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A Pale Kingdom
In Rouvelle, the guillotine has never failed.
Until Callan.
A human priest accused of practicing forbidden magic, Callan is sentenced to die beneath the guillotine. Lenore, the vampire chosen to carry out his execution, is meant to be the last person he ever sees. But when the blade falls, the execution goes wrong, and Callan vanishes, leaving behind a city on the brink of revolution.
Lenore has spent her life proving that her family is loyal to the vampire crown. Her mother was executed as a traitor, and becoming the king’s newest High Executioner is her best chance to restore her family’s name.
So when Callan disappears, Lenore chooses to hunt the man she could not kill.
And Vail is hunting her.
The king’s spymaster, Vail was once Lenore’s betrothed and the man she loved. Now their marriage is a political obligation, and Lenore no longer knows whether she can trust his heart or his loyalties.
But as rebellion spreads through Rouvelle, the three of them are drawn into a conspiracy buried at the heart of the vampire court. To survive, Lenore and Vail must confront the love they thought they had lost, while Callan must decide whether he can trust the two people who should be his enemies.
Because the king is searching for a forgotten magic that could free humanity from the vampire courts… or make their rule eternal.
A Pale Kingdom is a slow-burn MMF romantasy for fans of The Knight and the Moth and The Serpent and the Wings of Night.
Until Callan.
A human priest accused of practicing forbidden magic, Callan is sentenced to die beneath the guillotine. Lenore, the vampire chosen to carry out his execution, is meant to be the last person he ever sees. But when the blade falls, the execution goes wrong, and Callan vanishes, leaving behind a city on the brink of revolution.
Lenore has spent her life proving that her family is loyal to the vampire crown. Her mother was executed as a traitor, and becoming the king’s newest High Executioner is her best chance to restore her family’s name.
So when Callan disappears, Lenore chooses to hunt the man she could not kill.
And Vail is hunting her.
The king’s spymaster, Vail was once Lenore’s betrothed and the man she loved. Now their marriage is a political obligation, and Lenore no longer knows whether she can trust his heart or his loyalties.
But as rebellion spreads through Rouvelle, the three of them are drawn into a conspiracy buried at the heart of the vampire court. To survive, Lenore and Vail must confront the love they thought they had lost, while Callan must decide whether he can trust the two people who should be his enemies.
Because the king is searching for a forgotten magic that could free humanity from the vampire courts… or make their rule eternal.
A Pale Kingdom is a slow-burn MMF romantasy for fans of The Knight and the Moth and The Serpent and the Wings of Night.
- GenresFantasy
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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September 20, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I always love this author's work because they do atmosphere and ethics/morals exceptionally well. That is really evident here. Even though it is vampires and elves, they're used in such a unique manner that it's like… well, they're new TYPE of those creatures and that's really fun.
From the first page, you can just picture this world even though there isn't a ton of vast description. It's the way the author creates the feel of the scene: I was seeing overcast, muddy, rainy with the smell of rotting things, a sense of cold and frost and overall just the lack of hope, all by the end of the first chapter. It's probably what I look forward to the most.
The other is how they write morals. All the characters, but especially our main players, are layered with multiple masks they have to wear. There's a fear in everyone, even those seemingly in a position if power so when the question of "is this right?" Comes up, it's immediately followed with "can I protest/refuse and live?" It has such good stakes!
So, if you want to see a kingdom full of corruption with vampires in power and people who absolutely did not want to start a rebellion and why does life hate them, check this out.
I always love this author's work because they do atmosphere and ethics/morals exceptionally well. That is really evident here. Even though it is vampires and elves, they're used in such a unique manner that it's like… well, they're new TYPE of those creatures and that's really fun.
From the first page, you can just picture this world even though there isn't a ton of vast description. It's the way the author creates the feel of the scene: I was seeing overcast, muddy, rainy with the smell of rotting things, a sense of cold and frost and overall just the lack of hope, all by the end of the first chapter. It's probably what I look forward to the most.
The other is how they write morals. All the characters, but especially our main players, are layered with multiple masks they have to wear. There's a fear in everyone, even those seemingly in a position if power so when the question of "is this right?" Comes up, it's immediately followed with "can I protest/refuse and live?" It has such good stakes!
So, if you want to see a kingdom full of corruption with vampires in power and people who absolutely did not want to start a rebellion and why does life hate them, check this out.
September 22, 2026
Title: A Pale Kingdom
Author: L.B. Black
Synopsis: In Rouvelle, the guillotine has never failed.
Until Callan.
A human priest accused of practicing forbidden magic, Callan is sentenced to die beneath the guillotine. Lenore, the vampire chosen to carry out his execution, is meant to be the last person he ever sees. But when the blade falls, the execution goes wrong, and Callan vanishes, leaving behind a city on the brink of revolution.
Lenore has spent her life proving that her family is loyal to the vampire crown. Her mother was executed as a traitor, and becoming the king’s newest High Executioner is her best chance to restore her family’s name.
So when Callan disappears, Lenore chooses to hunt the man she could not kill.
And Vail is hunting her.
The king’s spymaster, Vail was once Lenore’s betrothed and the man she loved. Now their marriage is a political obligation, and Lenore no longer knows whether she can trust his heart or his loyalties.
But as rebellion spreads through Rouvelle, the three of them are drawn into a conspiracy buried at the heart of the vampire court. To survive, Lenore and Vail must confront the love they thought they had lost, while Callan must decide whether he can trust the two people who should be his enemies.
Because the king is searching for a forgotten magic that could free humanity from the vampire courts… or make their rule eternal.
Review: The writing was absolutely perfect! It was so clear and I could picture everything the ing vividly! I was so intrigued by all three of our main characters! They have so much great chemistry and make so much sense together! The magic system was so different I don’t think I’ve seen vampires quite like L.B. Black does it! Which is so much fun and I can never guess where she will take the reader which is so exciting! I kept turning the pages and pressing the button on my kindle looking for the next page! I’m eagerly anticipating book two!
Thank you so much to Booksirens and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!
Author: L.B. Black
Synopsis: In Rouvelle, the guillotine has never failed.
Until Callan.
A human priest accused of practicing forbidden magic, Callan is sentenced to die beneath the guillotine. Lenore, the vampire chosen to carry out his execution, is meant to be the last person he ever sees. But when the blade falls, the execution goes wrong, and Callan vanishes, leaving behind a city on the brink of revolution.
Lenore has spent her life proving that her family is loyal to the vampire crown. Her mother was executed as a traitor, and becoming the king’s newest High Executioner is her best chance to restore her family’s name.
So when Callan disappears, Lenore chooses to hunt the man she could not kill.
And Vail is hunting her.
The king’s spymaster, Vail was once Lenore’s betrothed and the man she loved. Now their marriage is a political obligation, and Lenore no longer knows whether she can trust his heart or his loyalties.
But as rebellion spreads through Rouvelle, the three of them are drawn into a conspiracy buried at the heart of the vampire court. To survive, Lenore and Vail must confront the love they thought they had lost, while Callan must decide whether he can trust the two people who should be his enemies.
Because the king is searching for a forgotten magic that could free humanity from the vampire courts… or make their rule eternal.
Review: The writing was absolutely perfect! It was so clear and I could picture everything the ing vividly! I was so intrigued by all three of our main characters! They have so much great chemistry and make so much sense together! The magic system was so different I don’t think I’ve seen vampires quite like L.B. Black does it! Which is so much fun and I can never guess where she will take the reader which is so exciting! I kept turning the pages and pressing the button on my kindle looking for the next page! I’m eagerly anticipating book two!
Thank you so much to Booksirens and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!
September 9, 2026
Callan is a human priest with forbidden elven magic, but when he is sentenced to death via guillotine, something goes wrong. Callan takes the opportunity to try to escape to a magical grove he isn't sure really exists. He is hotly pursued by both the High Executioner, Lenore, and the king's spymaster, Vail. As the two get closer to Callan, the three make an uneasy alliance to betray the king and pursue the grove together. With shifting loyalties, and uncertain goals, who can be trusted?
All three main characters are delightfully nuanced. Lenore is in a precarious position in court, due to her mother being killed as a traitor. She's technically betrothed to Vail, but the relationship has soured due to Vail keeping information about her mother secret from her. She believes she has to bring the prisoner back to prove her loyalty to the crown, but as she learns more about the harsh realities under vampiric rule, her idealist view of the crown crumbles.
Vail, on the other hand, is extremely aware of the dark underbelly to the king's rule. As a half-vampire, he is limited in his options, but he has been biding his time for an opportunity to defect, while still keeping Lenore safe. Callan offers a unique opportunity to follow clues left behind by Lenore's mother. He is ultimately a survivor, and his cutthroat disposition makes him difficult to get along with.
Comparatively, Callan has always been easy to get along with, and he sees his position as a priest as a way to help others. But his easy-going nature hides an ability to get others to open up to him, and a more cynical heart. He is not even sure if he fully believes in the god he serves, though he knows other spirits are real.
A Pale Kingdom is a very well written, nuanced story that involves a fully developed world with complicated politics between vampires, elves, and humans. The religious aspects to the novel were extremely interesting and took some very creative twists. The characterization was excellent, and the romance was slow burn with plenty of unexpected vulnerability between characters uncomfortable with exposure. A thoroughly engaging read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All three main characters are delightfully nuanced. Lenore is in a precarious position in court, due to her mother being killed as a traitor. She's technically betrothed to Vail, but the relationship has soured due to Vail keeping information about her mother secret from her. She believes she has to bring the prisoner back to prove her loyalty to the crown, but as she learns more about the harsh realities under vampiric rule, her idealist view of the crown crumbles.
Vail, on the other hand, is extremely aware of the dark underbelly to the king's rule. As a half-vampire, he is limited in his options, but he has been biding his time for an opportunity to defect, while still keeping Lenore safe. Callan offers a unique opportunity to follow clues left behind by Lenore's mother. He is ultimately a survivor, and his cutthroat disposition makes him difficult to get along with.
Comparatively, Callan has always been easy to get along with, and he sees his position as a priest as a way to help others. But his easy-going nature hides an ability to get others to open up to him, and a more cynical heart. He is not even sure if he fully believes in the god he serves, though he knows other spirits are real.
A Pale Kingdom is a very well written, nuanced story that involves a fully developed world with complicated politics between vampires, elves, and humans. The religious aspects to the novel were extremely interesting and took some very creative twists. The characterization was excellent, and the romance was slow burn with plenty of unexpected vulnerability between characters uncomfortable with exposure. A thoroughly engaging read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2026
Wow!
I’ve always enjoyed L.B. Black’s take on vampires and the fae and ‘this’ version does NOT disappoint! The idea of a family bloodline tied to a guillotine, the only one’s capable of causing the blade to bring death is unique. Being a vampire bloodline, inspired.
I like the hints of Rouvelle being Paris and the country the majority of the action takes place in an alternate France. The vampires being originally Grecian and worshiping Hermes/Mercury.
The Masked Four nature spirits are unique. Interested to see what the Hare and the Fox bring to the mix seeing as we’ve only met Crow and Frog.
Callan, Lenore and Vail’s dancing around their mutual attraction brought some delighted cackles out of me. Well done, also poor Zelie. It’s tough being a teenager and stumbling into private moments between the adults. LOL
Very invested into seeing where things are going and getting our three heroes back together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ve always enjoyed L.B. Black’s take on vampires and the fae and ‘this’ version does NOT disappoint! The idea of a family bloodline tied to a guillotine, the only one’s capable of causing the blade to bring death is unique. Being a vampire bloodline, inspired.
I like the hints of Rouvelle being Paris and the country the majority of the action takes place in an alternate France. The vampires being originally Grecian and worshiping Hermes/Mercury.
The Masked Four nature spirits are unique. Interested to see what the Hare and the Fox bring to the mix seeing as we’ve only met Crow and Frog.
Callan, Lenore and Vail’s dancing around their mutual attraction brought some delighted cackles out of me. Well done, also poor Zelie. It’s tough being a teenager and stumbling into private moments between the adults. LOL
Very invested into seeing where things are going and getting our three heroes back together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2026
A priest, a vampire and her estranged fiancé flee the city, sounds like the start of an entruiging joke. But it's just the start of A Pale Kingdom.
I always like to discover new, to me, writers and how they can give a new twist to stories, mythologies or just make up their own world with their own religions and A Pale Kingdom tickles my brain with new ways to see house hold names in fantasies, like vampires and elves, but it's also combined with new elements, like the spirits and how they came to be.
The main characters are diverse and sympathetic, they have their own stories and goals and they are vastly different people yet all three are easy to relate to. I really liked seeing them come together during their travels.
The ending though... really makes me look forward to the next book.
I always like to discover new, to me, writers and how they can give a new twist to stories, mythologies or just make up their own world with their own religions and A Pale Kingdom tickles my brain with new ways to see house hold names in fantasies, like vampires and elves, but it's also combined with new elements, like the spirits and how they came to be.
The main characters are diverse and sympathetic, they have their own stories and goals and they are vastly different people yet all three are easy to relate to. I really liked seeing them come together during their travels.
The ending though... really makes me look forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy
This is an interesting combination of characters and how their interactions mesh. Lenore is a full fledged vampire who has inherited the position of King's Executioner by guillotine. Vail is a half vampire, the King's Spymaster and erstwhile fiance of Lenore. Callan is the capttured priest, human, who avoids execution. These three escape the kingdom and find themselves on a strange quest, centering around the Masked Four. The components of this quest provide twists you don't see coming and a cliffhanger for Vail, and another for Lenore. The details are what makes this story different and compelling.
Review of advance copy
What a phenomenal world-building! Beautifully crafted and interesting. I also thoroughly enjoyed the relationship dynamic among the main characters. I believe it is my first book with an MMF romance which I enjoyed and still found much-needed literary value for my tastes. I loved the tension, the shyness, the wholesomeness, the hunger. Writing is also really good, very poetic at times, it flows so beautifully. My only irk were a few repetitions which seemed unnecessary but those were very minor details. I cannot to read Book 2 in the series, and will be sure to check other books by this author.
*An arc for an honest review*
*An arc for an honest review*
September 13, 2026
The world-building for A Pale Kingdom was fantastic and I am excited to continue this series! The relationship between the main characters was fun to explore and to watch how they change and grow into each other. Black's writing style made it easy to immerse myself into each POV. The pacing was nice and the slow burn relationship didn't feel rushed by the time the decision had to be made.
I hope to learn more about Zélie in the next book because I am questioning why she was *really* there.
★ I received an advance review copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. ★
I hope to learn more about Zélie in the next book because I am questioning why she was *really* there.
★ I received an advance review copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. ★
September 20, 2026
A gripping adventure filled with mystery, intrigue, and betrayal, A Pale Kingdom is the kind of book you'll stay up for well into the night. L.B. Black knows how to weave a tale like few others. Characters, environment, and culture all start off feeling familiar but quickly evolve into a web of histories for which complex is nowhere near a strong enough descriptor. I rarely knew what was coming next, but I know waiting for the next act in this story already feels too long. I get the sense that we've only scratched the surface.
Honored to be an ARC reader.
Honored to be an ARC reader.
September 24, 2026
I love the writings of L.B. Black. She is a master in worldbuilding and characters with several layers. This makes Callan, Lenore and Vail come alive through the pages.
The story is full of intrige and the politics between vampires, elves and humans with strange religious settings. Add some slow burning romance and a great story comes to life. I had fun reading this book and it made my stay in the hospital seem shorter.
Reccommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is full of intrige and the politics between vampires, elves and humans with strange religious settings. Add some slow burning romance and a great story comes to life. I had fun reading this book and it made my stay in the hospital seem shorter.
Reccommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews