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Evata's Bloodline
Their father is dead. The fortress is overrun. And Rin finds her twin brother in a brothel.
So begins the Sonakh family's exile—three siblings bound by a Blood Oath that means if one dies, they all do. The youngest, Darka, is Light-touched in a world that still treats her kind as livestock. The oath was supposed to protect her. Instead, it made her a leash around her brother's and sister's throats.
In the capital, they start over. They move into the shop of an artificer who won't let Darka touch him, calls her his nightmare to her face, and still makes coffee for her every morning. Rin discovers her mind can break people—and she likes it.
Someone in the city is draining the Light-touched of their blood in rituals...
Perfect for fans of Robin Hobb's Liveship Traders, R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War, and Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy. If you love families that fight as hard for each other as they fight with each other, morally gray characters you can't stop rooting for, and slow burn romance built on tension rather than tenderness—this is your book.
18+. This book contains mature themes including violence, discrimination based on magical ability, and scenes of a sensitive nature. The Academy referenced in the book is an institution where adult students pursue careers. Necromancers become officers after graduating, while others obtain their professions. All characters in the book are adults.
So begins the Sonakh family's exile—three siblings bound by a Blood Oath that means if one dies, they all do. The youngest, Darka, is Light-touched in a world that still treats her kind as livestock. The oath was supposed to protect her. Instead, it made her a leash around her brother's and sister's throats.
In the capital, they start over. They move into the shop of an artificer who won't let Darka touch him, calls her his nightmare to her face, and still makes coffee for her every morning. Rin discovers her mind can break people—and she likes it.
Someone in the city is draining the Light-touched of their blood in rituals...
Perfect for fans of Robin Hobb's Liveship Traders, R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War, and Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy. If you love families that fight as hard for each other as they fight with each other, morally gray characters you can't stop rooting for, and slow burn romance built on tension rather than tenderness—this is your book.
18+. This book contains mature themes including violence, discrimination based on magical ability, and scenes of a sensitive nature. The Academy referenced in the book is an institution where adult students pursue careers. Necromancers become officers after graduating, while others obtain their professions. All characters in the book are adults.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 27, 2026
Yes, finally something different! The Myaun and Darka friendship was hands down the best part of the story. But I’m 100% invested in all the characters and their stories. I feel like I did not get enough and I need more answers, there must be a sequel ASAP! It took me a while to warm up to some of the characters, I didn’t particularly enjoy the mean spirited banter between siblings in the beginning. That was my only complaint and I’m still giving it 5 stars because I loved the rest of the story so much.
Thank you so much NetGalley for connecting me with this author and supplying this wonderful ARC!
Thank you so much NetGalley for connecting me with this author and supplying this wonderful ARC!
March 5, 2026
I read for the characters and this book did not disappoint. Little world-building but I'm totally ok with that. I love each character and the multiple point of views. The story was always moving, always progressing. Something was always happening beginning with chapter one. I love the bloodline connection. and excited to see the magic system develop more.
Cliffhanger ending that will be a great lead into the next book.
thank you for the ARC copy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cliffhanger ending that will be a great lead into the next book.
thank you for the ARC copy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2026
I loved this book.
It was a page turner for me. I couldn’t read fast enough
Great story line.
Multiple POV.
3 siblings each with their own stories to tell
I love Darka so much.
I am so looking forward to the next book
Witches Prediction.
It was a page turner for me. I couldn’t read fast enough
Great story line.
Multiple POV.
3 siblings each with their own stories to tell
I love Darka so much.
I am so looking forward to the next book
Witches Prediction.
April 21, 2026
Evata’s Bloodline by Anka Kochet is giving ✨dark academy but make it morally messy, political, and slightly unhinged✨and yeah, it does NOT hold back.
You’re dropped into Atalia, where magical Houses run everything (Light, Necromancer, Mind, Truce, Witch), power is inherited, and discrimination is literally built into the system. Add Undead roaming the edges and you already know the vibes are not safe.
The Sonakh siblings carry this story HARD. Darka is the softest one in the worst possible world, Light-touched, empathic, and constantly treated like she doesn’t belong.
Akim is holding onto control by a thread, carrying his father’s terrifying power while trying to keep his family together. And Rin?? She’s the chaos factor. Her mentalist abilities, entering minds, forcing obedience, start off intense and quickly turn deeply disturbing.
And the emotional damage starts early. Leaving Muné behind in a fortress that fills with Undead at night?? Yeah, that guilt doesn’t just sit there, it drives everything.
Rin’s rage, Akim’s pressure, the family tension, it all circles back to that one decision. Then the estate falls, and suddenly they’re not powerful anymore, they’re refugees. The shift from privilege to nothing? Quiet, but brutal.
Rin is out here mentally breaking people, crossing lines like it’s nothing, and dragging the entire family toward consequences they might not survive. Add in forbidden witchcraft, court cases, and the sense that something is rotting inside the system, and yeah, the tension never drops.
And then, Myaun. Grumpy necromancer, lowkey prejudiced, but somehow the only soft thing in this entire book. Around Darka, he changes. His pain eases, his guard drops, and suddenly we get these tiny, quiet moments that feel like a breath of air in all the darkness.
If you love morally gray (okay morally unhinged) characters, slow-burn tension, and fantasy that actually makes you feel uncomfortable, this one’s going to own you.
You’re dropped into Atalia, where magical Houses run everything (Light, Necromancer, Mind, Truce, Witch), power is inherited, and discrimination is literally built into the system. Add Undead roaming the edges and you already know the vibes are not safe.
The Sonakh siblings carry this story HARD. Darka is the softest one in the worst possible world, Light-touched, empathic, and constantly treated like she doesn’t belong.
Akim is holding onto control by a thread, carrying his father’s terrifying power while trying to keep his family together. And Rin?? She’s the chaos factor. Her mentalist abilities, entering minds, forcing obedience, start off intense and quickly turn deeply disturbing.
And the emotional damage starts early. Leaving Muné behind in a fortress that fills with Undead at night?? Yeah, that guilt doesn’t just sit there, it drives everything.
Rin’s rage, Akim’s pressure, the family tension, it all circles back to that one decision. Then the estate falls, and suddenly they’re not powerful anymore, they’re refugees. The shift from privilege to nothing? Quiet, but brutal.
Rin is out here mentally breaking people, crossing lines like it’s nothing, and dragging the entire family toward consequences they might not survive. Add in forbidden witchcraft, court cases, and the sense that something is rotting inside the system, and yeah, the tension never drops.
And then, Myaun. Grumpy necromancer, lowkey prejudiced, but somehow the only soft thing in this entire book. Around Darka, he changes. His pain eases, his guard drops, and suddenly we get these tiny, quiet moments that feel like a breath of air in all the darkness.
If you love morally gray (okay morally unhinged) characters, slow-burn tension, and fantasy that actually makes you feel uncomfortable, this one’s going to own you.
April 6, 2026
Evata’s Bloodline is a compelling blend of emotion, power and legacy that draws you in from the very first page and holds on quietly, persistently.
There’s an undercurrent of tension running through the story, like something ancient and inevitable is looming, just out of reach. The world feels richly layered and immersive, with just enough mystery to keep you turning pages late into the night.
What stood out to me the most were the characters. They are flawed, raw, and deeply human, even within a world that feels larger than life. Each of them is trying to grow despite their circumstances, constantly caught in the push and pull between who they are and who they’re expected to be. The multiple POVs elevate this profoundly, allowing you to understand each character a little more intimately.
The sibling bond is written beautifully, with so much care and layered with love, tension, and that quiet, unspoken understanding that only family holds. And the unexpected friendships bring a warmth that stays with you.
If there’s one thing to note, it’s that Evata’s Bloodline asks for patience. It isn’t a surface-level read, it wants you to sit with the characters, to feel their struggles, to read between the lines. The pacing is slow in the best way, letting emotions and stakes build naturally without ever feeling dull. That said, I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth in certain parts of the plot. Though it feels like something the subsequent installments might expand on.
At its core, the story goes beyond lineage and destiny, exploring identity, choice, and the quiet, often painful process of understanding oneself.
Overall, I truly enjoyed reading Evata’s Bloodline. It’s an emotionally resonant, compelling story that lingers long after the final page, leaving you wanting more.
*** I was sent an arc by the author. And this is my honest review.
There’s an undercurrent of tension running through the story, like something ancient and inevitable is looming, just out of reach. The world feels richly layered and immersive, with just enough mystery to keep you turning pages late into the night.
What stood out to me the most were the characters. They are flawed, raw, and deeply human, even within a world that feels larger than life. Each of them is trying to grow despite their circumstances, constantly caught in the push and pull between who they are and who they’re expected to be. The multiple POVs elevate this profoundly, allowing you to understand each character a little more intimately.
The sibling bond is written beautifully, with so much care and layered with love, tension, and that quiet, unspoken understanding that only family holds. And the unexpected friendships bring a warmth that stays with you.
If there’s one thing to note, it’s that Evata’s Bloodline asks for patience. It isn’t a surface-level read, it wants you to sit with the characters, to feel their struggles, to read between the lines. The pacing is slow in the best way, letting emotions and stakes build naturally without ever feeling dull. That said, I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth in certain parts of the plot. Though it feels like something the subsequent installments might expand on.
At its core, the story goes beyond lineage and destiny, exploring identity, choice, and the quiet, often painful process of understanding oneself.
Overall, I truly enjoyed reading Evata’s Bloodline. It’s an emotionally resonant, compelling story that lingers long after the final page, leaving you wanting more.
*** I was sent an arc by the author. And this is my honest review.
March 12, 2026
Evata’s Bloodline by Anka Kochet is a dark fantasy that blends magic, grief, and complicated sibling relationships.
The story follows three siblings bound by a blood oath that ties their lives together—if one of them dies, the other two will die as well. After their father is killed by the undead, they are forced to leave their familiar surroundings and begin a new life in another city where they start to understand that necromancers and the light-touched live very different ways of life.
The sibling dynamic is one of the most interesting parts of the story. Their relationship is rocky at times, which makes their bond feel realistic. The two older twins are necromancers, while their younger sister is light-touched, creating a strong contrast in their powers and perspectives.
As they adjust to their new life, the siblings begin forming friendships and connections in unexpected places while trying to understand their place in this new environment.
The book is written in third-person perspective, which took me a little time to get used to, but that ultimately comes down to personal preference.
By the end, the story leaves several unanswered questions, setting up intrigue for what might come next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
The story follows three siblings bound by a blood oath that ties their lives together—if one of them dies, the other two will die as well. After their father is killed by the undead, they are forced to leave their familiar surroundings and begin a new life in another city where they start to understand that necromancers and the light-touched live very different ways of life.
The sibling dynamic is one of the most interesting parts of the story. Their relationship is rocky at times, which makes their bond feel realistic. The two older twins are necromancers, while their younger sister is light-touched, creating a strong contrast in their powers and perspectives.
As they adjust to their new life, the siblings begin forming friendships and connections in unexpected places while trying to understand their place in this new environment.
The book is written in third-person perspective, which took me a little time to get used to, but that ultimately comes down to personal preference.
By the end, the story leaves several unanswered questions, setting up intrigue for what might come next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
April 12, 2026
This book was such an enjoyable read and honestly felt like a hidden gem. The story follows three siblings who are forced to leave their home because of the undead, and each of them has their own struggles that make the story feel very real and relatable. I especially liked Akim’s storyline with the cursed sword, it added a unique and slightly dark twist that kept things interesting.
The sibling dynamics were one of my favorite parts. Their personalities are very different, but you can really feel the bond between them and how much they care for each other. It made the emotional moments stand out even more. The action scenes were easy to follow and exciting, and the presence of the undead added a constant sense of tension.
I also liked the mystery element woven into the story, it kept me curious and wanting to read more. The world building and magic system felt fresh and well thought out, even though I do wish there was a bit more backstory about the undead and the cursed sword.
Overall, it is a well paced and engaging book that is easy to get into. If you enjoy fantasy with strong characters, family bonds, and a touch of mystery, this is definitely worth reading. I am really looking forward to the next book.
The sibling dynamics were one of my favorite parts. Their personalities are very different, but you can really feel the bond between them and how much they care for each other. It made the emotional moments stand out even more. The action scenes were easy to follow and exciting, and the presence of the undead added a constant sense of tension.
I also liked the mystery element woven into the story, it kept me curious and wanting to read more. The world building and magic system felt fresh and well thought out, even though I do wish there was a bit more backstory about the undead and the cursed sword.
Overall, it is a well paced and engaging book that is easy to get into. If you enjoy fantasy with strong characters, family bonds, and a touch of mystery, this is definitely worth reading. I am really looking forward to the next book.
April 13, 2026
The best thing about this book definitely is the world. It's definitely different from most fantasy books I read. The witch community especially caught my attention. Even though there were only bits of it, those small pieces were some of the most intriguing parts of the story, and I found myself wanting to know more.
Myaun feels alive and vivid. But the real standout for me was Rin. She's not your typical "strong female character." She has real flaws, and big ones at that. Yet she carries herself with such confidence that you can't help but root for her.
If I had any complaints, it would be the ending. The story cuts off at the most unexpected moment, and as someone who prefers reading completed books, that was tough. It's a common move in series fiction, but it still left me wanting. I'm really hoping book two comes out soon. I'd also say the romance felt a bit thin.
Overall, strong worldbuilding and compelling lead characters. I'll definitely be picking up the next one.
Myaun feels alive and vivid. But the real standout for me was Rin. She's not your typical "strong female character." She has real flaws, and big ones at that. Yet she carries herself with such confidence that you can't help but root for her.
If I had any complaints, it would be the ending. The story cuts off at the most unexpected moment, and as someone who prefers reading completed books, that was tough. It's a common move in series fiction, but it still left me wanting. I'm really hoping book two comes out soon. I'd also say the romance felt a bit thin.
Overall, strong worldbuilding and compelling lead characters. I'll definitely be picking up the next one.
April 12, 2026
wow what an amazing story and that ending blew me away. I just love rin my favorite person omg. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens with darka.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2026
This is my first dark romance book and it has made me discover that dark romance is not for me.
For the sake of other potential readers, I thought I'd leave some thoughts here so that you understand what you're getting into. Spoilers ahead.
The book takes place in a high school or college-like setting. The ages at which characters reach maturity, or become adults, depends on what kind of magic they wield (and I believe this is also based on gender? unclear) with the youngest age of adulthood being 20. The sisters are children in the context of the world that they inhabit. Both of their love interests are adults in the context of their world. One of the love interests for one of the sisters is her teacher and he is predatory. He commits SA while thinking of her on a person who is dependent on him for a roof over her head. It was highly uncomfortable for me, but I am new to the genre. To me, it read like the author was trying to write a high school student/teacher romance but tried to work around the ick by making the characters adults in reality, but children in their own society. The fact that they both very much act like teenagers made it even more uncomfortable for me. Darka acts like she is six years-old and she is supposed to be eighteen. If certain scenes happened earlier, I probably would not have finished the book. I optimistically hope that it was not the author's intention but, because they are children in the world that she built, the ick is there.
My recommendation to the author is to remove the age of maturity thing and just let them all be adults. Make it clear that the academy is a college. State Myaun's age. I thought he was a grumpy old man for half the book. Then this problem will be completely gone! That aside, I'd just warn of a LOT of misogyny in the povs of the male leads especially.
The world building is really cool. I think the plot is great. It's definitely different from all of the run of the mill fantasy books I've been reading. But the romances need some... adjusting, shall we say.
For the sake of other potential readers, I thought I'd leave some thoughts here so that you understand what you're getting into. Spoilers ahead.
The book takes place in a high school or college-like setting. The ages at which characters reach maturity, or become adults, depends on what kind of magic they wield (and I believe this is also based on gender? unclear) with the youngest age of adulthood being 20. The sisters are children in the context of the world that they inhabit. Both of their love interests are adults in the context of their world. One of the love interests for one of the sisters is her teacher and he is predatory. He commits SA while thinking of her on a person who is dependent on him for a roof over her head. It was highly uncomfortable for me, but I am new to the genre. To me, it read like the author was trying to write a high school student/teacher romance but tried to work around the ick by making the characters adults in reality, but children in their own society. The fact that they both very much act like teenagers made it even more uncomfortable for me. Darka acts like she is six years-old and she is supposed to be eighteen. If certain scenes happened earlier, I probably would not have finished the book. I optimistically hope that it was not the author's intention but, because they are children in the world that she built, the ick is there.
My recommendation to the author is to remove the age of maturity thing and just let them all be adults. Make it clear that the academy is a college. State Myaun's age. I thought he was a grumpy old man for half the book. Then this problem will be completely gone! That aside, I'd just warn of a LOT of misogyny in the povs of the male leads especially.
The world building is really cool. I think the plot is great. It's definitely different from all of the run of the mill fantasy books I've been reading. But the romances need some... adjusting, shall we say.
April 7, 2026
This is truly a hidden gem. I wish more readers would find the book. The story primarily follows three siblings (Akim, Rin, and Darka) ousted from their home by the undead. They end up in a city far from home. Each sibling faces their own unique issues throughout the book. I was most drawn to Akim’s story because he has to deal with a cursed sword, and I’m a sucker for stories with weapons that fight you as much as the enemy.
As happens in most families, there is sibling rivalry. Rin is the responsible, controlling, and practical sibling. Darka (the youngest) is the emotional one, not always used to hardship. Akim (brother) tends to get overprotective of them. They all love each other and risk their lives for one another. The family dynamics are well-played and very believable. It makes me wonder how much the author drew from personal experience.
The action scenes are well written, and I understood everything as it was happening. The undead carry a sense of dread when they make an appearance. There is also a murder mystery wrapped into the book that dovetails into the siblings’ story.
I wish there was more backstory for the undead army and the cursed sword. It looks like there are plenty more books in the series to explore these angles still. Regardless, the world building is unique, fleshed out, and internally consistent, especially the magic system.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It was paced well and written in plain language without having to wonder what the author was saying. Any ambiguities are deliberate to heighten or advance the plot in a meaningful way. I look forward to the sequel.
As happens in most families, there is sibling rivalry. Rin is the responsible, controlling, and practical sibling. Darka (the youngest) is the emotional one, not always used to hardship. Akim (brother) tends to get overprotective of them. They all love each other and risk their lives for one another. The family dynamics are well-played and very believable. It makes me wonder how much the author drew from personal experience.
The action scenes are well written, and I understood everything as it was happening. The undead carry a sense of dread when they make an appearance. There is also a murder mystery wrapped into the book that dovetails into the siblings’ story.
I wish there was more backstory for the undead army and the cursed sword. It looks like there are plenty more books in the series to explore these angles still. Regardless, the world building is unique, fleshed out, and internally consistent, especially the magic system.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It was paced well and written in plain language without having to wonder what the author was saying. Any ambiguities are deliberate to heighten or advance the plot in a meaningful way. I look forward to the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
I picked this Book up during a promo not expecting much. I was wrong. I ended up reading it for hours.
The biggest surprise was the sibling dynamic between Rin, Darka, and Akim. I've never read a fantasy book that gets the relationship between siblings so right - they bicker, they say things they don't mean, they protect each other fiercely, and none of them is the "perfect" sibling. It felt painfully real in the best way.
And then there's Myaun. I didn't expect to love him as much as I do. He's grumpy, dramatic, acts like the siblings are ruining his life, but I’m sure there is so much more to him. I need more of him in the next books.
If I have one complaint, it's that the first few chapters throw a lot at you: names, lore, magic systems, different POVs. It takes a little while to find your footing. I almost put it down before things clicked. But once they did, I couldn't stop.
Really excited to see where it goes from here.
The biggest surprise was the sibling dynamic between Rin, Darka, and Akim. I've never read a fantasy book that gets the relationship between siblings so right - they bicker, they say things they don't mean, they protect each other fiercely, and none of them is the "perfect" sibling. It felt painfully real in the best way.
And then there's Myaun. I didn't expect to love him as much as I do. He's grumpy, dramatic, acts like the siblings are ruining his life, but I’m sure there is so much more to him. I need more of him in the next books.
If I have one complaint, it's that the first few chapters throw a lot at you: names, lore, magic systems, different POVs. It takes a little while to find your footing. I almost put it down before things clicked. But once they did, I couldn't stop.
Really excited to see where it goes from here.
March 29, 2026
This book felt like a refreshing change, with strong character driven storytelling that quickly pulled me in. I especially enjoyed the relationships, from the friendship between Myaun and Darka to the messy but realistic sibling dynamics, even if the banter took me a bit to warm up to. The story moves at a steady pace from the start, always keeping things engaging and never feeling slow. While the world-building is lighter, I found the magic system and bloodline connections really interesting and full of potential. I also liked the multiple perspectives and how the story explored grief, new environments, and unexpected connections. The cliffhanger ending left me wanting more, and I’m definitely looking forward to the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
I tried. I really did. This book is just not for me and I DNFd about 30% in. I had to push myself to get that far.
First, the writing is disorienting. Povs change without warning (chapters marked with multiple POVs, but they bounce all over), scenes change without a clean transition, and pieces feel like they're missing. Every other sentence has an em dash and the sentence structure is just odd. Also, the pacing is all over the place.
Secondly, the characters are annoying. We have no idea how old they are (especially Darka) and their personalities are flat and inconsistent. We do know thwyre at the age of consent or maturity, but they read REALLY young.
Lastly, the relationships are either boring or downright abusive. Especially the teacher/student thing. Gross.
I feel bad because I won this in a giveaway, but I won't be finishing it.
First, the writing is disorienting. Povs change without warning (chapters marked with multiple POVs, but they bounce all over), scenes change without a clean transition, and pieces feel like they're missing. Every other sentence has an em dash and the sentence structure is just odd. Also, the pacing is all over the place.
Secondly, the characters are annoying. We have no idea how old they are (especially Darka) and their personalities are flat and inconsistent. We do know thwyre at the age of consent or maturity, but they read REALLY young.
Lastly, the relationships are either boring or downright abusive. Especially the teacher/student thing. Gross.
I feel bad because I won this in a giveaway, but I won't be finishing it.
April 5, 2026
Book Review
Evata's Bloodline by Anka Kochet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Anka Kochet for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book was so good and I was so enthralled from the very first page!! I love the characters and the way they are written is amazing. I have so many questions that need answers so I need the next book like tomorrow!! I need to know what happens next!!
#MythsOfAtalia #NetGalley
Evata's Bloodline by Anka Kochet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Anka Kochet for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book was so good and I was so enthralled from the very first page!! I love the characters and the way they are written is amazing. I have so many questions that need answers so I need the next book like tomorrow!! I need to know what happens next!!
#MythsOfAtalia #NetGalley
May 31, 2026
From the beginning you're drawn into a world of imperfect characters and darkness so profound it leaves you wanting more.
On the run and bound to each other three siblings battle the world, and themselves at every turn.
Dark and intricate, Kochet delivers with complex characters, relationships, and a wickedly brutal world filled with unknowns and danger.
On the run and bound to each other three siblings battle the world, and themselves at every turn.
Dark and intricate, Kochet delivers with complex characters, relationships, and a wickedly brutal world filled with unknowns and danger.
April 13, 2026
Nice dramatic story. Bright and cute main character.
For me there was not enough word's lore, but I believe that in next book we will see the development of this world.
The Myaun and Darka my love! :D
I'll wait for the next book!
For me there was not enough word's lore, but I believe that in next book we will see the development of this world.
The Myaun and Darka my love! :D
I'll wait for the next book!
March 31, 2026
A thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. Will definitely recommend to others.
May 10, 2026
This is the best story I’ve ever read! I really love this author ❤️
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews