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Bonds of Blood #3
Binding Blood
The groundbreaking romantic horror trilogy, Bonds of Blood, comes to a thrilling conclusion with a story of loss, grief, and redemption.
Monsters don’t get to be heroes…
Betrayed by his brother and imprisoned in his sister’s dungeon, Olivier d’Arjou isn’t about to let a few chains get in his way. A vampire for six hundred years and a plague on his family for longer, he has no reason to hold back from wiping out the last of his family members and anyone who gets in his way. But first, he’ll need to break free.
When Oberon North, witch and survivor of one of Olivier’s most heinous crimes, comes seeking vengeance, it should be child’s play to bend the witch to his will. But Oberon comes with more power and resilience than Olivier expects and forces him to confront truths he’d rather avoid.
But Olivier’s inner conflict must take a backseat when he learns of his sister Aurelia’s plan to save the world from the demon Xadrak. A battle generations in the making, to succeed requires the ultimate sacrifice from both Olivier and his brother Thierry – and the last chance Olivier has to reclaim his humanity and a future he never thought possible.
Monsters don’t get to be heroes…
Betrayed by his brother and imprisoned in his sister’s dungeon, Olivier d’Arjou isn’t about to let a few chains get in his way. A vampire for six hundred years and a plague on his family for longer, he has no reason to hold back from wiping out the last of his family members and anyone who gets in his way. But first, he’ll need to break free.
When Oberon North, witch and survivor of one of Olivier’s most heinous crimes, comes seeking vengeance, it should be child’s play to bend the witch to his will. But Oberon comes with more power and resilience than Olivier expects and forces him to confront truths he’d rather avoid.
But Olivier’s inner conflict must take a backseat when he learns of his sister Aurelia’s plan to save the world from the demon Xadrak. A battle generations in the making, to succeed requires the ultimate sacrifice from both Olivier and his brother Thierry – and the last chance Olivier has to reclaim his humanity and a future he never thought possible.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2018
9 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Daniel de Lorne
21 books102 followersDaniel de Lorne writes about men, monsters and magic.
In love with writing since he wrote a story about a talking tree at age six, his first novel, the romantic horror Beckoning Blood, was published in 2014. At the heart of every book is a romance between two men, whether they’re irresistible vampires, historical hotties, or professional paramours.
If you take your LGBT romance fiction with supernatural, urban fantasy or contemporary flavoring, Daniel de Lorne delivers.
In his other life, Daniel is a professional writer and researcher in Perth, Australia, with a love of history and nature. All of which makes for great story fodder.
And when he’s not working, he and his husband explore as much of this amazing world as they can, from the ruins of Welsh abbeys to trekking famous routes and swimming with whales.
To get to the real heart of the matter, visit danieldelorne.com.
In love with writing since he wrote a story about a talking tree at age six, his first novel, the romantic horror Beckoning Blood, was published in 2014. At the heart of every book is a romance between two men, whether they’re irresistible vampires, historical hotties, or professional paramours.
If you take your LGBT romance fiction with supernatural, urban fantasy or contemporary flavoring, Daniel de Lorne delivers.
In his other life, Daniel is a professional writer and researcher in Perth, Australia, with a love of history and nature. All of which makes for great story fodder.
And when he’s not working, he and his husband explore as much of this amazing world as they can, from the ruins of Welsh abbeys to trekking famous routes and swimming with whales.
To get to the real heart of the matter, visit danieldelorne.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 23, 2020
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
The scope of this series widened in the second book, and this one continued with that thread, bringing everything to a satisfying close. It also shifted the main character focus again, kind of, this time to Oberon, Olivier, and Aurelia. I have to admit I was happy to have at least one half of the vampire duo back since I love vampires and Thierry and Olivier were both so interesting, but I also enjoyed getting to know Oberon better---he had an unexpected roughness that I hadn't noticed when looking at him from the outside, but also a lot of inner strength.
The most surprising thing about this book for me was that it was Olivier's redemption arc. I don't know that I can say Olivier was really redeemed, in my opinion. Some of the things he's done are irredeemable. But this was as close as someone like him can get, and I was honestly surprised at how much sympathy the author was able to make me feel for him and how much my feelings toward him did change. It doesn't excuse anything he did, but when I learned more about his childhood, I truly felt terrible for him. And even if you've done things that are irredeemable, it's still better late than never to start being a better person. I can always get behind a character admitting their wrongs and trying to change.
In addition to being about the whole Xadrak/Sinara feud and Olivier's redemption, the book was also about forgiveness and moving forward without letting the cruel things you've experienced turn you into a cruel person yourself. Trigger/content warning for heavy focus on rape throughout the book, including some fairly explicit flashbacks.
There were also two new romantic relationships in this one. One of them was sudden, but I was happy for it nonetheless. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* I'm not sure how I feel about the other though. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Overall, this third and final book in the trilogy had great writing, a plot that kept me gripped, complex characters, and a lot of unexpected emotion, and I thought it was a satisfying ending to an enjoyable series full of vampires, witches, demons, vengeance, violence, and love.
*Even though this book is about different main characters than the previous ones, the stories are strongly connected, and you'll probably be confused if you haven't read them. I recommend reading in order, starting with Beckoning Blood.*
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 and 2 in Daniel de Lorne's Bonds of Blood series. Anyone who likes vampires, witches, and stories about forgiveness and redemption.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
The scope of this series widened in the second book, and this one continued with that thread, bringing everything to a satisfying close. It also shifted the main character focus again, kind of, this time to Oberon, Olivier, and Aurelia. I have to admit I was happy to have at least one half of the vampire duo back since I love vampires and Thierry and Olivier were both so interesting, but I also enjoyed getting to know Oberon better---he had an unexpected roughness that I hadn't noticed when looking at him from the outside, but also a lot of inner strength.
The most surprising thing about this book for me was that it was Olivier's redemption arc. I don't know that I can say Olivier was really redeemed, in my opinion. Some of the things he's done are irredeemable. But this was as close as someone like him can get, and I was honestly surprised at how much sympathy the author was able to make me feel for him and how much my feelings toward him did change. It doesn't excuse anything he did, but when I learned more about his childhood, I truly felt terrible for him. And even if you've done things that are irredeemable, it's still better late than never to start being a better person. I can always get behind a character admitting their wrongs and trying to change.
In addition to being about the whole Xadrak/Sinara feud and Olivier's redemption, the book was also about forgiveness and moving forward without letting the cruel things you've experienced turn you into a cruel person yourself. Trigger/content warning for heavy focus on rape throughout the book, including some fairly explicit flashbacks.
There were also two new romantic relationships in this one. One of them was sudden, but I was happy for it nonetheless. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* I'm not sure how I feel about the other though. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Overall, this third and final book in the trilogy had great writing, a plot that kept me gripped, complex characters, and a lot of unexpected emotion, and I thought it was a satisfying ending to an enjoyable series full of vampires, witches, demons, vengeance, violence, and love.
*Even though this book is about different main characters than the previous ones, the stories are strongly connected, and you'll probably be confused if you haven't read them. I recommend reading in order, starting with Beckoning Blood.*
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 and 2 in Daniel de Lorne's Bonds of Blood series. Anyone who likes vampires, witches, and stories about forgiveness and redemption.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
December 18, 2018
4.5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2018
Monsters don't get to be heroes…
Betrayed by his brother and imprisoned in his sister's dungeon, Olivier d'Arjou isn't about to let a few chains get in his way. A vampire for six hundred years and a plague on his family for longer, he has no reason to hold back from wiping out the last of his family members and anyone who gets in his way. But first, he'll need to break free.
When Oberon North, witch and survivor of one of Olivier's most heinous crimes, comes seeking vengeance, it should be child's play to bend the witch to his will. But Oberon comes with more power and resilience than Olivier expects and forces him to confront truths he'd rather avoid.
But Olivier's inner conflict must take a backseat when he learns of his sister Aurelia's plan to save the world from the demon Xadrak. A battle generations in the making, to succeed requires the ultimate sacrifice from both Olivier and his brother Thierry – and the last chance Olivier has to reclaim his humanity and a future he never thought possible.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars--BINDING BLOOD is the third and final instalment in Daniel De Lorne’s adult BONDS OF BLOOD paranormal, M/M romance, suspense, thriller trilogy focusing on vampire siblings Olivier and Thierry d’Arjou, and their sister Aurelia. BINDING BLOOD should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two Burning Blood.
NOTE: BINDING BLOOD is a storyline with scenes of graphic violence, rape, torture, and M/M sexual situations, and may not be suitable for all readers.
SOME BACKGROUND : Six hundred years earlier the lives of twins Olivier and Thierry d’Arjou, along with their sister Aurelia, were destroyed at the hands of their father, a man whose demonic possession ensures the ongoing struggle between the d’Arjou siblings. Olivier’s vampire rage with fury as Thierry’s vampire searches for the man that he would always love.
Told from several third person perspectives BINDING BLOOD follows several paths as Aurelia d’Arjou, a powerful witch, struggles to gain control of a demon who is about to destroy the world. For close to six hundred years Aurelia has hunted for the demon known as Xadrak, in an effort send him through the portal from whence he came. To ensure her plans do not go awry, Aurelia must protect the portal, and the key, even if she has to lie and betray the people she loves. While her brother Olivier remains a prisoner in her dungeon, Oberon, one of Olivier’s victims must face his destroyer in an effort to heal them all. What ensues are Aurelia’s efforts to join forces with the present and the past, as another demon is summoned in an effort to pull Xadrak back into h*ll.
BINDING BLOOD is an infinitely detailed, dark and menacing story line consolidating several interconnected plotlines from the two previous instalments. Olivier and Thierry’s ongoing hostilities will be tempered when the truth is revealed; Aurelia must keep secret the legitimacy of Olivier, Thierry and Oberon’s connection to saving the world.
Daniel De Lorne takes the reader on an elaborate journey of magic and mayhem, demons, witches, vampires and lore. The tragedy of unrequited and all consuming love leads to sacrifice, and a loss of innocence forever destroyed by betrayal and vengeance. Oblivious to the truth, Olivier, Thierry and Oberon will become unwitting pawns in an effort to take down the evil that demands the world. A story of sacrifice, hatred, power and love BINDING BLOOD is a impassioned, startling and energetic look at the dark side of paranormal romance.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2018
Monsters don't get to be heroes…
Betrayed by his brother and imprisoned in his sister's dungeon, Olivier d'Arjou isn't about to let a few chains get in his way. A vampire for six hundred years and a plague on his family for longer, he has no reason to hold back from wiping out the last of his family members and anyone who gets in his way. But first, he'll need to break free.
When Oberon North, witch and survivor of one of Olivier's most heinous crimes, comes seeking vengeance, it should be child's play to bend the witch to his will. But Oberon comes with more power and resilience than Olivier expects and forces him to confront truths he'd rather avoid.
But Olivier's inner conflict must take a backseat when he learns of his sister Aurelia's plan to save the world from the demon Xadrak. A battle generations in the making, to succeed requires the ultimate sacrifice from both Olivier and his brother Thierry – and the last chance Olivier has to reclaim his humanity and a future he never thought possible.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars--BINDING BLOOD is the third and final instalment in Daniel De Lorne’s adult BONDS OF BLOOD paranormal, M/M romance, suspense, thriller trilogy focusing on vampire siblings Olivier and Thierry d’Arjou, and their sister Aurelia. BINDING BLOOD should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two Burning Blood.
NOTE: BINDING BLOOD is a storyline with scenes of graphic violence, rape, torture, and M/M sexual situations, and may not be suitable for all readers.
SOME BACKGROUND : Six hundred years earlier the lives of twins Olivier and Thierry d’Arjou, along with their sister Aurelia, were destroyed at the hands of their father, a man whose demonic possession ensures the ongoing struggle between the d’Arjou siblings. Olivier’s vampire rage with fury as Thierry’s vampire searches for the man that he would always love.
Told from several third person perspectives BINDING BLOOD follows several paths as Aurelia d’Arjou, a powerful witch, struggles to gain control of a demon who is about to destroy the world. For close to six hundred years Aurelia has hunted for the demon known as Xadrak, in an effort send him through the portal from whence he came. To ensure her plans do not go awry, Aurelia must protect the portal, and the key, even if she has to lie and betray the people she loves. While her brother Olivier remains a prisoner in her dungeon, Oberon, one of Olivier’s victims must face his destroyer in an effort to heal them all. What ensues are Aurelia’s efforts to join forces with the present and the past, as another demon is summoned in an effort to pull Xadrak back into h*ll.
BINDING BLOOD is an infinitely detailed, dark and menacing story line consolidating several interconnected plotlines from the two previous instalments. Olivier and Thierry’s ongoing hostilities will be tempered when the truth is revealed; Aurelia must keep secret the legitimacy of Olivier, Thierry and Oberon’s connection to saving the world.
Daniel De Lorne takes the reader on an elaborate journey of magic and mayhem, demons, witches, vampires and lore. The tragedy of unrequited and all consuming love leads to sacrifice, and a loss of innocence forever destroyed by betrayal and vengeance. Oblivious to the truth, Olivier, Thierry and Oberon will become unwitting pawns in an effort to take down the evil that demands the world. A story of sacrifice, hatred, power and love BINDING BLOOD is a impassioned, startling and energetic look at the dark side of paranormal romance.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 14, 2018
First, you need to read the First two books to get the whole story line.
This tale was very gory and bloody.
I like this series, but it is harsh. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
About two brothers who are vampires and a sister who is a witch.
They pretty much gang up on the bad brother. Oliver.
To be fair Oliver is a nasty piece of work. But I really liked him.
I related more to him than the "good" guys.
Oliver is imprisoned for past and present bad deeds. But they need him alive to help conquer a demon.
Think I will have to read this book again to see if I can relate to anybody else.
A well written and gory, dark read. I like it. Will be looking for more by
Daniel. Good work.
(Given a copy for an honest review)
(Thanks)
(NetGalley)
This tale was very gory and bloody.
I like this series, but it is harsh. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
About two brothers who are vampires and a sister who is a witch.
They pretty much gang up on the bad brother. Oliver.
To be fair Oliver is a nasty piece of work. But I really liked him.
I related more to him than the "good" guys.
Oliver is imprisoned for past and present bad deeds. But they need him alive to help conquer a demon.
Think I will have to read this book again to see if I can relate to anybody else.
A well written and gory, dark read. I like it. Will be looking for more by
Daniel. Good work.
(Given a copy for an honest review)
(Thanks)
(NetGalley)
May 31, 2020
What a fabulous ending to a mind bending trilogy!
Before I start my review, let me say that if you have not read the first two books, it will be really hard to fully grasp the characters and their continuing stories. Each situation overlaps onto another and claims its overall importance to this epic finale.
If you love blood, vampires, witches, oracles, demons, soul stealing control and heart pounding supernatural scenes, then this is definitely for you. None of this is for the faint of heart but will keep your attention from the first page to the last. When this story is over, all loose ends have been tied up, and no one character leaves you wondering what happened to them.
Hame and Carn still gives me all the feels. Oberon North is a force to be reckoned with, seeking revenge and a survivor of some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. Olivier must deal with his own personal demons, Aurelia's truly tapping into her powers and anger,and we must not forget about Thierry.
Each book I read kept me engaged, wishing to know what happens next. No shortage of descriptions so if you have a vivid imagination, you'll feel like part of the series. My stomach turned, my heart ached, there were audible gasps, and shock, rooting for revenge and fist pumping.
I highly recommend this read, but start from book one if you can. Its worth it.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Before I start my review, let me say that if you have not read the first two books, it will be really hard to fully grasp the characters and their continuing stories. Each situation overlaps onto another and claims its overall importance to this epic finale.
If you love blood, vampires, witches, oracles, demons, soul stealing control and heart pounding supernatural scenes, then this is definitely for you. None of this is for the faint of heart but will keep your attention from the first page to the last. When this story is over, all loose ends have been tied up, and no one character leaves you wondering what happened to them.
Hame and Carn still gives me all the feels. Oberon North is a force to be reckoned with, seeking revenge and a survivor of some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. Olivier must deal with his own personal demons, Aurelia's truly tapping into her powers and anger,and we must not forget about Thierry.
Each book I read kept me engaged, wishing to know what happens next. No shortage of descriptions so if you have a vivid imagination, you'll feel like part of the series. My stomach turned, my heart ached, there were audible gasps, and shock, rooting for revenge and fist pumping.
I highly recommend this read, but start from book one if you can. Its worth it.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Want to read
February 17, 2019I didn't read the second book and based on what I've seen, I need to have read that book to get this one, so this is on hold for now.
May 22, 2020
I just finished this captivating conclusion to this series and I want to start all over again and reread the series. And I'm not one to reread books. Daniel de Lorne is a master at crafting twists and turns and punching you from the left field with surprises. My stomach did flips flops at what would happen next. And the characters - I just love each of the main characters. They're so three-dimensional that they have a life of their own. I'm sure we've met someone like them somewhere in our lives even if vampires and witches don't exist. And finally, I love how there's an interconnection amongst the main characters, including Xadrak. Everyone read this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2020
Wow what an amazing conclusion to this series the first book is Beckoning Blood about vampire twin brothers Thierry and Oliver the second book is Burning Blood and that’s the story of Aurelia and Hame now this one is about Oliver plus it has his twin Thierry and their sister Aurelia then comes in Oberon who is a powerful witch and a survivor of one of Oliver’s heinous crimes. As in the first book this story has graphic violence, rape scenes and m/m sexual situations so be warned that this is not your glittery vampire love story it’s hardcore. Amazing story/ series and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
March 12, 2022
I love how crazy Oliver is
If I could 10 stars I would. Oliver and Oberon's chemistry I love. What a great ending to even better series.!!!!!!!!
If I could 10 stars I would. Oliver and Oberon's chemistry I love. What a great ending to even better series.!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews