What do you think?
Sealed in Blood
Not yet published
Expected 31 Oct 26317 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 31, 2026
About the author
L.L. Reid
2 books11 followersL.L. Reid is a dark fantasy and romance author who loves crafting stories filled with dangerous magic, impossible choices, unforgettable characters, and love worth fighting for. Her novels blend fantasy adventure, emotional depth, and romance to create immersive worlds where every bargain has a price and every choice carries consequences.
When she's not writing, L.L. Reid can usually be found lost in a good book, dreaming up new worlds, or bringing her next story to life. She believes the best stories leave a lasting mark long after the final page and strives to create characters readers will laugh with, cry for, and never forget.
Through tales of found family, forbidden love, powerful magic, and hard-won hope, L.L. Reid invites readers to step beyond the ordinary and into worlds where anything is possible.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 17, 2026
A definite 5 star read!
Sealed in Blood is such a gripping story! I highly recommend this book; it is a great dark fantasy with magic, spiciness, demons, hellhounds, and a series of trials set in the underworld.
It all starts with an old legend, and offering & a wish. Ella is a modern day teenager who one day gets pulled into the underworld while still being a living human. She’s surrounded by demons (some very attractive, others not even close.) The relationship that forms between Ella and Seraphel is so sweet. I though I liked Thalos the best… but then there was Kealis and oh my goodness!
My favorite quote was by Bea "There's an eternity of ugliness here. This is where I borrow something beautiful."
Book two can not come soon enough; I can’t wait to see what happens! Thank you to the author L.L. Reid for the opportunity to read & review this wonderful book.
Sealed in Blood is such a gripping story! I highly recommend this book; it is a great dark fantasy with magic, spiciness, demons, hellhounds, and a series of trials set in the underworld.
It all starts with an old legend, and offering & a wish. Ella is a modern day teenager who one day gets pulled into the underworld while still being a living human. She’s surrounded by demons (some very attractive, others not even close.) The relationship that forms between Ella and Seraphel is so sweet. I though I liked Thalos the best… but then there was Kealis and oh my goodness!
My favorite quote was by Bea "There's an eternity of ugliness here. This is where I borrow something beautiful."
Book two can not come soon enough; I can’t wait to see what happens! Thank you to the author L.L. Reid for the opportunity to read & review this wonderful book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I decided to DNF this title at Chapter 7. While the core premise of the story caught my attention initially, the narrative unfortunately relies on a very cliché plot that quickly becomes predictable. Combined with a writing style that feels a bit too "Wattpad-esque," I struggled to stay immersed due to several persistent issues with the prose and narrative mechanics.
First, the writing relies heavily on "telling" rather than "showing." For example, the text explicitly states that the narrator looks "cold emotionally," rather than allowing the reader to infer this through subtle facial expressions or physical reactions during interactions with Brennan. Similarly, the character descriptions fall into familiar clichés (like white hair and blue eyes) rather than deconstructing them through unique textures or exploring how the character actually feels about their appearance.
Second, the prose suffers from a highly repetitive sentence structure. In the present tense, almost every line strictly follows a basic subject-verb syntax pattern ("We grab...", "I am...", "Brennan reacts..."). This lack of rhythmic variety causes the flow of the text to read more like a script or a log of sequential events rather than a seamless, atmospheric story.
Finally, the dialogue and character interactions heavily utilize predictable, Wattpad-style visual cues to communicate tension such as rolling eyes, nudging elbows, and tightening jaws. Because these tropes are overused in casual internet fiction, the emotional shifts between the characters felt unearned and forced rather than building organic tension.
I think this book has potential, but it needs a strong developmental and stylistic edit to elevate the plot past familiar tropes, break up the sentence patterns, and give the emotional beats room to breathe.
First, the writing relies heavily on "telling" rather than "showing." For example, the text explicitly states that the narrator looks "cold emotionally," rather than allowing the reader to infer this through subtle facial expressions or physical reactions during interactions with Brennan. Similarly, the character descriptions fall into familiar clichés (like white hair and blue eyes) rather than deconstructing them through unique textures or exploring how the character actually feels about their appearance.
Second, the prose suffers from a highly repetitive sentence structure. In the present tense, almost every line strictly follows a basic subject-verb syntax pattern ("We grab...", "I am...", "Brennan reacts..."). This lack of rhythmic variety causes the flow of the text to read more like a script or a log of sequential events rather than a seamless, atmospheric story.
Finally, the dialogue and character interactions heavily utilize predictable, Wattpad-style visual cues to communicate tension such as rolling eyes, nudging elbows, and tightening jaws. Because these tropes are overused in casual internet fiction, the emotional shifts between the characters felt unearned and forced rather than building organic tension.
I think this book has potential, but it needs a strong developmental and stylistic edit to elevate the plot past familiar tropes, break up the sentence patterns, and give the emotional beats room to breathe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The prologue will instantly catch your attention. It begins with the history of Arthur and his need to be the best man he can for the woman he loves. Life isn't going the best for him, so he makes the only decision he can think of in his moment of, shall we say weakness? What he thought to be a simple deal turned out to be anything but.
Arthur's daughter, Ella, finds herself in a place unknown due to her father's choice, and she's simply trying to learn how to survive. I'll refer to Seraphel as demon dad for now until we get an answer on the why of it all. Ella isn't supposed to be in the Underworld, but Seraphel risked it all to have her there.
I'm not too sure how to feel about Thanos. I mean, not that I'd expect loyalty from Demons, but I'd love to know what game he is playing at on his end.
Kealis has many different sides to himself, and his interactions with Ella are funny at times, beautiful in others, and absolutely dangerous when the need arises.
When push comes to shove and Ella is found out, who will be claimed the victor? Ella wants to stay, but the Lord over them will do anything for her death. I can't wait to read what happens in book two.
"I’ve been kidnapped by a demon who didn’t even plan lunch."
“Love that demands sacrifice is not love. And love that refuses it is not cruelty.”
Arthur's daughter, Ella, finds herself in a place unknown due to her father's choice, and she's simply trying to learn how to survive. I'll refer to Seraphel as demon dad for now until we get an answer on the why of it all. Ella isn't supposed to be in the Underworld, but Seraphel risked it all to have her there.
I'm not too sure how to feel about Thanos. I mean, not that I'd expect loyalty from Demons, but I'd love to know what game he is playing at on his end.
Kealis has many different sides to himself, and his interactions with Ella are funny at times, beautiful in others, and absolutely dangerous when the need arises.
When push comes to shove and Ella is found out, who will be claimed the victor? Ella wants to stay, but the Lord over them will do anything for her death. I can't wait to read what happens in book two.
"I’ve been kidnapped by a demon who didn’t even plan lunch."
“Love that demands sacrifice is not love. And love that refuses it is not cruelty.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received this ebook as an ARC for a review.
First off, the book starts off pretty strong with a great premise. I liked Ella and I wanted to root for her.
The writing itself was really robotic and I felt like I was reading a script or listening to a sports announcer just TELL me everything. There was almost no emotion put into what I was reading. A lot of "he said" "Kaelis told me" "They smirked" etc. Very static and boring.
Now, as far as the plot/everything else goes...
HOW did you have a whole book about demons in HELL and you fail to describe anyone beyond a hair color and sometimes their clothes. I constantly felt like I was missing something. Even their surrounding were barely described, so there was no frame of reference. This really didn't help the whole "I feel like I'm reading a script, not a novel problem."
I appreciated her being all for the magic and not really going through a phase of anger and disbelief. What it needed was a longer transition from learning magic and suddenly being perfect at it.
Just as I was like her mentor relationship with Seraphel, he's basically forgotten about for half the book and shows back up when its convenient.
Overall, this could have been so much better if more care went into the writing and given more stylistic choices.
First off, the book starts off pretty strong with a great premise. I liked Ella and I wanted to root for her.
The writing itself was really robotic and I felt like I was reading a script or listening to a sports announcer just TELL me everything. There was almost no emotion put into what I was reading. A lot of "he said" "Kaelis told me" "They smirked" etc. Very static and boring.
Now, as far as the plot/everything else goes...
HOW did you have a whole book about demons in HELL and you fail to describe anyone beyond a hair color and sometimes their clothes. I constantly felt like I was missing something. Even their surrounding were barely described, so there was no frame of reference. This really didn't help the whole "I feel like I'm reading a script, not a novel problem."
I appreciated her being all for the magic and not really going through a phase of anger and disbelief. What it needed was a longer transition from learning magic and suddenly being perfect at it.
Just as I was like her mentor relationship with Seraphel, he's basically forgotten about for half the book and shows back up when its convenient.
Overall, this could have been so much better if more care went into the writing and given more stylistic choices.
October 3, 2026
Review of Advanced copy received from Inside Story.
This book hooked me almost immediately. If I could have read this in one sitting I would have.
It’s a dark fantasy story with a little bit spice thrown in. In Hell, Ella has to face three trials for survival. I’m usually not a fan of trials in stories, but these kept me on the edge of my seat. With a great group of characters and a great plot, this book kept my interest until the very end.
Are there questions that still need answers? Of course there are. With this being the first book in a new series not everything can be neatly wrapped up. Looking forward to book two! Thanks to Inside Story and the author for the chance to read this early!
This book hooked me almost immediately. If I could have read this in one sitting I would have.
It’s a dark fantasy story with a little bit spice thrown in. In Hell, Ella has to face three trials for survival. I’m usually not a fan of trials in stories, but these kept me on the edge of my seat. With a great group of characters and a great plot, this book kept my interest until the very end.
Are there questions that still need answers? Of course there are. With this being the first book in a new series not everything can be neatly wrapped up. Looking forward to book two! Thanks to Inside Story and the author for the chance to read this early!
Did Not Finish
October 3, 2026I really liked the idea behind this book, however it just wasn’t for me. Unfortunately I found it rather hard to get in to, I wanted to get attached to the characters but no matter how much I tried, it didn’t happen. Because of this, after reading half of the book and still finding I wasn’t enjoying it, I decided to DNF it.
Just because I couldn’t connect to the characters or immerse myself in the writing style, does not mean that it was a bad book or that others wouldn’t know like it. My choice to DNF it was so that I wouldn’t end up regretting pushing myself and ultimately writing a bad review.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to read it and I might pick it up at a later date but for now I’m not going to finish it.
Just because I couldn’t connect to the characters or immerse myself in the writing style, does not mean that it was a bad book or that others wouldn’t know like it. My choice to DNF it was so that I wouldn’t end up regretting pushing myself and ultimately writing a bad review.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to read it and I might pick it up at a later date but for now I’m not going to finish it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this book! So different to your normal fantasy stories and gives you just enough to keep you hooked and wanting to know more about the main characters history.
This book has magic, romance and tests of will and strength. Teases you with hints and a slow build to who she is, which you still dont know by the end!
I am excited for the next book so I can find out where she comes from and if she has survived!
Very well written and definitely one for the ultimate fantasy lover
This book has magic, romance and tests of will and strength. Teases you with hints and a slow build to who she is, which you still dont know by the end!
I am excited for the next book so I can find out where she comes from and if she has survived!
Very well written and definitely one for the ultimate fantasy lover
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters. I look forward to reading Forged in Blood, and I hope it will expose more of the characters backgrounds. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Seraphel and Kealis; especially since both mentioned waiting for or knowing about Ella before she was kidnapped by Seraphel. An update into the lives of Ella’s brother and father to see how the years have shaped them would be welcome, too, since they ceased to exist after Ella was taken.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked the story.
I'm also curious if it ever explains why she was pulled to Hell.
The cliffhanger makes me want to know what happens next.
And what Thalos game is.
I'm also curious if it ever explains why she was pulled to Hell.
The cliffhanger makes me want to know what happens next.
And what Thalos game is.
April 17, 2026
A definite 5 star read!
Sealed in Blood is such a gripping story! I highly recommend this book; it is a great dark fantasy with magic, spiciness, demons, hellhounds, and a series of trials set in the underworld.
It all starts with an old legend, and offering & a wish. Ella is a modern day teenager who one day gets pulled into the underworld while still being a living human. She’s surrounded by demons (some very attractive, others not even close.) The relationship that forms between Ella and Seraphel is so sweet. I though I liked Thalos the best… but then there was Kealis and oh my goodness!
My favorite quote was by Bea "There's an eternity of ugliness here. This is where I borrow something beautiful."
Book two can not come soon enough; I can’t wait to see what happens! Thank you to the author L.L. Reid for the opportunity to read & review this wonderful book.
Sealed in Blood is such a gripping story! I highly recommend this book; it is a great dark fantasy with magic, spiciness, demons, hellhounds, and a series of trials set in the underworld.
It all starts with an old legend, and offering & a wish. Ella is a modern day teenager who one day gets pulled into the underworld while still being a living human. She’s surrounded by demons (some very attractive, others not even close.) The relationship that forms between Ella and Seraphel is so sweet. I though I liked Thalos the best… but then there was Kealis and oh my goodness!
My favorite quote was by Bea "There's an eternity of ugliness here. This is where I borrow something beautiful."
Book two can not come soon enough; I can’t wait to see what happens! Thank you to the author L.L. Reid for the opportunity to read & review this wonderful book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews