For the rulers of Ravengale, there is only us and them...until the rule of law becomes the path to destruction.
Princess Satima of Ravengale was born to obey her father’s rule, to sit on the sidelines while others fight, and to never question the ancient laws that bind her throne. But when the Book of Life reveals a destiny she cannot ignore, Satima must abandon her crown and cross into the human realm—a world of shadows, monsters, and forbidden magic.
What she doesn’t expect is him.
Toren is the vampire king her father calls an enemy—beautiful, brutal, and bound by secrets darker than the night itself. When their paths collide, desire ignites like wildfire, and Satima is torn between loyalty to her realm and the dangerous pull of the one man she should never want. But in a world where vampires, druids, and monsters collide, love may be the most dangerous weapon of all.
One choice could save humanity. One kiss could destroy it.
The Crimson Princess is a dark romantasy full of forbidden love, ancient prophecy, and a heroine who dares to defy fate itself. Fans of From Blood and Ash and Throne of Glass will devour this first book in The Ravengale Chronicles.
✨ Tropes You’ll • Enemies to Lovers • Forbidden Romance • Vampire King x Warrior Princess • Chosen One / Prophecy • Dark Court Politics • Fated Mates Energy • A Kingdom on the Brink of War
In the dark of night, passion burns crimson… When the princess defies her fate and the vampire king tempts her heart, a realm built on blood may finally fall.
This novel was the perfect blend of magical realism and romance! It is dark, suspenseful and full of adventure! It also had a mysterious vibe to it. I found it to be captivating, easy to follow and had an excellent world building! This is a fast paced read, where the characters were strongly developed and memorable. Furthermore, I found that the characters were lovable in the story. It is a mix of plot and character driven.
I absolutely loved the paranormal elements in this book. This story also came with one of my favorite tropes in a story, which is an enemies to lovers trope! Even though I do feel that the connection happened between the main characters somewhat fast, I still really enjoyed their chemistry. This book also comes with power, politics, drama, sacrifice and an ancient prophecy! It had effective visuals and I found it to be stylistically unique. The cliffhanger that this book came with definitely left me wanting more!
“The Crimson Princess” is the first book in The Ravengale Chronicles series. The female main character, whose name is Princess Satima, vacates her throne to fight for humanity. A sad loss happens and this is where Satima meets Toren. Toren is the male main character in the book, but he is also the vampire king and Satima’s father’s ancient nemesis. A forbidden passion between them occurs, but it comes with a lot of risks! Overall, I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
I thank fans that like to read books of supernatural worlds, that includes vampires and emotional conflict, would really enjoy this book. I also think that readers that like the show “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” would like this. Content warnings include violence, war violence, sexual content and death of a loved one.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Zoey Voss and Bloodstone publishing for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on September 24, 2025!
thank you to netgalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review!
my first problem with this book is that it is somewhat of a modern fantasy. i was not made aware of this fact through the description, which i feel is very important information. it does not make too much sense to include kings, queens, castles, villages, and magic but also have things such as air conditioning, limousines, cell phones, cops, and the golden gate bridge in san francisco. it just does not flow well together at all and it makes me question the story’s seriousness. i felt like i was reading a story written and published exclusively on wattpad. the scenes with any action whatsoever went extremely fast and without much description. i did not get to feel much satisfaction at the end of the fight scenes.
the world-building needs a lot of work. the descriptions of quite literally anything are lacking. it was not easy to picture the world this author had intended and i found myself just going with whatever world i, personally, wanted to see. this book also needs tremendous amounts of editing. there were a handful of errors which completely takes the reader out of the story. again, it makes me question the seriousness of this book and its author. there was the use of “and/or” in the book— i am not kidding. this is just lazy editing, as there are more refined ways to get your point across without the use of “and/or,” as if this is some university powerpoint presentation.
the magical creatures were not unique in any way. the zombies, in particular, seemed to be a very odd choice. they were a very strange addition to the book which added nothing of substance to the plot. when the author would describe a creature she seemingly came up with, the descriptions were very uninspired. for example, “Frostburns resemble frostburns with the fangs and claws of a tiger…” first of all… frostburns resemble frostburns?? what am i supposed to do with that information? so… basically, i’m just imaging a tiger, right? it just seemed to be such a random assortment of creatures thrown into this story.
the romance was also extremely quick to blossom and did not elicit any feelings of giddiness or excitement at all. this is extremely important when one of the main focuses in your book is indeed the romance.
the fmc refers to the mmc many times as being seduced by him because she knows he’s a “male.” for example, 1. “His touch shocks me, my skin instantly burning hot, my awareness for him as male, far too present in the middle of a battlefield.” neither the time, nor the place. also, it is just something that shouldn’t need to be said more than once, if at all.
2. “I’m a female, in lust with the most incredible male I’ve ever met.” 3. “And he is beautifully male…” why do we need to specify that we’re each male and female multiple times over? as if the reader is not already aware of that. this was very unnecessary and irritating.
overrall, i do think this story has potential. however, it needs a complete makeover and plenty of editing in order to reach that potential.
LIKES: I really love an FMC that's independent, strong-willed, and knows how to fight and defend herself. And Satima is absolutely that kind of FMC. I also loved Toren from the first moment he was introduced in the book, and he was my favorite part out of all of it.
DISLIKES: While Toren and Satima had decent chemistry throughout the book, I felt like things got serious between them awfully fast. There wasn't really any build-up and tension between them.
As far as the story itself, it started off strong and I liked the premise, but the pacing slowed and I found myself losing interest. Some minor points in the story were also reptitive, and it wasn't the most eloquent writing. There were also a handful of typos that needed to be fixed (but I read this as an ARC, so there's still time for that). Overall, it had potential, but it just didn't hit the mark for me.
Feel like I just got pushed off that cliff at the end 🫠 now to wait for book two. The idea of a Buffy the vampire slayer/ reign inspired romantasy was too good to resist . The world and different political entities are really interesting. I think the main characters fell a little faster then I expected but had good chemistry and the twist at the end 😳 hoping for some of the side characters to grow a little in book two I feel like you’re told about them but they don’t feel necessary real to me if that makes sense? They’re just kinda there. Can’t wait to see how they manage to turn things around book two. Thanks to Zoey Voss for sending me an advanced copy to read
From the very first chapter, The Crimson Princess swept me into a world of dark magic, political intrigue, and forbidden romance. Princess Satima is everything I want in a heroine fierce, determined, and willing to risk everything for her people. But crossing paths with Toren, the broody vampire king (and sworn enemy of her family), sets off sparks that are impossible to ignore. Cue all the delicious enemies-to-lovers tension.
The worldbuilding is layered with druids, fae, vampires, and werewolves, plus ancient grudges and rival kingdoms that kept me hooked. I loved how the political maneuvering and supernatural elements intertwined, raising the stakes at every turn. The chemistry between Satima and Toren is fiery, equal parts wary alliance and irresistible pull.
That said, some pacing dips and familiar tropes popped up, but honestly, the drama, spice, and cliffhanger more than made up for it. And oh my gosh that ending?! Brutal in the best way. I need book two yesterday.
If you’re into strong heroines, broody love interests, and a fantasy world full of danger, passion, and betrayal, this is one to add to your TBR. Thanks to crowns and chaos PR and the author for the gifted arc.
The concept of this book really caught my attention, and I could see so much potential in where the story could have gone. Unfortunately, it just never delivered.
The world-building was basically nonexistent, which was such a letdown because the idea of portals and different kingdoms had so much room to grow. That could have been such a cool and unique element, but instead everything felt flat. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you much about the world at all because it was barely described. Even the main premise of why humans needed protecting and why it was the gales’ job just because a magical book said so was never really explained. I wanted to get lost in the setting and actually understand what was happening, but most of the time I was just confused.
The characters didn’t do much to help either. The males were always described as “beautiful,” and beyond that there wasn’t much detail. The creatures that showed up in the story were barely mentioned, so I had no idea how to picture them. I tried filling in the gaps myself, but even then I wasn’t sure I had it right.
The romance was also weak. There wasn’t any real spark between the two leads. Their relationship felt like surface-level banter with a couple of flirty lines tossed in. Since they were from enemy kingdoms, I expected some tension or at least a push and pull dynamic, but none of that ever happened. The FMC trusted him instantly, which made everything feel rushed. There was so much room for conflict and buildup, but the story skipped over all of it.
In the end, the whole book was more “tell” than “show.” The lack of description, world-building, and tension left me wanting more. With a serious rewrite, stronger details, and deeper character development, I think this story could have been really good. As it stands, it just didn’t work for me.
⟣Tropes⟢ ✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine ✅ Age Gap (just about 900 years) ✅ Single POV ✅ FMC not Virgin ✅ Found Family ✅ Cliff
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.***
Wow! This was a fun and engrossing start to a new series called The Ravengale Chronicals.
Expect a little Serpent and the Wings of Night vibes mixed with Reign & Buffy the Vampire Slayer, to create a world and characters that pull you into the story and don't let go. This magical realm has vampires, humans, werewolves, druids, fae, zombies and more, all intertwined with strong world and character building to create a book that I could not put down.
Our FMC, Princess Satima has spent years protecting the human world by fighting off zombies and monsters that are trying to invade Earth. When fate steps in and turns her life upside-down, she is forced to return home to her own realm where she is pulled into the politics and scheming of her father and other Kings of her world. As all of this is happening, Satima finds out that a war is on the horizon and has to try to find a way to prevent that war while also protecting her people, and herself.
Expect:
Forbidden Love
A Warrior FMC
Touch her and die MMC
He falls first
World politics
Betrayal
Magic
Battles
Spice 🌶🌶 .5
I really enjoyed this book and found myself not only smiling but unable to put the book down. I couldn't wait to get to the next page to see what happenes next. There is a little tension and build-up between the two MCs but this is definitely not a slow burn. The only thing I didn't really like was that I wish it had been longer and that we have to wait until April for the next book!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a voluntarily written, honest review.
:.... for just a moment, I'm not the shadow of recent defending innocent lives or a princess defending her kingdom. I'm a female, in lust with the most incredible male I've ever met. And that’s who I want to be." (Ch 15)
Satima was every bit the epitome of what a crown princess, going to be queen one day, should be. She was confident with regal airs and mannerisms, but yet she was also formidable and could stand her own even when she hadn't fully come into her powers yet... even against her father, the king. She was a fighter, literally and figuratively. A warrior princess who had an innate sense of things and duty. She would do anything for her people. She would defend her kingdom against any threat native or foreign.
Toren was an enigma. He was everything you'd imagine a vampire king to be, yet, like Satima, had a side to him that set him alongside his people instead of above them. He, too, would do anything for his people and kingdom.
"He personifies masculinity, carries himself as a king, and is truly everything a woman of any race could wish for in a male, other than of course, him being my father’s sworn enemy." (Ch 24)
Enemies to lovers to enemies? Allies? Or betrayal? It was hard to tell if even Satima and Toren really knew, as there wasn't a hard line between them. Even at the very end, the lines continued to blur. Though there was no denying the volatile lure that existed between them.
"I'm not sure what this is between me and Toren, but there is something that smolders with demand when we are together. Something I have never known. I warn myself it may well be some magical power to seduce he possesses." (Ch 14)
The ending felt a little like it was on whiplash speed where minute details were seemingly lost. It could have used more suspense, more thrill, more danger in that last crucial battle, but it lasted barely a few pages.
Coming of age story, discovering herself and unraveling the mysteries of her blood and legacy. It is magical realism woven into a romantasy with vampires, as well as other creatures, warewolves, and a pinch of zombies. A forced engagement, political intrigue, battles, impending war... and in the middle of it all... Forbidden Lovers.
".... And us, me and you, we're unexpected in every possible way, but the truth is, together we can change everything...." (Ch 24)
My PR box came with a recipe for Toren's favorite - Freya's Cherry Chocolate Cookies! I plan on making them and doing a video for my bookstagram.
ARC courtesy of Kate Rock Book Tours, Author Zoey Voss, and Bloodstone Publishing
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!
Satima is a loyal princess to her Gales. Until she has to choose between trusting her own father or the vampire king, Toren.
I experienced such a whirlwind of emotions with this book from start to finish. I loved every moment of it. The world building to the romantic aspects and the feelings of grief, betrayal, and pain of a father that just won't listen. The ending, which I partially predicted, was a true twist! I can't wait to see where the series leads! I will gladly keep my eyes open.
3.75⭐️ Thanks for sending me an ARC! The beginning of this book was hard for me to get into, but once the story picked up with Satima I started to enjoy it more. The overall story was intriguing and the cliffhanger was gnarly, but some of the world building was meh. Overall I enjoyed it and I want to know what’s going to happen in the next book!
Wow! Let's just say this book has me speechless after that cliffhanger, and I can't believe we have to wait till April for the second one!
Strong FMC ✅ Broody Male ✅ Touch her and die vibes 100% ✅ Vampires um yes please ✅
I loved the story and how the characters progressed, it was fast paced and of course there was some spice 🌶️ I was a bit confused with the modern twists at times but after wrapping my head around it I overall enjoyed this book! I can't wait for others to enjoy! Thanks for letting me have an ARC!!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the eARC of The Crimson Princess by Zoey Voss.
The Crimson Princess by Zoey Voss totally pulled me in with its mix of political intrigue, magic, and forbidden romance. Princess Satima is such a strong heroine, but her loyalty gets tested big time when she crosses paths with Toren—the broody vampire king and her father’s sworn enemy. Cue all the enemies-to-lovers tension.
The worldbuilding felt rich and layered with family secrets, ancient grudges, and high-stakes battles that kept me hooked. And the romance? So good. The chemistry between Satima and Toren jumps off the page, growing from wary curiosity to undeniable trust and passion. I was rooting for them the whole way.
That said, there were a few spots where the pacing felt a little uneven and some tropes popped up that I’ve seen before. But honestly, I still flew through it and that cliffhanger ending?? Brutal. Brilliant. I need book two ASAP.
If you’re into fierce heroines, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and a dark, twisty fantasy world, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.
I cannot wait for book two next year! What a thrill! The ride this book took me on was amazing! The spice could have been spicier but the story line was just *chefs kiss*.
I am so grateful to have been giving the opportunity to read this as an ARC before the release of this book! I will definitely be buying a copy once it’s released in September!
I try my best to read through an indie authors story a fair shot, but in good conscience, I could not continue. The premise was there. The summary is what pulled me in.
Unfortunately, this book is lacking a lot of world building and character development. The pacing feels rushed and jumping from one plot point to the next. There is so much potential for this world and these characters if their arcs were fleshed out more.
I appreciate the author sending me a PR box, and you can tell the effort that was put into the marketing of this book and story, but in all honesty this book was not for me.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and all I can say is HOLY HOT 🥵🔥 Magic. Vampires. Druids. Fae. The Human World needs protection. Challenges & Trials. Magic Creatures. Royalty. A Magic Book. Spice. Warrior MFC & MMC. Fun Banter. Lies, betrayal, tragedy, love, and so much more. Found family, loyal kingdoms, and oncoming war. This book has it all!!
This book had me hooked from page ONE. The author writes the world our characters are in so clearly it's like your living & experiencing everything right beside them.
Satima is a young FMC who is the princess of her people .. after a tragedy (that had me crying for an hour), she meets our MMC, Toren, the Vampire King, who she feels an instant connection to. Her father, King Killian, gives King Henry vibes, and it makes the story all the more intense because he doesn't see his own daughter for who she really is but a piece of property that he can use as a bargaining chip. The immediate connection between Satima and Toren is intriguing, fun, and spicy. He can sense her power when her own father remains clueless.
ONE of the best parts is that this isn't just all spice it has a great storyline! The world building is next level, and I can't wait for the next book. Since I read it as an ebook, I'll be needing a physical copy for my book shelves because it was THAT good!!
Received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I REALLY wanted to like this book. I rated it a 2 star on Goodreads, but really feel it should be 2.5 stars. I enjoyed the concept of the story however had difficulty with the writing style and world building as they felt really amateur and too simplistic. A small example of this was in describing the limousine the FMC and her family rode in to the challenge and in the death scene in San Francisco. I DNF’d this book after having read around 42% of it because I really wanted to like it however was tempted to DNF after the death scene. I would have liked more world building and more depth to the characters. During some parts I felt the FMC and MMC were really bad actors as their reactions felt contrived and not really authentic. This bled into their interactions especially during the first spicy scene. With the world building and magic systems, often the descriptions were vague and confusing, however in other situations, felt more simplistic and “spoon fed.” It’s difficult to find this balance however once found, I think it would bump up the writing in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First of all that cliff hanger 😭 This was a solid start to an intriguing series. Satima is a badass FMC and I’m already in love with Toren! Can’t wait for book 2!
“Perhaps I’m poison to you, too, vampire king.” “I’m willing to take my chances.” “That’s a dangerous proposition.” “Worth it,”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay what just happened that ENDING threw me. I must say I actually enjoyed this book! An easy, short fantasy read that has all the mystical creatures and interesting magic system and world building. The start to what I’m sure is to be a good series, described as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Reign. Received an ARC and voluntarily leaving a review!
As princess of Ravengale, Satima is expected to sit back and watch her people compete in The Challenge and the chosen ones travel to the human realm to protect the portal and them from the monsters in the Third World. But the Book of Life dictates everyone’s fate, and her father is the only one who can read it, spellbound by to do it’s bidding. As rebellions begin to unravel, Satima is thrust into the incoming War, driving her into the path of the ruthless Vampire King and her fathers enemy. Unexpectedly, their blossoming intrigue and denial for each other has history unveiled and truths uncovered, putting everyone and all Kingdoms at risk.
“What if I hurt you?” “It’ll hurt so good, Satima. Of that I can promise you.”
I love a warrior princess and I’ve never been let down by them. Satima had all the traits of a Queen; level headed, graceful, devoted to her people whilst also being fierce and strong. I loved her relationship with her mother and I hurt for her on her grief journey. Whilst a lot of questions about who she truly is are left unanswered, one thing this book provided was the complex dynamics of a royal family with her manipulative yet loving father to her kind but pushover mother. So many truths yet to uncover with them all and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
I am not her now. I am a princess who is consumed by him, a man who should be my enemy, but is nothing that I expected, and everything I crave.
Whilst Satima and Toren - our MMC vampire King and enemy - relationship felt a little insta lovey I can sense there is more to their relationship with mystery overshadowing his past. I felt their struggle with their devotion to each others people and their forbidden romance and I’m a little obsessed with them. If you love a Rhysand mixed with Raihn then this will be your new book boyfriend!
Now, the world building and magic system was unique. I liked the multiple realms, however I feel like the explanations were very surface level and lacking any details to really connect with this world. I also felt conflicted with the fantasy and modern Earth world colliding. Castles, limos, futuristic technology and microphones I just don’t think mix. However I loved the characters enough to let this slide! I would advise that going in to this you’re made aware of it though.
Overall, I enjoyed this and I’m looking forward to their story continuing April 26!
What’s included: 🖤 Forbidden romance ❤️🔥 Mythical creatures 🖤 Dystopian Fantasy ❤️🔥 Political Intrigue 🖤 Warrior Princess ❤️🔥 Fathers Enemy 🖤 Touch Her and Die ❤️🔥 Rival Kingdoms
I read this book as an ARC read. I absolutely don't regret it, and will be hanging on until the next book comes out. This review contains spoilers.
This book had me captive from the beginning. The characters are lush and fleshed out, and you truly feel for them! The author did a great job describing the characters, surroundings, and their magic. It was so easy to visualize everything as I was reading - a novel (pun intended) experience.
SPOILERS BELOW -----
The main character, Satima, is truly very likeable. In the beginning, we see her as a child. Living in Ravengale, a magical city led by the Book of Life and ruled by her father, King Killian, and a council. Now, the Book of Life originated with Killian's friend, Lares, who fought a war against the Druids. Though Lares lost his life, the gales - as they are called - won this war. Subsequently, portals to other worlds open for Ravengale to protect.
The novel begins with The Challenge, a competition held to find new guardians to the portals every ten years. One of Satima's friends is set to compete, despite being far too young to have control of her magic. Satima's mother protects her friend, and as such is named a guardian of a portal. Her mother accepts, with Satima as her shadow should something happen to her. The two serve for ten years, and on the very last day of their servitude (ironically, Satima's birthday), her mother is killed.
This sets in motion the entire premise of the novel. Satima is set to mourn her mother for a week, while her father is apparently in talks with the Druids - and wishes to marry her to their prince to promote peace. Satima doesn't see it this way, having only come into part of her powers. When the Vampire King, Toren, arrives to give his condolences, things get spicy. There's instant chemistry between Satima and Toren, leaving her wondering who's the enemy and who's on her side.
Through several adventures and mishaps later, the two of them are bonded. Trying to prevent war, Satima must navigate her complicated feelings for Toren and her growing outrage at her father. Both men seem too stubborn to listen to her. The price to pay for this is dear.
The novel ends on a cliffhanger, right after a brutal action scene. It left me with a gasp, and a "Toren, no!" And now I can't wait for the next novel to be released. The pacing was perfect, and I couldn't really predict each twist as it happened - and that's a good thing. Though I have thoughts about fated mates and the like, I can't wait to read book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Wow!!! What a cliffhanger!!!! No fair!!! That was wicked🥺😢 The plot was exhilarating, to say the least. The book introduces you the Kingdom of Ravengale. Princess of Ravengale, Satima. She is a fierce, strong willed princess bound by her father's rule to sit back as others compete in the Challenge and watch the champions travel to the human realm to shelter the innocents from the monsters of the Third World. But the Book of Life dictates a path for her that defies the laws of Ravengale and she temporarily vacates her throne to fight for humanity, a choice that will change the destiny of her world and beyond. As Satima is thrust into a tragic battle, death will touch her in the most intimate of ways, driving her into the path of her father's enemy, the ancient and powerful vampire king. Toren is as gorgeous and ruthless leader, despite Satima's caution, her connection with the Toren makes her blood run hot, and her body hotter. But there is a dark history between their worlds, a darker one between Toren and her father. One wrong move, and everything Satima has known and loved will be shattered. Once again the plot twist and the cliffhanger!!! Why🤦🏽♀️ If you enjoy … Fierce FMC Morally grey MMC Deadly challenges Portal Magic Vampires Druids/Fae Forbidden love Banter Slow burn Then this is for you!! Thank you Zoey Voss for the free eARC, and opportunity to be part of the ARC Team.
4.5 to 5 stars ( I keep going back and forth in my head) Crimson Princess is a romansty without super complex world building, nice and easy to get lost in. It has a little bit of something for everyone - vampires, werewolves, druids, fae, etc. And if you were ever a Buffy AND Angel girlie, you'll love this book ( just add a little bit of Supernatural and Reign to it). Satima and her mother fight for humanity against monsters that mankind knows nothing about. But when tragedy strikes, she returns home to her father, King Killian, as her kingdom gets ready for the Challenge - a tournament in which her people compete for the chance to become guardians. But things are not well in her father's kingdom, and she has a chance meeting with one of her father's enemies - Toren, the gorgeous, seductive ruler of the vampires. I typically do not enjoy vampire books, but this one was awesome! I really enjoyed it. It was fast-paced with lots of action. I felt like getting Satima 's mother's POV added a layer of complexity to the story. My only complaint was that the battle scene at the end was a little short or rushed. It could have used another page or two. I have some questions about Ruhn and Toren because of it, but I feel that's teasing for the next book.
4.5 ⭐️ ✨ARC Review✨ I really enjoyed this book! It was a page turner for me especially about 25% in. Princess Satima of Ravengale meets King Toren, the vampire, her world will forever be changed. The character and world building were great! I felt like I was in their world, the author did a great job! So many interesting characters were introduced and I’m sure will play a big part in book 2. The vampires, the magic, werewolves, fae, the kings, the different worlds, the fighting all kept me wanting more and yes there were twists and this one left on a cliffhanger! Toren was my favorite and I loved Satima. Great MMC and FMC! Can’t wait to get my hands on Book 2! Thank you Zoey for not only the ARC read but for the PR package! 🫶🏼
When you compare a book to Buffy, I’m going to read it. Zoey Voss stunned me with this debut novel! I loved the mix of vampires, werewolves, druids, fae, supernatural elements, deadly challenges, and even a bit of sci-fi with portals and different worlds.
Satima is such a strong-willed, independent, and warrior FMC, despite the challenges she has faced and the grief she carries. Satima’s father, King Killian, promises her hand to the Druid prince, to create a political alliance, unbeknownst to Satima. As a feminist, I loved Satima’s attitude and actions towards her father, as she tries to resist and undue her father’s plans at every turn.
Toren was everything I enjoy about a MMC: alluring, powerful and broody. Toren is one of King Killian’s (Satima’s father) biggest enemies, deepening the enemies to lovers trope with the forbidden love trope which I always devour. In addition to fantastic tension, banter and spice between Satima and Toren, I also enjoyed how Toren challenged Satima and her experiences, allowing her to self-reflect and grow as a character.
The ending of this left me devastated, shocked and dying for more! Thank you Zoey Voss and Bloodstone publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this story from start to finish. And that ending… I need book 2 NOW!!!
We follow along as the FMC stumbles through her life after the devastating loss of her mother. She doesn’t know who to trust or who to turn to. Can she trust her Father? Can she trust her new love interest? We don’t know. But maybe the Book of Life does… Read to find out.
If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer within a supernatural world with fictional creatures this is a great story especially if you want something not too spicy. Of course where it is similar to Buffy we have a strong fmc. The chemistry between the fmc and mmc happens quickly but it does take you for a ride.
This book had a great blend of settings. I wasn't sure what to expect at first (would it be set in a fantasy made-up land/medieval times, or in the present day) as the description did say it was a blend between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Reign, which are two shows that I absolutely love! I was pleasantly surprised to see a mix of it. I do feel that it was a bit fast-paced in some aspects, and I would have loved more character development for some of the side characters as well. A bit more world-building would have been good, too, but I was still able to see it in my mind. I just wanted a little bit more. You definitely get a cliff-hanger ending, though I wish it were more of a peak, as a lot of the story development was building up and then ended right there with a twist. With that, I am excited for the next book and am happy it wasn't a standalone. I hope to see more character development and world-building in the next book.
Thank you, Zoey Voss and Crowns and Chaos, for the ARC copy! I loved reading it!
received an arc in exchange for my honest review. since goodreads doesn’t do half stars, i decided to mark it as 3 stars even though my try rating is more a 2.5
first thing im going to say is that it was a bit difficult to take this book seriously when the first villain mentioned was named macklemore. every time he was mentioned by name something in me curled up and died and macklemores “thrift shop” would play in my head.
the concept was definitely interesting and i would’ve liked to see a bit more world building. contrarily, some things felt a little too over explained. in some instances, i would’ve liked to have to use more context clues rather than have it spoon fed to me but when it came to the world building and how some of their magic worked i feel like i was left in the dark.
additionally, the pacing felt a bit off and if i was understanding timelines correctly, everything that happened from part 2 to part 3 happened in like a week or two (which to me is kind of insane). also the way satima magic worked just felt a little too convenient. like everything was working out pretty much perfectly and she didn’t really need to try too hard.
the book definitely had potential and im hoping this is one of those case in which the books keep getting better as the series goes on.
This book was a fast paced read. It has many fantasy elements- vampires, werewolves, magic, ancient sorceress. I enjoyed Satima, the FMC- she stood up for herself and her people even to her father- the King of Ravengale. The MMC- Toren- the vampire king who is Satima's father's enemy is swoon worthy. I enjoyed their chemistry but this book is not a slow burn more just forbidden love but the FMC says more than once she "is not your enemy". I enjoyed the straight forwardness of the romance but towards the end I got nervous about the FMC starting the miscommunication storyline but the book ended shortly after that so I don't know if that continues or not.
A few things I didn't love- calling the werewolves "weres" , describing a lot of things as "similar to the human world's" XYZ, there were some typos but I read this as an ARC so I wasn't entirely surprised there I just sent suggested edits back to Zoey & her team.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read book 2. The cliffhanger ending of this one was 😳. I'm looking forward to reuniting with Satima & Toren in the future!
Thank you to Zoey Voss and her team for gifting me this book as a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.