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Darkbloods #1
Vampire Bonds
He saved my life. Now he must save my humanity.
When my slayer sisters left me for dead, only one man came to my rescue. Alaric Severin, a powerful and mysterious master vampire.
He’s about to unlock the mystery of my power. A secret so terrible it could mean my execution.
I want to resist Alaric but I crave his kisses.
I need his touch. I yearn for his blood. Maybe vampires and slayers aren’t so different.
VAMPIRE BONDS is the captivating first instalment of the Darkbloods Saga, a YA paranormal romance full of adventure, suspense, and page-turning twists. Perfect for fans of Twilight, Vampire Diaries, and Buffy.
When my slayer sisters left me for dead, only one man came to my rescue. Alaric Severin, a powerful and mysterious master vampire.
He’s about to unlock the mystery of my power. A secret so terrible it could mean my execution.
I want to resist Alaric but I crave his kisses.
I need his touch. I yearn for his blood. Maybe vampires and slayers aren’t so different.
VAMPIRE BONDS is the captivating first instalment of the Darkbloods Saga, a YA paranormal romance full of adventure, suspense, and page-turning twists. Perfect for fans of Twilight, Vampire Diaries, and Buffy.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2020
162 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Delia E. Castel
5 books77 followersDelia E Castel lives East of the Sun and West of the Moon, where she spends her time penning tales about faeries and the strong female characters who love them. You can sign up for updates at: www.DeliaECastel.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 14, 2024
The twist was so stupid it brings the whole book down. What a complete waste of time.
July 22, 2020
Copy received from the author and I am reviewing it voluntarily and objectively.
This book surprised me in all the right ways! It’s a wonderful blend of fantasy and paranormal that will appease fans of either genre.
It begins introducing the characters and their world, and it reminded me a bit of Vampire Academy. Each vampire slayer has a mage, someone magical who advises and helps them. They’re bonded together. This is really where the similarities end though, and I did not feel as if I was reading a rip-off of it. The relationships between slayer and mage are open to them. Each wants a powerful partner, and most are friends or become friends during this time. Often, this turns into a romantic relationship. Gabrielle - Brielle - is a slayer who is momentarily paired with her friend, Poppy.
Brielle and Poppy find themselves with a strange vampire, one who does non-vampire things. He later turns up looking for an item Brielle took from him. I don’t love or hate Brielle. For me, she’s just there. She’s strong and does a good job at fighting back through everything. Alaric, the vampire, is where this book really shines. The situation with his vampirism, his link to the main plot, and his romance with Brielle is all perfect.
My only complaint with this book is that while the author set up a complex and interesting plot, it’s a lot. Most of the beginning I was having trouble staying focused because there were so many names thrown around, most without introduction. The whole Order was a lot to take in.
The Order was a great plot in general though. Between what's happening now and what happened then, I did find myself so interested in it all. In fact, it’s a book that made me get mad at people when they interrupted me. I needed to know what was happening and what happened next. Brielle and Alaric are a great pairing and I think the romance was very well-paced.
Lastly, the author took a somewhat new take on vampires. She didn’t take it far out of the park but she also remained fresh. Vampire that does not drink human blood? Check. Vampire that can do things because he doesn’t drink human blood? ...That’s new.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and really suggest it. I can’t believe book two isn’t until January! I would like to check out more from this author in the meantime.
This book surprised me in all the right ways! It’s a wonderful blend of fantasy and paranormal that will appease fans of either genre.
It begins introducing the characters and their world, and it reminded me a bit of Vampire Academy. Each vampire slayer has a mage, someone magical who advises and helps them. They’re bonded together. This is really where the similarities end though, and I did not feel as if I was reading a rip-off of it. The relationships between slayer and mage are open to them. Each wants a powerful partner, and most are friends or become friends during this time. Often, this turns into a romantic relationship. Gabrielle - Brielle - is a slayer who is momentarily paired with her friend, Poppy.
Brielle and Poppy find themselves with a strange vampire, one who does non-vampire things. He later turns up looking for an item Brielle took from him. I don’t love or hate Brielle. For me, she’s just there. She’s strong and does a good job at fighting back through everything. Alaric, the vampire, is where this book really shines. The situation with his vampirism, his link to the main plot, and his romance with Brielle is all perfect.
My only complaint with this book is that while the author set up a complex and interesting plot, it’s a lot. Most of the beginning I was having trouble staying focused because there were so many names thrown around, most without introduction. The whole Order was a lot to take in.
The Order was a great plot in general though. Between what's happening now and what happened then, I did find myself so interested in it all. In fact, it’s a book that made me get mad at people when they interrupted me. I needed to know what was happening and what happened next. Brielle and Alaric are a great pairing and I think the romance was very well-paced.
Lastly, the author took a somewhat new take on vampires. She didn’t take it far out of the park but she also remained fresh. Vampire that does not drink human blood? Check. Vampire that can do things because he doesn’t drink human blood? ...That’s new.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and really suggest it. I can’t believe book two isn’t until January! I would like to check out more from this author in the meantime.
June 25, 2021
I gave up reading academy books several years ago. It was as though I was reliving my childraising years when my kids were angsty, snipy teenagers. Been there, done that, have the grey hairs to prove it.
Vampire Bonds is NOT that type of academy read. Not at all.
Gabrielle Augustine is a 17 year old slayer. Her best friend, Poppy is a mage, and soon to be her bonded conciliar, sort of a councilor and magic booster during hunts. When we first meet them, they're on a plane and they've spotted who they believe is a vampire.
Of course, he gets away, and the action and interactions with this vampire are non - stop from here on out.
It's a great story. There's a lot of action. A lot of intrigue. The plot is nicely twisty. The romance is well done. My only issue is there's supposed to be a second book, and other than the title and cover, I can find no information on it. And that's sad as we're left with a cliffhanger. Hopefully, we'll get that new release. I'll certainly be reading it if it does come. But read it regardless, it's a great example of a well done academy read. 4.5 - 5 Star read
Vampire Bonds is NOT that type of academy read. Not at all.
Gabrielle Augustine is a 17 year old slayer. Her best friend, Poppy is a mage, and soon to be her bonded conciliar, sort of a councilor and magic booster during hunts. When we first meet them, they're on a plane and they've spotted who they believe is a vampire.
Of course, he gets away, and the action and interactions with this vampire are non - stop from here on out.
It's a great story. There's a lot of action. A lot of intrigue. The plot is nicely twisty. The romance is well done. My only issue is there's supposed to be a second book, and other than the title and cover, I can find no information on it. And that's sad as we're left with a cliffhanger. Hopefully, we'll get that new release. I'll certainly be reading it if it does come. But read it regardless, it's a great example of a well done academy read. 4.5 - 5 Star read
July 19, 2020
I love Vampire books, but even I have to admit that the market is oversaturated. However, I found Vampire Bonds to be a totally refreshing read, which contained so many twists that I didn't see coming.
The plot is extremely fast paced. Initially, it reminded me slightly of Vampire Academy, with Poppy and Brielle's relationship slightly similar to Rose and Lissa's. The story follows Brielle, who is a slayer with the Order of Theodora - a society who hunt and kill vampires. When a master vampire saves Bree's life, she starts to question everything she has been taught.
I loved Bree's character and how tough she was. I found her extremely relatable and easy to sympathise with. I also loved Alaric and how much he was willing to risk for her. I did feel the transition from mortal enemies to lovers was quite fast, but then I tend to prefer slow burn romances. The ending was unexpected and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing an arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The plot is extremely fast paced. Initially, it reminded me slightly of Vampire Academy, with Poppy and Brielle's relationship slightly similar to Rose and Lissa's. The story follows Brielle, who is a slayer with the Order of Theodora - a society who hunt and kill vampires. When a master vampire saves Bree's life, she starts to question everything she has been taught.
I loved Bree's character and how tough she was. I found her extremely relatable and easy to sympathise with. I also loved Alaric and how much he was willing to risk for her. I did feel the transition from mortal enemies to lovers was quite fast, but then I tend to prefer slow burn romances. The ending was unexpected and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing an arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 21, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
This first book in a series has soo much potential. It’s a little confusing at first trying to understand the world but then it progresses and you get some answers. Not going to lie, I still have a lot of questions. There’s action, romance, betrayals, and magic. I liked the main protagonist, Gabrielle. She’s clever and kickass. Her best friend, Poppy was awesome and supportive. The romance was a bit insta and I’m hoping it’s explained more in the next book because I’m definitely interested. A decent amount happens in this book and I’m really looking forward to the next book. Vampires? Slayers? Mages? I’m in. Definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a different take on vampires as well. Not everything is completely cliche and I did appreciate that.
This first book in a series has soo much potential. It’s a little confusing at first trying to understand the world but then it progresses and you get some answers. Not going to lie, I still have a lot of questions. There’s action, romance, betrayals, and magic. I liked the main protagonist, Gabrielle. She’s clever and kickass. Her best friend, Poppy was awesome and supportive. The romance was a bit insta and I’m hoping it’s explained more in the next book because I’m definitely interested. A decent amount happens in this book and I’m really looking forward to the next book. Vampires? Slayers? Mages? I’m in. Definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a different take on vampires as well. Not everything is completely cliche and I did appreciate that.
July 30, 2020
I loved this YA paranormal romance full of adventure, suspense, and twists and turns. A well written storyline about a vampire hunter and a vampire who saves her this will have you glued to its pages. I absolutely loved Our female mc as she is strong and kick ass and then there’s Alaric our vampire who is like non other that Gabrielle has this met thus so far! I enjoyed this different take on vampires and I did not see that twist at the end and I look forward to reading more!
July 21, 2020
Great story with a main character who pretty much has her life figured out, only to have her entire world view upended. The story is full of action and twists and suspense.
March 31, 2025
This is about a girl who's a slayer, so she's trained to kill vampires, but when her fellow slayers leave her alone and she's saved by a vampire, she begins to questions everything she's been taught.
This was well done until the 80%. After that it's just a series of plot twists that come from nowhere and cheapened out the book for me.
This was well done until the 80%. After that it's just a series of plot twists that come from nowhere and cheapened out the book for me.
August 28, 2021
I did not expect this book to be so great !!
It was so very outstanding and different from other books about vampires.
Honestly, I picked up this book out on a whim; I think it was initially just to read something in my free time but it turned out to be very good.
Furthermore, I think that the plot twists in this book are its main assets since what really happened was very different than what I expected to happen while reading this book.
Moreover, I shipped Brielle and Alaric mostly because of their personalities but what I disliked is that the relationship change happened too quickly for my taste.
To sum it up, this is a must read! Trust me, you will not regret reading this.
It was so very outstanding and different from other books about vampires.
Honestly, I picked up this book out on a whim; I think it was initially just to read something in my free time but it turned out to be very good.
Furthermore, I think that the plot twists in this book are its main assets since what really happened was very different than what I expected to happen while reading this book.
Moreover, I shipped Brielle and Alaric mostly because of their personalities but what I disliked is that the relationship change happened too quickly for my taste.
To sum it up, this is a must read! Trust me, you will not regret reading this.
September 10, 2022
*PLEASE TELL ME BOOK TWO EXISTS?!?!
It took me a chapter or two to warm up to the main character, but after that this book had me amped up and invested. Like any YA vampire book, there a similarities to others out there but there was enough originality to keep it interesting. The book ended with an unexpected twist, some lingering questions about characters motives and set them up for a war in book two BUT I CANNOT FIND IT ANYWHERE. So know that going in unless you’ve got better luck than me!
It took me a chapter or two to warm up to the main character, but after that this book had me amped up and invested. Like any YA vampire book, there a similarities to others out there but there was enough originality to keep it interesting. The book ended with an unexpected twist, some lingering questions about characters motives and set them up for a war in book two BUT I CANNOT FIND IT ANYWHERE. So know that going in unless you’ve got better luck than me!
July 28, 2020
You can never go wrong with a book written by Delia Castel!
As always, she has taken a common trope - that of vampires and hunters - and delivered it with a fresh and unconventional perspective.
This first book in the series is highly addictive! I finished it in one sitting. The plot is quite complex, and true to her writing style, the author gives nothing away. Nothing is as it seems, and the truth is revealed step by step, page by page, sentence by sentence. There's depth in the story and if you decide to grab it -which I highly recommend- treat it with the respect it deserves. No fast reading, this book demands your full attention.
The revelation at the end left me mindblown!!! I can't wait for the next installment!!!!
As always, she has taken a common trope - that of vampires and hunters - and delivered it with a fresh and unconventional perspective.
This first book in the series is highly addictive! I finished it in one sitting. The plot is quite complex, and true to her writing style, the author gives nothing away. Nothing is as it seems, and the truth is revealed step by step, page by page, sentence by sentence. There's depth in the story and if you decide to grab it -which I highly recommend- treat it with the respect it deserves. No fast reading, this book demands your full attention.
The revelation at the end left me mindblown!!! I can't wait for the next installment!!!!
July 25, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I enjoyed this book! The beginning started a little slow but once all the action kicked in there were twists and turns ever other page it seemed like! Bree was raised to be slayer. It’s in her DNA. But when she meets Alaric a vampire who doesn’t for the mold, she sees a whole different side of a story she’s been told her whole life. The ending threw me a bit and I didn’t see it coming! I’m looking forward to the next book for sure!!
Overall I enjoyed this book! The beginning started a little slow but once all the action kicked in there were twists and turns ever other page it seemed like! Bree was raised to be slayer. It’s in her DNA. But when she meets Alaric a vampire who doesn’t for the mold, she sees a whole different side of a story she’s been told her whole life. The ending threw me a bit and I didn’t see it coming! I’m looking forward to the next book for sure!!
July 29, 2020
This was such an amazing book! So many twists and turns, the plot is dark and makes Brielle question who she is, who she can trust, and what the Order is really up to. The romance between her and Alaric is so sweet and of course, forbidden. And the family secrets keep getting more and more shocking, culminating in one crazy shocker at the end!
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.
August 1, 2020
I thought at first was another carbon copy of another similar like story. Was slow starting also & was about to give up....but then I was sling-shot into a narrative arc the pulled this reader forward & into a different story all & of its own. Just when ya think it’s one thing it’s another.... &&&& ya never saw it coming!! Sign me up for part 2!!
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.
August 3, 2020
Vampire Bonds by Cordelia Castel is an awesome vampire story to read. This is book number one in this awesome start to a brand new series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read the rest of this awesome series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about vampires, fantasy and paranormal romance.
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 26, 2021
I read this book last year and just finished rereading it so I could refresh the story before book 2 comes out in two days.
The book has an ideal lenght, not too short and not too long, although I would have liked to get to know a few characters better.
The romance is sweet. There's kissing but no sex. The female protagonist is smart, the love interest is interesting and sexy (although I like my vampires to look older than 19 - oh well, I just ignored that part and imagined him older).
The book has an ideal lenght, not too short and not too long, although I would have liked to get to know a few characters better.
The romance is sweet. There's kissing but no sex. The female protagonist is smart, the love interest is interesting and sexy (although I like my vampires to look older than 19 - oh well, I just ignored that part and imagined him older).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*
Overall I liked this book, but I did find the beginning a bit confusing. I liked the main character. The basic premise is that the MC, Gabrielle, is a slayer and is left for dead by her sisters. Alaric is a vampire her saves her. Alaric is a bit different than other vampires.
I'm interested enough in this story to read book two!
