A Burden in Blood

by Rowan E. Knight

The history of Eybourne Castle is one plagued by sorry souls and miserable marriages. It is not a place where love grows, but one where malice festers and darkness looms. The winds howl like they are weeping. The foundation groans as though alive. The shadows shift though all is still. Such dreadful halls have never been graced with a happy couple.

Until the day Luceth, Baron of Griswoeld, proposed to his bride, Sido. Whisked away to the isolated island of Griswoeld, not even the oppressive weight of the castle can dim their wedded bliss. For three years, their days have been spent in joyous indolence and their nights entangled in one another.

But happy marriages are their own kind of annihilation. Sido knows this well. If she didn’t love her husband so, she wouldn’t harbor a secret from him. One that threatens to upend their easy bliss and change their lives forever. She knows the fateful day will come when all will be revealed. What she does not yet realize, is that she may not live to see it.

For the evil in the castle has slept long enough. Each passing day brings something sinister to bear. Strange sightings menace the servants, and Sido is troubled by vivid dreams of doom. And unbeknownst to all, the sea carries an unexpected arrival that will turn the entire island on its head.

Everyone will bleed. The only question is: Who will survive?

Genres: Gothic Romance

294 pages, ebook

Published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[Kendra Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me for a ride!

A Burden in Blood is a gothic romance novel that centers around the lives and love of Sido and Luceth. Set in the moorish island of Griswoeld, the inhabitants of the island try to live a peaceful life in the aftermath of a traumatic past. Can love live beyond the shadows and triumph over true hatred?

I was hooked by the dedication as I not only loved the message, but appreciated the gothic prose of the story. There were some times that struggled in the beginning with pacing, but that was the world building and establishing the lore. By midway of the book, I was gripping the sides of my eReader for dear life. I hope to see a sequel to this story, but it also ended in a way that I would be satisfied with it being a standalone.

[Alycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

a perfect gothic read for this time of year. this had just the right blend of romance, desire and tension. not to mention i LOVED luceth’s full transformation!

my only complaints:

the book dragged in certain parts but in typical gothic literature right as i felt boredom threatening to take hold there was a new thrill added.

i wish the secrets they were harbouring were more intense, especially sido’s

outside of that i enjoyed myself and am very grateful for my arc! thank you so much!!

[Lisa Morrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, but would've liked it more as a novella as I felt a lot of the length was due to a wordy/overly descriptive writing style with too many scenes that I felt weren't really necessary for the plot/story. If the author was trying to imitate the style of classic gothic literature they did a really good job, but since that style isn't really my thing, I did struggle a bit with the beginning/middle of the book. The story itself was good though, I really enjoyed it. It's worth giving it a shot imo

[Candice Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive this as an ARC! Deliciously gothic with elegant prose that isn’t too pretentious or hard to read.

Very good setting and character. Loved the little bits of spice sprinkled in. The plot could have used some polishing but overall a great read!!

[Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, thank you to Rowan for this arc!

i’ve been sitting on this review for quite a while because i wanted to go back in and reread a few things before i completely made my mind up on my rating etc.. i had actually been waiting on this release for quite some time and was beyond ecstatic when i got picked for the arc team so i think the anticipation kind of affected my opinion a bit.

as for my rating i just want to say i don’t think this is a bad read at all, but it was just a bid wordy/overly descriptive for my taste which can deter some people from continuing. i personally feel this may have benefitted from being a novella.. however, once the ball got rolling i think you’ll find yourself intrigued and immersed enough to continue. especially if you’re into real gothic literature.

overall, i’d give this 3.5/5 and look forward to what Rowan does next.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I have to say thank you to the author, Rowan E. Knight, for the eARC.

Now, the review...In-between reading my linguistic textbook for coursework and reading my other leisure books, A Burden in Blood was like a nice, soft, web of creeping romance. I really enjoyed the romance and relationship between Sido and Luceth. I mean, the passion. Hell fucking yes. Loved it. I love how ALL IN they were for eachother. I also really loved the portrayal of monstrousness in this. I think Knight did such a great job of writing a gothic romance. As a lot of my research has involved gothic British literature, I thought they did such a lovingly well-done job of replicating the aspects of gothic romance that myself and many others love.

Now, there were some issues that I found a little problematic, but that might be more from how critical I am of the things I read, but still, probably worth mentioning. While I loved Sido and Luceth together, I felt that individually, they were pretty shallow characters. Which is mostly fine for a lot of romantasy (which is unfortunately my least favorite genre recently) and even some classic gothic romances, I found myself often thinking "Huh. Who are these bitches (Sido and Luceth, lovingly)." And I thought it was strange how blank they were physically. Even the first classic gothic texts from the late 18th century gave readers physical descriptors of our main characters. I could not picture who these people were. Like any of them. Side characters? Blank. Main characters? Extra blank. Additionally, I felt like there were a lot of plot holes/plot points that went nowhere.

I did enjoy reading this, but if you're only slightly familiar with gothic romances, you'd probably enjoy it a lot.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored how much this resembles classic Gothic literature in terms of writing style and how the setting/plot really gave you that cold, melancholy feeling I love. The main characters in the story are so sweet and definitely made my heart warm along with all the relationships with the side characters.

I did find it disappointing that there wasn’t more of the explanation(?) of a build up in the relationship or how they overcame the difficulties that would obviously come with their relationship. Also, I wish there was a tad more explanation on who certain entities were and why certain things happened the way they did. The world building felt a little lacking and overall very vague which left a lot to assume of a fictional world.

Still, the novel was enjoyable as a quick read and I definitely don’t regret picking this up!

[paisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive this ARC!!
Starting the book was a little rough for me. I felt like I could not understand what the book was about or what was going on, but that changed quickly the more I got into it. I loved the writing style all throughout this book. I really felt as if I was in that era and experiencing everything with the characters. This is a great gothic, spooky read!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be chosen to read an eARC of this book, so thank you to the author!

In the way that Sido and Luceth were enraptured with one another, so was I to this novel. This was such an easy read and at times had me in tears thinking of the main characters’ relationship-that is the kind of love that I hope finds me someday. This book also has me thinking I DEFINITELY need to read more gothic novels these days as the imagery and just general writing style is so beautiful. I cannot wait for this book to release as I know I will be needing a physical copy on my shelf. I haven’t even fully captured here what this book has made me feel, I fear I need a couple days to process but I wanted to get this rating posted because I truly did love this book.

[brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is phenomenal. i've been having trouble finding a romantasy (nevermind a standalone) that keeps me interested throughout the story, and this one did. this is easily a contender for top read of the year and it's everything i wanted. this is for fans of iwtv, nosferatu, dracula, and tvd--for those that love consumes and desire burns. i chowed through this in three hours and i'm going to try to give a cohesive, spoiler-free review on all of my favorite elements, so lock in.

where can i even begin with the writing? i had initial doubts with this book that i would eventually find the prose too flowery to keep up with the plot. i'm so glad i was wrong. the diction and tone combine to illustrate a classic, beautiful gothic world that i could see vividly around me. the elaborate descriptions evade becoming boring, even as the plot lulls, because all of the details included feel necessary. i didn't feel like we as the reader are trudging through the descriptions to get to some semblance of plot -- in fact, i think this author nailed the gothic tradition of slow and atmospheric growing dread, crescendo-ing in a dramatic, plot-filled manner. it felt very literary without losing the romantasy elements. i truly dig it. the smut delivery was also a banger and not cringe thank god. it complimented the gothic romance vibe so well.

another favorite element of this book was the female main character, sido. i adore her. like i said in one of my earlier updates, romantasy recently has fallen VERY flat for me, and one of the true culprits in this is how fcking stupid these authors keep making their FMCs. truly helpless, no brain idiots. following sido through the journey of this book was so refreshing. her dreams of being in her colorful homeland created a beautifully explored internal conflict of mental health struggles tied to an environment and hopeless devotion. it was rare that she made a decision that wasn't calculated and done out of pure love, both for her lover and for herself. see, misogynistic authors, women cannnn be both in love and intelligent. also, shoutout ocd rep.

luceth is thee book husband i'm sorry. a vampire who yearns for his wife above all else? a kind, tortured man that makes children giggle and old ladies blush? a true gothic prince? everyone's been shouting from the rooftops that we need to bring back yearners--this man invented yearning. the writing around him was so excellent. so many of his lines struck something tight in my chest or burned something in my throat. those look away from the book at the wall moments. he was so devoted without being unrealistically so, so kind and protective without being possessive, so charming and confident without being annoying. aggravatingly humble. equally as hot. also thank christ this did not have a love triangle. !soooo sick of them!!!

lastly, without divulging too much, i genuinely enjoyed the plot. the religious persecution of gothic horror was not lost on the reader despite the religion and world being fantastical. the worldbuilding is dense, but sprinkled throughout the novel, which i think works in the atmospheric writing's favor. i feel that so much of the fantasy part of romantasy is lost when the writer only really wants to write a romance. this felt like the author gave a sht about writing a soul-crushing romance equally as much as writing a believable world. the plot doesn't get muddled by easter eggs thrown in to reference in books to come because it's a standalone gothic horror romance. there's no time for bullsht when you're in such a genre. can every author in this genre do it successfully? no. but it's rly nice when it is. anyway, i just think all of the elements of this book compliment itself.

i'm so grateful that i was chosen to get an ARC of this book, but i'm sure i would have come across this on my own and bought it out of intrigue, because it's right up my alley. i'm truly looking forward to buying a paperback of this one day. (thank you again to the author and her team, who i hope are not reading this bc reviews are for readers :))

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

🩸 A Burden in Blood 🩸

A tale of two lovers haunted by the love they carry for one another. Luceth and Sido struggle to fill the other’s cup in Eybourne castle; a place where shadows push secrets to the light. Generations of Longray’s misfortunes cloud their hope while the island’s past threatens to sink their future. Griswoeld’s villager’s shoulder this burden with the unexpected arrival of the adjudicators, as soon, they too come face to face with burning truths.

Let’s start with why I rated this book 3 stars:

The beginning of this book reminded me of Mexican Gothic, the haunting portraits of past relatives hanging on the walls like unturned stones; pains silenced and truths unbeknownst to the characters. The constrain Sido spoke of in Eybourne hinted the complexity of a BIPOC character. This excited me! As a brown girl, I love to envision myself inside a story.

The eerie halls of Eybourne Castle prompted me further, feeling as if my solace from this damp dark place was soaking and reveling in Sido and Luceth’s loving scenes.

I was on the edge of my seat for the secrets, the way this author knew how to hide every little detail left me impressed-instead of 50 pages a day I ended up reading 78. Finished this book up in 4 days. I didn’t realize how badly I missed Gothic Literature until I read this book. And the prose! The writing! Clunky at the beginning but smooth for the rest. An uninterrupted ride.

I felt seen, as a brown person, delving into Sido’s inner monologue. As her guilt turned into internalized belief’s of one’s own marginalized status. Line’s like:

“…painting a couple’s portrait hardly appears the wise choice when such a thing would be subjected to the great severity of the other portraits in the hall.”

Alongside learning of Sido’s mother’s ethnicity, made me understand the source of Sido’s guilt was from other’s judgement. In the book she notes the weight of the gazes in the portraits, like moving eyes that followed her…

Surprisingly! The guilt stems from feeling the weight of Luceth’s past and Sido not wanting to carry the misery of such an unfortunate family (as Luceth carries that burden himself and suffers greatly from it). Sido struggles with loving her husband in a constrained environment where he was shamed for who he was.


‼️ Spoiler alert ahead ‼️

Although this was the great secret she carried, alongside the **spoiler alert** vineyard inheritance, I did feel the author shied away from character depths most white authors lack and envy not having access to. I was left wanting to savor the complexity of a BIPOC woman, instead, we segway into a white man’s dilema. I understand the importance of not reducing a BIPOC character’s dilema to their race. So I overlooked it as I found it hilarious when she is blamed by the Adjudicators for enamoring Luceth! Cheeky subtext there.

Things I felt rather disappointed of but did not dislike entirely:

🩸 Loose ends
🩸 Character descriptions (MC’s)

I had a vague sense of the MC’s character descriptions. I read very carefully and still did not understand whether sido was black or brown. I felt Ms. Unl had a better description than the MC’s.

Personally, I don’t enjoy vagueness when it comes to BIPOC character’s as this can eclipse the uniqueness for each character.

I wish we had gotten more of her resentment, I feel we jumped too quickly to the couple’s understanding of eachother, Sido probably resented how Luceth kept himself there; he lacked a sense of urgency to his situation. Luceth wasn’t as willing to fight for their love by coming up to possible solution’s.

Loose ends: who was that shadow woman? At the end it is hinted at that she was the angry baroness, the two shadowy figures in the horizon. If it was, very underwhelming. I felt I was misled to think it was a scorned past lover. Luceth and the black candle? The black smoke? I thought he was keeping the spirit in the house fed by way of a nightly ritual. Was that just a dream then?

[Eclipsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

The description for this book had me already incredibly interested, but it had me completely hooked from the first paragraph. I absolutely loved the writing style. The author did a fabulous job at utilizing the prose of gothic literature. I felt at peace in the beginning as I began reading but a small flicker of impending doom (since I know the peace will not last from the book description) so the anticipation for when things would shift built up wonderfully!

The personalities and interactions of the other characters aside from our main was wonderfully done and very enjoyable. Clemmie was a darling, I loved her interactions with Cook, and Orrin’s backstory tugged at my heart. Sometimes with a descriptive prose, the other characters can get lost or even boring. But in this instance, they were very well written and added to the story nicely!

My only thing is that I felt as if some scenes were not needed as much. I understand the need to lay the framework and dynamics between characters and flesh them out but I wish those scenes could have been used instead to develop Luceth and Sido more so the reveal could have been more impacting (I love a good gut punch). I feel like I still have some unanswered questions and it leaves me wanting more. Which is fantastic for me because I love theorizing and picking apart a book during a second read through to get those answers but it might put others off a tad.

Overall, I adored this book. Even with the little issue I took, I think this book was so wonderful. It’s one of those that left me aching for more time with the characters in their world.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the seemingly dreary, but love filled, lives of Luceth and Sido–Baron and Baroness of Griswoeld. Within these gray walls are wailing spirits, walled off wings, bustling staff, and more than one secret between these two newlyweds.

This quickly take a turn and, I must confess, I had no clue where the plot would take me. The prose was beautiful and worked quite well for the setting, as I believe it really added to the overall atmosphere of the world. The secondary characters were endearing and their woes were such that I really could believe that they lived in this world.

One thing I wish we got is more of a backstory on the two main characters. Luceth felt very one dimensional to me, as did Sido. Her big reveal would have had a bigger impact on me as a reader if I got to see her falling in love with Luceth and growing into the person she is. I feel I would have understood her motivations a little bit more.

Luceth, I want to know your origin story. We got little snippets, but only enough to make me want more. There were also parts of the story (trying my best to keep this spoiler free, but it is a herculean effort) that weren't fully explained. Why did he do those things? (the black flamed candle was what?) Why did he try so hard to pretend he didn't?

There were also a few typos still in the book, which isn't a deal breaker, but does pull me out of the story immediately. These may be fixed before release day, though.

Overall, an amazing debut and I would definitely pick up another book from this author.

[Jess Stadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ Thank you, Rowan E. Knight, for so kindly sending me an e-arc 🖤

I enjoyed this. I love a gothic read. One thing I'm always prepared for with a read like this is that parts of the story will move more slowly, accompanied by beautifully written prose. Rowan's writing fits perfectly for the era in which this book takes place in the 1600s. I'm usually a fast reader by nature, but this book had me slow down and drink in every word so that I could fully absorb the story. I appreciate that I was able to do this with A Burden in Blood.

At times, I was a little bored... but then something new and tense would make its way into the story, easing me out of boredom. I truly don't mean this in a mean way whatsoever, I just didn't find myself rushing to pick this up and devour it... that is, until I got to the last 35% of the book!

Once I hit a certain point in the story, I was strapped in. The last 35% was a roller coaster ride with visually descriptive and emotional writing. I couldn't put it down at that point!

I do feel that the characters could have had more depth. I really liked Sido (FMC) and Luceth (MMC). But I didn't feel there was enough backstory to both of them to give them that extra depth. Another reviewer mentioned a lack of descriptors for the main characters, and I agree with this sentiment. It was a bit vague.

There were a couple of details in the plot that felt like loose ends... they seemed "important" but we never really saw them again in the story. Leaving me to question why they were there and if there was a deeper meaning to their appearance, but to be honest, I don't think there was. I was left with quite a few "why questions".

Overall, I enjoyed this. Beautiful writing. I love the main character's romance, and it was gothic, bloody, and atmospheric. There were just a few things (as mentioned above) that didn't put this at a full 4-star rating for me.

[Alexandria Tyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I would like to thank the author, Rowan E. Knight, for the eARC of this book.

A Burden in Blood is a beautifully written gothic novel that is absolutely perfect for when the daylight starts to get shorter and all you want to do is curl up with a story of love, sacrifice, and an island that seems to always be shrouded in mist.

I did love the writing style for the most part, as gothic novels are still one of my more undiscovered genres and I’m still learning to adjust to this writing style. The beginning was a bit slow and wordy, but I understand we needed to have a solid foundation of how Griswoeld operates. I would say my biggest issue is that a lot of the characters felt for the most part very two dimensional, including the two main characters Luceth and Sido. They were fleshed out more than the other side characters as the story was set around them, but I do wish we were given a bit more on character description and development to really get a sense of who these people are and get more emotionally into the story.

On the topic of emotion, Luceth and Sido’s love story was full of passion and beautifully portrayed. Every time they were together it just seemed that they could not be torn apart again and I absolutely live for that type of love portrayed in a novel. You can tell that they both truly love each other, and thought the secrets they were harboring from one another was to protect the other from pain.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this novel and it has definitely drawn me further into the world of gothic literature and romance.

[bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for choosing me as an early reader for this book!

Times like this I really wish Goodreads did half star ratings. I'd truly rate this at 3.5/5 but, as usual, 3 feels too low and 4 feels slightly too high but I'm choosing to round up in this case.

Knight did a really great job replicating the feel of classic gothic literature, but this did unfortunately extend to the pacing as well. While I love gothic fiction, it does tend to move a little too slowly at times and this was much the same. I still ultimately enjoyed it and had a good time reading it but I do feel like the manner of exposition caused it to drag in places. Sometimes it almost felt like too much was put into the floweriness of the prose and not enough was put into other things--I have no idea what these characters look like, or what they felt beyond a surface level.

I also think that the story would have benefited from something a little more salacious when it came to Sido's secret, since it's referenced so heavily in the blurb. The stakes didn't feel particularly high on that side of things.

I thought the climax of the book was really good and very engaging--I was super satisfied with the final arc of the book and the eventual ending. The descriptions were good, the emotional beats were there, and overall was a good time. I'm excited to see what this author does next!

[Megan Vail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC for A Burden in Blood - thank you so much Rowan E. Knight!

Sido struggles between her love for her husband, Luceth, and her distain for the island of Griswoeld and the estate she now presides over as Baroness of Eybourne Castle.

Those worries are set aside though when an unhappy accident brings outsiders to the island - adjudicators. Sido works relentlessly to keep them from learning the dark secret of Eybourne Castle and to protect her husband not only from the adjudicators, but also from the lengths he would go to make sure she was safe.

I loved the story! Beautiful atmospheric writing along with passionate scenes between Sido and Luceth kept me reading late into the night. I would have loved to have more character development for both of them, along with a little more history of the castle and the doomed family that lived there. The writing style was such a welcome change from many recent romance books that I have read and the absolute devotion between Sido and Luceth made me teary eyed several times.

I definitely recommend this book and will be looking forward to more from Rowan E. Knight!

[Char · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a gothic romance during spooky season! In true gothic fashion, there was an emphasis on the mood of the setting. The isolated island aspect REALLY helped with that 🏝️Not only was it gray and gloomy, once the unexpected visitors came, you can feel how tense all the characters (main and side LOL) felt. I was kept on my toes to see what was going to happen next.

Throughout the novel, there were letters (written by Sido I believe) that emphasized Sido’s thoughts and mainly the love and affection she had for Luceth. It moved the plot along while also giving complexity to their relationship. Or at least the letters showed she really loved him ❤️ LIKE REALLY LOVED HIM.

I personally wished it was marketed as a novella and shortened a little bit. In true gothic fashion, it was very descriptive of every aspect of the setting, clothing, and other things that, I felt, did not add to the plot.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC✨️

I absolutely loved everything about this book. Sido and Luceth completely stole my heart. Their love was beautiful, doomed, and so intoxicatingly written. I was obsessed with learning about the island, the people who lived there, and the eerie Eybourne Castle. Every detail felt alive, from the groaning foundation to the whispering shadows.

The writing reminded me so much of A Dowry of Blood lush, lyrical, and devastatingly intimate. It’s one of those rare reads that makes you want to close the book every few pages just to breathe, but you can’t because you need to know what happens next. I felt like a jittery mess poised on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Dark, romantic, and haunting in all the best ways A Burden in Blood is a gothic masterpiece that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you, Rowan E. Knight and Bookfunnel for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful gothic tale.

[kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was lucky to be chosen for an ARC, thanks to the author!

As soon as I saw marketing of this book, I could not wait to get my claws on this. I enjoyed this read - and it’s perfect for fall. Makes me want a baron vampire who is completely enamored with me 😔

Overall, a satisfying read with some frustrating characters I was rooting against. Don’t want to give any spoilers but I wish I understood a little more about the FMC’s motivations that were detailed in diary entries. I also would’ve enjoyed more of the supernatural elements, and especially would’ve liked to see them before the “visitors” arrived. Liked the full circle moment between ship arriving and end of book, and post-ship arriving things really spiral from there. And I wish the last chapter was more detailed.

I honestly was just wanting more bc I enjoyed the main characters - but most of my questions throughout were answered by end!

Def recommend for those who want gothic, island, vampire vibes

[Liz Kir · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Burden in Blood is a gothic romance with supernatural elements. The setting immerses you into the eerie world of Griswoeld to follow the love story of Sido and Luceth. They are devoted to one another but each have their own secrets that come out bit by bit as the novel unfolds. The romance build is devoted with a little bit of spice and the plot twists keep you guessing throughout.

If you enjoy gothic style books you will enjoy A Burden in Blood, it is a great addition to a fall or winter tbr for something scary!

My few deductions were that the writing could be more clear and concise, and without giving too much away, the secrets did not feel earth shattering when you finally find out.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc from the author, thank you so much!

Disclaimer: all thoughts and feelings are my own

The writing was so beautifully poetic which allowed me to really dive into the world and imagine the land and people of Griswoeld. I love myself a gothic atmosphere where you can feel the dense air surrounding you just by reading about it. Your senses are truly heightened by the authors writing style.
This is a story of true love that lasts in the face of adversity, they would do anything for one another, they accept each other’s flaws, their souls are one.

If you’re into the dark, crumbling, gothic atmosphere, Shakespearian vampires, Salem witch trials vibes you will love this book. Perfect anytime read but especially a perfect fall read!

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of participating in the ARC reading for A Burden in Blood by Rowan E. Knight, and wow — what an incredible experience! From the very first page, this book completely sucked me in. The writing is so rich and atmospheric, it creates the perfect gothic vibe for fall.

This story made me feel everything — love, heartbreak, dread, hope — all wrapped in a hauntingly beautiful setting. It’s the perfect blend of gothic atmosphere and deep emotion. The whole time I was reading, I couldn’t stop thinking about Crimson Peak — not just for its gothic elegance, but for the way both stories intertwine beauty and tragedy so seamlessly.

If you love gothic stories that make you feel, this one’s for you. Rowan E. Knight crafted something truly special here.

[Ceira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

A poetically beautiful love story with a hint of spice and lots of fear-inducing action scenes.

The love story between Sido and Luceth is unmatched. I had just gotten done reading several other Vampire books and this was certainly refreshing!

I instantly fell in love with the characters and the world of Griswoeld. The author has a very large vocabulary that left me scrambling for a thesaurus but that was the main issue I had.

There were many times that I could not put this down because I needed to know how everything would wrap up! I am torn between an amazing ending and wanting a spin-off or sequel.

Overall, this is a great book for lovers and fighters alike.

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to receive this book as an e-arc my very first arc ever and i am very grateful for that!! Unfortunately i did not get to finish it by the 10/31 release date but this book was soo good. I haven’t read much of gothic literature but this book was so good and i really enjoyed the writing style and just imagining myself there. Luceth and Sido’s love is so beautiful and i just loved reading about how they felt for one another. My only complaint would maybe be Sido’s “secret” and i dont know what i thought it would be but to have it be just her leaving did hurt me as she would be leaving Luceth but other than that I really really loved this book and the end did make me tear up. I definitely recommend this book!!

[Ms.every_genre · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.7✨

When I first heard of this book I thought yes this is exactly what I was looking for. And then I started it and although it was slow in the beginning I knew it would be. I reached halfway and still felt like the characters were there but the pieces simply were connecting. I hit 75% and couldn’t put it down. The story was beautiful capturing all the points in a cheesy romance novel while still letting it have its dark aspects. The only thing I thought about was this is the vampire story the girlies wanted and needed and I’m so glad I got to experience it. I highly recommend. And Ms.Knight if you write a book two please let me have it.

[leana 👻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

love love love a good gothic novel this time of year and any really, the perfect gloomy nature of Griswoeld just ensnares you as you read

i was not aware going in the nature of Luceth going in(in hindsight i should have) but definitely no complaints there, except I am not the biggest romance enjoyer however I did appreciate the adoration and love between him and Sido throughout

“.. I admired my mother for the devastation she wreaked on my father.. “.. an almost complete annihilation of him”

thank you to the author for the ARC and i will gladly read whatever Knight puts out next 🖤

[Jonauh Renea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book and being able to take on emotions and feelings from the characters and the story progressed. It felt as though I could understand the characters and their motivations during certain scenes.

I enjoyed how Rowan E. Knight was able to craft the perfect gothic atmosphere to not only engulf us in darkness but also haunt us as we read.

I think the way the author was able to take gothic themes and make them both dark and heart wrenching was beyond captivating.

[Adelheid Schiemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read the eARC!
Loved the gothic vibes and liked the characters too, but I felt like it was a bit too long in the sense that it could have been a bit shorter and would still have the same vibes. Now for the characters I felt like I couldn't get attached to them easily and I struggled to read through the beginning and middle but I quite enjoyed and was worth a shot.

[Mikki K · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The language/writing style, the content, the adoration, lust, and suspense! The descriptions and dialogue make this book almost poetic. I’m not sure that I’ve read a story like this yet and while I don’t tend to be a serial re-reader I do intend to give a copy of this a home on my shelf. A very well written gothic romance with beautifully incorporated elements of fantasy and maybe mystery. Every detail, KNOTS TIED AND PEARLS AFFIXED.