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Blood & Salt: Twin sisters. Dark magic. A prophecy written in blood.
530 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 4, 2026
Blood & Salt swept me away with its haunting atmosphere, rich Celtic-inspired mythology and beautifully immersive writing. The slow-burn romance was filled with emotional tension, and the world felt ancient, magical and alive.
If you enjoy dark fantasy, folklore inspired magic with a dash of gothic romantasy and stories that prioritise atmosphere and yearning, this is definitely one to pick up.
A captivating read and one I will not be forgetting soon!
If you enjoy dark fantasy, folklore inspired magic with a dash of gothic romantasy and stories that prioritise atmosphere and yearning, this is definitely one to pick up.
A captivating read and one I will not be forgetting soon!
June 1, 2026
I went into Blood & Salt completely blind, which is usually how I like to read. No spoilers, no overthinking, no reading twenty reviews beforehand. I just opened the book and trusted the process.
And honestly? I did not expect this book to get me the way it did.
Chapter 7 genuinely broke my heart. The relationship between Moira and Isla, the love between sisters, the grief, protectiveness and ache of it all hit me far harder than I expected. What stayed with me is that loss in this story never feels dramatic for effect. It feels lived. Heavy. Messy. Human. From that point on, I realised this book was asking me to emotionally show up, not just follow a plot.
What surprised me most is that underneath all the mythology, prophecy, folklore and darker fantasy elements, this story feels deeply human. At its heart, Blood & Salt feels like it is asking questions about grief, identity, trust, loyalty, sacrifice and what happens when life forces you into versions of yourself you never imagined.
Moira’s growth really stayed with me because it feels earned. She questions herself, struggles, carries grief, wrestles with truth and slowly learns who she can trust while carrying responsibilities she never asked for. Her journey feels emotional, messy and real in a way that made me care about what happened to her.
And then there are the relationships around her, especially Caelan, Sam and Priya. What I appreciated here is that this story understands that love is not one thing. Sometimes it is grief. Sometimes loyalty. Sometimes friendship, trust or the terrifying act of letting people matter when life has already taken so much. The emotional stakes feel real because caring comes with consequences. Choices matter. Trust matters. Who stays matters.
The Trial Realm moments especially stood out to me because they stop feeling like fantasy for fantasy’s sake and become something much deeper. Fear, ancestry, survival, truth, identity and the emotional weight of what people inherit all rise to the surface. There were multiple moments where I genuinely stopped afterwards just to sit with what had happened.
Something else I really appreciated is the way this world feels ancient without ever feeling distant. You have folklore, standing stones, prophecy, bloodlines, old magic and darker realms, but somehow it still feels emotionally grounded and strangely current at the same time. The mythology adds depth without taking away from the emotional side of the story.
And for a book this layered, it is surprisingly easy to follow. Even when the mythology deepens and things become more layered, the emotional thread kept pulling me forward. The writing pulls you in, scenes are vivid and emotionally clear and before you realise it, bedtime becomes a suggestion because “one more chapter” suddenly turns into a very bad decision.
Fantasy readers are absolutely going to eat this up because this genuinely feels like dark fantasy done right. Deep, emotional, layered and immersive while still staying connected to the human side of the story. A book filled with mythology, grief, trust, identity, sacrifice and the messy ways people hold onto each other when everything changes.
And honestly? This is how dark fantasy should be done.
Very, very well done! WOWOWOW!
And honestly? I did not expect this book to get me the way it did.
Chapter 7 genuinely broke my heart. The relationship between Moira and Isla, the love between sisters, the grief, protectiveness and ache of it all hit me far harder than I expected. What stayed with me is that loss in this story never feels dramatic for effect. It feels lived. Heavy. Messy. Human. From that point on, I realised this book was asking me to emotionally show up, not just follow a plot.
What surprised me most is that underneath all the mythology, prophecy, folklore and darker fantasy elements, this story feels deeply human. At its heart, Blood & Salt feels like it is asking questions about grief, identity, trust, loyalty, sacrifice and what happens when life forces you into versions of yourself you never imagined.
Moira’s growth really stayed with me because it feels earned. She questions herself, struggles, carries grief, wrestles with truth and slowly learns who she can trust while carrying responsibilities she never asked for. Her journey feels emotional, messy and real in a way that made me care about what happened to her.
And then there are the relationships around her, especially Caelan, Sam and Priya. What I appreciated here is that this story understands that love is not one thing. Sometimes it is grief. Sometimes loyalty. Sometimes friendship, trust or the terrifying act of letting people matter when life has already taken so much. The emotional stakes feel real because caring comes with consequences. Choices matter. Trust matters. Who stays matters.
The Trial Realm moments especially stood out to me because they stop feeling like fantasy for fantasy’s sake and become something much deeper. Fear, ancestry, survival, truth, identity and the emotional weight of what people inherit all rise to the surface. There were multiple moments where I genuinely stopped afterwards just to sit with what had happened.
Something else I really appreciated is the way this world feels ancient without ever feeling distant. You have folklore, standing stones, prophecy, bloodlines, old magic and darker realms, but somehow it still feels emotionally grounded and strangely current at the same time. The mythology adds depth without taking away from the emotional side of the story.
And for a book this layered, it is surprisingly easy to follow. Even when the mythology deepens and things become more layered, the emotional thread kept pulling me forward. The writing pulls you in, scenes are vivid and emotionally clear and before you realise it, bedtime becomes a suggestion because “one more chapter” suddenly turns into a very bad decision.
Fantasy readers are absolutely going to eat this up because this genuinely feels like dark fantasy done right. Deep, emotional, layered and immersive while still staying connected to the human side of the story. A book filled with mythology, grief, trust, identity, sacrifice and the messy ways people hold onto each other when everything changes.
And honestly? This is how dark fantasy should be done.
Very, very well done! WOWOWOW!
June 3, 2026
Tomorrow the world finally gets access to this phenomenal book, and I couldn't be more excited for others to experience it! 📖🤩
Truth be told, I have avoided fantasy for some time now because so many stories have started to feel identical. But Blood & Salt is truly one of a kind. If you love dark fantasy with prophecy-driven plots, morally grey characters, sisterhood, and dangerous magic, this deserves a spot on your shelf immediately. ⚔️✨
The writing is incredibly beautiful, vivid, and cinematic. While it is a longer book, I never felt bored for a second. There was always a betrayal around the corner or another twist that left me needing "just one more chapter."
It simply didn't feel long enough because I am already begging for more! This was an unforgettable, easy 5-star favorite that officially ended my fantasy drought. 😆 Thank goodness you saved me, Angela! I am so grateful to have been on your review team. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Truth be told, I have avoided fantasy for some time now because so many stories have started to feel identical. But Blood & Salt is truly one of a kind. If you love dark fantasy with prophecy-driven plots, morally grey characters, sisterhood, and dangerous magic, this deserves a spot on your shelf immediately. ⚔️✨
The writing is incredibly beautiful, vivid, and cinematic. While it is a longer book, I never felt bored for a second. There was always a betrayal around the corner or another twist that left me needing "just one more chapter."
It simply didn't feel long enough because I am already begging for more! This was an unforgettable, easy 5-star favorite that officially ended my fantasy drought. 😆 Thank goodness you saved me, Angela! I am so grateful to have been on your review team. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Currently Reading
June 3, 2026Chapter 7
June 11, 2026
I have no words on how amazing this book was. The way it had me wanting more. The world building and the emotions Angela made me feel while reading this monster of a book is why I fell in love with reading in the first place.
June 5, 2026
Blood and Salt was such a surprise that I’m still reeling in ways that may take me months to recover from.
From the opening page, Moira and Isla’s story hooks its claws into you. The author’s writing is absolutely exquisite, the story is so well paced that it’s one of those few books that kept this early morning bird up well into the night. The magic system and mythology is a breath of fresh air, nothing I’ve read thus far comes close to it and I can’t help but find myself digging into Celtic mythology with a fierce need to learn more thanks to it being woven into the story so flawlessly.
There’s so much depth to Blood and Salt, on the surface it’s about a strong FMC who carries the weight of needing to save the world, but when I took just a little look closer, I was confronted with dealing with trauma in a way that actually heals and about the importance friendships have in life - which was sooo incredible to read about when most other popular fantasy books focus so heavily only on romantic relationships. Not saying that’s not fun to read but this was so refreshing!
This really doesn’t read like an author’s first fantasy release, the beautiful writing, the pacing, the way this story builds reads like an author that’s lauded as one of the greats.
I will GLADLY devour any book Angela releases!
From the opening page, Moira and Isla’s story hooks its claws into you. The author’s writing is absolutely exquisite, the story is so well paced that it’s one of those few books that kept this early morning bird up well into the night. The magic system and mythology is a breath of fresh air, nothing I’ve read thus far comes close to it and I can’t help but find myself digging into Celtic mythology with a fierce need to learn more thanks to it being woven into the story so flawlessly.
There’s so much depth to Blood and Salt, on the surface it’s about a strong FMC who carries the weight of needing to save the world, but when I took just a little look closer, I was confronted with dealing with trauma in a way that actually heals and about the importance friendships have in life - which was sooo incredible to read about when most other popular fantasy books focus so heavily only on romantic relationships. Not saying that’s not fun to read but this was so refreshing!
This really doesn’t read like an author’s first fantasy release, the beautiful writing, the pacing, the way this story builds reads like an author that’s lauded as one of the greats.
I will GLADLY devour any book Angela releases!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Writing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WITHOUT A DOUBT !!
Blood & Salt completely consumed me. From the very first pages, Angela Candler pulls you into a dark, dangerous world filled with prophecy, blood magic, secrets, and twin sisters bound together by something far deeper than blood alone.
The story follows twin sisters whose lives become tangled in an ancient prophecy, forcing them to confront hidden truths, dangerous powers, and impossible choices.
As the mystery surrounding their past slowly unfolds, so do betrayals, shifting loyalties, and the terrifying weight of destiny. Every revelation raised the stakes even higher, and I was constantly desperate to know what would happen next.
What made this such a standout read for me was the emotional core beneath all the dark fantasy elements. The bond between the sisters felt incredibly real. Complicated, protective, painful, and powerful all at once. Their relationship added so much depth to the story and made every conflict hit even harder.
The atmosphere was absolutely perfect. The dark magic, rituals, tension, and haunting sense of inevitability created such an immersive reading experience. But what truly elevated this book for me was Angela Candler’s writing. Her writing felt incredibly beautiful. Vivid, emotional, and almost cinematic at times. There were so many moments where I found myself slowing down just to fully take in the way a scene or emotion was described.
And despite being a longer fantasy, I never felt bored for a second. There was always something waiting to unravel, another betrayal around the corner, or another twist that left me needing “just one more chapter.”
If you love dark fantasy with prophecy-driven plots, morally grey characters, sisterhood, dangerous magic, and high emotional stakes, Blood & Salt deserves a spot on your shelf immediately.
This was an unforgettable read for me and easily a 5-star favourite !
This is one of those books I will re-read and it will probably be even better the second time around !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WITHOUT A DOUBT !!
Blood & Salt completely consumed me. From the very first pages, Angela Candler pulls you into a dark, dangerous world filled with prophecy, blood magic, secrets, and twin sisters bound together by something far deeper than blood alone.
The story follows twin sisters whose lives become tangled in an ancient prophecy, forcing them to confront hidden truths, dangerous powers, and impossible choices.
As the mystery surrounding their past slowly unfolds, so do betrayals, shifting loyalties, and the terrifying weight of destiny. Every revelation raised the stakes even higher, and I was constantly desperate to know what would happen next.
What made this such a standout read for me was the emotional core beneath all the dark fantasy elements. The bond between the sisters felt incredibly real. Complicated, protective, painful, and powerful all at once. Their relationship added so much depth to the story and made every conflict hit even harder.
The atmosphere was absolutely perfect. The dark magic, rituals, tension, and haunting sense of inevitability created such an immersive reading experience. But what truly elevated this book for me was Angela Candler’s writing. Her writing felt incredibly beautiful. Vivid, emotional, and almost cinematic at times. There were so many moments where I found myself slowing down just to fully take in the way a scene or emotion was described.
And despite being a longer fantasy, I never felt bored for a second. There was always something waiting to unravel, another betrayal around the corner, or another twist that left me needing “just one more chapter.”
If you love dark fantasy with prophecy-driven plots, morally grey characters, sisterhood, dangerous magic, and high emotional stakes, Blood & Salt deserves a spot on your shelf immediately.
This was an unforgettable read for me and easily a 5-star favourite !
This is one of those books I will re-read and it will probably be even better the second time around !
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Angela for the opportunity to read Blood & Salt as an ARC prior to release.
Blood & Salt is a fantasy book that focuses on sisterhood, found family, womanhood, empowerment and self-discovery. Moira’s life was shattered, her family ripped away from her in the worst possible way and she became an undefined being, lost and in need of belonging, acceptance and forgiveness. Moira’s journey motivates the reader to seek their own unconditional love and support, not just by whom they surround themselves with but also within themselves.
My favourite quote:
“Im not asking you not to feel. I’m asking you to feel without losing yourself. To connect without surrendering your boundaries. To give without giving away power.”
This is true sisterhood, unconditional love and intimacy with no expectations.
The writing is phenomenal and captivating, and intense in such a way that I needed time to process the events in the book. This is not a “one sitting” read. It is a journey that would live rent free in your soul, pushing you to forgive yourself, to accept yourself and most of all - love yourself.
Blood & Salt is a fantasy book that focuses on sisterhood, found family, womanhood, empowerment and self-discovery. Moira’s life was shattered, her family ripped away from her in the worst possible way and she became an undefined being, lost and in need of belonging, acceptance and forgiveness. Moira’s journey motivates the reader to seek their own unconditional love and support, not just by whom they surround themselves with but also within themselves.
