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Bloodstarved: Shadows of Louisville
Bloodstarved is the first book in the Shadows of Louisville series, a dark urban fantasy romance set in a dangerous version of Louisville, Kentucky, where Fae courts, dragon riders, wolf packs, and secret organizations all hide beneath the city’s surface.
Lily Ironblade has spent years chasing the truth about her sister Mya’s disappearance. The night Mya vanished, fire tore through 4th Street Live, promises were broken, and Lily was left with grief, guilt, and unanswered questions. Now, strange creatures called the Bloodstarved are rising, marked by a terrifying symbol — a moon falling through a fallen star — and every clue seems to lead back to the people Lily once trusted.
Then Jax Ashclaw returns.
Dragon heir. Dangerous. Arrogant. The one man Lily should avoid. The one man who failed to protect her sister. But when Lily’s magic begins to unravel and enemies close in from every side, Jax may be the only person strong enough to stand between her and the forces trying to use her.
As Lily and Jax uncover hidden rituals, family betrayals, and the truth behind Mya’s fate, Louisville becomes a battlefield. The Veil is watching. The wolf Alpha has secrets. The dragon court is divided. And Lily’s own blood may be tied to a power far darker than she ever imagined.
Lily was never meant to be fragile. She is Fae fire, royal blood, and sharpened rage. They tried to make her a weapon.
Now she will become a storm.
Lily Ironblade has spent years chasing the truth about her sister Mya’s disappearance. The night Mya vanished, fire tore through 4th Street Live, promises were broken, and Lily was left with grief, guilt, and unanswered questions. Now, strange creatures called the Bloodstarved are rising, marked by a terrifying symbol — a moon falling through a fallen star — and every clue seems to lead back to the people Lily once trusted.
Then Jax Ashclaw returns.
Dragon heir. Dangerous. Arrogant. The one man Lily should avoid. The one man who failed to protect her sister. But when Lily’s magic begins to unravel and enemies close in from every side, Jax may be the only person strong enough to stand between her and the forces trying to use her.
As Lily and Jax uncover hidden rituals, family betrayals, and the truth behind Mya’s fate, Louisville becomes a battlefield. The Veil is watching. The wolf Alpha has secrets. The dragon court is divided. And Lily’s own blood may be tied to a power far darker than she ever imagined.
Lily was never meant to be fragile. She is Fae fire, royal blood, and sharpened rage. They tried to make her a weapon.
Now she will become a storm.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
K. Emberlyn
3 books33 followersK. Emberlyn is a Kentucky author who writes dark romantasy and urban fantasy with fierce heroines, dragon riders, found family, dangerous magic, and love stories that burn through the darkness.
Her debut novel, Bloodstarved, is the first book in the Shadows of Louisville series, a supernatural romance set in Louisville, Kentucky, where Fae, dragons, wolves, and monsters collide beneath the city.
When she is not writing, she is balancing family, work, creativity, and the beautiful chaos of bringing fictional worlds to life.
Her debut novel, Bloodstarved, is the first book in the Shadows of Louisville series, a supernatural romance set in Louisville, Kentucky, where Fae, dragons, wolves, and monsters collide beneath the city.
When she is not writing, she is balancing family, work, creativity, and the beautiful chaos of bringing fictional worlds to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 31, 2026
Review from an ARC
First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation for allowing me to ARC read Bloodstarved! I lived through many emotions in this book. I did not expect James to make me cry so much!! The characters were fun (I fell for Lucas hook, line a sinker. I get it Nikki) Rook is best dad. If you’re looking for one hell of a story that touches on found family and works through the heavier themes of grief and loss, this is it!!
First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation for allowing me to ARC read Bloodstarved! I lived through many emotions in this book. I did not expect James to make me cry so much!! The characters were fun (I fell for Lucas hook, line a sinker. I get it Nikki) Rook is best dad. If you’re looking for one hell of a story that touches on found family and works through the heavier themes of grief and loss, this is it!!
June 29, 2026
This is a must read , I can’t wait for more !
July 29, 2026
Thank you so much to K. Emberlyn for gifting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I finished Bloodstarved five days ago and it has been living rent-free in my head ever since. Honestly, I don't think I've gone a single day without thinking about it. I am already desperate for book two.
What a debut.
This book has EVERYTHING. Magic? Check. Betrayal? Check. Found family and friendships that would make you fight for them? Check - I’m looking at you Rook!! Creepy creatures? Yep. A fierce heroine? Absolutely. Broody romance? Oh yes.
One of my favourite things about this book was the multiple POVs. Every character had such a unique voice that I was excited to read every chapter. The different perspectives added so much depth to the story and made me feel incredibly attached to the characters. At one point I genuinely found myself wondering how I could join their friendship group. I need in on the Lollipop Kids.
The characters were honestly one of the biggest highlights for me. They are witty, sarcastic, chaotic, loyal, and genuinely funny. I found myself smirking and laughing far more than I usually do while reading. At the same time, some of the POVs gave heartbreaking insight into certain characters and their choices, making me understand and sympathise with them in ways I wasn't expecting. I don’t want to be dramatic but I would die for some of the characters.
The plot had me hooked from the very first chapter. Lily's determination to find her sister was impossible not to root for, and every time I thought I knew where the story was heading, K. Emberlyn hit me with another twist. I was wrong. Repeatedly.
What I loved most was that the book doesn't save all the exciting moments for the final few chapters. There is always something happening. Every time I finished a chapter, I needed to know what happened next. It was genuinely difficult to put down, and when I wasn't reading, I was thinking about Lily and Louisville.
The world-building was also fantastic. It felt immersive and rich without overwhelming me with information, which meant I could just sink into the story and enjoy the ride.
And the slow burn romance? Agony. Delicious, wonderful agony. The tension had me internally screaming and desperately turning pages for more.
My only quirk with this book was that I felt some phrases were repetitive but this was easily overlooked with how fantastic the story was!!
Bloodstarved is an incredible debut and one of those books that completely sneaks up on you before consuming your entire personality for a week. If you love fantasy packed with magic, creepy creatures, found family, witty banter, plot twists, emotional damage, and a slow burn that will test your patience, then you need to add this book to your TBR immediately.
I finished Bloodstarved five days ago and it has been living rent-free in my head ever since. Honestly, I don't think I've gone a single day without thinking about it. I am already desperate for book two.
What a debut.
This book has EVERYTHING. Magic? Check. Betrayal? Check. Found family and friendships that would make you fight for them? Check - I’m looking at you Rook!! Creepy creatures? Yep. A fierce heroine? Absolutely. Broody romance? Oh yes.
One of my favourite things about this book was the multiple POVs. Every character had such a unique voice that I was excited to read every chapter. The different perspectives added so much depth to the story and made me feel incredibly attached to the characters. At one point I genuinely found myself wondering how I could join their friendship group. I need in on the Lollipop Kids.
The characters were honestly one of the biggest highlights for me. They are witty, sarcastic, chaotic, loyal, and genuinely funny. I found myself smirking and laughing far more than I usually do while reading. At the same time, some of the POVs gave heartbreaking insight into certain characters and their choices, making me understand and sympathise with them in ways I wasn't expecting. I don’t want to be dramatic but I would die for some of the characters.
The plot had me hooked from the very first chapter. Lily's determination to find her sister was impossible not to root for, and every time I thought I knew where the story was heading, K. Emberlyn hit me with another twist. I was wrong. Repeatedly.
What I loved most was that the book doesn't save all the exciting moments for the final few chapters. There is always something happening. Every time I finished a chapter, I needed to know what happened next. It was genuinely difficult to put down, and when I wasn't reading, I was thinking about Lily and Louisville.
The world-building was also fantastic. It felt immersive and rich without overwhelming me with information, which meant I could just sink into the story and enjoy the ride.
And the slow burn romance? Agony. Delicious, wonderful agony. The tension had me internally screaming and desperately turning pages for more.
My only quirk with this book was that I felt some phrases were repetitive but this was easily overlooked with how fantastic the story was!!
Bloodstarved is an incredible debut and one of those books that completely sneaks up on you before consuming your entire personality for a week. If you love fantasy packed with magic, creepy creatures, found family, witty banter, plot twists, emotional damage, and a slow burn that will test your patience, then you need to add this book to your TBR immediately.
Read
June 3, 2026This book has me crying my eyes out so many times that I'm considering billing the author for therapy, lol. Joking aside, though the relationship between Jax and Lily was emotional whiplash all on its own, especially since Lily was doing everything she could to deny a relationship was even there. It didn't help that I was also gushing over Nikki's and Lucas relationship. This is a book I would recommend to anyone because I absolutely loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2026
Okay, this book had me in a chokehold from chapter one.
Bloodstarved has everything I love in a fantasy romance: a fierce heroine, complicated relationships, magic, danger, mystery, and enough emotional damage to keep me fully invested. The story moves fast, the characters feel real, and the tension had me constantly wondering what was going to happen next.
I especially loved that the world-building didn’t feel overwhelming. I was able to jump right in and get swept up in the story without needing a glossary and a flow chart. If you enjoy fantasy romance with action, supernatural elements, strong friendships, and plenty of emotional stakes, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Bloodstarved has everything I love in a fantasy romance: a fierce heroine, complicated relationships, magic, danger, mystery, and enough emotional damage to keep me fully invested. The story moves fast, the characters feel real, and the tension had me constantly wondering what was going to happen next.
I especially loved that the world-building didn’t feel overwhelming. I was able to jump right in and get swept up in the story without needing a glossary and a flow chart. If you enjoy fantasy romance with action, supernatural elements, strong friendships, and plenty of emotional stakes, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
June 27, 2026
I really like the premise of Bloodstarved. My reasons for choosing not 3.5 stars have nothing to do with craft or content really. K Emberlyn writes well and creates a dynamic cast of unique characters. I felt there were some plot holes that left me confused on some politics and structure of the world from start to finish. Without spoilers I felt like social content was drawn out leaving true plot thin and rushed in sections. But if you are looking for emotional characters, dragons, dark secrets, darker creations that will make you jump then this is the book for you. Check it out!
July 17, 2026
Loved this book! I want more! So many ways this storyline can continue. I loved the found family and the banter. I enjoyed that familiar fantasy elements were used in some new and unique ways!
I received an advanced reader copy and voluntarily left this review.
I received an advanced reader copy and voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has so much angst and heartbreak but I loved it. Lilly is missing her sister, she has been missing for years and she blames a man she used to care for because of it. He's not just any man, he's the dragon shifter heir. Along with their chosen family a chain of events sets off things that cannot be undone or unlearned.
Lilly is strong, closed off and tough. Her sister's disappearance changed her in ways she never thought of but throughout the book her progression as a character is one I truly loved reading.
Nikki her BFF is hilarious, she's dangerous, impulsive and honestly? Kinda crazy but I love it
Rook is a character who is stoic but caring all at the same time, his relationship with the girls is loyal to a fault
All the dragon men are close to the vests types, each one gives you an inside look to these hard and dangerous men's minds. The biggest thing with them is how different but the same they are.
All in all this world is one I want to dive into more of
Lilly is strong, closed off and tough. Her sister's disappearance changed her in ways she never thought of but throughout the book her progression as a character is one I truly loved reading.
Nikki her BFF is hilarious, she's dangerous, impulsive and honestly? Kinda crazy but I love it
Rook is a character who is stoic but caring all at the same time, his relationship with the girls is loyal to a fault
All the dragon men are close to the vests types, each one gives you an inside look to these hard and dangerous men's minds. The biggest thing with them is how different but the same they are.
All in all this world is one I want to dive into more of
July 28, 2026
ARC Review – Bloodstarved by K. Emberlyn
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had the incredible opportunity to ARC read Bloodstarved, and now that release day is finally here, I can officially tell everyone: go read this book!
If you love dark urban fantasy with dragons, fae, wolf shifters, mystery, found family, political intrigue, and romance that keeps you invested, this book delivers all of it.
One of the first things that stood out to me was K. Emberlyn’s writing. The attention to detail is phenomenal. Every location, every magical element, and every creature is described so vividly that I felt completely immersed in Louisville’s hidden supernatural world. The world-building is rich without ever feeling overwhelming, which made it incredibly easy to follow while still leaving me wanting to uncover more secrets.
The pacing is another huge strength. The story flows effortlessly from chapter to chapter, balancing action, emotion, mystery, and character development so well that I constantly found myself saying, “Just one more chapter.” Before I knew it, I was halfway through the book.
Lily is such a compelling heroine. Watching her navigate grief, unanswered questions, hidden truths, and the discovery of her own power made her impossible not to root for. And Jax? Let’s just say if you enjoy a protective, burn the city down for you, arrogant, dangerous, morally gray dragon heir with plenty of tension, you’re in for a treat. Their chemistry builds naturally, making every interaction feel meaningful.
The twists genuinely surprised me. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another layer of the story unfolded. Nothing felt predictable, and the ending left me desperately wanting Book Two.
For a debut novel, I was honestly so impressed. The writing feels polished, the characters are memorable, and the story strikes a wonderful balance between fantasy and emotional depth. It has everything I look for in a romantasy—high stakes, complex characters, dangerous magic, dragons, mystery, and just enough romance to keep you completely invested.
Congratulations, K. Emberlyn, on an incredible debut! Thank you for trusting me as one of your ARC readers. Bloodstarved is an unforgettable start to what I know is going to be an amazing series, and I can’t wait to see where Lily’s journey takes us next.
❤️ 5 stars from me. Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had the incredible opportunity to ARC read Bloodstarved, and now that release day is finally here, I can officially tell everyone: go read this book!
If you love dark urban fantasy with dragons, fae, wolf shifters, mystery, found family, political intrigue, and romance that keeps you invested, this book delivers all of it.
One of the first things that stood out to me was K. Emberlyn’s writing. The attention to detail is phenomenal. Every location, every magical element, and every creature is described so vividly that I felt completely immersed in Louisville’s hidden supernatural world. The world-building is rich without ever feeling overwhelming, which made it incredibly easy to follow while still leaving me wanting to uncover more secrets.
The pacing is another huge strength. The story flows effortlessly from chapter to chapter, balancing action, emotion, mystery, and character development so well that I constantly found myself saying, “Just one more chapter.” Before I knew it, I was halfway through the book.
Lily is such a compelling heroine. Watching her navigate grief, unanswered questions, hidden truths, and the discovery of her own power made her impossible not to root for. And Jax? Let’s just say if you enjoy a protective, burn the city down for you, arrogant, dangerous, morally gray dragon heir with plenty of tension, you’re in for a treat. Their chemistry builds naturally, making every interaction feel meaningful.
The twists genuinely surprised me. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another layer of the story unfolded. Nothing felt predictable, and the ending left me desperately wanting Book Two.
For a debut novel, I was honestly so impressed. The writing feels polished, the characters are memorable, and the story strikes a wonderful balance between fantasy and emotional depth. It has everything I look for in a romantasy—high stakes, complex characters, dangerous magic, dragons, mystery, and just enough romance to keep you completely invested.
Congratulations, K. Emberlyn, on an incredible debut! Thank you for trusting me as one of your ARC readers. Bloodstarved is an unforgettable start to what I know is going to be an amazing series, and I can’t wait to see where Lily’s journey takes us next.
❤️ 5 stars from me. Highly recommend!
July 29, 2026
Bloodstarved is book one in the Shadows of Louisville Series. It is an intriguing, fast paced, emotionally charged, action packed, dark, urban fantasy romance with fae, dragons, dragon riders, wolves, and more.
Lily will never give up looking for her missing sister, Mya, but there are secrets upon secrets surrounding Mya's disappearance. Lily will have to have to accept help from those she's not sure she can trust and will have to risk the wrath of her father as well, but she won't rest until she finds her.
This book was full of secrets, lies, mystery, suspense, emotion, betrayal, surprises, and so, so much more, and I was there for every single second of it! The mystery and secrets that surrounded Mya's disappearance were deep, dangerous, and disturbing. I loved the relationships that developed, as well as the found family aspect of the story. Certain aspects of the story were absolutely heartbreaking and tore my heart apart for the characters.
I very much enjoyed this book and simply could not put it down. The writing, pace, flow, plot, characters, and storytelling were all terrific as were the storyline, relationship development, and world building. The story is uniquely told in first person, from pretty much every character in the book's pov at one point or another. I really loved getting to know each character through their own eyes and getting insight into what their motivation and thoughts were. Needless to say, I really enjoyed the character development. I am very excited to see what happens next for these amazing characters.
Thank you so very much to K. Emberlyn for the ARC; all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Lily will never give up looking for her missing sister, Mya, but there are secrets upon secrets surrounding Mya's disappearance. Lily will have to have to accept help from those she's not sure she can trust and will have to risk the wrath of her father as well, but she won't rest until she finds her.
This book was full of secrets, lies, mystery, suspense, emotion, betrayal, surprises, and so, so much more, and I was there for every single second of it! The mystery and secrets that surrounded Mya's disappearance were deep, dangerous, and disturbing. I loved the relationships that developed, as well as the found family aspect of the story. Certain aspects of the story were absolutely heartbreaking and tore my heart apart for the characters.
I very much enjoyed this book and simply could not put it down. The writing, pace, flow, plot, characters, and storytelling were all terrific as were the storyline, relationship development, and world building. The story is uniquely told in first person, from pretty much every character in the book's pov at one point or another. I really loved getting to know each character through their own eyes and getting insight into what their motivation and thoughts were. Needless to say, I really enjoyed the character development. I am very excited to see what happens next for these amazing characters.
Thank you so very much to K. Emberlyn for the ARC; all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 30, 2026
What can I say??? This book started a little slow, but it picked up dramatically. I couldn’t get enough reading about Lily, Nikki, Rook, Jax, Lucas, and Archer. These characters are the best! Lily just wants to find her sister who was taken but she is being held back by her father (the king) and Marcus. There is something weird going on in Louisville and she will find her even if it costs her everything. The plot was so good! I couldn’t get enough and it makes you want to keep reading so much. I hope there is another book. It seems like there will be. This is a fantasy romance book with fated mates. Definitely check it out! 4.5 stars!
Read
July 17, 2026First and foremost, I was hooked from the beginning. I absolutely loved Jax and Lily, the chemistry was amazing. Nicki just kept me laughing. Every time I would think I would have it figured out there would be another twist that I did not see coming. This book hit everything I enjoy, I can not wait for the next book to come out. This is definitely a must read.
July 30, 2026
A must read, kept me guessing and wanting more.
July 28, 2026
Bloodstarved completely exceeded my expectations. From the beginning, the pacing kept me invested, and there were several shocking moments throughout the story that kept me turning the pages.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the character development. Every character felt like they had a purpose and grew throughout the story. Jax was easily my favorite. I loved watching him struggle with his inner turmoil while balancing his darker side with his protective nature. He was willing to fight for the people he loved while also knowing when to step back and let them make their own choices. That balance made him such a compelling character.
Rook also surprised me. He started as a broody warrior but evolved into a caring father figure with far more emotional depth than I expected. Watching his journey come full circle was incredibly rewarding. I also loved Nicki and Lucas's relationship. Their quiet, shy romance grew into something fierce, and it was one of my favorite relationships in the book.
If you're a fan of dark romantasy with emotional romance, and plenty of twists along the way, I highly recommend picking up Bloodstarved.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the character development. Every character felt like they had a purpose and grew throughout the story. Jax was easily my favorite. I loved watching him struggle with his inner turmoil while balancing his darker side with his protective nature. He was willing to fight for the people he loved while also knowing when to step back and let them make their own choices. That balance made him such a compelling character.
Rook also surprised me. He started as a broody warrior but evolved into a caring father figure with far more emotional depth than I expected. Watching his journey come full circle was incredibly rewarding. I also loved Nicki and Lucas's relationship. Their quiet, shy romance grew into something fierce, and it was one of my favorite relationships in the book.
If you're a fan of dark romantasy with emotional romance, and plenty of twists along the way, I highly recommend picking up Bloodstarved.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Masterful Paranormal Debut!
Move over, seasoned bestsellers—there is a new powerhouse in the paranormal romance genre, and her name is K. Emberlyn. It is mind-blowing to think that Bloodstarved is her literary debut. I have read New York Times bestsellers and authors with thousands of reviews on Amazon who haven’t delivered a story this sharp, this gripping, and this completely unputdownable. Emberlyn has officially cemented herself right up there with the top-tier authors of the genre on her very first try.
Cinematic, High-Octane Storytelling:
From the absolute first line of chapter one, Emberlyn doesn't just invite you into the story—she throws you right into the deep end of 28-year-old Princess Lily Ironblade’s life at the absolute height of her emotional turmoil. Lily is depressed, stubbornly determined, furious, cynical and wielding an immense power she can barely control.
Starting a book in media res (in the middle of the action) or in this case into a story that already had a major event happen in the past that has led to the characters current predicament can be tricky. But this is where Emberlyn’s storytelling genius shines. Instead of dragging you through chapter after chapter of a long backstory just to save all of the good stuff for the end, she masterfully weaves a brief view of why the characters are so broken in the first few pages. Throws you into the action. Then throughout the novel she gives you flashbacks of the past events, so that you can focus on the high-stakes present. It is incredibly cinematic, keeping you entirely on your toes without a single moment of confusion or boredom.
The Ultimate Multi-POV by the "Scooby Supe Gang" (But Make It HBO):
If you love multiple points of view, Bloodstarved is absolute paradise. Emberlyn gives us exactly what we want.
Also, the character dynamics are utterly top-tier. You have Lily navigating a complex relationship with her father (King James Ironblade), leaning on her father figure/bodyguard Rook, and trading cheeky barbs with her psycho best friend, Nikki. Then there are the men: Marcus, the wolf Alpha/ex; Jax Ashclaw, the intense dragon rider heir paired with his no-nonsense dragon, Eclipse; Jax's younger brother Archer (his dragon Onyx); Lucus, friend, tech whiz & the dragon rider of Vertox. Last but not least Mya, Lily's missing sister and the main focal point of the story.
When you throw this group together to solve a dark murder mystery, the chemistry is electric. It’s giving new-age, supernatural, morally gray, totally hot Scooby-Doo and the Gang. The personalities are distinct, the tension is high, and the vibes are so immaculate I need HBO to greenlight the TV adaptation immediately!
A Quick Note:
Because I read an Advanced Reader Copy, I am aware that this is not the final edit. However, I did have a few minor personal critiques regarding the character ages and behaviors. Lily is 28, therefore Nikki is around the same age, but their emotional maturity and the way they are treated by other older authoritative figures occasionally skews much closer to a Young Adult dynamic. Nikki, while quirky and snarky, (we all love a smart-mouthed, best friend who pushes boundaries) she can cross into immature and bratty territory. Given their maturity level, they sometimes feel a bit emotionally stunted for late twenties. However, since this is an ARC, it is highly possible the final publication might tweak the ages to perfectly match the group's current wild-crazy-fun-tortured vibe!
In this novel we have:
Action ✅
Grief ✅
Tears ✅
Family drama ✅
Supernatural creatures ✅
Secret experiments/torture ✅
Past traumas ✅
Murder ✅
Villain’s ✅
Morally gray heroes ✅
Sexual tension (yes there is a sex scene for my steamy readers, lol) and a lot of “I’ll burn this city down for you” ✅
The Verdict:
Just when you think you have this wicked plot completely figured out, Emberlyn rips the rug out from under you, peeling back another layer of mystery that leaves you genuinely shocked. It is a full-length novel that ends on a mild cliffhanger, and I am officially begging for book two.
Thank you to the author for providing an Advance Reader Copy of this book! All thoughts and enthusiastic obsessed rants are entirely my own opinion, which is why I encourage you to read it for yourself.
Move over, seasoned bestsellers—there is a new powerhouse in the paranormal romance genre, and her name is K. Emberlyn. It is mind-blowing to think that Bloodstarved is her literary debut. I have read New York Times bestsellers and authors with thousands of reviews on Amazon who haven’t delivered a story this sharp, this gripping, and this completely unputdownable. Emberlyn has officially cemented herself right up there with the top-tier authors of the genre on her very first try.
Cinematic, High-Octane Storytelling:
From the absolute first line of chapter one, Emberlyn doesn't just invite you into the story—she throws you right into the deep end of 28-year-old Princess Lily Ironblade’s life at the absolute height of her emotional turmoil. Lily is depressed, stubbornly determined, furious, cynical and wielding an immense power she can barely control.
Starting a book in media res (in the middle of the action) or in this case into a story that already had a major event happen in the past that has led to the characters current predicament can be tricky. But this is where Emberlyn’s storytelling genius shines. Instead of dragging you through chapter after chapter of a long backstory just to save all of the good stuff for the end, she masterfully weaves a brief view of why the characters are so broken in the first few pages. Throws you into the action. Then throughout the novel she gives you flashbacks of the past events, so that you can focus on the high-stakes present. It is incredibly cinematic, keeping you entirely on your toes without a single moment of confusion or boredom.
The Ultimate Multi-POV by the "Scooby Supe Gang" (But Make It HBO):
If you love multiple points of view, Bloodstarved is absolute paradise. Emberlyn gives us exactly what we want.
Also, the character dynamics are utterly top-tier. You have Lily navigating a complex relationship with her father (King James Ironblade), leaning on her father figure/bodyguard Rook, and trading cheeky barbs with her psycho best friend, Nikki. Then there are the men: Marcus, the wolf Alpha/ex; Jax Ashclaw, the intense dragon rider heir paired with his no-nonsense dragon, Eclipse; Jax's younger brother Archer (his dragon Onyx); Lucus, friend, tech whiz & the dragon rider of Vertox. Last but not least Mya, Lily's missing sister and the main focal point of the story.
When you throw this group together to solve a dark murder mystery, the chemistry is electric. It’s giving new-age, supernatural, morally gray, totally hot Scooby-Doo and the Gang. The personalities are distinct, the tension is high, and the vibes are so immaculate I need HBO to greenlight the TV adaptation immediately!
A Quick Note:
Because I read an Advanced Reader Copy, I am aware that this is not the final edit. However, I did have a few minor personal critiques regarding the character ages and behaviors. Lily is 28, therefore Nikki is around the same age, but their emotional maturity and the way they are treated by other older authoritative figures occasionally skews much closer to a Young Adult dynamic. Nikki, while quirky and snarky, (we all love a smart-mouthed, best friend who pushes boundaries) she can cross into immature and bratty territory. Given their maturity level, they sometimes feel a bit emotionally stunted for late twenties. However, since this is an ARC, it is highly possible the final publication might tweak the ages to perfectly match the group's current wild-crazy-fun-tortured vibe!
In this novel we have:
Action ✅
Grief ✅
Tears ✅
Family drama ✅
Supernatural creatures ✅
Secret experiments/torture ✅
Past traumas ✅
Murder ✅
Villain’s ✅
Morally gray heroes ✅
Sexual tension (yes there is a sex scene for my steamy readers, lol) and a lot of “I’ll burn this city down for you” ✅
The Verdict:
Just when you think you have this wicked plot completely figured out, Emberlyn rips the rug out from under you, peeling back another layer of mystery that leaves you genuinely shocked. It is a full-length novel that ends on a mild cliffhanger, and I am officially begging for book two.
Thank you to the author for providing an Advance Reader Copy of this book! All thoughts and enthusiastic obsessed rants are entirely my own opinion, which is why I encourage you to read it for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Power is not making someone break. Power is knowing you can break them—and choosing not to.” -Nikki
I received an ARC of Bloodstarved by K. Emberlyn and I am leaving an honest review. This book gave me dark urban fantasy, dragons, danger, romance, secrets, and a Louisville KY setting that felt intense and cinematic. I enjoyed the tension, the character dynamics, and the way the story pulled me deeper with every chapter. Recommended for readers who enjoy romantasy, supernatural suspense, and who are fans of the Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas.
What worked: I really connected with a lot of the characters in this story and because of that, I wanted to know what happened more. For some, I think the character development and world building could be a little overwhelming at times, but I also think this allowed for the perfect setup for the next book! I was immediately drawn into the suspense of the story, and Lily and Nikki instantly reminded me of the relationship dynamic between Bryce and Danika from House of Earth and Blood. The banter between all the characters (especially Nikki) and all the friendships/relationships that were formed and progressed were clearly written, and I loved how everyone was able to work together and play to their strengths in different situations. I enjoyed all the fantasy aspects with the mythical creatures, the fae, the dragon shifters, etc. In this aspect, I was reminded a lot of the House of Devils series by Kayla Edwards. I also found this story very unique in the way that it is not high fantasy because we have a Louisville, KY setting but set with magical elements built onto it, leaving a lot of things up to the imagination.
“Never show weakness. The snakes will bite. That was what my father beat into me long before I wore a crown. Never bleed where the court can smell it. Never love anything where enemies can see. Never kneel unless you intend to rise with a knife.” -Jax
What didn’t: As an experienced romantasy/fantasy series reader, I know that typically the first book in a series has a lot of background information to build up the world, the magical elements, the characters, the relationships, and the tension which can slow down the pacing of the story however, I think it was done well and K Emberlyn is set up perfectly for book 2 of this series. I enjoyed the multi-POV aspect of this story, but I think we were introduced to too many different POVs too early on in the story. It did help me connect to the different characters like Rook and Archer however, I think it was a lot to introduce early on, and could have potentially been better towards the end of the book or maybe in book 2. One thing that I would have preferred a little more focus on was the fated mates trope. I knew about the trope going into the story, however the book was set up for a big reveal of who was mated to who, and I didn’t feel there was much reaction or discussion around it. I felt it was a little anti-climactic for what I would prefer, but that is still one of my favorite tropes ever.
Overall, I think I would recommend this book because it reminds me of some great series that I have read: House of Devils series by Kayla Edwards and Crescent City Series by Sarah J Maas. I think this is a great read for experienced fantasy/romantasy readers looking for a more realistic, urban setting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me start by saying this--I most definitely recommend reading Bloodstarved by K. Emberlyn, despite what my rating may suggest. I do have some mixed feelings about a few aspects of the story, but those are well worth overlooking for experiencing this twist on a traditional love story.
Lily, our fae princess FMC, will literally burn the world down to find the person she loves. But her destructive devotion isn’t aimed at a potential love interest--her dangerous powers, and equally dangerous determination, are aimed at her missing sister, Mya.
Lily's journey to find Mya, who'd been kidnapped nearly 5 years prior to the events of the story, had my heart locked in a vise grip. Her perspective is gutting and heartbreaking; it's painfully hopeful, like trying to breathe slowly and quietly after running for your life.
The story is told through several points of view including that of Jax Ashclaw, our MMC, romantic love interest, dragon-rider, and heir. It also features perspectives from Eclipse, Jax's dragon, Lily's best friend Nikki (who is my absolute favorite and I need more of her!), Rook, a father figure to Lily and Nikki, Lucas and Archer, fellow dragon-riders, and a few others.
There are a few things that did make the reading experience not as seamless as it could have been, including some dialogue consistency between POVs and the name of Lucas's dragon.
So without giving away any potential spoilers, there is a scene with several characters present. We are present for the conversation by way of Lily's perspective. We see how the scene unfolds up until a sudden event, and the perspective changes. The new perspective, in Jax's POV, replays the scene, but adds dialogue and interactions that aren't present in the initial portrayal. It's not a deal-breaker, and it doesn't change the story, but it does break up the flow of the story. This happens a couple of times.
Another thing that bothered me was the consistency with the name of Lucas's dragon. He is first introduced as Vortex, but at some point, his name changes to Vertox. Towards the latter half of the story, his name changes again to Vertex, and remains that way until the last 30 pages or so, where it reverts back to Vertox.
Spelling error? Probably. But the constant changing threw me off while reading.
These things might not be important to some readers, and they can probably easily overlook them, but my brain catches on to inconsistencies like these the way a bull zeros in on a waving red cape.
The disruption in flow may have docked stars in my opinion, but you should judge this story for yourself.
Rating: 3 stars (3.5 on StoryGraph)
Spice: open-door, but the content is mild. I believe there are two or three scenes, and they are well balanced with the plot and with Lily's character arc.
Tropes: found family, dragon daddy, badass FMC, sassy BFF, paranormal hidden within the familiar (Louisville, KY like you've never imagined it before,) fated mates, mate bond, touch him and die (thank you for this one, Nikki,) enemies to allies to lovers, chosen one energy (but not in the good way)
Its powerful portrayal of love and grief, and the mystery of the Bloodstarved, have me excited for book two.
I received an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions, for better or worse, are entirely my own and completely voluntary.
Lily, our fae princess FMC, will literally burn the world down to find the person she loves. But her destructive devotion isn’t aimed at a potential love interest--her dangerous powers, and equally dangerous determination, are aimed at her missing sister, Mya.
Lily's journey to find Mya, who'd been kidnapped nearly 5 years prior to the events of the story, had my heart locked in a vise grip. Her perspective is gutting and heartbreaking; it's painfully hopeful, like trying to breathe slowly and quietly after running for your life.
The story is told through several points of view including that of Jax Ashclaw, our MMC, romantic love interest, dragon-rider, and heir. It also features perspectives from Eclipse, Jax's dragon, Lily's best friend Nikki (who is my absolute favorite and I need more of her!), Rook, a father figure to Lily and Nikki, Lucas and Archer, fellow dragon-riders, and a few others.
There are a few things that did make the reading experience not as seamless as it could have been, including some dialogue consistency between POVs and the name of Lucas's dragon.
So without giving away any potential spoilers, there is a scene with several characters present. We are present for the conversation by way of Lily's perspective. We see how the scene unfolds up until a sudden event, and the perspective changes. The new perspective, in Jax's POV, replays the scene, but adds dialogue and interactions that aren't present in the initial portrayal. It's not a deal-breaker, and it doesn't change the story, but it does break up the flow of the story. This happens a couple of times.
Another thing that bothered me was the consistency with the name of Lucas's dragon. He is first introduced as Vortex, but at some point, his name changes to Vertox. Towards the latter half of the story, his name changes again to Vertex, and remains that way until the last 30 pages or so, where it reverts back to Vertox.
Spelling error? Probably. But the constant changing threw me off while reading.
These things might not be important to some readers, and they can probably easily overlook them, but my brain catches on to inconsistencies like these the way a bull zeros in on a waving red cape.
The disruption in flow may have docked stars in my opinion, but you should judge this story for yourself.
Rating: 3 stars (3.5 on StoryGraph)
Spice: open-door, but the content is mild. I believe there are two or three scenes, and they are well balanced with the plot and with Lily's character arc.
Tropes: found family, dragon daddy, badass FMC, sassy BFF, paranormal hidden within the familiar (Louisville, KY like you've never imagined it before,) fated mates, mate bond, touch him and die (thank you for this one, Nikki,) enemies to allies to lovers, chosen one energy (but not in the good way)
Its powerful portrayal of love and grief, and the mystery of the Bloodstarved, have me excited for book two.
I received an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions, for better or worse, are entirely my own and completely voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars
Bloodstarved threw me directly into the chaos, handed me approximately zero instructions, and apparently expected me to figure it out through vibes alone. Bold strategy.
The story begins with so much already happening that I genuinely wondered whether I had accidentally started with the second book in a series. We have Fae royalty, dragon riders, wolf packs, secret organizations, dangerous magic, missing sisters, mysterious creatures, and enough supernatural politics to require a colour-coded spreadsheet—but very little explanation about how any of it fits together.
The world itself has an incredible amount of potential. A dark, supernatural version of Louisville hiding Fae courts, dragons, wolves, and creepy Bloodstarved creatures beneath the surface? Absolutely feral concept. Sign me up immediately. Unfortunately, the lack of early world-building made it difficult for me to fully picture the setting or understand the characters’ roles within it. I spent a good portion of the beginning trying to determine who everyone was, what they were, and why we were currently panicking.
Once more pieces began falling into place, I became much more invested in Lily’s mission to find her missing sister, Mya. Lily’s grief, guilt, and refusal to stop searching give the story its emotional core. She is powerful, angry, loyal, and fully prepared to burn everything down for the person she loves—which is exactly the kind of unhinged dedication I respect in a fantasy heroine.
The multiple POVs introduce a large cast of dragons, riders, friends, enemies, and questionable men with secrets. There is found family, betrayal, creepy creatures, hidden rituals, romantic tension, and enough magical drama to keep the plot moving. Jax brings the dangerous, arrogant dragon-heir energy, while the supporting characters add humour, loyalty, and chaos to the mix.
Overall, Bloodstarved has a strong concept, an intriguing mystery, and characters with plenty of potential. I just needed more foundation before being launched face-first into the supernatural deep end. Readers who enjoy fast-moving urban fantasy, multiple POVs, dragon riders, found family, fated mates, and powerful FMCs may have a much easier time sinking into this world.
I’m still curious to see where the series goes next—preferably with a map, a glossary, and someone assigned to hold my hand.
Bloodstarved threw me directly into the chaos, handed me approximately zero instructions, and apparently expected me to figure it out through vibes alone. Bold strategy.
The story begins with so much already happening that I genuinely wondered whether I had accidentally started with the second book in a series. We have Fae royalty, dragon riders, wolf packs, secret organizations, dangerous magic, missing sisters, mysterious creatures, and enough supernatural politics to require a colour-coded spreadsheet—but very little explanation about how any of it fits together.
The world itself has an incredible amount of potential. A dark, supernatural version of Louisville hiding Fae courts, dragons, wolves, and creepy Bloodstarved creatures beneath the surface? Absolutely feral concept. Sign me up immediately. Unfortunately, the lack of early world-building made it difficult for me to fully picture the setting or understand the characters’ roles within it. I spent a good portion of the beginning trying to determine who everyone was, what they were, and why we were currently panicking.
Once more pieces began falling into place, I became much more invested in Lily’s mission to find her missing sister, Mya. Lily’s grief, guilt, and refusal to stop searching give the story its emotional core. She is powerful, angry, loyal, and fully prepared to burn everything down for the person she loves—which is exactly the kind of unhinged dedication I respect in a fantasy heroine.
The multiple POVs introduce a large cast of dragons, riders, friends, enemies, and questionable men with secrets. There is found family, betrayal, creepy creatures, hidden rituals, romantic tension, and enough magical drama to keep the plot moving. Jax brings the dangerous, arrogant dragon-heir energy, while the supporting characters add humour, loyalty, and chaos to the mix.
Overall, Bloodstarved has a strong concept, an intriguing mystery, and characters with plenty of potential. I just needed more foundation before being launched face-first into the supernatural deep end. Readers who enjoy fast-moving urban fantasy, multiple POVs, dragon riders, found family, fated mates, and powerful FMCs may have a much easier time sinking into this world.
I’m still curious to see where the series goes next—preferably with a map, a glossary, and someone assigned to hold my hand.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you K. Emberlyn for an advanced copy of Bloodstarved.
Bloodstarved took me on an absolute roller coaster of emotions. One moment my heart was breaking, the next I was laughing out loud thanks to the perfectly timed witty banter. Once the mystery started unfolding, I couldn't put it down.
One of my favorite things about this book was the multiple POVs. And I don't just mean the FMC and MMC...you get perspectives from several members of the crew...even a dragon! Every POV added something meaningful instead of feeling like filler.
The story has everything I love: political intrigue, a badass found family, a compelling whodunnit mystery, an insufferable ex, and a world packed with fae, shifters, dragons, humans, and all kinds of magic, and monsters set in Louisville, Kentucky.
I found myself connecting with every member of the cast:
Lily is a strong-willed heroine who refuses to back down.
Jax is the arrogant shadow daddy who falls first (always a win).
Nikki is the witty, stabby best friend everyone deserves.
Lucas is the sexy nerd who quietly steals your heart and proves he's the ultimate catch.
Rook is the broody father figure holding everyone together.
Archer is the misunderstood, broken-hearted brother you can't help but root for.
Individually they're fantastic, but together they create one of my favorite found families.
The book does have a slower start, and with so many POVs there were a few moments where events were revisited from another perspective, making it feel like the story might lose momentum. Thankfully, those moments were few and far between, and once the mystery, slow-burn romance, and character dynamics took center stage, I was completely hooked.
And the humor? Perfection.
"Not going to lie. This is giving very much 'let's split up and die' stupid energy."
"We're not splitting up."
"Good. Because if a ghost touches my ass, I'm blaming both of you."
And this:
"I hate you."
"No, you love me. You're just emotionally constipated."
"I am not emotionally constipated."
"Lily, your feelings need a search warrant to come out."
If you love urban fantasy filled with mystery, political intrigue, found family, slow-burn romance, hilarious banter, and an unforgettable cast of characters, Bloodstarved deserves a spot on your TBR.
I cannot wait to see what this crew discovers in book 2.
Bloodstarved took me on an absolute roller coaster of emotions. One moment my heart was breaking, the next I was laughing out loud thanks to the perfectly timed witty banter. Once the mystery started unfolding, I couldn't put it down.
One of my favorite things about this book was the multiple POVs. And I don't just mean the FMC and MMC...you get perspectives from several members of the crew...even a dragon! Every POV added something meaningful instead of feeling like filler.
The story has everything I love: political intrigue, a badass found family, a compelling whodunnit mystery, an insufferable ex, and a world packed with fae, shifters, dragons, humans, and all kinds of magic, and monsters set in Louisville, Kentucky.
I found myself connecting with every member of the cast:
Lily is a strong-willed heroine who refuses to back down.
Jax is the arrogant shadow daddy who falls first (always a win).
Nikki is the witty, stabby best friend everyone deserves.
Lucas is the sexy nerd who quietly steals your heart and proves he's the ultimate catch.
Rook is the broody father figure holding everyone together.
Archer is the misunderstood, broken-hearted brother you can't help but root for.
Individually they're fantastic, but together they create one of my favorite found families.
The book does have a slower start, and with so many POVs there were a few moments where events were revisited from another perspective, making it feel like the story might lose momentum. Thankfully, those moments were few and far between, and once the mystery, slow-burn romance, and character dynamics took center stage, I was completely hooked.
And the humor? Perfection.
"Not going to lie. This is giving very much 'let's split up and die' stupid energy."
"We're not splitting up."
"Good. Because if a ghost touches my ass, I'm blaming both of you."
And this:
"I hate you."
"No, you love me. You're just emotionally constipated."
"I am not emotionally constipated."
"Lily, your feelings need a search warrant to come out."
If you love urban fantasy filled with mystery, political intrigue, found family, slow-burn romance, hilarious banter, and an unforgettable cast of characters, Bloodstarved deserves a spot on your TBR.
I cannot wait to see what this crew discovers in book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★★
I genuinely had such a fun time reading Bloodstarved.
The world completely pulled me in. Between the dragons, Fae, wolves, the Veil, and all the secrets hidden beneath the surface, there was always something new to discover. I loved how easy it was to get lost in this world. Every time I thought I’d read “just one more chapter,” I ended up reading several. Before I knew it, I was completely invested in what was happening.
Every chapter left me wanting more, and the story kept building naturally, with each new moment making me even more attached to the characters and excited to see where their journey would take them.
Lily quickly became one of my favorite characters. She’s strong, stubborn, fiercely loyal, and willing to risk everything for the people she loves. Jax completely surprised me too. I loved getting his perspective and slowly peeling back the layers behind his confidence. Their chemistry was everything I wanted, full of tension, banter, and those small moments that said so much without needing grand declarations.
I also loved that the side characters felt like actual people instead of just being there to move the plot along. Nikki had me laughing, Lucas and Rook were wonderful, the dragons completely stole my heart, and every character brought something unique to the story.
If you love romantasy with dragons, Fae, found family, mystery, political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and characters you’ll become emotionally attached to, Bloodstarved is absolutely worth picking up.
I genuinely had such a fun time reading Bloodstarved.
The world completely pulled me in. Between the dragons, Fae, wolves, the Veil, and all the secrets hidden beneath the surface, there was always something new to discover. I loved how easy it was to get lost in this world. Every time I thought I’d read “just one more chapter,” I ended up reading several. Before I knew it, I was completely invested in what was happening.
Every chapter left me wanting more, and the story kept building naturally, with each new moment making me even more attached to the characters and excited to see where their journey would take them.
Lily quickly became one of my favorite characters. She’s strong, stubborn, fiercely loyal, and willing to risk everything for the people she loves. Jax completely surprised me too. I loved getting his perspective and slowly peeling back the layers behind his confidence. Their chemistry was everything I wanted, full of tension, banter, and those small moments that said so much without needing grand declarations.
I also loved that the side characters felt like actual people instead of just being there to move the plot along. Nikki had me laughing, Lucas and Rook were wonderful, the dragons completely stole my heart, and every character brought something unique to the story.
If you love romantasy with dragons, Fae, found family, mystery, political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and characters you’ll become emotionally attached to, Bloodstarved is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, this book is so good, from beginning to end. It is dark fantasy at its best. It is dark, moody and angry. The feminine rage can be felt from the page.
I was hooked straight away.
Lily, our FMC is searching for her sister. She is angry, rebellious and emotional. She is ‘grief sharpened into something lethal.’
Then we meet Jax, the dragon rider, there is a real hate/love relationship between the two. He is just as dark and angry. Especially when he focuses on Lily. ‘My father thinks fire obeys blood. He is wrong. Fire obeys hunger. And mine has found a name. Ironblade.’
The slow burn is intense.
The banter in this book is perfect; it brings the levity when needed and proves how important a best friend is. Nikki is Lily’s best friend and she is everything. I love her, she is definitely a favourite character.
There are a lot of different POVs in this book. It does jump a little all over the place because of it. However, the chapter from the Fae King’s POV had everything. This chapter shook me, the acknowledgement of a father and his failure to protect his daughters, versus the king’s willingness to do what he thinks is right.
This book is well balanced and gets better and better the more along. And the intensity also grows along the way.
It was such a ride of ups and downs. Resolving one thing to lose another. There were some emotions during the reading. But I can’t wait for more.
I was hooked straight away.
Lily, our FMC is searching for her sister. She is angry, rebellious and emotional. She is ‘grief sharpened into something lethal.’
Then we meet Jax, the dragon rider, there is a real hate/love relationship between the two. He is just as dark and angry. Especially when he focuses on Lily. ‘My father thinks fire obeys blood. He is wrong. Fire obeys hunger. And mine has found a name. Ironblade.’
The slow burn is intense.
The banter in this book is perfect; it brings the levity when needed and proves how important a best friend is. Nikki is Lily’s best friend and she is everything. I love her, she is definitely a favourite character.
There are a lot of different POVs in this book. It does jump a little all over the place because of it. However, the chapter from the Fae King’s POV had everything. This chapter shook me, the acknowledgement of a father and his failure to protect his daughters, versus the king’s willingness to do what he thinks is right.
This book is well balanced and gets better and better the more along. And the intensity also grows along the way.
It was such a ride of ups and downs. Resolving one thing to lose another. There were some emotions during the reading. But I can’t wait for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was incredibly lucky to be picked as an ARC reader for K. Emberlyn's debut of Bloodstarved!
Without giving too much away, this is a dark romantasy taking place in a dystopian society featuring 4 realms of power: Fae, Wolves, Dragon riders, and Humans (though the humans seem to be quite in the dark). This story centers around the FMC's (Lilly) little sister being taken years earlier and her battle to find her, but there is a much larger plot at play that I hope to be delved into deeper in the next book.
There is court intrigue, mystery, scientific/magical experimentation, mystical intervention, fated bonds, betrayal, magical battles, and deep friendships.
Though this is a dark romantasy, I found it very tame on both counts, and would absolutely recommend to readers 15+. Technically there is one "spice" scene wrapped in cotton... I leave that to your interpretation. (The author assures me there will be more heat in the next book. *wink)
I will say I was blown away by the author's writing ability! This is her debut novel and it reads like that of a seasoned writer. The story premise is original and engaging! Though I requested this read for "dark" and "spicy", I definitely stayed for the story and I am excited to read the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First thank you to the author for letting me read your story!
I wish I could give this higher rating but 3 is generous. The story itself was good, whoever edited the book let the author down by not pointing out things. It was hard to read with the plot holes and the back and forth between reading something and then the next minute it was changed. Like the group text. That chapter ended and the next one started and it was like the group chat didnt exist until then. The the dragon name constantly changing. The going forward with one point of view the. Backwards to go forward again with a different point of view. It gave me whiplash while reading. There are several other parts but I dont want to ruin the story.
I finished the book bc like I said it was a decent story and I wanted to know what happened. Will I read the next, maybe bc i need to know someone is dead or not! But it was a rough read, and it was a looong read. This could have been 400 ish pages and still been good, it was repetitious.
Again reading is subjective and thought I did like most of it there were parts that were rough. But everyone should read for themselves and decide. Happy reading all!
I wish I could give this higher rating but 3 is generous. The story itself was good, whoever edited the book let the author down by not pointing out things. It was hard to read with the plot holes and the back and forth between reading something and then the next minute it was changed. Like the group text. That chapter ended and the next one started and it was like the group chat didnt exist until then. The the dragon name constantly changing. The going forward with one point of view the. Backwards to go forward again with a different point of view. It gave me whiplash while reading. There are several other parts but I dont want to ruin the story.
I finished the book bc like I said it was a decent story and I wanted to know what happened. Will I read the next, maybe bc i need to know someone is dead or not! But it was a rough read, and it was a looong read. This could have been 400 ish pages and still been good, it was repetitious.
Again reading is subjective and thought I did like most of it there were parts that were rough. But everyone should read for themselves and decide. Happy reading all!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes you will find in this book:
* Found family/friendships
* Magic/fantasy
* Slow burn broody romance
* A fierce FMC
* Betrayal
* Creepy and intriguing creatures
I love books with multiple POVs. Every character had such an individualized voice that made me excited to read every chapter. The different perspectives add layers of depth to the story and give you the ability to connect with the individuals.
The characters were so intricately written and truly brought this book to life. They made me feel laughter, sadness, sarcasm and the entire spectrum of emotions. I found myself laughing out loud on a regular basis throughout the book. There were also moments that brought true tears to my eye from the profound depth of sadness
The world-building was immersive and dynamic without being overwhelming which meant I could easily dive into the story and be swept away with the brilliance of the plot
The plot had me hooked from the get go. It was hard to put this book down. The story is fast paced and constantly guessing what was going to happen next.
5⭐️
Thank you to the author for allowing me the opportunity for an ARC
* Found family/friendships
* Magic/fantasy
* Slow burn broody romance
* A fierce FMC
* Betrayal
* Creepy and intriguing creatures
I love books with multiple POVs. Every character had such an individualized voice that made me excited to read every chapter. The different perspectives add layers of depth to the story and give you the ability to connect with the individuals.
The characters were so intricately written and truly brought this book to life. They made me feel laughter, sadness, sarcasm and the entire spectrum of emotions. I found myself laughing out loud on a regular basis throughout the book. There were also moments that brought true tears to my eye from the profound depth of sadness
The world-building was immersive and dynamic without being overwhelming which meant I could easily dive into the story and be swept away with the brilliance of the plot
The plot had me hooked from the get go. It was hard to put this book down. The story is fast paced and constantly guessing what was going to happen next.
5⭐️
Thank you to the author for allowing me the opportunity for an ARC
August 1, 2026
K Emberlyn has crafted a thrilling start to the Shadows of Louisville series that hooked me from the very first page. This is a dark urban fantasy that blends Fae magic, dragons, wolf politics, and a forbidden romance with a gripping mystery that kept me guessing throughout.
Lily Ironblade is a compelling and fierce protagonist, a Fae princess who has never stopped searching for her missing sister. When Mya's magic begins surfacing in impossible places, Lily is pulled into a brutal conspiracy of blood and power hidden beneath the city. What I loved most is how the author builds the tension, revealing layers of secrets and betrayals through a cast of morally complex characters. Jax Ashclaw, the dangerous dragon heir, is a fantastic love interest, the kind of character you do not entirely trust but cannot help rooting for.
The world building is rich and immersive, with a modern setting that feels fresh and dangerous. The relationships and bonds that form, found family, betrayal, and a love powerful enough to start a war, are at the heart of this story. I cannot wait to dive into the next book. Highly recommend to fans of dark romantasy and urban fantasy with high stakes.
Lily Ironblade is a compelling and fierce protagonist, a Fae princess who has never stopped searching for her missing sister. When Mya's magic begins surfacing in impossible places, Lily is pulled into a brutal conspiracy of blood and power hidden beneath the city. What I loved most is how the author builds the tension, revealing layers of secrets and betrayals through a cast of morally complex characters. Jax Ashclaw, the dangerous dragon heir, is a fantastic love interest, the kind of character you do not entirely trust but cannot help rooting for.
The world building is rich and immersive, with a modern setting that feels fresh and dangerous. The relationships and bonds that form, found family, betrayal, and a love powerful enough to start a war, are at the heart of this story. I cannot wait to dive into the next book. Highly recommend to fans of dark romantasy and urban fantasy with high stakes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark atmosphere, creepy scenes, ominous mystery
A Huge thank you to K. Emberlyn for giving me this ARC to give a honest review.
If you like dark atmosphere, some creepy scenes wrapped around emotional damage in an urban fantasy setting and getting a new best friend that is described like this "She looks like chaos got bored, stole a lollipop, and decided to start a war. She smells like candy, smoke, and all the wrong bad decisions." This is the perfect book for you.
I also cannot get over the fact this is the authors debut book. It reads like she has been writing for 50 years. Like writing comes as naturally as breathing for her.
The book feels long and short at the same time. There is so much happening constantly, and the mystery is dark, eerie and complex. And only thing more complex is all the different charchters in this book.
And to be absolutely honest, you should stay away from this book, if you for some reason is allergic to a good time, amazing characters, complex mysteries and amazing storytelling.
A Huge thank you to K. Emberlyn for giving me this ARC to give a honest review.
If you like dark atmosphere, some creepy scenes wrapped around emotional damage in an urban fantasy setting and getting a new best friend that is described like this "She looks like chaos got bored, stole a lollipop, and decided to start a war. She smells like candy, smoke, and all the wrong bad decisions." This is the perfect book for you.
I also cannot get over the fact this is the authors debut book. It reads like she has been writing for 50 years. Like writing comes as naturally as breathing for her.
The book feels long and short at the same time. There is so much happening constantly, and the mystery is dark, eerie and complex. And only thing more complex is all the different charchters in this book.
And to be absolutely honest, you should stay away from this book, if you for some reason is allergic to a good time, amazing characters, complex mysteries and amazing storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where do I start wth Bloodstarved?!? I was blessed to have received an advance copy from the author. I enjoyed this book so much!
This book had all the elements I was looking for. Mystery, political intrigue, found family, enemies to lovers, dragons, magic, strong fierce female lead, and great banter (everyone needs a best friend like Nikki!). I am actually from the city that this book was staged in and I think that gave me more of the ability to put myself in those settings. I was able to completely immerse myself in this story! The way that K Emberlyn developed the story was seamless and when I say she starts off with a boom, is an understatement! The pace of action and mystery keeps up and doesn’t stop. The slow burn between Jax and Lily was top tier! The banter between Lucas and Nikki, some of the best! The banter Nikki has with everyone had me laughing out loud! It does leave you hanging at the end and I cannot wait to see what book 2 holds!
Thank you K Emberyln for this beautiful work of art!
This book had all the elements I was looking for. Mystery, political intrigue, found family, enemies to lovers, dragons, magic, strong fierce female lead, and great banter (everyone needs a best friend like Nikki!). I am actually from the city that this book was staged in and I think that gave me more of the ability to put myself in those settings. I was able to completely immerse myself in this story! The way that K Emberlyn developed the story was seamless and when I say she starts off with a boom, is an understatement! The pace of action and mystery keeps up and doesn’t stop. The slow burn between Jax and Lily was top tier! The banter between Lucas and Nikki, some of the best! The banter Nikki has with everyone had me laughing out loud! It does leave you hanging at the end and I cannot wait to see what book 2 holds!
Thank you K Emberyln for this beautiful work of art!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 🌟 give this a try if you like mysteries with teeth and themes of found family and strength amidst grief.
“Love breaks you. Not all at once. That would be kinder. It takes your smile first. Then your sleep. Then your happiness. Then your soul. And when it’s done, every beautiful thing you held, dear becomes a weapon grief uses against you.” K. Emberlyn, Bloodstarved
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read her debut title.
Bloodstarved follows our FMC Lily as she navigates her grief and is still searching for her missing sister. Set in Louisville, the supernatural, the wolves, the Fae, the dragons move in the shadows of the unsuspecting humans who have no idea of the things that lurk in the dark amongst them.
This was an interesting read with a strong premise and themes of found family, grief, love, mystery, complex family, dynamics, fated bonds and my favorite: dragons.
The FMC and her best friend are utterly badass as well.
“Love breaks you. Not all at once. That would be kinder. It takes your smile first. Then your sleep. Then your happiness. Then your soul. And when it’s done, every beautiful thing you held, dear becomes a weapon grief uses against you.” K. Emberlyn, Bloodstarved
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read her debut title.
Bloodstarved follows our FMC Lily as she navigates her grief and is still searching for her missing sister. Set in Louisville, the supernatural, the wolves, the Fae, the dragons move in the shadows of the unsuspecting humans who have no idea of the things that lurk in the dark amongst them.
This was an interesting read with a strong premise and themes of found family, grief, love, mystery, complex family, dynamics, fated bonds and my favorite: dragons.
The FMC and her best friend are utterly badass as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars — absolutely devoured it.
Blood Starved is the kind of fast paced, immersive fantasy that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. I tore through it in a single sitting because the worldbuilding is so vivid — the dragon riders, the fae, the wolves, all painted with such striking imagery that every scene feels alive. Emberlyn’s attention to detail makes the world feel expansive, dangerous, and addictive.
The characters are a standout. Jax, Lily, Lucas, and Nikki are written with depth and personality, each bringing something essential to the story. Their dynamics, motivations, and emotional beats land beautifully, making you genuinely care about where their journeys lead.
The pacing is tight and energetic, with action and tension woven through every chapter. It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately want more — more lore, more character arcs, more time in this world.
A gripping, beautifully imagined fantasy with unforgettable characters. I’d love to read more stories set in this universe.
Blood Starved is the kind of fast paced, immersive fantasy that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. I tore through it in a single sitting because the worldbuilding is so vivid — the dragon riders, the fae, the wolves, all painted with such striking imagery that every scene feels alive. Emberlyn’s attention to detail makes the world feel expansive, dangerous, and addictive.
The characters are a standout. Jax, Lily, Lucas, and Nikki are written with depth and personality, each bringing something essential to the story. Their dynamics, motivations, and emotional beats land beautifully, making you genuinely care about where their journeys lead.
The pacing is tight and energetic, with action and tension woven through every chapter. It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately want more — more lore, more character arcs, more time in this world.
A gripping, beautifully imagined fantasy with unforgettable characters. I’d love to read more stories set in this universe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! I was so lucky to receive this book as my first Advanced Reader Copy. I will hold all of them to this standard now. It was so interesting and engaging. I read a lot of fantasy/romantasy and this had new elements that I haven’t been exposed to, previously. Dragons, fae, wolves, monsters, royal families, all of my favorite things in a dark/urban fantasy.
Lily was an amazing FMC. She is tough but fiercely loyal to her people. Jax is the perfect partner. Supportive but gives Lily space to make her own decisions.
The group of misfits that find their way to each other might be my favorite part. Nikki is my girl! I love a badass side-character best friend.
The dragons 🖤
Royal tension, political unrest, betrayal, mystery monsters, magic, all rolled into one amazing story.
I cannot wait for the next book. You definitely want to add this on to the top of your TBR.
“Some stories do not stay dead. Some claw their way out of the dark wearing the faces of the people we lost.”
#ARC #fantasy #UrbanFantasy #romantasy
Lily was an amazing FMC. She is tough but fiercely loyal to her people. Jax is the perfect partner. Supportive but gives Lily space to make her own decisions.
The group of misfits that find their way to each other might be my favorite part. Nikki is my girl! I love a badass side-character best friend.
The dragons 🖤
Royal tension, political unrest, betrayal, mystery monsters, magic, all rolled into one amazing story.
I cannot wait for the next book. You definitely want to add this on to the top of your TBR.
“Some stories do not stay dead. Some claw their way out of the dark wearing the faces of the people we lost.”
#ARC #fantasy #UrbanFantasy #romantasy
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