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Blood and Shadows: Massacre of Maya
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2026
2 people want to read
About the author
Alexander S. Li-Timmins
3 books11 followersAlexander S Li-Timmins is a 1992 born author and software developer, balancing the busy—but rewarding—life of marriage and parenthood. When not coding or writing, he can usually be found immersed in horror novels, action-packed thrillers, or rolling dice in late-night D&D campaigns.
He has a particular fondness for gritty storytelling across books, movies, and video games. Warhammer keeps his imagination sharp, and he enjoys exploring worlds where the stakes are high, heroes are flawed, and nothing comes easily.
For Alex, writing is where all of these passions converge — blending the suspense of horror, the adrenaline of action, the strategy of games, and a touch of dark creativity.
He has a particular fondness for gritty storytelling across books, movies, and video games. Warhammer keeps his imagination sharp, and he enjoys exploring worlds where the stakes are high, heroes are flawed, and nothing comes easily.
For Alex, writing is where all of these passions converge — blending the suspense of horror, the adrenaline of action, the strategy of games, and a touch of dark creativity.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy
4.5 ⭐'s
If you love origin stories that bleed mythology and atmosphere… this one is for you.
Blood and Shadows: Massacre of Maya is the prequel to Weight of Fangs — and it doesn’t ease you in gently. It erupts.
From the creation of Ixlan and Ixquic, the story sprints forward with Olympic-level intensity and refuses to let you catch your breath.
Alex’s writing has evolved beautifully here. The prose feels fluid, almost lyrical — rich without being heavy — and it pulls you completely into the world. There were moments I genuinely paused, just to sit with how something had been described.
At one point, a description of smoke actually gave me goosebumps. I won’t spoil the line (because you deserve to experience that magic firsthand), but trust me — it lingers.
If you’re already invested in this series, this prequel adds powerful depth. If you’re new? It’s a striking introduction to a world steeped in blood, myth, and shadow.
I would like to thank Alex Li-Timmins, and Beth at Wings & Words for sending me an early copy of this book. All opinions expressed within this review are my own
If you love origin stories that bleed mythology and atmosphere… this one is for you.
Blood and Shadows: Massacre of Maya is the prequel to Weight of Fangs — and it doesn’t ease you in gently. It erupts.
From the creation of Ixlan and Ixquic, the story sprints forward with Olympic-level intensity and refuses to let you catch your breath.
Alex’s writing has evolved beautifully here. The prose feels fluid, almost lyrical — rich without being heavy — and it pulls you completely into the world. There were moments I genuinely paused, just to sit with how something had been described.
At one point, a description of smoke actually gave me goosebumps. I won’t spoil the line (because you deserve to experience that magic firsthand), but trust me — it lingers.
If you’re already invested in this series, this prequel adds powerful depth. If you’re new? It’s a striking introduction to a world steeped in blood, myth, and shadow.
I would like to thank Alex Li-Timmins, and Beth at Wings & Words for sending me an early copy of this book. All opinions expressed within this review are my own
February 16, 2026
I love the imagery it starts with, it almost gives you that feeling of being there; the smells, the sounds. It just conjures up the scene around you, placing you straight into the story, straight into the brutality.
I actually really loved the Mayan translation too. It was a fascinating & clever addition to the book.
Ixquic (iz-kwee) gives me an almost maternal feeling over the ferals, seeing them as her children even though they are mindless & flawed, yet Ixlan (iz-lan) sees them useless to him, unable to be controlled.
The more savage Ixquic becomes, the more almost human Ixlan becomes, causing an unspoken rift between the siblings.
Until finally, Ixlan walks away, starving himself from his blood hunger and destroying the things he created, forcing him back into the form of man, into the form of light.
I love the contrast between the twins, & I really enjoyed how Alex touched on typical vampiric lore but added his own twists within to create something new, a different take. Vampire with meaning & cause, vampires that carry an actual air of fear, some mindless, some with purpose.
The familiarity of the greenery growing stronger under foot was a really clever addition. But the devastation of what happened to Ixlan’s family felt haunting. Although, it is his creation story, his origins, & no origin story is complete without heartbreak.
Ixquic’s journey on the other hand was almost enlightening. Her learning the world, understanding what it took to rule over the human world, each place teaching her something different, important. I was so invested in Ixlan’s story, the Spartans, Jesus, what I interpreted as Genghis Kahn & Vlad the Impaler, but I was just as much if not more so invested in Ixquic’s, always listening for her brother, always one step ahead creating her future. The steps through time were so clever in the way Alex approached them.
I really appreciate that Luna’s origins & link to Ixlan were also incorporated into the book, as well as Abigail & her mother’s involvement.
I enjoyed every second of this book. It brought me straight back into the world Alex has created, a world I did not realise I was missing so much until I read this.
I actually really loved the Mayan translation too. It was a fascinating & clever addition to the book.
Ixquic (iz-kwee) gives me an almost maternal feeling over the ferals, seeing them as her children even though they are mindless & flawed, yet Ixlan (iz-lan) sees them useless to him, unable to be controlled.
The more savage Ixquic becomes, the more almost human Ixlan becomes, causing an unspoken rift between the siblings.
Until finally, Ixlan walks away, starving himself from his blood hunger and destroying the things he created, forcing him back into the form of man, into the form of light.
I love the contrast between the twins, & I really enjoyed how Alex touched on typical vampiric lore but added his own twists within to create something new, a different take. Vampire with meaning & cause, vampires that carry an actual air of fear, some mindless, some with purpose.
The familiarity of the greenery growing stronger under foot was a really clever addition. But the devastation of what happened to Ixlan’s family felt haunting. Although, it is his creation story, his origins, & no origin story is complete without heartbreak.
Ixquic’s journey on the other hand was almost enlightening. Her learning the world, understanding what it took to rule over the human world, each place teaching her something different, important. I was so invested in Ixlan’s story, the Spartans, Jesus, what I interpreted as Genghis Kahn & Vlad the Impaler, but I was just as much if not more so invested in Ixquic’s, always listening for her brother, always one step ahead creating her future. The steps through time were so clever in the way Alex approached them.
I really appreciate that Luna’s origins & link to Ixlan were also incorporated into the book, as well as Abigail & her mother’s involvement.
I enjoyed every second of this book. It brought me straight back into the world Alex has created, a world I did not realise I was missing so much until I read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blood and Shadows: Massacre of Maya by Alex S Li-Timmins
Alex is seriously holding back no punches in book 2. We just dive right in! Tis great btw. Im instantly like ... omg 😵🤯 ! Gore, birth, death. Its all insanity and so good.
For immersive purposes I loved the prologue in the characters naive Mayan tounge, even though I had no fudging idea what it said (basically the English prologue in native tounge) im assuming? But I think it was an awesome addition to aid the reader into what kind of thing they are getting into.
I loved that this book is set before book 1, and we get the backstory to one of the main characters [Ixlan] and his sister [Ixquic] who personally to me is a side character, in The Weight of Fangs.
Aside from the prologue, in Chapter one you are plunged straight into a outdoor scene and the depth in the detailing is pretty awesome especially the opening - "The jungle parted as they walked. Ixlan’s bare feet made no sound on the white-stone causeway, yet every priest, warrior, and villager sensed his presence as surely as the rolling drums that echoed through the trees." This to me is the perfect example of "show dont tell" with writing. Alex's depiction of the scene unfolding before Ixlan & Ixquic, just shows us how important they really are with the "jungle parting" for them as they walk.
And just like the depictions of the surroundings. Alex spares NO detail when aiding the reader in the description of the characters. Right down to the descriptions of hair! It is done amazingly.
Throughout the book the translactions added when characters are speaking in their native Mayan tounge, really gives an awesome edition to the book. Personally for me, if the translation wasn't in the book that would be a huge downfall for it. But the fact Alex has taken then time to aid the reader in continuing to understand the scenes and or conversations, gives him top credit in my book. You would expect it to not flow within the book at all, but it really does.
Also a side note - to describe the scent of blood as incense to the FMC - that was a pretty awesome description for a reader. Just wow 🤯🤷♀️
"Control was not given. It was earned, again and again."
I liked the time jump & how it blended together, and really enjoyed this read over all with getting more depth and detail into Ixlan & Ixquic's life as it wasn't explored alot in book 1! The blade mentioned and giving us more detail about it is neat, I swear its the same blade that is used in book 1?! So to find out more information about it, is pretty neat! FYI... cult much 🥷🤣 "we will own all of kap" cultists 🤣.
I gotta admit the half borns would make for pretty awesome character art 🤣🥷 with the claws and twisted spine etc ! Thats some awesome depiction to help my imagination 🤯🤣
My favourite line from the book at first read through, is how smoke was depicted in a scene "Smoke still rose from dying fires, curling like black fingers into the night." That is one hell of a description on explaining the movement of smoke from a fire. I also loved how lightening was described as "white fire"!!.
I absorbed this book in basically 1 sitting, it was such a page turner. And having the extended lore in this book was brilliant. I feel the lore could be what was missing in book 1 maybe?
I feel like the overall flow and depthness of book 2 shows just how much Alex has already grown as a writer!! There was a few errors i spotted & i shot them to Alex (they do not hold any reflection on my review tho).
Overall, Massacre of Maya although being Book 2. Is 100% my favourite out of the 2 so far. I feel if what is Book 2 was combined with Book 1 and it was 1 whole book. That would have been 1 incredible read ❤️. I really loved getting to know more about Ixlan and the trials, trauma and tribulations he survived through..and surviving the most horrible thing. I now actually like him more.
5 stars from me, congratulations Alex on making me cry.
Alex is seriously holding back no punches in book 2. We just dive right in! Tis great btw. Im instantly like ... omg 😵🤯 ! Gore, birth, death. Its all insanity and so good.
For immersive purposes I loved the prologue in the characters naive Mayan tounge, even though I had no fudging idea what it said (basically the English prologue in native tounge) im assuming? But I think it was an awesome addition to aid the reader into what kind of thing they are getting into.
I loved that this book is set before book 1, and we get the backstory to one of the main characters [Ixlan] and his sister [Ixquic] who personally to me is a side character, in The Weight of Fangs.
Aside from the prologue, in Chapter one you are plunged straight into a outdoor scene and the depth in the detailing is pretty awesome especially the opening - "The jungle parted as they walked. Ixlan’s bare feet made no sound on the white-stone causeway, yet every priest, warrior, and villager sensed his presence as surely as the rolling drums that echoed through the trees." This to me is the perfect example of "show dont tell" with writing. Alex's depiction of the scene unfolding before Ixlan & Ixquic, just shows us how important they really are with the "jungle parting" for them as they walk.
And just like the depictions of the surroundings. Alex spares NO detail when aiding the reader in the description of the characters. Right down to the descriptions of hair! It is done amazingly.
Throughout the book the translactions added when characters are speaking in their native Mayan tounge, really gives an awesome edition to the book. Personally for me, if the translation wasn't in the book that would be a huge downfall for it. But the fact Alex has taken then time to aid the reader in continuing to understand the scenes and or conversations, gives him top credit in my book. You would expect it to not flow within the book at all, but it really does.
Also a side note - to describe the scent of blood as incense to the FMC - that was a pretty awesome description for a reader. Just wow 🤯🤷♀️
"Control was not given. It was earned, again and again."
I liked the time jump & how it blended together, and really enjoyed this read over all with getting more depth and detail into Ixlan & Ixquic's life as it wasn't explored alot in book 1! The blade mentioned and giving us more detail about it is neat, I swear its the same blade that is used in book 1?! So to find out more information about it, is pretty neat! FYI... cult much 🥷🤣 "we will own all of kap" cultists 🤣.
I gotta admit the half borns would make for pretty awesome character art 🤣🥷 with the claws and twisted spine etc ! Thats some awesome depiction to help my imagination 🤯🤣
My favourite line from the book at first read through, is how smoke was depicted in a scene "Smoke still rose from dying fires, curling like black fingers into the night." That is one hell of a description on explaining the movement of smoke from a fire. I also loved how lightening was described as "white fire"!!.
I absorbed this book in basically 1 sitting, it was such a page turner. And having the extended lore in this book was brilliant. I feel the lore could be what was missing in book 1 maybe?
I feel like the overall flow and depthness of book 2 shows just how much Alex has already grown as a writer!! There was a few errors i spotted & i shot them to Alex (they do not hold any reflection on my review tho).
Overall, Massacre of Maya although being Book 2. Is 100% my favourite out of the 2 so far. I feel if what is Book 2 was combined with Book 1 and it was 1 whole book. That would have been 1 incredible read ❤️. I really loved getting to know more about Ixlan and the trials, trauma and tribulations he survived through..and surviving the most horrible thing. I now actually like him more.
5 stars from me, congratulations Alex on making me cry.
Review of advance copy
Rating 4.5 - A fabulous 2nd instalment to the Blood & Shadows series, but within the plotline it is the prequel to book 1.
The plot for this book for me was in two halves...
From the beginning this book grabs you by the ankles & drags you kicking & screaming into the jungle. Where the descriptive narrative is off the scale & fully immersers the reader into the Mayan surroundings & tribal culture. You join as Ixlan & his sister Ixquic carry out the blood ritual giving insights into the darkness, the blood lust, the power hunger, all of which bring tension to the pages. You learn more on how the vampire army first evolved, get the shivers from the dark magic, whilst you get to question - is it war or slaughter?
Then the 2nd half is when you've whizzed through decades & nearly to the timeline of book 1, which for me gave more intrigue, understanding nut prominently more questions! so will be interest in the next instalment which will hopefully answer some of these!
For me I loved the village life, with the distinct lines of dark & light within the narrative. I think Alex dealt with the quick progression of the timeline brilliantly, as a reader your not left with the feeling that this section of the story is a filler to get from point A to B, everything feels it has a meaning a purpose in the plotline, plus the world building as you move from continent to continent is superb.
Overall a brilliant piece of descriptive writing, that you won't be able to put down & will leave you wanting to now more NOW!!!!
* Thank you to Wings & Words for the free ARC copy of this e-book, I'm leaving this review voluntarily *
The plot for this book for me was in two halves...
From the beginning this book grabs you by the ankles & drags you kicking & screaming into the jungle. Where the descriptive narrative is off the scale & fully immersers the reader into the Mayan surroundings & tribal culture. You join as Ixlan & his sister Ixquic carry out the blood ritual giving insights into the darkness, the blood lust, the power hunger, all of which bring tension to the pages. You learn more on how the vampire army first evolved, get the shivers from the dark magic, whilst you get to question - is it war or slaughter?
Then the 2nd half is when you've whizzed through decades & nearly to the timeline of book 1, which for me gave more intrigue, understanding nut prominently more questions! so will be interest in the next instalment which will hopefully answer some of these!
For me I loved the village life, with the distinct lines of dark & light within the narrative. I think Alex dealt with the quick progression of the timeline brilliantly, as a reader your not left with the feeling that this section of the story is a filler to get from point A to B, everything feels it has a meaning a purpose in the plotline, plus the world building as you move from continent to continent is superb.
Overall a brilliant piece of descriptive writing, that you won't be able to put down & will leave you wanting to now more NOW!!!!
* Thank you to Wings & Words for the free ARC copy of this e-book, I'm leaving this review voluntarily *
March 9, 2026
3.5 stars!!
Blood and Shadows: Massacre of Maya is a prequel to Alex's 'Blood and Shadows: The Weight of Fangs'. I was very glad to find out that we were getting a prequel as I did have a LOT of questions after book one.
Massacre of Maya is bursting with lore, origin and Mayan culture. It follows the twins Ixlan and Ixquic, two vampires forged in blood and shadows. From chapter one you are thrown into this explosive read with an abundance of information, world building and character progression, which continues throughout the book, I mean you won't want to blink encase you miss something.
For me, Alex's writing has definitely improved, this is evident in the way the story flows, the world building and simply the whole constancy of the book. Some of the descriptive language used is truly amazing and you feel as though you are right there with the characters.
Overall I enjoyed this read, it was quick and to the point with massive of detail and answers to my questions. It lost points for me due to the time jumps, which is nothing on Alex or the book, they are just not my thing, as well as me just not clicking with it overall. Again this is nothing on the book, it is definitely a me thing, may it of been the reading mood at the time or what.
Thank you to Alex and Beth at Wings & Words for the opportunity to be a member of the ARC team. This review is my own and is left voluntary.
Blood and Shadows: Massacre of Maya is a prequel to Alex's 'Blood and Shadows: The Weight of Fangs'. I was very glad to find out that we were getting a prequel as I did have a LOT of questions after book one.
Massacre of Maya is bursting with lore, origin and Mayan culture. It follows the twins Ixlan and Ixquic, two vampires forged in blood and shadows. From chapter one you are thrown into this explosive read with an abundance of information, world building and character progression, which continues throughout the book, I mean you won't want to blink encase you miss something.
For me, Alex's writing has definitely improved, this is evident in the way the story flows, the world building and simply the whole constancy of the book. Some of the descriptive language used is truly amazing and you feel as though you are right there with the characters.
Overall I enjoyed this read, it was quick and to the point with massive of detail and answers to my questions. It lost points for me due to the time jumps, which is nothing on Alex or the book, they are just not my thing, as well as me just not clicking with it overall. Again this is nothing on the book, it is definitely a me thing, may it of been the reading mood at the time or what.
Thank you to Alex and Beth at Wings & Words for the opportunity to be a member of the ARC team. This review is my own and is left voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blood and Shadows: Massacre of Maya pulls you straight back into this world with an even darker and more intense edge. I found myself drawn in from the opening pages, where the presence of ancient gods, blood, and power immediately sets the tone.
My favourite line from the book has to be “The temple lay in ruin. Broken pillars leaned like snapped bones.” It’s such a perfect snapshot of the tone and emotion running through the story!
The writing is sharp and cinematic, balancing brutal moments with vivid imagery that makes the scenes easy to picture. There’s a strong horror element running through the story, which works really well alongside the darker fantasy themes.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the use of Mayan mythology. It gives the story a fresh feel compared to the more traditional vampire lore we often see, and adds a real sense of depth and history to the world. The atmosphere throughout the book is tense and relentless, with high stakes and a world that feels dangerous and unforgiving.
This is a strong continuation of the series that expands the mythology and deepens the world even further. If you enjoy dark epic fantasy with horror elements, this is definitely worth checking out.
My favourite line from the book has to be “The temple lay in ruin. Broken pillars leaned like snapped bones.” It’s such a perfect snapshot of the tone and emotion running through the story!
The writing is sharp and cinematic, balancing brutal moments with vivid imagery that makes the scenes easy to picture. There’s a strong horror element running through the story, which works really well alongside the darker fantasy themes.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the use of Mayan mythology. It gives the story a fresh feel compared to the more traditional vampire lore we often see, and adds a real sense of depth and history to the world. The atmosphere throughout the book is tense and relentless, with high stakes and a world that feels dangerous and unforgiving.
This is a strong continuation of the series that expands the mythology and deepens the world even further. If you enjoy dark epic fantasy with horror elements, this is definitely worth checking out.
March 6, 2026
A huge thank you to Wings & Words and Alex S Li-Timmins for the opportunity to ARC read this title!
What an incredible prequel!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been fantastic to see the author’s growth from book one to book two.
In my review of the first book, I mentioned that I’d love to see more emotional depth and slightly slower pacing so some of the plot points had room to breathe. While this instalment is still very fast-paced, there’s so much more emotional payoff this time around, which made the story hit even harder. The stakes feel higher, the consequences feel heavier, and the emotional moments really land.
This book really leans into the darker tone of the world, which adds a lot of intensity to the story. Some of the events are brutal and the tension rarely lets up, but that sense of urgency keeps the pages turning.
I absolutely loved the setting and the vivid scenes throughout the book and the history. The world continues to expand in really interesting ways, and getting to watch Ixlans growth felt like a privilege. Seeing how he evolves from what he was to what he is was one of the highlights of the book for me.
This one is genuinely unputdownable, I flew through it.
Don’t sleep on this series.
Now I’m already counting down the days until book 3
What an incredible prequel!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been fantastic to see the author’s growth from book one to book two.
In my review of the first book, I mentioned that I’d love to see more emotional depth and slightly slower pacing so some of the plot points had room to breathe. While this instalment is still very fast-paced, there’s so much more emotional payoff this time around, which made the story hit even harder. The stakes feel higher, the consequences feel heavier, and the emotional moments really land.
This book really leans into the darker tone of the world, which adds a lot of intensity to the story. Some of the events are brutal and the tension rarely lets up, but that sense of urgency keeps the pages turning.
I absolutely loved the setting and the vivid scenes throughout the book and the history. The world continues to expand in really interesting ways, and getting to watch Ixlans growth felt like a privilege. Seeing how he evolves from what he was to what he is was one of the highlights of the book for me.
This one is genuinely unputdownable, I flew through it.
Don’t sleep on this series.
Now I’m already counting down the days until book 3
February 18, 2026
Received the book in advance - part of Wings and Words ARC
Brothers: from love to blood. This was my first impression until half of the book.
The children of Camazotz are the main protagonists in this saga. In the beginning of the book they are the same, considered as God by many, they ruled their empire until one of them realize the life they live could be different. Then the war between them starts.
The surprise came when you realise who one of the brothers is. That’s why it is very important to read Blood and Shadows before this prequel, otherwise you will spoiled some surprised.
Especially on the second part, when we jump to the time of the first book. We will have some answers not only from the brothers, but from our lovely Luna.
Alex has a peculiar writing style that brings a smooth reading. It is a short book, about 207 pages on kindle.
Give an opportunity and help an indie author.
I am very excited for the third and last part. Thank you Alex for the opportunity to read your book.
Brothers: from love to blood. This was my first impression until half of the book.
The children of Camazotz are the main protagonists in this saga. In the beginning of the book they are the same, considered as God by many, they ruled their empire until one of them realize the life they live could be different. Then the war between them starts.
The surprise came when you realise who one of the brothers is. That’s why it is very important to read Blood and Shadows before this prequel, otherwise you will spoiled some surprised.
Especially on the second part, when we jump to the time of the first book. We will have some answers not only from the brothers, but from our lovely Luna.
Alex has a peculiar writing style that brings a smooth reading. It is a short book, about 207 pages on kindle.
Give an opportunity and help an indie author.
I am very excited for the third and last part. Thank you Alex for the opportunity to read your book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Alex and Beth at Wings and Words for allowing me to ARC read this book. The reviews opinions are mine alone.
,y god Alex, I thought your 1st book was good. You truly have developed as a writer and the extent of which you make ancient Maya seem reel ancient like it was only yesterday is amazing.
I love historical fiction and this book does it so well.
The links between this book and weight of Fangs is very cleverly done. You could read this second or first. I believe 2nd helps o that there are no spoilers but I actually read this book halfway through the first one and then went back to finish it afterwards. It worked well.
Lunas start is made more apparent as does Harry's. It answers so many questions from the first book and makes it so much more imera read
Well done Alex on yet again another awesome book. Can't wait for the next one
,y god Alex, I thought your 1st book was good. You truly have developed as a writer and the extent of which you make ancient Maya seem reel ancient like it was only yesterday is amazing.
I love historical fiction and this book does it so well.
The links between this book and weight of Fangs is very cleverly done. You could read this second or first. I believe 2nd helps o that there are no spoilers but I actually read this book halfway through the first one and then went back to finish it afterwards. It worked well.
Lunas start is made more apparent as does Harry's. It answers so many questions from the first book and makes it so much more imera read
Well done Alex on yet again another awesome book. Can't wait for the next one
March 7, 2026
I liked the dark and brutal atmosphere in the book. The story about the twins Ixlan and Ixquic and the origins of the vampires is a really interesting idea, and the Mayan setting gives the world a different feel compared to many other vampire stories.
The book jumps straight into the action and doesn’t hold back when it comes to blood, violence, and sacrifice. I also liked getting more background and lore about the characters and the world.
At the same time, it didn’t fully click for me. I liked the concept and the dark atmosphere, but I didn’t connect with the story as much as I hoped.
Still, it’s a dark and intense story with a lot of blood, mythology, and history behind it.
This review is voluntary.
Thank you so much Alexander and Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team. ♥️🌺
The book jumps straight into the action and doesn’t hold back when it comes to blood, violence, and sacrifice. I also liked getting more background and lore about the characters and the world.
At the same time, it didn’t fully click for me. I liked the concept and the dark atmosphere, but I didn’t connect with the story as much as I hoped.
Still, it’s a dark and intense story with a lot of blood, mythology, and history behind it.
This review is voluntary.
Thank you so much Alexander and Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team. ♥️🌺
February 17, 2026
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I’ll start off by saying this had a big improvement for me on the writing style front compared to B&S weight of fangs. The sentence structure and flow were a lot more smooth and easy to digest for me.
I liked the little inkling of information we got about Ixlans past and why he seemed so different to his sister Ixquic. I also loved the behind the scenes style of the events that lead up to the parts of weight of fangs.
It had some great character driven moments and I loved learning about the history of this world more. Truly intrigued by the role that Abigail will have in this series now… Enjoyable read!
This book was kindly sent to me by the author and from wings & words for the opportunity to read in advance and review. Which I am writing voluntarily and honestly.
I liked the little inkling of information we got about Ixlans past and why he seemed so different to his sister Ixquic. I also loved the behind the scenes style of the events that lead up to the parts of weight of fangs.
It had some great character driven moments and I loved learning about the history of this world more. Truly intrigued by the role that Abigail will have in this series now… Enjoyable read!
This book was kindly sent to me by the author and from wings & words for the opportunity to read in advance and review. Which I am writing voluntarily and honestly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ☆ So good Alex! The descriptions drew me into the world Ixlan and Ixquic, without drowning the reader and bogging down the story. I did love the use of the Mayan language in the prologue and sprinted in the story.
Ixquic definitely gave a more typical nurturing role in the beginning while Ixlan was the typical dominant male. The reversals were well done. Loved the Luna, Abigail, and Martha back stories, as well as the peek into Ixquic's connection. This truly is a great addition to The Weight of Fangs.
Ixquic definitely gave a more typical nurturing role in the beginning while Ixlan was the typical dominant male. The reversals were well done. Loved the Luna, Abigail, and Martha back stories, as well as the peek into Ixquic's connection. This truly is a great addition to The Weight of Fangs.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Wow well done Alex on this amazing achievement on publishing this thrilling and addictive story line this is boos two and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better I was mistaken it’s a battle for blood and revenge with great detail to the characters and their stories of consequences suffered and overcame I could not get enough of this story line ~Thank you, Beth, and the rest of the Wings and Words Arc Community for the free Arc of this book. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.~
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this as an ARC reader I wasn't sure about this book to start with but the further I got into the story the more I enjoyed it , It was very dark and gory but the imagery and descriptions in the book were amazing really enjoyed the way the characters interacted the way they battled for power between themselves while treating the villagers like cattle was really good. I would definitely recommend this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second book in the series, I do think you would need to read The Weight of Fangs first as this book is the story behind how they got to where they are, particularly Luna.
This is a quick read, in my view not as graphic as book 1 but I really enjoyed finding out the history of some of the characters from the first book.
I am now on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3 as with how it ends, I'm pretty sure there's another lined up!
Definitely worth a read.
Thanks to Wings and Words for choosing me to be a part of the ARC team for this wonderful book.
This is a quick read, in my view not as graphic as book 1 but I really enjoyed finding out the history of some of the characters from the first book.
I am now on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3 as with how it ends, I'm pretty sure there's another lined up!
Definitely worth a read.
Thanks to Wings and Words for choosing me to be a part of the ARC team for this wonderful book.
March 9, 2026
The prequel to The Weight of Fangs in a completely different time line. I love that we get the origin story of our original brother & sister.
I respect Alex’s writing style and in my eyes, best read on a treadmill so you feel like you’re in the action. From the get go we’re immersed into the chilling jungle scene with descriptions that grab you by the spine. Great book, Alex.
Many thanks for the opportunity to be an arc reader with Wings & Words ❤️
I respect Alex’s writing style and in my eyes, best read on a treadmill so you feel like you’re in the action. From the get go we’re immersed into the chilling jungle scene with descriptions that grab you by the spine. Great book, Alex.
Many thanks for the opportunity to be an arc reader with Wings & Words ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fantastic read once again Alex!
I was lucky to be a part of the ARC campaign for this.
This story was so good, the heartbreak definitely made me rage!
I loved learning about the background of the characters (gods) and how they developed and the history leads to the story in Blood and Shadows.
Thanks to Alex and Beth at Wings & Words!
I was lucky to be a part of the ARC campaign for this.
This story was so good, the heartbreak definitely made me rage!
I loved learning about the background of the characters (gods) and how they developed and the history leads to the story in Blood and Shadows.
Thanks to Alex and Beth at Wings & Words!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed that this is the back story for the main characters from the first book. It gives you more insight into how the twins became how they are and what happened to Luna. I love how Alex writes it's detailed but simple and an easy read.
March 7, 2026
The quickest trip the millennia I've been on
I loved the deeper dive into the backstory, folklore and culture. Again it read very cinematically. It recalls for me tales of Hercules and other cursed heroes of myth. I think people you have played God of War would like this book.
I loved the deeper dive into the backstory, folklore and culture. Again it read very cinematically. It recalls for me tales of Hercules and other cursed heroes of myth. I think people you have played God of War would like this book.
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