My favourite quote:
“Im not asking you not to feel. I’m asking you to feel without losing yourself. To connect without surrendering your boundaries. To give without giving away power.”
This is true sisterhood, unconditional love and intimacy with no expectations.
The writing is phenomenal and captivating, and intense in such a way that I needed time to process the events in the book. This is not a “one sitting” read. It is a journey that would live rent free in your soul, pushing you to forgive yourself, to accept yourself and most of all - love yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC read and… wow! Where do I even begin? How do I even find the words to explain this book without spoiling it? Blood & Salt will tear you apart at the seams. It is emotionally wrecking and somehow wholesome at the same time. It is dark, darker and darkest in the best possible way .From the moment I started this book, I could vividly see the characters and the world around them. The way Angela sets a scene made me feel like a fly on the wall watching the story unfold before my eyes. But not only could I see it, I could feel it. Every raw emotion. Every wound. Every moment of grief. The things this book stirred in me were truly astou nding. I can say with confidence that this deserves to stand among the greats. It gave me Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones meets The Witcher, all wrapped in the spirit of ancient folklore and myth. The mythical storytelling was breathtaking, and the majestic progression of the story slowly became heart wrenching. The pain bled through every page, and somehow I wanted to bleed alongside it. I took so long to finish this book because I constantly had to pause. My heart and mind genuinely struggled to separate my own emotions from the grief and pain of the characters. I am so proud to say I got to read this story before the mainstream sweeps it up. It inspired me so deeply that I want to draw every single moment from every single page, though I would probably need at least eight lifetimes to do that.This book deserves a movie adaptation on the scale and level of Lord of the Rings. That’s how strongly I feel about it. (Yes I am a hobbit nut and a legolas fan we know this!)
And I say this not because I know the author, but because from the very first page to the very last, the writing felt different. It felt timeless. Nostalgic. It reminded me of books written by authors long since passed, as if Angela is already one of the greats herself. I had to constantly remind myself that she finished writing this only a few months ago, which still feels absolutely insane to me.The way she wove her heritage into this story was incredible. Honestly, I would love to live inside her mind for a day just to know what happens after the war and the darkness comes for us all. I want more of Seren, Moira and everyone else. This was a thick book, and normally I devour books like this in a weekend or two, but I had to pace myself because I already knew I was going to grieve these characters once it ended. (And also take notes for the artwork) Thank you for the opportunity to experience this story Angela it was truly awe inspiring. Thank you for letting me bleed, cry and feel every moment of it. This book is one for the ages. Yes, we all love a good looking fae man who is obssessed with the FMC, but this was so much more than the shallow copy and paste fantasy stories that have become popular recently. This was darker, richer and deeply mythological, filled with true monsters and lore that felt real and ancient.
100000/5 stars. And I do not say that lightly. This is a MUST read!
And I say this not because I know the author, but because from the very first page to the very last, the writing felt different. It felt timeless. Nostalgic. It reminded me of books written by authors long since passed, as if Angela is already one of the greats herself. I had to constantly remind myself that she finished writing this only a few months ago, which still feels absolutely insane to me.The way she wove her heritage into this story was incredible. Honestly, I would love to live inside her mind for a day just to know what happens after the war and the darkness comes for us all. I want more of Seren, Moira and everyone else. This was a thick book, and normally I devour books like this in a weekend or two, but I had to pace myself because I already knew I was going to grieve these characters once it ended. (And also take notes for the artwork) Thank you for the opportunity to experience this story Angela it was truly awe inspiring. Thank you for letting me bleed, cry and feel every moment of it. This book is one for the ages. Yes, we all love a good looking fae man who is obssessed with the FMC, but this was so much more than the shallow copy and paste fantasy stories that have become popular recently. This was darker, richer and deeply mythological, filled with true monsters and lore that felt real and ancient.
100000/5 stars. And I do not say that lightly. This is a MUST read!
June 2, 2026
Wow! This was such an amazing story. Weaving witches and prophecies of power. This was so difficult to put down. Found family, fated connections, and connections between the human and fae realms. The world building in this story was wonderfully done. The tragedy that befalls the twin witches results in a truly original storyline where Moira struggles with belonging, identity, and trying to break free from ancient traditions in order to blaze a new path.
Review of advance copy received from Author
BRILLIANT!!! This was exactly what I look for in a book. Dark enough to sooth my soul. Witch-y enough to make me once again wish I was one. And oh my goodness a story and characters that consumes you till the end. And if between all this you are looking for some humor, sarcastic flair and your imagination going wild, by creating the characters, scenes etc in your mind, well then this is definitely a book you need to read!!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews