The Coldest Blood

by R.T. Kolbeinsson

175 pages, Paperback

Published April 14, 2025

Reviews

[JensBookishWays · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jess Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 ⭐️

[Jess H · Rating 5 out of 5]

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”

[Jennifer Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kate Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect that ending! Another vampire story for the win!

[Josh Rice - Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Katy Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Reader]

Travel 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.

[Philip Rogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!