Blood of the Blackthorn

The Eternal Curse #1

by Rocio Carranza

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Witches, Magic, Dark, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Romantasy

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2025

About the author

Rocio Carranza is the international bestselling author of Blood of the Blackthorn and the rest of The Eternal Curse trilogy which includes Flame in the Silver Storm and Wrath of the Cursed Witch. Other works include historical fantasy romance, Beneath the Sacred Well (releasing June 2nd), horror collection My Dreams Come True, and short stories Lana Lang, and Miss Reliable.
Rocio is one half of the Chat You Up podcast where she and her co-host discuss sisterhood, fashion, pop culture, dating, and lifestyle.
When she isn’t typing frivolously at her computer, you can find Rocio gallivanting
about Austin, TX with her husband and two kids or with her nose in at least five different books she likes to read at a time.

Curious to know more?
You can find Rocio on social media on IG/Threads/TT @rociocarranzawrites and Bluesky @rociocarranza.

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Hailey Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[liz b · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Ladz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Shannon | readingwithmarlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Miss Jordie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood of the Black Thorn — by Rocío Carranza
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Secrets, witch hunts, court politics, and magic that refuses to stay buried — this dark romantasy pulled me in with tension from page one.

Eve has spent years carefully crafting a safe life within the luxurious Givensmir court, hiding the truth about who she really is — and the dangerous magic running through her veins. Her past was supposed to stay buried.
Until a princess is found murdered in the great hall.
Suddenly, suspicion spreads through a court built on deception, where every smile hides an agenda and every hallway has listening ears. In a kingdom obsessed with witch hunts and locked in conflict with Blackthorn, the feared kingdom of witchcraft across the deadly Dallise Sea, Eve becomes dangerously exposed.
Her secrets are no longer safe.
The court is watching.
And escape may already be impossible.

This book shines in its political tension and atmosphere. The court setting feels suffocating in the best way — glamorous on the surface but filled with paranoia underneath. You constantly feel like something is about to go wrong.

Eve is a compelling character because she isn’t fearless — she’s careful, calculating, and clearly shaped by the secrets she carries. Watching her navigate suspicion, power, and survival kept me hooked.
What I loved most:
🖤 high-stakes court intrigue
🩸 witch hunt tension & hidden magic
👑 dangerous secrets unraveling
🌑 morally grey undertones
🔥 slow-burn tension threaded through the story

The pacing builds steadily, layering mystery and political danger until the stakes feel genuinely urgent.

🖤 Perfect for readers who love:
•court fantasy & royal drama
•hidden identity tropes
•dark romantasy without instant romance
•witches, secrets, and betrayal
•atmospheric fantasy worlds

Overall: tense, moody, and addictive — a story where secrets are as deadly as magic itself.
📚 How far would you go to keep your secrets safe?

[Mandy Enchantedbookduo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

[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.

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was selected as an ARC reader for the release of the third book in this series and received an e-ARC of all 3 books. The following is my honest review. Note that GoodReads only allows for full star ratings, so I have rounded - my overall rating of this book is 4.5 stars.✨

I have found a new author to follow, this is absolutely beautiful writing! Rocio Carranza has a serious talent, so many moving lines in these books. Such a creative story: witches, pirates, political intrigue, magic - what’s not to like?? Tropes didn’t feel overdone, and I loved the representation and diversity amongst the characters! I thought the characters grew well throughout the course of the book, and I’m excited to see how their stories continue. Politics of the world are excellently built out, and you really understand character motivations. There’s characters to love and characters to hate.

While the characters were excellent fleshed out, the descriptions of the setting felt a bit more lacking. I’m personally a sucker for really visualizing a world, so I found myself wanting deeper descriptions of the surroundings at times. The plot also took a little bit to hook me. While I was liking the writing style & the characters, it took a while for me to feel like I couldn’t put this book down. But once that feeling hit me, it was amazing, the second half is absolutely action-packed and so fun to read! The strength of the characters really carry the parts of the book that weren’t my favorite. Overall, would definitely recommend, I’m extremely excited to continue this series!!!

[KMart Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25!

Betrayals, witchcraft, and undiscovered power. 🖤🔮📖🗡️

Wow I was seriously so impressed with this one (going to keep this review spoiler free!)

I devoured it in 72 hours and honestly would’ve read it in one sitting if I could. The witchcraft/ magic system in this one was everything I could have wanted (powers directly impacting the elements what the heck that was so cool!) And I loved the multiple characters POV’s. Although this confused me at first and I wasn’t sure how all their stories would overlap, in the end, everything came together beautifully and is set up so well for the next book. This book definitely was a set up exposing us to the world and power dynamics present in Givensmir and I can’t WAIT to get more into the Blackthorn power dynamics and world in the next two books.

I’ll be sharing some of my favorite quotes separately because there were so MANY good ones that really captured the vibe of this book so well.

This was such a GOOD read! I’d definitely recommend this one if you are new to the fantasy/ romantasy genre and are looking to support a smaller author!

[Jessie Klaiber · Rating 4 out of 5]

“For fire is not meant to cower in the dark, but to burn bright in spite of it!”

Okay so I LOVED this! I picked up this series from the author at the rewritten event in Dallas with every intention of reading the physical book but then seen the sign ups for the ALC and had to jump on it!
The voice actors were so good with the duet narration! This is definitely a book that I had to read along with the audio tho, purely bc of my own adhd and the switching in POVs and all the world building!

For the book itself tho, I’m HOOKED!
✨ unique magic system where it’s illegal to use your magic
✨political tension
✨blood magic
✨feminine rage
✨mad kings
✨friends to lovers
✨SLOW burn

Literally all of my favorite things!
If you love books where you can pick apart clues and have a metal bulletin board with red lines strung from clue to clue to try and figure out what is gonna happen then this is the book for you! Tbh even if you’re just here for the vibes and don’t want to try and piece together the clues you can totally just do that too!

I’ll be jumping straight into book two ASAP!
4.5/5 ⭐️
1/5🌶️

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good story about Witches. This was one of those stories where it felt like everything was moving steady, a start to laying the foundation. I knew there would be secrets, the metaphorical other shoe dropping, but I wasn’t prepared for the angst & the layers of lies and betrayal on the horizon. What was now clearly, the calm before the storm. Like everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong. The last 25% had my eyes glued to my kindle and I couldn’t look away?! Some of these characters are villainous af. And not the villains we love, like true villains we need to hate lol.

Ok and the King, ( won’t say which one for sake of spoilers ) but I hope he gets what’s coming because WTF!?

This was super fast paced and engaging to read, and I am diving into book two immediately!

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?

[Alli M || allisreadingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!

I really enjoyed this book although I did struggle to follow the plot at times. It jumps between several different POVs and includes some flashbacks so I really needed my full attention / brain power to be able to know what was happening.

There are definitely still some things I feel confused / lost about & like I could’ve used some more info - like how are familiar bonds picked? - hopefully that’ll come in future books!

I am definitely gonna keep reading though, need to know what happens next!

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5🌟

I am reading this book in anticipation of the third book coming out in march. I’ll stay off by saying that this book was very entertaining and the multi povs really help me with the pace of the book. However with the bit of world building in this book as it is the first in the series I did have some slower spots that didn’t hold my attention. Never the less I’m so ready to get started on book 2 after that ending!

[Alejandra Romero (lali_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love court drama and political intrigue. Mix that with forbidden love, diverse characters, feminine rage, and unique magic systems and I'll eat it up.

This is a multi-POV dark fantasy that follows Eve, an apparently powerless half-witch in a world where being a witch is equal to a death sentence.

The world building of this story is amazing and I'm really looking forward to continuing it

[Reanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kate Pazanin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Chelsi Warder · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Libi watkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!🥳

[Kyy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Pamela Barrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

First of all, a big thanks to Rocio and her staff for giving me this opportunity. It has been a pleasure and a joy to be part of this world. I received an e-arc of this book, and this is my honest review. This review will contain *Spoilers*.

Rocio is an accomplished writer in his own right. Her prose is solid, her book looks super professional, and I can tell she took the time to edit it and organize the whole art team to deliver the best visuals for the book. That I have been impressed by. I am proud of my Latina sister.

Her worldbuilding is interesting; she had in her hands a really juicy world with too much on her hands to use. I can say I'd even like more spin-offs. It still has more to give us, the readers.

Her characters are coherent, and she has really good moments throughout the book for us to enjoy, my favourites being: Eve dancing with Theo, how Eve's mom is killed, Dakon constantly escaping danger, and the final battle scene of Marc and Theo. The story is also led by clear cause and effect; nothing comes out of nowhere.

But the book's biggest problem is the multiple POV. The book is slow; it takes too much time to start making sense and to hook us in. Tons of things happening make no sense until halfway through it. I shouldn't be that far in a book to understand where the story is going.

Another problem with the multiple POV, besides the slow pacing, ends up being that there are certain characters we don't care enough about to follow their story, making the book boring. Some POV are just a one-time thing, which is very convenient for the writer but makes no sense narratively. Why would Ana have one chapter just to explain a plot twist that could have been revealed through Clarissa's eyes more interestingly?

It took me tons to like Dakon and his story, and I ended up liking him more than Eve, and a secondary character shouldn't be liked more than the main protagonist. Which brings me to another main problem in the book: Eve lacks personality, voice and strength. Its not until the end of the book that I found her voice. That shouldn't have happened.

Ive had an issue with Theos relationship with Eve. I feel the book told me more about their love for each other than Ive seen it and why the dynamic works. From my perspective, I had to believe the characters care about each other, but I really dont know why Theo likes Eve besides growing up together. We had tons of text declaring their love, but we needed a scene where we were shown that Eve makes sense for Theo. Maybe she understands him about not belonging in the royal life? Something.

The witches are increidebly overpower to fear the humans. Eve had Thanos-like powers (Even if she couldn't control her powers), and Clarissa, too. At this point, its non believable for me that humans would want to go to war with the witches, considering how strong they were and their only weakness is their humanity, but I dont see that as enough. I feel a power system and a more condensed magic could have helped this world be shaped better.

She had really good moments in her hands, like when Lord Callum proposed to Eve, but the constant changing of POV diluted tons of them, and the cuts between the character arcs also lost the momentum of big scenes between the development of the story. I would have loved to see Theo conflicted about Eve's engagement, not only because he loved her, but because Lord Callum actually was in love with his brother. But we never saw any of that, and it's a shame.

Finally Ill say Rocio had a gold mine in her hands when she conceived her book. It was a very good story; though, the fruition of it was a little bit lacking. I know she has a bright future as a writer, and I'll read the other books to see her improvement, which I know shell have. I am excited to see her success, and I will be rooting for her. She has tons of potential; she just needed a more localized story.

[AnnaLovesAllBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good morning Book Friends 🤍. I hope each of you are doing well. Today’s book review is a part of the book series that I am on a street team for!
I want to congratulate and wish happy release day to Rocio for book 3 in this series!

📚 Title: Blood of the Blackthorn
✍️ Author: Rocio Carranza
⭐ Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 Spice Level: N/A
🌑 Tone: Suspenseful

✨💫 Favorite Quotes/Moments 💫✨
💬 “The bells of Givensmir only rang for two reasons: life or death.”

💬 “Theo realized what he hadn’t all those years ago. That to him, simply being next to Eve was all that magic he could ever wish for.”

💬 “War will do that to people.” Theo sighed. “No one wants to live where they may die.”

👤 Main Characters:
This book contains multiple characters with multiple POVS. Too many to list.

📖 Brief Story Summary:
Eve is a court lady of the Givensmir Kingdom. However she is slowly beginning to inherit her mother’s powers in a kingdom that considers such magic witch craft. And the price for witch craft and being caught? Death.

📖 Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️ Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Emotion / Impact: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌍 Worldbuilding / Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍️ Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my first read from this author! And whoa, there is such potential in this story. There is a lot of world building, political intrigue and plot twists you wouldn’t see coming.

Some things were hard to follow with the multiple POVS switching every chapter or so. I really had to focus to piece together what was going on in each characters life, but once I did I really enjoyed the story and was hooked. It was also hard to get attached to the characters because of the multiple POVS. Book 1 is definitely setting up the story for the rest of the series. I am pretty excited to read book 2 and 3 of this series to see where the story goes.

✨ Favorite Tropes / Elements:
✨Political Intrigue
✨Forbidden Love
✨Sibling Rivalry
✨Hidden Identity

⚠️ Content Warnings:
⚠️Abuse
⚠️Attempted Sexual Assault
⚠️Blood
⚠️Death
⚠️Genocide
⚠️Gore
⚠️Manipulation
⚠️PTSD
⚠️Strong Use of Language
⚠️Violence

Overall I enjoyed reading this and cannot wait to read book two in the series. Thank you so much Rocio for helping me get out of my reading slump.

As always, until the next story.
– AnnaLovesAllBooks

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Rocio and Mel for my e-ARC!

Ok I definitely love supporting Latin writers. And I was glad to find Rocio on my IG!

This book kept me on my toes, kept me engaged, kept me at the edge of my seat with all the excitement and information, understandably that as it is the first book we do get more world building before we get to the juicier parts and lets be honest we all want the juicy details but regardless of that I enjoyed this book so much!! Definitely continuing the series.

Give me Feminine Rage, witches and magic all day everyday!!!!!


Update:
Reread while listening to the ALC and OMG!!! I hadnt had the pleasure to listen to those narrators but I really liked them. I liked that they differentiated the characters when they were speaking, they kept me entertained and never lost me

[Caitie Poland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy release day to the third installment of Rocio Carranza’s The Eternal Curse series! In celebration I’m updating and resharing my reviews starting with book one, Blood of the Blackthorn.

If you love multiple POVs, slow burn plot, and deep magical lore that unfolds over time, this series is made for you. There are some books where you feel like you’ve been dropped into a world and for a time you get to watch and learn, this is Blood of the Blackthorn. I love a book that leaves me wanting more and doesn’t smack me in the face with every plot point. I want to learn and grow alongside the characters and Rocio does that with a magical twist.
If that doesn’t sell you, maybe this will - on face value, I wouldn’t have picked this book up. It has some tropes that traditionally have not hit home with me - BUT! thank goodness I was able to meet Rocio herself, be absolutely delighted in her as a person, and then read her series because I’m hooked. Sometimes we keep ourselves from our next great read - don’t do that! Read this book now!

See you in a couple days with my review of book 2, that gives you plenty of time to start reading 😉

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

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). Marc feels very one-dimensional and uninteresting, making his cruelty that much harder to stomach. I know I'm not owed any particularly interesting or gray villain, but I did want to punch him constantly. Which might be the point, so that would be successful if true! My secondary gripe was the attempted rape scene of Lucia, which similarly gave me the ick. I don't consider it completely gratuitous, but I'm not sure it was completely necessary.

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.