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By the Blood
Letti Escacho is the oldest daughter of one of the most powerful families in her vampire coven. Far from the favorite child, her secret identity as the Shade, the leader’s chosen executioner, helps fill that void. That is, until Letti goes rogue and kills the Escacho’s biggest political rival: her own Sovereign’s right-hand man.
Thinking she’s in the clear, Letti is confronted by a shrouded blackmailer armed with damning footage of her treason. As long as Letti accepts an impending proposal, she’s told the Sovereign will never know of her crime.
Back at the coven, the Sovereign forces Letti to accept an arranged marriage with the mysterious son of a family with the knowledge to forge the only weapon capable of permanently killing a vampire. The echo between the Sovereign's command, and the blackmailer’s demands isn’t lost on Letti, but she’ll do anything to help her father rise in the coven’s ranks.
With her identity as the Shade—and the balance of power within the coven-–at risk, Letti must unmask her blackmailer before they can rip away everything she’s worked for. Could it be her charming new husband, her seemingly loyal best friend, or even a member of her own family? The deeper she digs, the closer she comes to exposing her most shameful secret, forcing her to decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice for a family who would turn on her the moment they learned the truth.
Thinking she’s in the clear, Letti is confronted by a shrouded blackmailer armed with damning footage of her treason. As long as Letti accepts an impending proposal, she’s told the Sovereign will never know of her crime.
Back at the coven, the Sovereign forces Letti to accept an arranged marriage with the mysterious son of a family with the knowledge to forge the only weapon capable of permanently killing a vampire. The echo between the Sovereign's command, and the blackmailer’s demands isn’t lost on Letti, but she’ll do anything to help her father rise in the coven’s ranks.
With her identity as the Shade—and the balance of power within the coven-–at risk, Letti must unmask her blackmailer before they can rip away everything she’s worked for. Could it be her charming new husband, her seemingly loyal best friend, or even a member of her own family? The deeper she digs, the closer she comes to exposing her most shameful secret, forcing her to decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice for a family who would turn on her the moment they learned the truth.
366 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 22, 2026
4,5/5
For a her first novel, the author did great, I can't wait to read book two.
For a her first novel, the author did great, I can't wait to read book two.
October 26, 2026
By The blood pulled me into an immersive urban fantasy filled with vampire politics, dark secrets, and delicious intrigue, with just the right touch of mystery and spice. The world is gritty yet hauntingly beautiful, and I loved how the author brought the inner workings of the coven to life. Beneath the dark atmosphere lies a web of power plays and hidden truths.
Our FMC, Letti, was an absolute standout. Her flaws made her feel authentic, and I loved the contrast between her ruthless role as the coven’s executioner and the softer side she keeps hidden. After killing her family’s greatest political rival, she finds herself at the mercy of a blackmailer who uses her darkest secret to force her into an arranged marriage with a mysterious stranger. Her complexity had me wanting to peel back every layer, while the political maneuvering and tangled secrets kept me wondering how this would all play out.
And the MMC? Oh, the mystery surrounding this man! I’m saying nothing more because you truly need to experience him for yourself.
Overall, this was a compelling read packed with complex characters, dangerous secrets, vampire politics, and a simmering touch of romance. If you love dark urban fantasy with morally complicated characters, arranged marriage, and plenty of intrigue, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
Our FMC, Letti, was an absolute standout. Her flaws made her feel authentic, and I loved the contrast between her ruthless role as the coven’s executioner and the softer side she keeps hidden. After killing her family’s greatest political rival, she finds herself at the mercy of a blackmailer who uses her darkest secret to force her into an arranged marriage with a mysterious stranger. Her complexity had me wanting to peel back every layer, while the political maneuvering and tangled secrets kept me wondering how this would all play out.
And the MMC? Oh, the mystery surrounding this man! I’m saying nothing more because you truly need to experience him for yourself.
Overall, this was a compelling read packed with complex characters, dangerous secrets, vampire politics, and a simmering touch of romance. If you love dark urban fantasy with morally complicated characters, arranged marriage, and plenty of intrigue, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
November 6, 2026
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy
I was sucked into this story. The politics, the secrets, the mystery, the love story, and the danger all had me hooked. The world building and magic system was unique and had me intrigued. Can I just say the trauma that Letti went through was heartbreaking. As a mother there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my son, yet Bianca (Lettie’s mom) was so cold. And let’s not forget the Sovereign, just plain evil! Now the slow burn love that blossoms between Letti and Ezra was just perfect. Enemies-ish to lovers. Finding the common threat to both of them is what helps bring them together.
I was sucked into this story. The politics, the secrets, the mystery, the love story, and the danger all had me hooked. The world building and magic system was unique and had me intrigued. Can I just say the trauma that Letti went through was heartbreaking. As a mother there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my son, yet Bianca (Lettie’s mom) was so cold. And let’s not forget the Sovereign, just plain evil! Now the slow burn love that blossoms between Letti and Ezra was just perfect. Enemies-ish to lovers. Finding the common threat to both of them is what helps bring them together.
November 8, 2026
2.75
There were moments I really liked this but there were a lot of confusing moments for me. Some things that happened were never really explained or expounded on. Maybe this is just me but I still don’t really understand the mmc’s goals? And some of the reveals gave me whiplash I was so confused and needed more to have lead up to it for me to realize the pieces were all there and I missed them. Except really the pieces were not there. And at one point we see the fmc save her little sister and leave and we get a one word sentence later that oops actually she ended up taken anyway. Like how? I needed a little more. Anyone else have this issue?
There were moments I really liked this but there were a lot of confusing moments for me. Some things that happened were never really explained or expounded on. Maybe this is just me but I still don’t really understand the mmc’s goals? And some of the reveals gave me whiplash I was so confused and needed more to have lead up to it for me to realize the pieces were all there and I missed them. Except really the pieces were not there. And at one point we see the fmc save her little sister and leave and we get a one word sentence later that oops actually she ended up taken anyway. Like how? I needed a little more. Anyone else have this issue?
Review of advance copy received from Author
By The Blood is the kind of story that reminds you why we keep coming back to vampires, and somehow makes them feel entirely new again. I loved getting lost in a world filled with ruthless vampires, ancient magic, and dangerous politics, but what stayed with me most was how fresh and unexpected it all felt. There is something incredibly special about watching a story and its world come to life, and this one left me desperate for more. I cannot wait to see where Letti’s world takes us next. 🥰
October 28, 2026
I loved getting pulled into this dark world of vampire politics and dangerous power plays. Letti really stood out to me. She’s ruthless, complicated, and I just wanted to get inside her head and figure her out. Between the scheming, romantic tension, and deliciously dark atmosphere, i was completely hooked from start to finish. Safe to say, this coven has its claws in me, and I wouldn’t mind going back for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
K.P. Escobar delivers your next vampire obsession. By the Blood has it all: seduction, style, morally gray characters, a pair of bickering siblings, a Coven dripping with mob-vibes, and illicit dens where not all of the intoxicating drinks are served in glasses.
And the secrets? They’re like fangs.
Sharp. Deadly. And everyone has more than one.
And the secrets? They’re like fangs.
Sharp. Deadly. And everyone has more than one.
October 22, 2026
I got to read an early draft of this book and fell in love with Letti and Ezra.
October 28, 2026
wow!
Incredible build up, last third of the book just took my soul. Could not put this one down. Cannot wait for the next one.
Incredible build up, last third of the book just took my soul. Could not put this one down. Cannot wait for the next one.
November 3, 2026
Absolutely outstanding. The suspense pulled me in, and the twists kept surprising me right to the end. I had a hard time putting this one down. Easily one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews