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Bound By Blood and Shadows
Bound by magic. Tempted by sin. Driven by vengeance.
I don't know who I am, what I am, or where I am. All that remains of me is my drive for revenge.
I wake up magically bound to Vrythien, an impossibly beautiful elf with gestures so perfect it’s as though he practices how to look alluring while sneezing.
With a look and a cutting barb, Vrythien makes the heat rise in my cheeks and my heart flutter. He isn’t just trouble—he’s ruin in elven form, temptation with crimson eyes and lips that promise wicked things. And yet our broken pieces fit together into one twisted whole.
But none of it matters. Vengeance comes first.
The man who shattered me is still breathing, and I won't rest until he dies screaming at my feet. To reclaim my past, I must break this twisted bond with Vrythien—no matter how intoxicating his wicked touches or how deeply our souls entwine.
Resisting Vrythien isn’t difficult—it’s impossible. He's the kind of temptation you beg to surrender to—until he ruins you. But I will not. I cannot. I must not. All that matters in all the realms is that the one who wronged me is destroyed.
Everything else is a pale, pretty, perfect diversion.
I don't know who I am, what I am, or where I am. All that remains of me is my drive for revenge.
I wake up magically bound to Vrythien, an impossibly beautiful elf with gestures so perfect it’s as though he practices how to look alluring while sneezing.
With a look and a cutting barb, Vrythien makes the heat rise in my cheeks and my heart flutter. He isn’t just trouble—he’s ruin in elven form, temptation with crimson eyes and lips that promise wicked things. And yet our broken pieces fit together into one twisted whole.
But none of it matters. Vengeance comes first.
The man who shattered me is still breathing, and I won't rest until he dies screaming at my feet. To reclaim my past, I must break this twisted bond with Vrythien—no matter how intoxicating his wicked touches or how deeply our souls entwine.
Resisting Vrythien isn’t difficult—it’s impossible. He's the kind of temptation you beg to surrender to—until he ruins you. But I will not. I cannot. I must not. All that matters in all the realms is that the one who wronged me is destroyed.
Everything else is a pale, pretty, perfect diversion.
545 pages, ebook
Published July 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Pettinato
5 books10 followersWhen not dreaming up dark fae courts or morally gray vampire love interests, Gemma can usually be found curled up with a cat and a controller. A lifelong lover of fantasy, elves, and all things enchanted, she channels her obsession with video games, medieval history, and dark mythology into swoon-worthy romantasy tales filled with forbidden love, dangerous magic, and brooding supernatural men.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 19, 2025
“For every soul who looked into the eyes of the monster and didn’t run – but stayed, bled, and wanted.”
To sum up how this book felt for me, I’d borrow a line from it:
“It was a short, brutal agony… but… I lived.” 🖤
This is one of those stories where your rating depends on where you are mentally - and how much you’re willing to be torn apart. For me, it came at the perfect time, and I truly loved it.
But if you’re in the mood for fast-paced adventure, this might not be the right read. It takes time to swallow all those emotions. It’s a story focused more on the inner world than the outside one.🪄
I’d call it a Dark Psychological Fantasy Romance - deeply dark and, at times, agonizingly painful to read.
The writing? Beautiful. Even the shortest sentences can strike straight to the soul. There were moments the story completely stole my breath with unexpected turns.
The characters are vivid, layered - their portraits feel etched into my mind.
And unusually for me, I loved the FMC: the way she thinks, speaks, acts. Vulnerable yet powerful. Lost yet grounded. Hurt but so sure of her feelings. No unnecessary drama - just confident steps, even when her memories are gone👑
And Vrythien… 🔥🥵 Let’s just say Catriona nailed it: “Gods above and below, what sort of hellish creation of temptation is he?” 😈 I craved at least one chapter from his POV just to see and feel what’s going on in his head…
It’s the first book in a series, so some details remain open. I lost track of places and deities at times but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it.
Dark Fantasy Romance ∙ Enemies to Lovers ∙ Fae/Vampires/Sorceress & other ∙ Lost Memories ∙ Trauma + Healing ∙ One Horse ∙ Age Gap ∙ Powerful FMC ∙ Hidden Identity ∙ Secrets ∙ 1st Person POV ∙ 18+ / TW
⭐ 4/5 | 🌶 2/5
Thank you @booksirens for this ARC!
To sum up how this book felt for me, I’d borrow a line from it:
“It was a short, brutal agony… but… I lived.” 🖤
This is one of those stories where your rating depends on where you are mentally - and how much you’re willing to be torn apart. For me, it came at the perfect time, and I truly loved it.
But if you’re in the mood for fast-paced adventure, this might not be the right read. It takes time to swallow all those emotions. It’s a story focused more on the inner world than the outside one.🪄
I’d call it a Dark Psychological Fantasy Romance - deeply dark and, at times, agonizingly painful to read.
The writing? Beautiful. Even the shortest sentences can strike straight to the soul. There were moments the story completely stole my breath with unexpected turns.
The characters are vivid, layered - their portraits feel etched into my mind.
And unusually for me, I loved the FMC: the way she thinks, speaks, acts. Vulnerable yet powerful. Lost yet grounded. Hurt but so sure of her feelings. No unnecessary drama - just confident steps, even when her memories are gone👑
And Vrythien… 🔥🥵 Let’s just say Catriona nailed it: “Gods above and below, what sort of hellish creation of temptation is he?” 😈 I craved at least one chapter from his POV just to see and feel what’s going on in his head…
It’s the first book in a series, so some details remain open. I lost track of places and deities at times but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it.
Dark Fantasy Romance ∙ Enemies to Lovers ∙ Fae/Vampires/Sorceress & other ∙ Lost Memories ∙ Trauma + Healing ∙ One Horse ∙ Age Gap ∙ Powerful FMC ∙ Hidden Identity ∙ Secrets ∙ 1st Person POV ∙ 18+ / TW
⭐ 4/5 | 🌶 2/5
Thank you @booksirens for this ARC!
July 22, 2025
If you are really into dark and angsty romantasy reads, this is definitely for you!
The story starts with the FMC having loss of memory and you travel with her to uncover who she was and how she got to that place, and who she will become afterward.
The plot is very dark, original and interesting. It kept me reading on as I had to find out where our FMC and MMC would end up. The torment and suffering throughout definitely caused heartache while reading. And I felt the need for the characters to have a happy ending just to get through the pain they endured throughout.
I had a bit of issue keeping up with so many names, gods and places in the story without a lot of explanation or further depth given to them.
I struggled to connect with the characters through quite a bit of the book because of the lack of backstory to give me an understanding of their nature and behaviour. And after the backstory was delivered I didn’t feel closer to that connection or find them to have major redeemable qualities by the end of the story. I wanted something more, especially from the MMC to make me love him. Even in a dark fantasy I feel moments of lightness are needed to keep us hoping.
If you’re a fan of broken morally grey/black main characters, soul wrenching suffering, love in the darkest of places and magic then this is right up your street.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story starts with the FMC having loss of memory and you travel with her to uncover who she was and how she got to that place, and who she will become afterward.
The plot is very dark, original and interesting. It kept me reading on as I had to find out where our FMC and MMC would end up. The torment and suffering throughout definitely caused heartache while reading. And I felt the need for the characters to have a happy ending just to get through the pain they endured throughout.
I had a bit of issue keeping up with so many names, gods and places in the story without a lot of explanation or further depth given to them.
I struggled to connect with the characters through quite a bit of the book because of the lack of backstory to give me an understanding of their nature and behaviour. And after the backstory was delivered I didn’t feel closer to that connection or find them to have major redeemable qualities by the end of the story. I wanted something more, especially from the MMC to make me love him. Even in a dark fantasy I feel moments of lightness are needed to keep us hoping.
If you’re a fan of broken morally grey/black main characters, soul wrenching suffering, love in the darkest of places and magic then this is right up your street.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Gemma Pettinato And @booksprout for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Few fantasy novels dare to walk the knife-edge between brutality and beauty the way Gemma Pettinato’s Bound by Blood and Shadows does. This isn’t a story that holds your hand. It drags you through the dark — and you’ll thank it for the scars.
At its heart is a nameless half-elf heroine, fractured by a life of captivity and stripped of identity. Her voice, raw and unfiltered, pulses with trauma, resilience, and a quiet, aching desire to be more than what the world has forced her to become. Through her eyes, we explore a world built not just on magic, but on pain, survival, and the power of found connection.
Pettinato’s prose is gorgeously bleak — lyrical in places, unflinching in others. Every sentence feels purposeful, soaked in mood and heavy with meaning. The setting is richly imagined, yet it’s the emotional atmosphere that lingers: claustrophobic, magnetic, and utterly consuming.
The dynamic between the protagonist and Vrythien, the high-elf marked by his own darkness, is a standout. Their connection is charged — with danger, with desire, with the push-pull of trust and fear. It never feels safe, and that’s the point. Pettinato doesn’t romanticize trauma, but she doesn’t flinch from it either. The result is a relationship that feels disturbingly real in its contradictions.
The magical binding that ties the group together is more than a plot device — it’s a metaphor for the invisible chains we carry: obligation, trauma, history, guilt. The way each character navigates that bond gives the story weight and emotional texture. Not all of them are likable. That’s part of the thrill.
While the pacing occasionally falters and some moments lean theatrical, those imperfections mirror the characters themselves — broken, searching, beautifully flawed. This book is less about clean arcs and more about surviving the fall.
If you're drawn to dark fantasy that explores the shadows of the soul — to stories where magic is a curse as much as a gift — Bound by Blood and Shadows is a haunting, unforgettable experience. It doesn't just tell a story. It leaves a mark.
Thank you to the author Gemma Pettinato And @booksprout for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Few fantasy novels dare to walk the knife-edge between brutality and beauty the way Gemma Pettinato’s Bound by Blood and Shadows does. This isn’t a story that holds your hand. It drags you through the dark — and you’ll thank it for the scars.
At its heart is a nameless half-elf heroine, fractured by a life of captivity and stripped of identity. Her voice, raw and unfiltered, pulses with trauma, resilience, and a quiet, aching desire to be more than what the world has forced her to become. Through her eyes, we explore a world built not just on magic, but on pain, survival, and the power of found connection.
Pettinato’s prose is gorgeously bleak — lyrical in places, unflinching in others. Every sentence feels purposeful, soaked in mood and heavy with meaning. The setting is richly imagined, yet it’s the emotional atmosphere that lingers: claustrophobic, magnetic, and utterly consuming.
The dynamic between the protagonist and Vrythien, the high-elf marked by his own darkness, is a standout. Their connection is charged — with danger, with desire, with the push-pull of trust and fear. It never feels safe, and that’s the point. Pettinato doesn’t romanticize trauma, but she doesn’t flinch from it either. The result is a relationship that feels disturbingly real in its contradictions.
The magical binding that ties the group together is more than a plot device — it’s a metaphor for the invisible chains we carry: obligation, trauma, history, guilt. The way each character navigates that bond gives the story weight and emotional texture. Not all of them are likable. That’s part of the thrill.
While the pacing occasionally falters and some moments lean theatrical, those imperfections mirror the characters themselves — broken, searching, beautifully flawed. This book is less about clean arcs and more about surviving the fall.
If you're drawn to dark fantasy that explores the shadows of the soul — to stories where magic is a curse as much as a gift — Bound by Blood and Shadows is a haunting, unforgettable experience. It doesn't just tell a story. It leaves a mark.
August 9, 2025
First of all—huge fanged thank you to BookSirens for shoving this sinful little gem into my claws. If this is this author’s debut? Babe… she’s lying. No way a first book has any right to be this polished, this seductive, this ready to sink its teeth in and drink you dry.
With prose as a harp as a dagger kissed in moonlight and worldbuilding the likes of Ravenloft meets Songbird and the Wings of Night— Pettinato delivers us a highly addictive storyline sprinkled with just enough D&D campaign chaos vibes that I half expected someone to shout, “Roll for initiative!” at any moment. And yes, my dice were ready. 🎲
We’re talking dark. Deliciously so. The kind of morally gray where you’re constantly side-eyeing everyone like— wait… are YOU the villain? Or are we all just pretending to be heroes in the shadows? Our MMC? Straight-up giving Astarion-from-BG3 energy. Broody, dangerous, and infuriatingly seductive. We are also blessed with an FMC fierce and fearless. Added to this are side characters that are so real, you will grieve and yearn alongside them.
Now, full disclosure— there were a few tiny hiccups (mostly grammatical) that a good beta reader could have smoothed out. But did it pull me out of the story? Not even for a heartbeat. The spice? Chef’s kiss— decadent, intentional, and wrapped in shadows.
My final verdict is this: Run. Don’t walk. Let this book take you by the throat and drag you into its world. And when you finish, you can thank me… preferably with offerings fit for a dark goddess from my Amazon wishlist in my IG/TikTok bio. 🤭
In all seriousness— thank you again to BookSirens for the making this connection possible, and to the author for trusting me with an e-ARC. Every thought here is mine, given willingly, and I’ll just be over here waiting for book two like it’s my next blood meal. No pressure… but also, hurry.
With prose as a harp as a dagger kissed in moonlight and worldbuilding the likes of Ravenloft meets Songbird and the Wings of Night— Pettinato delivers us a highly addictive storyline sprinkled with just enough D&D campaign chaos vibes that I half expected someone to shout, “Roll for initiative!” at any moment. And yes, my dice were ready. 🎲
We’re talking dark. Deliciously so. The kind of morally gray where you’re constantly side-eyeing everyone like— wait… are YOU the villain? Or are we all just pretending to be heroes in the shadows? Our MMC? Straight-up giving Astarion-from-BG3 energy. Broody, dangerous, and infuriatingly seductive. We are also blessed with an FMC fierce and fearless. Added to this are side characters that are so real, you will grieve and yearn alongside them.
Now, full disclosure— there were a few tiny hiccups (mostly grammatical) that a good beta reader could have smoothed out. But did it pull me out of the story? Not even for a heartbeat. The spice? Chef’s kiss— decadent, intentional, and wrapped in shadows.
My final verdict is this: Run. Don’t walk. Let this book take you by the throat and drag you into its world. And when you finish, you can thank me… preferably with offerings fit for a dark goddess from my Amazon wishlist in my IG/TikTok bio. 🤭
In all seriousness— thank you again to BookSirens for the making this connection possible, and to the author for trusting me with an e-ARC. Every thought here is mine, given willingly, and I’ll just be over here waiting for book two like it’s my next blood meal. No pressure… but also, hurry.
August 6, 2025
Not sure how to feel about this book. It begins with the FMC, Azara not knowing who she is with 3 other people. They escape and then are on a quest to find who they are running from and why. The problem is the book has lots of side quests, and at 519 pages one starts to wonder where, exactly, is the plot going? What one would think to be important - how did Razeth obtain the other 3 individuals for this spell? Why was he or guards/minions not there when they escaped? If he was so powerful how did he not find them? Why did Razeth take Azara's memories? These plot points are left unanswered.
The book is DARK - mind the trigger warnings. A dark story can be a good read but the torment and abuse Vrythien (MMC) received is given consistently throughout the book. The violence towards Vrythien is not on page but delivered via memories, journals, and with descriptions of the aftermath of punishments. At certain points it became cringeworthy. Most of the characters in the book are written as vile people, it became hard to like any of them when something they did or said made it hard to do so. Azara keeps leaving Vrythien with his abuser then feeling bad because she could not free him? She was supposed to be a powerful blood and shadow sorceress. The author does deliver how a person who has been violated deals with the shame and difficulties with subsequent relationships well. It ended where it could be left that way or have a follow up. Not sure if I would read a second one.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving my opinion voluntarily.
The book is DARK - mind the trigger warnings. A dark story can be a good read but the torment and abuse Vrythien (MMC) received is given consistently throughout the book. The violence towards Vrythien is not on page but delivered via memories, journals, and with descriptions of the aftermath of punishments. At certain points it became cringeworthy. Most of the characters in the book are written as vile people, it became hard to like any of them when something they did or said made it hard to do so. Azara keeps leaving Vrythien with his abuser then feeling bad because she could not free him? She was supposed to be a powerful blood and shadow sorceress. The author does deliver how a person who has been violated deals with the shame and difficulties with subsequent relationships well. It ended where it could be left that way or have a follow up. Not sure if I would read a second one.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving my opinion voluntarily.
August 9, 2025
3 💎
2 🌶️
ARC Review
📙The beginning was straight into the action
📙Found it tricky to understand what was going on in the first part of the book to about 30%.
📙Vrythien is sooo damaged that I am unsure how is still striving to live.
📙Vrythien doesn’t want to like, let alone care for ‘Azara’ as he fears what will happen and it is heart clenching
📙The slow build of their connection is great.
📙The trauma in this book is no joke, read the TW’s, this is a dark dark fantasy romance.
📙Azara is just so confident in a lot of things, despite her trauma.
🍷But the paladin? The boy moves with the silence and grace of an obese ogre with an exaggerated limp.
🍷“I’ll take him as mine if he’ll have me. Cruelty, mask, murder and all.”
🍷“I’ve got you.” Three little words that settle like an anchor in my chest, dragging me somewhere I shouldn’t go.
🍷“Because I plan on eventually ……. you, love. It’s not much deeper than that. I can’t accomplish what I aim if you’re dead, now can I?”
🍷“He caught me watching you once. Told me he would do everything in his power to stop me from corrupting you. Little did he know.” He cackles and turns to look at me, his lips pulled into a happy smile. “You were perfectly corrupted to begin with.”
🍷He places his hand over mine, a deliberate, possessive touch that doesn’t ask but claims.
🩸Dark trauma
🩸Immortal age gap
🩸Shadow Mummy
🩸Amnesia
🩸Vampires
🩸Sorceress
2 🌶️
ARC Review
📙The beginning was straight into the action
📙Found it tricky to understand what was going on in the first part of the book to about 30%.
📙Vrythien is sooo damaged that I am unsure how is still striving to live.
📙Vrythien doesn’t want to like, let alone care for ‘Azara’ as he fears what will happen and it is heart clenching
📙The slow build of their connection is great.
📙The trauma in this book is no joke, read the TW’s, this is a dark dark fantasy romance.
📙Azara is just so confident in a lot of things, despite her trauma.
🍷But the paladin? The boy moves with the silence and grace of an obese ogre with an exaggerated limp.
🍷“I’ll take him as mine if he’ll have me. Cruelty, mask, murder and all.”
🍷“I’ve got you.” Three little words that settle like an anchor in my chest, dragging me somewhere I shouldn’t go.
🍷“Because I plan on eventually ……. you, love. It’s not much deeper than that. I can’t accomplish what I aim if you’re dead, now can I?”
🍷“He caught me watching you once. Told me he would do everything in his power to stop me from corrupting you. Little did he know.” He cackles and turns to look at me, his lips pulled into a happy smile. “You were perfectly corrupted to begin with.”
🍷He places his hand over mine, a deliberate, possessive touch that doesn’t ask but claims.
🩸Dark trauma
🩸Immortal age gap
🩸Shadow Mummy
🩸Amnesia
🩸Vampires
🩸Sorceress
July 16, 2025
Let me begin with saying this is a DARK fantasy book! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC via BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story centres around the FMC regaining her memories after waking in less than desirable circumstances. As the plot progresses the experiences she has endured at the hands of others forces her to take a different trajectory.
There were many harrowing scenes and my heart just broke for Vrythien and Azara at times. The experiences they’ve been through at the hands of others was heart breaking. As the story progresses you understand what shaped Vrythien into the person he is today. The fact that he was able to feel anything other than utter despair, his character so complex and yet so well written. I couldn’t help but root for him, even when I wasn’t sure he really deserved it!
Azara while having a more loving upbringing on the face of things, having that love provided by monsters required a special kind of mindset. Her determination and dedication to what she believes is right was refreshing to read.
The plot was fast paced, with slow burn romance which was well placed within the story. Definitely recommend a read!
The story centres around the FMC regaining her memories after waking in less than desirable circumstances. As the plot progresses the experiences she has endured at the hands of others forces her to take a different trajectory.
There were many harrowing scenes and my heart just broke for Vrythien and Azara at times. The experiences they’ve been through at the hands of others was heart breaking. As the story progresses you understand what shaped Vrythien into the person he is today. The fact that he was able to feel anything other than utter despair, his character so complex and yet so well written. I couldn’t help but root for him, even when I wasn’t sure he really deserved it!
Azara while having a more loving upbringing on the face of things, having that love provided by monsters required a special kind of mindset. Her determination and dedication to what she believes is right was refreshing to read.
The plot was fast paced, with slow burn romance which was well placed within the story. Definitely recommend a read!
August 25, 2025
Thank you BookSirens and Gemma Pettinato for the ARC ❤️✨
Bound by Blood and Shadows is a dark fantasy romance filled with blood magic, vengeance, and irresistible temptation.
What I really liked is how the author leans into the enemies-to-lovers trope without rushing it—the chemistry between the two feels raw, tense, and impossible to ignore. Vrythien himself is written in a way that makes him both magnetic and terrifying, a perfect example of temptation wrapped in danger.
The world-building is laced with blood magic and shadows, adding a dark fairytale atmosphere that fits perfectly with the themes of obsession, brokenness, and twisted love. While the revenge arc drives the story forward, it’s the emotional push and pull between the characters that makes it truly compelling.
If you enjoy morally grey characters, sharp banter, and romance that feels like a slow descent into ruin, this book will definitely satisfy that craving. It’s not a lighthearted fantasy, but rather a story that embraces darkness and passion in equal measure.
I received an advance review copy for free, thank you!
Bound by Blood and Shadows is a dark fantasy romance filled with blood magic, vengeance, and irresistible temptation.
What I really liked is how the author leans into the enemies-to-lovers trope without rushing it—the chemistry between the two feels raw, tense, and impossible to ignore. Vrythien himself is written in a way that makes him both magnetic and terrifying, a perfect example of temptation wrapped in danger.
The world-building is laced with blood magic and shadows, adding a dark fairytale atmosphere that fits perfectly with the themes of obsession, brokenness, and twisted love. While the revenge arc drives the story forward, it’s the emotional push and pull between the characters that makes it truly compelling.
If you enjoy morally grey characters, sharp banter, and romance that feels like a slow descent into ruin, this book will definitely satisfy that craving. It’s not a lighthearted fantasy, but rather a story that embraces darkness and passion in equal measure.
I received an advance review copy for free, thank you!
July 21, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. What are we without the part that makes us, us?
I have to say, I see so much of me in the FMC, not as dark, but always putting others first, always trying to see the best in people, so in a way this book broke me. ‘Cause I feel sorry for her and I feel sorry for myself.
Did I love this book? I’m not sure, but I’m giving it a 3,8 star rating for showing me such a human character, full of emotions and flaws. A broken girl, trying so desperately to hold onto something. It was a confusing journey and I have more questions than answers.
Now, things I didn’t like, I honestly felt that a few characters were way too inconstant to my taste. At some point, it also felt way too rushed, and some decisions and conversations felt a bit forced, but overall I like the writing style.
Again, it was a rollercoaster and I enjoyed how dark we went and how raw and human the FMC is. It’s definitely worth reading!
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. What are we without the part that makes us, us?
I have to say, I see so much of me in the FMC, not as dark, but always putting others first, always trying to see the best in people, so in a way this book broke me. ‘Cause I feel sorry for her and I feel sorry for myself.
Did I love this book? I’m not sure, but I’m giving it a 3,8 star rating for showing me such a human character, full of emotions and flaws. A broken girl, trying so desperately to hold onto something. It was a confusing journey and I have more questions than answers.
Now, things I didn’t like, I honestly felt that a few characters were way too inconstant to my taste. At some point, it also felt way too rushed, and some decisions and conversations felt a bit forced, but overall I like the writing style.
Again, it was a rollercoaster and I enjoyed how dark we went and how raw and human the FMC is. It’s definitely worth reading!
July 31, 2025
The writing was very good and very dark but I don’t get the point to the story. There is a lot of trauma and abuse throughout the book so I would definitely check the trigger warnings before reading. But the story doesn’t really make sense and left me feeling confused and asking what was the purpose of the plot. Was it about forbidden love. Overcoming torture , trauma and finding love in the end. I don’t really know, the quests they went on seem pointless. She has all this power yet she doesn’t really use it. Her grand sire basically gives her everything she wants from guilt all for a spell to make him the vampire king. Which said spell never gets used.? It was used as a bargaining chip multiple times but yet again it didn’t happen. I feel like there was a lot of filler but no purpose to the plot. This book just wasn’t for me.
I received this book as an Arc for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This may be one of the better ARCs I’ve read. The writing is exceptional, and the story is compelling. However, it is also quite heartbreaking. The narrative is dark, and certain sections are particularly challenging to read. At times, it feels heavy, and I wish there had been more moments of happiness or goodness within the plot.
I love the characters and the depth they possess. They are complex and shaped by their traumas. As the story progresses, it feels a bit stretched at times. Some sections come across as repetitive or longer than necessary, and portions of the narrative consist of dialogue without significant progression. However, this issue primarily arises in the later parts of the book. It could have been trimmed without negatively affecting the overall story.
This may be one of the better ARCs I’ve read. The writing is exceptional, and the story is compelling. However, it is also quite heartbreaking. The narrative is dark, and certain sections are particularly challenging to read. At times, it feels heavy, and I wish there had been more moments of happiness or goodness within the plot.
I love the characters and the depth they possess. They are complex and shaped by their traumas. As the story progresses, it feels a bit stretched at times. Some sections come across as repetitive or longer than necessary, and portions of the narrative consist of dialogue without significant progression. However, this issue primarily arises in the later parts of the book. It could have been trimmed without negatively affecting the overall story.
July 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whiplash, Chaos, and a Whole Lot of Vampy Drama!
Bound by Blood and Shadows had me spinning in both good and slightly confusing ways! The world Gemma Pettinato created was dark, mysterious, and absolutely addictive, but I’ll be honest, I was confused for a big chunk of the book. The characters kept shifting moods and motivations so fast, I swear I got emotional whiplash trying to keep up. 😂
Still, I couldn’t stop reading. There’s something about the drama, the tension, and the tangled web of relationships that kept me turning the pages (even when I had no clue what was going on). If you’re into morally gray characters, fast-paced plots, and don’t mind a little chaos, this one’s for you!
Just be prepared you’ll probably question everyone’s motives at least five times. And that ending? Whew. I need the next book ASAP.
Whiplash, Chaos, and a Whole Lot of Vampy Drama!
Bound by Blood and Shadows had me spinning in both good and slightly confusing ways! The world Gemma Pettinato created was dark, mysterious, and absolutely addictive, but I’ll be honest, I was confused for a big chunk of the book. The characters kept shifting moods and motivations so fast, I swear I got emotional whiplash trying to keep up. 😂
Still, I couldn’t stop reading. There’s something about the drama, the tension, and the tangled web of relationships that kept me turning the pages (even when I had no clue what was going on). If you’re into morally gray characters, fast-paced plots, and don’t mind a little chaos, this one’s for you!
Just be prepared you’ll probably question everyone’s motives at least five times. And that ending? Whew. I need the next book ASAP.
July 21, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dark, emotional, and addictively immersive.
Bound by Blood and Shadows is a gritty, beautifully written fantasy that explores trauma, magic, and identity through the eyes of a nameless half-elf heroine. Gemma Pettinato crafts a haunting world full of danger and intrigue, with atmospheric prose that pulls you into every shadowy corner.
The tension between the main character and the enigmatic high-elf Vrythien is electric—equal parts seductive and unsettling. Their dynamic is as compelling as the mystery surrounding the magical binding that ties the group together. While the pacing slows in places and some dialogue leans melodramatic, the emotional depth and world-building shine.
Perfect for fans of morally gray characters, slow-burn fantasy, and psychological depth.
Dark, emotional, and addictively immersive.
Bound by Blood and Shadows is a gritty, beautifully written fantasy that explores trauma, magic, and identity through the eyes of a nameless half-elf heroine. Gemma Pettinato crafts a haunting world full of danger and intrigue, with atmospheric prose that pulls you into every shadowy corner.
The tension between the main character and the enigmatic high-elf Vrythien is electric—equal parts seductive and unsettling. Their dynamic is as compelling as the mystery surrounding the magical binding that ties the group together. While the pacing slows in places and some dialogue leans melodramatic, the emotional depth and world-building shine.
Perfect for fans of morally gray characters, slow-burn fantasy, and psychological depth.
July 26, 2025
This is a DARK fantasy with heavy themes and raw emotion.
Azara wakes with no memory, trapped in brutal circumstances. As she pieces her past together, she’s forced onto a path shaped by pain, survival, and twisted loyalties.
Vrythien and Azara’s journeys are harrowing. The things they’ve endured—especially at the hands of others—are heartbreaking. Vrythien’s complexity runs deep, and even when he didn’t deserve it, I found myself rooting for him. Azara’s strength and commitment to what she believes is right made her stand out.
The world Gemma Pettinato created is dark, mysterious, and chaotic. I was confused at times, emotions shifted fast—but I couldn’t stop reading. If you’re into morally gray characters, slow burn romance, and tension that keeps you spinning, this one’s for you.
Special thank you to Book Sirens and the author for an early copy!
Azara wakes with no memory, trapped in brutal circumstances. As she pieces her past together, she’s forced onto a path shaped by pain, survival, and twisted loyalties.
Vrythien and Azara’s journeys are harrowing. The things they’ve endured—especially at the hands of others—are heartbreaking. Vrythien’s complexity runs deep, and even when he didn’t deserve it, I found myself rooting for him. Azara’s strength and commitment to what she believes is right made her stand out.
The world Gemma Pettinato created is dark, mysterious, and chaotic. I was confused at times, emotions shifted fast—but I couldn’t stop reading. If you’re into morally gray characters, slow burn romance, and tension that keeps you spinning, this one’s for you.
Special thank you to Book Sirens and the author for an early copy!
July 15, 2025
This book is really, really good. Full of plot, adventure, romance, trials, and angst. I feel like it is a very slow, slow burn but has a happy ending.
There is a lot going on in this story, not in a bad way, so you really have to pay attention or you will get lost. The story is complex as are the characters and you need to pay attention.
The character development is great and the basis of the story is really good.
If you love a good fantasy book full of elves, sorcerers, vampires, and others then this book is definitely for you. Upon finishing the book I really would love to see a second book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a lot going on in this story, not in a bad way, so you really have to pay attention or you will get lost. The story is complex as are the characters and you need to pay attention.
The character development is great and the basis of the story is really good.
If you love a good fantasy book full of elves, sorcerers, vampires, and others then this book is definitely for you. Upon finishing the book I really would love to see a second book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2025
Unique storyline, but a missed opportunity for a delicious reverse harem or why choose.
This book had so much going on I think it could have easily been split between several books & stretched out a little more for a nice series.
Character building was great, lots of depth and development. I like Dark Romances, but some of the character depth was a little dark, heavy and unpalatable at times. Perhaps peruse the trigger warnings before reading.
18 pages in I thought I had the whole story figured out but there were twists and surprises along the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had so much going on I think it could have easily been split between several books & stretched out a little more for a nice series.
Character building was great, lots of depth and development. I like Dark Romances, but some of the character depth was a little dark, heavy and unpalatable at times. Perhaps peruse the trigger warnings before reading.
18 pages in I thought I had the whole story figured out but there were twists and surprises along the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2025
I couldn't put this book down, it has it all, heartbreak, heartwarming, love and fate, bonds, curses and magic, danger and death and humour, darkness and light.
I have laughed and cried and held my breath for the characters in this amazing story.
Catriona wakes to find herself with no memory of who or what she is, all her memories have been erased but has a burning desire for revenge for whom or why she can't remember. Also she is bonded to three others, Faeriel, Geraent and particularly Vrythien, together they escape and set out together to try and break the bond that is linking them to one another.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have laughed and cried and held my breath for the characters in this amazing story.
Catriona wakes to find herself with no memory of who or what she is, all her memories have been erased but has a burning desire for revenge for whom or why she can't remember. Also she is bonded to three others, Faeriel, Geraent and particularly Vrythien, together they escape and set out together to try and break the bond that is linking them to one another.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2025
I loved reading Bound By Blood and Shadows. The characters are very well developed and genuinely fun to read about. The world the author has created is immersive and interesting. The story is fascinating from the first page. It's deeply engrossing, which is great, because this is a story you need to pay attention to if you want to pick up on everything, so maybe save it for when you have some time undisturbed. I highly recommend this book for fans of dark fantasy with slow burn romance, and I can't wait to read what comes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2025
She gave has such a strong vibe right from the start. I’m talking dark, atmospheric, and a little unsettling.. but like in the BEST way.
The author really sets the tone and makes you feel like you’re stepping straight into a world full of shadows and tension. I really liked how the characters aren’t squeaky-clean; they’ve got this messy, morally-gray type of energy that makes things unpredictable and fun to read.
If you’re into fantasy that leans more gothic with a thread of romance woven in, this is one to check out
✨I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.✨
The author really sets the tone and makes you feel like you’re stepping straight into a world full of shadows and tension. I really liked how the characters aren’t squeaky-clean; they’ve got this messy, morally-gray type of energy that makes things unpredictable and fun to read.
If you’re into fantasy that leans more gothic with a thread of romance woven in, this is one to check out
✨I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.✨
July 13, 2025
There was a lot to unpack with this book.
The unbearable suffering was almost too much to read. How can people be so loving to their family and so cruel to everyone else?
I was hoping for 1 more death, slowly and very painfully but the ones that happened will have to suffice.
This is a dark, soul shattering read. If you like found family of a sort, epic vengeance, broken characters and finding light in the dark you will very much like this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The unbearable suffering was almost too much to read. How can people be so loving to their family and so cruel to everyone else?
I was hoping for 1 more death, slowly and very painfully but the ones that happened will have to suffice.
This is a dark, soul shattering read. If you like found family of a sort, epic vengeance, broken characters and finding light in the dark you will very much like this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2025
I wanted to enjoy this book as it seems the premise would have been great. However, there were major holes in time lines. You are thrust into the story with no background no world building or even explanation of why what or where. It seems like it’s following real time then you read- for the past few days… and you’re like huh? Did I miss something? There is no build up or tension between MC’s and it assumes you know and understand why it’s written that there should be tension and smoldering looks with unsaid thoughts but you don’t know why.
October 14, 2025
ARC review.
This was dark, emotional, and beautifully written at times but not a light read. The world building was intriguing and I liked how Azara’s lost memories unfolded bit by bit. The psychological depth and trauma were handled well though there were moments where the pacing slowed and I struggled to keep track of all the gods and places.
It’s not a story for everyone, it’s heavy, brutal, and haunting but it’s also layered and full of emotion. If you like your dark romantasy with pain, power, and a touch of redemption this one is worth picking up.
This was dark, emotional, and beautifully written at times but not a light read. The world building was intriguing and I liked how Azara’s lost memories unfolded bit by bit. The psychological depth and trauma were handled well though there were moments where the pacing slowed and I struggled to keep track of all the gods and places.
It’s not a story for everyone, it’s heavy, brutal, and haunting but it’s also layered and full of emotion. If you like your dark romantasy with pain, power, and a touch of redemption this one is worth picking up.
October 28, 2025
I liked this book overall, but I didn't devour it like the author's other works. The beginning was just a tad confusing, the way it starts, you're just thrown into the middle of a chaotic scene. I had to re-read a few parts to get the story straight. After the first few chapters, the story picks up and it is pretty good. The twists to the plot were predictable to me, there were some snags I didn't see coming, but the end result was still what I imagined. This book is dark, so check your triggers/trigger warnings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2025
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for the ARC of the book! I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I absolutely loved the fantasy and slow burn romance elements of this book! There was really strong character development not only with the FMC and MMC, but the secondary characters too. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and I loved every moment. Highly recommend!
I absolutely loved the fantasy and slow burn romance elements of this book! There was really strong character development not only with the FMC and MMC, but the secondary characters too. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and I loved every moment. Highly recommend!
August 3, 2025
Ok first off I was not a fan of Vrythien in the beginning but I slowly came around to him. I also love the fact that we get to figure out Catriona/Azara’s story right along with her. This story was soo good- all the mystery, revenge, misery and occasional love that slipped through.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 10, 2025
This book is epic in the way that you get to feel all of the feels. It’s a roller coaster of emotions and going from liking to hating the mc’s. The twists and turns leave you with your hands pulling your hair out. A definite must read for the year. Highly recommend!
July 26, 2025
There were parts I enjoyed. There were parts I didn’t enjoy. I almost DNF but I didn’t. I wanted to know the ending. There is some spice and it has magic and vampires
Will I read book two? Maybe. Probably
- enemies to lovers
- hidden identity
- forbidden magic
Will I read book two? Maybe. Probably
- enemies to lovers
- hidden identity
- forbidden magic
August 11, 2025
Such a good book.
To have not remember who you are must be worse thing ever. But someone in your group does know who you but doesn’t tell you for selfish reasons and also to protect.
But the little woman falls for the vampire that knows the secrets.
I enjoyed reading this book.
To have not remember who you are must be worse thing ever. But someone in your group does know who you but doesn’t tell you for selfish reasons and also to protect.
But the little woman falls for the vampire that knows the secrets.
I enjoyed reading this book.
August 12, 2025
Ok I loved this book so much! The characters were great! Vrythien was the ultimate jerk in the beginning but his story had me tearing up. I can’t wait for the next book! The writing was almost perfection.
September 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW: 4.5/5
This was such a great gothic dark fantasy! The whole aesthetic was gloomy and dark and I was drawn in from the very beginning. The FMC is such a badass and the MMC is a total delight in the way of being utterly sarcastic and going from hot to cold in a matter of moments. It keeps you on your toes for sure! I loved this dark story riddled with nightmares and deep meaning in almost every little detail brought into play.
This was such a great gothic dark fantasy! The whole aesthetic was gloomy and dark and I was drawn in from the very beginning. The FMC is such a badass and the MMC is a total delight in the way of being utterly sarcastic and going from hot to cold in a matter of moments. It keeps you on your toes for sure! I loved this dark story riddled with nightmares and deep meaning in almost every little detail brought into play.
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