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True Love’s Blood: Destiny’s Nightmare: Book One of the True Love’s Blood Series
422 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 2, 2025
(Quite stoked to read this book before its full, officially publicised release early next year! But if anyone wants an early dive into it, its early version is actually up on Amazon!)
A passionate author debuts with a fantasy epic for anyone who's ready for something new. It's simultaneously a love letter to fantasy (paying homage to literary greats such as Tolkien, Homer, etc. The Greek mythology and LOTR references/vibes were bonuses that made it even more fun for me) and could alternatively be titled 'Heartbreak: The Novel'. It can be haunting, but has just as many typical epic fantasy tropes we all love, as well as occasional sweet & fun(ny) moments.
I mean when you start talking about fantastical swords, stars imagery, divine powers, 1v1 duels & foreshadowing prophecies? You've captured my attention.
You need to understand that you'll open to a description-heavy start as it functions as an emotional and atmospheric set up for the rest of the story. But once that's done & the story picks up (for me that was around page 45-7 of the Reader's Edition, though it might be a lil later for others when some more big characters & game changers are introduced in the early 100s), it is a non-stop exciting journey.
If you're a lover of fantasy and want to support a new, indie, Aussie-local author who has high passion for his world and hopes to deliver more on it in the future with a touch of his artistry... this is a debut novel you have to try. Besides, it has a slow-burn sprinkle of romance to die for!
I don't have many criticisms of this book, but I will say this...Due to the cool cover & photography in the author's edition, my goofy self thought Lynceus (one of the protagonists) was going to be, like the author, a POC. So in my mind...Lynceus ain't white like I later discover he's described as in the novel - WHY😂
More seriously, there was one pesty character I wish we got to see the strength of more clearly. Because despite hating the twerp's guts, he was implied to be strong. & After all, I had a great time seeing the powers and strengths of various characters.
On a related note, I loved how there was a range of antagonists. Some purely evil & hinted at, some who serve as your first boss-type, others who are just assholes flying around in your face, and others who you may or may not have seen coming.
Great characters - Can barely wait to see what happens to my second favourite character considering his whole plot twist! I'm longing to see this morally grey character again & both agitated and hopeful for him in the upcoming sequels. That silver eyed boy is definitely my greatest hook in this story, despite a certain charming & funny prince being my top favourite character.
+Don't even get me started on Ivanna - I have whole ass theories based on her parents and who they could be, be it dark theories, or light theories that sway around my mind like 'leaves of the forest', or just simply about how powerful they were. Lynceus & Destiny certainly pull their weight as the mysterious and/or wild cards of the story too. You just know there's even more to them and you're waiting.
The story is easily the best part. I liked how I could both correctly predict and also be surprised by different twists & theories. It was the right amount of foreshadowing & mystery. & there's still so many answers I want! But alas, I have to wait for the next book.
I can see this type of story adapted as either an RPG video game or animation. During a couple fight scenes, I couldn't stop visualising anime directions.
Bottom line - I can't wait for more of this world. I can feel that there's so much more to come!
A passionate author debuts with a fantasy epic for anyone who's ready for something new. It's simultaneously a love letter to fantasy (paying homage to literary greats such as Tolkien, Homer, etc. The Greek mythology and LOTR references/vibes were bonuses that made it even more fun for me) and could alternatively be titled 'Heartbreak: The Novel'. It can be haunting, but has just as many typical epic fantasy tropes we all love, as well as occasional sweet & fun(ny) moments.
I mean when you start talking about fantastical swords, stars imagery, divine powers, 1v1 duels & foreshadowing prophecies? You've captured my attention.
You need to understand that you'll open to a description-heavy start as it functions as an emotional and atmospheric set up for the rest of the story. But once that's done & the story picks up (for me that was around page 45-7 of the Reader's Edition, though it might be a lil later for others when some more big characters & game changers are introduced in the early 100s), it is a non-stop exciting journey.
If you're a lover of fantasy and want to support a new, indie, Aussie-local author who has high passion for his world and hopes to deliver more on it in the future with a touch of his artistry... this is a debut novel you have to try. Besides, it has a slow-burn sprinkle of romance to die for!
I don't have many criticisms of this book, but I will say this...Due to the cool cover & photography in the author's edition, my goofy self thought Lynceus (one of the protagonists) was going to be, like the author, a POC. So in my mind...Lynceus ain't white like I later discover he's described as in the novel - WHY😂
More seriously, there was one pesty character I wish we got to see the strength of more clearly. Because despite hating the twerp's guts, he was implied to be strong. & After all, I had a great time seeing the powers and strengths of various characters.
On a related note, I loved how there was a range of antagonists. Some purely evil & hinted at, some who serve as your first boss-type, others who are just assholes flying around in your face, and others who you may or may not have seen coming.
Great characters - Can barely wait to see what happens to my second favourite character considering his whole plot twist! I'm longing to see this morally grey character again & both agitated and hopeful for him in the upcoming sequels. That silver eyed boy is definitely my greatest hook in this story, despite a certain charming & funny prince being my top favourite character.
+Don't even get me started on Ivanna - I have whole ass theories based on her parents and who they could be, be it dark theories, or light theories that sway around my mind like 'leaves of the forest', or just simply about how powerful they were. Lynceus & Destiny certainly pull their weight as the mysterious and/or wild cards of the story too. You just know there's even more to them and you're waiting.
The story is easily the best part. I liked how I could both correctly predict and also be surprised by different twists & theories. It was the right amount of foreshadowing & mystery. & there's still so many answers I want! But alas, I have to wait for the next book.
I can see this type of story adapted as either an RPG video game or animation. During a couple fight scenes, I couldn't stop visualising anime directions.
Bottom line - I can't wait for more of this world. I can feel that there's so much more to come!
November 19, 2025
“True Love’s Blood” by Deepak Ashwin is one of those books that grabs hold of you right from the beginning and doesn’t let you drift away for a moment. Ashwin brings together emotion, suspense, and passion in a way that feels so natural and genuinely heartfelt. The characters are wonderfully vivid—so real that I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading. Their struggles are written with such honesty and depth that you can’t help but feel for them.
The story itself moves along beautifully, with just the right mix of gentle moments and gripping twists. Every turn in the plot feels surprising, yet somehow exactly right. The atmosphere is rich, the themes are powerful, and there are several scenes that honestly made me pause and catch my breath.
It’s the kind of book that stays with you well after you’ve reached the last page. A truly memorable read—I couldn’t put it down!
The story itself moves along beautifully, with just the right mix of gentle moments and gripping twists. Every turn in the plot feels surprising, yet somehow exactly right. The atmosphere is rich, the themes are powerful, and there are several scenes that honestly made me pause and catch my breath.
It’s the kind of book that stays with you well after you’ve reached the last page. A truly memorable read—I couldn’t put it down!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews