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The Coldest Blood
175 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 30, 2025
I enjoyed The Coldest Blood. The writing was smooth and the plot twists kept coming. I think this book would make a cool movie.
The Coldest Blood follows Isold, an ambitious young woman who craves more from life than her family farm in Iceland. She dreams of becoming a doctor, and ends up leaving home and traveling to Canada, where she learns a new language and way of life, and trains to become a nurse. Set against the backdrop of World War 1 and a Spanish Flu epidemic, Isold’s fate is forever changed and she must come to terms with herself, her hunger, if she should ever return home, and what awaits her there if she does.
Characters: Isold was a complex character. Her ambition and need to prove herself seemed to be her gift and her downfall. Although compassion was part of her job as a nurse, she was closed off in her own life. She constantly fought her loneliness, and her feelings of being an outsider. She was deeply ashamed of what she had become. Karolina was an interesting character, especially for 1918 standards! I really liked Samuel, Isold’s Father, and Hilmar. They had such kind hearts. I was most interested in Dariyan as a character and wanted more of him in the story!
Plot: The plot was medium paced throughout with several plot twists that kept me on my toes. I felt her visit to Fjardarkot was a little slow and although it connected some dots, it didn’t keep my attention. The ending felt anticlimactic. I wanted more of an epic final vampire battle.
World building: The writing in this book is vivid and well done. Each location was easy to picture and understand. The bleak locations and events were palpable. The vampire’s ability to crawl on walls was creepy!! I had an issue with the world building associated to vampires/vampirism:
- It’s mentioned that vampire sires can pass on their powers, and that there are many different species of vampires, but the mechanism of how that works and the scope of the multiple species abilities were not expanded upon.
- People are given the choice on if they want to become a vampire, but the mechanism of this seems inconsistent. Isold’s was in a dreamlike state, Karolina was a verbal agreement, but Hilmar just transitioned without being given a choice. It felt muddy, like it needed to be fleshed out more.
- The mutation of vampirism when it comes in contact with the flu virus was confusing. Isold was feeding on sick people for years, so why specifically the Flu virus?
- The ways to kill vampires in this world were not discussed. How did Isold know snapping a neck would work?
This book has one scene where spice was observed but not described in great detail. I’d say this book falls more into the “Steam” category.
This book has horror elements and graphic depictions of injuries.
Overall, I would recommend this book.
The Coldest Blood follows Isold, an ambitious young woman who craves more from life than her family farm in Iceland. She dreams of becoming a doctor, and ends up leaving home and traveling to Canada, where she learns a new language and way of life, and trains to become a nurse. Set against the backdrop of World War 1 and a Spanish Flu epidemic, Isold’s fate is forever changed and she must come to terms with herself, her hunger, if she should ever return home, and what awaits her there if she does.
Characters: Isold was a complex character. Her ambition and need to prove herself seemed to be her gift and her downfall. Although compassion was part of her job as a nurse, she was closed off in her own life. She constantly fought her loneliness, and her feelings of being an outsider. She was deeply ashamed of what she had become. Karolina was an interesting character, especially for 1918 standards! I really liked Samuel, Isold’s Father, and Hilmar. They had such kind hearts. I was most interested in Dariyan as a character and wanted more of him in the story!
Plot: The plot was medium paced throughout with several plot twists that kept me on my toes. I felt her visit to Fjardarkot was a little slow and although it connected some dots, it didn’t keep my attention. The ending felt anticlimactic. I wanted more of an epic final vampire battle.
World building: The writing in this book is vivid and well done. Each location was easy to picture and understand. The bleak locations and events were palpable. The vampire’s ability to crawl on walls was creepy!! I had an issue with the world building associated to vampires/vampirism:
- It’s mentioned that vampire sires can pass on their powers, and that there are many different species of vampires, but the mechanism of how that works and the scope of the multiple species abilities were not expanded upon.
- People are given the choice on if they want to become a vampire, but the mechanism of this seems inconsistent. Isold’s was in a dreamlike state, Karolina was a verbal agreement, but Hilmar just transitioned without being given a choice. It felt muddy, like it needed to be fleshed out more.
- The mutation of vampirism when it comes in contact with the flu virus was confusing. Isold was feeding on sick people for years, so why specifically the Flu virus?
- The ways to kill vampires in this world were not discussed. How did Isold know snapping a neck would work?
This book has one scene where spice was observed but not described in great detail. I’d say this book falls more into the “Steam” category.
This book has horror elements and graphic depictions of injuries.
Overall, I would recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
This is dark and gritty and my kind of vampire book. I really enjoyed the first 60% of this book. It had some really great character work revolving around what it is like to be an immigrant in a country in which you do not speak the language or understand the culture. It really highlights the journey taken to find your place in the world.
About the 60% mark the book takes a different turn and becomes much more fast paced, action packed and fantasy filled. It almost felt like two separate books, it was such an abrupt change in tone. While I did enjoy the book as a whole, I think it could have benefited from additional chapters regarding the origin of the disease. I also wasn't a fan of the ending, but that is just a personal preference.
I did like the writing style and I am interested to see what the author comes up with next, and definitely think this is worth picking up.
3.5 ⭐️
About the 60% mark the book takes a different turn and becomes much more fast paced, action packed and fantasy filled. It almost felt like two separate books, it was such an abrupt change in tone. While I did enjoy the book as a whole, I think it could have benefited from additional chapters regarding the origin of the disease. I also wasn't a fan of the ending, but that is just a personal preference.
I did like the writing style and I am interested to see what the author comes up with next, and definitely think this is worth picking up.
3.5 ⭐️
May 4, 2025
From page one I was instantly hooked. The Writing was immersive and the different timelines wove together seamlessly creating a compelling story.
If you are a fan of “A Dowry of Blood” you will love “The Coldest Blood”
If you are a fan of “A Dowry of Blood” you will love “The Coldest Blood”
July 15, 2025
I really have no idea what to rate this book, so I am just going with 3.5 stars. The writing is extremely well done. The imagery is vivid, and the plot twists come out of nowhere. It is an engaging story. However, the story itself is bleak and depressing, and terrifying, all wrapped up in one. The last 50 pages of the book take you on a wild ride I never saw coming. I went into this book basically blind only knowing it was remotely about vampires. There is a horror element to this book so it might be for you, or it may not be for you. I was in the not for me category. I can respect the excellent writing and the depth of the story. I finished this book with strong emotions but all of them were negative. Isold’s story is not a feel-good read, nor is it a happy story. I did not like the taste left in my mouth after reading this, but I will say descriptions were lyrical and poetic, I really feel as if I have been Iceland.
June 2, 2025
I did not expect that ending! Another vampire story for the win!
April 10, 2026
I’ll be honest, I found it quite difficult to get into the writing at first. It felt a little too flowery without much actually happening, so it took some effort to push through. But once the story reached the point where we learn about her time in the hospital during the war (just before the halfway mark), something really clicked—and from there it became an incredibly easy read. The pacing picked up, the stakes felt clearer, and I found myself properly invested.
The twists throughout were well handled and, importantly, they made sense for the character. Nothing felt thrown in purely for shock; you could follow the internal logic of her decisions, even when things escalated.
That said, I did have a few issues—mostly around character use and the ending.
Dariyan is a good example of this. I understand why he’s there—he provides context, especially around vampirism, and helps ground the world—but he ends up feeling more like a vehicle for exposition than a fully realised character. He kind of arrives, explains things, and then disappears again. Because the book is relatively short, he doesn’t get the space to develop, which then raises the question: if he’s not going to have a meaningful arc, why include him at all? It almost feels like his role is to make the ending more believable, but even then, it doesn’t quite land.
And the ending… I’m still a bit torn on it. I can see what it was trying to do, and I understand how it was set up, but it didn’t feel entirely true to her character. For someone who spends so much of the story resisting her “gift,” and who clearly values healing and her sister’s final wishes, the idea that she would go on to turn so many people—forming what is essentially a large vampire family—feels like a stretch. Elizabeth, I understand. That choice made emotional sense. But sixty others? That felt far harder to believe.
I suppose you could argue that a century changes a person, and maybe she eventually comes to accept—or even embrace—her powers. But because we don’t fully see that transition, the ending feels slightly disconnected from the character we’ve come to know.
The idea of the flu interacting with vampirism was interesting, and I liked the concept of vampirism almost acting like its own mutation. But it did feel a bit like it was introduced too late in the story. Given how long the flu has existed, it would have made more sense for this to be seeded earlier with small hints or references, rather than feeling like a last-minute addition.
Overall, though, these are my main qualms. Once it finds its stride, it’s a gripping, action-packed read with strong ideas and a compelling central journey. And despite my reservations, I can absolutely see it working brilliantly as a film—arguably even better in that format.
The twists throughout were well handled and, importantly, they made sense for the character. Nothing felt thrown in purely for shock; you could follow the internal logic of her decisions, even when things escalated.
That said, I did have a few issues—mostly around character use and the ending.
Dariyan is a good example of this. I understand why he’s there—he provides context, especially around vampirism, and helps ground the world—but he ends up feeling more like a vehicle for exposition than a fully realised character. He kind of arrives, explains things, and then disappears again. Because the book is relatively short, he doesn’t get the space to develop, which then raises the question: if he’s not going to have a meaningful arc, why include him at all? It almost feels like his role is to make the ending more believable, but even then, it doesn’t quite land.
And the ending… I’m still a bit torn on it. I can see what it was trying to do, and I understand how it was set up, but it didn’t feel entirely true to her character. For someone who spends so much of the story resisting her “gift,” and who clearly values healing and her sister’s final wishes, the idea that she would go on to turn so many people—forming what is essentially a large vampire family—feels like a stretch. Elizabeth, I understand. That choice made emotional sense. But sixty others? That felt far harder to believe.
I suppose you could argue that a century changes a person, and maybe she eventually comes to accept—or even embrace—her powers. But because we don’t fully see that transition, the ending feels slightly disconnected from the character we’ve come to know.
The idea of the flu interacting with vampirism was interesting, and I liked the concept of vampirism almost acting like its own mutation. But it did feel a bit like it was introduced too late in the story. Given how long the flu has existed, it would have made more sense for this to be seeded earlier with small hints or references, rather than feeling like a last-minute addition.
Overall, though, these are my main qualms. Once it finds its stride, it’s a gripping, action-packed read with strong ideas and a compelling central journey. And despite my reservations, I can absolutely see it working brilliantly as a film—arguably even better in that format.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
Imagine A Dowry Of Blood, strip away the romance and make it a tale of a vampire nurse far from home, and you have The Coldest Blood.
Now, I've spoke with the author a few times on TikTok (he's lovely) so I am slightly biased, but, that being said, this is a truly original take on a vampire tale.
Isold, our main character, battles with her old life ending and her new one beginning. Factor in feelings of being lost in new cities, not knowing who to trust and family bonds that never fade and you have a layered character to cheer for.
Overall, it's a fantastic read and one I pray more people get to experience.
Now, I've spoke with the author a few times on TikTok (he's lovely) so I am slightly biased, but, that being said, this is a truly original take on a vampire tale.
Isold, our main character, battles with her old life ending and her new one beginning. Factor in feelings of being lost in new cities, not knowing who to trust and family bonds that never fade and you have a layered character to cheer for.
Overall, it's a fantastic read and one I pray more people get to experience.
May 25, 2025
A gripping read the whole way through. Filled with twists and turns as well as strong themes of self discovery and difficult family dynamics. Highly recommend!
May 4, 2025
R.T. Kolbeinsson’s writing plunged me directly into this gripping world he’s created.
The characters are perfectly flawed, their motivations and emotions real and captivating.
The descriptions made me feel like I was there, from the snowy landscape of Iceland to the dark streets of London.
The story and the characters’ arcs are perfectly woven through time, keeping the suspense until the very end.
I simply couldn’t put this book down!
The characters are perfectly flawed, their motivations and emotions real and captivating.
The descriptions made me feel like I was there, from the snowy landscape of Iceland to the dark streets of London.
The story and the characters’ arcs are perfectly woven through time, keeping the suspense until the very end.
I simply couldn’t put this book down!
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April 21, 2025Travel to the winter wilderness of the north to gain an insider’s view into this unique environment, gripped by suspense. This novel transcends time, linking key moments in time in an intricate web of family history.
A gripping read.
A gripping read.
November 13, 2025
I truly enjoyed the sense & atmosphere of each place & time period of this cold family story. It has a steady calm approach that then bursts into a truly furious & bloody flurry of violence. It's not an overly long novel and I read it in three sittings. Looking forward to more!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews