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Bloodthorne
Young sorceress Aeliana Sempronia has been captured and condemned to death by King Lucius, the most powerful warlock in the land of Antira. For merely to be powerful, you see, is not enough for Lucius. He wishes to be the only power in Antira.Queen Callisto is the only one whose magic Lucius will tolerate. He adores his wife to the point of obsession, though she despises him. Power is meaningless to Callisto. She has spent years longing for something different; something more.When Callisto lays eyes on Aeliana, she finally begins to realize what she has been searching for all this time. Though she is a cold, hard-hearted woman, she finds herself falling for Aeliana; and although Aeliana is standing at death’s door, utterly at the mercy of King Lucius, she can’t deny that the queen has cast a strange spell over her heart.Going against her husband to save Aeliana could prove fatal for Callisto. Worse still, it could mean the death of her son – the only person she has ever loved.The stakes couldn’t be higher; and time is short. Will Callisto and Aeliana find a way to escape Lucius’s wrath?C/ This book contains graphic sexual and violent situations. Reader discretion advised.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2017
22 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Blackwood
76 books49 followersIndie author. Slytherin. INFP. Anything more than that is just way too complicated.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 13, 2019
Aeliana Sempronia is a bewitching, young sorceress in Asgoth, a rebel and a woman on the run in the aptly named “Dark Dreams” novel Bloodthorne. “Bloodthorne was a black castle larger than the palaces of the Titans. Its design was simple, consisting of sharp, cruel lines and dark, heavy stone.”
She has lost her people and her home to a cruel and especially vicious king named Lucius. A man who not only lusted for control of everything around him, but also desired dark magic beyond what he had or was able to create on his own.
This part becomes an interesting look at narcissism where he wants the most powerful sorceress to love him so they can rule together and somehow meld their powers into a super-being that would elevate him even more, but as in a reality many of us know it isn’t possible to have it all. The most powerful and feared person in the world (King Lucius) secretly wished for romantic love from Queen Callisto, but it was elusive to him no matter what else he accomplished.
There are some scenes that are very graphic and bloody when the king hands down his wrath on anyone who gets in his way. Although I believe this was written before the popular TV series Game of Thrones, it feels much like it in tone and darkness, especially when we are in the POV of the king, and it remains very true to the genre of fantasy with an Iron Age/Medieval type setting.
“There were crystal balls, cauldrons and strange mirrors. All held protectively inside the glass cases. One of these crystal balls, and one of these mirrors, belonged to the sorceress Ariella. Lucius confiscated them when he overran Zóar, and gave them to his wife as a special present. “
“The queen’s name was Callisto. She hailed from the highest noble house in Asgoth. Her father was Albus. Many women of Asgoth feared her. Some ached for her. But Callisto ached for no one. She was just hungry, hungry all the time, and nothing ever seemed to help.”
This is not only a lead in to a serious relationship with another woman, as in Aeilana, but a look at how dangerous life was for even the wealthiest in the land. They were all bored with life to the extent that all they wanted to do was copulate, destroy or control. There was no satisfaction, until there actually was love. It was between two women, both born with magical abilities, and it speaks on the truth in life that none of us choose whom we love. It simply happens and we either accept this gift or we don’t.
There were many complex characters that defined this story, Albus a man perhaps who held back so much that he became the quiet man whose feelings and worth was pushed aside by more voracious humans such as Drusilla, Calistos’s mother and Lucius.
Drusilla as a jealous and deceitful woman was written very well. She wants what she can’t have as well, but she uses manipulation and lies to achieve her goals. It isn’t all darkness in this story; there is an ironic and witty humor when it comes to some of the dialogue and the way Pliny is portrayed. I won't give this one away. It was delightful and gave exuberance to the scenes that helped lighten the mood.
“Lucius raised his fist to strike her, but as his arm was coming down, he got a proper look at her in the gentle glow of the flickering candlelight. She had never looked more beautiful to him. Her hair shone like the black waves of the sea beneath the moon; her skin glistened like frost against a clear windowpane. Her eyes were large, dark portals to places he could only dream about.”
The story concludes in a classic way with the next generation standing at a crossroads. Will they choose darkness or light? Love or fury?
This author has a verdant imagination and a deep range of writing capabilities, for everything from contemporary fiction to fantasy. This is the second novel I have read of her’s and this year I plan to read everything she’s written. The imagery in this novel was my favorite part, but the philosophical questions behind what drove the plot and characters held me captive until the very end.
“The Snowy Mountains were covered with a vast amount of woodland: high trees that stretched their massive roots through the rock, down to the fertile soil that lay beneath. These trees had no name. The forest had no name. It simply was. But it was beautiful.”
“But that just leaves the question – who gets to decide who lives, and who dies?” “Whoever has the power,” Callisto said firmly.
I couldn’t have said it better myself. If you enjoy reading fantasy, tales of sorcery and a dark backdrop, you will love Bloodthorne.
She has lost her people and her home to a cruel and especially vicious king named Lucius. A man who not only lusted for control of everything around him, but also desired dark magic beyond what he had or was able to create on his own.
This part becomes an interesting look at narcissism where he wants the most powerful sorceress to love him so they can rule together and somehow meld their powers into a super-being that would elevate him even more, but as in a reality many of us know it isn’t possible to have it all. The most powerful and feared person in the world (King Lucius) secretly wished for romantic love from Queen Callisto, but it was elusive to him no matter what else he accomplished.
There are some scenes that are very graphic and bloody when the king hands down his wrath on anyone who gets in his way. Although I believe this was written before the popular TV series Game of Thrones, it feels much like it in tone and darkness, especially when we are in the POV of the king, and it remains very true to the genre of fantasy with an Iron Age/Medieval type setting.
“There were crystal balls, cauldrons and strange mirrors. All held protectively inside the glass cases. One of these crystal balls, and one of these mirrors, belonged to the sorceress Ariella. Lucius confiscated them when he overran Zóar, and gave them to his wife as a special present. “
“The queen’s name was Callisto. She hailed from the highest noble house in Asgoth. Her father was Albus. Many women of Asgoth feared her. Some ached for her. But Callisto ached for no one. She was just hungry, hungry all the time, and nothing ever seemed to help.”
This is not only a lead in to a serious relationship with another woman, as in Aeilana, but a look at how dangerous life was for even the wealthiest in the land. They were all bored with life to the extent that all they wanted to do was copulate, destroy or control. There was no satisfaction, until there actually was love. It was between two women, both born with magical abilities, and it speaks on the truth in life that none of us choose whom we love. It simply happens and we either accept this gift or we don’t.
There were many complex characters that defined this story, Albus a man perhaps who held back so much that he became the quiet man whose feelings and worth was pushed aside by more voracious humans such as Drusilla, Calistos’s mother and Lucius.
Drusilla as a jealous and deceitful woman was written very well. She wants what she can’t have as well, but she uses manipulation and lies to achieve her goals. It isn’t all darkness in this story; there is an ironic and witty humor when it comes to some of the dialogue and the way Pliny is portrayed. I won't give this one away. It was delightful and gave exuberance to the scenes that helped lighten the mood.
“Lucius raised his fist to strike her, but as his arm was coming down, he got a proper look at her in the gentle glow of the flickering candlelight. She had never looked more beautiful to him. Her hair shone like the black waves of the sea beneath the moon; her skin glistened like frost against a clear windowpane. Her eyes were large, dark portals to places he could only dream about.”
The story concludes in a classic way with the next generation standing at a crossroads. Will they choose darkness or light? Love or fury?
This author has a verdant imagination and a deep range of writing capabilities, for everything from contemporary fiction to fantasy. This is the second novel I have read of her’s and this year I plan to read everything she’s written. The imagery in this novel was my favorite part, but the philosophical questions behind what drove the plot and characters held me captive until the very end.
“The Snowy Mountains were covered with a vast amount of woodland: high trees that stretched their massive roots through the rock, down to the fertile soil that lay beneath. These trees had no name. The forest had no name. It simply was. But it was beautiful.”
“But that just leaves the question – who gets to decide who lives, and who dies?” “Whoever has the power,” Callisto said firmly.
I couldn’t have said it better myself. If you enjoy reading fantasy, tales of sorcery and a dark backdrop, you will love Bloodthorne.
July 18, 2018
Great Story and full of World building!
Of all the C.M. Blackwood stories that I have read to date, this is actually my favorite of the bunch!
This was such as fantastic read to help make my Sunday afternoon go by pretty fast and the characters in this story was well-defined with the plot made me feel apart of the world.
A great story indeed and I really wished that it didn't end at all cause that's how great this story was!
Update: 7/18: This story really get much better on a second reading on this story and have manged to discover more stuff that I had missed out on the first time and
Of all the C.M. Blackwood stories that I have read to date, this is actually my favorite of the bunch!
This was such as fantastic read to help make my Sunday afternoon go by pretty fast and the characters in this story was well-defined with the plot made me feel apart of the world.
A great story indeed and I really wished that it didn't end at all cause that's how great this story was!
Update: 7/18: This story really get much better on a second reading on this story and have manged to discover more stuff that I had missed out on the first time and
November 11, 2017
A very enjoyable read, lovely in tone and style. C.M. Blackwood does a great job in weaving a compelling tale that balances tenderness, cruelty, and humor.
May 16, 2017
Great story
I really enjoyed this story and thought it had a great epic fantasy feel to it. I can't wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this story and thought it had a great epic fantasy feel to it. I can't wait for the next one.
April 13, 2018
Bloodthorne claims to be dangerous and beautiful, a dark dream, and it is just that. When I started reading it, the level of evil and violence in the first few pages took it out of the fairy tale context and put it firmly into horror. It is not so much dream as nightmare. Drusilla is the ultimate wicked step-mother – except she is the real mother which makes it all the more terrifying. Lucius is unspeakably evil and brought to mind Vincent Price in The Masque of the Red Death – except that Lucius is very much worse - having a mother and a husband who are both unutterably wicked makes Queen Callisto more understandable. So after reading Bloodthorne I asked myself why we ever had fairytales and why we now need horror and the reason, then as now, was that these stories help us deal with a dark side we are all heir to. Who among us has not felt anger or even rage at some point? Have we not all felt helpless too? Have we never been victims of circumstances beyond our ability to control? Then Bloodthorne comes along to confirm that and in the midst of all the horror a romance blooms. Will love conquer all or will evil triumph? Callisto never quite puts aside her rage and Aleana never quite comes to the fore as heroine rather than a victim although both do try. Perhaps their failure to shed the past causes it all to end as it does? Only the author knows, but that is how I felt. Along with horror and romance, we have magic in plenty and a wonderful tame but ferocious dragon, Pliny, who I personally loved. I think a reader has to see Bloodthorne for what it is: a truly dark dream, and bear in mind that in the end it is only our own actions that will set us free.
September 1, 2019
ACA
4.0 out of 5 starsLove at first sight.Yes,it’s possible!
September 29, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
I don’t typically read fantasies. However, CM has masterfully created a tale (combining fantasy, sexuality,betrayal,and,albeit, some ‘bewitching’ moments). While there are some editing errors, I didn’t find them to be a deterrent from my engagement. Provocative reading that will surely keep you turning the pages. A very magnificent experience fraught with love,betrayal, a wicked good fun( at times). Yeah, I’d probably kill her husband for her! I’ll look forward to further novels. My only negative is that,at times, the scene was cut short. Be that as it may, highly recommend!
4.0 out of 5 starsLove at first sight.Yes,it’s possible!
September 29, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
I don’t typically read fantasies. However, CM has masterfully created a tale (combining fantasy, sexuality,betrayal,and,albeit, some ‘bewitching’ moments). While there are some editing errors, I didn’t find them to be a deterrent from my engagement. Provocative reading that will surely keep you turning the pages. A very magnificent experience fraught with love,betrayal, a wicked good fun( at times). Yeah, I’d probably kill her husband for her! I’ll look forward to further novels. My only negative is that,at times, the scene was cut short. Be that as it may, highly recommend!
November 4, 2017
While fantasy and the supernatural are not my go-to genres, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm rather amazed by an author who displays such remarkable flexibility shifting from one genre to the next. If you are a fan of fantasy, then you will delight in reading this book!
June 14, 2018
A sultry romance set in a lush magical world of peril and intrigue that you simply MUST read!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews