Reeling from a bitter betrayal, Valerie finds herself drowning in grief, unable to move forward. Bound by magic she doesn’t understand, she feels more helpless than ever. She may have survived another tragedy, but her trust and her faith were destroyed in the process.
That is, until a new path arises.
When Valerie gets her hands on a mysterious journal with magic she had never seen before, she discovers a world of dark magic that can do the impossible… if she dared.
To undo what has been done, Valerie must go to lengths that she never imagined. Finding herself stuck in a web of crime and forgotten magic, she has to discover what she is willing to sacrifice to get retribution.
The threads of power run deep in Caelum—but how much blood will need to be paid to keep it?
The journey continues in The Blood of the Divine, the second installment in The Guild Scrolls.
Raven is a Wisconsin-based author who has an obsession with collecting as many books as she physically can instead of writing her own.
During the day, she flourishes in the corporate world and transforms into a passionate writer by night. She enjoys writing devastating fantasy books filled with heartbreak and betrayal that will leave her readers in tears. She currently resides in a home filled to the brim with bookshelves along with her husband and her three kitties.
Blood of the Divine is a strong, emotionally charged continuation of the series, raising the stakes in meaningful ways while deepening the themes introduced in Book of the Cursed. Raven Stevens leans harder into the cost of power, divine influence, and the blurred line between faith and control, and that focus really works here.
The world feels more lived-in this time around. The lore expands organically rather than through heavy exposition, and the divine elements take on sharper edges. I appreciated how the story doesn’t reset or over-explain. It trusts the reader to remember what came before and rewards that investment with richer conflict and darker consequences.
The characters continue to be the heart of the story. Their choices feel heavier, more complicated, and often morally gray. Relationships are tested rather than idealized, and the tension between loyalty, destiny, and survival gives the emotional beats real weight. The romance simmers more than it explodes, but the slow burn feels intentional and earned. I really enjoyed the dual POV and the flashbacks were intentionally written.
Where this landed slightly lower for me was pacing. The middle portion slows as the plot repositions pieces for what’s clearly coming next, and while the groundwork is important, a few sections felt like they lingered just a bit too long. That said, the payoff toward the end is strong and leaves the series poised for an even bigger escalation.
Overall, Blood of the Divine is a solid second installment that deepens the mythology and emotional stakes without losing momentum. It feels like a bridge book in the best way — purposeful, darker, and setting the stage for what could be a very powerful next chapter. As an ARC reader, I’m genuinely excited to see where this series goes next.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review I had high hopes for this series after the first book. But I am kind of disappointed tbh. How are you going to have the FMC bonded to a demon prince and not have anything happen between them?!? It was hard for me to root for Aiden when Valerie is LITERALLY BONDED TO A DEMON PRINCE!
A striking entry into the romantic fantasy genre, seamlessly blending high-stakes adventure, emotional depth, and a richly realized magical world. From the opening pages, Stevens immerses readers in a universe where destiny, courage, and forbidden love collide, setting the stage for a heroine whose journey is as poignant as it is thrilling. The main character’s resilience is front and center, as she faces challenges that test both her heart and her resolve. Balanced FMC vulnerability with moments of fierce determination, creating a heroine who is both relatable and inspiring. Readers will find themselves invested in her struggle to overcome haunting secrets and forge her own path amid the turmoil of gods and mortals. Romantic elements are woven throughout the narrative, adding tension and complexity without overshadowing the story’s larger themes of self-discovery and sacrifice. The chemistry between the leads feels authentic and earned, fueling both the emotional stakes and the novel’s sense of adventure. Stevens’s world-building is lush and immersive, bringing to life a setting filled with magic, danger, and intrigue. The compelling blend of drama, romance, and mythic atmosphere. Stevens crafts each scene with vivid detail, ensuring that every moment, whether fraught with peril or tenderness, resonates deeply with the reader. For fans of romantic fantasy seeking a story that offers both heart and high-stakes adventure, this novel is a must-read addition to your collection.
What a phenomenal follow up to the first book . I have to be completely honest , I’m not typically someone you’ll catch reading romantic fantasy’s by any means . That being said, when the opportunity arose to read book one in this fantastic series ,Blood Of The Cursed - I jumped right on that wagon , because I was looking to try something different, something outside of my comfort zone and I’m just so freaking happy I did . Blood Of The Cursed is the continuation to Valerie’s story , of all the layers and complexities that come with her relationship with Aiden . It’s filled with twists and turns , intriguie and suspense, secrets , betrayal, the perfect amount of darkness and spice , it has magic and demons , its quite simply a emotional rollercoaster that will have you literally sitting on the edge of your seat devouring every single word while anticipating what will happen next .and the emotions you’ll find yourself reeling from I can guarantee you will never ever be expecting. I was so there for it all and now to anxiously await the next book 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
An emotional, high-stakes sequel that surpasses the first! Raven Stevens delivers a masterful follow-up to Book of the Cursed with Blood of the Divine. This sequel builds beautifully on the foundation of the first book, offering deeper character development and much higher stakes that kept me locked in from the very first chapter. The standout element for me was the portrayal of Val’s grief for Nadine; Stevens depicts the stages of loss with such raw excellence. While the romance is a delicious slow burn filled with fun banter, be prepared—it is a true "burn," and I personally found myself wishing for a bit more spice! However, the character dynamics are incredible. This isn't a tale of noble sacrifice for the greater good; instead, we get a morally grey lead who would sooner set the entire world ablaze than see her suffer. With a killer twist ending and emotional depth that hits hard, the third book cannot come fast enough.
The book started interesting and intense from the opening, and I was hooked. The deep explanation of Valerie’s grief for Nadine and how it haunted her really drew me in. However, as the story progressed, it took on more mafia power vibes, and I found the storyline to be not to my taste. I couldn't keep my attention as I felt the main characters were mostly unlikable. While I find Aiden a bit too mafioso for my personal vibes, I do love the forced proximity, yearning, and the ever-loved trope touch her and die. I greatly enjoyed the snarkiness of Cassius; it gave Crowley from “Supernatural” vibes. This book is the slowest of burns.
In my opinion, their inserts of childhood memories are most of the time unnecessary, and I felt like they took me out of the story. I was also highly disappointed she was bonded to a demon and still didn’t choose him. I loved the epigraphs before each chapter. Overall, it was an interesting read, and the cliffhanger was certainly unexpected.
Blood of the Divine is an emotional, high-stakes continuation that raises the intensity in all the best ways. Raven Stevens leans into the cost of power, divine influence, and the blurred line between faith and control, making the story darker, richer, and more gripping than before.
The world feels even more lived-in this time, with lore that expands naturally and never feels like an info dump. The story trusts the reader to remember what came before, and that makes the conflicts and consequences hit harder. The divine elements feel more dangerous, the stakes feel higher, and every choice carries real weight.
The characters remain the heart of the book, especially Val. Her grief, vulnerability, and fierce determination add so much emotional depth, and her morally gray decisions make her journey incredibly compelling. She is not a perfect heroine, but she is a powerful one, driven by love, loss, and the need to survive in a world ruled by gods and secrets.
The romance is a true slow burn, full of tension, meaningful moments, and chemistry that feels earned. Relationships are tested, loyalty is challenged, and the push and pull between destiny and free will creates constant emotional conflict. The middle does slow slightly as the story sets up what’s coming next, but the buildup pays off with a strong, impactful ending that leaves you eager for the next installment.
Overall, Blood of the Divine is a solid and engaging sequel that deepens the mythology, heightens the emotional stakes, and sets the stage for an even bigger and darker continuation of the series.
This book is even better than book 1 and I do not say it lightly.
I loved the plot, the characters arc and the writing. It was exceptionally engaging and more than once I found myself almost standing while reading.
I would recommend this book to anyone that truly wants a ride in the best way possible ( and maybe shed a tear... or two?)
And again... That ending... That cliffhanger?! I will need to talk to the author because how dare she write this masterpiece?????
I thank the author for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review. I also urge her to keep writing so that I can finally know what happens next :)
Disclaimer: in case you are wondering why not 5 stars... Well I got annoyed with the FMC for a while there.
I have been waiting patiently for 2 years for the sequel and was so happy when I received an arc to read and review. This book had me excited to read after the cliff hanger from the first book. This book made me love characters more than I already did and the banter between everyone was so sweet and fun to read. I got so many questions answered but then a dozen more are now left unanswered in replacement. There was so much more background story for all the characters which I ate up. The slow burn and banter between the characters had be giggling and waiting for the tension break and something to happen between the mmc and fmc. I had a funny, anxious and puzzling time waiting to see what happened next. I will be ready and looking forward to the next book especially after this cliffhanger.
I really liked how plot based this book was! It immediately picks up from where we left off in book 1, so we get thrown back into action quickly.
I liked how our other love interest from book 1 grew on me in this book. Which was nice because we got to see his (Aiden’s) pov in this book as well and not just Valerie’s. This was another point that I liked in this book, the fact that it was dual pov.
We also got a few new characters in this book. Cassius was my absolute favourite. He was such a fun and sarcastic character. He pretty much stole the show for me haha.
I’m so sad I have to wait for the next book and I can’t wait to read it when it comes out 🥹 This series just keeps getting better!!
Thank you so much to the author for an e-arc of this book!🫶
This book was good! I am so glad I was able to go right into this one after finishing the first. I liked the additional POV with Aiden and flash backs for both Valerie and Aiden. We get a little more insight on their childhood and what they’ve gone through. It also shows how people handle grief in different ways. Cassius brings humor but there’s not much else from him until the end. I love how we get to see Aiden’s love for Valerie grow and how he falls for her. It’s a little slow at times and we don’t get many answers to anything but overall a good story!
I received this book as part of the ARC team in exchange for a review. My review below is unbiased and my own genuine thoughts.
✅Dark Magic ✅Slow Burn ✅He Falls First ✅Action-Packed
This was an excellent read and it was so fun being a part of the ARC team for Raven! Her writing was so much fun to read and the characters are complex with some intense twists in this storyline. Each choice these characters make will make you sometimes frustrated and confused and other times you’ll be throwing your hands in the air, rooting for their wins! It's a fun journey to get lost in and I’m excited for book three!!!!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Blood of the Divine, the second book in the series following Book of the Cursed. Raven Steven’s delivers a compelling continuation that builds beautifully on the foundation of the first book. The characters feel deeper and more developed, the stakes are higher, and the story kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The burn is really slow but the banter is fun. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and I’m eagerly looking forward to what comes next.
Continuing to be a beta reader for Raven I was able to see this book come together in somewhat real time. Focusing only on the final draft with this review!
The stakes increase compared to book one. The world continues to build upon itself and makes me continue to ask "What's coming next?!" Which I hate to say Raven hasn't even HINTED at with me. The characters themselves are complex - in a good way. You love them, hate them, then struggle with loving them again.
I don't want to say too much more to avoid any chance at spoilers.
Blood of the divine starts where book one left off. Val is left devastated and betrayed and falls into a deep depression and will do whatever it takes to right the wrongs. Aiden is her silent protector who will support her in whatever way possible, he’s the strong, broody and morally grey alpha male that hides his feelings.
I felt this book was a jarring change in pace from the ending of book one, I felt the slow pace lasted majority of the book and missed the excitement of the plot and the main driver for the plot for this book only really being front and centre in the very last portion of the book. As much as I adored the characters and the relationship between them, with the added angst with the guild I felt the plot just didn’t hit the same as the first book for me.
Received this as an ARC copy before even reading the first one. I devoured both books in less than a week! I quite enjoyed this sequel, in particular the flashback chapters that helped us understand more Valerie and Aiden. A bit disappointed that the Prince of Hell was mostly comic relief, only once actually showing he's true self, but I'm hoping his character will be explored more in the next book. I'm also curious how the cliffhanger will be developed in the next one. Definitely a good read!
Getting to ARC read this before even touching book one was such an experience. Both books are amazing. Book one left us hanging, but this book really delivers with deeper backstories for the FMC and MMC (which I personally love). It’s a slow burn, but the action and twists keep you hooked the entire time. Mild spice that fits the plot, strong character development, and a world you actually get to live in. I loved every minute and I need book three immediately
I received this book as an ARC from the author. And I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It continued with the action from the first one. And this one immediately pulls you in as well. I think this was actually better than the first one. I loved the twists and turns. I loved that this focused more on the story itself and not anything spicy. It balanced very well. Very well written. I’m glad that I was chosen to read this. It was the best.
This book starts with the FMC mourning her best friend/roommate. This is the most heartbreaking part of the book bc it seems so real. You're mourning with her. In the middle of the book the FMC and MMC are in a relationship. At the end of the book, it's a struggle with her mental health and bringing her best friend back to life. She ends up saving the MMC and tying his life to the Demon Prince that she is also tied to. All in all amazing book. Would recommend to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book 2 starts off where book 1 ends. Valerie is dealing with a lot of guilt and grief. Aiden is trying to hold her together as best as possible. The two of them are determined to bring down the Guild and the Inner Sanctum. Archer is determined to end them both. This is shaping up to be an amazing series and I seriously can't wait to see how everything ties together. I sincerely hope we get book 3 soon.
I don’t want to say to much as to not spoil it. If you read book 1 (Book of the Cursed) you know it ends on a cliff hanger, fore warning this one does too! But it’s just as great as the first book but with even more. If you liked book 1 you have to read this; demons, magic, love it’s got little everything. If you haven’t read book 1 why are you still here get to reading!!!
I loved that book 2 picked up right after Book 1's cliffhanger! This book dug into the MMC and the FMC's backstories, and I felt like I understood both characters' motivations clearer.
The spicy scenes were big teasers so if you enjoy the push and pull of "will they, won't they," you'll love watching the relationship unfold.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had the opportunity to receive this as an ARC. I was so excited to dive into this book after finishing the prequel. It seamlessly picks up where the first one left off, maintaining its captivating, emotional, and addictive nature. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and eagerly anticipate the next one!
The progression from the first book to this book entirely took me by surprise! I am typically one to predict what is coming in a book but this one actually took a surprising turn from what I expected! Super addicting! Make sure you have time to sit and read because you will definitely be fully engulfed in this book series!!
I was a little worried when I started this book that it wouldn’t be as good as the first one and I was right. It was BETTER. More cliff hangers, more romance, more action. This book was released yesterday and I need the third book tomorrow. Begging raven not to make us wait any longer than a year for the next one!
This is a good second book. I wish we could get more of Cassius but I have a feeling that will come in the next one. I love the backstories we get but had a hard time understanding their importance. I LOVE Aiden and Valerie’s relationship he doesn’t push her for more and she isn’t afraid of his background.
Oh me oh my! The twists, the turns, the betrayals! I am here for all of it! I cannot wait to get my fingers on the third book. It cannot come soon enough! I highly recommend for all ladies who love to see a FMC trust her gut
Book one had me hooked and Book Two kept me there! The world gets bigger, the magic gets messier, and the emotional damage is very real. Loyalties are tested, secrets come out, and power definitely has a price. The romance.. the romance... , and just when you think you have answers, the book drops more questions. I freaking love this series!