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Reign of Blood Trilogy #1
Blood Bound
Stolen away by vampires. Held captive for their blood. Escaping could cost them their lives... or worse.
Azalea Nydira knows there's no escape from the underground vampire city of Terra Nocturne. Her only hope for a better life is to climb the social ladder by joining the Blood Den, where elves sell their blood to vampires. When one of her encounters turns violent, she's thrust into the arms of Lord Nero Cineris, the vampire king.
Nero can offer her a life of luxury with everything she's ever wanted, but is the cost of belonging to the most dangerous vampire in the city too high?
Miria Delien has always been determined to return to the surface, but she won't leave without the people she cares about. When Miria finds herself in trouble with the city guard, she needs to get out of the city before her sentence kills her. But every choice she makes endangers those she loves most, and she's running out of time.
If Miria does find a way out of Terra Nocturne, will Azalea even want to come with her?
True Blood and Harlots meet Game of Thrones in Blood Bound. Fans of grimdark fantasy will love the gritty world of Becca Blake’s Reign of Blood Trilogy.
Azalea Nydira knows there's no escape from the underground vampire city of Terra Nocturne. Her only hope for a better life is to climb the social ladder by joining the Blood Den, where elves sell their blood to vampires. When one of her encounters turns violent, she's thrust into the arms of Lord Nero Cineris, the vampire king.
Nero can offer her a life of luxury with everything she's ever wanted, but is the cost of belonging to the most dangerous vampire in the city too high?
Miria Delien has always been determined to return to the surface, but she won't leave without the people she cares about. When Miria finds herself in trouble with the city guard, she needs to get out of the city before her sentence kills her. But every choice she makes endangers those she loves most, and she's running out of time.
If Miria does find a way out of Terra Nocturne, will Azalea even want to come with her?
True Blood and Harlots meet Game of Thrones in Blood Bound. Fans of grimdark fantasy will love the gritty world of Becca Blake’s Reign of Blood Trilogy.
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Published January 12, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 15, 2019
Blood Bound is a story about two elven girls, Miria and Azalea, who are held captive in an underground world called, Terra Nocturne, so they can be used as blood donors for the vampires who rule Terra Nocturne.
I thought it was an enjoyable book that reads fairly quickly, although, there are some things I was struggling with. I thought the pacing of the book was too fast. There is already so much happening in the book by the time you hit page 50, that there leaves little room for a true description of the world and the characters within that world. I would have like to read more about Terra Nocturne, I had a hard time imagining the world in some instances. I am someone who prefers a faster-paced story but even for me, this was a bit too fast. Also, the characters... the thing that bothered me most was that there doesn't seem to be anything special about the elven race, besides the fact that they have a very long life span and pointy ears. I would have liked it more if the author had spend time thinking about their specific skills and capabilities. All the supernatural abilities seem to go to the vampires, which kind of lack originality. I understand that it is very hard to be original in regards to vampires as it has been done a lot, but it didn't bother me as much as the lack of skills with the elves.
For me, Miria was a very unlikable character. It was hard for me to imagine her being best friends with Azalea, as you don't see them doing anything together at all at the beginning of the book. And then the whole thing with Lord Nero began and Miria didn't even try to see Azalea's point of view. Azalea had a plan of them getting out of the Third district but Miria shut that down right away. They just seemed to be way too different to be best friends for that long.
*Spoiler*
And don't even get me started on the sudden killing spree that Miria decides to do. That came out of nowhere and I failed to see the reasoning behind the killing of the vampire and his elven mistress. Yes, she realized her mistake when she killed the woman and she turned out to be an elf but it wasn't like she really cared that she did it. So why did she do it? Couldn't just be to escape the situation, she could have just waited it out.
But I didn't hate the book. It was an enjoyable read but it wasn't perfect in my opinion and I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought it was an enjoyable book that reads fairly quickly, although, there are some things I was struggling with. I thought the pacing of the book was too fast. There is already so much happening in the book by the time you hit page 50, that there leaves little room for a true description of the world and the characters within that world. I would have like to read more about Terra Nocturne, I had a hard time imagining the world in some instances. I am someone who prefers a faster-paced story but even for me, this was a bit too fast. Also, the characters... the thing that bothered me most was that there doesn't seem to be anything special about the elven race, besides the fact that they have a very long life span and pointy ears. I would have liked it more if the author had spend time thinking about their specific skills and capabilities. All the supernatural abilities seem to go to the vampires, which kind of lack originality. I understand that it is very hard to be original in regards to vampires as it has been done a lot, but it didn't bother me as much as the lack of skills with the elves.
For me, Miria was a very unlikable character. It was hard for me to imagine her being best friends with Azalea, as you don't see them doing anything together at all at the beginning of the book. And then the whole thing with Lord Nero began and Miria didn't even try to see Azalea's point of view. Azalea had a plan of them getting out of the Third district but Miria shut that down right away. They just seemed to be way too different to be best friends for that long.
*Spoiler*
And don't even get me started on the sudden killing spree that Miria decides to do. That came out of nowhere and I failed to see the reasoning behind the killing of the vampire and his elven mistress. Yes, she realized her mistake when she killed the woman and she turned out to be an elf but it wasn't like she really cared that she did it. So why did she do it? Couldn't just be to escape the situation, she could have just waited it out.
But I didn't hate the book. It was an enjoyable read but it wasn't perfect in my opinion and I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2020
I really enjoyed Blood Bound at first, but by the end I just felt... sad?
When Becca Blake describes this series as a dark fantasy, she is not exaggerating. Blood Bound was an incredibly dark and depressing story. There aren't many opportunities for hope, nor are there ever any moments of happiness on behalf of the characters. This story is about death, hopelessness, violence, and betrayal. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but I felt like I had nothing to root for when I was reading.
I found the three main characters--Miria, Azalea, and Nero--to be pretty one-dimensional. Miria's personality is violent vengeance, Azalea's is victimhood and naivety, and Nero is a textbook manipulator and abuser. Again, I felt like I didn't have much to root for or relationships to be invested in. This story only made me feel sad for Azalea, on the fence about Miria, and grossed out by Nero. I don't feel like I was invested in these characters or that I'll miss them in the future. They each just had depressing stories that I don't want to go back to.
The side characters in this story are blips on the plot machine that I don't have much memory of. I feel like this book had two different story arc's with a lot going on in each one. Blood Bound was never hard to follow, but so much happened so quickly that it was hard for me to be fully engaged. If you enjoy a quickly paced story, you might enjoy this. For me, it didn't work so well. I felt like everything went by so fast that I wasn't given time to truly care.
The twists at the end were interesting, but I don't think they will be enough for me to pick up the sequel. Blood Bound is like a darker, more violent version of a Sarah J. Maas book. However, I read SJM to have fun, and I did not have any fun in Blood Bound. For that reason, I don't think I want to continue reading stories set in this world.
TW: death, violence, slavery, abusive relationships, sexual assault
When Becca Blake describes this series as a dark fantasy, she is not exaggerating. Blood Bound was an incredibly dark and depressing story. There aren't many opportunities for hope, nor are there ever any moments of happiness on behalf of the characters. This story is about death, hopelessness, violence, and betrayal. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but I felt like I had nothing to root for when I was reading.
I found the three main characters--Miria, Azalea, and Nero--to be pretty one-dimensional. Miria's personality is violent vengeance, Azalea's is victimhood and naivety, and Nero is a textbook manipulator and abuser. Again, I felt like I didn't have much to root for or relationships to be invested in. This story only made me feel sad for Azalea, on the fence about Miria, and grossed out by Nero. I don't feel like I was invested in these characters or that I'll miss them in the future. They each just had depressing stories that I don't want to go back to.
The side characters in this story are blips on the plot machine that I don't have much memory of. I feel like this book had two different story arc's with a lot going on in each one. Blood Bound was never hard to follow, but so much happened so quickly that it was hard for me to be fully engaged. If you enjoy a quickly paced story, you might enjoy this. For me, it didn't work so well. I felt like everything went by so fast that I wasn't given time to truly care.
The twists at the end were interesting, but I don't think they will be enough for me to pick up the sequel. Blood Bound is like a darker, more violent version of a Sarah J. Maas book. However, I read SJM to have fun, and I did not have any fun in Blood Bound. For that reason, I don't think I want to continue reading stories set in this world.
TW: death, violence, slavery, abusive relationships, sexual assault
January 2, 2020
This was a magical read. The storyline really swept me away. It was entertaining and adventurous. It was my first read by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last.
April 14, 2020
Blood Bound. I'm processing still, so bare with me. First, the cover is freaking gorgeous, it's eye catching and captivating, and just what you need to find yourself ensnared enough to read the blurb before you commit.
Premise... well... interesting, although not wholly original. However, I haven't read a story like this in a fantasy world that was quite as hopelessly dark. This isn't for the faint of heart, and definitely not for those who have triggers involving, physical/emotional/mental abuse, "human" trafficking, slavery, etc. I like a dark story from time to time, and I definitely appreciate the elements of realism that are woven into this fantasy world, and this definitely delivered in that respect.
The world the author created is interesting, and I definitely want to learn more about it. I think world building was a little slapdash, but I can get beyond that because this particular story only takes place in the underground city where things have a very particular order. I look forward to potentially seeing things come together more in the future of the series. I want to know how Elves and Vampires came into the circumstances they're in. And where are humans? There is mention of werewolves, but there are none in this part of the story. So I want more of that for sure.
Honestly, the only reason this isn't 5 stars, and the honest to goodness reason I would have really liked to rate it at like a 2-3 star book is because of Miria. I hate her. Genuinely. She has NO redeeming quality. When you read this you might argue that her loyalty to Azalea is a redeeming quality... I disagree, not least of all because that possessive, protective quality is exactly what lands them both in so much trouble in the first place. While I'm interested in what happens next in the story, I find Miria so repulsive that I'm not sure I want to commit to it.
Azalea I like. She has a quiet strength about her, even though she is painfully naive. She is not stupid though. I want to know where her story goes from here. Maybe I can just skip over Miria's sections of narrative? Azalea is sweet, caring, and does the best she can with what she has to work with. She has some dangerous ambition, but she really just kind of stumbles onto it by accident. She never had her sights set on becoming the King's consort, she just wanted out of the mud hole they were living in. She wanted to live without fear of starving, or being abused by their "betters", and she did everything she could to make that possible for Miria too.
Miria being that selfish, vengeful witch she is, has no control over her rage, or general impulses, and proceeds to inadvertently, and sometimes directly, kill everyone around her while thrusting the person she wants most to protect into greater, and greater danger.
Now, in fairness Azalea would have ended up in trouble even if Miria hadn't completely botched things up for them. Nero isn't a good person, and that was always going to end badly. We all knew that his true colors would show up, and they weren't going to be a pretty rainbow either. Still, Azalea could have gone a long time in peace without experiencing the whiplash of that revelation. She would have figured it out over time, and not have had it thrust on her quite so cruelly.
I also take some issue with the portrayal of men in this book. There is only one truly decent one among them, and that's Girard, the father figure of girls. He seems to have been a genuinely decent man. However, all the others, including Miria's lover, are at best negligible influences for the betterment of these characters, and at worst they're horrible, despicable, evil men. Most of them fall into the latter category.
Now, I know there are bad men out there. I've have close experiences with some of them. However, the ratio of good to bad people, let alone men, is in no way encouraging in this book, or remotely realistic. In fact, its disappointing in how harshly it portrays men. I'm just not super okay with that. I have two sons, and this is the kind of thing that I fear girls will read and expect my boys to become some version of those types of people. It's portrayed as though being cruel and sadistic is the normal reality for men. A monstrous part of themselves that they have to master control over... and it's not. Not at all. And if my boys turn down that path there will be a reckoning, honey.
So, I have mixed feelings. This was compelling in a lot of ways, and I'm interested in more. However, there are definitely things that bothered me at the same time. I give it a 4 star, because I think that's the most fair assessment, when I take my personal views on subject matter out of it. I think there are plenty of people who would see it through a different lens than I do, and be more forgiving about certain elements. I'm undecided if I want to pick up the next one though.
Premise... well... interesting, although not wholly original. However, I haven't read a story like this in a fantasy world that was quite as hopelessly dark. This isn't for the faint of heart, and definitely not for those who have triggers involving, physical/emotional/mental abuse, "human" trafficking, slavery, etc. I like a dark story from time to time, and I definitely appreciate the elements of realism that are woven into this fantasy world, and this definitely delivered in that respect.
The world the author created is interesting, and I definitely want to learn more about it. I think world building was a little slapdash, but I can get beyond that because this particular story only takes place in the underground city where things have a very particular order. I look forward to potentially seeing things come together more in the future of the series. I want to know how Elves and Vampires came into the circumstances they're in. And where are humans? There is mention of werewolves, but there are none in this part of the story. So I want more of that for sure.
Honestly, the only reason this isn't 5 stars, and the honest to goodness reason I would have really liked to rate it at like a 2-3 star book is because of Miria. I hate her. Genuinely. She has NO redeeming quality. When you read this you might argue that her loyalty to Azalea is a redeeming quality... I disagree, not least of all because that possessive, protective quality is exactly what lands them both in so much trouble in the first place. While I'm interested in what happens next in the story, I find Miria so repulsive that I'm not sure I want to commit to it.
Azalea I like. She has a quiet strength about her, even though she is painfully naive. She is not stupid though. I want to know where her story goes from here. Maybe I can just skip over Miria's sections of narrative? Azalea is sweet, caring, and does the best she can with what she has to work with. She has some dangerous ambition, but she really just kind of stumbles onto it by accident. She never had her sights set on becoming the King's consort, she just wanted out of the mud hole they were living in. She wanted to live without fear of starving, or being abused by their "betters", and she did everything she could to make that possible for Miria too.
Miria being that selfish, vengeful witch she is, has no control over her rage, or general impulses, and proceeds to inadvertently, and sometimes directly, kill everyone around her while thrusting the person she wants most to protect into greater, and greater danger.
Now, in fairness Azalea would have ended up in trouble even if Miria hadn't completely botched things up for them. Nero isn't a good person, and that was always going to end badly. We all knew that his true colors would show up, and they weren't going to be a pretty rainbow either. Still, Azalea could have gone a long time in peace without experiencing the whiplash of that revelation. She would have figured it out over time, and not have had it thrust on her quite so cruelly.
I also take some issue with the portrayal of men in this book. There is only one truly decent one among them, and that's Girard, the father figure of girls. He seems to have been a genuinely decent man. However, all the others, including Miria's lover, are at best negligible influences for the betterment of these characters, and at worst they're horrible, despicable, evil men. Most of them fall into the latter category.
Now, I know there are bad men out there. I've have close experiences with some of them. However, the ratio of good to bad people, let alone men, is in no way encouraging in this book, or remotely realistic. In fact, its disappointing in how harshly it portrays men. I'm just not super okay with that. I have two sons, and this is the kind of thing that I fear girls will read and expect my boys to become some version of those types of people. It's portrayed as though being cruel and sadistic is the normal reality for men. A monstrous part of themselves that they have to master control over... and it's not. Not at all. And if my boys turn down that path there will be a reckoning, honey.
So, I have mixed feelings. This was compelling in a lot of ways, and I'm interested in more. However, there are definitely things that bothered me at the same time. I give it a 4 star, because I think that's the most fair assessment, when I take my personal views on subject matter out of it. I think there are plenty of people who would see it through a different lens than I do, and be more forgiving about certain elements. I'm undecided if I want to pick up the next one though.
November 7, 2019
I found this book truly captivating and well written, with a refreshing take on vampires and fae. The characters and world building are excellent, although there were times that I could have willingly slapped Miria. I like the fact that an author can invoke feelings of attachment and as I have said annoyance, some people complain about certain characters saying they don't like them, to me that is the sign of a good author because the characters become real.
In this story (at least thus far) the fae are the race being exploited which makes a welcome change in paranormal works as fae are often the sneaky villains. In this book we establish a connection with our two heroines Azalea and Miria, who have very different dispositions but don't be fooled Azalea is stronger than she seems. There are some very moving scenes in this book and I do confess to needing tissues at one stage. The world in which we find our MCs initially has a semi dystopian feel to it and as the story progresses we are lead into other more 'refined' areas in which our vampires live. By the end of the book I confess I am not sure if Nero, the Vampire King, is good or bad. I want to believe he is a fair ruler, however I have a feeling I may be sadly mistaken.
I haven't given any of the story away as the initial blurb is included in the book description. I would recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy fiction, however it is not a soft tale and this author does not pull her punches. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC and this review is given voluntarily.
In this story (at least thus far) the fae are the race being exploited which makes a welcome change in paranormal works as fae are often the sneaky villains. In this book we establish a connection with our two heroines Azalea and Miria, who have very different dispositions but don't be fooled Azalea is stronger than she seems. There are some very moving scenes in this book and I do confess to needing tissues at one stage. The world in which we find our MCs initially has a semi dystopian feel to it and as the story progresses we are lead into other more 'refined' areas in which our vampires live. By the end of the book I confess I am not sure if Nero, the Vampire King, is good or bad. I want to believe he is a fair ruler, however I have a feeling I may be sadly mistaken.
I haven't given any of the story away as the initial blurb is included in the book description. I would recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy fiction, however it is not a soft tale and this author does not pull her punches. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC and this review is given voluntarily.
January 13, 2020
Wow what an amazing story Becca Blake has blown me away with this story plus she is a new author to me and what a way to start the New Year with a brand new author who writes amazing stories like this. Sorry guys I’m not going to give any spoilers the blurb says it better than I ever could, this is a dark fantasy with vampires using Elves to “donate” blood and two friends who end up in Terra Nocturne a place where vampires rule. All I can say is wow amazing it’s a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
I bought a copy of this book and preordered book 2 to support this author.
I bought a copy of this book and preordered book 2 to support this author.
July 26, 2020
Can't put this down! What an excellent debut for Becca - brilliant!
January 8, 2020
ONE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER!!!
Powerful & raw! If you're looking for non-stop, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, nerve racking, heart pounding, nailbiting, spine tingling, block busting, rollercoaster ride, that's as thrilling as it is riveting. Congratulations my friends you've stepped off in it. Becca dredged up every shadow, crack, line, crease and mold, riding this little fella through the pits of hell with a vengeance in this deep, dark, decadent masterpiece. No holds barred, take no prisoners and no turning back sets the pace for this jaw dropping whirlwind, propelling this bad boy to new heights. Doling out incredibly thrilling, well rounded scenario's, that punch dead center with such intensity and precision, wielding this little fella together flawlessly. Traversing the trials and tribulations struggling with the drama, turmoil, distress, intrigue, danger as suspense soars while tension spirals, blasting this baby into tailspin with a shocking culmination. Assimilating with the ups and downs, weaving a cocoon so intricately and tight, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and qualities that blend into unbelievable personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed with such colorful descriptions, it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Becca, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Powerful & raw! If you're looking for non-stop, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, nerve racking, heart pounding, nailbiting, spine tingling, block busting, rollercoaster ride, that's as thrilling as it is riveting. Congratulations my friends you've stepped off in it. Becca dredged up every shadow, crack, line, crease and mold, riding this little fella through the pits of hell with a vengeance in this deep, dark, decadent masterpiece. No holds barred, take no prisoners and no turning back sets the pace for this jaw dropping whirlwind, propelling this bad boy to new heights. Doling out incredibly thrilling, well rounded scenario's, that punch dead center with such intensity and precision, wielding this little fella together flawlessly. Traversing the trials and tribulations struggling with the drama, turmoil, distress, intrigue, danger as suspense soars while tension spirals, blasting this baby into tailspin with a shocking culmination. Assimilating with the ups and downs, weaving a cocoon so intricately and tight, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and qualities that blend into unbelievable personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed with such colorful descriptions, it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Becca, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
November 12, 2019
"It wasn’t her fault they were taken— not really. But if she hadn’t suggested they play alone in the woods outside the safety of the city, neither of them would have ever been brought to Terra Nocturne. Even if she could accept that it wasn’t her fault, she could never forget that it happened because of her choice. Which meant she was the one who had to find a way to fix it." - Miria
Over twenty years ago, Miria and her friend Azalea were taken to Terra Nocturne, the underground city ruled by vampires. Every month, the elves held captive were forced to "donate" blood to their captors. Miria was barely surviving, working at a pub, the Silver Leaf, but that was better than her friend Azalea, who worked at a brothel. Miria burned with the desire to escape: escape the Third District, escape the vampires, escape her hopeless life....
Follow in Miria's and Azalea's footsteps as their paths to their awaiting destinies unfold...
Haunting..... A tale that will leave its mark on your physche; imposing an aching darkness that may linger long after finishing this book. Betrayal, deceit, abuse... Yet love and forgiveness are present. Even in the most barren of soils, hope can take root. As long as there is hope, there is a chance to flourish...
Over twenty years ago, Miria and her friend Azalea were taken to Terra Nocturne, the underground city ruled by vampires. Every month, the elves held captive were forced to "donate" blood to their captors. Miria was barely surviving, working at a pub, the Silver Leaf, but that was better than her friend Azalea, who worked at a brothel. Miria burned with the desire to escape: escape the Third District, escape the vampires, escape her hopeless life....
Follow in Miria's and Azalea's footsteps as their paths to their awaiting destinies unfold...
Haunting..... A tale that will leave its mark on your physche; imposing an aching darkness that may linger long after finishing this book. Betrayal, deceit, abuse... Yet love and forgiveness are present. Even in the most barren of soils, hope can take root. As long as there is hope, there is a chance to flourish...
January 9, 2020
This book is done from two POV and it is done well. First we have Miria, a tough girl who is determined to find a way to escape the vampire city and works at a bar. Next we have Azalea, a girl who is tougher than she looks but is just trying to make the best of the situation while working at a brothel. The girls were taken from their home at the same time by the vampire king and Miria feels like it is her fault. When Azalea decides to take a risky job, so she can make more money to move to a better part of the city she starts to keep big secrets from Miria. These secrets lead to some disastrous consequences. Azalea still tries to help Miria, but Miria's darker nature starts to come out and Miria has to decide if she can trust Azalea and help try to save her or leave her to her new fate.
There is excellent world building and character development in this story. There is violence, this book does not contain nice or romantic vampires.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is excellent world building and character development in this story. There is violence, this book does not contain nice or romantic vampires.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2020
Not for me.
I read the whole thing thinking the main characters would redeem themselves, but nope. They kept getting worse.
***Spoilers***
Why did Miria have to start killing people?? Especially the nice, innocent people? Heck even at the last chapter I was like okay here we go. She is going to find her inner strength and not kill this nice guy trying to help her. Nope. Just awful. What is there to like about her?? Her anger issues even got her adopted father killed.
And Azalea... ugh. She was just so...blah. I was hoping she’d stand up to Miria and maybe actually have a real relationship with Nero. I’d read that romance all day. But no. She tries to bail and follows terrible Miria.
I’m not going to continue the series. There was SO much potential for this plot. The writing was great, although a little fast paced for me. I was missing an actual believable romantic interest though. Each time I thought we were getting there, it immediately got shut down.
I read the whole thing thinking the main characters would redeem themselves, but nope. They kept getting worse.
***Spoilers***
Why did Miria have to start killing people?? Especially the nice, innocent people? Heck even at the last chapter I was like okay here we go. She is going to find her inner strength and not kill this nice guy trying to help her. Nope. Just awful. What is there to like about her?? Her anger issues even got her adopted father killed.
And Azalea... ugh. She was just so...blah. I was hoping she’d stand up to Miria and maybe actually have a real relationship with Nero. I’d read that romance all day. But no. She tries to bail and follows terrible Miria.
I’m not going to continue the series. There was SO much potential for this plot. The writing was great, although a little fast paced for me. I was missing an actual believable romantic interest though. Each time I thought we were getting there, it immediately got shut down.
January 18, 2020
Miria and Azalea came to there cruel fate together rescued by King Hero only to end up as Blood Slaves in his Kingdom . Now years later Miria longs for freedom while Azalea serves others of her mind on her back. And just as Miria finds love with her best friend he sacrifices all to save her and Azalea betrays her for comfort and care at the hands of the King now she is his and he won't let her go so many will die friends will be separated and and another's fast of freedom will come at a high cost. Miria and Azalea will find that not everything is as they think it's far worse then they could guess one will become a puppet the other bent on revenge. This book is rich and vibrant you can see the world the characters live in and you can only goes what further tradegy awaits.
them.
I was allowed to receive and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
them.
I was allowed to receive and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
January 9, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Becca Blake. Elves Azalea and Miria kidnapped at a young age are forced to provide blood for vampires in the underground city of Terra Nocturne. They both in their own ways are doing what they can to escape. Come on the wild breathtaking journey as things don't always go as hoped. Dark fantasy with fantastic world building. Eagerly awaiting the next two books in the 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.
January 11, 2020
This is a story about two elven girls, Miria Delien and Azalea Nydira, who are kidnapped as children and held captive in the underground vampire city of Terra Nocturne. Once each month since they were taken to Terra Nocturne over twenty years ago, they have blood taken to feed the vampires. In return they are fed, allowed to take a job, and allowed to walk around the underground city. But both Miria and Azalea longed for their freedom and return to the surface. Each chooses the path they think will offer them the chance of escape. Do they make it? Will even one of them escape?
This book offers sharp realism to those who want the gritty details. I personally did not enjoy the book, but that is not to say that others won’t. There is “dark” and then there is “very dark” and this is not the kind of book I find fun to read. I think it was done well, however, so please read the blurb and other reviews to help you make your own decision.
This book offers sharp realism to those who want the gritty details. I personally did not enjoy the book, but that is not to say that others won’t. There is “dark” and then there is “very dark” and this is not the kind of book I find fun to read. I think it was done well, however, so please read the blurb and other reviews to help you make your own decision.
January 9, 2020
This was a really good debut book of Ms. Blake.
Be prepared for a few triggers there, but if you don't have any of those - dive in, if dark fantasy is your cup of tea!
Azalea and Miria are elves that are held in Terra Nocturne as blood donors, but they don't want that kind of life. They want to change something n their lives, but nothing can be eas in those circumstances. Their destinies are intertwined, but what will happen when a vampire would attack Azalea and it will end wrongly. And how will that ake her path cross with Lord Nero, the most powerful vampire?
Miria wants nothing to do with vampires and she manages that until one vampire put his eyes on her friend and this is a turn point f the story.
I liked character and plot, as both had kept me really entertained and intrigued by what would happen next. I hope book two will be out soon!
Be prepared for a few triggers there, but if you don't have any of those - dive in, if dark fantasy is your cup of tea!
Azalea and Miria are elves that are held in Terra Nocturne as blood donors, but they don't want that kind of life. They want to change something n their lives, but nothing can be eas in those circumstances. Their destinies are intertwined, but what will happen when a vampire would attack Azalea and it will end wrongly. And how will that ake her path cross with Lord Nero, the most powerful vampire?
Miria wants nothing to do with vampires and she manages that until one vampire put his eyes on her friend and this is a turn point f the story.
I liked character and plot, as both had kept me really entertained and intrigued by what would happen next. I hope book two will be out soon!
April 25, 2025
Possible spoilers
Great start to a series, a lot of twists and turns kept me intrigued and the story flowed nicely. Miria is one tough Elf and a great counterpart to her best friend Azalea who is too trusting. The way the elves are treated as lesser beings when they are keeping the vampires fed is sad and understandable why Miria hates them. I initially didn’t like Nero for what happened to Zephry until he appeared to be enamored with Azalea but then his true colors came out at the ball and when the girls escaped and then to do what he did to Miria was worse than death, I read this in one setting and can’t wait for the next book to see what happens to Miria and Azalea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great start to a series, a lot of twists and turns kept me intrigued and the story flowed nicely. Miria is one tough Elf and a great counterpart to her best friend Azalea who is too trusting. The way the elves are treated as lesser beings when they are keeping the vampires fed is sad and understandable why Miria hates them. I initially didn’t like Nero for what happened to Zephry until he appeared to be enamored with Azalea but then his true colors came out at the ball and when the girls escaped and then to do what he did to Miria was worse than death, I read this in one setting and can’t wait for the next book to see what happens to Miria and Azalea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2020
As far as this one goes this is the first time in reading this author. The story sounded a bit intriguing not usually encountering elves with vampires. The two elven girls in this Miria and Azalea are in the center of this story. Terra Nocturne seems to be interesting but sometimes it is too rushed.The story seems to be simple than at times it is a bit complex. You have to pay attention. The saving grace is the unusual fact of the elves in this place. It explains it but too much is given to the vampires. The flow is high and low hopefully in the next one the author can get the pace a bit more of a flow fitting the story. It was ok for the most part with it maybe better liked with others.
January 9, 2020
Wow! Blood Bound was fast paced, action packed, nail biting, rollercoaster of a ride and absolutely incredible! From the first page until the last I was completely enthralled and loved every second of it. This story centers around Miria and Azalea, elves, that are kidnapped and are made to be blood donors to the vampires in the underground city of Terra Nocturne. They fight daily for their survival and to find a way out. This story has vividly detailed scenes, unbelievable and complex characters, it's wonderfully written and most definitely a must read!
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.
January 13, 2020
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Blood Bound by Becca Blake is a debut novel and first in a trilogy. While I usually find it difficult to get into dark urban fantasy, I must admit that I found myself flipping like a maniac. The world building is intricate and paints a baleful background for characters that are complex and well developed. The storyline is at time heart rending and definitely dark. With a slight Game of Thrones flavor with a little True Blood mixed in, this story takes you into the belly of the beast.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
January 15, 2020
Though this is a trilogy I had a hard time getting through Book 1. Miria Delien and Azalea Nydira , kidnapped from their home, now serve as blood donors to the vampires of Terra Nocturne. Both Miria and Azalea long for freedom and return to a life barely remembered. Will they make their escape?
This book makes everything seem possible but I didn't really enjoy the book. The overall cast is very very dark, so some may like it. This is a far step from "True Blood" or "Vampire Diaries". Though well written I put it down several times with the intent not to finish, but once I start I try to read a story to it's end. If interested, or undecided, read the blurb to help you out.
This book makes everything seem possible but I didn't really enjoy the book. The overall cast is very very dark, so some may like it. This is a far step from "True Blood" or "Vampire Diaries". Though well written I put it down several times with the intent not to finish, but once I start I try to read a story to it's end. If interested, or undecided, read the blurb to help you out.
January 9, 2020
In a new twist on vampires subduing a race for their blood slaves. This time, elves are involved, theyve been held in an underground city since they can remember. They have to work daily to buy their freedom, food, and the only real way out is to become a blood slave for a vampire lord. There are a few who fight for another life, but when both friends, who are more like sisters, sacrifice themselves to save the other it becomes a no win situation.
A good series, I am definitely reading the next one.
A good series, I am definitely reading the next one.
January 12, 2020
Well written, but not my thing.
This book was well written with interesting world-building and two strong female leads. I would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy dark fantasy worlds and don’t need HEA or HFN story resolutions (even if they are not romantic resolutions).
I was prepared for the lack of resolutions in the story, but I kept getting frustrated with some of the characters and their actions. It could be that their motivations would become clearer and their actions would make more sense later on in the series, but I’m not planning to read on.
This book was well written with interesting world-building and two strong female leads. I would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy dark fantasy worlds and don’t need HEA or HFN story resolutions (even if they are not romantic resolutions).
I was prepared for the lack of resolutions in the story, but I kept getting frustrated with some of the characters and their actions. It could be that their motivations would become clearer and their actions would make more sense later on in the series, but I’m not planning to read on.
January 17, 2020
This book caught my attention right from the first few pages... I could stop till I reached the end and then it left me wanting to see how this story continues. I can't wait for the next book in this series comes out, really looking forward to it... Elves and Vampires in a whole new light, I really liked that it wasn't overly filled with romance, in fact that is one thing that got my attention to read this book and now I want more :)
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.
October 17, 2020
I received a free audio copy of this book directly from the author for an honest review.
I really loved the concept of this book and the description and world building is absolutely fantastic my big issue is that I really wasn’t a fan of the two main characters. I couldn’t connect to them in any way. That is definitely a personal preference thing I think though because honestly the story and world itself if so interesting and in depth and not really anything like I’ve read before that despite the fact I’m not a fan of the characters part of me thinks I’d still read the next book.
I really loved the concept of this book and the description and world building is absolutely fantastic my big issue is that I really wasn’t a fan of the two main characters. I couldn’t connect to them in any way. That is definitely a personal preference thing I think though because honestly the story and world itself if so interesting and in depth and not really anything like I’ve read before that despite the fact I’m not a fan of the characters part of me thinks I’d still read the next book.
November 4, 2021
A slow start but good overall
I struggled through the first half but, I pushed through because of all the glowing reviews. The book did get less frustrating during the second half. I'm not a fan of using secrets to forward the plot. However, the writing was excellent as well as the world building. I think the end of the book was better, for me, because Azalea and Miria seemed to learn from their mistakes and showed some character growth. I'll read the other books in the trilogy because I am now invested in their futures.
I struggled through the first half but, I pushed through because of all the glowing reviews. The book did get less frustrating during the second half. I'm not a fan of using secrets to forward the plot. However, the writing was excellent as well as the world building. I think the end of the book was better, for me, because Azalea and Miria seemed to learn from their mistakes and showed some character growth. I'll read the other books in the trilogy because I am now invested in their futures.
January 8, 2020
Fast-paced and action-packed story that kept me on the edges of my seat from start to finish. I couldn't put my Kindle down i wanted to know what would happen next.
Azalea and Miria live in a harsh world where the fae are ruled by ruthless vampires. So many things happens in this book. If you're a fan of dark fantasy stories, you should definitely give this book a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am volontarily leaving a review.
Azalea and Miria live in a harsh world where the fae are ruled by ruthless vampires. So many things happens in this book. If you're a fan of dark fantasy stories, you should definitely give this book a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am volontarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2020
Becca has delivered an interesting and engaging story that any fans of strong females and paranormal romance will love. I liked the world building and the plot formation through out this book. The characters were likeable and kept my attention. I loved that Becca put emotion and action throughout which made me get to the end and want more. Well done. Great start and I'm excited to see where this story goes.
January 12, 2020
Great start to this series. In a world where elves and basically the lower class to vampires, Azalea has come to accept the thought that there's no escape and thet the only way to survive is to rise in rank, never expecting the ruler Lord Nero Cineris to take an interest in her. Add Miria who hasn't given up on her escape of Terra Nocturne. Together the girls must decide if life is better or to escape.
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.
January 16, 2020
I found this to be and excellent read. The story has so many twists and turns that it kept me glued to my Kindle. You can not have a story about slaves and it be a light read. The different POV worked well and was amazingly done. I am so ready for book 2 and looking forward to it. No spoilers here, so read it.
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.
January 8, 2020
Blood Bound was a fast paced entertaining read that has an amazing world build, 3 dimensional characters and a fantastic story line to boost!
A great start and introduction to a new trilogy. I'm looking forward to reading more and diving deeper into the Reign of Blood series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great start and introduction to a new trilogy. I'm looking forward to reading more and diving deeper into the Reign of Blood series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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