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The Icarus University #1
Alma Vampires
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
12 days and 18:54:33
5 copies available
U.S. only
An unsuspecting heiress with a target on her back must enlist the protection of a vampire whose wealth and secrets rival her own, in a brand new paranormal romance series from New York Times bestselling author Elena Armas.
Valle Cepeda's life changes drastically over the course of a winter break, when she goes from being an Ivy League scholarship student one day to inheriting a fortune from the mother she’s never met by the next. The fate of Alma, a coveted fashion empire, is now in Val's hands.
Hadrian Cruz presents himself as a calculating, self-serving player in the game of who takes over Alma, but that isn't his true aim. A blood debt that chains him to a hundred-year-old wound is finally being collected, and it involves Val.
Furious at everyone who would try to manipulate her, Val returns to Icarus University, only to see her world has changed shape dramatically and Hadrian is now at the center of it. She doesn’t trust him, but there are things only Hadrian can provide: protection, and the way to satiate a longing she craves more than fears.
Plagued by nightmares, can Val decipher the secrets of her legacy? And can she accept that what she feels for Hadrian runs deeper than attraction? Answers always come at a cost, and these could shatter her heart… Or bind her soul to the monster she desires the most.
Valle Cepeda's life changes drastically over the course of a winter break, when she goes from being an Ivy League scholarship student one day to inheriting a fortune from the mother she’s never met by the next. The fate of Alma, a coveted fashion empire, is now in Val's hands.
Hadrian Cruz presents himself as a calculating, self-serving player in the game of who takes over Alma, but that isn't his true aim. A blood debt that chains him to a hundred-year-old wound is finally being collected, and it involves Val.
Furious at everyone who would try to manipulate her, Val returns to Icarus University, only to see her world has changed shape dramatically and Hadrian is now at the center of it. She doesn’t trust him, but there are things only Hadrian can provide: protection, and the way to satiate a longing she craves more than fears.
Plagued by nightmares, can Val decipher the secrets of her legacy? And can she accept that what she feels for Hadrian runs deeper than attraction? Answers always come at a cost, and these could shatter her heart… Or bind her soul to the monster she desires the most.
496 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Elena Armas
12 books31.4k followersElena is a Spanish writer, a self confessed hopeless romantic and a proud book hoarder. Now, she's also the author of International bestseller and soon to be adapted to film The Spanish Love Deception; and instant New York Times bestsellers The American Roommate Experiment and The Long Game. Her books are being translated to over 30 languages–which is bananas, if you ask her.
She hopes her stories make your heart skip a beat or two, your palms a little sweaty, and your cheeks flush in that rosy pink that makes other people want to peek at the page you are reading.
She hopes her stories make your heart skip a beat or two, your palms a little sweaty, and your cheeks flush in that rosy pink that makes other people want to peek at the page you are reading.
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August 10, 2026thank you so much to netgalley for providing this arc!!
unfortunately, i am going to have to DNF this one. i have absolutely adored elena armas' books in the past (the american roommate experiment being one of my all time faves), but this one wasn't working for me sadly. i feel that the writing was very choppy, and i was finding myself confused over would should be a straightforward plot. i admit i didn't read quite far enough into this one to really see the romance come to light, so i can't comment on that, but i did like the mmc from what i saw of him. i do think the premise is an interesting one, but i was finding myself struggling to concentrate and connect whilst reading.
unfortunately, i am going to have to DNF this one. i have absolutely adored elena armas' books in the past (the american roommate experiment being one of my all time faves), but this one wasn't working for me sadly. i feel that the writing was very choppy, and i was finding myself confused over would should be a straightforward plot. i admit i didn't read quite far enough into this one to really see the romance come to light, so i can't comment on that, but i did like the mmc from what i saw of him. i do think the premise is an interesting one, but i was finding myself struggling to concentrate and connect whilst reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I did not love this one as much as I thought I would.
I'm always equal parts wary and excited when a beloved author branches out and tries a new genre. So, I was very sad when the paranormal elements fell flat for me. However, Elena Armas's skill in writing romantic relationships really shined here.
You could practically feel the yearning leaping out of the pages. Hadrian definitely went to Icarus University to get his degree in pining. But honestly what stood out to me more, was the yearning that we got from Valle. That mutual pining was the definitely the reason I loved their relationship so much.
But in the end, the romance could only entertain me so much when I was expecting an equally captivating paranormal plot. The world building that we got was excellent, but I needed so much *more* of it. I would have loved for everything to be more fleshed out and vivid. These paranormal elements fell so flat that, in my opinion, the story would not have suffered much if they had been left out entirely.
In addition to the lackluster paranormal plot, the plot where Valle inherits the fashion brand ALMA, was also not as lush as I would have hoped. I would have loved to see the pressure that she faced from the fashion world after inheriting a brand she knew nothing about. Or see how the brand is crumbling in her hands or see the pressure of people asking for her opinion on a new clothing collection. We get none of that. Instead she goes back to Icarus University and is the center of petty gossip. I genuinely think this book had the potential to be SO good. :( But alas, the romance was basically the only thing I could truly enjoy.
2.5 stars. (rounded up)
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the arc. All thought are my own.
📆 Publication Date: November 17, 2026
I'm always equal parts wary and excited when a beloved author branches out and tries a new genre. So, I was very sad when the paranormal elements fell flat for me. However, Elena Armas's skill in writing romantic relationships really shined here.
You could practically feel the yearning leaping out of the pages. Hadrian definitely went to Icarus University to get his degree in pining. But honestly what stood out to me more, was the yearning that we got from Valle. That mutual pining was the definitely the reason I loved their relationship so much.
But in the end, the romance could only entertain me so much when I was expecting an equally captivating paranormal plot. The world building that we got was excellent, but I needed so much *more* of it. I would have loved for everything to be more fleshed out and vivid. These paranormal elements fell so flat that, in my opinion, the story would not have suffered much if they had been left out entirely.
In addition to the lackluster paranormal plot, the plot where Valle inherits the fashion brand ALMA, was also not as lush as I would have hoped. I would have loved to see the pressure that she faced from the fashion world after inheriting a brand she knew nothing about. Or see how the brand is crumbling in her hands or see the pressure of people asking for her opinion on a new clothing collection. We get none of that. Instead she goes back to Icarus University and is the center of petty gossip. I genuinely think this book had the potential to be SO good. :( But alas, the romance was basically the only thing I could truly enjoy.
2.5 stars. (rounded up)
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the arc. All thought are my own.
📆 Publication Date: November 17, 2026
Want to Read
August 6, 2026An heiress with a target on her back, a vampire with secrets of his own, a debt to be paid and a paranormal romance that follows.
Ok, I need more paranormal, leaving this for September!!!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, Elena Armas for an early copy.
Publication date: November 17, 2026
Ok, I need more paranormal, leaving this for September!!!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, Elena Armas for an early copy.
Publication date: November 17, 2026
March 10, 2026
i want to read this again and again and again and again
remind-me-once-out
March 18, 2026I'm just looking, respectfully
September 12, 2026
DNF’d @ 61%
The beginning was gripping, it really did catch my interest but then lost it just as fast. There was no sense to most of the things happening, the pacing felt really off as well which kinda put me in a bad slump.
The romance didn’t make any sense to me and I didn’t feel the chemistry between the mcs like I usually do with armas characters.
The world building felt messy and had no finesse.
Such a shame honestly. I was really looking forward to enjoying this book but I think I kept my expectations too high.
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you Piatkus for the ARC! ♥︎
The beginning was gripping, it really did catch my interest but then lost it just as fast. There was no sense to most of the things happening, the pacing felt really off as well which kinda put me in a bad slump.
The romance didn’t make any sense to me and I didn’t feel the chemistry between the mcs like I usually do with armas characters.
The world building felt messy and had no finesse.
Such a shame honestly. I was really looking forward to enjoying this book but I think I kept my expectations too high.
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you Piatkus for the ARC! ♥︎
upcoming-release
April 4, 2026Elena, time to prove TSLD wasn’t a fluke 😭
Want to Read
August 22, 2026―୨୧⋆ that cover could make me do dangerous things, like read an elena armas book.
September 9, 2026
Valle becomes an heiress after she finds out her birth mother Ane has died. She inherits a family curse and it all feels like a horrible dream. Taking over Ane’s life and business is extremely daunting to her because she’s never even met her. And she has a target on her back now that she has been revealed to the public.
From the moment Hadrian Cruz showed up on his motorcycle, they were inevitable. He is the enemy she’s been warned against who wants her mother’s company. It’s hard for her to trust his intentions. But Valle is being followed and she is being hunted. And Hadrian is there to protect her from her doomed fate of unknown enemies. They have a burning angsty connection after he saves her from a terrible attack. He calls her Hummingbird because he knows the flutter of her heart over everyone in the room.
"I kissed you because I couldn't bear not to."
Their chemistry is 🔥 and now he’s everywhere she is. Vampires love to covet their possessions! And he even takes over as her professor. He is diabolical and I am so here for it. There’s lots of tension and pining on both sides. Does he fall first or is it just vampire obsession!
“He kisses me like it's his first and his last chance. Like I'Il vanish if his lips lift from mine.”
He’s so possessive and would burn the world down for her. But she has trust and abandonment issues so she can’t fully trust what he’s feeling.
"I won't ever be your savior," … "But I will happily be your ruin, Valle."
All while she’s dealing with finding out the mystery that revolves around her mother’s history. All she has is Ane’s sketches in a journal that was left to her. Valle is trying to figure out who she is and who her mother was and what they are… The ending is so action packed and intense. So many twists unveiled! I’m looking forward to the next book with Baz and Kiki.
Thank you NetGalley, Elena Armas, and Berkley for the eARC
From the moment Hadrian Cruz showed up on his motorcycle, they were inevitable. He is the enemy she’s been warned against who wants her mother’s company. It’s hard for her to trust his intentions. But Valle is being followed and she is being hunted. And Hadrian is there to protect her from her doomed fate of unknown enemies. They have a burning angsty connection after he saves her from a terrible attack. He calls her Hummingbird because he knows the flutter of her heart over everyone in the room.
"I kissed you because I couldn't bear not to."
Their chemistry is 🔥 and now he’s everywhere she is. Vampires love to covet their possessions! And he even takes over as her professor. He is diabolical and I am so here for it. There’s lots of tension and pining on both sides. Does he fall first or is it just vampire obsession!
“He kisses me like it's his first and his last chance. Like I'Il vanish if his lips lift from mine.”
He’s so possessive and would burn the world down for her. But she has trust and abandonment issues so she can’t fully trust what he’s feeling.
"I won't ever be your savior," … "But I will happily be your ruin, Valle."
All while she’s dealing with finding out the mystery that revolves around her mother’s history. All she has is Ane’s sketches in a journal that was left to her. Valle is trying to figure out who she is and who her mother was and what they are… The ending is so action packed and intense. So many twists unveiled! I’m looking forward to the next book with Baz and Kiki.
Thank you NetGalley, Elena Armas, and Berkley for the eARC
August 13, 2026
Bear with me cause this one is going to sting. I'm so sad to say that this book felt shallow, un-planned, stagnant, and just extremely unnecessary.
Like so many readers I gasped in shock and admiration when I saw the cover reveal for Alma Vampires, and I was caught by its synopsis. But truly those gems are a credit to the artist and publishing staff for writing extremely compelling copy.
Alma Vampires is automatically set up for success, but there's story elements that need to be probed. The book is set into 4 acts, promising to deliver a hefty story, however the lore is shabby. The characters shifty (girl, forgive me for the pun), and the big twists in the narrative came in at the final 10-15% of the book. Which was super frustrating for me as a reader because the pacing wasn't serving the reader at all.
Now onto character work. In a sea of vampire books entering the field, is Alma Vampires original? No. Hadrian's backstory mirrored the beloved Lestat but fell short on execution, our heroine...I simply can't articulate. I want a heroine that isn't riddled with abandonment issues, can be strong by herself, that can think and act without hesitation.
A phrase to describe the book: un-tapped potential. There was an extreme well to work with here and it needs some reworking, re-editing, and revising a storyboard. It's called The Icarus University and I don't think we needed it to be set in a university in the first place (cause hello, we're off to Spain at one point). The set-up for Book 2 doesn't feel exciting because the secondary characters stepping into the spotlight weren't given much to make me root for them (think of it as a thinly drawn sketch). But I'll keep an eye out to see the beautiful cover-art.
As always thanks to Berkley Publishing for the digital copy. Sadly this one didn't work out for me. #BerkleyPartner
Like so many readers I gasped in shock and admiration when I saw the cover reveal for Alma Vampires, and I was caught by its synopsis. But truly those gems are a credit to the artist and publishing staff for writing extremely compelling copy.
Alma Vampires is automatically set up for success, but there's story elements that need to be probed. The book is set into 4 acts, promising to deliver a hefty story, however the lore is shabby. The characters shifty (girl, forgive me for the pun), and the big twists in the narrative came in at the final 10-15% of the book. Which was super frustrating for me as a reader because the pacing wasn't serving the reader at all.
Now onto character work. In a sea of vampire books entering the field, is Alma Vampires original? No. Hadrian's backstory mirrored the beloved Lestat but fell short on execution, our heroine...I simply can't articulate. I want a heroine that isn't riddled with abandonment issues, can be strong by herself, that can think and act without hesitation.
A phrase to describe the book: un-tapped potential. There was an extreme well to work with here and it needs some reworking, re-editing, and revising a storyboard. It's called The Icarus University and I don't think we needed it to be set in a university in the first place (cause hello, we're off to Spain at one point). The set-up for Book 2 doesn't feel exciting because the secondary characters stepping into the spotlight weren't given much to make me root for them (think of it as a thinly drawn sketch). But I'll keep an eye out to see the beautiful cover-art.
As always thanks to Berkley Publishing for the digital copy. Sadly this one didn't work out for me. #BerkleyPartner
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Recieved an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5
Guys I REALLY liked this. I literally ran to preorder a signed copy from the ripped bodice.
I was so pleasantly surprised at Alma Vampires, and I have to say it: Elena Armas knows how to write a paranormal romance.
I LOVE vampires, so I knew I had to read this. I was so happy to have gotten the arc, this was on my most anticipated reads of the year and it genuinely did not disappoint. The beginning really throws us in the world, and with Valle. She seems so smart and headstrong, she’s had to basically raise herself as an orphan, then all of a sudden is meant to have this connection with the dead mom who abandoned her. Being in her head was so interesting, because we see all the ways she reacts to the grief, abandonment, and pain she feels. But above all, she’s kind, and sees the best in people.
Hadrian is an interesting character, and he plays that quintessential vampire. He reminds me a lot of Damon from the Vampire Diaries, where’s he brooding and Valle can’t really tell if he’s a good guy or a bad guy. He’s very mysterious, a lil mean in a hot way, but I really loved him.
The two of them are sooooooo magnetic, they have amazing chemistry. It’s a little insta lusty, but hey, it’s a paranormal romance. The magic and world building is also a little confusing at times, but a lot of thought was put into the magic and the plot concerning it. I also really wished we got to see more of the company aspect, as I think that was kinda abandoned. Im not sure the plot would have changed much is Valle wasn’t the heiress to a fashion empire.
I’m so excited for the sequel, and I really hope we see more of Valle and Hadrian!!
4.5
Guys I REALLY liked this. I literally ran to preorder a signed copy from the ripped bodice.
I was so pleasantly surprised at Alma Vampires, and I have to say it: Elena Armas knows how to write a paranormal romance.
I LOVE vampires, so I knew I had to read this. I was so happy to have gotten the arc, this was on my most anticipated reads of the year and it genuinely did not disappoint. The beginning really throws us in the world, and with Valle. She seems so smart and headstrong, she’s had to basically raise herself as an orphan, then all of a sudden is meant to have this connection with the dead mom who abandoned her. Being in her head was so interesting, because we see all the ways she reacts to the grief, abandonment, and pain she feels. But above all, she’s kind, and sees the best in people.
Hadrian is an interesting character, and he plays that quintessential vampire. He reminds me a lot of Damon from the Vampire Diaries, where’s he brooding and Valle can’t really tell if he’s a good guy or a bad guy. He’s very mysterious, a lil mean in a hot way, but I really loved him.
The two of them are sooooooo magnetic, they have amazing chemistry. It’s a little insta lusty, but hey, it’s a paranormal romance. The magic and world building is also a little confusing at times, but a lot of thought was put into the magic and the plot concerning it. I also really wished we got to see more of the company aspect, as I think that was kinda abandoned. Im not sure the plot would have changed much is Valle wasn’t the heiress to a fashion empire.
I’m so excited for the sequel, and I really hope we see more of Valle and Hadrian!!
August 20, 2026
“Am I your Icarus? Will you burn my wings?”
Inevitable. Devastatingly inevitable is how I would describe the fated bond between the devil and his hummingbird. Or as we come to know them, Hadrian and Valle.
Being dropped into a fortune overnight when all you’ve known is poverty can be quite jarring, and it definitely is for Valle when she finds out her biological mother has left her one of the biggest fashion empires in the world, and she’s left to navigate a world filled with secrets, heartbreak, mysterious happenings and a past steeped in relevant lore.
There is soo much tension between our fmc and mmc. I mean you could feel it like static in the air. As much as they both tried to push whatever was brewing between them away, (Valle deeply in her denial with her pull and attraction towards Hadrian), it was inevitable that when in the silence, all they wanted was comfort from each other. He falls first you guys, in the most delicious, protective and broody way one can. A man wants what he wants, and Hadrian will stop at nothing to not only protect her, but keep her as his.
You have your academia setting, myths, professor x student moment, and this creature who continues to make an appearance that I STILL have so many questions about. Why is he targeting her? WHO IS HE?! I also wanted to find out more about the ‘sisterhood’ and their true purpose behind their actions, because although I knew in the moment of introduction what they were trying to do, I still feel sort of lost and vague to their cause? I actually really also came to love Kiki and the genuine friendship that was created, as well as in the introduction of Baz. ( Can’t wait to get their story in book two! )
Beautiful prose, I absolutely loved the writing, the pacing, and the overall gist of this read!
Truly can’t wait to see what happens next!
Inevitable. Devastatingly inevitable is how I would describe the fated bond between the devil and his hummingbird. Or as we come to know them, Hadrian and Valle.
Being dropped into a fortune overnight when all you’ve known is poverty can be quite jarring, and it definitely is for Valle when she finds out her biological mother has left her one of the biggest fashion empires in the world, and she’s left to navigate a world filled with secrets, heartbreak, mysterious happenings and a past steeped in relevant lore.
There is soo much tension between our fmc and mmc. I mean you could feel it like static in the air. As much as they both tried to push whatever was brewing between them away, (Valle deeply in her denial with her pull and attraction towards Hadrian), it was inevitable that when in the silence, all they wanted was comfort from each other. He falls first you guys, in the most delicious, protective and broody way one can. A man wants what he wants, and Hadrian will stop at nothing to not only protect her, but keep her as his.
You have your academia setting, myths, professor x student moment, and this creature who continues to make an appearance that I STILL have so many questions about. Why is he targeting her? WHO IS HE?! I also wanted to find out more about the ‘sisterhood’ and their true purpose behind their actions, because although I knew in the moment of introduction what they were trying to do, I still feel sort of lost and vague to their cause? I actually really also came to love Kiki and the genuine friendship that was created, as well as in the introduction of Baz. ( Can’t wait to get their story in book two! )
Beautiful prose, I absolutely loved the writing, the pacing, and the overall gist of this read!
Truly can’t wait to see what happens next!
August 29, 2026
From the very first page, this book had me completely and utterly captivated. I finished it in a day! I genuinely could not put it down because I had to know what was going to happen! 😭 And I’m absolutely ecstatic to know we’re getting a second book, Luna Wolves!
The world, the characters, the tension, the yearning, the passion… ALL of it was perfection.
Hadrian and Val are such fascinating characters, with such a unique history. The chemistry between them was absolutely electric. Every conversation, every look and every tiny moment was dripping with yearning and anticipation. 🥵
This wasn’t paranormal for the sake of being paranormal! It felt immersive, intentional and so beautifully woven into the story. The blood debts, the history, the mystery surrounding the vampire world, the college setting, the secrets… everything blended together so seamlessly that I never wanted to leave.
Hadrian is EVERYTHING you want in a MMC. Protective without being overbearing, powerful, patient, intelligent and absolutely devoted in ways that genuinely made my heart ache. And Val was such a wonderful heroine to experience this story through. Watching her navigate this completely new world whilst trying to understand her place within it made every revelation hit that much harder.
And the side story of her friendship with Kiki? 🥹So beautiful. There really is nothing stronger than female friendship.
I’m forever grateful that I got to read this as an ARC. I had such an amazing reading experience and honestly. Thank you, Elana Armas, for this perfect read! ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The world, the characters, the tension, the yearning, the passion… ALL of it was perfection.
Hadrian and Val are such fascinating characters, with such a unique history. The chemistry between them was absolutely electric. Every conversation, every look and every tiny moment was dripping with yearning and anticipation. 🥵
This wasn’t paranormal for the sake of being paranormal! It felt immersive, intentional and so beautifully woven into the story. The blood debts, the history, the mystery surrounding the vampire world, the college setting, the secrets… everything blended together so seamlessly that I never wanted to leave.
Hadrian is EVERYTHING you want in a MMC. Protective without being overbearing, powerful, patient, intelligent and absolutely devoted in ways that genuinely made my heart ache. And Val was such a wonderful heroine to experience this story through. Watching her navigate this completely new world whilst trying to understand her place within it made every revelation hit that much harder.
And the side story of her friendship with Kiki? 🥹So beautiful. There really is nothing stronger than female friendship.
I’m forever grateful that I got to read this as an ARC. I had such an amazing reading experience and honestly. Thank you, Elana Armas, for this perfect read! ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 15, 2026
☆ 4 stars
Alma Vampires is the first instalment in the Icarus University series by author Elena Armas. This is one of those books that took me by surprise in the best possible way as it circulates around a story that felt like the opposite of my expectations. It not only contains a swoon-worthy romance and high intensity action that will leave you unwilling to put your copy down… but also a deeply reflective journey rooted in identity and history. I really enjoyed the utilisation of story-based imagery to leave the reader questioning and theorising about the lore of this world as we follow the female main character on her desperation for answers. Alma Vampires packs a lot of fun elements into less than 500 pages without feeling overwhelming. An unexpected heiress, paranormal creatures, curses and unfulfilled prophecies, a forbidden romance within an academic setting and a looming danger that seeks to threaten them all. This was such an entertaining experience that had me dragging out the reading time so that I could exist within this universe for that little bit longer. I felt constantly on-edge as I attempted (and failed) to theorise where exactly the plot was progressing towards with the many twists and turns preventing the story from feeling predictable. The magic system did feel a little vague at times which caused some questions and confusion regarding certain key story elements that I cannot divulge into without spoilers. I hope this is something that will be refined upon throughout the continuation of the series as Armas settles deeper into this world. The gorgeous cover is what pulled me in (get this framed in a museum seriously) and it was the thrilling experience that left me captivated.
Valle Cepeda is everything that I could hope to love in a main character and I cannot express how deeply I yearned for her to attain the answers she’s so desperately searched for throughout her entire life. She’s so easy to connect to with her wavering kindness, endearing stubborn nature and an undeniable capacity for strength. Her emotional awareness and maturity never failed to make me feel an overwhelming sense of relief, and I gleefully enjoyed every single moment that showcased her determination to be heard with an authoritative voice throughout situations that tried to silence her. I felt truly connected to Val with how potent her struggles felt regarding her identity and how unworthy she feels with what she has gained as a result from the death of another. Her yearning to know the woman that was supposed to raise her broke my heart alongside the vocalisation of the struggles she has endured as an orphan. Valle’s independence is a direct result of having nobody else to rely on and it made me immensely happy to see her gain the most unlikely group of supporters that she never realised she needed. She really grows into herself as the story continues to progress and I greatly respected Val’s ability to face hardship in pursuit of the truth. Her journey ends on a much deserved happier note whilst also being rooted in the uncertainty of the future. Valle still carries many unanswered questions that I desperately hope to see some more investigating into throughout the rest of the series… even with her being transitioned into a side character.
I was personally a little disappointed at how little Valle’s new status as the heiress of a fashion empire played a role throughout the plot considering it’s something that is highlighted in the synopsis. I respect that Val’s biggest association with ALMA throughout her personal journey is its anchor as the small connection she’s provided to a mother that she never knew. I would have loved to have actually seen a storyline surrounding Val as the new head of an empire that she knows nothing about and all of the adversities she faces as a result. I think this could’ve added an additional layer to her character, but everything regarding the company itself felt so insignificant that I feel like this could’ve just not have been included. I wouldn’t have batted an eye had Val just inherited a financial inheritance itself as opposed to involving the rest.
Hadrian Cruz is the perfect token ‘bad boy’ vampire that is rooted in mystery as he continues to be haunted by a lifetime of choices that were stolen from him. I really enjoyed the development of his character as I genuinely spent the entirety of the first half of the story questioning his integrity and true intentions. This man is so multi-layered and complex in the best possible way as every new layer revealed felt hard earned as opposed to freely given. There’s nothing that makes me want to swoon more than the protector/bodyguard dynamic which is something that Hadrian executes very well. I loved his honesty regarding who he has had to become in the name of survival and endurance paired with his capacity for vulnerability. Underneath a tough exterior is a deeply traumatised man that has had to fight to claim every piece of his life and freedom. I adored his companionship with Baz and the way they clearly care for one another… even if it’s displayed with awkwardness and aloofness. I really enjoyed the depictions of vampires and the way their intricacies are so seamlessly integrated into Hadrian’s character. I wanted to squeal with glee with the information that ‘vampires covet’ and how this immediately ties into his possessive nature. Hadrian understandably falls first (and harder) so there’s no denying that he knows how to correctly worship the woman that he yearns to claim as his own. I felt true adoration for Hadrian in the end and I cannot wait to see what will come next for his character in the next instalment.
The relationship dynamic between Valle and Hadrian is bound to leave you on the edge on your seat in your anticipation for what comes next. These two are messy and tumultuous in the most delicious way, and I genuinely had the best time getting to experience the effortless development of their relationship. Their chemistry is explosive and filled with the most exquisite, endless yearning that is mutually shared. Getting to witness mistrust and obligation grow into a genuine connection that is earned through action left me swooning into my pillow like a giggling teenager. The vulnerability they learn to communicate made it even easier to connect to the believability of their love story and it truly felt monumental to watch Val and Hadrian grow into the inevitability that they become. The ‘will they, won’t they’ moments left me equally wanting to pull my hair out as much as I wanted to jump on my mattress in my giddiness to see the moment they give in. I felt feral throughout every single minuscule progression in Val and Hadrian’s story… and now that’s it’s over I just know I’m going to be desperately seeking that same emotional high elsewhere.
I have ended Alma Vampires with a few minor questions that feel significant enough to wiggle into my mind. How deep did Charlie’s relationship with Ane go? Was it merely professional, or was it a true friendship to the point that he knew the truth about everything? Charlie made a point to mention how he ‘failed’ Ane and it would’ve been nice to have been given more insight into this for a clearer picture on what went wrong. Another thing for me was how exactly did Valle and Hadrian get away with building a relationship on campus considering the power imbalance? All of the students knew and often gossiped about it, so I refuse to believe that the staff also weren’t aware considering he was on-site as a professor. Did Hadrian Echo the staff to make it a non-issue? I just found that interesting, especially the fact that not one single member of staff challenged them on it. Also that ending with the sisterhood? I suspect that will be divulged further in the sequel, but I also greatly hope that includes further expansion into the history of their organisation and purpose which felt a bit shaky at times.
I truly had a lot of fun reading Alma Vampires and I find myself plagued with an apprehensive curiosity on what will come next. The ending suggests that despite the shift (pun intended) in narrative, the plot itself may be interconnected? I couldn’t even begin to guess what will happen next in this busy universe… but what I do know is how excited I am to explore our next couple, especially with the trope/relationship dynamic revealed at the end.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
Alma Vampires is the first instalment in the Icarus University series by author Elena Armas. This is one of those books that took me by surprise in the best possible way as it circulates around a story that felt like the opposite of my expectations. It not only contains a swoon-worthy romance and high intensity action that will leave you unwilling to put your copy down… but also a deeply reflective journey rooted in identity and history. I really enjoyed the utilisation of story-based imagery to leave the reader questioning and theorising about the lore of this world as we follow the female main character on her desperation for answers. Alma Vampires packs a lot of fun elements into less than 500 pages without feeling overwhelming. An unexpected heiress, paranormal creatures, curses and unfulfilled prophecies, a forbidden romance within an academic setting and a looming danger that seeks to threaten them all. This was such an entertaining experience that had me dragging out the reading time so that I could exist within this universe for that little bit longer. I felt constantly on-edge as I attempted (and failed) to theorise where exactly the plot was progressing towards with the many twists and turns preventing the story from feeling predictable. The magic system did feel a little vague at times which caused some questions and confusion regarding certain key story elements that I cannot divulge into without spoilers. I hope this is something that will be refined upon throughout the continuation of the series as Armas settles deeper into this world. The gorgeous cover is what pulled me in (get this framed in a museum seriously) and it was the thrilling experience that left me captivated.
Valle Cepeda is everything that I could hope to love in a main character and I cannot express how deeply I yearned for her to attain the answers she’s so desperately searched for throughout her entire life. She’s so easy to connect to with her wavering kindness, endearing stubborn nature and an undeniable capacity for strength. Her emotional awareness and maturity never failed to make me feel an overwhelming sense of relief, and I gleefully enjoyed every single moment that showcased her determination to be heard with an authoritative voice throughout situations that tried to silence her. I felt truly connected to Val with how potent her struggles felt regarding her identity and how unworthy she feels with what she has gained as a result from the death of another. Her yearning to know the woman that was supposed to raise her broke my heart alongside the vocalisation of the struggles she has endured as an orphan. Valle’s independence is a direct result of having nobody else to rely on and it made me immensely happy to see her gain the most unlikely group of supporters that she never realised she needed. She really grows into herself as the story continues to progress and I greatly respected Val’s ability to face hardship in pursuit of the truth. Her journey ends on a much deserved happier note whilst also being rooted in the uncertainty of the future. Valle still carries many unanswered questions that I desperately hope to see some more investigating into throughout the rest of the series… even with her being transitioned into a side character.
I was personally a little disappointed at how little Valle’s new status as the heiress of a fashion empire played a role throughout the plot considering it’s something that is highlighted in the synopsis. I respect that Val’s biggest association with ALMA throughout her personal journey is its anchor as the small connection she’s provided to a mother that she never knew. I would have loved to have actually seen a storyline surrounding Val as the new head of an empire that she knows nothing about and all of the adversities she faces as a result. I think this could’ve added an additional layer to her character, but everything regarding the company itself felt so insignificant that I feel like this could’ve just not have been included. I wouldn’t have batted an eye had Val just inherited a financial inheritance itself as opposed to involving the rest.
Hadrian Cruz is the perfect token ‘bad boy’ vampire that is rooted in mystery as he continues to be haunted by a lifetime of choices that were stolen from him. I really enjoyed the development of his character as I genuinely spent the entirety of the first half of the story questioning his integrity and true intentions. This man is so multi-layered and complex in the best possible way as every new layer revealed felt hard earned as opposed to freely given. There’s nothing that makes me want to swoon more than the protector/bodyguard dynamic which is something that Hadrian executes very well. I loved his honesty regarding who he has had to become in the name of survival and endurance paired with his capacity for vulnerability. Underneath a tough exterior is a deeply traumatised man that has had to fight to claim every piece of his life and freedom. I adored his companionship with Baz and the way they clearly care for one another… even if it’s displayed with awkwardness and aloofness. I really enjoyed the depictions of vampires and the way their intricacies are so seamlessly integrated into Hadrian’s character. I wanted to squeal with glee with the information that ‘vampires covet’ and how this immediately ties into his possessive nature. Hadrian understandably falls first (and harder) so there’s no denying that he knows how to correctly worship the woman that he yearns to claim as his own. I felt true adoration for Hadrian in the end and I cannot wait to see what will come next for his character in the next instalment.
The relationship dynamic between Valle and Hadrian is bound to leave you on the edge on your seat in your anticipation for what comes next. These two are messy and tumultuous in the most delicious way, and I genuinely had the best time getting to experience the effortless development of their relationship. Their chemistry is explosive and filled with the most exquisite, endless yearning that is mutually shared. Getting to witness mistrust and obligation grow into a genuine connection that is earned through action left me swooning into my pillow like a giggling teenager. The vulnerability they learn to communicate made it even easier to connect to the believability of their love story and it truly felt monumental to watch Val and Hadrian grow into the inevitability that they become. The ‘will they, won’t they’ moments left me equally wanting to pull my hair out as much as I wanted to jump on my mattress in my giddiness to see the moment they give in. I felt feral throughout every single minuscule progression in Val and Hadrian’s story… and now that’s it’s over I just know I’m going to be desperately seeking that same emotional high elsewhere.
I have ended Alma Vampires with a few minor questions that feel significant enough to wiggle into my mind. How deep did Charlie’s relationship with Ane go? Was it merely professional, or was it a true friendship to the point that he knew the truth about everything? Charlie made a point to mention how he ‘failed’ Ane and it would’ve been nice to have been given more insight into this for a clearer picture on what went wrong. Another thing for me was how exactly did Valle and Hadrian get away with building a relationship on campus considering the power imbalance? All of the students knew and often gossiped about it, so I refuse to believe that the staff also weren’t aware considering he was on-site as a professor. Did Hadrian Echo the staff to make it a non-issue? I just found that interesting, especially the fact that not one single member of staff challenged them on it. Also that ending with the sisterhood? I suspect that will be divulged further in the sequel, but I also greatly hope that includes further expansion into the history of their organisation and purpose which felt a bit shaky at times.
I truly had a lot of fun reading Alma Vampires and I find myself plagued with an apprehensive curiosity on what will come next. The ending suggests that despite the shift (pun intended) in narrative, the plot itself may be interconnected? I couldn’t even begin to guess what will happen next in this busy universe… but what I do know is how excited I am to explore our next couple, especially with the trope/relationship dynamic revealed at the end.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Berkley Romance & NetGalley for this ARC!
This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I love vampires (and I'm so glad they're back!) and also absolutely love the stunning cover art!
I went into this book very curious, as always, I had not read the synopsis in great details, I prefer to keep it a surprise each time. We got two POVs, Val or Valle the FMC and Hadrian, our MMC. Straight away I preferred Hadrian's POV, we learn so much more during his chapters. We got the full vampire world building and I loved that. At 30% of this book though, I had to check the synopsis because I was not sure where this was all going. We had two MCs, a beginning of sexual tension between them and that's was about it. From that point until the end we don't really got anything about ALMA the fashion brand Val got after her mum dies. (Although Alma is in the title) so I was very surprised about the lack of story building on that front. We could have had so much (like board meetings, decisions to make about fashion, being there with the FMC while being so out of her element) We also don't get a lot of supernatural world building which made me a bit sad because I was so here for vampires and shifters and whatnot! So overall, this was meh. Maybe my expectations were a bit too high and I'm sure this book will find its readers, unfortunately I found it a bit lacking.
This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I love vampires (and I'm so glad they're back!) and also absolutely love the stunning cover art!
I went into this book very curious, as always, I had not read the synopsis in great details, I prefer to keep it a surprise each time. We got two POVs, Val or Valle the FMC and Hadrian, our MMC. Straight away I preferred Hadrian's POV, we learn so much more during his chapters. We got the full vampire world building and I loved that. At 30% of this book though, I had to check the synopsis because I was not sure where this was all going. We had two MCs, a beginning of sexual tension between them and that's was about it. From that point until the end we don't really got anything about ALMA the fashion brand Val got after her mum dies. (Although Alma is in the title) so I was very surprised about the lack of story building on that front. We could have had so much (like board meetings, decisions to make about fashion, being there with the FMC while being so out of her element) We also don't get a lot of supernatural world building which made me a bit sad because I was so here for vampires and shifters and whatnot! So overall, this was meh. Maybe my expectations were a bit too high and I'm sure this book will find its readers, unfortunately I found it a bit lacking.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Elena Armas's romantasy debut is an absolute triumph! The heat and emotional connection of her contemporary romances pairs perfectly with an intense plot, great pacing, and dialogue that will make you laugh and cry (in the span of a few pages). The characters were incredibly well developed, the chemistry was off the charts, and I couldn't put it down! It's rare that a book truly matches its cover, but that's what happened here.
Read if you like...
🗡️Learning to love
🩸Hurt comfort
🗡️He'll protect her even when he doesn't realize why
🩸They see each other for who they truly are
🗡️Dark academia with a dash of gothic
🩸Pet names as an insult
🗡️Secret witches and a hidden underworld
🩸Truly romance-focused fantasy
🗡️Dynamic female friendships
🩸Touch her and die (slowly)
🗡️Art as communication
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Read if you like...
🗡️Learning to love
🩸Hurt comfort
🗡️He'll protect her even when he doesn't realize why
🩸They see each other for who they truly are
🗡️Dark academia with a dash of gothic
🩸Pet names as an insult
🗡️Secret witches and a hidden underworld
🩸Truly romance-focused fantasy
🗡️Dynamic female friendships
🩸Touch her and die (slowly)
🗡️Art as communication
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Read
September 11, 2026Caution: make sure you read this book with the correct fire extinguisher at hand because the chemistry of these two is EXPLOSIVE!
This is a masterclass in tension, longing and yearning that will have you begging to be edged for an extra 500 pages. Coupled with a plot that gallops at a break neck speed and reveals sneaking up from behind, I didn't want to put the book down and I was already thinking about rereading it before I'd even finished.
This also has the perfect throwback vibes to various vampire books, TV and film that I loved during the 90/00s without feeling like I was watching a rerun. It felt like a fresh take on the subculture but staying true to all the things that are so nostalgic and enjoyable. So much time and care was taken to invest me into these characters and world that I greatly appreciated. I can't wait to nag everyone I every cross paths with in a book store to pick it up!
This is a masterclass in tension, longing and yearning that will have you begging to be edged for an extra 500 pages. Coupled with a plot that gallops at a break neck speed and reveals sneaking up from behind, I didn't want to put the book down and I was already thinking about rereading it before I'd even finished.
This also has the perfect throwback vibes to various vampire books, TV and film that I loved during the 90/00s without feeling like I was watching a rerun. It felt like a fresh take on the subculture but staying true to all the things that are so nostalgic and enjoyable. So much time and care was taken to invest me into these characters and world that I greatly appreciated. I can't wait to nag everyone I every cross paths with in a book store to pick it up!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
finished this one about 10 seconds ago and collecting my thoughts
overall I enjoyed it - if I hadn’t, I would’ve DNF’d. but i’m not sure exactly how I feel. this book was at the extreme disadvantage of being the book I read during a really tough week + when I’m pmsing, and I think I didn’t connect with it as much because of that. which is 100% a me problem.
again - still collecting my thoughts
overall I enjoyed it - if I hadn’t, I would’ve DNF’d. but i’m not sure exactly how I feel. this book was at the extreme disadvantage of being the book I read during a really tough week + when I’m pmsing, and I think I didn’t connect with it as much because of that. which is 100% a me problem.
again - still collecting my thoughts
July 4, 2026
ARC received via NetGalley / Berkley for an honest review. Full review to come during release week!
July 23, 2026
ELEVENTEEN STARS…
I genuinely don’t think words are capable of explaining just how much I adored Alma Vampires by Elena Armas.
From the very first page, this book had me completely and utterly captivated. Every spare second I had was spent reaching for it because I needed to know what happened next. And now that I’ve finished? I already miss it.
The world, the characters, the tension… all of it. I honestly think this has become one of my favourite books not only of the year, but of my entire life.
Hadrian and Val…
These two have taken permanent residence in my heart and, quite frankly, they can stay there forever. The chemistry between them is absolutely electric. Every conversation, every look, every tiny moment was dripping with yearning and anticipation. Elena somehow manages to make the smallest interactions feel monumental, and I found myself kicking my feet, smiling like an idiot and desperately turning pages just to spend more time with them.
This wasn’t paranormal for the sake of being paranormal,
it felt rich, immersive and beautifully woven into the story. The blood debts, the history, the mystery surrounding the vampire world, the college setting, the secrets… everything blended together so seamlessly that I never wanted to leave.
Hadrian is everything I want in a male main character. Protective without being overbearing, powerful, patient, intelligent and absolutely devoted in ways that made my heart ache. And Val is such a wonderful heroine to experience this story through. Watching her navigate this new world while trying to understand her place within it made every revelation hit even harder.
I still don’t know what I did to deserve receiving an ARC of this book, but I will be grateful forever because getting to experience this story before release has been such a privilege.
Elena Armas… What on earth have you put into this book?
I have loved every single second.
The yearning.
The passion.
The tension.
The Romance.
The Mystery.
The Vampires.
Every chapter reminded me exactly why I fell in love with reading in the first place !!!!!!
Luna Wolves cannot come soon enough.
I genuinely cannot wait for everyone else to finally experience Alma Vampires because I need the entire internet to become as obsessed as I am.
Elena, you’ve created something incredibly special.
I genuinely don’t think words are capable of explaining just how much I adored Alma Vampires by Elena Armas.
From the very first page, this book had me completely and utterly captivated. Every spare second I had was spent reaching for it because I needed to know what happened next. And now that I’ve finished? I already miss it.
The world, the characters, the tension… all of it. I honestly think this has become one of my favourite books not only of the year, but of my entire life.
Hadrian and Val…
These two have taken permanent residence in my heart and, quite frankly, they can stay there forever. The chemistry between them is absolutely electric. Every conversation, every look, every tiny moment was dripping with yearning and anticipation. Elena somehow manages to make the smallest interactions feel monumental, and I found myself kicking my feet, smiling like an idiot and desperately turning pages just to spend more time with them.
This wasn’t paranormal for the sake of being paranormal,
it felt rich, immersive and beautifully woven into the story. The blood debts, the history, the mystery surrounding the vampire world, the college setting, the secrets… everything blended together so seamlessly that I never wanted to leave.
Hadrian is everything I want in a male main character. Protective without being overbearing, powerful, patient, intelligent and absolutely devoted in ways that made my heart ache. And Val is such a wonderful heroine to experience this story through. Watching her navigate this new world while trying to understand her place within it made every revelation hit even harder.
I still don’t know what I did to deserve receiving an ARC of this book, but I will be grateful forever because getting to experience this story before release has been such a privilege.
Elena Armas… What on earth have you put into this book?
I have loved every single second.
The yearning.
The passion.
The tension.
The Romance.
The Mystery.
The Vampires.
Every chapter reminded me exactly why I fell in love with reading in the first place !!!!!!
Luna Wolves cannot come soon enough.
I genuinely cannot wait for everyone else to finally experience Alma Vampires because I need the entire internet to become as obsessed as I am.
Elena, you’ve created something incredibly special.
August 20, 2026
First of all I had the honour of being an ARC reader for this wonderful story. This will be a popular paranormal romance in November cant wait for you all to read it.
Alma Vampires is a refreshing story in the genre it gave me the absolute feels of Vampire Diaries and Buffy with an academia twist. Its a slower paced story but I enjoyed it regardless. Valle and Hadrian were a sensual, tension filled slow burn that I absolutely loved. You will love this if you enjoy:
🩸 Vampires & Paranormals
🎓 Academia
💞 Slow Burn
🌶️ Still spicy
💗 An amazing connection
☠️ Touch her and die
🏍️ He rides a motorbike
💎 He has a slutty little earring
The only reason I knocked of half a star is I think the story was a tad long and could have been a lot tightened a little bit more to make the story flow a bit better. But regardless I had a great time with Alma Vampires.
Alma Vampires is a refreshing story in the genre it gave me the absolute feels of Vampire Diaries and Buffy with an academia twist. Its a slower paced story but I enjoyed it regardless. Valle and Hadrian were a sensual, tension filled slow burn that I absolutely loved. You will love this if you enjoy:
🩸 Vampires & Paranormals
🎓 Academia
💞 Slow Burn
🌶️ Still spicy
💗 An amazing connection
☠️ Touch her and die
🏍️ He rides a motorbike
💎 He has a slutty little earring
The only reason I knocked of half a star is I think the story was a tad long and could have been a lot tightened a little bit more to make the story flow a bit better. But regardless I had a great time with Alma Vampires.
August 4, 2026
review of advance copy received from author
EEEKKK! i was SO excited to see elena armas dip her toes into paranormal romance and she did not disappoint!
the level of yearning was UNREAL😭 broody mmc, vampires and werewolves, spice, tension, slow burn…. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?
unbelievably excited for the next book ❤️🐺🌙
EEEKKK! i was SO excited to see elena armas dip her toes into paranormal romance and she did not disappoint!
the level of yearning was UNREAL😭 broody mmc, vampires and werewolves, spice, tension, slow burn…. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?
unbelievably excited for the next book ❤️🐺🌙
September 18, 2026
I too, wouldn’t mind giving my Alma to Hadrian 🫠🙂↕️
July 31, 2026
GUYSSSS YOU ARE NOT READYY!!!! SO INSANELY GOOD!! 🙂↕️
August 20, 2026
College romance, billionaires, vampires… I was hooked almost immediately with this book. From around chapter three I could not put it down. The pacing was perfection, world building easy, constant suspense, yearning, no notes.
Valle is a scholarship student at Icarus university, whose life changes overnight when she inherits a fortune, and a business, from the birth mother who she’s never met. Whilst trying to find normalcy, she returns to university and finds herself under the protection of Hadrian, a vampire. With an ongoing threat from a monster, she seeks to find answers surrounding her legacy and the paranormal world she finds herself part of.
Valle was such an interesting character. She’s thrown into a new world and is trying to find answers, navigate this new path, and resume her old life all at the same time. She starts off lacking confidence and wanting normalcy to resume, and I like that she finds her strength as the book progresses. She was a pretty easy character to root for!
Hadrian is so mysterious and confusing initially. We don’t fully get his intentions, he inserts himself into the narrative immediately, and seems untrustworthy. But I warmed to him SO quickly. He is compleeeetely obsessed with Valle, and I was here for it. He’s beyond protective and takes yearning to a new level. He’s one to add to the book boyfriend list for sure.
I was on the edge of my seat at so many moments. It was twisty and turny and full of suspense. I loved that we got the odd POV from Hadrian to change the narrative slightly, and also liked the academia setting weaved throughout.
I have soooo many unanswered questions still, so I’m ready for the next book to explore this world more.
Valle is a scholarship student at Icarus university, whose life changes overnight when she inherits a fortune, and a business, from the birth mother who she’s never met. Whilst trying to find normalcy, she returns to university and finds herself under the protection of Hadrian, a vampire. With an ongoing threat from a monster, she seeks to find answers surrounding her legacy and the paranormal world she finds herself part of.
Valle was such an interesting character. She’s thrown into a new world and is trying to find answers, navigate this new path, and resume her old life all at the same time. She starts off lacking confidence and wanting normalcy to resume, and I like that she finds her strength as the book progresses. She was a pretty easy character to root for!
Hadrian is so mysterious and confusing initially. We don’t fully get his intentions, he inserts himself into the narrative immediately, and seems untrustworthy. But I warmed to him SO quickly. He is compleeeetely obsessed with Valle, and I was here for it. He’s beyond protective and takes yearning to a new level. He’s one to add to the book boyfriend list for sure.
I was on the edge of my seat at so many moments. It was twisty and turny and full of suspense. I loved that we got the odd POV from Hadrian to change the narrative slightly, and also liked the academia setting weaved throughout.
I have soooo many unanswered questions still, so I’m ready for the next book to explore this world more.
September 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Elena Armas for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.
Writing this one feels different, as I had the chance to meet Elena yesterday (Sept 8th) and talk to her about this book face to face. But I will try my best to give an unbiased review, not letting her evident nerves sway me.
Elena Armas is amazing at writing romance, and Alma Vampires is clear evidence of that – just like her other books. When it comes to the supernatural/paranormal part, however, I felt some of it was lacking a bit. It takes a while for us to understand where the vampires are and the title itself only becomes clear in the last 30%. It is not a bad beginning though, it is just a bit rough – you can see it is her debut in the genre.
Don't be discouraged, however, because this is an original take on vampires and it is one that really pleased me. You see, I have always been a witch and vampire girl – and this book managed to give me some of both. No, our female main character is not a witch, but there are still magical layers that made me happy. We discover the supernatural world alongside our FMC and I like this approach to introducing new worlds – even if this is an urban fantasy.
The strongest part of this book, though, is the romance. Hadrian is an amazing love interest and their development is really well done, albeit a tad fast. And in all honesty? This laid an amazing foundation for book two of what I am guessing will be a duology (Elena Armas does love her duologies) and I cannot wait for it – I can already tell it will be a favorite.
Writing this one feels different, as I had the chance to meet Elena yesterday (Sept 8th) and talk to her about this book face to face. But I will try my best to give an unbiased review, not letting her evident nerves sway me.
Elena Armas is amazing at writing romance, and Alma Vampires is clear evidence of that – just like her other books. When it comes to the supernatural/paranormal part, however, I felt some of it was lacking a bit. It takes a while for us to understand where the vampires are and the title itself only becomes clear in the last 30%. It is not a bad beginning though, it is just a bit rough – you can see it is her debut in the genre.
Don't be discouraged, however, because this is an original take on vampires and it is one that really pleased me. You see, I have always been a witch and vampire girl – and this book managed to give me some of both. No, our female main character is not a witch, but there are still magical layers that made me happy. We discover the supernatural world alongside our FMC and I like this approach to introducing new worlds – even if this is an urban fantasy.
The strongest part of this book, though, is the romance. Hadrian is an amazing love interest and their development is really well done, albeit a tad fast. And in all honesty? This laid an amazing foundation for book two of what I am guessing will be a duology (Elena Armas does love her duologies) and I cannot wait for it – I can already tell it will be a favorite.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley & publishers for this arc!
3.75 ⭐️
Tropes to expect:
Paranormal Romance
Vampires / Werewolves
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
It took me a while to really get into this book - but once I did I ended up really enjoying it! Valle grew up as an orphan - adopted by an older couple. Now in her early twenties - her adopted parents are gone and she receives a mysterious phone call that her biological mother has passed and left her as the heir to her business empire.
Hadrian is a 100 year old vampire who is desperate to get his hands on said business empire but is under a vow to protect Valle. Hadrian’s yearning!!! Definitely a highlight! And the tension… The tension in this book was tighter than a tightrope, that's for sure!!
There's an element of supernatural mystery that really kept me hooked though - sometimes I did feel like there was a lot of filler going on and it could’ve got to the point quicker - but it was still really enjoyable!
Don’t even get me started on that cliffhanger - I’m already SAT for book 2. I would highly recommend this book for fans of Elena Armas or fans of paranormal/vampire romance!
3.75 ⭐️
Tropes to expect:
Paranormal Romance
Vampires / Werewolves
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
It took me a while to really get into this book - but once I did I ended up really enjoying it! Valle grew up as an orphan - adopted by an older couple. Now in her early twenties - her adopted parents are gone and she receives a mysterious phone call that her biological mother has passed and left her as the heir to her business empire.
Hadrian is a 100 year old vampire who is desperate to get his hands on said business empire but is under a vow to protect Valle. Hadrian’s yearning!!! Definitely a highlight! And the tension… The tension in this book was tighter than a tightrope, that's for sure!!
There's an element of supernatural mystery that really kept me hooked though - sometimes I did feel like there was a lot of filler going on and it could’ve got to the point quicker - but it was still really enjoyable!
Don’t even get me started on that cliffhanger - I’m already SAT for book 2. I would highly recommend this book for fans of Elena Armas or fans of paranormal/vampire romance!
September 1, 2026
I had such a great time reading this! the mmc is down BAD and ofc, I ate that UP. Also, he calls her hummingbird 😩🫶🏼
There were a few moments where I found myself wishing we were given more—more from the plot, more from the fmc (who folds like a lawn chair lol), and more from the side characters. I wanted to dig a little deeper into all of it!
But as a vibey vampire academia paranormal fantasy? This was such a fun read, and I had a really good time with it.
3.5 stars, rounded.
Thank you Berkley for the gifted ARC! ♡
“without the dark, we’d never see the stars.” ✨
There were a few moments where I found myself wishing we were given more—more from the plot, more from the fmc (who folds like a lawn chair lol), and more from the side characters. I wanted to dig a little deeper into all of it!
But as a vibey vampire academia paranormal fantasy? This was such a fun read, and I had a really good time with it.
3.5 stars, rounded.
Thank you Berkley for the gifted ARC! ♡
“without the dark, we’d never see the stars.” ✨
July 26, 2026
Say it with me: if Elena Armas writes it, I will read it. OH BOY I LOVED THIS PARANORMAL DEBUT HONEY!!! Hadrian: big daddy softy baby boy with a hard past and future with Valle directly at the center. This man is a CERTIFIED YEARNER FOLKS! Valle: heart-hardened living for herself sweet honey muffin. Self-aware diva, hard worker, and a FIGHTER BABY! This world is new but it feels comfy and well-loved and I can’t wait to keep exploring it.
A proud member of the Icarus Angels!!! Thank you Berkeley for the early copy and thank you Elena for existing!
A proud member of the Icarus Angels!!! Thank you Berkeley for the early copy and thank you Elena for existing!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Alma vampires by Elena Armas
ARC from Berkeley romance
Release: Nov 17th 2026
-I love that we start with the mystery of her mother and the dark academia vibes with her school
-the forced proximity, tension, teacher x student is perfect a mix
-Hadrian is hot , attentive and thoughtful I love him 😩♥️
-he rides a motorcycle 🏍️🤪
-love the mystery about finding out what she is , I’m intrigued
-he’s the type to guide you through it if you get what I mean 👀🤪🥰
-I love the yearning and how’s he’s protecting her
-“I would be able to pick your heartbeat out in an orchestra of thrumming hearts”
-I love when he calls her hummingbird
-this was a fun dark academia read 🫶🏾
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC from Berkeley romance
Release: Nov 17th 2026
-I love that we start with the mystery of her mother and the dark academia vibes with her school
-the forced proximity, tension, teacher x student is perfect a mix
-Hadrian is hot , attentive and thoughtful I love him 😩♥️
-he rides a motorcycle 🏍️🤪
-love the mystery about finding out what she is , I’m intrigued
-he’s the type to guide you through it if you get what I mean 👀🤪🥰
-I love the yearning and how’s he’s protecting her
-“I would be able to pick your heartbeat out in an orchestra of thrumming hearts”
-I love when he calls her hummingbird
-this was a fun dark academia read 🫶🏾
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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