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A Reign Of Blood
Do not fall for the prince. Do not forget your mission. Do not let your heart decide.
Aria’s world is built on shadows and blood. Her people are enslaved, her family lost, and her heart burns with vengeance. Disguised as a helpless girl in need of rescue, she infiltrates the Skierkan court to bring down the man she has sworn to destroy—the crown prince himself.
Her plan is seduce, betray, destroy.
But the prince is not the monster she imagined. Beneath his golden mask lies something dangerous—something that tempts the darkness inside her. His power calls to hers, his whispered secrets crack her carefully laid plans, and his touch threatens to turn vengeance into something far more desire.
As rebellion stirs and war looms, Aria stands at the edge of ruin.
Betray him and reclaim her throne. Love him and watch the world burn.
A REIGN OF BLOOD is a gripping, dark fantasy novel filled with morally complex characters, a blood-thirsty heroine, and a world where every choice could lead to war. With themes of sacrifice, redemption, and love against impossible odds, this novel will appeal to fans of The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and The Song of Achilles.
Aria’s world is built on shadows and blood. Her people are enslaved, her family lost, and her heart burns with vengeance. Disguised as a helpless girl in need of rescue, she infiltrates the Skierkan court to bring down the man she has sworn to destroy—the crown prince himself.
Her plan is seduce, betray, destroy.
But the prince is not the monster she imagined. Beneath his golden mask lies something dangerous—something that tempts the darkness inside her. His power calls to hers, his whispered secrets crack her carefully laid plans, and his touch threatens to turn vengeance into something far more desire.
As rebellion stirs and war looms, Aria stands at the edge of ruin.
Betray him and reclaim her throne. Love him and watch the world burn.
A REIGN OF BLOOD is a gripping, dark fantasy novel filled with morally complex characters, a blood-thirsty heroine, and a world where every choice could lead to war. With themes of sacrifice, redemption, and love against impossible odds, this novel will appeal to fans of The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and The Song of Achilles.
- GenresFantasyEnemies To Lovers
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
18 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Gonda
2 books11 followersSamantha Gonda is a fashion and beauty publicist. After completing her degree in Communications and minors in Italian Studies and Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Samantha briefly worked as a certified personal trainer.
Originally a New Englander, Samantha now lives in New York City where she spends her free time meticulously planning her next trip, watching horror movies, and making a mess in the kitchen. A Reign of Blood (Book 1 in The Songs of Beasts Series) is her first novel.
Originally a New Englander, Samantha now lives in New York City where she spends her free time meticulously planning her next trip, watching horror movies, and making a mess in the kitchen. A Reign of Blood (Book 1 in The Songs of Beasts Series) is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 15, 2025
2.05 ⭐
I think this author has potential, but it wasn't for me. It was readable, but I was mostly bored. At first, I didn't mind the multiple POV but I'm afraid it'll be too much in the future book(s). Here we have 4 main POVs so it was easy to follow and interesting but did I need the last new POV? Not really. Too much telling, not enough showing.
But I do think it's a good debut book. It still needs some editing (repetitions, typos -I usually don't notice them so if I do, that's really an issue-) but I know it's too late for this one so I hope the author will learn from this one. It has potential but to be honest, I was a little confused sometimes. Magic system is cool, I wish we learned more in the story than in the glossary (that I'm lazy to check), about the different creatures... instead of wasting time in some character's head.
By the way, the book was marketed with a bloodthirsty heroine it was said a lot but I didn't really saw that part of her so I hope it'll be more shown in the next book? I also didn't see the need of saying it's a twist on the Little Mermaid, the FMC(s?) are just sirens. And I don't get the Hades and Persephone part either (that I find overused in the way authors are marketing their books). Sometimes being simple is fine too. I admit I was first drawn to this book because I saw aesthetic posts of it and absolutely not because of the tropes. Like, she managed to fit the famous "Who did this to you?" at one point and it felt so pointless at that moment. But that might also be because I'm not sold on the main couple, if that's the actual couple in this trilogy. And it's not because of the absence of steam, I like a good slow-burn. But it's messy. I didn't get the attraction of Viggo for Mayta either, was it like a fated thing? And maybe I wasn't focused enough but the only age I did get from this read is Viggo's. I have no idea how old are the others characters exactly.
I don't know yet if I'll read the next book, but I do wish the author good things, she was nice on her socials.
Thanks to Netgalley, BeRead Ltd and Samantha Gonda for the ARC copy.
I think this author has potential, but it wasn't for me. It was readable, but I was mostly bored. At first, I didn't mind the multiple POV but I'm afraid it'll be too much in the future book(s). Here we have 4 main POVs so it was easy to follow and interesting but did I need the last new POV? Not really. Too much telling, not enough showing.
But I do think it's a good debut book. It still needs some editing (repetitions, typos -I usually don't notice them so if I do, that's really an issue-) but I know it's too late for this one so I hope the author will learn from this one. It has potential but to be honest, I was a little confused sometimes. Magic system is cool, I wish we learned more in the story than in the glossary (that I'm lazy to check), about the different creatures... instead of wasting time in some character's head.
By the way, the book was marketed with a bloodthirsty heroine it was said a lot but I didn't really saw that part of her so I hope it'll be more shown in the next book? I also didn't see the need of saying it's a twist on the Little Mermaid, the FMC(s?) are just sirens. And I don't get the Hades and Persephone part either (that I find overused in the way authors are marketing their books). Sometimes being simple is fine too. I admit I was first drawn to this book because I saw aesthetic posts of it and absolutely not because of the tropes. Like, she managed to fit the famous "Who did this to you?" at one point and it felt so pointless at that moment. But that might also be because I'm not sold on the main couple, if that's the actual couple in this trilogy. And it's not because of the absence of steam, I like a good slow-burn. But it's messy. I didn't get the attraction of Viggo for Mayta either, was it like a fated thing? And maybe I wasn't focused enough but the only age I did get from this read is Viggo's. I have no idea how old are the others characters exactly.
I don't know yet if I'll read the next book, but I do wish the author good things, she was nice on her socials.
Thanks to Netgalley, BeRead Ltd and Samantha Gonda for the ARC copy.
April 2, 2025
You start off this story kind of thrown into the action. There are a lot of moving pieces the reader doesn’t see until much further into the plot. So, it’s a little jarring, a little confusing, and won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
For those that stick around, you get to know the characters, see the thickening tensions and feelings and motivations of the main players on the board. There’s a decent amount of world building, although more depth and history and descriptions would just add richness to the story.
I do hope this gets another edit before publishing though, as I saw a few typos, grammatical errors and sentence structure mishaps. There is a fair amount of repetitive sentences that could be trimmed down to give a more polished and trim story structure. There were also a few times that I noticed Aria’s arms/wrists are talked about in plural, despite having only one arm. Dresses are described as pink in one sentence and then the same dress is blue later in the same scene. Some of the plot points were a bit confusing. How would Aria know her sister would react a certain way? Why didn’t she tell her the plan before hand? Etc.
I also would love to get more descriptions on the creatures in this world. For the life of me I could not picture what a wraith looked like, but kind of thought based on the minor details I saw it could look kind of like a dragon?
I really enjoyed this dark fantasy, and with some minor tweaks and finishing touches it could easily be a 5 star debut novel.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and BeRead Ltd for a copy!
For those that stick around, you get to know the characters, see the thickening tensions and feelings and motivations of the main players on the board. There’s a decent amount of world building, although more depth and history and descriptions would just add richness to the story.
I do hope this gets another edit before publishing though, as I saw a few typos, grammatical errors and sentence structure mishaps. There is a fair amount of repetitive sentences that could be trimmed down to give a more polished and trim story structure. There were also a few times that I noticed Aria’s arms/wrists are talked about in plural, despite having only one arm. Dresses are described as pink in one sentence and then the same dress is blue later in the same scene. Some of the plot points were a bit confusing. How would Aria know her sister would react a certain way? Why didn’t she tell her the plan before hand? Etc.
I also would love to get more descriptions on the creatures in this world. For the life of me I could not picture what a wraith looked like, but kind of thought based on the minor details I saw it could look kind of like a dragon?
I really enjoyed this dark fantasy, and with some minor tweaks and finishing touches it could easily be a 5 star debut novel.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and BeRead Ltd for a copy!
February 21, 2025
4.5 Stars
Thank you Net Galley and Samantha Gonda for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the very first page, I was completely drawn into the captivating world that Samantha Gonda has crafted. The magic system, the creatures, and the intricate world-building were all incredibly immersive. I found myself unable to put the book down, and even when I wasn't reading, I was constantly thinking about it.
One of the highlights of this book is the multiple points of view. Normally, I find myself less interested in at least one character's perspective, but not this time. Each character's story was compelling and kept me engaged throughout.
Aria, the main female character, was a standout. She was strong, confident, and easy to fall in love with. Raask, with his dual nature as both the charming and charismatic prince and his darker, more cruel side, was fascinating to follow. I loved how Aria brought out his true self. Similarly, Viggo, who initially I wasn't sure about, grew on me significantly as the story progressed, and I found his chapters highly enjoyable.
The romance plot lines throughout the story were amazing. Although at times it felt a bit rushed and insta-lovey, the chemistry between the characters was undeniable, and I found myself rooting for their relationships.
While some parts of the story felt slow, I was thoroughly enjoying the different perspectives. The plot had some well-executed twists that kept me guessing and intrigued throughout.
The ending of the book was nothing short of spectacular. It was insane in the best way possible, and I loved every moment of it. The bond between Raask and Viggo, their brotherly dynamic, was one of my favourite aspects of the book. You could truly feel how much they cared for each other.
This book was everything I could want in a fantasy novel. It was immersive, emotional, and filled with rich character dynamics. I didn't expect to love it as much as I did, and I am eagerly anticipating the next instalment to see how the story continues to unfold.
Thank you Net Galley and Samantha Gonda for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the very first page, I was completely drawn into the captivating world that Samantha Gonda has crafted. The magic system, the creatures, and the intricate world-building were all incredibly immersive. I found myself unable to put the book down, and even when I wasn't reading, I was constantly thinking about it.
One of the highlights of this book is the multiple points of view. Normally, I find myself less interested in at least one character's perspective, but not this time. Each character's story was compelling and kept me engaged throughout.
Aria, the main female character, was a standout. She was strong, confident, and easy to fall in love with. Raask, with his dual nature as both the charming and charismatic prince and his darker, more cruel side, was fascinating to follow. I loved how Aria brought out his true self. Similarly, Viggo, who initially I wasn't sure about, grew on me significantly as the story progressed, and I found his chapters highly enjoyable.
The romance plot lines throughout the story were amazing. Although at times it felt a bit rushed and insta-lovey, the chemistry between the characters was undeniable, and I found myself rooting for their relationships.
While some parts of the story felt slow, I was thoroughly enjoying the different perspectives. The plot had some well-executed twists that kept me guessing and intrigued throughout.
The ending of the book was nothing short of spectacular. It was insane in the best way possible, and I loved every moment of it. The bond between Raask and Viggo, their brotherly dynamic, was one of my favourite aspects of the book. You could truly feel how much they cared for each other.
This book was everything I could want in a fantasy novel. It was immersive, emotional, and filled with rich character dynamics. I didn't expect to love it as much as I did, and I am eagerly anticipating the next instalment to see how the story continues to unfold.
April 24, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First off I want to stay this isactually quite a unique concep. you start right slap bang in the midst of actions so it is a bit daunting at first with so much going on to get your heads round everything.
There is a large number of characters introduced each with their own motives and POVs which can be a challenge to keep up.
I feel that both MC had a bit of the old Insta love, maybe but I didn't enjoy their interactions with each other. although the MMC drastic behaviour change midway through story is still unexplained and was a bit confusing .
This is only the first part of a series so assuming that all of this might be further explained and make sense in the next book(s).
First off I want to stay this isactually quite a unique concep. you start right slap bang in the midst of actions so it is a bit daunting at first with so much going on to get your heads round everything.
There is a large number of characters introduced each with their own motives and POVs which can be a challenge to keep up.
I feel that both MC had a bit of the old Insta love, maybe but I didn't enjoy their interactions with each other. although the MMC drastic behaviour change midway through story is still unexplained and was a bit confusing .
This is only the first part of a series so assuming that all of this might be further explained and make sense in the next book(s).
April 1, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and BeRead Ltd for the ARC!
4-stars
A Reign of Blood is the mysterious beginning of what I imagine will be a great new series! Every time I thought I knew where the plot was going, I was surprised! The main characters are hiding so many secrets, and each new revelation felt like a puzzle piece falling into place.
The four main characters felt compelling within the world and the lithe-based magic system was fascinating and unique. I think there is a lot more within the world to be explored.
Some people may call it a bit slow for the pacing, but I rather enjoyed the steady climb of the plot.
And when you get the end, BUCKLE UP because it is a wild ride!
I think Samantha Gonda shows great promise as a debut author and I look forward to her growth in subsequent books.
4-stars
A Reign of Blood is the mysterious beginning of what I imagine will be a great new series! Every time I thought I knew where the plot was going, I was surprised! The main characters are hiding so many secrets, and each new revelation felt like a puzzle piece falling into place.
The four main characters felt compelling within the world and the lithe-based magic system was fascinating and unique. I think there is a lot more within the world to be explored.
Some people may call it a bit slow for the pacing, but I rather enjoyed the steady climb of the plot.
And when you get the end, BUCKLE UP because it is a wild ride!
I think Samantha Gonda shows great promise as a debut author and I look forward to her growth in subsequent books.
March 13, 2025
Rating-
4/5 stars
Genre-
Fantasy
Age Rating For It-
15+ because there is some violence and revenge plots and everything but also there is romance, in it nothing explicit or anything just some kissing, cuddling and things.
Tropes-
Enemies to lovers
Royalty
Badly treated mythological creatures
Quotes-
“It was a perfect story really, a story that she was counting on. Love and hope: the two easiest things to manipulate.”
“Breathless, Aria asked, ‘And what if I would like to be the one to take revenge? To gut someone> Would that scare you, Prince?’...With a dark, thunderous laugh, Raask finally answered. ‘If it’s revenge you want, it’s what I’ll give you.’”
Thoughts/Would I Recommend This?-
I honestly really enjoyed this book so much and thought it was really great! I only really had one real thing that really annoyed me about the book, and it may just be me that was annoyed by this, just because of the type of reader I am, though. I just did not love how fast the enemies ended up becoming lovers. As someone who one of my all-time favorite tropes is enemies to lovers, I felt this one was wayyy too quick of the enemies becoming lovers. It was like one moment she hates him so much and his family and everything they did, but then the next second later she's making out with him and in love. I felt it made the rest of the story not as fun because they had already become lovers and things. So now there wasn’t too much of a change really with the romance plot after that, and I love me a good romance plot. So, I wish the author had waited longer before finally having them become lovers because I think it would have improved the book a lot more so. All together, though, I really enjoyed this book and would totally recommend.
(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
4/5 stars
Genre-
Fantasy
Age Rating For It-
15+ because there is some violence and revenge plots and everything but also there is romance, in it nothing explicit or anything just some kissing, cuddling and things.
Tropes-
Enemies to lovers
Royalty
Badly treated mythological creatures
Quotes-
“It was a perfect story really, a story that she was counting on. Love and hope: the two easiest things to manipulate.”
“Breathless, Aria asked, ‘And what if I would like to be the one to take revenge? To gut someone> Would that scare you, Prince?’...With a dark, thunderous laugh, Raask finally answered. ‘If it’s revenge you want, it’s what I’ll give you.’”
Thoughts/Would I Recommend This?-
I honestly really enjoyed this book so much and thought it was really great! I only really had one real thing that really annoyed me about the book, and it may just be me that was annoyed by this, just because of the type of reader I am, though. I just did not love how fast the enemies ended up becoming lovers. As someone who one of my all-time favorite tropes is enemies to lovers, I felt this one was wayyy too quick of the enemies becoming lovers. It was like one moment she hates him so much and his family and everything they did, but then the next second later she's making out with him and in love. I felt it made the rest of the story not as fun because they had already become lovers and things. So now there wasn’t too much of a change really with the romance plot after that, and I love me a good romance plot. So, I wish the author had waited longer before finally having them become lovers because I think it would have improved the book a lot more so. All together, though, I really enjoyed this book and would totally recommend.
(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
February 21, 2025
**ARC Review: *A Reign of Blood* by Samantha Gonda**
If you’re craving a *dark, moody fantasy* with (my favorite) |•morally gray characters•|, intense tension, and a lead who *doesn’t hold back*, *A Reign of Blood* needs to be on your radar. Samantha Gonda kicks off *The Songs of Beasts* series with an *absolute banger*—packed with vengeance, forbidden attraction, and a world that feels *as dangerous as it does intoxicating*.
This book gives us a fierce, no-nonsense protagonist who’s *practical, confident, and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty*. No *soft and sweet* here—Gonda delivers *sharp dialogue, brutal stakes, and an atmosphere so rich you can almost taste the blood in the air*.
The beginning sets the stage with intricate world-building, but *once the story picks up, it doesn’t let go*. The *second half is a full-throttle ride* with twists that’ll leave you *reeling*. And the romance? *Deliciously forbidden*—the kind that keeps you flipping pages way past midnight.
If you love *dark fantasy with edge*, this one’s for you. Gonda’s writing is *gritty, immersive, and unapologetic*, setting up what’s sure to be a series that *only gets more intense from here*.
**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity 💕**
If you’re craving a *dark, moody fantasy* with (my favorite) |•morally gray characters•|, intense tension, and a lead who *doesn’t hold back*, *A Reign of Blood* needs to be on your radar. Samantha Gonda kicks off *The Songs of Beasts* series with an *absolute banger*—packed with vengeance, forbidden attraction, and a world that feels *as dangerous as it does intoxicating*.
This book gives us a fierce, no-nonsense protagonist who’s *practical, confident, and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty*. No *soft and sweet* here—Gonda delivers *sharp dialogue, brutal stakes, and an atmosphere so rich you can almost taste the blood in the air*.
The beginning sets the stage with intricate world-building, but *once the story picks up, it doesn’t let go*. The *second half is a full-throttle ride* with twists that’ll leave you *reeling*. And the romance? *Deliciously forbidden*—the kind that keeps you flipping pages way past midnight.
If you love *dark fantasy with edge*, this one’s for you. Gonda’s writing is *gritty, immersive, and unapologetic*, setting up what’s sure to be a series that *only gets more intense from here*.
**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity 💕**
February 18, 2025
4.5/5 I want the next book immediately, please and thank you!
I immediately felt myself drawn into this book, there wasn't a slow start or info-dumping period, it was so well-paced.
Cool creatures with cool lore, political drama, hidden identities, enemies to lovers, adventure - everything you could possibly want in a fantasy novel/series!
I loved the characters, their personalities and dynamics together.
Very random thing for me to comment on, but I loved: our FMC mentioned having to go pee! Why did I love that so much?! I am one of those people that when reading a book or watching a movie, I think "when do they go to the bathroom?" But maybe my small bladder is just to blame for that. But it made me laugh and I appreciated it because yeah, I'd need many bathroom breaks on a magical adventure. She also mentioned that she had dirty hair and it needed to be washed and she was desperate to do so, and that was SUCH a mood.
And the way it ends! I need answers and I need the next book. I cannot wait for this adventure to continue.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I immediately felt myself drawn into this book, there wasn't a slow start or info-dumping period, it was so well-paced.
Cool creatures with cool lore, political drama, hidden identities, enemies to lovers, adventure - everything you could possibly want in a fantasy novel/series!
I loved the characters, their personalities and dynamics together.
Very random thing for me to comment on, but I loved: our FMC mentioned having to go pee! Why did I love that so much?! I am one of those people that when reading a book or watching a movie, I think "when do they go to the bathroom?" But maybe my small bladder is just to blame for that. But it made me laugh and I appreciated it because yeah, I'd need many bathroom breaks on a magical adventure. She also mentioned that she had dirty hair and it needed to be washed and she was desperate to do so, and that was SUCH a mood.
And the way it ends! I need answers and I need the next book. I cannot wait for this adventure to continue.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
February 25, 2025
Oh my gosh, this book had so many twists and turns I'm still reeling! When I saw I'd nearly finished the book I was gutted, I'll be thinking about these characters for a while (and I'm dying to know what happens next).
Featuring lots of plots and scheming, falling in love with enemies, characters with noble aims but morally ambiguous methods, and the consequences of all of the above!
Featuring lots of plots and scheming, falling in love with enemies, characters with noble aims but morally ambiguous methods, and the consequences of all of the above!
February 15, 2025
Ahhhh.. the ending was amazing 🤩🤩 the plot twist!! The cliffhanger.
I must say the start of the book was slow paced. However things start to pick up at the middle of the story. Second half of the book was absolutely brilliant. , fast paced and completely unpredictable. And it gave me huge second lead couple syndrome. I can't wait for the second book .
Thank you netgallay and Samantha Gonda for the arc
I must say the start of the book was slow paced. However things start to pick up at the middle of the story. Second half of the book was absolutely brilliant. , fast paced and completely unpredictable. And it gave me huge second lead couple syndrome. I can't wait for the second book .
Thank you netgallay and Samantha Gonda for the arc
November 19, 2025
Full review to come but I absolutely love that I did not predict a single plot twist LOL. This had me conspiring with myself
March 11, 2025
ARC review | ⭐️ | Fantasy Romance
Release date: April 8, 2025
Publisher: BeRead Ltd
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I ended up DNFing this at 12%, and unfortunately that was gracious of me. This book is not ready for the public; it is rife with typos and the writing feels middle-grade at best. The synopsis details a princess running from her kingdom to trick the Crown Prince in order to save her people. Absolutely none of this was discussed or alluded to in the pages I read, despite the chapters being broken into multiple POVs. This writer might stand a chance at a career with a team of better editors and willingness to dedicate some time to the craft. At current, I won't be picking up any of her other work.
Release date: April 8, 2025
Publisher: BeRead Ltd
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I ended up DNFing this at 12%, and unfortunately that was gracious of me. This book is not ready for the public; it is rife with typos and the writing feels middle-grade at best. The synopsis details a princess running from her kingdom to trick the Crown Prince in order to save her people. Absolutely none of this was discussed or alluded to in the pages I read, despite the chapters being broken into multiple POVs. This writer might stand a chance at a career with a team of better editors and willingness to dedicate some time to the craft. At current, I won't be picking up any of her other work.
April 19, 2025
Aria comes off as a strong independent woman who knows how to play her cards right. I liked that she has a mind of her own. I loved that we got multiple POV’s.
Some inconsistencies were hard to overlook (a single drop of purple blood as a dead giveaway, but not when one loses an arm?) I also had a hard time with the quick switch in character traits from our male leads and the overall foreshadowing that was laid on pretty thick.
However, the book did go an unorthodox route with the plot, although strongly foreshadowed it did felt original. A book that thrives on the badass FMC and its originality, but could use some more overall refinement.
I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley for the review opportunity!
Some inconsistencies were hard to overlook (a single drop of purple blood as a dead giveaway, but not when one loses an arm?) I also had a hard time with the quick switch in character traits from our male leads and the overall foreshadowing that was laid on pretty thick.
However, the book did go an unorthodox route with the plot, although strongly foreshadowed it did felt original. A book that thrives on the badass FMC and its originality, but could use some more overall refinement.
I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley for the review opportunity!
May 24, 2025
I received an ARC via NetGalley – thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. This is my honest opinion.
You know that feeling when you start reading and instantly know it’s going to be a great book? That’s exactly what happened to me here.
From the very first pages, A Reign of Blood pulled me in with its mysterious atmosphere and compelling main character. I loved how the story didn’t give everything away right away—it made me curious, engaged, and eager to piece together who the heroine really was. And when the truth finally came out, it was so satisfying to see that my early suspicions were right.
The worldbuilding is absolutely fascinating. There’s a strong magical system, and especially the presence of water-based creatures and forces, which gave the story a unique flavor I really enjoyed. The magical world feels expansive and full of potential—it definitely left me wanting more.
And then there’s the ending. Let’s just say… that cliffhanger? Wow. I need book two immediately.
A fantastic series opener with an immersive world, a mysterious lead, and a magic system full of possibility. Highly recommended for fans of rich fantasy worlds with hidden truths and high stakes.
You know that feeling when you start reading and instantly know it’s going to be a great book? That’s exactly what happened to me here.
From the very first pages, A Reign of Blood pulled me in with its mysterious atmosphere and compelling main character. I loved how the story didn’t give everything away right away—it made me curious, engaged, and eager to piece together who the heroine really was. And when the truth finally came out, it was so satisfying to see that my early suspicions were right.
The worldbuilding is absolutely fascinating. There’s a strong magical system, and especially the presence of water-based creatures and forces, which gave the story a unique flavor I really enjoyed. The magical world feels expansive and full of potential—it definitely left me wanting more.
And then there’s the ending. Let’s just say… that cliffhanger? Wow. I need book two immediately.
A fantastic series opener with an immersive world, a mysterious lead, and a magic system full of possibility. Highly recommended for fans of rich fantasy worlds with hidden truths and high stakes.
February 13, 2025
Thank god for a practical, confident, violent FMC!! A Reign of Blood is refreshingly moody in a genre that can sometimes lean too sweet. Gonda puts her characters THROUGH IT. The author’s visceral prose immerses you in every detail - you can feel the silt and salt on your skin, taste the decadent food, hear the unnerving buzz of the castle. The enemies are real enemies, and the lovers have to fight to get there. A brutal, atmospheric, gripping dark fantasy
May 18, 2025
Great book! Now I'm almost a fantasy junkie 😂 Must read 👌
June 23, 2025
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! The twists and turns kept me interested and it wasn’t predictable, which was a nice change. I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
March 16, 2025
Had to DNF at 5%. It looks like this is the author’s first book and while some things worked well, it wasn’t enough for me to stick around.
I love reading fantasy because I love escaping into a new world. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to with this book.
What works:
1. The magic system is unique (use of different colored “lithes” to cater treat anxiety, etc.)
2. Loved the first couple of pages of her dragging herself to shore. Very hook-worthy.
3. I’m sure there’s lots more, but I jumped ship. 🚢
Some complaints:
1. The story feels so flat and rushed. The setting is the biggest problem, IMO: underdeveloped and too vague. When we enter a new room or meet a new character or overlook the city for the first time, there’s maybe one descriptor we’re given. It’s too sparse to feel even remotely real.
Ultimately, I found it very difficult to envision any part of this world or the characters within it. There’s far too much telling and not nearly enough showing.
2. The dialogue is clumsy. The phrasing is very awkward and doesn’t sound like it would ever be said by a real person, never mind multiple people. Also, dialogue is used instead of narration to provide scene descriptions. But this only adds to the awkwardness. Instead, narration should be utilized help take the burden off the spoken words of the characters.
I love reading fantasy because I love escaping into a new world. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to with this book.
What works:
1. The magic system is unique (use of different colored “lithes” to cater treat anxiety, etc.)
2. Loved the first couple of pages of her dragging herself to shore. Very hook-worthy.
3. I’m sure there’s lots more, but I jumped ship. 🚢
Some complaints:
1. The story feels so flat and rushed. The setting is the biggest problem, IMO: underdeveloped and too vague. When we enter a new room or meet a new character or overlook the city for the first time, there’s maybe one descriptor we’re given. It’s too sparse to feel even remotely real.
Ultimately, I found it very difficult to envision any part of this world or the characters within it. There’s far too much telling and not nearly enough showing.
2. The dialogue is clumsy. The phrasing is very awkward and doesn’t sound like it would ever be said by a real person, never mind multiple people. Also, dialogue is used instead of narration to provide scene descriptions. But this only adds to the awkwardness. Instead, narration should be utilized help take the burden off the spoken words of the characters.
April 23, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Samantha Gonda for the early copy of A Reign of Blood in exchange for an honest review!
What started out feeling like a darker, more magical Little Mermaid quickly grew into a story that stands entirely on its own.
The cast of characters is large and layered, each with their own unique motivations and perspectives. At times it was a challenge to keep up. However, it made the story richer and more engaging, and I’m hopeful it will all come together even more in future installments.
I especially appreciated the way the male and female characters reflected each other—balancing strengths and flaws, and often bringing out the best in one another during the lighter moments.
That said, Raask’s shift in the middle of the book left me a bit puzzled. I found myself wanting more insight into what drove his change in behavior.
Still, I’m really looking forward to what comes next. There are so many wide-open threads, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
What started out feeling like a darker, more magical Little Mermaid quickly grew into a story that stands entirely on its own.
The cast of characters is large and layered, each with their own unique motivations and perspectives. At times it was a challenge to keep up. However, it made the story richer and more engaging, and I’m hopeful it will all come together even more in future installments.
I especially appreciated the way the male and female characters reflected each other—balancing strengths and flaws, and often bringing out the best in one another during the lighter moments.
That said, Raask’s shift in the middle of the book left me a bit puzzled. I found myself wanting more insight into what drove his change in behavior.
Still, I’m really looking forward to what comes next. There are so many wide-open threads, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
May 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.
I honestly don't even know where to begin with this one. This entire book feels like picking a series up at book two, where all the explanation and exposition has already happened so I should know what's going on, but this is actually book one so I had no clue what was happening most of the time. There is quite literally no explanation for anything. We are thrown into the book and the world with no background information and absolutely nothing is ever clarified. There's a useless glossary at the front, but the random crap that these characters spout like I'm supposed to know what any of it means is insane.
Aria's plan is the dumbest thing I've ever read. I loathe "badass" "bloodthirsty" heroines who are actually just violent idiots. Which Aria is. Mayta is the most boring main character to randomly appear and start having a POV ever. Viggo is just big guy no sense. And Raask is just completely inconsistent. He's mostly a jerk or a creep but we keep hearing how great he is.
Aside from the fact that every single character is obsessed with bread and butter (I'm not joking, it is apparently the only food in this kingdom and is mentioned almost every page), I had no clue what was going on. The book is just a series of random crap happening without rhyme or reason. The attempt at plot twists are laughably stupid and ridiculous.
Both "love stories" are boring insta love, and I didn't care about them or the characters involved. They're also barely love stories. Mostly just like and lust.
Besides from being barely coherent, there are also typos galore and major inconsistencies. A character loses an arm but then has "wrists" to grab. A single drop of poison blood reveals the identity of one character but another character with the same blood loses a limb and no one notices their secret identity. It was exhausting the level of annoying ridiculousness in here.
This book is like if someone read To Kill a Kingdom and decided to write the worst possible version.
One star because at least an attempt was made?
I honestly don't even know where to begin with this one. This entire book feels like picking a series up at book two, where all the explanation and exposition has already happened so I should know what's going on, but this is actually book one so I had no clue what was happening most of the time. There is quite literally no explanation for anything. We are thrown into the book and the world with no background information and absolutely nothing is ever clarified. There's a useless glossary at the front, but the random crap that these characters spout like I'm supposed to know what any of it means is insane.
Aria's plan is the dumbest thing I've ever read. I loathe "badass" "bloodthirsty" heroines who are actually just violent idiots. Which Aria is. Mayta is the most boring main character to randomly appear and start having a POV ever. Viggo is just big guy no sense. And Raask is just completely inconsistent. He's mostly a jerk or a creep but we keep hearing how great he is.
Aside from the fact that every single character is obsessed with bread and butter (I'm not joking, it is apparently the only food in this kingdom and is mentioned almost every page), I had no clue what was going on. The book is just a series of random crap happening without rhyme or reason. The attempt at plot twists are laughably stupid and ridiculous.
Both "love stories" are boring insta love, and I didn't care about them or the characters involved. They're also barely love stories. Mostly just like and lust.
Besides from being barely coherent, there are also typos galore and major inconsistencies. A character loses an arm but then has "wrists" to grab. A single drop of poison blood reveals the identity of one character but another character with the same blood loses a limb and no one notices their secret identity. It was exhausting the level of annoying ridiculousness in here.
This book is like if someone read To Kill a Kingdom and decided to write the worst possible version.
One star because at least an attempt was made?
March 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, BeRead Ltd and Samantha Gonda for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Just wow! I absolutely ate this up and couldn't put it down from the moment I started!
From the very first page, A Reign of Blood pulls you into a world that is both alluring and perilous. Samantha Gonda has woven a dark, atmospheric fantasy that doesn’t hold back, captivating you with sharp dialogue, high-stakes conflict, and a realm brimming with creatures, magic, and hidden truths. The vivid imagery stays with you, immersing you completely in every sensory detail.
The magic system is rich, the world building is phenomenal filled with a vast collection of creatures, places and characters. Speaking of characters, Gonda does an excellent job of bringing them to life from multiple points of view, each perspective adding depth to the overall story. Aria, the fierce and unyielding protagonist, immediately stood out as one of the book's strongest elements. She's a woman of few words, but when she speaks, it’s impactful, and her confidence makes her impossible not to root for.The romance is irresistibly forbidden and charged with tension. Though it occasionally feels rushed and could use a bit more development, the chemistry between the characters is undeniable.
The pacing started off a little bit slow at the start but then in the second half is where it picks up a lot more. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping you on your toes and leaving you stunned at times.
The ending is truly outstanding, it will leave you eagerly anticipating the next book, desperate to see where this intense, emotional journey goes. This novel ticks all the boxes for dark fantasy lovers, captivating characters, immersive world-building, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Just wow! I absolutely ate this up and couldn't put it down from the moment I started!
From the very first page, A Reign of Blood pulls you into a world that is both alluring and perilous. Samantha Gonda has woven a dark, atmospheric fantasy that doesn’t hold back, captivating you with sharp dialogue, high-stakes conflict, and a realm brimming with creatures, magic, and hidden truths. The vivid imagery stays with you, immersing you completely in every sensory detail.
The magic system is rich, the world building is phenomenal filled with a vast collection of creatures, places and characters. Speaking of characters, Gonda does an excellent job of bringing them to life from multiple points of view, each perspective adding depth to the overall story. Aria, the fierce and unyielding protagonist, immediately stood out as one of the book's strongest elements. She's a woman of few words, but when she speaks, it’s impactful, and her confidence makes her impossible not to root for.The romance is irresistibly forbidden and charged with tension. Though it occasionally feels rushed and could use a bit more development, the chemistry between the characters is undeniable.
The pacing started off a little bit slow at the start but then in the second half is where it picks up a lot more. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping you on your toes and leaving you stunned at times.
The ending is truly outstanding, it will leave you eagerly anticipating the next book, desperate to see where this intense, emotional journey goes. This novel ticks all the boxes for dark fantasy lovers, captivating characters, immersive world-building, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
May 3, 2025
Review of "A Reign of Blood" by Samantha Gonda - ★★★★★
"A Reign of Blood" is a breathtakingly immersive tale that expertly weaves themes of vengeance, betrayal, and unexpected desire. Samantha Gonda crafts a dark and captivating world where Aria, a fierce and determined protagonist, navigates the treacherous waters of the Skierkan court with a singular mission: to destroy the crown prince.
From the very first page, Gonda pulls readers into Aria's tumultuous journey, filled with rich world-building and intricate character development. Aria's internal struggle between her thirst for revenge and the undeniable connection she feels with the prince is beautifully portrayed, making her a relatable and compelling heroine. The tension between their opposing goals creates a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The prince himself is a wonderfully complex character, defying the typical "monster" trope. His depth and charisma challenge Aria’s perceptions, adding layers to the story that elevate it beyond a simple revenge plot. The chemistry between Aria and the prince is electric, and their interactions are charged with both danger and longing.
Gonda's writing is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world steeped in shadows and blood, where every choice carries weight. The stakes are high, and as rebellion brews, the tension builds to a thrilling climax that leaves readers breathless.
Overall, "A Reign of Blood" is a masterful blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue that will keep you hooked until the very last page. It’s a story about the complexities of love and vengeance that resonates long after you’ve finished reading. This book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and romance!
"A Reign of Blood" is a breathtakingly immersive tale that expertly weaves themes of vengeance, betrayal, and unexpected desire. Samantha Gonda crafts a dark and captivating world where Aria, a fierce and determined protagonist, navigates the treacherous waters of the Skierkan court with a singular mission: to destroy the crown prince.
From the very first page, Gonda pulls readers into Aria's tumultuous journey, filled with rich world-building and intricate character development. Aria's internal struggle between her thirst for revenge and the undeniable connection she feels with the prince is beautifully portrayed, making her a relatable and compelling heroine. The tension between their opposing goals creates a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The prince himself is a wonderfully complex character, defying the typical "monster" trope. His depth and charisma challenge Aria’s perceptions, adding layers to the story that elevate it beyond a simple revenge plot. The chemistry between Aria and the prince is electric, and their interactions are charged with both danger and longing.
Gonda's writing is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world steeped in shadows and blood, where every choice carries weight. The stakes are high, and as rebellion brews, the tension builds to a thrilling climax that leaves readers breathless.
Overall, "A Reign of Blood" is a masterful blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue that will keep you hooked until the very last page. It’s a story about the complexities of love and vengeance that resonates long after you’ve finished reading. This book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and romance!
March 29, 2025
This book surpassed my initial interest and then some!
I could not put this book down once I started and I wish there was more to get lost in. Everyone is morally grey - hurting and looking for their person - but who will forge the world they want most?
There are multiple points of view in this story, but don’t let that deter you if it’s not your normal cup of tea. The points of view were an absolute benefit to the story and never once confusing to follow.
Aria, our main female character, is in her late 20s, and she views herself as a predator. She hates the ruling family, but a certain prince - who she says is not HER prince - gives her a "touch him and die” drive that she can't ignore.
Enter our golden-haired prince, Raask, one of the main male characters.
Raask is handsome and tanned with deep blue eyes - he’s also the heir to the throne. The first solo encounter between the MMC and the injured FMC goes like this: "Hop on my back..." he commanded..."Good girl". He takes care of her, but he will also be cruel for her.
Our other male point of view is General (and Prince) Viggo - our tall warrior blessed with the magic of literal death. This big brother will do anything he can to help Raask before he takes the throne. But what if Raask doesn't know everything he's doing?
The love triangles are enjoyable to read. The magic system is based on ancient magic tied to various creatures from sirens, to sprites, etc. There is also a magical substance that coats the castle walls, can be turned into powders, and is used in tattoos.
Thank you to NetGalley and BeRead Ltd for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of A Reign of Blood by Samantha Gonda.
I could not put this book down once I started and I wish there was more to get lost in. Everyone is morally grey - hurting and looking for their person - but who will forge the world they want most?
There are multiple points of view in this story, but don’t let that deter you if it’s not your normal cup of tea. The points of view were an absolute benefit to the story and never once confusing to follow.
Aria, our main female character, is in her late 20s, and she views herself as a predator. She hates the ruling family, but a certain prince - who she says is not HER prince - gives her a "touch him and die” drive that she can't ignore.
Enter our golden-haired prince, Raask, one of the main male characters.
Raask is handsome and tanned with deep blue eyes - he’s also the heir to the throne. The first solo encounter between the MMC and the injured FMC goes like this: "Hop on my back..." he commanded..."Good girl". He takes care of her, but he will also be cruel for her.
Our other male point of view is General (and Prince) Viggo - our tall warrior blessed with the magic of literal death. This big brother will do anything he can to help Raask before he takes the throne. But what if Raask doesn't know everything he's doing?
The love triangles are enjoyable to read. The magic system is based on ancient magic tied to various creatures from sirens, to sprites, etc. There is also a magical substance that coats the castle walls, can be turned into powders, and is used in tattoos.
Thank you to NetGalley and BeRead Ltd for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of A Reign of Blood by Samantha Gonda.
June 15, 2025
Rate : 4.72
Seduce, betray and destroy, that is Aria’s mission. She lost her family, her people are being cruelly tortured and enslaved. This girl is on fire and thrilling to destroy the world. She’s undercover as a angelic helpless girl and needed her hero to the rescue. Her hero, the Crown Prince the member of Skierkan Court, the Royal family who she sworn to destroy.
As time past by, she surprised to find the prince is not the monster as his family used to be. Behind his amused charming behavior mask, there is a soft vulnerable and secrets that tempts the darkness inside her and ready to crack her meticulously vengeance plan. Now what path is she going to choose? Her happiness or her people?
A Reign of Blood is a high plus heavy dark epic fantasy with very unique world building. There a strong combination of dystopia and political affairs in the story. Somehow, I feel a little bit Greek Mythology vibe. The FMC, Aria had something mysterious about her and I couldn’t figure out what is it until it revealed. Tension and unexpected plot twist? Don’t your worry about it, this story definitely had it and believe me, is really breathtaking!
This story really had so much potential but however I’m nor really sure about the story plot start in abstract and packed. It feels like someone who force to put more stuff in their suitcase, it too dense and narrow. Also, the characters need more of introduction and the romance plus story plot pace is still too fast. I think is okay for this book more than 300 pages, maybe around 400-600 pages. Beside the previous concern that I mentioned before, I still love how the story goes and continue to read the next book.
Seduce, betray and destroy, that is Aria’s mission. She lost her family, her people are being cruelly tortured and enslaved. This girl is on fire and thrilling to destroy the world. She’s undercover as a angelic helpless girl and needed her hero to the rescue. Her hero, the Crown Prince the member of Skierkan Court, the Royal family who she sworn to destroy.
As time past by, she surprised to find the prince is not the monster as his family used to be. Behind his amused charming behavior mask, there is a soft vulnerable and secrets that tempts the darkness inside her and ready to crack her meticulously vengeance plan. Now what path is she going to choose? Her happiness or her people?
A Reign of Blood is a high plus heavy dark epic fantasy with very unique world building. There a strong combination of dystopia and political affairs in the story. Somehow, I feel a little bit Greek Mythology vibe. The FMC, Aria had something mysterious about her and I couldn’t figure out what is it until it revealed. Tension and unexpected plot twist? Don’t your worry about it, this story definitely had it and believe me, is really breathtaking!
This story really had so much potential but however I’m nor really sure about the story plot start in abstract and packed. It feels like someone who force to put more stuff in their suitcase, it too dense and narrow. Also, the characters need more of introduction and the romance plus story plot pace is still too fast. I think is okay for this book more than 300 pages, maybe around 400-600 pages. Beside the previous concern that I mentioned before, I still love how the story goes and continue to read the next book.
March 11, 2025
This was a wonderfully intriguing romantasy novel and unlike anything else I’ve read. This kingdom is run by the morloks (humans) and syrens abide within the waters of the sea which is dangerously risky for sailors, and there are heaps of other magical creatures too. Aria’s people are subjugated to slavery, her family lost and she is sworn to vengeance . We have adventure, morally grey main characters, forbidden love and magic within lithes so substance based which was an interesting perspective within the story.
The book opens with a vivid description of Aria pulling herself from the sea, and I had to read it twice to make sure I understood what I was reading! I wasn’t sure what it all meant at that point although it came clear later in the story (as I tend to go in blind to a book!)
The story has such potential but some phrases, choice of vocabulary and passages I felt could be written more smoothly as it felt a little clunky to my ear. Being a British reader it maybe that American English doesn’t sit as well for me but not having read any blurb or author details beforehand I did wonder whether it was lost in translation. Some parts of the story were slow, others were rushed and the romance seemed to suddenly happen without much preamble so was a bit insta-lusty.
I always enjoy a duel point of view so the fact this book had the most varied POV I thought helped immensely. It really gave greater depth to the characters.
Overall I’d give it three stars. Intriguing premise and storyline but not quite hitting the mark with the style of writing for me.
The book opens with a vivid description of Aria pulling herself from the sea, and I had to read it twice to make sure I understood what I was reading! I wasn’t sure what it all meant at that point although it came clear later in the story (as I tend to go in blind to a book!)
The story has such potential but some phrases, choice of vocabulary and passages I felt could be written more smoothly as it felt a little clunky to my ear. Being a British reader it maybe that American English doesn’t sit as well for me but not having read any blurb or author details beforehand I did wonder whether it was lost in translation. Some parts of the story were slow, others were rushed and the romance seemed to suddenly happen without much preamble so was a bit insta-lusty.
I always enjoy a duel point of view so the fact this book had the most varied POV I thought helped immensely. It really gave greater depth to the characters.
Overall I’d give it three stars. Intriguing premise and storyline but not quite hitting the mark with the style of writing for me.
July 8, 2025
Honest review with some spoilers: This was a confusing read. It lacked consistency, logic, and style. Things like using modern slang (tweaking out) in a fantasy setting really drew me out of the story. There was little to no finesse in the writing. Things like the second task in the woods were so weakly written and weren’t compelling at all as plot lines. Arias plan seemed to have a ton of middle ground between “wash up on shore” and “have my sister marry the king”. I found myself wondering how she ever could be expected this to work. She’s supposed to be this super smart general but can’t even come up with a plan that doesn’t have 10000 ways it could go wrong.
At 50% I wasn’t really sure where the plot was going still. I wasn’t even really sure at this point why Aria was there.
I never understood the lithe part of the story. It was just kind of happening without any explanation.
There was a lot of plot that just made no sense but the author presented it as if it was totally normal and logical. For example, I never really understood why a prince would take in (essentially) refugees into his own palace. That’s like….the most irresponsible thing I can think of. Is there no where else you would send them for security reasons? Also, clearly I was right that this was an insane choice because by the end of the book both times they’d done it had turned out poorly.
Overall, this book had a good underlying plot idea with poor execution and writing. I got this arc from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
At 50% I wasn’t really sure where the plot was going still. I wasn’t even really sure at this point why Aria was there.
I never understood the lithe part of the story. It was just kind of happening without any explanation.
There was a lot of plot that just made no sense but the author presented it as if it was totally normal and logical. For example, I never really understood why a prince would take in (essentially) refugees into his own palace. That’s like….the most irresponsible thing I can think of. Is there no where else you would send them for security reasons? Also, clearly I was right that this was an insane choice because by the end of the book both times they’d done it had turned out poorly.
Overall, this book had a good underlying plot idea with poor execution and writing. I got this arc from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
Throne of Glass meets The Little Mermaid in this dark, richly woven debut that had me hooked from start to finish. A Reign of Blood delivers everything I crave in a romantasy—morally grey characters, courtly intrigue, and a beautifully crafted slow-burn romance that builds tension with every page.
One of my favorite aspects was the multiple POVs. I loved being able to see the story unfold from different perspectives, which added so much depth and nuance to the plot. It gave the political intrigue and personal struggles more weight, and really pulled me into the complexity of this world.
The romance between Aria and the prince was stunningly done—layered with tension, desire, and impossible choices. Add in a plot twist I absolutely did not see coming, and I was fully invested in where this story was headed.
And then there’s Viggo. I’m desperate to know what he’s plotting behind his brother’s back, especially considering what he did at the end of book one. After everything, Raask didn’t deserve what happened, and I need to know what lies in store for both Viggo and Mayta in book two. The threads left dangling have me itching for the sequel—seriously, when do we get book 2?!
While the pacing at the very start felt a touch slow, once I settled in, the story swept me away. The world-building is lush, the characters are layered, and the emotional stakes are sky-high. A fantastic debut from Samantha Gonda, and one I’ll be recommending to fans of dark, twisty romantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
One of my favorite aspects was the multiple POVs. I loved being able to see the story unfold from different perspectives, which added so much depth and nuance to the plot. It gave the political intrigue and personal struggles more weight, and really pulled me into the complexity of this world.
The romance between Aria and the prince was stunningly done—layered with tension, desire, and impossible choices. Add in a plot twist I absolutely did not see coming, and I was fully invested in where this story was headed.
And then there’s Viggo. I’m desperate to know what he’s plotting behind his brother’s back, especially considering what he did at the end of book one. After everything, Raask didn’t deserve what happened, and I need to know what lies in store for both Viggo and Mayta in book two. The threads left dangling have me itching for the sequel—seriously, when do we get book 2?!
While the pacing at the very start felt a touch slow, once I settled in, the story swept me away. The world-building is lush, the characters are layered, and the emotional stakes are sky-high. A fantastic debut from Samantha Gonda, and one I’ll be recommending to fans of dark, twisty romantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book. As soon as you start reading, you jump right in, and that threw me off a little bit. You also start the book with like multiple POV‘s and I wasn’t expecting that so it took me a little bit to adapt and actually engage in the story. I think when you get like to the middle is when you will actually be locked in and super focused on the story and start like reading a little bit faster. That’s what happened for me. At least when I got to the middle is when things started picking up and I was engaged. This isn’t said which I found funny but I also think this has a little bit of the little mermaid retelling/ inspired in this story, but you don’t really figure that out until towards the middle/end of the book. I would say the main characters or Raaka and Aria. Then secondary characters who are still important and get POV‘s or Mayta and Viggo. Raaka and Viggo are brothers and Aria and Mayta are sisters.
It gets a little messy. Aria is supposed to seduce Raaka because there’s some history on both sides where they’re not supposed to trust each other, but she starts to fall for him. Mayta has always liked Raaka because she seen him from afar, but she’s never actually had a conversation with him and Viggo actually likes Mayta but he knows that she likes his brother. I loved the drama and I definitely still have some questions so really looking forward to book 2 to seeing what direction the story is going to go next.
It gets a little messy. Aria is supposed to seduce Raaka because there’s some history on both sides where they’re not supposed to trust each other, but she starts to fall for him. Mayta has always liked Raaka because she seen him from afar, but she’s never actually had a conversation with him and Viggo actually likes Mayta but he knows that she likes his brother. I loved the drama and I definitely still have some questions so really looking forward to book 2 to seeing what direction the story is going to go next.
October 12, 2025
This was such a unique and interesting read! It took me a bit to get into this and to understand the world, but the set up is SO worth it for the unexpected twists. I was reeling multiple times throughout this because I was so shocked and impressed by the latest plot twist. I honestly think the best experience would be to go into this completely blind - just to get the full effect! Based on the premise and the back of the book, I knew there would be a surprise related to - it was still a powerful twist but I can only imagine how much harder it would hit if you went in blind.
That being said, I know it's hard to be convinced to read a book based on nothing so here's a very bare-bones premise. This story follows Aria, who has just washed up out of the ocean (the Dahs) and is rescued by the kingdom's misunderstood prince. Prince Raask is thought of by others as being either 1) golden retriever vibes and extremely kind or 2) spoiled playboy, doesn't take anything too seriously - when in reality, he has a dark and serious side to him after all. Aria and Prince Raask are unexpectedly compatible and both find themselves falling for each other. But Aria can't let herself fall for the prince... because she is keeping a major secret that means they can never be together.
Read this one if you like:
- fantasy setting
- dark themes
- secret identity
- magical trials
- unexpected plot twists
- multi POV
That being said, I know it's hard to be convinced to read a book based on nothing so here's a very bare-bones premise. This story follows Aria, who has just washed up out of the ocean (the Dahs) and is rescued by the kingdom's misunderstood prince. Prince Raask is thought of by others as being either 1) golden retriever vibes and extremely kind or 2) spoiled playboy, doesn't take anything too seriously - when in reality, he has a dark and serious side to him after all. Aria and Prince Raask are unexpectedly compatible and both find themselves falling for each other. But Aria can't let herself fall for the prince... because she is keeping a major secret that means they can never be together.
Read this one if you like:
- fantasy setting
- dark themes
- secret identity
- magical trials
- unexpected plot twists
- multi POV
April 8, 2025
I rated this book 3/5 stars. While this book has an interesting plot, and shocking ending I didn’t see coming, it lacked character and plot development. I think this book is a good foundation, but it had me wishing I had stronger backstories of characters than that were given, and there were certain events of the plot that I thought would add more depth to the book, but instead seemed quickly explained.
I did enjoy the characters, and there are multiple points of view of characters which were outlined nicely in the book. I wish near the end I had more of female main character pov because as a reader, I wanted to feel and sympathize with her more than what we were given.
For a romatasy book, there was very little romance and I felt there should have been a deeper connection that we felt for the two characters, so when they are heartbroken, as readers we are heartbroken. When something goes right for the characters, we cheer them on and hope for the best. Romance does exist in the book, and love is a feeling that drives characters decisions, but it’s minimal in the book.
This does have a lot of fantasy vibes, however, there is still so much unknown about parts of the kingdom and the creatures within it. Maybe this is intentional as it is part of a series.
I am curious enough to read what happens next in this series, but it wouldn’t be going on my immediate TBR pile.
I did enjoy the characters, and there are multiple points of view of characters which were outlined nicely in the book. I wish near the end I had more of female main character pov because as a reader, I wanted to feel and sympathize with her more than what we were given.
For a romatasy book, there was very little romance and I felt there should have been a deeper connection that we felt for the two characters, so when they are heartbroken, as readers we are heartbroken. When something goes right for the characters, we cheer them on and hope for the best. Romance does exist in the book, and love is a feeling that drives characters decisions, but it’s minimal in the book.
This does have a lot of fantasy vibes, however, there is still so much unknown about parts of the kingdom and the creatures within it. Maybe this is intentional as it is part of a series.
I am curious enough to read what happens next in this series, but it wouldn’t be going on my immediate TBR pile.
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