Overall I liked this book, but I did find the beginning a bit confusing. I liked the main character. The basic premise is that the MC, Gabrielle, is a slayer and is left for dead by her sisters. Alaric is a vampire her saves her. Alaric is a bit different than other vampires.
I'm interested enough in this story to read book two!
December 12, 2020
New favorite series
This book held me captivated and I found myself immediately immersed in the author’s characters and world building. This is a book that I could read again and again. It balances a solid mythology with intertwining relationships, and the author sets up the plot so well without being heavy handed or easy to guess. It is well worth the read!
This book held me captivated and I found myself immediately immersed in the author’s characters and world building. This is a book that I could read again and again. It balances a solid mythology with intertwining relationships, and the author sets up the plot so well without being heavy handed or easy to guess. It is well worth the read!
August 9, 2020
An enjoyable story from an author who is new to me. I liked the premise of the story and I thought the author did a wonderful job of making the story and the characters interesting and entertaining. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
August 21, 2020
Couldn't put it down
This is a fascinating take on the age old slayer/vampire dynamic. I cant say too much without spoiling it, but the twists and turns kept me hooked. Roll on book two!
This is a fascinating take on the age old slayer/vampire dynamic. I cant say too much without spoiling it, but the twists and turns kept me hooked. Roll on book two!
Read
December 1, 2021The book seems really nice, well written, great hero and heroines but i just can't read a book with r*pe on it, which to pe is the case here.
Maybe the author should have warned about the non consent present.
Maybe the author should have warned about the non consent present.
June 1, 2024
Really good book! The story line was a little bit weird but it was over all a pretty good book. The book description was pretty vague and I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a really good book and I highly recommend reading it!
January 3, 2021
Excellent livre
Excellent livre. Un peu de magie, des vampires crédibles. A lire sans hésitation! Si vous chercher un bon livre de vampire en voilà un
Excellent livre. Un peu de magie, des vampires crédibles. A lire sans hésitation! Si vous chercher un bon livre de vampire en voilà un
January 19, 2021
Love it
Love this love the action and the spark I couldn't put it down cant wait for the sequil the characters were amazing I love alaric
Love this love the action and the spark I couldn't put it down cant wait for the sequil the characters were amazing I love alaric
June 19, 2022
I really didn't liked it, but that was me!
The Story was fine!!
The Story was fine!!
August 19, 2020
I found Vampire Bonds to be a very refreshing read, which contained so many twists that I didn't see anything coming. It is very hard to come out with an original and enjoyable story this day in age with as many vampire books that are out there but Vampire Bonds does just that.
The plot is extremely fast-paced. The story follows Brielle, an active slayer within the Order of Theodora (a society that hunts and kills vampires). When a master vampire saves Bree's life, she starts to question everything she has been taught. What are the truths and what are the myths?
Bree's character was fantastic. Her dedication, pride, and how toughness really make her likable and relatable. I found it easy to sympathize with her and root for her to emerge victoriously. I loved Alaric and how much he was willing to risk for her. I found myself drawn to him more and more as the book went on and only wish the best for him. The transition from mortal enemies to lovers was quite fast, but then again I am not complaining as I thought the quick heat added to the tension for the rest of the book scenario. The ending was unexpected and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is a fantastic read for many genres and I would recommend in an instant, I am looking forward to what will happen in the next book!
The plot is extremely fast-paced. The story follows Brielle, an active slayer within the Order of Theodora (a society that hunts and kills vampires). When a master vampire saves Bree's life, she starts to question everything she has been taught. What are the truths and what are the myths?
Bree's character was fantastic. Her dedication, pride, and how toughness really make her likable and relatable. I found it easy to sympathize with her and root for her to emerge victoriously. I loved Alaric and how much he was willing to risk for her. I found myself drawn to him more and more as the book went on and only wish the best for him. The transition from mortal enemies to lovers was quite fast, but then again I am not complaining as I thought the quick heat added to the tension for the rest of the book scenario. The ending was unexpected and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is a fantastic read for many genres and I would recommend in an instant, I am looking forward to what will happen in the next book!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews