Torn from everything she knows and separated from Sacha, Ellie must find her way back to him. But reaching him is only the beginning.
The real test is what comes next.
With the Authority moving to destroy what's left of the Veinwardens, Sacha must decide what's more important to him—finding Ellie or saving his people.
Power is dangerous. Desperation even more so.
And Ellie is about to discover that storm doesn't always follow shadow. Sometimes it leads …
If you are looking for gentle romps through the flowers, with lovers holding hands and never making mistakes, then my books are not for you.
I don't write heroes or heroines, I write people with baggage, history and problems. My characters are flawed, they're messy, they make disastrous mistakes that are hard to come back from. My stories are not sweet or kind, they are dark and, at times, cruel. They deal with uncomfortable subjects and I do not apologise for it.
If you like plot twists, characters you don't think you'll ever grow to love but eventually do, sarcasm, dark paths and messy relationships, then come on in. The water may be deep and shark-infested, but I know the way out ...I promise.
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Completed Series Rating: 4.25/5 Book 3 Genre: Fantasy Romance ⭐️ 4.5/5 🌶 2/5 (Quantity of scenes increases here) 🧠 5/10 (New language referenced) Cliffhanger: N/A Noteworthy: Final book in a completed trilogy. Check trigger warnings particularly for heavy violence, torture, and death. Dual POV. Available on KU.
This was actually a great way to wrap up this trilogy. I absolutely love L. Ann's writing style especially for Sacha's POV. The way she writes this man feels like eating dark chocolate. Smooth and decadent, with the slightest hint of bitterness. I'm also happy to report that Ellie has finally grown on me. Her acceptance of her situation and the elimination of redundant questioning paved the way for exceptional character development in this last book.
The final journey these characters go on has some unexpected twists and turns but when they finally find their way, the feeling of coming home is undeniable. The battle scenes are spectacular. The ebbs and flows will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a finale worthy of our expectations.
the finally book answer so many questions I didn't know I had
I loved that Sach went to newyork for a few days, feel how she felt but he adapted well
the writing made me feel so much for each character
sach background was covered being interesting how it shows love for his people in spite of all he has suffered his childhood and how he grew up and finally the grief he had for his whole family including his brother
eill with the love of sach grew to a stonger more independent character who in braced her power was loyal and she wasn't winney
over all this book kept me in suspense had so much emotion and was a wonderful read i did kind of want to hear of kids between ml and fl but was still happy how it ended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Epic! This was brutal, passionate, riveting, erotic, magical. A wonder to my senses. A dynasty worth fighting for. Sacha and Ellie.....I bow to you. L.Ann, you are a master word weaver. Thank you
This Trilogy is the best thing I've read all year.. Veinblood is the final book of the veinbound trilogy and it completely blew my expectations right out of the water. From the first page I was completely hooked, dragged back into the bare bones of the story where it held me and kept me on the edge of my seat. My emotions were on a knife’s edge, I felt everything—Ellie’s fear, Sacha’s guilt, the weight of power and betrayal. This is a romantasy masterpiece, dark, raw, and unforgettable.
My Review: My Rating: Infinite Stars⭐️Perfection Pages 708 Genre: Fantasy/Romantasy Tropes:
🐦⬛Portal Romantasy 🐦⬛Forced Proximity 🐦⬛Intricate World Building 🐦⬛Shadow Master 🐦⬛Outlawed Magic 🐦⬛Reluctant Allies 🐦⬛Slow Burn 🐦⬛Touch Starved MMC 🐦⬛Rebellion & Resistance 🐦⬛Strong FMC 🐦⬛Unique Magic System 🐦⬛Found Identity
This is the conclusion of Sacha and Ellie’s story. This book and series is amazing. I was literally hooked from one word to the next. The world building in this series is top notch as is the character development. My fantasy/Romantasy loving desire was fully sated with this series.
I felt I was fighting each conflict side by side with the characters. I felt them fall in love, fear for each other and have to put their desires and feelings aside to help others.
This book and series is a masterpiece. This author has found her calling in writing this genre. I extremely highly recommend this book and series.
The epic conclusion of Sacha and Ellie's story! This one is everything you need to wrap up the series. Some spicy times, some swoon-worthy moments, some oh sh*t moments, so much action, revenge (brutal gory justice!), answers, magic and a romance that'll have you feeling complete. I loved this series. I found myself rooting for Ellie in this one. There are so many bada$$ moments for her and I absolutely love that. We get to see something through Sacha's eyes and I found that so fun. There are some fun shadow scenes if ya know what I mean 😏 ooooh I'll always love me some L Ann spicy scenes lol I'm so curious if we'll ever go back to Meridian. I'm going to miss all the unique creatures and magic systems!
What a wonderful trilogy! From the first book I was hooked, all the way to the end! I love that we got a series that L. Ann had in her head for so long and decided to share. This is something different from her but she did amazing telling this story. The main characters were amazing and the world building was phenomenal; which L. Ann is amazing at. If you love fantasy and romance, you will enjoy this series. I HIGHLY recommend.
- Recap of the last book at the beginning - important details from the last two books are subtly intertwined into the book over time to remind you - time travel - Dual POV - continued character growth - justice - bonded couple
- I was hooked right away, Sacha in Chicago, yyeeesss!!. The author does such a great job showing the reader how the mundane things in our own lives are so simple we don't even think of, like buying underwear. I loved these chapters about Sacha and Ellie navigating Chicago, I wished there had been more! - When I got to 21% there was a huge twist... I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. I loved this twist.
- the relationship between the MMC and MFC continues to grow in such a beautiful way. They truly see each other.
Of note, the MFC and MMC are separated three times in this series, including twice in this book. The separation allowed for substantial character development. I initially felt two separations in one book was redundant and that so many pages had to be filler to provide space before reuniting them; however, once they are reunited, you realize how important that separation was for their individual growth. This independent development to led to them being reconnected at a much stronger level than prior. The progress and growth they made as individuals and as a couple was so substantial and heart warming. You get to see each of them learn and build trust, work through their own individual issues, and reconnect in such a strong way. I really loved this love story. Seeing them both have such vulnerable moments in this book with each other touched my soul.
- the plot in this book is both slow and fast at times. There are some really fantastic action scenes that push the plot forward. Many times I was on the edge of my seat with anxiety just waiting to see what would happen.
- Overall, what I loved about the series is how mature the characters are. So many storylines or characters in this genre are very immature. As a woman in my mid 30s, I really enjoy reading more advanced and mature plots, characters, and romances. I really enjoyed how assertive and direct the MFC was, especially when calling out the MMC. I finally felt like I wasn’t reading a reality TV show of adult women or men acting super immature, irrationally, and dramatically, or trying to make the other jealous by doing teenager like behavior. The MFC was super realistic in the sense of how balanced she was at using both logic and emotion to guide her decision-making. I finally felt like I was reading something written for women who are older than 20.
Also, the series does an excellent job at blending romance, plot, and character development. The first book is really focused on plot, with romance and character development sprinkled in. Whereas the second book really focuses on romance and character development, with some plot added; and this third book does an excellent job intertwining all three.
This is one of my favorite series and I’m so happy to have read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I Don’t Want to Say Goodbye to Meridian Sleep? I didn’t need a full 8 hours last night. Work? My tasks were done halfway through my day. Now, I’m sitting here after finishing this book a little bit ago.
I was going to try to keep this review short, since most of mine continue on for a bit. But, I can’t do that. It would be a disservice to this book, this trilogy, and this author if I did.
When I turned the last page, I had to take time to process it all. This was it. There wasn’t any more to read. I had come to the end of my time in Meridian. There wasn’t going to be anymore time with Sacha and Ellie and the world of Veinbloods. What was I feeling? Total SADNESS that it was over. I couldn’t process it immediately at the time I flipped that final page.
As with the first two books in this series, it wasn’t a fantasy read where I was overwhelmed with the world building. It was easy to remember events between books, and I didn’t need a reread before diving into Veinblood. The magic system is easy to remember and the powers different Veinbloods possess make sense. Shadowveins have shadow powers, while Stormveins have powers dealing with thunder, lightning and rain.
The start of the book threw me for a loop, because I didn’t expect that at all. Looking back, I should have realized it was a possibility, but I was so focused on what would happen after book two’s cliffhanger that I had tunnel vision. I can’t say what happened, or even reference it, without giving away spoilers, so I apologize. I will say that once I realized what happened, I was wondering if there was a significance that tied to a certain object and there was. It was interesting to see how one character dealt with the situation, in comparison to when the other character had to deal with a similar situation in book one. There were also some little amusing things that happened and seeing things through the eyes of that character was well written.
There is a content warning about “graphic torture” and I will say that those scenes had me cringing and as I type this I have goosebumps. L. Ann definitely has a way with words that paints vivid pictures in my mind. I could picture those scenes as if they were playing on a screen in front of my eyes. The way she described the character I call “The Rat Ba$t@rd” (edited so I don’t get dinged for writing the word out) and what he now looks like…ewww! I could picture the shards embedded and again I have goosebumps.
I will say that the slow burn is NO MORE! There is a scene near the start of the book that threw that category out. Then the scene while in public…hello Shadow Daddy! I’m thinking I need an upgrade to my dance partner.
I loved the character development throughout the series. With Ellie, we had ”in your face” development in Stormvein where she started coming into her power, while Sacha was slow to connect with his feelings. In this book, Ellie is a bada$$ FMC. She sees something that needs dealing with and she handles it. With Sacha, we see the impact opening up to Ellie has on him. I didn’t expect it to be so significant, but it plays directly to the reality of him having been isolated not only in the tower for 27 years, but also when he was leading his people before that. Sacha started as this straightforward character…stoic, focused on his duty and basically was that way through the first two books, with brief glimpses of him starting to let feelings in. In this book, we see he is more than just the title…we get to see the full man.
Sacha and Severen’s relationship was slowly revealed through the trilogy. In this book, we get more details. We see how important that relationship was to Sacha in his younger years….the little brother looking up to the big brother. What happened with Severen more than 27 years ago affected him in more ways than we knew in book 1, Shadowvein. Here, we see the relationship through both points of view. The psychological battle was so much more than the physical one. I was floored with the self-awareness Severen showed in one scene.
The thing with this series, for me, is that it is simple and at the same time complex. Less was definitely more with this series.
I highly recommend this trilogy to fantasy readers who enjoy plot driven storylines with a romance aspect that comes into play when it makes sense.
I read this through Kindle Unlimited and purchased the physical book through the Zon.
ARC Review Tropes/Trigger Warnings: Fantasy/ forced proximity/ shadow daddy/ touch starved MMC Coupling Type:MF Characters: MFC: Ellie MMC: Sasha Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice:🌶️.5 Favorite Quote/scene:“I saw someone who would burn the world down before letting it hurt me. I saw someone who loves me enough to become a monster for me.” Over all thoughts on book and/or author: I'm not big on romantasy trope, but everything L.Ann do she does in a big way. This book was so good. It hit you right in the feels. I just love the connection between Ellie and Sasha it was transcendent. Everything that they went through to get them to this point was worth every heartache. I would definitely recommend if you like hot shadow daddies and kick butt baddies.
The Veinbound series was one of the most amazing and beautiful book discoveries I made this year. The writing is excellent—smooth, immersive, and free of plot holes. Everything clicked into place so naturally. The characters felt refreshingly real and lifelike, and the world was intriguing without being overly complicated. The world-building was seamlessly woven into the plot, enhancing the story without overwhelming it. The plot itself was unique, captivating, and truly epic. The romance was stunning—emotional, sensual, and deeply moving. The spicy scenes were purposeful and meaningful, never gratuitous. In my humble opinion, Veinbound is a perfect read for any romantasy lover. And Veinblood? It was the perfectly delicious final chapter to this magical journey. All my love for Sacha and Ellie ands I cant not wait what L.Ann writes next.
I’m serious!! I’m not ok, I was desperate for the third book to of this trilogy to come out, DESPERATE!! But, when I got my hands on it and started to read it, I knew I was going to feel differently about this book, about this whole trilogy than I have for any other!! I put it down and honestly didn’t want to pick it back up. BUT it’s not what you’re thinking, I’ve never had this struggle before, if I picked the book back up, I’d finish it and it’d be over!! This author has sucked me soooo far into these books that I just don’t want this story to end!! But I suppose it always has to, so I continued to read Sacha’s and Ellie’s journey. And I tell you, the book hangover is real! What to read after this is a real quandary. All I can hope is the author has maybe a little novella up her sleeve for us, sort of a ‘ten years in the future’ kind of thing. So, considering these aren’t normally the genre of book I read, these have definitely taken up the top slot for me!! I was given an advance reader copy.
Absolutely stunning! This whole series has been an absolute thrill to read and this book made me wish it would never end. L. Ann has an amazing ability to draw you in from the 1st chapter of every book she writes and then she proceeds to mess with every emotion you have from start to finish. Her character development and world building is flawless, it makes you feel fully immersed and invested in the world of Meridian. I'm praying that although this book rounds off the Veinblood Trilogy perfectly, there may be more to come 🤞
The bittersweet final part of Veinbound trilogy. I say bittersweet as I did not want this book to end. I could happily have stayed embroiled in this world with Sacha and Ellie for 10 more books.
Veinblood is the epic conclusion to their story. This is the union of shadow and storm. This is the final stand. Each book has been critical in understanding the evolution of these characters. From Sacha's dark manipulations to Ellie finding herself and her power. This final part is the finale that ends it all and shows exactly who these two were meant to be all along.
I really dont know how to explain this book in a spoiler free way. All I can say is read it and let the shadows consume you. There is so much detail and so much connection to these characters and their plight that you will be hooked from start to end. And if you are here for the romance. This is a solid and heartwarming love story. These two share a soul deep connection where they are better together than apart.
Gripping five star finale to this fantasy based trilogy.
I love Ellie as a Fmc she isn't bratty but, she isn't a wee meek push over either. Shes resilient and strong and her charcter growth through this series has been *chefs kiss* Sacha has alot of growth of his own and I adore their dynamic together.
Tensions rise and the heat cranks up both in terms of stakes in the political war and in the "spice" department. I’ve been so invested in this world from the moment I read an extract teased on L. ANN's instagram. Boy did this story deliver. This book in particular healed alot of what the previous two books broke in me ( and just to clarify that was ALOT because damn those books are devistating in a way that tourments you but still leaves you begging for more). There were interesting twists I did not see coming and I really enjoyed the new perspectives. It took me a while to finish this book because I really didn't want to say goodbye to the characters or the world and it's bitter sweet thats it's over.
I was enamoured by Sasha and Ellie in the first book, we pick the story up after that cliffhanger and this second part of the tale is just as action packed. Love the role reversal when the pair end up back in Chicago, so alien to Sacha. Ellie and Sacha are stronger together, their combined magic making them a truly powerful force, tho Ellie has some qualms as she grown into and accepts her powers. Such a fantastic story, really got pulled into this world and definitely would like more stories set here.
The conclusion is the Vein Bound series was an epic story of victory, loss and finding your people. The author threw us right back into the story where book two left off and I was not ready for what transpired in those first chapters. She surprised me with the twists and turns she delivered. I found myself gasping each time something new was revealed.
Ellie is such a strong character who never gives up and fights for her new found family. Sasha is so strong and steadfast but the author gives us a glimpse into the emotions he hides through the eyes of Ellie. I can’t get over how many little bits of information we are given that help paint a fully developed characters that I couldn’t get enough of. This series is well written, fast paced and full of surprises.
Yeah she did it again😍. I tried sooo hard to take my time reading the final of this trilogy because i really wanted to enjoy every little bit of it. I already said in my reviews of her previous books in this trilogy that i’m normally not a fan of reading Romantasy but i just CAN’T skip a book of L. Ann. This book took me once again on a emotional rollercoaster and i loved every bit of every twist or turn🥹. Like every book of L. Ann you will feel like your part of the story while reading. She really makes you feel the emotions of the main characters.
L. Ann thank you for your ARC & blowing my mind away AGAIN 😩🤩.
This is the ending of this trilogy, and what ending it was. It was pure magic! I think this book was my favorite.
from one page to the next. Just when you think things are maybe about to settle down, it doesn't and she throws something else at you, that you didint expect you just need to know more.
I loved Ellie and Sasha from day one, they had such a powerful connection. And anyone that has read the previous books and falling in love with them and their journey need to know how their story ends or if it truly ends?
Fantastic finish to this series, it had everything. Fantastic character development, I loved how in book 3 the world was flipped and we experienced something very different. Super strong ending to a great series.
Fab ending to Sacha & Ellie’s story. There plenty of drama, banters, twists and spice and never a dull moment. Excellent character development for Ellie. This is a story of hope and determination and enduring. Fab conclusion.
Veinblood is the third book in the Veinbound Trilogy.
I like the first two books in the series, but Veinblood has something that makes it even better. I don’t want to spoil the content for others, but the mix of new environments and mix of familiar and new characters is perfect.
The relationship between MMC Sasha and MFC Ellie is so beautifully and strong depicted throughout the book as well as especially Ellie’s inner and outer development.
I’m not normally a fantasy girl, but this… this I’m here for!
Note - You need to have read the first two books in the Veinbound Trilogy (Shadowvein and Stormvein) before reading Veinblood.
I don't know how to feel currently. I've finished Veinblood and with that completed The Veinbound Trilogy.
I didn't want it to end ...... ever.... I may even go back and start reading from the beginning again, just to stay in Meridian a little while longer. The world that L Ann has created for these books will love in my head for a very long time, along with all the characters.
I haven't read fantasy for years and now I need more. Actually, what I really want is to be able to read this trilogy for the first time .... again ..... I can do that ..right?
If you want to be transported to a new and fascinating world, be intrigued by characters and pulled into their story completely from the first page of the book then The Veinbound Trilogy is most definitely for you.
I can’t believe I’ve finished this trilogy- how can I describe it- magical perfection! I truly loved every single page.
This trilogy has taken my heart, every page was just better and better. The story telling and character development was so good. I could totally picture myself in Meridian which I’ve never done before in a fantasy book. The descriptions were so vivid. I even had to take a break from reading after finishing this as I knew nothing else could compare.
I would recommend this book and series, it’s one not to be missed. It’s my fantasy read of the year- and probably of all time- amazing.
I loved Shadowvein. Some first class world building like you rarely see. I loved Stormvein when Ellie finally started coming into her own and becoming a character. Veinblood? Oy. Editor, an editor! My macbook for an editor! First up, all that lovely world building? It's gone, drained down some enormous plot holes, leaving behind it a couple of puddles and the odd rubber duck. Next, the repetition. If I have to hear one more time that Ellie has "changed" or Sacha brings "hope to the people", I swear. Perhaps it would have been bearable if the reader didn't have to sit through the main character's thinking through these oh so crucial themes at length, immediately followed by secondary characters repeating those thoughts back to the MC almost verbatim with about as much personality as magnolia paint. It's like having a Greek chorus in each chapter. Now, Greek tragedy has its place, but that place is not page-turner romantasy. Then there's Ellie. I had such hopes for Ellie. She was starting to flesh out in Stormvein and come into her own. Did it last? Nope. For all that's she's supposed to be 27/28, Ellie acts as if she's still in high school. She's got that all too common chosen one complex where she insists on coming along to every high stakes fight then proceeds to act in the most headstrong, stupid and frankly dangerous manner possible, making everyone else have to stop and take care of her. She's a walking liability. Example (non specific but kind of spoilery): she sees a threat and goes running headlong for it, kills a lot of people, and burns herself out. She will then be horrified by what she's done and proceed to alternately vomit everywhere and faint. Bizarrely, the other characters will tenderly console her with on the spot counselling. If it was me, I'd have tanned the hide of any one acting like that in my troop. This is book three, people. Do we still need this in book three? I'm not quite sure what she expected to happen if it wasn't people dying. Or why she and she alone had to deal with the threat. There were other perfectly capable fighters with her. Still, she renders herself physically and emotionally incapable for the rest of the skirmish. Why is she on this mission? Oh yes, because she's shagging the prince. Of course, I finished the book. Why? Because of Sacha. Perhaps I wouldn't be so resentful of Ellie if she wasn't Sacha's love interest. Jealous? Moi?
Book three and the finale to L. Ann's Veinblood Trilogy, Veinblood provided the missing pieces and came full circle for a conclusion that will leave readers feeling a host of emotions all leading to a memorable read!
As Ellie Bennett conquered her powers, her love for Sacha Torran Shadowvein Lord, and the deposed leader of Meridian, was the key to finding her place in life and coming into her own. This pair achieved together what they could not achieve alone. Intense loyalty and devotion defined the relationship between Ellie and Sacha and took them from solitude and loneliness to completion and happiness. This story was full of betrayals but just as many triumphs always keeping readers on their toes and the edges of their seats! This couple was unforgettable and will win over readers' hearts!
As series go L. Ann's Veinblood Trilogy was fantastic. With vast sweeping detail, momentous action and rich history this romantasy was the complete package. The powerful bond between the leads of this work was touching and inspiring in its depth. The plotting and twists were well executed and kept the pages turning but it was characters that kept readers invested in this series. Veinblood brings closure to a great series in true L. Ann fashion for a wonderful reading experience!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.* *It is necessary to read the previous work in this series. This work continues the stories of book one and book two in the Veinbound trilogy.*