Blood of Tomorrow

by Robert W. Riley

Steel is honest. Blood is timeless. The Cycles repeat.

For centuries, the Kingdom of Alcia was a bastion of peace and songs. It took a single night for the songs to stop.

The King has vanished. In his wake, the Grey Army pours into the kingdom—a force that does not shout, does not pillage, and leaves no dead. They are not here to conquer. They are here to harvest the Tithe: a collection of human life to fuel a magic the world has forgotten.

While the High Marshal fights a hopeless war against an enemy led by a man that cannot exist, Cedrik Theramond must navigate a kingdom that has rendered him obsolete. His rescue the Queen from the border city of Tarsis.

But Brighid is not the leader the kingdom expects. Hunted by officers and unimaginable horrors who wield the Gift as a weapon, she and Cedrik are guided by a scholar who knows the terrifying history of the First Cycle. The Queen must transform from a symbol of peace into a commander of war.

As the violet Spires rise and the ancient "Song of Stones" begins to fade, the survivors of Alcia discover a horrific The First Cycle didn't end because the magic vanished. It ended because the price became too high.

Now, a new debt must be paid with the blood of the innocent.

Genres: Fantasy

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2026

About the author

Robert W. Riley writes character-driven epic fantasy shaped of myth, memory, and consequence. He is the author of The Second Cycle, a series that explores the failures of those who ignore history and the struggle of those forced to bear the consequences of repeating the same mistakes.
​​​
When he isn't plotting the downfall of kingdoms or the corruption of "The Graft," Robert navigates the real-world complexities of the automotive industry as an executive of a Tier 2 with operations in Puebla Mexico.

When the work is done, he returns to his house in Indiana ruled by 4 dogs, 5 cats, and the incredible wife who is his world. It was his daughter, however, who inspired him to finally put pen to paper and launch this saga.

Reviews

[Sam Cortez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood of Tomorrow is an epic fantasy filled with multiple POVs, political intrigue, and a kingdom facing layered conflicts from every direction. I was pulled into the story almost immediately. The writing is beautifully done, and each character has a distinct arc and background that makes the cast feel compelling and memorable as a whole. The character work was definitely one of the highlights for me.

The magic system was intriguing, and while we only get glimpses of its full potential in this first book, I’m excited to see how it continues to expand and develop throughout the series. I’m looking forward to discovering more about how it shapes the world and the characters moving forward.

Overall, I had a great time reading this. If you’re an epic fantasy reader who loves tension, political maneuvering, and cliffhangers that leave you desperate for the next book… this one is absolutely for you!

[sffwithpops · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of Tomorrow: The Second Cycle: Book One by Robert W. Riley delivers a gripping dark fantasy filled with political tension, brutal warfare, and haunting mysteries. The story throws readers into a kingdom on the edge of collapse, where ancient blood magic and terrifying enemies threaten everything once believed secure. Riley creates a vivid world rich with lore, layered characters, and moral complexity. Cedrik and Queen Brighid stand out as compelling protagonists, each forced to confront impossible choices in a world where loyalty and survival rarely align. The pacing balances action with emotional depth, while the atmosphere remains dark and immersive throughout. Fans of grimdark and epic fantasy will appreciate the brutal realism, intriguing magic system, and high stakes. This is a strong opening to The Second Cycle series that promises even greater conflicts ahead.

[JoesFantasyBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me an eARC of his book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fantastic story and I absolutely recommend you read this book as soon as it releases. From the first page you are immersed in a world at conflict, where the threats seem insurmountable and the action is fast and furious. The main characters are likable and show true character in the midst of their struggles. A few really grew on me throughout the story. Beyond the relatable characters, the magic system is really interesting and not of the just the wave your hand and watch awesome things happen variety; there are real and tangible costs for the use of magic. And I absolutely loved Brighid and Taillte and am eager to continue following their journey along with the rest of their group.

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of Tomorrow is the kind of epic fantasy that grabs you from page one and never lets go. Between the eerie Grey Army, the brutal cost of magic, and a world steeped in forgotten history, the stakes never stop climbing. Cedrik and Brighid are both incredibly compelling, and watching them navigate impossible choices kept me fully invested. The world-building is rich without feeling overwhelming, and every reveal made me want to know more. If you love dark fantasy with political intrigue, morally gray characters, and a story that actually earns its twists, this is one you don’t want to miss.

[Lara R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts as a military fantasy quickly grows into something much bigger. The worldbuilding unfolds naturally, the mystery surrounding the Grey Army and the graft magic kept me constantly asking questions, and every revelation raised the stakes instead of simply answering them.

The characters are what truly made this book shine. Cedrik's unwavering sense of duty, Brighid's quiet strength, Neelin's wisdom, and Pasin's heartbreaking role in uncovering the truth all felt authentic and deeply human. Watching their beliefs be challenged as the world around them literally changed was fascinating.

One of my favorite aspects was the dialogue. There are so many lines that hit hard, especially Neelin's speeches about weeds, stone, and what it truly means to protect a kingdom. Those moments weren't just inspiring—they captured the heart of the story.

The final act completely changed my understanding of everything that had come before. The reveal isn't simply that the enemy wants to conquer a kingdom. It's far more unsettling than that, and it left me thinking long after I turned the last page.

The ending is both satisfying and devastating. It closes the first chapter of the story while opening the door to something even bigger, and I immediately wanted to start book two.

An outstanding debut and an easy five-star read. If you enjoy character-driven epic fantasy with military elements, memorable prose, morally complex conflicts, and a story that isn't afraid to take bold risks, Blood of Tomorrow deserves a place on your TBR.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-4.75 rounding up.

If you want to be dropped into the middle of a war filled with incredible characters, evil and draining magic with some sci-fi elements to them, and fast pacing - this is for you.

While book one was extremely fast paced, I didn't feel much of a lack for anything except character connection and backstory - but maybe that's why there's a book two! When the action is heavy, the character building seems to be pushed to the side a bit, so although the characters were great and I was nervous for them, I didn't feel the deep connection that I was hoping for.

The cast of characters is probably the best mashup group any fantasy reader could want. A knight, queen, a mage, an orphan, high marshal, and a healer. Found family at its best!
Let's also give an applause to the author who was able to write an incredibly strong, confident, and powerful female character(s) without having to exploit them. The queen is a BEAUTIFULLY written character and I strongly sympathize with her decisions on the future of her kingdom, who she trusts, and what she does with information. I'm so happy that she's not making silly decisions because she's a young queen.

The world, to me, feels like a traditional epic or high fantasy, think Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones. The stakes are high the entire time. You might have panic attacks for these characters - as I did. You will want to keep reading chapter after chapter because of the intensity of politics and war. You will also be left with a crazy cliffhanger that will make you want book 2 immediately.

Thank you to the author for an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[KaraMavis Reads · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5/5
Audiobook: 5/5
Spice: 0/5

Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

Blood of Tomorrow is a dark epic fantasy with political tension, and magic, and a very loyal horse, Bastian set in a medieval world. It has multiple POV, and each character showed different kinds of emotions that you can feel through the pages. It is plot forward, and fast paced. There is a unique magic system introduced in the book, and one that I would love to dive into more in the second book.

Taillte is my favorite. She is a healer - a very smart one, too. I like healers, so I may be biased.

Multiple characters were introduced in this book, each of them has their own personality, and I enjoyed how they interacted with each other.

The narrators delivered the story very well. They complemented each other (dual narration). Their tone matched the mood. They both used different accents and pitch for each character, which made it easy to distinguish which character is speaking.

This book is for those who like Game of Thrones, those who believe that women should stand their ground, and those who want to know what it is like to be torn between your loyalty to the kingdom vs loyalty to what is right.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood of Tomorrow is an epic dark fantasy book, telling the tale of a kingdom on the edge of collapse, as an unknown army attacks and takes their dead with them. The King has disappeared, the Queen has left for safety and the military is left fighting against an enemy that they can’t quite figure out.

This book is filled with political tension, betrayal, war, magic, and amazing world building. The writing is amazing, and really draws you into the story. The characters are well written, and you come to feel for each and every one of them. I really loved Queen Brighid. She totally held her own after being left to lead her kingdom. If you love Game of Thrones, I think you will love this book as well!

[James Ostrander · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This book really hits the ground running and doesn’t let up much for the 300 or so pages. It packs a lot into a relatively short book and I loved the pace of it. There’s so many interesting things going on that I’m super interested in seeing developed and explored in the sequel (that I’m about to start because I was graced with an eARC from the author) the magic system specifically has a lot of potential and almost feels like alchemy from Fullmetal Alchemist in a way because of the cost to use it which I like!

The two leads Cedrik and Brighid were excellent and really helped him get into the story. Cedrik in particular was giving me Guts vibes which kind of fits in this dark fantasy world that Robert is building. I feel like I am going to be very invested in both of them going forward. I’m so excited to get started on Blood of Yesterday!

[Sarah Rogers · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Power, but at what cost? Blood of Tomorrow drops you into a kingdom already starting to fracture, where the real danger isn’t just the invading force, but the choices being made behind the throne. The Graft is a genuinely unsettling concept, turning survival into something transactional and deeply uncomfortable, and the idea of “optimizing” a future at the expense of the present runs through everything. It’s a story that keeps circling back to control, legacy, and what people are willing to justify in the name of both.

The characters carry this in a big way. You’re watching people who were raised on duty and loyalty start to question the system they’ve given their lives to, and that tension runs through every decision they make. There’s a strong thread of identity and memory woven throughout, especially in how culture and history are treated as something that can be erased as easily as people. It feels expansive without losing that personal core, and I stayed fully invested in where it was all going. A really strong showing here, and one I’d easily recommend to fantasy readers looking for something with a bit more weight behind it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Robert W. Riley, for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[David E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark, Gripping Story About War, Blood, and the Cost of Power
Blood of Tomorrow: The Second Cycle: Book One is the kind of fantasy that immediately creates a sense that something much larger and more dangerous is unfolding beneath the surface. From the beginning, the story carries a dark and unsettling atmosphere, and the idea of the Cycles repeating gives the entire narrative a feeling of history coming back to collect its debt.
What stood out to me most was the concept of the Grey Army. They are not simply another invading force whose goal is to conquer territory or claim a kingdom. Their purpose is far more disturbing. They arrive silently, take human lives for the Tithe, and disappear without leaving the usual evidence of war. That idea alone creates an unusual kind of tension because the threat is not just about armies fighting armies. It is about ordinary human lives becoming part of something much older and more terrifying.
I also enjoyed the way the story approaches the idea of power. The Gift is not presented as something beautiful or harmless. It can be used as a weapon, and that makes the world feel dangerous even when the characters are not standing on a battlefield. There is a constant sense that the characters are dealing with forces they do not completely understand, and that uncertainty adds considerably to the atmosphere.
Cedrik Theramond is another part of the story that kept me interested. His mission sounds straightforward at first: rescue the Queen. But the situation becomes much more complicated once the truth surrounding the Queen and the history of the First Cycle begins to emerge. I particularly liked the contrast between what the Queen is expected to be and what she ultimately needs to become. She begins as a symbol of peace, but the circumstances around her force her toward a much harsher role.
That transformation is one of the elements I found most compelling. The story does not simply place a character in a dangerous situation and expect everything to remain the same. There is a sense that survival comes with a price, and that stepping into leadership means accepting difficult choices. The Queen's journey toward becoming a commander gives the story an additional emotional dimension beyond the battles and supernatural elements.
The history behind the First Cycle also adds an intriguing layer to the book. Rather than making the present conflict feel like an isolated event, the story connects it to something buried in the past. The suggestion that the Cycles repeat creates an interesting question about whether the characters are capable of breaking that pattern or whether they are simply destined to repeat the mistakes of those who came before them.
I appreciated the darker tone of the book as well. There is a genuine sense of danger throughout the premise, and the story does not shy away from the consequences of war. The phrase "a new debt must be paid with the blood of the innocent" really captures the kind of world this book is building. Nobody appears to be completely untouched by the conflict, and the idea of innocent people paying the price for powers and decisions they had no part in makes the stakes feel much more personal.
What makes Blood of Tomorrow particularly interesting to me is that beneath the fantasy setting, there are recognizable questions about leadership, sacrifice, responsibility, power, and the consequences of repeating history. The supernatural elements give the story its identity, but the human choices are what make the conflict meaningful.
This also feels like a book designed to establish a much larger story rather than simply deliver one isolated adventure. There are unanswered questions surrounding the Grey Army, the Gift, the First Cycle, the Queen, and the nature of the enemy. Instead of feeling like unnecessary mysteries, these questions made me curious about what comes next and how much of the world's history will eventually be revealed.
Overall, I found Blood of Tomorrow: The Second Cycle: Book One to be a dark and intriguing fantasy with an imaginative premise, strong stakes, and a world that leaves plenty of room for the story to grow. The combination of warfare, forgotten magic, political conflict, supernatural danger, and the repeating Cycles gives the book its own identity.
Most importantly, it left me wanting to know what happens next. For me, that is always one of the best signs that a first book in a series has done its job. It introduces enough of its world and characters to pull you in, while leaving enough unanswered to make the next chapter feel worth waiting for.
A compelling start to The Second Cycle, especially for readers who enjoy darker fantasy, supernatural warfare, mysterious histories, and stories where power always comes with a price.

[L. Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering this is a fairly slim book at just shy of 300 pages, Blood of Tomorrow packs a hell of a punch and carries more than its weight in ink. It’s the kind of book that very gracefully weaves huge ideas into an impressively short run-time without sacrificing any of the spectacle, the politics, or the epic battle sequences.

We follows Cedrik, a renowned commander serving within the kingdom of Alcia, as he and his superior, High Marshal Neelin, tackle the direct aftermath of a senseless invasion by an army of grey-clad soldiers who fight like machines, refuse to tire, and successfully claim the capital city on their first try. The queen, Brighid, is forced to flee for a border city, and Cedrik is sent after her with the intent of using her as a beacon for the damaged nation to rally around.

However, as Cedrik and Brighid herself soon learn, Alcia’s own king is involved in a massive conspiracy that involves forbidden magic, ritual sacrifice, and time travel (yes, you read that correctly: this book has a lot of fun with a unique spin on the concept of time travel).

The plot barrelled headlong in directions I never anticipated, and was unpredictable in the most exciting ways. Just when you think you might’ve sussed out what King Alaric and his enigmatic Grey Army allies are planning, a new piece of information is made available that skews your perception and forces you to reassess everything you think you know.

On the surface this is a story about a kingdom being invaded by an undefeatable enemy. However, at its core, it’s about the price people are willing to pay to secure the future, and a dissection of the ethics of sacrificing the people of your nation if you believe you’re doing it for the right reasons. Cedrik’s own morals are called into question within this same framework, as he is an honour-bound soldier who adheres strictly to his mission and initially refuses to deviate, even if it’s to save a farmer and his family from roving bandits, for example. Just like the invading enemy, Cedrik himself, at first, views the common populace as nameless, faceless numbers, far less important than his mission to save the queen, who is just one woman.

But his companions—medic Taillte, rescued orphan-turned-squire Fromme, old mentor Pasin, and Queen Brighid—force him to comprehend the human cost of his ignorance, and by extension the human cost of large-scale decisions made by callous rulers who don’t see their people as people. As Taillte argues, everyone in Alcia is part of an overarching “Song”, and to kill one person is to forever lose a small part of that song.

One question this book will ask you above all others: is the future worth securing if it’s at the cost of the present?

Beyond its themes and plots, the characters were engaging, with the central group dynamic reading as authentic and human. Taillte in particular was a personal highlight for her combative nature—we’re introduced to her when she loudly admonishes Cedrik for mercy-killing a soldier, arguing that she might’ve been able to save them and thus preserve a part of Alcia’s “Song”. I also really enjoyed Neelin’s character, as he’s a man with ultimate military power betrayed by his king and forced to fight against his ruler in defence of his nation. It’s quite the bind to find oneself in, and Neelin proved himself worthy of his title.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, which is visceral when it needs to be, contemplative when the tone demands, and dark when the atmosphere requires it. The shorter size of this book makes clear how impressively lean the writing is, because every word has to earn its place.

This books makes me excited to see what’s to come in this series, as we’re only just starting to decipher what the Grey Army is planning, and how deep the devious plots go.

[Jay Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

# The Blood of Tomorrow — Robert W. Riley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **5/5**

Holy shit. What an absolute banger of a book.

I don't even know where to begin with this one. The Blood of Tomorrow is everything I've been wanting from a dark, epic fantasy. Political intrigue, treason, betrayal, bloodshed, fascinating magic, incredible characters, and a world that just keeps getting bigger and more interesting. Think Game of Thrones with a touch of The Witcher's dark magical atmosphere, and a band of unlikely heroes caught in the middle of it all.

And my god, the writing.

This is easily some of my favorite prose I've encountered since getting back into reading. It flows like butter. Rich, vivid, and descriptive without ever feeling unnecessarily complicated or bogged down. Riley has this ability to paint an entire scene in your head without making you work for it. At times, I genuinely felt like I was watching an HBO series unfold rather than reading a book. There were even multiple lines that made me stop and just appreciate how damn well they were written.

The characters are another enormous highlight. Brighid, in particular, is how you write a compelling female main character. Watching her grow from a frightened, uncertain queen into a woman willing to stand her ground and fight for her people was fantastic. Her strength feels earned, and that's what makes her so memorable.

And then there's Cedrik. A massive, greatsword-wielding knight who could've walked straight out of Dark Souls? Say less. But beneath that intimidating exterior is a genuinely layered character whose past, loyalty, and personal struggles make him so much more than just a badass warrior. His development throughout the story was easily one of my favorite parts.

Honestly, I could go on about the entire cast. The supporting characters, the villains, the relationships, the backstories. Everyone feels like they belong in this world, and even the characters you're supposed to despise are compelling in their own way. The dialogue is fantastic, too. Whether it's a heartfelt conversation, political confrontation, or a quiet moment between battles, nothing ever felt like meaningless filler. Every interaction seemed to serve a purpose.

The magic system deserves some love as well. The Gift, and the darker mysteries surrounding it, are fascinating. Magic comes at a price, and the more you learn about how it works, the more disturbing and intriguing it becomes. I loved how the mystery gradually unfolded alongside the larger political conflicts.

And the pacing? Chef's kiss.

Not once did I find myself wishing the story would hurry up. The battles are intense and cinematic, the quieter moments are just as engaging, and the political tension keeps building. Everything feels deliberate, like Riley knows exactly where he wants this story to go.

By the end, the characters have been put through hell, the stakes are higher than ever, and you can practically feel something enormous brewing on the horizon. Rather than leaving me frustrated, the ending made me desperate to find out what happens next.

But perhaps the biggest compliment I can give this book is that, for the first time since rediscovering my love of reading, I've finished a novel and genuinely wanted to read it again. Not just to revisit the story, but because I feel like there's so much more I'll appreciate and discover a second time around.

I honestly can't find anything meaningful to fault here. The worldbuilding, characters, prose, pacing, dialogue, and story all delivered for me.

If this is what Robert W. Riley is bringing to the table with his first book in The Second Cycle, then I cannot wait to see where this series goes.

**An absolute five-star read. What a fucking banger.**

[Michael Vadney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood of Tomorrow is classic fantasy handled with real skill. Readers will find all the familiar touches of a hard, gritty medieval setting, and Riley presents them expertly. The story begins in a typical medieval world, then gradually reveals that far more is happening beneath the surface. The Grey Army arrives to harvest the Tithe, the old magic of the First Cycle returns, and it becomes clear that this setting is the doorway to something much larger.

The prose is the star. It is descriptive and gritty, with a lot of impact behind every line. The opening asks for patience, because the story drops you into its world with no explanation and no hand-holding. Let the writing carry you, and the people, places, and stakes come into focus. The reward for that patience is a story that feels earned and immersive.

The plot is a pleasure to follow. Knight Commander Cedrik Theramond is tasked with rescuing Queen Brighid, and the heart of the book is the effort to free her from those who would use her and set her up as the savior of the realm. Watching a symbol of peace grow into a commander of war gives the story a strong pull. Fans of dark, epic fantasy who enjoy ruthless political maneuvering and relentless momentum will find a lot to like.

At its core, this is a very nobledark story. The world is bleak, and a lot of bad things happen to good people. Yet those good people persevere. They choose to be good, and when the road gets difficult, that choice is rewarded with loyalty or some other glimmer of goodness in the world. Those rewards make it worth continuing on and ease the path for a time, which gives the darkness a warm, human center.

This first book offers only a glimpse of the larger design. You will get a taste of what is being set up and why the world came to be this way, and the answers are clearly meant to unfold over the course of the series. Readers who continue will be rewarded for it.

While my enjoyment was immense, two things gave me some difficulty. First, the prose is excellent for the most part, but it leans on one writing habit: describing things by what they are not before saying what they are. It recurs often enough to notice. Second, this is very much a setup novel. It introduces what the series is about and starts a great many story threads, but it closes very few of them, so readers should expect the opening movement of a larger story. Neither point is a dealbreaker, though both are worth knowing about going in so your expectations are set.

Even so, Blood of Tomorrow is a confident, atmospheric start to a series and a really good book. Riley handles the tropes of gritty fantasy with skill, the prose rewards a patient reader, and the groundwork laid here makes the next book easy to look forward to.

[Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of Tomorrow is one of those books that grabs you by the scruff and pulls you right into the action. The Kingdom of Alcia faces a threat of undescribable power. Blood magic, political schemes and a terrifying army bring the Kingdom to the brink of collapse.

Riley has created a fast paced, vividly written story where the characters are confronted with some of the hardest choices they have ever made. He constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat. The stakes are incredibly high, and they are fighting tooth and nail to save the Kingdom.

The characters are all very well written. While you can say that Cedrik and Queen Brighid are the main protagonist, just as much love was poured into the side characters.

The magic system was also intriguing. You get a vague idea on how it works, but the details and full potential remain unknown for now. I am really curious to see more of it in the following books, and to discover more about the First Cycle.

It is a strong first installment of a series with a lot of potential. If you like high fantasy, with dark edges and political intrigue, you should definitely check this one out!

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say if you are looking for a fantasy novel that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end then you really need to consider checking out Blood of Tomorrow! There is enough action and royal intrigue that you will find yourself begging for more once the story was over. I will say I really admired Queen Brighid as a character because she carried herself with grace and she managed to always be a dutiful wife and queen no matter what her husband put her through. However, her husband King Alaric is a different story. Not only does he hide his past (one of those things being a secret heir) but casts her aside when he is ready to move on. Thankfully she has a very caring guard by the name of Cedrik to help her out.

Overall this is the first book in a series. I for one am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series progresses. If you are someone who enjoys a story with Game of Thrones elements then you should consider reading this!

[Gabys_Vault · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Fantasy books with epic quests, this book might be for you?
Why?

Because it’s about a mason, a squire, a scholar and a very angry medic that need to locate the missing queen and walks through lots of hardships in order to find her.
where is the king, you may ask? The king is missing, people may say even dead so Why look for a dead body when you can get someone alive? Sounds boring?
Well, I forgot to mention that the enemy is fueled by Ancient magic and when they die they turn to smoke.

So now I got your attention,right?
The thing is that, now they have to rescue the Queen, stay alive and deal with the Ancient magic that is lurking in the shadows while they are trying to survive the war.

It is really entrataining and I can’t wait to start book 2 :)

I really liked and enjoyed the dinamic between the characters. They have strong backgrounds and it's amazing to read how they have to put up with each other and survive.

If you love Fantasy I really recommend this book :)

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping dark fantasy that I could not put down. The details, dynamics, plot, storyline, and characters were incredible. It is a well-rounded story that had me hooked from the first few chapters. So much conflict happens throughout the book. And it lays the foundation bit by bit, building up the overall storyline up until that pivotal moment, where it all comes together. One thing that I absolutely loved was the world building. It was incredible. This is a masterfully crafted story and I highly recommend grabbing a copy of it. This author nailed every bit of detail that was needed to make this an epic story. An unputdownable page turner that left me wanting more. Thanks so much to Love Books Tours and the author for a copy of this. All thoughts are my own and freely expressed.

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub!!


Wow this was such an amazing read. Couldn’t get enough. The writing of this book was so good !! I couldn’t believe how well done this book was it was the first one and I can’t wait for more.

This was a really dark fantasy with political tension, brutal warfare, and haunting mysteries.
The story throws us readers into a Kingdom of collapse and where we have ancient blood magic. Cedrik and Queen Brighid I loved them they stand out so much and were a top for me.

This book had so many twists and turns that I couldn’t put it down.

Ok so if you need a good read this book is for you. I’m afraid I will give something away!!! So just go ahead and get this book.

[Trist Evergreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Blood of Tomorrow” is a dark epic fantasy with multiple POV’s. I felt most intrigued by Queen Brighid, who is sort of thrown into leading an army against a mad king.
We get to see a thorough perspective of one side of the war, and I’m very curious about the opposing side. There’s a compelling depiction of the royal POV vs military vs civilian, and I love that we get to see all of these. I love how the horses are such a prevalent part of the story, and I felt like it was an authentic depiction of war horses.

The mysterious conflict between the two warring nations leaves me eager to dive into the sequel.

[Andrew Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book brought me for a wild ride and would recommend for those that like magic, fighting, and betrayal. Spoilers ahead.




The premise of out with the old and in with the new is very heavy in the book. Betrayal of the kingdom by their beloved leader / husband / mentor and friend plays out through the long game in the book. The magic system is fairly unique but also feels familiar at the same time, especially with the introduction of the Graft. Wish there was more of dive into the background on a few of the central characters but maybe we'll get some of that in book 2!

[Evertt Morgans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about *Blood of Tomorrow* was the characters. Cedrik and the Queen felt like real, layered people, and I especially liked seeing the Queen grow from a symbol of peace into someone forced to face the realities of war. Their choices, struggles, and changing relationship kept me invested in the story. The dark fantasy setting and mystery surrounding the First Cycle added even more depth, but it was the characters that made me want to keep turning the pages. A compelling start to the series, and I’m definitely interested in seeing where these characters go next.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Y’all, this book is fantastic! It’s a creative, gripping, keep you on the edge of your seat, must read fantasy. The Grey Army is both fascinating and terrifying, if you put yourself in the shoes of the Alcians. And then there’s betrayal, but there’s also loyalty and major growth in some of the main characters. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to book 2 of the series! 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Books Of Momo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok wow. This was a wild ride I did not expect. The characters are great and they really stand out as unique individuals, and we always love a strongly opinionated woman who takes no shit.
At first I kind of felt like I needed a glossary to understand some of the terminology but by the end I feel like everything was expanded upon enough that I understand what's going on which is wonderful.
I have received an arc of book 2 (blood of yesterday) and ill be starting it yesterday

[Kenny Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I came into this with no context and was a little wary at first as it didn't catch me right away. However after about 8 chapters in I was hooked and sucked into the kingdom of alcia, the twists that are thrown in are definitely out twisting and enjoyable. Definitely recommend.

[Vanesa · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!!!
Queen Brighid Lorindan was my favourite character, she's Unyielding and Strategic, defiant and sarcastic, a really badas*s . Can't really say much without spilling spoilers.
From my point of view, this book is a must read.

[Brittnie Perry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I tried but had to dnf at about 25%. O can see why it might appeal to some but for me it was far too politically charged and war driven. I thank the author for bestowing me an e-copy of this and the second book but it I just couldn’t get into it.

[Kristen Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world of war and fantasy this story takes your hand in a death grip and never lets it go. It weaves the story of war and magic into one, allowing you to see just how deadly the harvest can actually be.

The characters within the story are compelling as they make nearly impossible choices around every corner, choices that doesnt just mean their own deaths but the deaths of everyone around them. Then you meet the Grey Army, an eerie force that looks at death and shrugs their shoulders at an end that may or may not come.

I loved the concept of the story. The way the author incorporates fighting with a mix of uncertainty. He doesnt show you a path to victory... No, he beats it down into the rubble and shows you the ultimate price of what defeat could lead you to and how that defeat doesnt take away someones pride. It expands on it, making the fight live on.

[Cheryl devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC, and I really enjoyed it. The plot was strong, the characters were likeable, and the world building added just the right amount of depth without slowing the pace.

The story moves along at a great rhythm, keeping me engaged throughout. I’m especially interested to see what happens next in a world that’s been left in ruins by the Grey Army. I’m very curious to see what the queen and her little posse do from here.

Definitely one I’ll be continuing, bring on the next installment.

[Chad Dillon · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

What an amazing read! The world is in ruins, and things don’t seem to be as they should be.

Robert W. Riley does an excellent job of making you care about his characters. The opening portion of the book is dark and almost hopeless, but as the story develops and the betrayals begin to unfold, the emotional investment really pays off.

The worldbuilding is fantastic. Riley has created a rich, fascinating world that feels both mysterious and lived-in. His scene descriptions are excellent, bringing the environments and atmosphere to life so vividly that you can almost picture yourself standing alongside the characters. There is also political intrigue happening in the background that adds another layer to the story.

The prose is excellent throughout, and Riley knows how to make the reader feel the weight of what his characters are experiencing.

There were a handful of moments when I found things a little difficult to follow, but those were relatively minor issues in an otherwise outstanding book.

A dark, emotionally compelling fantasy with memorable characters, excellent worldbuilding, beautiful descriptions, and an intriguing story. I’m really looking forward to reading the second book!