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Wives of the Vampire Queen #4
The Wrath She Awakened
She rose from blood with nothing left to lose… except her heart.
Raiders destroyed everything Helena loved—her family, her home, her world. When the vampire Xenia finds her dying among the ashes, she offers Helena a die as a mortal or drink and claim her vengeance.
Helena chooses blood—and with it, power. But vengeance cannot fill the emptiness left behind, nor can it quiet the hunger that binds her to her maker.
When Xenia brings Helena to the castle she shares with her wife, desire and jealousy ignite. Caught between her maker’s pull and the woman who already owns Xenia’s heart, Helena must learn what it means to be remade by love as much as blood.
Fans of A Long Time Dead and Reluctant Mortals will devour this sapphic “why choose” Gothic fantasy steeped in vengeance, gothic romance, horror, and immortal queens.
One click now, and sink your teeth into Helena’s story!
Edited by Susan Stradiotto
Raiders destroyed everything Helena loved—her family, her home, her world. When the vampire Xenia finds her dying among the ashes, she offers Helena a die as a mortal or drink and claim her vengeance.
Helena chooses blood—and with it, power. But vengeance cannot fill the emptiness left behind, nor can it quiet the hunger that binds her to her maker.
When Xenia brings Helena to the castle she shares with her wife, desire and jealousy ignite. Caught between her maker’s pull and the woman who already owns Xenia’s heart, Helena must learn what it means to be remade by love as much as blood.
Fans of A Long Time Dead and Reluctant Mortals will devour this sapphic “why choose” Gothic fantasy steeped in vengeance, gothic romance, horror, and immortal queens.
One click now, and sink your teeth into Helena’s story!
Edited by Susan Stradiotto
- GenresLesbianDark Romance
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2025
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Sophia-Rose Johnson
19 books49 followersSophia-Rose Johnson, who has already written under the pen name S. Johnson, is from Minnesota, USA, and she is a northerner by heart and accent. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2018 with a writing degree, and she argues about commas constantly. While she first published in 2022, she’s been writing since 2011. She is a queer woman.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 15, 2025
3.5 stars, 3🌶
This book starts with a punch, and keeps rolling. Helena is the eldest of 10 daughters. Her ailing father can't perform the heat of the household duties, so it's up to get to provide for the family (farming/foraging, etc). When she catches a raider party in the woods set to attack her home, her life changes.
This look at what routinely happened years ago fuels her fury and rage at the sheer barbacity of this tragic situation. What comes next is pure retribution. The story continues the journey of the queen and her wife Anna. How they take Helena under their wing. The juxtaposition of the elder vampires and what they once thought, now as they've matured over the centuries to their new fledgling's viewpoints is a natural progression. This read let's your inner fury run free for a bit. I enjoyed this installment in the series and will new looking forward to what's next.
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
This book starts with a punch, and keeps rolling. Helena is the eldest of 10 daughters. Her ailing father can't perform the heat of the household duties, so it's up to get to provide for the family (farming/foraging, etc). When she catches a raider party in the woods set to attack her home, her life changes.
This look at what routinely happened years ago fuels her fury and rage at the sheer barbacity of this tragic situation. What comes next is pure retribution. The story continues the journey of the queen and her wife Anna. How they take Helena under their wing. The juxtaposition of the elder vampires and what they once thought, now as they've matured over the centuries to their new fledgling's viewpoints is a natural progression. This read let's your inner fury run free for a bit. I enjoyed this installment in the series and will new looking forward to what's next.
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
Revenge is a dish best served bloody
Life is sad and cruel, but at least there is revenge. Another quaint story of killing and draining the life out of unsuspecting mortals.
This time around things work out a little better than before but for how long? It was nonetheless a nice read. A little more lighthearted but also much more darker than before. Helena will not weep, so I will weep for the ones she lost.
How will it all end in the end? Can good things last forever?
I received a free copy of this book from booksprouts and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Life is sad and cruel, but at least there is revenge. Another quaint story of killing and draining the life out of unsuspecting mortals.
This time around things work out a little better than before but for how long? It was nonetheless a nice read. A little more lighthearted but also much more darker than before. Helena will not weep, so I will weep for the ones she lost.
How will it all end in the end? Can good things last forever?
I received a free copy of this book from booksprouts and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2025
I received an ARC of this story and it’s the first book I’ve read by this author – I liked it, a lot.
I’ve read books with vampires before, but mostly MF, so it was a pleasant change to read about sapphic vampires. But that is where the pleasantries stop. Hello, these women are vampires, so there is a lot of blood lust…and bloodshed.
This book touches on FFF, but the s3x scenes felt a little awkward and weren’t really my cuppa. That’s a personal preference, so don’t let that stop you from checking out a fabulous story.
I’ll be sure to check out more books by this author.
I’ve read books with vampires before, but mostly MF, so it was a pleasant change to read about sapphic vampires. But that is where the pleasantries stop. Hello, these women are vampires, so there is a lot of blood lust…and bloodshed.
This book touches on FFF, but the s3x scenes felt a little awkward and weren’t really my cuppa. That’s a personal preference, so don’t let that stop you from checking out a fabulous story.
I’ll be sure to check out more books by this author.
November 11, 2025
Well,
Sophia-Rose Johnson has done it again fam. As a lover of some good angst, I will say read the trigger warnings. This one in particular for the first bit. Self care is important.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love Xenia as a character, and of course her and Anna don’t disappoint here.
But Helena? My goodness, I love an angry revenge seeking vampire. I love that Sophia-Rose really leaned into a character who for the time period is more masculine energy. I think it just really fit well with the couple, and instead of taking life so to speak, it’s very much about giving it, and opening doors that might have otherwise stayed closed.
I cant wait to see where this series goes next!
I am grateful to have received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review willingly!
Sophia-Rose Johnson has done it again fam. As a lover of some good angst, I will say read the trigger warnings. This one in particular for the first bit. Self care is important.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love Xenia as a character, and of course her and Anna don’t disappoint here.
But Helena? My goodness, I love an angry revenge seeking vampire. I love that Sophia-Rose really leaned into a character who for the time period is more masculine energy. I think it just really fit well with the couple, and instead of taking life so to speak, it’s very much about giving it, and opening doors that might have otherwise stayed closed.
I cant wait to see where this series goes next!
I am grateful to have received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review willingly!
December 15, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Wrath She Awakened (book 4 in The Wives of the Vampire Queen) is a dark vampire novella with a strong wlw focus and a heavy revenge vibe running through it. It starts in a rough, gritty place with Helena still human, living a hard life with her sisters and an awful father, and you can feel that tension building even before everything goes sideways.
When the attack hits, it’s brutal, and the story doesn’t pull punches. Helena’s anger and need for vengeance made complete sense to me, and I liked that it wasn’t treated like some cute character quirk. It’s the engine of the whole story. Xenia shows up with serious queen energy, and the way she handles things sets the tone fast. Dark, confident, protective, and powerful.
The dynamic between Helena and Xenia is where most of the sexy tension comes from, and it’s definitely power-driven. There’s also Anna in the mix, and I appreciated that you get an understanding of the nontraditional wife structure and what it actually means to be tied into it, not just the label. The vibe stays suspenseful throughout, even in scenes that are quieter, because you always feel like someone is one wrong choice away from bloodshed.
That said, it is a quick novella, so some parts moved really fast for me. I wanted a little more space for certain emotional beats to land, especially once Helena’s new reality kicks in. Still, if you like dark wlw vampire stories with vengeance at the center, strong hierarchy, and morally intense characters, this will probably hit.
The Wrath She Awakened (book 4 in The Wives of the Vampire Queen) is a dark vampire novella with a strong wlw focus and a heavy revenge vibe running through it. It starts in a rough, gritty place with Helena still human, living a hard life with her sisters and an awful father, and you can feel that tension building even before everything goes sideways.
When the attack hits, it’s brutal, and the story doesn’t pull punches. Helena’s anger and need for vengeance made complete sense to me, and I liked that it wasn’t treated like some cute character quirk. It’s the engine of the whole story. Xenia shows up with serious queen energy, and the way she handles things sets the tone fast. Dark, confident, protective, and powerful.
The dynamic between Helena and Xenia is where most of the sexy tension comes from, and it’s definitely power-driven. There’s also Anna in the mix, and I appreciated that you get an understanding of the nontraditional wife structure and what it actually means to be tied into it, not just the label. The vibe stays suspenseful throughout, even in scenes that are quieter, because you always feel like someone is one wrong choice away from bloodshed.
That said, it is a quick novella, so some parts moved really fast for me. I wanted a little more space for certain emotional beats to land, especially once Helena’s new reality kicks in. Still, if you like dark wlw vampire stories with vengeance at the center, strong hierarchy, and morally intense characters, this will probably hit.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Helena has never felt like herself, has never been allowed to be herself, until raiders kill her family and almost kill her. The only choice is to go with Xenia, the vampire queen and live. Is her purpose to avenge her family or is there more to her now-undead life?
With the 4th instalment of The Wives Of The Vampire Queen series, we get to see another side of Xenia, the vampire queen herself. I liked Helena as a new character in the series, but I would have liked to find out more about her. As with the other books in this series, it starts off pretty bleak! As the women come into their own though, we start to see a bit of light at the end of each of their tunnels, in different ways. As a short novella, the story is quick and the pace moves us along with the characters. The themes are dark and often there are subjects that are difficult to stomach, but our protagonists find a way to live the undead lives they deserve.
The epilogue of this book sets us up for future issues our vampires may need to deal with, which made me want to continue with the series as it progresses. I would put this books solidly in the sapphic smut category, and as noted, the themes are dark so check trigger warnings before you begin.
Perfect for fans of dark short stories that give women the centre stage and span over centuries.
With the 4th instalment of The Wives Of The Vampire Queen series, we get to see another side of Xenia, the vampire queen herself. I liked Helena as a new character in the series, but I would have liked to find out more about her. As with the other books in this series, it starts off pretty bleak! As the women come into their own though, we start to see a bit of light at the end of each of their tunnels, in different ways. As a short novella, the story is quick and the pace moves us along with the characters. The themes are dark and often there are subjects that are difficult to stomach, but our protagonists find a way to live the undead lives they deserve.
The epilogue of this book sets us up for future issues our vampires may need to deal with, which made me want to continue with the series as it progresses. I would put this books solidly in the sapphic smut category, and as noted, the themes are dark so check trigger warnings before you begin.
Perfect for fans of dark short stories that give women the centre stage and span over centuries.
Review of advance copy received from Author
‘The Wrath She Awakened’ is fourth book in ‘Wives of the Vampire Queen’ series. It’s a fast-paced, sapphic “why choose” vampire fantasy, with great amount of gothic romance.
In this book we meet Helena with the tragic ending of her old life, and a vengeful beginning of her new one.
I absolutely love Xenia, and I was so happy to see more of her in this book.
Helena is definitely a likable character, although the bloodlust could make her annoying at times. I wish the book was longer, so I could get to see more of her real character. I don’t think we got to know her enough to see if she really could be a great addition to the family. I also wish we were given more tension between her and Anna.
The revenge plot is amazing and page-turning. I devoured this book so much that I didn’t even realize it had ended until I got to the very end.
I definitely recommend for a quick read. I love the series, and can’t wait for another book.
Don’t forget to read trigger warnings. It’s a bit heavy, and not for everyone.
I received an ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this book we meet Helena with the tragic ending of her old life, and a vengeful beginning of her new one.
I absolutely love Xenia, and I was so happy to see more of her in this book.
Helena is definitely a likable character, although the bloodlust could make her annoying at times. I wish the book was longer, so I could get to see more of her real character. I don’t think we got to know her enough to see if she really could be a great addition to the family. I also wish we were given more tension between her and Anna.
The revenge plot is amazing and page-turning. I devoured this book so much that I didn’t even realize it had ended until I got to the very end.
I definitely recommend for a quick read. I love the series, and can’t wait for another book.
Don’t forget to read trigger warnings. It’s a bit heavy, and not for everyone.
I received an ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2026
4.5 stars. After a raid on her family leaves her father and sisters dead, Helena is at death’s door after the brutal attack. Xenia comes through, kills all of the raiders and saves Helena by turning her into a vampire. I loved this one. It’s the first book where Xenia and Anna are apart for a good bit of it. It’s Helena and Xenia trying to get back to the castle. I really liked this part of the book. Xenia showing Helena what it was to be a vampire and how to survive was intriguing and the chemistry between all three characters was so good. Helena really fits right in with Anna and Xenia and is a great match for them. I have an ARC of book five and will be starting that immediately.
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥 ❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥 ❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
January 20, 2026
So far, this is definitely the novella in this series that stood out to me. I connected with Helena's character in a way I didn't with the MCs from the previous books, and her feelings around everything that happens to her resonated. This is also the most action-packed of the stories so far, while having less of a spooky factor. I'm enjoying the nuances that each new volume brings to the question of vampirism and vampire lore, and I like how the author really engages with ideas around monsters, what makes monsters so, and what actions can be considered monstrous.
My only gripe with this book is the man-hate, but it does have a place within the setting and with regards to the girl-power trip this series is clearly on. So, fun but not quite as socially grounded as I would have liked to be able to truly love the series. I understand that this is a matter of personal preference, so if you love man-bashing girl-bosses, this will definitely be the series for you. 4,5 stars.
My only gripe with this book is the man-hate, but it does have a place within the setting and with regards to the girl-power trip this series is clearly on. So, fun but not quite as socially grounded as I would have liked to be able to truly love the series. I understand that this is a matter of personal preference, so if you love man-bashing girl-bosses, this will definitely be the series for you. 4,5 stars.
December 15, 2025
If there’s one thing Sophia can do, it’s dark, gritty, gothic angst and she nails it every time.
This book is somehow both lighter and darker than the previous and it truly hooks you in and drags you with it.
Helena is found on the worst day of her life by Xenia but will this end well? or will it end tragically like before?
Once again Xenia and Anna do not disappoint, I adore their dynamic and can’t get enough of their unraveling story.
Helena brings a new element to the dynamic, with a new thirst for blood, revenge and things she never dreamed of being a part of.
I thoroughly devoured this book and cannot wait to find out what happens next.
🩸As Always, your mental heath matters so please check triggers warnings before any dark read🩸
This book is somehow both lighter and darker than the previous and it truly hooks you in and drags you with it.
Helena is found on the worst day of her life by Xenia but will this end well? or will it end tragically like before?
Once again Xenia and Anna do not disappoint, I adore their dynamic and can’t get enough of their unraveling story.
Helena brings a new element to the dynamic, with a new thirst for blood, revenge and things she never dreamed of being a part of.
I thoroughly devoured this book and cannot wait to find out what happens next.
🩸As Always, your mental heath matters so please check triggers warnings before any dark read🩸
December 16, 2025
I received an ARC and this is the first book of Johnson’s that I’ve read. Do I plan on reading anymore of this authors books (yes)
3.5 / 5 stars
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ (open door F/F/F and F/F)
Do you want to live? 🩸
Dark, atmospheric, and brimming with tension, this story pulls you into a world of secrets and vengeance.
The heroine’s journey is compelling, though the pacing sometimes drags and a few twists feel familiar. Although the plot for the first 3/4 of the book had me turning those pages at lighting speed!!!!
Johnson’s vivid writing and morally complex characters made for a solid quick read! If you enjoy gothic intrigue, layered emotions, and a little FFF action 😉, this one’s for you.
3.5 / 5 stars
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ (open door F/F/F and F/F)
Do you want to live? 🩸
Dark, atmospheric, and brimming with tension, this story pulls you into a world of secrets and vengeance.
The heroine’s journey is compelling, though the pacing sometimes drags and a few twists feel familiar. Although the plot for the first 3/4 of the book had me turning those pages at lighting speed!!!!
Johnson’s vivid writing and morally complex characters made for a solid quick read! If you enjoy gothic intrigue, layered emotions, and a little FFF action 😉, this one’s for you.
December 7, 2025
Helena lost everything she loved due to raiders invading her home. Xenia arrives but she is too late to save anyone but Helena. All through this story Xenia gives Helena choses on how she would like her life to be. When they get close enough to the castle Anna finds them. To say Anna is shocked is an understatement. How did someone who never wanted to change anyone, just up and change someone without Anna's judgement. Will Helena fit in to the family they want to create?? I actually am enjoying this series and can't wait for more. I will also be reading her other series', I enjoy the author's writing style
December 21, 2025
I picked up The Wrath She Awakened after missing the 3rd book in the series and it didn’t cause me the confusion I thought it would. I didn’t feel like I was missing any key plot moments from the previous book. I didn’t mind this book as spicy as the previous ones but that’s okay, the book focused more on Helena and her growth as a person, woman and new vampire. I found Helena’s character to be the most relatable to so far for me personally and I really understood her thirst for revenge. I’m excited to see where the series takes these three, and I hope to be reading more about Helena in the future!
January 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW - I want to thank the author for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review.
THIS! I CAN NOT STRESS ENOUGH - IS the book we have been waiting for in this series. The MC's truly developed into their own and started with a bang from the beginning. Book 3 left us with a cliff hanger that got resolved half way through, but you'll love how this one started, especially with a new butch vampire you all have been wanting if you follow the series. F/F/F true throuple, written with lighter spice and more of a plotline, makes this novella a must-read. This can also be read as a stand-alone.
THIS! I CAN NOT STRESS ENOUGH - IS the book we have been waiting for in this series. The MC's truly developed into their own and started with a bang from the beginning. Book 3 left us with a cliff hanger that got resolved half way through, but you'll love how this one started, especially with a new butch vampire you all have been wanting if you follow the series. F/F/F true throuple, written with lighter spice and more of a plotline, makes this novella a must-read. This can also be read as a stand-alone.
December 15, 2025
God I love this series and I love these women. I liked that we got to spend more time with the OG, Xenia, and see how the years have changed her personally, and not just her relationship with Anna. Also enjoyed the travelling/quest vibe of this. Of course I fell for our new girl Helena too, her thirst for revenge and, well, blood was satisfying, as was her realising there could be more than vengeance in her new life. As always, check TWs, and also as always, I highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2026
This is a very short, quick sapphic story. After an attack on her family leaves her on the edge of death, a vampire (Xenia) offers Helena the chance to become immortal. This is my first time reading anything by this Author and I did enjoy the story, but I wish there had been more depth to it. I also did not care for the way intimacy and sex between the characters was described (just not my cup of tea).
A big thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
A big thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
December 8, 2025
I’ve been a fan of this series and the 4th book kept that standard high.
Make sure you read the TW cause this might not be for everybody. But if you decide to give this book a go, you’ll not be disappointed.
The relationship between the 3 MC’s, works really good. Their energies flow really well together.
I loved the complexity of Helena and her story. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series and see where their story goes.
I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntarily review.
Make sure you read the TW cause this might not be for everybody. But if you decide to give this book a go, you’ll not be disappointed.
The relationship between the 3 MC’s, works really good. Their energies flow really well together.
I loved the complexity of Helena and her story. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series and see where their story goes.
I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntarily review.
December 15, 2025
What a thrilling short and spicy read!
Almost from page 1, this book is action-packed and engaging.
Even with so few pages, the author manages to paint a vivid image of each character’s personalities which makes the reader feel immersed within the world she has created.
Johnson’s writing is excellently descriptive in both the action scenes and those that are softer in nature.
With just the right amount of spice, this short read was a super enjoyable one!
Almost from page 1, this book is action-packed and engaging.
Even with so few pages, the author manages to paint a vivid image of each character’s personalities which makes the reader feel immersed within the world she has created.
Johnson’s writing is excellently descriptive in both the action scenes and those that are softer in nature.
With just the right amount of spice, this short read was a super enjoyable one!
January 4, 2026
I was selected to ARC read for this book. I will say that it is a book series but could be read as a standalone as well. You get a feel for our FMC Helena and what she has been through in her short life. The heart ache and the growth of her in this short book. Our other FMC’s Anna and Xenia are amazingly placed and I love the characters dynamic is great. I wish it was longer but I can not wait to see what happens next for our three ladies!!!! Go check out this book and others by Sophia Rose.
December 29, 2025
I really enjoyed book 4 "The Wrath She Awakened" in the Wives of the Vampire Queen series by Sophia-Rose Johnson. Just like the other four novellas I was hooked and I felt like I was coming back into the story of Xenia and Anna. It was nice to get back into Xenia's point of view. Wonderful addition to the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It took a bit for me to get into this book but once I did, I really enjoyed it.
Xenia has been my favourite character throughout the series so seeing her character build and grow as such a strong and empowering character is truly wonderful.
Xenia has been my favourite character throughout the series so seeing her character build and grow as such a strong and empowering character is truly wonderful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delicious sapphic vampire story.
Very entertaining, delightful amount of blood and passion
Very entertaining, delightful amount of blood and passion
January 2, 2026
This is one of my favorite series. I'm loving how the story just keeps progressing. Helena is absolutely one of my favorite characters. Can't wait to see what the next story has in store.
December 9, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is the first book I have read by her.
The beginning completely described why the Helena would be angry. The scene was set, the characters were there, and her anger and revenge was completely justified. Once the vampire, Xenia, made her appearance, I was cheering for the carnage. However, there was not much character development between the Helena and Xenia. With the complete description of what happened to Helena's family (check your triggers), I wanted there to be just as much description about Helena's development as a vampire and Xenia's past. After Helena and Xenia meet, the plot seemed kind of rushed. Overall, I enjoyed the read and will probably continue the series.
The beginning completely described why the Helena would be angry. The scene was set, the characters were there, and her anger and revenge was completely justified. Once the vampire, Xenia, made her appearance, I was cheering for the carnage. However, there was not much character development between the Helena and Xenia. With the complete description of what happened to Helena's family (check your triggers), I wanted there to be just as much description about Helena's development as a vampire and Xenia's past. After Helena and Xenia meet, the plot seemed kind of rushed. Overall, I enjoyed the read and will probably continue the series.
January 21, 2026
"The rage and craving and thirst were the only things that proved she was still alive when every other part of her was dead."
Helena is the eldest of eight daughters, resigned to a life of hard labor on her family’s farm where she is undervalued and overworked. But when a brutal group of raiders attacks her home and slaughters her family, Helena’s mortal life ends in blood and fire. Saved from the brink of death by Xenia, a mysterious and ancient vampire, Helena is offered a choice: die, or turn into a monster to exact her revenge. Choosing an eternal life of bloodlust, Helena must navigate her terrifying new hunger, travel across a dangerous wilderness, and integrate into a vampire coven where she learns there is more to unlife than survival.
The Character Arc
The absolute standout of this novella is Helena’s growth. At the beginning, she is weighed down by internalized misogyny and trauma—viewing herself as "manly," an "oaf," and unworthy of love because she didn't fit the mold her abusive father wanted.
Sophia-Rose Johnson does a wonderful job using vampirism as a vehicle for self-acceptance. As Helena transforms, she stops viewing her size and strength as liabilities and starts seeing them as assets. Watching her shift from hiding her body to becoming a "Duchess" who allows herself to be worshipped by her partners is incredibly satisfying. It is a journey of reclaiming bodily autonomy in the most visceral way possible.
Strong Points
Visceral Writing: The author has a talent for gritty, sensory details. The descriptions of the bloodlust are intense and tactile—you can feel the dryness in Helena's throat. It grounds the fantasy elements in a dark reality.
Unique Tone: This is a true Dark Romance, Grimdark story that isn't afraid of blood or gore. It creates a high-stakes atmosphere that contrasts well with the softer, romantic moments later on.
Pacing: As a novella, it moves fast. The transition from survival story to sapphic polyamorous romance is quick and flawless that keeps you engaged.
Recommendation
I highly recommend The Wrath She Awakened to readers who enjoy dark romance, sapphic fantasy and paranormal erotica. If you are looking for a quick, spicy read that features a strong female protagonist learning to love herself amidst a backdrop of violence and revenge, this book is for you.
(Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Helena is the eldest of eight daughters, resigned to a life of hard labor on her family’s farm where she is undervalued and overworked. But when a brutal group of raiders attacks her home and slaughters her family, Helena’s mortal life ends in blood and fire. Saved from the brink of death by Xenia, a mysterious and ancient vampire, Helena is offered a choice: die, or turn into a monster to exact her revenge. Choosing an eternal life of bloodlust, Helena must navigate her terrifying new hunger, travel across a dangerous wilderness, and integrate into a vampire coven where she learns there is more to unlife than survival.
The Character Arc
The absolute standout of this novella is Helena’s growth. At the beginning, she is weighed down by internalized misogyny and trauma—viewing herself as "manly," an "oaf," and unworthy of love because she didn't fit the mold her abusive father wanted.
Sophia-Rose Johnson does a wonderful job using vampirism as a vehicle for self-acceptance. As Helena transforms, she stops viewing her size and strength as liabilities and starts seeing them as assets. Watching her shift from hiding her body to becoming a "Duchess" who allows herself to be worshipped by her partners is incredibly satisfying. It is a journey of reclaiming bodily autonomy in the most visceral way possible.
Strong Points
Visceral Writing: The author has a talent for gritty, sensory details. The descriptions of the bloodlust are intense and tactile—you can feel the dryness in Helena's throat. It grounds the fantasy elements in a dark reality.
Unique Tone: This is a true Dark Romance, Grimdark story that isn't afraid of blood or gore. It creates a high-stakes atmosphere that contrasts well with the softer, romantic moments later on.
Pacing: As a novella, it moves fast. The transition from survival story to sapphic polyamorous romance is quick and flawless that keeps you engaged.
Recommendation
I highly recommend The Wrath She Awakened to readers who enjoy dark romance, sapphic fantasy and paranormal erotica. If you are looking for a quick, spicy read that features a strong female protagonist learning to love herself amidst a backdrop of violence and revenge, this book is for you.
(Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
January 3, 2026
The family expands.
In the last book they tried adding Eudoxia to the family and we never knew if it was successful or not.
Helena and her family is attacked by a band of raiders who do unspeakable things to them and killed all of them, but Xenia found Helena before she could die and turned her into a vampire. They then went on a revenge spree of the raiders camp before going back to the castle. Anna wasn't happy at first, but in the end they grow close too.
In the last book they tried adding Eudoxia to the family and we never knew if it was successful or not.
Helena and her family is attacked by a band of raiders who do unspeakable things to them and killed all of them, but Xenia found Helena before she could die and turned her into a vampire. They then went on a revenge spree of the raiders camp before going back to the castle. Anna wasn't happy at first, but in the end they grow close too.
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