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Lord of Shadow and Blood
After being turned into a shadow-wielding, bloodthirsty Daemon in 1649 by Lilith, Xander moves through his dark, immortal life with new meaning. As the first Lamia on earth, he must lead the Courts of Daemonium to maintain the balance between mortals and Daemons. More importantly, he must ensure he remains in control of his own mind to prevent Lilith from taking over again. Those around him are not safe, he can never allow anyone too close. Yet in 1882, his entire world shifts in the most unexpected of ways…
Adriana is an inexperienced Luciferus Incantrix who will take her great-grandmother’s seat in the Courts. Her light-summoning power is the strongest hope they have in the fight against Lilith, but she is burdened by self-doubt and unable to bring forth the magic they need—until she meets him.
With Xander’s guidance and antagonising antics, Adriana must use her emotions to strengthen her magic. But can she live up to such high expectations? Will she be the saviour they need? Or will the pressure and her conflicted feelings for Xander be her downfall… and his?
Her light has the ability to cut through his darkness, to shine through his despair. And she has the power to destroy every ounce of his control.
Lord of Shadow and Blood is the first book in the dark fantasy series, The Courts of Daemonium, and is intended for mature audiences. Please check trigger warnings before proceeding
Adriana is an inexperienced Luciferus Incantrix who will take her great-grandmother’s seat in the Courts. Her light-summoning power is the strongest hope they have in the fight against Lilith, but she is burdened by self-doubt and unable to bring forth the magic they need—until she meets him.
With Xander’s guidance and antagonising antics, Adriana must use her emotions to strengthen her magic. But can she live up to such high expectations? Will she be the saviour they need? Or will the pressure and her conflicted feelings for Xander be her downfall… and his?
Her light has the ability to cut through his darkness, to shine through his despair. And she has the power to destroy every ounce of his control.
Lord of Shadow and Blood is the first book in the dark fantasy series, The Courts of Daemonium, and is intended for mature audiences. Please check trigger warnings before proceeding
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 7, 2025
I fear my heart is lost in the Lord of Blood & Shadows !
So let me explain. From the start of book you step into a time capsular, war, despair, fear … pure chaos of man.
Alexander Duran has been fighting for his LIFE ! He’s the kind of man that put responsibility above happiness, his family above his selfish needs. He succumbed to the voice disguised a salvation. Only to damn himself and his brother to life as a Lamia.
Adriana ! A woman so tender with the heart of a thousand lions.I just love how even in the face of adversity she will speak up EVERY-TIME. I cried when Adriana cried, I laughed when Adriana laughed. And I felt physical and emotional pain when Adriana begged for “no more”
And this is only book 1
Striga is hilariously delightful. A great grand mother we can all relate to.
Nicolia, a great sense of humour, however touch what is his and die
…. Fight me later but I’m starting to think Norman is just a misunderstood man.
Im soo in love with this book not just for the romance but there wasn’t a single moment I felt like I was disconnected. The plot of this story has you asking question and checking the corner of your room for unnatural shadows. I WAS LOST every step of the way. As the plot evolves there is so much information to take in from characters, back door deals and time period caricature. Remember this is only book 1 !
So let me explain. From the start of book you step into a time capsular, war, despair, fear … pure chaos of man.
Alexander Duran has been fighting for his LIFE ! He’s the kind of man that put responsibility above happiness, his family above his selfish needs. He succumbed to the voice disguised a salvation. Only to damn himself and his brother to life as a Lamia.
Adriana ! A woman so tender with the heart of a thousand lions.I just love how even in the face of adversity she will speak up EVERY-TIME. I cried when Adriana cried, I laughed when Adriana laughed. And I felt physical and emotional pain when Adriana begged for “no more”
And this is only book 1
Striga is hilariously delightful. A great grand mother we can all relate to.
Nicolia, a great sense of humour, however touch what is his and die
…. Fight me later but I’m starting to think Norman is just a misunderstood man.
Im soo in love with this book not just for the romance but there wasn’t a single moment I felt like I was disconnected. The plot of this story has you asking question and checking the corner of your room for unnatural shadows. I WAS LOST every step of the way. As the plot evolves there is so much information to take in from characters, back door deals and time period caricature. Remember this is only book 1 !
June 12, 2026
Here we meet Xander, turned into a creature who controls darkness alongside his war brothers, all bound under Lilith’s control until they break it. From there the Court of Daemonium is formed and Xander eventually meets Ariana.
What I loved most is how this book explores love, hate, fear, and trauma response. The author handles it perfectly in a way that actually resonates and feels real.
The story spans centuries but it’s done with such skill that it never drags or loses anything. Xander and Ariana’s personalities and growth are tracked flawlessly and every change makes sense.
And the twists! Just when I thought I knew where it was going I was completely off the mark.
If you want dark fantasy romance with emotional depth + centuries of history + actual character evolution this is it.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
What I loved most is how this book explores love, hate, fear, and trauma response. The author handles it perfectly in a way that actually resonates and feels real.
The story spans centuries but it’s done with such skill that it never drags or loses anything. Xander and Ariana’s personalities and growth are tracked flawlessly and every change makes sense.
And the twists! Just when I thought I knew where it was going I was completely off the mark.
If you want dark fantasy romance with emotional depth + centuries of history + actual character evolution this is it.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
November 20, 2025
“Lord of Shadow and Blood” is the debut novel from Lucy May Smith, and the first book of “The Courts of Daemonium” series. And what a debut it is!
Smith’s intricate lore and world building makes for an in-depth read, one that’s captivating and evocative, with rich and multifaceted characters that deal with real trauma and mental health issues, alongside the fantastical challenges they face. Yes, this version of our world is steeped in mythology and the supernatural, but thanks to these developed and interesting characters, it’s still hugely relatable.
What also makes it relatable is the social and political commentary that is purposely reflective of the troubles of the world today, using the ever-successful trope of a rebellion of outcasts against a tyrannical leader/political leadership. However, it’s Smith’s fearless and unapologetic ability to go to extra mile into dark places that not only subverts expectations, but flat out flips the table, scattering them across the floor.
Smith’s use of prose is noteworthy, too. Inspired by classic authors such as Hardy, Brontë, and Stoker, her language is elevated, but without being obnoxious, and flows like poetry. She doesn’t patronise her audience, nor does she alienate; she writes with the perfect balance of someone educated, passionate, and astute in her craft.
Not just the classics, Smith is also knowledgeable in various mythological concepts and lore, evolving and weaving them together into something unique and complex; this book being only the tip of the iceberg of the overall series plot (as well as several novellas – the first of which, “Tales of Daemonium: Volume One” is out on 14th February 2026 - see my ARC review). As her editor*, let me assure you, this is just the beginning.
But don’t worry, there’s a healthy dose of romance, humour, and wholesomeness in amongst the fighting, and battles, and politics. Our lovable, headstrong FMC, Adriana, and infuriating yet charming MMC, Xander (a new Shadow Daddy Book Boyfriend for you all, say thank ya 🙏), lay the groundwork for gleeful kicking of feet, swooning, giggling at 2am when you know you have a 9am meeting, and some delectable scenes that create quite a storm (barn scene, I’m looking at you 👀).
It is impossible to not be enraptured by these two characters but their romance, whilst a through line in the book, is not the main focus overall, and is also not all what these two are about. They have histories independent of each other, distinct personalities, flaws, highs and lows, growth and incredibly strong arcs. Their story isn’t just about love and sex, cute banter and chemistry; they have agendas and desires beyond each other, with deeper, individual narratives that would still stand if the romance were to be removed. Smith understands how to make characters nuanced and fully developed, whilst also providing all the things we want in a Romantasy – enemies-to-lovers, “touch her and die” vibes, spice, emotional highs, dreams and hope and… and then she’ll flay every good feeling from you, discarding them in bloody shreds, and leaving you to wonder what the f— just happened.
Do not expect this to be your standard Fantasy Romance/Romantasy. Do not think you can predict how Smith will weave this tale or future ones. You cannot.
I am continually astounded by the depth of knowledge, consideration, and imagination in Smith’s writing. Follow her, follow her books - she will astound you, too.
*Whilst I am her editor, I wish to assure you this review is unbiased and honest. I was introduced to her work by a mutual friend and was instantly blown away – before she even came on as a client. Lucy is genuinely an excellent storyteller and I’m grateful for our partnership every day.
Smith’s intricate lore and world building makes for an in-depth read, one that’s captivating and evocative, with rich and multifaceted characters that deal with real trauma and mental health issues, alongside the fantastical challenges they face. Yes, this version of our world is steeped in mythology and the supernatural, but thanks to these developed and interesting characters, it’s still hugely relatable.
What also makes it relatable is the social and political commentary that is purposely reflective of the troubles of the world today, using the ever-successful trope of a rebellion of outcasts against a tyrannical leader/political leadership. However, it’s Smith’s fearless and unapologetic ability to go to extra mile into dark places that not only subverts expectations, but flat out flips the table, scattering them across the floor.
Smith’s use of prose is noteworthy, too. Inspired by classic authors such as Hardy, Brontë, and Stoker, her language is elevated, but without being obnoxious, and flows like poetry. She doesn’t patronise her audience, nor does she alienate; she writes with the perfect balance of someone educated, passionate, and astute in her craft.
Not just the classics, Smith is also knowledgeable in various mythological concepts and lore, evolving and weaving them together into something unique and complex; this book being only the tip of the iceberg of the overall series plot (as well as several novellas – the first of which, “Tales of Daemonium: Volume One” is out on 14th February 2026 - see my ARC review). As her editor*, let me assure you, this is just the beginning.
But don’t worry, there’s a healthy dose of romance, humour, and wholesomeness in amongst the fighting, and battles, and politics. Our lovable, headstrong FMC, Adriana, and infuriating yet charming MMC, Xander (a new Shadow Daddy Book Boyfriend for you all, say thank ya 🙏), lay the groundwork for gleeful kicking of feet, swooning, giggling at 2am when you know you have a 9am meeting, and some delectable scenes that create quite a storm (barn scene, I’m looking at you 👀).
It is impossible to not be enraptured by these two characters but their romance, whilst a through line in the book, is not the main focus overall, and is also not all what these two are about. They have histories independent of each other, distinct personalities, flaws, highs and lows, growth and incredibly strong arcs. Their story isn’t just about love and sex, cute banter and chemistry; they have agendas and desires beyond each other, with deeper, individual narratives that would still stand if the romance were to be removed. Smith understands how to make characters nuanced and fully developed, whilst also providing all the things we want in a Romantasy – enemies-to-lovers, “touch her and die” vibes, spice, emotional highs, dreams and hope and… and then she’ll flay every good feeling from you, discarding them in bloody shreds, and leaving you to wonder what the f— just happened.
Do not expect this to be your standard Fantasy Romance/Romantasy. Do not think you can predict how Smith will weave this tale or future ones. You cannot.
I am continually astounded by the depth of knowledge, consideration, and imagination in Smith’s writing. Follow her, follow her books - she will astound you, too.
*Whilst I am her editor, I wish to assure you this review is unbiased and honest. I was introduced to her work by a mutual friend and was instantly blown away – before she even came on as a client. Lucy is genuinely an excellent storyteller and I’m grateful for our partnership every day.
May 23, 2026
I can't explain how much this read ticked so many boxes for me! It gave me Pride & Prejudice but with magic and races. It gave me twists I didn't see twisting & left me with questions I needed answering!
.
The characters I loved, even the "side" characters. Some especially political reads can be overwhelming with names and places and then like but this was considered and easy to keep pace with. I adored the magic systems and the markings.... omlife I want tattoos so bad now 🤣
.
Brooding MMC, witty and bold FMC, tragedy, other realms, wolves, political intrigue, fighting to give your loved ones a better future. Burning the world down to keep the ones you love ❤️🔥❤️🔥
.
Tick, tick, tick
.
The characters I loved, even the "side" characters. Some especially political reads can be overwhelming with names and places and then like but this was considered and easy to keep pace with. I adored the magic systems and the markings.... omlife I want tattoos so bad now 🤣
.
Brooding MMC, witty and bold FMC, tragedy, other realms, wolves, political intrigue, fighting to give your loved ones a better future. Burning the world down to keep the ones you love ❤️🔥❤️🔥
.
Tick, tick, tick
April 30, 2026
This book?? Dark, seductive, and completely addictive. I was hooked from the first page and did NOT recover 😮🔥
Immortal daemon courts, shadow magic, and a MMC who is constantly fighting to keep the darkness from consuming him?? Yeah… this hit EVERYTHING I love.
Xander is that morally grey, powerful, slightly unhinged energy I will always fall for. The internal battle he’s fighting—trying to hold onto control while something darker threatens to take over?? It adds so much intensity to every single moment.
And then there’s Adriana—light against his shadow. The contrast between them?? Perfect. She’s powerful but uncertain, and watching her grow into that power while being pulled deeper into Xander’s world was so satisfying.
The tension between them?? Unreal.
The push and pull of light vs. darkness, control vs. desire, power vs. vulnerability… it’s constant and it HURTS in the best way 🔥
And the world-building?? Rich, layered, and darkly atmospheric. Courts, politics, ancient power, and a looming threat that keeps the stakes high the entire time.
✨ Read this if you love:
🖤 dark fantasy romance
🔥 morally grey, powerful MMCs
✨ light x darkness dynamics
👀 tension-filled, slow-burn connection
⚔️ immortal beings, courts, and high stakes
This one is intense, emotional, and completely consuming—I’m already obsessed with this world 🖤
#darkfantasy #fantasyromance #morallygrey #bookstagram #fivestarread
Immortal daemon courts, shadow magic, and a MMC who is constantly fighting to keep the darkness from consuming him?? Yeah… this hit EVERYTHING I love.
Xander is that morally grey, powerful, slightly unhinged energy I will always fall for. The internal battle he’s fighting—trying to hold onto control while something darker threatens to take over?? It adds so much intensity to every single moment.
And then there’s Adriana—light against his shadow. The contrast between them?? Perfect. She’s powerful but uncertain, and watching her grow into that power while being pulled deeper into Xander’s world was so satisfying.
The tension between them?? Unreal.
The push and pull of light vs. darkness, control vs. desire, power vs. vulnerability… it’s constant and it HURTS in the best way 🔥
And the world-building?? Rich, layered, and darkly atmospheric. Courts, politics, ancient power, and a looming threat that keeps the stakes high the entire time.
✨ Read this if you love:
🖤 dark fantasy romance
🔥 morally grey, powerful MMCs
✨ light x darkness dynamics
👀 tension-filled, slow-burn connection
⚔️ immortal beings, courts, and high stakes
This one is intense, emotional, and completely consuming—I’m already obsessed with this world 🖤
#darkfantasy #fantasyromance #morallygrey #bookstagram #fivestarread
December 17, 2025
Lord of Shadow and Blood is a dark, dystopian fantasy packed with political intrigue, a fresh take on Daemons (witches, vampires, wolves) and a magic system born from tragic origins. Unfortunately for the characters, the tragedy doesn't stop there. Nowhere close!!
The story starts off as a period piece and by the end of part one, you take a disparaging tumble into present day. The AGONY I felt for Adriana and Xander.. Their love story is fated to be tragic and I can only hope that they find the solid ground their relationship needs in the end.
But in the meantime….gimme all the drama, civil unrest, war, angry Gods, alliances, betrayals and emotional damage 😈😈
“I cannot decide if you are my salvation or my torment. Here you stand, the beacon in my darkness, the sun that warms my frozen life. With every look, every touch, you are the harbinger of my downfall. You have the potential to ruin my control of everything that I am, everything I have tried to hide.”
P.s. I signed up for the Shadow Daddy MMC with an infuriating mouth and fell in love with the badass, tortured soul of the FMC. After everything she endures, she holds on to her humanity, protecting the vulnerable and somehow till possesses the ability to love and be loved. I will say no more so I don’t spoil anything.
I also love that Adriana is just as (and eventually MORE) powerful than the dark & dangerous, feared-by-all, first vampire in existence—Xander.
Make sure when you inevitably throw your kindle, you aim for something soft! Happy reading! 🥲
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5! 🌶️🌶️
LoSaB is the first book in a NA dark romantasy trilogy!
I'm so honored to have received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and freely given.
The story starts off as a period piece and by the end of part one, you take a disparaging tumble into present day. The AGONY I felt for Adriana and Xander.. Their love story is fated to be tragic and I can only hope that they find the solid ground their relationship needs in the end.
But in the meantime….gimme all the drama, civil unrest, war, angry Gods, alliances, betrayals and emotional damage 😈😈
“I cannot decide if you are my salvation or my torment. Here you stand, the beacon in my darkness, the sun that warms my frozen life. With every look, every touch, you are the harbinger of my downfall. You have the potential to ruin my control of everything that I am, everything I have tried to hide.”
P.s. I signed up for the Shadow Daddy MMC with an infuriating mouth and fell in love with the badass, tortured soul of the FMC. After everything she endures, she holds on to her humanity, protecting the vulnerable and somehow till possesses the ability to love and be loved. I will say no more so I don’t spoil anything.
I also love that Adriana is just as (and eventually MORE) powerful than the dark & dangerous, feared-by-all, first vampire in existence—Xander.
Make sure when you inevitably throw your kindle, you aim for something soft! Happy reading! 🥲
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5! 🌶️🌶️
LoSaB is the first book in a NA dark romantasy trilogy!
I'm so honored to have received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and freely given.
December 21, 2025
Tropes
🥀 Friends to lovers to enemies
🩸Betrayals
🥀Alliances
🩸Daemons x Witches x Werewolves
🥀Multiple POV’s
🩸Magic
🥀Shadow wielder
Lord of Shadow and Blood is not for the weak hearted. This book seeps tragedy and the author has you seconding guessing characters motives throughout. I’d like me you enjoyed the scenes of Stefans blood rage from The Vampire Diaries, then look no further. There is plenty of blood lust and rage that makes his antics seem unworthy.
Lucy has created a world where pain, suffering and hope all collide together and you are praying these characters make it out alive or at least in one piece.
(When you get to chapter 14, you will know) 👀
I absolutely adored the multiple POV’s and how the story is set across multiple timelines to get a full picture of how the story is unfolding.
By the end of this, I wasn’t sure I loved or hated characters! Who do I send my bill for emotional damage too??
This book ended with a cliffhanger that had me screaming at ungodly hours in the morning “Haven’t they been through enough”
I’m looking forward to seeing how the author takes the story in the next book! Lilith is not my friend, I despise this character with all my being!
🥀 Friends to lovers to enemies
🩸Betrayals
🥀Alliances
🩸Daemons x Witches x Werewolves
🥀Multiple POV’s
🩸Magic
🥀Shadow wielder
Lord of Shadow and Blood is not for the weak hearted. This book seeps tragedy and the author has you seconding guessing characters motives throughout. I’d like me you enjoyed the scenes of Stefans blood rage from The Vampire Diaries, then look no further. There is plenty of blood lust and rage that makes his antics seem unworthy.
Lucy has created a world where pain, suffering and hope all collide together and you are praying these characters make it out alive or at least in one piece.
(When you get to chapter 14, you will know) 👀
I absolutely adored the multiple POV’s and how the story is set across multiple timelines to get a full picture of how the story is unfolding.
By the end of this, I wasn’t sure I loved or hated characters! Who do I send my bill for emotional damage too??
This book ended with a cliffhanger that had me screaming at ungodly hours in the morning “Haven’t they been through enough”
I’m looking forward to seeing how the author takes the story in the next book! Lilith is not my friend, I despise this character with all my being!
January 12, 2026
This book...it has torn my heart out and left it in pieces in the BEST way. I admit, while reading part 1 I was a little nervous that it was leaning toward instalove, but the more I read, the more I realized that Lucy had something up her sleeve and unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it!) I was right. By the end of Part 1, I was left staring at the ceiling and devoured the rest of the book so quickly. Lucy's writing will hook you instantly, like a Lure, and keep you in its thrall til the last page, when you end up desperate for book 2 (like me!).
December 30, 2025
If you love vampires, dual timelines, and beautifully written emotional trauma, this is the book you need in your life. I’m rereading it right now after devouring it last year, and it is DEVASTATINGLY good 🧛 the kind of story that lingers long after you finish the last page.
Prepare to fall in love, break a little, and lose sleep because you won’t want to put it down. Go support my friend and grab your copy! 🖤📖✨
Prepare to fall in love, break a little, and lose sleep because you won’t want to put it down. Go support my friend and grab your copy! 🖤📖✨
August 11, 2026
This book took me on an absolute roller coaster!! I am utterly mindblown. This book was the perfect fast paced, dark, gothic, vampires (with a twist) fantasy vibe, with so much tension, so many twists and the most chaotic romance🫣
When I thought I knew what was happening, it would completely twist in another direction I was never expecting! The emotions this took me through was insane, one minute I'd be excited and giddy, the next my heart was being torn out. The twist in the middle of the book!? If you know, you know...because oh my god!!!!
Okay, so at the beginning it was a little bit of a slow start. The first 50 or so pages took me a while to get to grips with. There was a lot of characters and new terminology to keep up with. However, with that being said, I can really tell how much effort the author put in to create this entirely unique fantasy world. Yes it was set in the UK, but other than the names of the locations, I felt completely immersed into this world!
The magic system was just incredible. It was vampires, witches and werewolves but with a twist. Not your basic fantasy creatures, this was an entirely new concept and I found it so intriguing to read and learn about. Again, it took a little getting used to, to learn all of the new terminology, but it was so well written and with the definitions at the start, I got to grips with it fairly easily. I also absolutely loved the concept of the tattoos demonstrating each of their "powers", I just thought it was such a unique idea!!
The politics was sooo intriguing. Honestly, I felt a huge connection to some of the political issues in the UK in current times. But the courts, and the battles added incredible tense scenes, I was on the edge of my seat (particularly the last 100 pages!)
The romance was the most chaotic thing ive ever read...but somehow in the best way possible. I can't even explain it without giving spoilers, but my god I was dragged through a whirlwind of emotions and experiences 🤣 I was nervous at first because im really not a huge fan of insta-love, however once you understand the story and read on, it makes so much sense to the plot and isn't your typical insta-love situation!
The time jump threw me off a little bit at first. I was loving the 1800s dark bridgerton with vampires vibes (that's my only way if describing it😂) so when it jumped to present day (2022) I was so confused. But, again...Lucy knows exactly what she is doing because I needn't have been confused!! It all made sense and worked so well with the plot!! I have learned to never question Lucy May Smith's writing choices, because she is doing everything for a perfect reason😍😂
Overall such an amazing book, and I can't wait to read the next one!!
When I thought I knew what was happening, it would completely twist in another direction I was never expecting! The emotions this took me through was insane, one minute I'd be excited and giddy, the next my heart was being torn out. The twist in the middle of the book!? If you know, you know...because oh my god!!!!
Okay, so at the beginning it was a little bit of a slow start. The first 50 or so pages took me a while to get to grips with. There was a lot of characters and new terminology to keep up with. However, with that being said, I can really tell how much effort the author put in to create this entirely unique fantasy world. Yes it was set in the UK, but other than the names of the locations, I felt completely immersed into this world!
The magic system was just incredible. It was vampires, witches and werewolves but with a twist. Not your basic fantasy creatures, this was an entirely new concept and I found it so intriguing to read and learn about. Again, it took a little getting used to, to learn all of the new terminology, but it was so well written and with the definitions at the start, I got to grips with it fairly easily. I also absolutely loved the concept of the tattoos demonstrating each of their "powers", I just thought it was such a unique idea!!
The politics was sooo intriguing. Honestly, I felt a huge connection to some of the political issues in the UK in current times. But the courts, and the battles added incredible tense scenes, I was on the edge of my seat (particularly the last 100 pages!)
The romance was the most chaotic thing ive ever read...but somehow in the best way possible. I can't even explain it without giving spoilers, but my god I was dragged through a whirlwind of emotions and experiences 🤣 I was nervous at first because im really not a huge fan of insta-love, however once you understand the story and read on, it makes so much sense to the plot and isn't your typical insta-love situation!
The time jump threw me off a little bit at first. I was loving the 1800s dark bridgerton with vampires vibes (that's my only way if describing it😂) so when it jumped to present day (2022) I was so confused. But, again...Lucy knows exactly what she is doing because I needn't have been confused!! It all made sense and worked so well with the plot!! I have learned to never question Lucy May Smith's writing choices, because she is doing everything for a perfect reason😍😂
Overall such an amazing book, and I can't wait to read the next one!!
June 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lord of Shadow and Blood was such a refreshing read because it isn’t your average romantasy. It has everything I love in a dark fantasy yearning, betrayal, trauma, political chaos, and characters who constantly keep you guessing.
Lucy’s writing is exquisite. The prose is intricate and completely lures you into the story, while the rich world-building creates an immersive reading experience that is impossible to walk away from. Add daemons, witches, and wolves into the mix, and you’ve got a world I never wanted to leave.
One of my favourite aspects was how unpredictable the characters were. Every time I thought I had someone figured out, the story proved me wrong. And hear me out Norman is misunderstood. I’m fully convinced a redemption arc is coming, and I’ll be waiting patiently for it.
The emotional depth of this book is phenomenal. Lucy has an incredible ability to put her characters’ emotions onto the page in a way that makes you feel every ounce of their pain, hope, and desperation.
As for that ending… Lucy really said, “Let’s hurt them again.” Just when I thought I’d suffered enough, she somehow managed to make it worse. Thanks for that. Also, can we please leave our boy alone for five minutes?
My only small complaints are that I would have loved more backstory on the original daemons because that lore fascinated me, and the Manchester references threw me out of the story for a moment. That’s entirely a me problem though, because I’m from Manchester, so suddenly seeing familiar places mentioned in the middle of this dark fantasy world felt a bit surreal!
That said, these are very minor gripes in an otherwise incredible book. What Lucy has created here is something special a dark, immersive fantasy full of political intrigue, heartbreak, and unforgettable characters. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next.
Lord of Shadow and Blood was such a refreshing read because it isn’t your average romantasy. It has everything I love in a dark fantasy yearning, betrayal, trauma, political chaos, and characters who constantly keep you guessing.
Lucy’s writing is exquisite. The prose is intricate and completely lures you into the story, while the rich world-building creates an immersive reading experience that is impossible to walk away from. Add daemons, witches, and wolves into the mix, and you’ve got a world I never wanted to leave.
One of my favourite aspects was how unpredictable the characters were. Every time I thought I had someone figured out, the story proved me wrong. And hear me out Norman is misunderstood. I’m fully convinced a redemption arc is coming, and I’ll be waiting patiently for it.
The emotional depth of this book is phenomenal. Lucy has an incredible ability to put her characters’ emotions onto the page in a way that makes you feel every ounce of their pain, hope, and desperation.
As for that ending… Lucy really said, “Let’s hurt them again.” Just when I thought I’d suffered enough, she somehow managed to make it worse. Thanks for that. Also, can we please leave our boy alone for five minutes?
My only small complaints are that I would have loved more backstory on the original daemons because that lore fascinated me, and the Manchester references threw me out of the story for a moment. That’s entirely a me problem though, because I’m from Manchester, so suddenly seeing familiar places mentioned in the middle of this dark fantasy world felt a bit surreal!
That said, these are very minor gripes in an otherwise incredible book. What Lucy has created here is something special a dark, immersive fantasy full of political intrigue, heartbreak, and unforgettable characters. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next.
June 14, 2026
WOW. Just WOW. 😮💨📖
This book absolutely GRIPPED me from the very first page and refused to let go. I was fully invested… and then the halfway point happened and I swear I was left staring at the wall in complete shock 😭🖤💀
Lucy May Smith has crafted a story that is dark, atmospheric, addictive, and utterly unforgettable. The darkness in this book is delicious 🖤🌙⚔️
This isn’t your typical romantasy. It leans heavily into:
🦇 Gothic horror
🖤 Dark fantasy
🕯️ Psychological elements
⚔️ High stakes and moral ambiguity
The romance is beautifully woven into the story rather than dominating it. The spice feels purposeful and meaningful, driving both the character development and the tension instead of simply existing for the sake of it 🔥✨
Tropes and themes I loved:
🖤 Light x Dark dynamic
⚔️ Morally grey male lead
💘 Enemies to lovers
🩹 Romance helping heal past trauma
🌙 Dark, haunting atmosphere
🔥 Tension that had me hooked
The characters felt complex and layered, and I became completely invested in their journeys. Every revelation pulled me deeper into the story and by the end I was desperate for more 😭📚
A dark, gothic fantasy that consumed my every thought and has immediately become one of my favourite reads of the year 🖤👑⚔️
Now excuse me while I devour Lady of Light and Death 😮💨📖🔥
This book absolutely GRIPPED me from the very first page and refused to let go. I was fully invested… and then the halfway point happened and I swear I was left staring at the wall in complete shock 😭🖤💀
Lucy May Smith has crafted a story that is dark, atmospheric, addictive, and utterly unforgettable. The darkness in this book is delicious 🖤🌙⚔️
This isn’t your typical romantasy. It leans heavily into:
🦇 Gothic horror
🖤 Dark fantasy
🕯️ Psychological elements
⚔️ High stakes and moral ambiguity
The romance is beautifully woven into the story rather than dominating it. The spice feels purposeful and meaningful, driving both the character development and the tension instead of simply existing for the sake of it 🔥✨
Tropes and themes I loved:
🖤 Light x Dark dynamic
⚔️ Morally grey male lead
💘 Enemies to lovers
🩹 Romance helping heal past trauma
🌙 Dark, haunting atmosphere
🔥 Tension that had me hooked
The characters felt complex and layered, and I became completely invested in their journeys. Every revelation pulled me deeper into the story and by the end I was desperate for more 😭📚
A dark, gothic fantasy that consumed my every thought and has immediately become one of my favourite reads of the year 🖤👑⚔️
Now excuse me while I devour Lady of Light and Death 😮💨📖🔥
June 5, 2026
This book completely consumed me from start to finish, and I genuinely struggled to put it down.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was the way Lucy handled time jumps. It wasn’t just a plot device it felt so immersive. The transition between eras was beautifully executed, and you could truly feel the passage of time through the rich details and atmosphere woven into the story. The contrast was seamless and incredibly effective in grounding the reader in both worlds.
And the MMC… wow. Morally grey doesn’t even begin to cover it. He walks the line between irresistible and utterly unhinged, and I was obsessed with every second he was on the page. If you love a dangerous, complex hero who constantly keeps you guessing, prepare yourself!
The plot itself was absolutely wild in the best possible way. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story threw something new at me. The pacing was addictive, the stakes kept escalating, and there was never a moment where my attention wavered.
I also adored the FMC’s character development. Watching her transform from a sheltered, delicate young woman into a formidable force in her own right was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. Her growth felt earned, believable, and empowering.
Perhaps what impressed me most was how fresh this story felt. In a genre where it can sometimes feel like you’ve seen every trope before, Lucy delivers something that feels unique while still giving readers everything they love about dark fantasy romance. The world building, character arcs, and emotional depth all came together perfectly.
And as a Manchester girl myself, I absolutely loved seeing Manchester make an appearance, it added such a fun, personal touch to the reading experience.
A definite 5-star read for me. I’m already desperate for the next book because that ending has left me needing answers immediately. Hats off to Lucy for creating a world I never wanted to leave.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was the way Lucy handled time jumps. It wasn’t just a plot device it felt so immersive. The transition between eras was beautifully executed, and you could truly feel the passage of time through the rich details and atmosphere woven into the story. The contrast was seamless and incredibly effective in grounding the reader in both worlds.
And the MMC… wow. Morally grey doesn’t even begin to cover it. He walks the line between irresistible and utterly unhinged, and I was obsessed with every second he was on the page. If you love a dangerous, complex hero who constantly keeps you guessing, prepare yourself!
The plot itself was absolutely wild in the best possible way. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story threw something new at me. The pacing was addictive, the stakes kept escalating, and there was never a moment where my attention wavered.
I also adored the FMC’s character development. Watching her transform from a sheltered, delicate young woman into a formidable force in her own right was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. Her growth felt earned, believable, and empowering.
Perhaps what impressed me most was how fresh this story felt. In a genre where it can sometimes feel like you’ve seen every trope before, Lucy delivers something that feels unique while still giving readers everything they love about dark fantasy romance. The world building, character arcs, and emotional depth all came together perfectly.
And as a Manchester girl myself, I absolutely loved seeing Manchester make an appearance, it added such a fun, personal touch to the reading experience.
A definite 5-star read for me. I’m already desperate for the next book because that ending has left me needing answers immediately. Hats off to Lucy for creating a world I never wanted to leave.
June 15, 2026
Lord of Shadow and Blood took me on a whole ride. I genuinely could not put this book down and the twists absolutely got me.
This is a dark fantasy romance, but it's also so much more than that. The world is rich with Daemons, witches, wolves, vampires, ancient courts, and the looming threat of Lilith, and I found it completely fascinating. The politics add so much drama and feel surprisingly realistic, while the magic is easy to follow once you get your head around the different things people are able to control. .
Xander is exactly the kind of MMC I love. Brooding, dangerous, powerful... but also soft underneath it all. And Adriana was such a great FMC. I really connected with her self-doubt and growth throughout the story. Her struggles felt real, and I loved seeing her slowly come into her own.
The romance had me CONSUMED. The yearning, the tension, the "I shouldn't want you but I absolutely do" energy... all of it. You just want them to be happy, even when everything seems determined to stand in their way.
It's emotionally dark, filled with morally grey characters, tragedy, trauma, love, hate, and some genuinely shocking moments. The side characters are fantastic too, with their own histories and motivations that make the world feel even deeper.
Honestly, I have no notes. The plot hooked me, the romance hooked me, the world hooked me. I'm diving straight into the next book because I'm not ready to leave Daemonium yet.
This is a dark fantasy romance, but it's also so much more than that. The world is rich with Daemons, witches, wolves, vampires, ancient courts, and the looming threat of Lilith, and I found it completely fascinating. The politics add so much drama and feel surprisingly realistic, while the magic is easy to follow once you get your head around the different things people are able to control. .
Xander is exactly the kind of MMC I love. Brooding, dangerous, powerful... but also soft underneath it all. And Adriana was such a great FMC. I really connected with her self-doubt and growth throughout the story. Her struggles felt real, and I loved seeing her slowly come into her own.
The romance had me CONSUMED. The yearning, the tension, the "I shouldn't want you but I absolutely do" energy... all of it. You just want them to be happy, even when everything seems determined to stand in their way.
It's emotionally dark, filled with morally grey characters, tragedy, trauma, love, hate, and some genuinely shocking moments. The side characters are fantastic too, with their own histories and motivations that make the world feel even deeper.
Honestly, I have no notes. The plot hooked me, the romance hooked me, the world hooked me. I'm diving straight into the next book because I'm not ready to leave Daemonium yet.
August 25, 2026
Fantastic story. I went to a book festival with little knowledge of what I was going into. And came across Lucy May Smith. She told me about her book and I was intrigued. Unfortunately she was sold out. Ordered a copy from her website which she was kind enough to sign before sending to me.
The story was amazing with lots of twists and turns and of course...spice. I suppose when you mix dark fantasy and romance, it's bound to happen. You really feel the characters emotions. Fear, betrayal, anger, sadness and love. The time jumps in the book also don't take away from the story and fit perfectly into the plot. 100% recommend, you don't even need to be a huge fan of Vampires and Werewolves to enjoy it.
The story was amazing with lots of twists and turns and of course...spice. I suppose when you mix dark fantasy and romance, it's bound to happen. You really feel the characters emotions. Fear, betrayal, anger, sadness and love. The time jumps in the book also don't take away from the story and fit perfectly into the plot. 100% recommend, you don't even need to be a huge fan of Vampires and Werewolves to enjoy it.
September 8, 2026
I have cried and shouted at this book, giving my partner concern and shock for my wellbeing. I have fallen in love with both main characters. Fallen in love with the background characters. And fallen in love with the whole world. At points i was actually angry at the author for putting these characters through so much. I cant wait to continue reading through this series, is the rest is anything like the first book,
I’ve got one hell of a journey before me. Better buy more tissues 😭
I’ve got one hell of a journey before me. Better buy more tissues 😭
June 14, 2026
I had such a great time reading Lord of Shadow and Blood by Lucy May Smith. The characters were definitely one of my favourite parts of the book. I loved watching the relationships develop throughout the story, and everything felt natural rather than rushed.
The dual timelines were done really well and completely pulled me into each time period. I was equally invested in both storylines and always excited to get back to them.
There’s a traumatic twist about halfway through that absolutely had me reeling. I did not see it coming, and it completely changed the way I was looking at the story.
The book includes familiar paranormal creatures like witches, vampires, and wolves, but the plot still felt fresh and unique. It never felt like I was reading something I'd read before.
Lucy’s writing made it so easy to get lost in the story. She does a fantastic job of building the world and keeping you emotionally invested in the characters. If you enjoy paranormal fantasy with great characters, emotional moments, and a unique storyline, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
The dual timelines were done really well and completely pulled me into each time period. I was equally invested in both storylines and always excited to get back to them.
There’s a traumatic twist about halfway through that absolutely had me reeling. I did not see it coming, and it completely changed the way I was looking at the story.
The book includes familiar paranormal creatures like witches, vampires, and wolves, but the plot still felt fresh and unique. It never felt like I was reading something I'd read before.
Lucy’s writing made it so easy to get lost in the story. She does a fantastic job of building the world and keeping you emotionally invested in the characters. If you enjoy paranormal fantasy with great characters, emotional moments, and a unique storyline, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
September 15, 2026
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌶🌶🌶
Words can't describe how much I love this book and these characters.
With a spin of regency and modern dystopia/romantasy, this book tells Alexander and Adriana's story.
Xander is the most powerful being on Earth. He is a morally gray shadow daddy vampire, and at the same time, he has a high sense of honor.
He and his brothers were turned against their will by Lilith, and now they fight against her.
Adriana is a sunshine MFC with light magic. Their connection is instant. Their banter is a sweet burning. They try to fight their attraction, deny their feeling, until they give in, and Xander finally allows himself to feel.
Their story is as beautiful as it's shocking, with plot twists that will leave you gasping and asking for more.
Xander has won my heart. He is so perfectly imperfect. A gentleman and a beast. Her salvation and her destruction. The darkness to her light.
I devoured this book, I couldn't stop reading. I cried happy tears and sad tears.
This has become one of my favorite books and definitely one of the best of the year. And Xander has become one of my favorite book boyfriends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌶🌶🌶
Words can't describe how much I love this book and these characters.
With a spin of regency and modern dystopia/romantasy, this book tells Alexander and Adriana's story.
Xander is the most powerful being on Earth. He is a morally gray shadow daddy vampire, and at the same time, he has a high sense of honor.
He and his brothers were turned against their will by Lilith, and now they fight against her.
Adriana is a sunshine MFC with light magic. Their connection is instant. Their banter is a sweet burning. They try to fight their attraction, deny their feeling, until they give in, and Xander finally allows himself to feel.
Their story is as beautiful as it's shocking, with plot twists that will leave you gasping and asking for more.
Xander has won my heart. He is so perfectly imperfect. A gentleman and a beast. Her salvation and her destruction. The darkness to her light.
I devoured this book, I couldn't stop reading. I cried happy tears and sad tears.
This has become one of my favorite books and definitely one of the best of the year. And Xander has become one of my favorite book boyfriends.
August 30, 2026
As someone who is new to fantasy in general and not an avid reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this book’s pace & plot twists. I can’t wait to read the second book. It’s the first book I’ve read this year, and it didn’t disappoint.
Definitely read if you enjoy fantasy. I enjoyed reading the perspectives of both main characters, the jump between 1900s to modern day England/Manchester, and the romantic aspects that were evident but not the primary focus of the storyline. Highlighting political aspects of our current world with a magical world was also an interesting insight to explore in this novel.
It’s refreshing to see trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, & a terminology page for magical concepts. Lucy, you smashed your first book girlie🔥
Definitely read if you enjoy fantasy. I enjoyed reading the perspectives of both main characters, the jump between 1900s to modern day England/Manchester, and the romantic aspects that were evident but not the primary focus of the storyline. Highlighting political aspects of our current world with a magical world was also an interesting insight to explore in this novel.
It’s refreshing to see trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, & a terminology page for magical concepts. Lucy, you smashed your first book girlie🔥
July 12, 2026
Wow! This is one hell of a debut novel! The Courts of Darmonium (and Xander) have me in a chokehold!
This is a whole new world to get lost. It spans centuries but Lucy writes so well it flows beautifully and is never lacking. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and threatened to tear my heart apart!
The social and political commentary that weaves through the book makes it feel like it’s happening in our world.
This book has everything you want from a good story, love, humour, despair and determination. As much as I fell in love with Xander and Adriana, I also fell in love with the other characters just as much.
I’m now off to start Lady of Light and Death as I never want to leave this world!
This is a whole new world to get lost. It spans centuries but Lucy writes so well it flows beautifully and is never lacking. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and threatened to tear my heart apart!
The social and political commentary that weaves through the book makes it feel like it’s happening in our world.
This book has everything you want from a good story, love, humour, despair and determination. As much as I fell in love with Xander and Adriana, I also fell in love with the other characters just as much.
I’m now off to start Lady of Light and Death as I never want to leave this world!
August 15, 2026
I was very unsure of this story in the first part of this book. I had a really hard time connecting with the characters and the story seemed to be dragging on. But I am SO glad I stuck it out because around the 40% mark the plot took off and I was RIVETED. Everything was non stop from that point on. I found the magic system and folklore interesting and a different take than the usual fantasy genre. I’m still unsure if I even like a majority of the characters in this book but I don’t even care because I want to know what happens next!
May 15, 2026
When I said I’ve been desperate for a book to make me feel all the emotions, I didn’t mean for it to hit me so hard 😭🥹
Firstly, the YEARNING. Oh boy the yearning got to me, my heart was racing and it felt like it was me Xander was in love with 😭 I need everyone to know that the yearning in this book is the most romantic and pure thing I’ve ever read.
Now, I was really unsure how to feel about this book, it started in the 1800’s and ends with it being 2022, halfway through I starting trying to understand how I felt about the large time jumps, however I realised that I have never read a book with such a unique structure and I actually really liked it. I felt like their love knows no bounds and withstands the test of time always. After finishing this book, not at any point did I feel that this story felt rushed, and I have to admit, the political beliefs that come out towards them end felt really fitting for what is currently going on within the world right now. This really makes the emotions feel even more real.
Lucy as an author is incredibly talented, and the way she wrote this book, the pure emotions you feel from the words on the page is raw and pulls at your heart strings. During the good, I felt like I was soaring and during the bad I genuinely think I felt my heart break. This truly is a dark romance with a fantasy twist. I loved this book so much, it was the purest love I have ever read between two fictional characters (up there with Romeo and Juliette at one point) and I really just don’t have the words to explain how deeply this book made me feel. I am in awe at such a talented author.
The style of speech really fitted in with the Victorian era it was originally set in, not once did I think anything was mismatched, the mannerisms were spot on and everything just felt ‘right’
If you’re wanting to read a book that will make you feel and I mean FEEL. Then this is the book for you (from someone who never cries at books, but cried multiple times through this one)
Firstly, the YEARNING. Oh boy the yearning got to me, my heart was racing and it felt like it was me Xander was in love with 😭 I need everyone to know that the yearning in this book is the most romantic and pure thing I’ve ever read.
Now, I was really unsure how to feel about this book, it started in the 1800’s and ends with it being 2022, halfway through I starting trying to understand how I felt about the large time jumps, however I realised that I have never read a book with such a unique structure and I actually really liked it. I felt like their love knows no bounds and withstands the test of time always. After finishing this book, not at any point did I feel that this story felt rushed, and I have to admit, the political beliefs that come out towards them end felt really fitting for what is currently going on within the world right now. This really makes the emotions feel even more real.
Lucy as an author is incredibly talented, and the way she wrote this book, the pure emotions you feel from the words on the page is raw and pulls at your heart strings. During the good, I felt like I was soaring and during the bad I genuinely think I felt my heart break. This truly is a dark romance with a fantasy twist. I loved this book so much, it was the purest love I have ever read between two fictional characters (up there with Romeo and Juliette at one point) and I really just don’t have the words to explain how deeply this book made me feel. I am in awe at such a talented author.
The style of speech really fitted in with the Victorian era it was originally set in, not once did I think anything was mismatched, the mannerisms were spot on and everything just felt ‘right’
If you’re wanting to read a book that will make you feel and I mean FEEL. Then this is the book for you (from someone who never cries at books, but cried multiple times through this one)
July 7, 2026
This was a brilliant debut book, it’s hard to believe this was Lucy’s first book. The writing is well refined, with rich descriptions that bring the world to life without interrupting the flow of the story. While I was initially uncertain as it felt like the mmc and fmc get together relatively quickly for a slowburn romance, just hold out because this is setting you up for a gripping, complicated and traumatic relationship. I like that Lucy isn’t afraid to write dark scenes and address dark themes. Overall this was an enjoyable story that sets up the world and the plot well for what’s to come in the next book.
August 14, 2026
Completely forgot to add a review!! Will add one asap!
June 14, 2026
This book swept me into a beautifully dark world filled with lots of magic, danger, and memorable characters. Xander and Adriana’s story has yearning, emotional depth, and a perfect balance of light and shadow. There’s a lot of pain but also deep understanding between them. The rich universe and the haunting atmosphere kept me hooked I couldn’t put it down. There were so many twists and turns that genuinely had me scared to turn the page. The romance had me so so invested there were points where I couldn’t fathom what I was reading. If you love dark romantasy that has tortured heroes and powerful heroines, this book is a must read for you!
May 16, 2026
This was a 5 star read for me. My first time reading a vampire dark romance and it sucked me in from the very start. Great world building and descriptive writing so I could visualise the characters and world she created.
MMC is Xander the worlds first Lamia, a vampire with shadow magic. He was created by Lilith the first vampire to be used has her way to destroy. He learns how to defy Lilith. Teaches his fellow lamia how to do this. He knows he is not a good man but when he meets the FMC Adriana, and incantrix with elemental powers and light magic he just can’t stay away from her.
Our FMC Adriana is and incantrix with elemental powers and light magic. She is at the age when she is curios of everything. She is taught how to use her powers by her great grandmother striga and also introduced to xaden for a second time in her life. She had met him once before when she was a lot younger. She hadn’t stopped thinking about him since the first time she met him. There love story is heartbreaking and beautiful.
Now I use the term vampire, werewolf, witch but Lucy has her own terminology so it’s very important to read the glossary so you understand who is who. :)
If you love
Dark fantasy
Friends-enemies-lovers
Romance built on history
Shadow powers and elemental powers
Slow burn that turns intense
Then you will love this book 😍
MMC is Xander the worlds first Lamia, a vampire with shadow magic. He was created by Lilith the first vampire to be used has her way to destroy. He learns how to defy Lilith. Teaches his fellow lamia how to do this. He knows he is not a good man but when he meets the FMC Adriana, and incantrix with elemental powers and light magic he just can’t stay away from her.
Our FMC Adriana is and incantrix with elemental powers and light magic. She is at the age when she is curios of everything. She is taught how to use her powers by her great grandmother striga and also introduced to xaden for a second time in her life. She had met him once before when she was a lot younger. She hadn’t stopped thinking about him since the first time she met him. There love story is heartbreaking and beautiful.
Now I use the term vampire, werewolf, witch but Lucy has her own terminology so it’s very important to read the glossary so you understand who is who. :)
If you love
Dark fantasy
Friends-enemies-lovers
Romance built on history
Shadow powers and elemental powers
Slow burn that turns intense
Then you will love this book 😍
September 16, 2026
This isn't something I'd normally go for, but I know that Lucy May Smith is a great writer, so I gave it a shot, and I'm glad I did. I was very impressed with the detail to the story and how well written it is. Xander goes through a lot and you feel for him and Adriana as their relationship develops. There are so many political intricacies to the world created here that feel grounded in reality, and they add so much to the story.
There's a real classical sense to the writing with a modern twist. A difficult thing to pull off, but Lucy does this incredibly well, to her credit. We have werewolves, witches and vampires, something for everyone really in terms of fantasy, and in a lighter sense, horror.
I won't say too much about the story as the reader is thrust straight into the action, and spoilers could be revealed from an early point.
High level story telling that leaves you very intrigued for the follow up. Check it out.
There's a real classical sense to the writing with a modern twist. A difficult thing to pull off, but Lucy does this incredibly well, to her credit. We have werewolves, witches and vampires, something for everyone really in terms of fantasy, and in a lighter sense, horror.
I won't say too much about the story as the reader is thrust straight into the action, and spoilers could be revealed from an early point.
High level story telling that leaves you very intrigued for the follow up. Check it out.
July 20, 2026
I loved this book so much it pulled me in and I voildnt put it down so much when I finished i ordered the 2nd straight away. Will definitely be recommending this book to everyone xx
June 25, 2026
The intricacies of the world building, the across eras timeline and the dimensions to the characters all added to the depth that swept me in so i flowed along the journey beside them.
Expect some emotional damage to your system with this read the characters continue to face hardships. This had some turns in the plot that I did not expect leaving me contemplating my love or hate of the characters whilst my soul was shattered.
Once you read the book (seriously pick it up now and read it) you will know the point at which it feels the author truly set out to break our heart.
This kept me engaged to read with the writing style, plot and character. I will be following and keeping my eye out for the future books this author writes.
Expect some emotional damage to your system with this read the characters continue to face hardships. This had some turns in the plot that I did not expect leaving me contemplating my love or hate of the characters whilst my soul was shattered.
Once you read the book (seriously pick it up now and read it) you will know the point at which it feels the author truly set out to break our heart.
This kept me engaged to read with the writing style, plot and character. I will be following and keeping my eye out for the future books this author writes.
June 24, 2026
Where do I begin with this book! It had me hooked from the start. The fantasy element of witches, vampires and wolves was chefs kiss 👌🏼
I loved the characters and loved how Lucy developed the relationships. Loved Striga - what a woman!
Enjoyed how part 1 gave Wuthering Heights vibes and loved the detail of the relationship between Xaden and Adriana.
The only reason I knocked a star off was because of part 2 being in the ‘real world’. I had to give myself time to readjust but it did all come together.
Lucy definitely is a talented writer and it was fab that my book club invited her in and to be able to enjoy her writing 💕
I loved the characters and loved how Lucy developed the relationships. Loved Striga - what a woman!
Enjoyed how part 1 gave Wuthering Heights vibes and loved the detail of the relationship between Xaden and Adriana.
The only reason I knocked a star off was because of part 2 being in the ‘real world’. I had to give myself time to readjust but it did all come together.
Lucy definitely is a talented writer and it was fab that my book club invited her in and to be able to enjoy her writing 💕
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