Konstantin wants war. And he's using everyone I love to start it.
Maximus and I have a bond so deep it terrifies the ancients who've been ruling for centuries. We have allies willing to fight. We have each other.
Konstantin wants to change that.
He doesn't just want territory. He wants to control what Maximus and I have. The bond. The marks. The power that shouldn't exist between a vampire and the fledgling everyone underestimated.
He's willing to break us apart to get it.
My powers are changing. Growing into something I can't predict and can't always control. I should be their greatest weapon.
Instead, I'm their greatest fear.
And when Konstantin makes his move, he doesn't come for me with soldiers. He comes for the thing I can't fight without. The thing I never imagined I could lose.
He expects me to shatter.
He doesn't know me very well.
Fated Bond • Bonded Couple in Crisis • Touch Her and Die (He Means It) • Power Awakening • Who Did This to You • Possessive MMC Unhinged • Badass FMC Unleashed • Slow Burn to Inferno 🔥 Spicy
This book jumps right back into the action with Celeste and Maximus, and even though it took me a little while to fully get into the groove, I ended up having a really good time with it. Once things picked up, I was hooked again.
One of my favorite parts was the scenes where the FMC uses her magic to literally suspend people in the air. Those moments were written so vividly that I could picture everything perfectly in my head…it felt almost cinematic.
Overall, it was a fun continuation of their journey, and now I’m definitely curious to see where everything goes in book three.
Blood & Conquest is the second book in the Crimson Crescent series, and I was beyond excited to jump back in after the cliffhanger ending of book one.
The storyline expands beautifully in this book, introducing new characters and supernatural beings that I absolutely loved; Shifters, Witches, and Fae all add depth and richness to the world. It made the universe feel bigger and more dangerous in the best way.
We follow Celeste and Maximus as they navigate a world shaped by their worst enemy, and the tension never lets up. This book kept me turning the pages because I had to know what would happen next. Even with all the action, the story makes time for quieter, sweeter moments that reveal more about the characters’ pasts and deepen their connections.
Blood & Conquest is a thrilling and richly layered continuation of the Crimson Crescent series. Taloria Pryce deepens the world of intrigue, power, and passion with a story that feels darker, sharper, and even more emotionally intense than before.
The vampire romantasy elements are beautifully balanced — seductive yet dangerous, romantic yet ruthless. The political tension and power struggles elevate the story beyond simple romance, creating high stakes that keep the pages turning. Every alliance feels fragile, every decision carries weight, and the atmosphere hums with underlying threat.
The chemistry between the leads is electric, but what makes it compelling is the emotional complexity. Trust is not easily given, loyalty is tested, and love must survive in a world shaped by ambition and bloodshed. Both characters show strength and vulnerability, making their bond feel earned rather than inevitable.
The pacing is strong, blending action, romance, and intrigue seamlessly. As Book 2, it expands the series’ mythology while delivering a satisfying arc of its own.
I’d recommend this to readers who love dark romantasy, morally complex characters, political intrigue, and passionate, high-stakes romance with a gothic edge.
A powerful and addictive sequel that raises the bar for the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blood and Conquest by Taloria Pryce is the second book in the Crimson Crescent series
First, I want to thank Taloria and her team for giving me an ARC to read and review.
Blood and Conquest picks up where the first book left off. I had to reread the last chapter of book one to refresh my memory. I loved seeing the main character unlock more of her modifications and powers and the action scenes and new characters introduced. I could easily picture the scenes as I read them. The writing style and cover design are also captivating.
If you’re considering reading this series, I recommend starting from the beginning as everything will make sense. I was thrilled to return to this world.
Overall, I’m eagerly looking forward to book three.
Book two of the Crimson Crescent series follows our ever FMC through more heartache and battles she has to overcome. She remains ever stubborn in the best way through everything thrown at her. This story is more action packed and added to the world by adding fae, shifters, and witches. I’m excited to see where book 3 takes us.
I honestly don't know what to say about this book. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to read this amazing continuation. This series just keeping getting better. I can not wait for the rest of the books in the series.