit slow at the beginning as we learn about the world, history, and our main cast. When it’s about the 70% point we hit the gas and things take off from there, and what a ride it is.
I do really enjoy books that take the time to flesh out the world, so this was a plus for me. But I could totally see how it might not work for others. I did get a bit confused at the beginning with the multiple POVs but, again, once things got set and going, I didn’t have any issues.
I loved the take on Familiars in this, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this. Or at least, I can’t remember if I have. I’m curious to learn more about how the Familiars work and the overall magic system.
Thank you to Rocio Carranza for the ARC! I had an incredible time and am so very curious to see where this story goes.
Y’all. This book is setting up for something big and I can see the potential. Sign me up for a high fantasy epic anyday.
I’d say it’s about 70/30 world-building to plot. I find these types of fantasy books require to really set the world and stage before moving into what’s happening so the reader doesn’t have to sit and wonder just what exactly is going on in this world. So it’s a bit slow at the beginning as we learn about the world, history, and our main cast. When it’s about the 70% point we hit the gas and things take off from there, and what a ride it is.
I do really enjoy books that take the time to flesh out the world, so this was a plus for me. But I could totally see how it might not work for others. I did get a bit confused at the beginning with the multiple POVs but, again, once things got set and going, I didn’t have any issues.
I loved the take on Familiars in this, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this. Or at least, I can’t remember if I have. I’m curious to learn more about how the Familiars work and the overall magic system.
Thank you to Rocio Carranza for the ARC! I had an incredible time and am so very curious to see where this story goes.
February 11, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my full and honest review.
I do believe this book and this idea has true potential. For me however, this book felt rather slow. There was a lot of build up, it wasn’t until the 67% mark that things got more interesting. I understand that fantasy needs world building, but with world building the reader still needs spurts of action to remain entertained, at least in my opinion.
That being said, when things started to pick up I did enjoy the book. I think the conflicts that arose have great potential. There were parts I was not expecting, and parts I was. But overall, in the last 33%, I was engaged and eager to see where things went next.
I believe this book ending sets up a great start for book two.
I do believe this book and this idea has true potential. For me however, this book felt rather slow. There was a lot of build up, it wasn’t until the 67% mark that things got more interesting. I understand that fantasy needs world building, but with world building the reader still needs spurts of action to remain entertained, at least in my opinion.
That being said, when things started to pick up I did enjoy the book. I think the conflicts that arose have great potential. There were parts I was not expecting, and parts I was. But overall, in the last 33%, I was engaged and eager to see where things went next.
I believe this book ending sets up a great start for book two.
August 30, 2025
4.5 💎
0.5 🌶️
🪽This book weaves a richly built world with layered characters whose histories and relationships unfold through multiple points of view. With fierce yet vulnerable sisters, bittersweet hidden loves, and secrets revealed piece by piece, it leaves you deeply invested and eager for the next book.
📓Be prepared going into this book, it is full of world building and complex story.
📓Loved the multiple POVs
📓The characters in this book have deep histories and the way they have been all interconnected is superb.
📓I loved that both sisters are fierce and vulnerable all at the same time
📓The loves that are hidden in the shadows are bitter sweet and I am invested to know more
📓As the go through each chapter was excellent at unveiling just a little bit more of the secrets, was so intriguing.
📓This book ends with lots unresolved and cannot wait for the next book.
🍷“I would have kept any secret of yours until my dying breath. I would have weathered the storms of our chaos to ruin than to face a lifetime of war and misery without you.”
🍷“Please, help me escape this,” she whispered. “Let us run away and be free together. The way we wished we could’ve that night.”
🍷For fire is not meant to cower in the dark, but to burn bright in spite of it.
🧙🏻♀️Magic and witchcraft
🧙🏻Forbidden love
🧙🏻Betrayal
🧙🏻Hidden past
0.5 🌶️
🪽This book weaves a richly built world with layered characters whose histories and relationships unfold through multiple points of view. With fierce yet vulnerable sisters, bittersweet hidden loves, and secrets revealed piece by piece, it leaves you deeply invested and eager for the next book.
📓Be prepared going into this book, it is full of world building and complex story.
📓Loved the multiple POVs
📓The characters in this book have deep histories and the way they have been all interconnected is superb.
📓I loved that both sisters are fierce and vulnerable all at the same time
📓The loves that are hidden in the shadows are bitter sweet and I am invested to know more
📓As the go through each chapter was excellent at unveiling just a little bit more of the secrets, was so intriguing.
📓This book ends with lots unresolved and cannot wait for the next book.
🍷“I would have kept any secret of yours until my dying breath. I would have weathered the storms of our chaos to ruin than to face a lifetime of war and misery without you.”
🍷“Please, help me escape this,” she whispered. “Let us run away and be free together. The way we wished we could’ve that night.”
🍷For fire is not meant to cower in the dark, but to burn bright in spite of it.
🧙🏻♀️Magic and witchcraft
🧙🏻Forbidden love
🧙🏻Betrayal
🧙🏻Hidden past
September 29, 2025
Blood of the Blackthorn is a deeply political fantasy, and while that means the pacing runs on the slower side, it’s never dull. The court intrigue here is razor-sharp, layered, dangerous, and endlessly fascinating in how it shifts and turns. Every move feels like a gamble, and the tension of that atmosphere kept me hooked.
The diversity of the cast shines, as do the complicated relationships woven throughout. It’s not just alliances and rivalries, but the personal connections between characters that make the political landscape feel so real. Add to that a unique magic system and world-building that feels rich and distinctive, and this story stands out as something incredibly unique in the genre.
I wasn’t expecting the turns the plot ended up taking, and that unpredictability only made it more compelling. This feels like the kind of book that carefully sets up its dominos, layering secrets, betrayals, and schemes, so the later books can knock them down while making things even more complex.
A strong, thoughtful start to what promises to be a dark and twisty series.
Thanks to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The diversity of the cast shines, as do the complicated relationships woven throughout. It’s not just alliances and rivalries, but the personal connections between characters that make the political landscape feel so real. Add to that a unique magic system and world-building that feels rich and distinctive, and this story stands out as something incredibly unique in the genre.
I wasn’t expecting the turns the plot ended up taking, and that unpredictability only made it more compelling. This feels like the kind of book that carefully sets up its dominos, layering secrets, betrayals, and schemes, so the later books can knock them down while making things even more complex.
A strong, thoughtful start to what promises to be a dark and twisty series.
Thanks to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
September 19, 2025
The perfect series to kick off fall with, really. Like many first books in a series, it look a while to REALLY get going but it set itself up SO well for the next one. There's a lot that needed to be established before being able to get into all the action, so it felt kind of slow at first. There are a bunch of characters and POVs to keep up with - I think the proces of getting to know everyone contributed to the first half feeling a tad slow, but by the end of the book, you're pretty well acquainted with everyone. For me, at about halfway through, this book became a "just one more chapter" book, and then BAM! It's 2 am and I'm finishing it.
Marc is the worst, I need more Pazel, Eve is about to be a top tier feminine rage queen, and I don't think I like Clarisa?
Marc is the worst, I need more Pazel, Eve is about to be a top tier feminine rage queen, and I don't think I like Clarisa?
March 1, 2025
Thank you to the author, Rocio Carranza, for this eArc! There were times where I felt disconnected from the characters. I found it a little hard to follow in the beginning. Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me.
March 4, 2025
Sadly the story did not make me feel connected to the characters or plot. I struggle to follow along at times and would have to backtrack to see what I missed. Unfortunately this story was just not for me.
September 26, 2025
oh my god that ending!!!! this was such a fun and wild ride and I loved watching Eve go through her transformation to her true self. thank God I already have book 2 cuz I need to know what happens immediately.
February 7, 2025
Blood of a blackthorn
Vibes:🏰🪄🤺💀🧙🏻♀️🤫⚔️🩸❤️🩹
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|5
If you love multi-pov, war across kingdoms, forbidden love, magic, witchcraft, secrets and betrayals…this book is for you.
Blood of a Blackthorn offered me a refreshing experience , as it focuses around the FMC Eve and her journey connecting with witchcraft, her family, friends and who she can trust. I found it enjoyable that romance wasn't the central theme, allowing for a deeper exploration of the magic system and character backgrounds. This added depth made it easier to connect with the characters. The tension between the kingdoms and the war throughout kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the unfolding events.
I can’t wait to see where book 2 goes!!🥳
Vibes:🏰🪄🤺💀🧙🏻♀️🤫⚔️🩸❤️🩹
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|5
If you love multi-pov, war across kingdoms, forbidden love, magic, witchcraft, secrets and betrayals…this book is for you.
Blood of a Blackthorn offered me a refreshing experience , as it focuses around the FMC Eve and her journey connecting with witchcraft, her family, friends and who she can trust. I found it enjoyable that romance wasn't the central theme, allowing for a deeper exploration of the magic system and character backgrounds. This added depth made it easier to connect with the characters. The tension between the kingdoms and the war throughout kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the unfolding events.
I can’t wait to see where book 2 goes!!🥳
February 9, 2025
This is a really good book! Two powerful kingdoms, war, witches & some really likeable characters, also insufferable ones (Marc…)
I did find it a little difficult to keep up with who’s who at first, there’s a lot of build up, but it quickly comes together.
I actually loved Dakon’s journey the most, every chapter that was in his pov I was so excited to read.
There’s a lot of little twists, turns & connections between all the main & side characters which kept me really intrigued & wanting to know more!
I did find it a little difficult to keep up with who’s who at first, there’s a lot of build up, but it quickly comes together.
I actually loved Dakon’s journey the most, every chapter that was in his pov I was so excited to read.
There’s a lot of little twists, turns & connections between all the main & side characters which kept me really intrigued & wanting to know more!
February 7, 2025
Book Review: Blood of the Blackthorn (Book 1) by Rocio Carranza
**May contain spoliers**
In Blood of the Blackthorn, the author weaves a captivating tale set in a medieval world of mortals and witches. The plot kicks off with Eve, a half-blood witch, who is living a life of luxury and prestige at the Givensmir court. However, her peaceful existence begins to unravel as the ghosts of her past come back to haunt her, and she finds herself thrust into a dangerous world of politics, magic, and betrayal. The sudden death of a princess in the great hall only serves to heighten the tension, and with the ever-watchful eyes of the court on her, Eve must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with secrets, magic, and an impending war. In a realm gripped by witch hunts and the looming conflict with the Blackthorn kingdom of witches, Eve's secrets might cost her everything.
The book sets up a world in which witches, especially half-bloods, wield great power, yet are hunted and feared by mortals. The tension between the two is palpable, and the story promises a larger conflict to come. The central mystery revolves around two half-blood witches, with one destined to rise and bring back a goddess seeking revenge—a concept steeped in dark magic and unknown potential. However, Blood of the Blackthorn is not only about magic and witch hunts; it’s deeply rooted in character development and world-building.
The first book in this series takes its time to build the foundations of this rich, intricate world. The characters, primarily Eve and her lost sister Clarisa, are well-developed, even if we don’t get a complete backstory. The author strategically lets their histories unfold bit by bit, keeping the mystery alive and the reader engaged. The romance, while present, takes a backseat to the unfolding drama and conflict, allowing the author to focus more on the larger narrative. This subtle integration of romance helps maintain the focus on the world-building without losing sight of the personal stakes at play.
While Blood of the Blackthorn is engaging, it does have a slow pace. The first book is more about setting the stage than delivering action-packed sequences or major plot twists. The slower pace allows the author to introduce the complexities of the world, the rules of magic, and the underlying tension between the factions. For those who enjoy fast-paced narratives, this might feel like a drawback, but for readers who appreciate immersive world-building and subtle character-driven plots, this deliberate pacing will likely be appreciated.
The cliffhanger at the end of the book is sure to leave readers eager for the next installment. As the world begins to spiral into chaos, the stakes have never been higher, and the potential for a dramatic showdown between Eve and Clarisa feels imminent. The unresolved tension between the two sisters, who may either come together as an unstoppable force or tear each other apart, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Overall, Blood of the Blackthorn is a promising start to a fantasy series that mixes mystery, magic, and political intrigue. While the book may be slower in its pacing and build-up, it lays a strong foundation for what is sure to be an exciting continuation in future installments. Fans of character-driven stories with a heavy emphasis on world-building will find much to enjoy here, and I look forward to seeing how the plot and characters evolve in the next book.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommendation: Fans of slow-burn fantasy with rich world-building and a complex web of secrets and magic will enjoy Blood of the Blackthorn.
**May contain spoliers**
In Blood of the Blackthorn, the author weaves a captivating tale set in a medieval world of mortals and witches. The plot kicks off with Eve, a half-blood witch, who is living a life of luxury and prestige at the Givensmir court. However, her peaceful existence begins to unravel as the ghosts of her past come back to haunt her, and she finds herself thrust into a dangerous world of politics, magic, and betrayal. The sudden death of a princess in the great hall only serves to heighten the tension, and with the ever-watchful eyes of the court on her, Eve must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with secrets, magic, and an impending war. In a realm gripped by witch hunts and the looming conflict with the Blackthorn kingdom of witches, Eve's secrets might cost her everything.
The book sets up a world in which witches, especially half-bloods, wield great power, yet are hunted and feared by mortals. The tension between the two is palpable, and the story promises a larger conflict to come. The central mystery revolves around two half-blood witches, with one destined to rise and bring back a goddess seeking revenge—a concept steeped in dark magic and unknown potential. However, Blood of the Blackthorn is not only about magic and witch hunts; it’s deeply rooted in character development and world-building.
The first book in this series takes its time to build the foundations of this rich, intricate world. The characters, primarily Eve and her lost sister Clarisa, are well-developed, even if we don’t get a complete backstory. The author strategically lets their histories unfold bit by bit, keeping the mystery alive and the reader engaged. The romance, while present, takes a backseat to the unfolding drama and conflict, allowing the author to focus more on the larger narrative. This subtle integration of romance helps maintain the focus on the world-building without losing sight of the personal stakes at play.
While Blood of the Blackthorn is engaging, it does have a slow pace. The first book is more about setting the stage than delivering action-packed sequences or major plot twists. The slower pace allows the author to introduce the complexities of the world, the rules of magic, and the underlying tension between the factions. For those who enjoy fast-paced narratives, this might feel like a drawback, but for readers who appreciate immersive world-building and subtle character-driven plots, this deliberate pacing will likely be appreciated.
The cliffhanger at the end of the book is sure to leave readers eager for the next installment. As the world begins to spiral into chaos, the stakes have never been higher, and the potential for a dramatic showdown between Eve and Clarisa feels imminent. The unresolved tension between the two sisters, who may either come together as an unstoppable force or tear each other apart, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Overall, Blood of the Blackthorn is a promising start to a fantasy series that mixes mystery, magic, and political intrigue. While the book may be slower in its pacing and build-up, it lays a strong foundation for what is sure to be an exciting continuation in future installments. Fans of character-driven stories with a heavy emphasis on world-building will find much to enjoy here, and I look forward to seeing how the plot and characters evolve in the next book.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommendation: Fans of slow-burn fantasy with rich world-building and a complex web of secrets and magic will enjoy Blood of the Blackthorn.
September 26, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.75 stars, rounded up.
Let's make one thing very clear: this is not a romantasy. I know it can be easy to have that mistaken expectation based on the cover, title, and the fact that romantasies are the hotness. But this is not a romantasy. This is a dark fantasy novel with some romance, sure, but the romance isn't center stage.
Blood of the Blackthorn is the first in a series set in a medieval kingdom where witches exist, but are seen as evil and bloodthirsty and have been largely banished to a separate island. For the most part, many of the witches are content to be left alone, but not all.
The book starts with news of the death of the enchantress and a discussion of a half-witch who may be "the one who was promised." It then jumps 15 years ahead and we see Eve, who we learn is the daughter of the dead enchantress, living at court under the protection of her father and uncle. Eve was saved by the virtue of apparently having no magic, unlike her sister Clarisa, who has disappeared and is presumed dead. Yet Eve is troubled by strange dreams and a book that mysteriously appears and seems to be calling to her. Outside her dreams, the world is no better, as the king is constantly driven by a desire for war and conquest. And across the water, more tension and mysteries are unfolding.
It's hard to talk too much about this book without spoilers, but I'll do my best. Most of the book is world-building and character-building, so be prepared for some slower pacing. Certain things are revealed pretty quickly, while others are slower to come to fruition or even merely hinted at. Some things are predictable, while others are less so.
I did love the complexity of the characters, especially with Eve and Clarisa's chapters. There are a lot of secrets surrounding them that they don't even know exist, let alone think to question, and those make for really intriguing plotlines. This is especially true as you, the reader, can start putting things together, knowing they don't have the same access to knowledge. I found the royal characters a little less interesting, but clearly necessary for world-building. And I adored Dakon and Pazel as two characters who I felt like were genuinely good and trying to do the right thing.
My biggest gripe is with the antagonist, who is revealed near the end of the book (and hinted at throughout). My secondary gripe was
This book was described as Game of Thrones x Salelm witch trials and I can definitely see that. And since there are GoT vibes, make sure you don't get attached to anyone.
3.75 stars, rounded up.
Let's make one thing very clear: this is not a romantasy. I know it can be easy to have that mistaken expectation based on the cover, title, and the fact that romantasies are the hotness. But this is not a romantasy. This is a dark fantasy novel with some romance, sure, but the romance isn't center stage.
Blood of the Blackthorn is the first in a series set in a medieval kingdom where witches exist, but are seen as evil and bloodthirsty and have been largely banished to a separate island. For the most part, many of the witches are content to be left alone, but not all.
The book starts with news of the death of the enchantress and a discussion of a half-witch who may be "the one who was promised." It then jumps 15 years ahead and we see Eve, who we learn is the daughter of the dead enchantress, living at court under the protection of her father and uncle. Eve was saved by the virtue of apparently having no magic, unlike her sister Clarisa, who has disappeared and is presumed dead. Yet Eve is troubled by strange dreams and a book that mysteriously appears and seems to be calling to her. Outside her dreams, the world is no better, as the king is constantly driven by a desire for war and conquest. And across the water, more tension and mysteries are unfolding.
It's hard to talk too much about this book without spoilers, but I'll do my best. Most of the book is world-building and character-building, so be prepared for some slower pacing. Certain things are revealed pretty quickly, while others are slower to come to fruition or even merely hinted at. Some things are predictable, while others are less so.
I did love the complexity of the characters, especially with Eve and Clarisa's chapters. There are a lot of secrets surrounding them that they don't even know exist, let alone think to question, and those make for really intriguing plotlines. This is especially true as you, the reader, can start putting things together, knowing they don't have the same access to knowledge. I found the royal characters a little less interesting, but clearly necessary for world-building. And I adored Dakon and Pazel as two characters who I felt like were genuinely good and trying to do the right thing.
My biggest gripe is with the antagonist, who is revealed near the end of the book (and hinted at throughout). My secondary gripe was
This book was described as Game of Thrones x Salelm witch trials and I can definitely see that. And since there are GoT vibes, make sure you don't get attached to anyone.
February 28, 2025
I received this book as an ARC, and is due to be released on 11th March 2025.
I flew through this book, I really enjoyed the Historical setting with a court, lady's, banquets and even name-days, we have different kingdoms and of them leadership, where we explore a nod towards the Salem Witch Trials, and of how in the past Women have been harmed by the hateful rhetoric due to fearmonging, where through folklore and word-of-mouth simple things were seen as practicing witchcraft which had fatal consequences to those woman or even those who associated with the so call witches.
In this story we follow as such, but we follow from 2 sisters born to the enchantress, who were torn apart as they tried to escape through the forest but are then divided further by the lies, manipulation and the societies that raised them, where Eve who has believe she is Mortal and has no magic so was brought up at Court with the King's permission and Clarisa who was brought up by her Coven. We follow the story of what it takes to survive and of how to escape with threats coming from all sides, while finding the truth of what is really happening.
We follow several POVs throughout the book which worked really well as we get a good understanding of the different characters and what they are going through, while also the timeline where we have characters in different Kingdoms or we have flashbacks to the past to help feel in the gaps. I found the magic in this to be unique and different for all those with witchcraft which helps show the different personalities. There are lots of moments in the book which produce different emotions and found that is was well written, which made it easy to follow.
Synopsis
After years of living as a lady in the Givensmir court - a life of luxury and opulence - Eve's past has slowly come back to haunt her. One of secrets and magic that courses through her veins, thought to have been long forgotten.
Now, a princess lies mysteriously dead before her in the great hall.
The eyes of the duplicitous court are everywhere.
And there is nowhere left to hide.
In a realm known for its witch hunts and the ongoing conflict with the Blackthorn, the kingdom of witchcraft across the treacherous Dallise Sea, Eve now finds herself on the wrong side of this war.
And the time to escape is running out.
This was a fab read and I'm looking forward to the next book, as I need to find out what happens next to them all.
I flew through this book, I really enjoyed the Historical setting with a court, lady's, banquets and even name-days, we have different kingdoms and of them leadership, where we explore a nod towards the Salem Witch Trials, and of how in the past Women have been harmed by the hateful rhetoric due to fearmonging, where through folklore and word-of-mouth simple things were seen as practicing witchcraft which had fatal consequences to those woman or even those who associated with the so call witches.
In this story we follow as such, but we follow from 2 sisters born to the enchantress, who were torn apart as they tried to escape through the forest but are then divided further by the lies, manipulation and the societies that raised them, where Eve who has believe she is Mortal and has no magic so was brought up at Court with the King's permission and Clarisa who was brought up by her Coven. We follow the story of what it takes to survive and of how to escape with threats coming from all sides, while finding the truth of what is really happening.
We follow several POVs throughout the book which worked really well as we get a good understanding of the different characters and what they are going through, while also the timeline where we have characters in different Kingdoms or we have flashbacks to the past to help feel in the gaps. I found the magic in this to be unique and different for all those with witchcraft which helps show the different personalities. There are lots of moments in the book which produce different emotions and found that is was well written, which made it easy to follow.
Synopsis
After years of living as a lady in the Givensmir court - a life of luxury and opulence - Eve's past has slowly come back to haunt her. One of secrets and magic that courses through her veins, thought to have been long forgotten.
Now, a princess lies mysteriously dead before her in the great hall.
The eyes of the duplicitous court are everywhere.
And there is nowhere left to hide.
In a realm known for its witch hunts and the ongoing conflict with the Blackthorn, the kingdom of witchcraft across the treacherous Dallise Sea, Eve now finds herself on the wrong side of this war.
And the time to escape is running out.
This was a fab read and I'm looking forward to the next book, as I need to find out what happens next to them all.
March 3, 2025
4.7/5
[e-ARC reader]
✧ Dark fantasy
✧ Wicthes and witchcraft
✧ Forbidden love
✧ Multi-pov
✧ Political intrigues
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m very grateful to be your advanced reader!
I must mention that the month I spent reading this book was quite unproductive for me, and I even experienced a bit of a reading slump. However, I devoured this book in three days (if I had more time, I could have finished it in one day).
At the beginning of the book, I found it a bit overwhelming due to the multiple POVs, but as I continued, it became easier to read and remember all the information. I believe this may actually be a good point for the next book, as it was fascinating to follow the development of the plot from different perspectives and see how each action affects various characters.
I definitely missed that vibe of medieval fantasy filled with witches, castles, curses, and wars. The dark fantasy here is not just about "dark magic," but also about the overall atmosphere, including the historical treatment of women in marriages and the accusations of being “not-enough-modest”.
The main plot revolves around political intrigues and events, while the romantic storyline serves more as a subplot. The writing style is a bit dry, which gives the book a historical vibe. I wished for deeper emotional connections with the characters, like a stronger bond between Eve and Callum to clearly understand their feelings. I can’t say it was bad, because romance in this book isn’t as crucial as the overall plot, so I expect to see more of the characters' feelings and interactions as the story progresses!
BUT—I need Dakon and Adriana to have a happy ending now. Right now!
I also have questions about Navir, and I need answers immediately because, well, I won’t be able to sleep at night.
I hope to clarify all of this in the second book, as I’m very excited. It feels like the first book serves more as a prologue or foundation before the main events unfold.
Instagram blog
[e-ARC reader]
✧ Dark fantasy
✧ Wicthes and witchcraft
✧ Forbidden love
✧ Multi-pov
✧ Political intrigues
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m very grateful to be your advanced reader!
I must mention that the month I spent reading this book was quite unproductive for me, and I even experienced a bit of a reading slump. However, I devoured this book in three days (if I had more time, I could have finished it in one day).
At the beginning of the book, I found it a bit overwhelming due to the multiple POVs, but as I continued, it became easier to read and remember all the information. I believe this may actually be a good point for the next book, as it was fascinating to follow the development of the plot from different perspectives and see how each action affects various characters.
I definitely missed that vibe of medieval fantasy filled with witches, castles, curses, and wars. The dark fantasy here is not just about "dark magic," but also about the overall atmosphere, including the historical treatment of women in marriages and the accusations of being “not-enough-modest”.
The main plot revolves around political intrigues and events, while the romantic storyline serves more as a subplot. The writing style is a bit dry, which gives the book a historical vibe. I wished for deeper emotional connections with the characters, like a stronger bond between Eve and Callum to clearly understand their feelings. I can’t say it was bad, because romance in this book isn’t as crucial as the overall plot, so I expect to see more of the characters' feelings and interactions as the story progresses!
BUT—I need Dakon and Adriana to have a happy ending now. Right now!
I also have questions about Navir, and I need answers immediately because, well, I won’t be able to sleep at night.
I hope to clarify all of this in the second book, as I’m very excited. It feels like the first book serves more as a prologue or foundation before the main events unfold.
Instagram blog
March 11, 2025
[ARC Review; Spoiler-Free]
I'm so happy I got to be an advanced reader for this book, and I cannot WAIT to read the rest of the series! "Blood of the Blackthorn" has a little bit of everything for fans of epic and dark fantasy: witchcraft, warring kingdoms, dark family histories, a well-built and intriguing fantasy world, and a dash of forbidden love (including queer love!). There is a subtle "Game Of Thrones" vibe with squabbling royal siblings, two different religious factions, ruthless rulers, courtly intrigues, plenty of spilled blood (though the gore is pretty minimal), and war across kingdoms. The good news? The FMCs are of age, there's no SA or incest, and female power and magic are placed at the forefront of the story. That said, the male characters are all well-developed; most are very likable and sympathetic, and there are male *and* female villains and morally grey players. All the characters felt three-dimensional (I think Clarisa, Adriana, and Dakon are my favorites). The rules of magic made sense and were cohesive, and the fantasy world was crafted very well; the sensory details and vivid but not overdone setting descriptions made me feel as if I was really there! I look forward to spending more time in the Blackthorn in the upcoming books!
If I have one critique, it's that I would have liked to have seen a bit more depth in Clarisa and Eve's relationship; they've been separated for fifteen years, and while they often think of each other, a few flashbacks to their childhood together before their separation would have added another layer of emotional intensity to the stakes. But it is only the first book in the series, and I'm sure we will see much more from the sisters going forward.
As a lifelong fantasy reader, I'm glad that women fantasy authors are FINALLY getting more recognition, and I think Rocio Carranza will make a name for herself in the genre. This is definitely one for your TBR!
I'm so happy I got to be an advanced reader for this book, and I cannot WAIT to read the rest of the series! "Blood of the Blackthorn" has a little bit of everything for fans of epic and dark fantasy: witchcraft, warring kingdoms, dark family histories, a well-built and intriguing fantasy world, and a dash of forbidden love (including queer love!). There is a subtle "Game Of Thrones" vibe with squabbling royal siblings, two different religious factions, ruthless rulers, courtly intrigues, plenty of spilled blood (though the gore is pretty minimal), and war across kingdoms. The good news? The FMCs are of age, there's no SA or incest, and female power and magic are placed at the forefront of the story. That said, the male characters are all well-developed; most are very likable and sympathetic, and there are male *and* female villains and morally grey players. All the characters felt three-dimensional (I think Clarisa, Adriana, and Dakon are my favorites). The rules of magic made sense and were cohesive, and the fantasy world was crafted very well; the sensory details and vivid but not overdone setting descriptions made me feel as if I was really there! I look forward to spending more time in the Blackthorn in the upcoming books!
If I have one critique, it's that I would have liked to have seen a bit more depth in Clarisa and Eve's relationship; they've been separated for fifteen years, and while they often think of each other, a few flashbacks to their childhood together before their separation would have added another layer of emotional intensity to the stakes. But it is only the first book in the series, and I'm sure we will see much more from the sisters going forward.
As a lifelong fantasy reader, I'm glad that women fantasy authors are FINALLY getting more recognition, and I think Rocio Carranza will make a name for herself in the genre. This is definitely one for your TBR!
September 10, 2025
This is a medieval fantasy about witchcraft, sibling rivalry, forbidden love and villains you love to hate. It follows multiple points of view throughout the series.
Eve, our main character, has grown up as a warren of the Givensmir court since a young age, trying to outrun a past that she barely remembers. Stuck in a kingdom known for its witch hunts and an ongoing conflict with witch kingdom, the Blackthorn, Eve must decide who her true friends are and discover what she is before it’s too late.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. The first 50% of the book does feel a bit slow, but the world building and character development is beautifully done and left me wanting to read more. While I enjoyed the switching of perspectives, I did feel that it was easy to get lost in the overarching plot towards the beginning of the story, but it becomes easier to follow the farther you get into the book. The themes of self-discovery, friendship, and loss are heavily illustrated in the story as well.
The magic system is also beautifully built and as the story goes on it becomes more clear as to the part it plays. The last 150 pages of the book make the slow pace at the beginning worth it, as many twists and turns are revealed to set up the next book in the series.
There is definitely potential to build up/explore more of the characters and world, as at times I did feel like some aspects were lacking and could have had a little bit more time spent on them. I understand the need to build a cohesive world and character background but at times it felt like there was a lot of information and not a lot of movement with the plot. Some of the POV’s seemed unnecessary and rushed, but by the 55% mark everything started to come together. The action and paced increased drastically and I was left on the edge of my seat by the end.
4/5 stars and I will be continuing the series with book 2. Can’t wait to see where the story goes and learning more about the characters!!
Eve, our main character, has grown up as a warren of the Givensmir court since a young age, trying to outrun a past that she barely remembers. Stuck in a kingdom known for its witch hunts and an ongoing conflict with witch kingdom, the Blackthorn, Eve must decide who her true friends are and discover what she is before it’s too late.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. The first 50% of the book does feel a bit slow, but the world building and character development is beautifully done and left me wanting to read more. While I enjoyed the switching of perspectives, I did feel that it was easy to get lost in the overarching plot towards the beginning of the story, but it becomes easier to follow the farther you get into the book. The themes of self-discovery, friendship, and loss are heavily illustrated in the story as well.
The magic system is also beautifully built and as the story goes on it becomes more clear as to the part it plays. The last 150 pages of the book make the slow pace at the beginning worth it, as many twists and turns are revealed to set up the next book in the series.
There is definitely potential to build up/explore more of the characters and world, as at times I did feel like some aspects were lacking and could have had a little bit more time spent on them. I understand the need to build a cohesive world and character background but at times it felt like there was a lot of information and not a lot of movement with the plot. Some of the POV’s seemed unnecessary and rushed, but by the 55% mark everything started to come together. The action and paced increased drastically and I was left on the edge of my seat by the end.
4/5 stars and I will be continuing the series with book 2. Can’t wait to see where the story goes and learning more about the characters!!
September 1, 2025
This story includes almost almost everything I love in a fantasy read
* Hidden heritage or bloodline
* Bound magic
* Royal Love interests
* Court intrigue
* Secrets/ Betrayals
* Hidden agendas
* Unreliable prophecies
* Power struggles
* Multi-layered world building
* Multi-pov
* Unknown Allies and/ or Reluctant Allies
I may have missed some important ones but I will come back to that.
This wasn't some intense complex narrative work, an easy to keep up, steady paced read following Eve and the accounts of others affiliated with her.
To summarize, Eve, the daughter of the unalived traitor labeled Enchantress Lucia & a mortal nobleman Lord Marcelo, Eve has been a ward of King Eryke in Givensmir Court for the last 15years, believed to have been born powerless unlike her Mother and runaway elder sister.
She is well aware that the only reason she has been allowed to live is because she takes after her father, mortal but is reminded that she is an always will be a half-blood.....
We switch between Givensmir & Blackthorn getting Eve's long lost sister Clarissa's perspective as well, also giving us another island to explore and another version I suppose of their past OR maybe their destiny??? hmmmmmm
I wont spoil.
Like I said not some intense complex narrative read and aside from a few minor details that I guess are more my own personal dislikes, eg: repetitive word usage then I cant really fault this book therefore a solid 4 Stars from me.
+ some really pretty art scattered amongst the chapters.
It laid the foundation beautifully for the second book & I couldn't wait to begin.
Also, I read this on my Kobo, as part of my Kobo Plus Subscription!
* Hidden heritage or bloodline
* Bound magic
* Royal Love interests
* Court intrigue
* Secrets/ Betrayals
* Hidden agendas
* Unreliable prophecies
* Power struggles
* Multi-layered world building
* Multi-pov
* Unknown Allies and/ or Reluctant Allies
I may have missed some important ones but I will come back to that.
This wasn't some intense complex narrative work, an easy to keep up, steady paced read following Eve and the accounts of others affiliated with her.
To summarize, Eve, the daughter of the unalived traitor labeled Enchantress Lucia & a mortal nobleman Lord Marcelo, Eve has been a ward of King Eryke in Givensmir Court for the last 15years, believed to have been born powerless unlike her Mother and runaway elder sister.
She is well aware that the only reason she has been allowed to live is because she takes after her father, mortal but is reminded that she is an always will be a half-blood.....
We switch between Givensmir & Blackthorn getting Eve's long lost sister Clarissa's perspective as well, also giving us another island to explore and another version I suppose of their past OR maybe their destiny??? hmmmmmm
I wont spoil.
Like I said not some intense complex narrative read and aside from a few minor details that I guess are more my own personal dislikes, eg: repetitive word usage then I cant really fault this book therefore a solid 4 Stars from me.
+ some really pretty art scattered amongst the chapters.
It laid the foundation beautifully for the second book & I couldn't wait to begin.
Also, I read this on my Kobo, as part of my Kobo Plus Subscription!
February 26, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book & this is my honest review. I will keep it spoiler free!
Overall I enjoyed the book & it has left me intrigued about how the events will unfold. I will admit that I found it a bit slow for the first half, as there were a lot of characters introduced and it felt like not much was happening initially. Once the pace picked up towards the end it was really enjoyable.
The book follows several characters throughout the chapters (I think I counted 7), with Eve and Clarissa at the heart of the story. This was a little hard to keep up with at some points and didn’t really present much opportunity to dig a bit deeper and learn more about the individuals. However, they helped to establish some important perspectives within the world the author is building. The plot is definitely politically driven & each character is learning the role they must play.
I felt that the magic system within the book hasn’t really been explored yet, but the author has definitely planted some seeds with the prophecy mentioned throughout.
When it came to the characters, I found Dakon one of the most entertaining. He kind of gave me “golden retriever” energy and it was interesting to see how he stepped up as events took a more serious turn.
Without giving any spoilers, I think there’s a lot of potential in how the relationships between the characters can develop - particularly Eve and Clarissa.
I think this would be great for people who enjoyed books like The Cruel Prince (Holly Black). I was expecting it to be slightly more adult based on the warnings at the beginning of the book, but nonetheless it’s an intriguing story and I’m looking forward to more!
Overall I enjoyed the book & it has left me intrigued about how the events will unfold. I will admit that I found it a bit slow for the first half, as there were a lot of characters introduced and it felt like not much was happening initially. Once the pace picked up towards the end it was really enjoyable.
The book follows several characters throughout the chapters (I think I counted 7), with Eve and Clarissa at the heart of the story. This was a little hard to keep up with at some points and didn’t really present much opportunity to dig a bit deeper and learn more about the individuals. However, they helped to establish some important perspectives within the world the author is building. The plot is definitely politically driven & each character is learning the role they must play.
I felt that the magic system within the book hasn’t really been explored yet, but the author has definitely planted some seeds with the prophecy mentioned throughout.
When it came to the characters, I found Dakon one of the most entertaining. He kind of gave me “golden retriever” energy and it was interesting to see how he stepped up as events took a more serious turn.
Without giving any spoilers, I think there’s a lot of potential in how the relationships between the characters can develop - particularly Eve and Clarissa.
I think this would be great for people who enjoyed books like The Cruel Prince (Holly Black). I was expecting it to be slightly more adult based on the warnings at the beginning of the book, but nonetheless it’s an intriguing story and I’m looking forward to more!
February 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
I was able to read an eARC of this novel! Thank you so much to the author for allowing me the privilege of experiencing your book!
Eve’s past is one that follows her - although she was raised as a lady in the Givensmir court, she cannot escape the fact that she is the half-witch daughter of the disgraced Enchantress. After the death of her mother and mysterious disappearance of her sister, Eve thought the worst was behind her - until she’s forced to come face to face with the secrets of her past, as the ever evolving conflict between witches and mortals threatens everything and everyone she loves.
This story is incredible - it was unique and well thought out, as well as being super engaging and unpredictable. I particularly loved how dynamic the characters were, and that as the story went on, I continued to be invested in and surprised by the characters. The world building was very well done and easy to follow, which I personally think is so important in book one of a series. The only things that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was that I found myself wanting a bit more from the relationships and romance storylines. I’m really hoping that we’ll get a bit more romance later in the series as I absolutely need to know what happens with some of these characters! I will absolutely be continuing with this series, and I already cannot wait for book two!
I am thrilled to recommend this book - I would describe it as One Dark Window meets Throne of Glass, so if you’re fans of either of those series, definitely give this a read!
I was able to read an eARC of this novel! Thank you so much to the author for allowing me the privilege of experiencing your book!
Eve’s past is one that follows her - although she was raised as a lady in the Givensmir court, she cannot escape the fact that she is the half-witch daughter of the disgraced Enchantress. After the death of her mother and mysterious disappearance of her sister, Eve thought the worst was behind her - until she’s forced to come face to face with the secrets of her past, as the ever evolving conflict between witches and mortals threatens everything and everyone she loves.
This story is incredible - it was unique and well thought out, as well as being super engaging and unpredictable. I particularly loved how dynamic the characters were, and that as the story went on, I continued to be invested in and surprised by the characters. The world building was very well done and easy to follow, which I personally think is so important in book one of a series. The only things that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was that I found myself wanting a bit more from the relationships and romance storylines. I’m really hoping that we’ll get a bit more romance later in the series as I absolutely need to know what happens with some of these characters! I will absolutely be continuing with this series, and I already cannot wait for book two!
I am thrilled to recommend this book - I would describe it as One Dark Window meets Throne of Glass, so if you’re fans of either of those series, definitely give this a read!
September 6, 2025
I usually start books with a blurb, but I can't even try to summarize this if I tried. If you cannot follow multiple characters and storylines, this might not be for you. If you love a 400-page book that packs a whole lot into its pages and feels like you're flipping pages frantically to find out what happens next, hop on board.
I quickly became engrossed in the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them next. The stakes were high for each character, and I could feel the plot slowly building up to something big.
Let me give a rundown of some of the plotlines in this book because there are a lot:
- Eve, the main character's dormant magic that was inherited from her traitorous mother, starts to surface, risking her safety at court in a world where witches are persecuted
- The murder of a princess results in the escalation of an ongoing conflict between the humans and witches
- A power-hungry king focused on eradicating witches and succumbing to a fatal illness, creates a struggle amongst three sons for power
- Childhood friends who must struggle with the heartbreak of one of them being engaged to someone else for a political alliance
- A servant in love with a princess must help the main character with learning about her newfound powers
- A sister presumed dead but is living amongst the Blackthorn, a kingdom of witchcraft and magic
- Betrayal, lies and secrets everywhere
Safe to say, I was hooked, and the cliffhanger excited me to read book two.
Give this a try if you enjoy
- witches
- multiple povs/storylines
- game of thrones vibes
- court/political intrigue
- dark fantasy
I quickly became engrossed in the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them next. The stakes were high for each character, and I could feel the plot slowly building up to something big.
Let me give a rundown of some of the plotlines in this book because there are a lot:
- Eve, the main character's dormant magic that was inherited from her traitorous mother, starts to surface, risking her safety at court in a world where witches are persecuted
- The murder of a princess results in the escalation of an ongoing conflict between the humans and witches
- A power-hungry king focused on eradicating witches and succumbing to a fatal illness, creates a struggle amongst three sons for power
- Childhood friends who must struggle with the heartbreak of one of them being engaged to someone else for a political alliance
- A servant in love with a princess must help the main character with learning about her newfound powers
- A sister presumed dead but is living amongst the Blackthorn, a kingdom of witchcraft and magic
- Betrayal, lies and secrets everywhere
Safe to say, I was hooked, and the cliffhanger excited me to read book two.
Give this a try if you enjoy
- witches
- multiple povs/storylines
- game of thrones vibes
- court/political intrigue
- dark fantasy
March 31, 2025
You might need to throw yourself into this one if you like Forbidden love, magic & witchcraft, unreliable prophecies, political intrigue, secrets & betrayal and feminine rage.
When I signed up to read this ARC, I received an email letting me know that I would not only be receiving the ARC but also a PR box in the mail, and to say I was excited was definitely an understatement. Unfortunately there was a little mishap with the shipping and it did get lost somewhere in the mail world, but Rocio was so incredibly kind to send the eARC as well and after reading it, it’s almost better to have the PR package coming after because I was even more hyped about it!! She put an amazing amount of love and care into this
box, each item is beautiful and the book
I fell for Blood of the Blackthorn immediately, let's not even count the fact that the cover itself is GORGEOUS, but the story is interesting and I couldn’t help but get stuck to the pages. I curled myself up with this book the entire weekend and couldn’t put it down and then proceeded to slip myself into Rocio’s DMs to yell. Seems to be a common thing for me and I apologize to anyone that I screech at in the future - not really though, sorry not sorry. It was a thrilling journey with two sisters that I felt for so much and I can’t wait to see where it leads to. I will be lining up to get the next book as soon as there is a chance to.
Thank you to the author for the gifted PR Box, all comments and thoughts are my own.
When I signed up to read this ARC, I received an email letting me know that I would not only be receiving the ARC but also a PR box in the mail, and to say I was excited was definitely an understatement. Unfortunately there was a little mishap with the shipping and it did get lost somewhere in the mail world, but Rocio was so incredibly kind to send the eARC as well and after reading it, it’s almost better to have the PR package coming after because I was even more hyped about it!! She put an amazing amount of love and care into this
box, each item is beautiful and the book
I fell for Blood of the Blackthorn immediately, let's not even count the fact that the cover itself is GORGEOUS, but the story is interesting and I couldn’t help but get stuck to the pages. I curled myself up with this book the entire weekend and couldn’t put it down and then proceeded to slip myself into Rocio’s DMs to yell. Seems to be a common thing for me and I apologize to anyone that I screech at in the future - not really though, sorry not sorry. It was a thrilling journey with two sisters that I felt for so much and I can’t wait to see where it leads to. I will be lining up to get the next book as soon as there is a chance to.
Thank you to the author for the gifted PR Box, all comments and thoughts are my own.
March 11, 2025
“Together we will be the fire that rules the world.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow wow wow, I don’t even know where to start, I went into this completely blind, I knew practically nothing about it, and loved every second of it — I’m abit of a sucker for a witch story, I love a good bit of witchcraft magic✨
I loved the storyline, the plot, the characters, I ADORED the fact we got so many pov chapters from different characters, I loved that- getting to read their innermost thoughts and feelings gave the story so much more depth.
“I would have kept any secret of yours until my dying breath. I would have weathered the storms of our chaos to ruin than to face a lifetime of war and misery without you.”
(Here’s my hammer- let’s build these ships) 🚢
Honestly the love stories that are brewing - there was a main one, multiple side ones— I love a good bit of tension between characters who won’t admit they love each other😏
And that ending😱 come on now…. Like leave me on a chapter with my least fave character, who I kinda fancy a little bit 😏always the villain aye 😂 ( I know I know, I’m supposed to despise him.. I’m a ‘I can save him’ kind of woman, what can I say🙄) but seriously I’m gonna need a second book by tomorrow at the latest please…
‘For fire is not meant to cower in the dark, but to burn bright in spite of it.’
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow wow wow, I don’t even know where to start, I went into this completely blind, I knew practically nothing about it, and loved every second of it — I’m abit of a sucker for a witch story, I love a good bit of witchcraft magic✨
I loved the storyline, the plot, the characters, I ADORED the fact we got so many pov chapters from different characters, I loved that- getting to read their innermost thoughts and feelings gave the story so much more depth.
“I would have kept any secret of yours until my dying breath. I would have weathered the storms of our chaos to ruin than to face a lifetime of war and misery without you.”
(Here’s my hammer- let’s build these ships) 🚢
Honestly the love stories that are brewing - there was a main one, multiple side ones— I love a good bit of tension between characters who won’t admit they love each other😏
And that ending😱 come on now…. Like leave me on a chapter with my least fave character, who I kinda fancy a little bit 😏always the villain aye 😂 ( I know I know, I’m supposed to despise him.. I’m a ‘I can save him’ kind of woman, what can I say🙄) but seriously I’m gonna need a second book by tomorrow at the latest please…
‘For fire is not meant to cower in the dark, but to burn bright in spite of it.’
March 10, 2025
🩸Blood Of The Blackthorn🩸⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“But I made you a promise to love you and I meant it. Every word. In this moment, there is no one I would rather see the end of my life with.”
This is an arc review and this book releases March 11th.
This high fantasy follows Eve, who has been living a life of luxury in the Givensmir court. However, her past, filled with secrets and magic, begins to resurface. When a princess is found mysteriously dead, Eve becomes entangled in a web of suspicion and danger. The kingdom, known for its witch hunts and conflict with the Blackthorn, a realm of witchcraft, forces Eve to confront her past in order to survive.
This was hugely world building centric but not so much it left you lost or burned out, I love a rich world and the lore that comes with it being set up in book one for me although it does mean there are slower parts and pacing can feel off sometimes to then suddenly pick up massively towards the end. I also always enjoy multiple POVs which we get here and helps to develop the characters and the plot as well as having a unique magic system and amazing familiars. Definitely a series I’m going to keep following.
“But I made you a promise to love you and I meant it. Every word. In this moment, there is no one I would rather see the end of my life with.”
This is an arc review and this book releases March 11th.
This high fantasy follows Eve, who has been living a life of luxury in the Givensmir court. However, her past, filled with secrets and magic, begins to resurface. When a princess is found mysteriously dead, Eve becomes entangled in a web of suspicion and danger. The kingdom, known for its witch hunts and conflict with the Blackthorn, a realm of witchcraft, forces Eve to confront her past in order to survive.
This was hugely world building centric but not so much it left you lost or burned out, I love a rich world and the lore that comes with it being set up in book one for me although it does mean there are slower parts and pacing can feel off sometimes to then suddenly pick up massively towards the end. I also always enjoy multiple POVs which we get here and helps to develop the characters and the plot as well as having a unique magic system and amazing familiars. Definitely a series I’m going to keep following.
March 30, 2025
This book was really captivating. The characters were ones you wouldn’t forget. The prologue really pulled me in. I love that you can read from the different POV’s. It helped with better understanding the characters. The world building was amazing.
“And the blood of the witches ran black in the rivers, poisoning all who drank from it…”
There were so many quotes within the book that I really liked. If you like fantasy you’ll really enjoy this.
INTL TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY
PR Box with a signed copy of Blood of the Blackthorn and swag (bookmarks, stickers, character art, etc.)
TO ENTER:
* Like and save post
* Follow @rociocarranzawrites @rrbooktours & host
* Drop a 🖤 and tag 3 friends
BONUS ENTRY:
* Share in stories for 24 hours tagging @rociocarranzawrites @rrbooktours
TERMS:
* Must be 18+ or have guardian consent
* Must have a public account for verification
* Not affiliated with Instagram/META
G!VEAWAY CLOSES MARCH 12TH
Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours
IG: @rociocarranzawrites @rrbooktours
Tags:
#rrbooktours #rrbtTheBloodoftheBlackthorn #bloodoftheblackthorn #rociocarranza #fantasyromance #darkfantasyromance #fantasybookstagram #fantasyreaders #booktours
“And the blood of the witches ran black in the rivers, poisoning all who drank from it…”
There were so many quotes within the book that I really liked. If you like fantasy you’ll really enjoy this.
INTL TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY
PR Box with a signed copy of Blood of the Blackthorn and swag (bookmarks, stickers, character art, etc.)
TO ENTER:
* Like and save post
* Follow @rociocarranzawrites @rrbooktours & host
* Drop a 🖤 and tag 3 friends
BONUS ENTRY:
* Share in stories for 24 hours tagging @rociocarranzawrites @rrbooktours
TERMS:
* Must be 18+ or have guardian consent
* Must have a public account for verification
* Not affiliated with Instagram/META
G!VEAWAY CLOSES MARCH 12TH
Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours
IG: @rociocarranzawrites @rrbooktours
Tags:
#rrbooktours #rrbtTheBloodoftheBlackthorn #bloodoftheblackthorn #rociocarranza #fantasyromance #darkfantasyromance #fantasybookstagram #fantasyreaders #booktours
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews