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The Books of Rue #1
Blood & Sand: The First Book of Rue
Ancient vampire Rue keeps to herself. It makes it easier to fight the constant hunger that plagues her. That is, until the night she catches Grace-a not very good vampire hunter-stalking her through the streets of Dublin. Something about Grace is achingly familiar. And strangely irresistible.
Rue soon learns that Grace is herself being hunted, and is thrown into a battle she never wanted, to save a woman who wants her dead. As Rue unravels the horrifying and treacherous plot, she also uncovers a secret about Grace that could change everything. Along the way, Rue finds herself drawn to the girl, and is forced to Continue her solitary life of safety, or risk it all for love?
Through it all, Rue recalls her creation and formative nights in an ancient world far from the rainy streets of Dublin, a world where she learned to live, love, hunt and kill.
Rue soon learns that Grace is herself being hunted, and is thrown into a battle she never wanted, to save a woman who wants her dead. As Rue unravels the horrifying and treacherous plot, she also uncovers a secret about Grace that could change everything. Along the way, Rue finds herself drawn to the girl, and is forced to Continue her solitary life of safety, or risk it all for love?
Through it all, Rue recalls her creation and formative nights in an ancient world far from the rainy streets of Dublin, a world where she learned to live, love, hunt and kill.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2020
55 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Aisling Wilder
4 books28 followersAisling Wilder is an author of Fantasy and Urban Fantasy, living and working in the West of Ireland, just on the edge of windswept Connemara. She is a founding member of the Galway Writers' Group and is a contributor to 'Blood and Betrayals', and 'Trials by Tides' dark fantasy anthologies. Her first novel 'Blood & Sand' won the 'Golden Stake' award at the International Vampire Film and Arts Festival (IVFAF) in 2018 and was published by Wilderwood Press in 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 7, 2021
I absolutely loved the historical mentions in this book. Watching Rue's character evolve and grow through the centuries was also great. I didn't want anything to happen to Lilitu because wow... the way she loves!
I can't wait for the next book 'cause this was amazeballs!
I can't wait for the next book 'cause this was amazeballs!
dnf
August 5, 2021DNF at 45% - no rating because it's me.
I basically stopped reading anything because I kept telling myself I should like this book and I refused to move on to a new one, but every time I would typically pull up my current read, I would find something else to do. When will I learn to just cut my losses when me and book are not vibing?
A lot of other folks are loving this book and the writing is really good. The story is interesting and I REALLY want to like it but its just not working for me for two reasons:
1- goddamn, poor Rue has gotten her ass handed to her at least 3 or 4 times so far and not just a bloody nose -oh no! We are talking brutally f*cked up. A couple examples: dropped off a building (does she use some super vamp skills to save herself or land like a cat? NO she goes splat). She has been blown up by a bomb, while wedged in a chimney for crisssakes then while barely surviving, is caught out in the sun and burning. I mean you guys... I just... can't. And that's only two examples. Is it wrong for me to want and expect her to win some of these encounters without being totally demolished in the process? I could understand it happening once for some action, drama and tension etc but its just constant and fully described then and her drinking blood to recover and it like the same thing over and over - I am disappointed in the hero and bored.
2- flashbacks - every other chapter. At first I thought it was ok, but for me eventually it just kept breaking up the action. I would start getting into the modern tale then then right when it gets interesting ...SWITCH!... now we are back in the past... start digging into that story line and SWITCH. Momentum broken, again. 🥺 And don't get my wrong the past story line was really super interesting. I think if I was going to continue with book I might just read the timelines in order - i.e. skip all the modern chapters, read all the flashbacks in order and then go back and read the modern chapters.
I feel bad I am not finishing this one cuz it should be so my jam but I am not feeling it so I am giving up for now... Maybe I will come back at some point and try again, but I miss reading so I am on to another book for now.
I basically stopped reading anything because I kept telling myself I should like this book and I refused to move on to a new one, but every time I would typically pull up my current read, I would find something else to do. When will I learn to just cut my losses when me and book are not vibing?
A lot of other folks are loving this book and the writing is really good. The story is interesting and I REALLY want to like it but its just not working for me for two reasons:
1- goddamn, poor Rue has gotten her ass handed to her at least 3 or 4 times so far and not just a bloody nose -oh no! We are talking brutally f*cked up. A couple examples: dropped off a building (does she use some super vamp skills to save herself or land like a cat? NO she goes splat). She has been blown up by a bomb, while wedged in a chimney for crisssakes then while barely surviving, is caught out in the sun and burning. I mean you guys... I just... can't. And that's only two examples. Is it wrong for me to want and expect her to win some of these encounters without being totally demolished in the process? I could understand it happening once for some action, drama and tension etc but its just constant and fully described then and her drinking blood to recover and it like the same thing over and over - I am disappointed in the hero and bored.
2- flashbacks - every other chapter. At first I thought it was ok, but for me eventually it just kept breaking up the action. I would start getting into the modern tale then then right when it gets interesting ...SWITCH!... now we are back in the past... start digging into that story line and SWITCH. Momentum broken, again. 🥺 And don't get my wrong the past story line was really super interesting. I think if I was going to continue with book I might just read the timelines in order - i.e. skip all the modern chapters, read all the flashbacks in order and then go back and read the modern chapters.
I feel bad I am not finishing this one cuz it should be so my jam but I am not feeling it so I am giving up for now... Maybe I will come back at some point and try again, but I miss reading so I am on to another book for now.
April 22, 2018
This is an amazing Vampire story. It has brought back the true ideals of what Vampires really are. No sparklingly, cutesy, cute Vampires for screaming preteen and teen girls in this book. (not that there is anything wrong with that) This story has reestablished the Vampires to the superiority that has long been missing in this genre, and it is an outstanding tale.
I love the way that this is written. One chapter you are in the here and now. Next chapter you are transported back to ancient times, BCE. You are there running from the sun. Finding catacombs, caves, or under rocks to keep the day-drain and sun at bay. When this “family” is walking their way through their resting places, you are right along with them at every step. You see what they see, you smell what they smell, you are as surprised as our Heroine is of the ancient writings on the walls and the millions of years history that this “family” knows and has collected. You are taken aback by the amazing amount of art, and verbal history this “family” has gathered over the millenniums. The authors fantastic writing is so detailed you are able to walk into any characters shoes. The backstory of the characters and places is awe expiring. The fight sequences are too cool, blood and death flows off the pages.
As for all the characters you learn very quickly that they are a mix of good and evil. Not purely good, but also not purely evil. You also learn very quickly that the Females in this book are all Heroines. They are all at different stages, learning how strong they really are and each one of them are still willing to learn more. Learning more about love, empathy, sympathy, strength, courage, self sacrifice and how to kickass. These Females are fantastic, brave, smart, loving and kind, but deep inside they still are frightening demons, and monsters. You never forget this one aspect of their true nature. They hunt and then they kill. They need human blood to survive. The twists and turns and twists again are incredible. You think you know, but you don’t really know. I have talked about the “good” bad guys, now let me tell you of the really “bad” bad guys. They are breathtakingly bad. These you are going to despise, and come to hate. You will feel the anger and strength of that anger flair up in the other characters. It’s almost like the anger is a breathing, living entity all to it’s self.
If you have lost your “faith” in Vampire books, do yourself a huge solid and pick this book up. I don’t think you will be disappointed. I can’t wait for this book to come to Amazon so I can give it a 5 star review.
This book can be found at Inkitt.com, free reads, the book is BLOOD & SAND by Aisling Wilder, this review will show on Goodreads.com and Inkitt.com (and Amazon when the author becomes a New York Times Best Selling Author).
I love the way that this is written. One chapter you are in the here and now. Next chapter you are transported back to ancient times, BCE. You are there running from the sun. Finding catacombs, caves, or under rocks to keep the day-drain and sun at bay. When this “family” is walking their way through their resting places, you are right along with them at every step. You see what they see, you smell what they smell, you are as surprised as our Heroine is of the ancient writings on the walls and the millions of years history that this “family” knows and has collected. You are taken aback by the amazing amount of art, and verbal history this “family” has gathered over the millenniums. The authors fantastic writing is so detailed you are able to walk into any characters shoes. The backstory of the characters and places is awe expiring. The fight sequences are too cool, blood and death flows off the pages.
As for all the characters you learn very quickly that they are a mix of good and evil. Not purely good, but also not purely evil. You also learn very quickly that the Females in this book are all Heroines. They are all at different stages, learning how strong they really are and each one of them are still willing to learn more. Learning more about love, empathy, sympathy, strength, courage, self sacrifice and how to kickass. These Females are fantastic, brave, smart, loving and kind, but deep inside they still are frightening demons, and monsters. You never forget this one aspect of their true nature. They hunt and then they kill. They need human blood to survive. The twists and turns and twists again are incredible. You think you know, but you don’t really know. I have talked about the “good” bad guys, now let me tell you of the really “bad” bad guys. They are breathtakingly bad. These you are going to despise, and come to hate. You will feel the anger and strength of that anger flair up in the other characters. It’s almost like the anger is a breathing, living entity all to it’s self.
If you have lost your “faith” in Vampire books, do yourself a huge solid and pick this book up. I don’t think you will be disappointed. I can’t wait for this book to come to Amazon so I can give it a 5 star review.
This book can be found at Inkitt.com, free reads, the book is BLOOD & SAND by Aisling Wilder, this review will show on Goodreads.com and Inkitt.com (and Amazon when the author becomes a New York Times Best Selling Author).
January 17, 2021
I need more from this author in this universe!
December 19, 2020
This is an amazing Vampire story. This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all!
I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a vampire enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own.
I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a vampire enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own.
October 16, 2020
The first few chapters kind of toyed with my interest. Then I was half way through and happily hooked following Rue’s story. Lots of room for future books hopefully in the not to distant future. A good read with not a cliff hanger ending, but did leave me wanting the rest of the story. Please note a four star review means I think this a damn good read.
October 21, 2020
This book is absolutely amazing. For me you get two stories for the price of one. Rue is an amazing character. You get the story of how she was made and what going on now. This book really made me feel amazing waiting for the next chapter. I would highly recommend this book and author.
July 9, 2025
Thirst & Suffer: The Die Hard Vampire Edition
I'm a vampire fan girl. Sadly, there isn’t much (sapphic) vampire content that’s really good. And I wouldn’t say Blood & Sand is peak literature, but I enjoyed it a lot, though it does have its issues.
There are two timelines that alternate with each chapter. That wouldn’t be so bad in itself, but the chapters are very short. Since the timelines don’t have much to do with each other, it sometimes feels like reading two books at the same time, and just when things get thrilling, you’re forced to switch to the other one. It might be that I (illicitly) interpreted the reading order a bit more freely (don't tell anyone).
The writing is generally good, but the author needs to leave more things out. The present day storyline is told without any gaps, and especially the storytelling by Lilitu is a bit clumsy. And I guess I would have liked different tenses?
As for the story itself: there’s not much I need to say. It’s about Rue, a vampire who constantly gets her ass kicked, she is a fighter, always pushing through, suffering a lot, bleeding a lot, crying a lot, she is always thirsty and hungry, makes lots of mistakes and is regretting them. Rue is a tortured character, and we follow her through her life in darkness, during which she meets a young woman and their romance is honestly the only light in the entire story. That's why I found it wonderful, sadly it's a bit too short, and I think you could say it's instalove(?), since the present day storyline spans just a few days (like… three?). And FUUUCK the last chapter reallyyyyyy was to short! Objectively! It felt a bit rushed…
Lore and worldbuilding? Top :)
(If you ignore 1-2 little inconsistencies in the execution. )
It's far from perfect. The pacing is an issue, and Rue’s suffering is a bit … too much - seriously. (At this point, I’d like to wish her a good recovery!)
Still, finally a good sapphic vampire story after a long while, and I’ll definitely read the next volume (which is supposedly coming out this year, pls).
I'm a vampire fan girl. Sadly, there isn’t much (sapphic) vampire content that’s really good. And I wouldn’t say Blood & Sand is peak literature, but I enjoyed it a lot, though it does have its issues.
There are two timelines that alternate with each chapter. That wouldn’t be so bad in itself, but the chapters are very short. Since the timelines don’t have much to do with each other, it sometimes feels like reading two books at the same time, and just when things get thrilling, you’re forced to switch to the other one. It might be that I (illicitly) interpreted the reading order a bit more freely (don't tell anyone).
The writing is generally good, but the author needs to leave more things out. The present day storyline is told without any gaps, and especially the storytelling by Lilitu is a bit clumsy. And I guess I would have liked different tenses?
As for the story itself: there’s not much I need to say. It’s about Rue, a vampire who constantly gets her ass kicked, she is a fighter, always pushing through, suffering a lot, bleeding a lot, crying a lot, she is always thirsty and hungry, makes lots of mistakes and is regretting them. Rue is a tortured character, and we follow her through her life in darkness, during which she meets a young woman and their romance is honestly the only light in the entire story. That's why I found it wonderful, sadly it's a bit too short, and I think you could say it's instalove(?), since the present day storyline spans just a few days (like… three?). And FUUUCK the last chapter reallyyyyyy was to short! Objectively! It felt a bit rushed…
Lore and worldbuilding? Top :)
(If you ignore 1-2 little inconsistencies in the execution. )
It's far from perfect. The pacing is an issue, and Rue’s suffering is a bit … too much - seriously. (At this point, I’d like to wish her a good recovery!)
Still, finally a good sapphic vampire story after a long while, and I’ll definitely read the next volume (which is supposedly coming out this year, pls).
October 29, 2025
Veel te veel geweld, veel te weinig romance (/smut)..
Verder beetje saai en voorspelbaar.
Leest wel makkelijk weg.
Verder beetje saai en voorspelbaar.
Leest wel makkelijk weg.
January 11, 2023
A writing style similar to the Queen of Urban Fantasy, Anne Rice, tempered with more contemporary humor and wit. I wish more attention had been paid to the relationships, but the conflict and mystery were great. It is a bit like getting two books, each with a distinct style and voice, so that took a hot minute to adjust to. Once I did, they interwove wonderfully in the end.
November 17, 2021
On the edge of my seat
This book…Wow. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. Rue was kicking a$$ one minute and then crying the next, LOL. The flash backs really gave you a full picture of her and her journey. I would LOVE to know more about Grace and her Angel blood. I’m patiently waiting for book 2. 😳😂
This book…Wow. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. Rue was kicking a$$ one minute and then crying the next, LOL. The flash backs really gave you a full picture of her and her journey. I would LOVE to know more about Grace and her Angel blood. I’m patiently waiting for book 2. 😳😂
November 16, 2020
Good premise, terrible execution.
The most glaring problem of this book is that the story doesn’t match the setup, and vice versa. Like, It was said the older the vampire, the stronger he gets… which is a total bull, cuz every, and I mean EVERY, fight the MC get herself in leaves her in a near-death state. And that’s with literally no-named grunts. And don’t get me started on the amount of blood she consumes. What was the point of mentioning that the hunger gets lesser with the years, if 4,000 years later she drinks even more blood than at the start?!
The romance is terrible and basically boils down to mutual blood addiction. The MC is one of the worst I ever seen. She’s a 4,000 years-old egoistical vampire, that cries every 5 second, craves blood every 10, has anger management issues worse than Charlie Sheen, doesn’t know a thing about other supernatural species (AFTER ALL THOSE YEARS!!!), always makes terrible choices and is just a terrible being.
Conclusion: the book is a huge waste of time and I don’t advise anyone to read it.
The most glaring problem of this book is that the story doesn’t match the setup, and vice versa. Like, It was said the older the vampire, the stronger he gets… which is a total bull, cuz every, and I mean EVERY, fight the MC get herself in leaves her in a near-death state. And that’s with literally no-named grunts. And don’t get me started on the amount of blood she consumes. What was the point of mentioning that the hunger gets lesser with the years, if 4,000 years later she drinks even more blood than at the start?!
The romance is terrible and basically boils down to mutual blood addiction. The MC is one of the worst I ever seen. She’s a 4,000 years-old egoistical vampire, that cries every 5 second, craves blood every 10, has anger management issues worse than Charlie Sheen, doesn’t know a thing about other supernatural species (AFTER ALL THOSE YEARS!!!), always makes terrible choices and is just a terrible being.
Conclusion: the book is a huge waste of time and I don’t advise anyone to read it.
October 22, 2020
I love story about an ancient vampire. Rue is an ancient vampire and it’s a live for 4000 years. She was once a priestess and was murdered and was brought to life again as a vampire. The stories about how she lived through all the different times of the earth for 4000 years. She falls in love kills one lover but the store of the book is about her love for who she describes as an angel. The story goes back-and-forth
September 16, 2020
this is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. This is one of my favorites genders and I loved it! Amazing job! definitely a must
read for fantasy lovers!
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. This is one of my favorites genders and I loved it! Amazing job! definitely a must
read for fantasy lovers!
August 29, 2021
Awesome book with good history background
I really liked the characters as I must do for any book I give praise for. The story of Rue and her maker and all the sacrifice in the story makes for a good plot and makes it one the better books I have read this year.
I really liked the characters as I must do for any book I give praise for. The story of Rue and her maker and all the sacrifice in the story makes for a good plot and makes it one the better books I have read this year.
April 10, 2022
Gosh, I really wanted to like this one more than I did. This isn't to say that I didn't like it, it's just that it's well written enough and broke a lot of tropes that I should have loved it. One of the things is that while other books shy away from the question of 'who was the first vampire' this book actually answers the question and in detail. The book is split in half, the first is set in the modern day, and the other set when the main character was created. You would think that for a vampire to be 4000 years old, she would be some kind of ultra badass vampire, but instead she's just kind of average of what you'd expect a regular vampire to be, which is another way it bucks the tropes.
Let me be clear here: I liked the book, despite my complaining. I'm just frustrated that these faults kept me from really loving it. It's a good showing for the author's first published book, though, and I think a lot of it is inexperience in how to build a narrative. I'm looking forward to see if she what she does in the future. If these kinds of flaws don't bother you, then I'd say that this book is for you. 4 stars.
Let me be clear here: I liked the book, despite my complaining. I'm just frustrated that these faults kept me from really loving it. It's a good showing for the author's first published book, though, and I think a lot of it is inexperience in how to build a narrative. I'm looking forward to see if she what she does in the future. If these kinds of flaws don't bother you, then I'd say that this book is for you. 4 stars.
October 6, 2024
Phenomenal. Engaging. Gritty. Shock-awe. Rich.
Blood & Sand stands far apart from the vampire tales I've read over the years. This was thoroughly researched and written with care. The story is told through Rue's perspective -- our resident vampire -- as her story jumps back and forth from the days of her "birth" in the Babylon ages to today's day and age, switching from a setting of roughly Iraq to Ireland. This is not a romance, but love is what drives Rue's need, desire, rage, and will to simply survive for the unexpected and literal angel that collides into her life. I wasn't sure this book was for me a few chapters in, but damn, am I every happy with myself for sticking to it. Slow moving in the beginning, but so worth it. Wilder's descriptive game was on point, I was right there in the thick of it -- the blood, old and decaying, the burning, searing, charring, bones shattering, the desperation -- as I rocked in suspense along with Rue. Blood & Sand depicts vampires in a less than flattering light, contrary to a lot of other vampire books I've read. Rue suffered immensely throughout but always found her way back. Death was possible, but hard to achieve, and Rue refused to die. I loved how some of the myths and clichés regarding vampires were still relevant, and how some were debunked, showing us that vampires were vulnerable and had weaknesses. Wilder left us with a HFN ending, possibly promising more between Rue and her angel in the second installment of Rue's story.
If you're not in the mood for the sickly sweet romance or sex for that matter, and just want to read a vampire kicking ass, taking demons' names, dying, regenerating, dying again, regenerating again, then this book is for you.
Blood & Sand stands far apart from the vampire tales I've read over the years. This was thoroughly researched and written with care. The story is told through Rue's perspective -- our resident vampire -- as her story jumps back and forth from the days of her "birth" in the Babylon ages to today's day and age, switching from a setting of roughly Iraq to Ireland. This is not a romance, but love is what drives Rue's need, desire, rage, and will to simply survive for the unexpected and literal angel that collides into her life. I wasn't sure this book was for me a few chapters in, but damn, am I every happy with myself for sticking to it. Slow moving in the beginning, but so worth it. Wilder's descriptive game was on point, I was right there in the thick of it -- the blood, old and decaying, the burning, searing, charring, bones shattering, the desperation -- as I rocked in suspense along with Rue. Blood & Sand depicts vampires in a less than flattering light, contrary to a lot of other vampire books I've read. Rue suffered immensely throughout but always found her way back. Death was possible, but hard to achieve, and Rue refused to die. I loved how some of the myths and clichés regarding vampires were still relevant, and how some were debunked, showing us that vampires were vulnerable and had weaknesses. Wilder left us with a HFN ending, possibly promising more between Rue and her angel in the second installment of Rue's story.
If you're not in the mood for the sickly sweet romance or sex for that matter, and just want to read a vampire kicking ass, taking demons' names, dying, regenerating, dying again, regenerating again, then this book is for you.
August 15, 2021
More of a 3.5 but rounded up to a four because there are no halfway stars. :/
Spoilers incoming…
At 4,000 years old Rue shouldn’t be getting her ass kicked so thoroughly nor should she be suffering from the same tiresome mental gymnastics as someone in their early twenties over an attractive girl. The only part I really enjoyed were the flashbacks about her past and felt that I would rather read more about her early years as a new vampire. Her maker was done such a grave injustice with what appears to be a brush off death. Seriously? The original vampire, the strongest of them all done in by some basic bitch torch wielding hunters all the while she tossed Rue over a cavern’s abyss to survive? Pffft to that.
Meh.
Spoilers incoming…
At 4,000 years old Rue shouldn’t be getting her ass kicked so thoroughly nor should she be suffering from the same tiresome mental gymnastics as someone in their early twenties over an attractive girl. The only part I really enjoyed were the flashbacks about her past and felt that I would rather read more about her early years as a new vampire. Her maker was done such a grave injustice with what appears to be a brush off death. Seriously? The original vampire, the strongest of them all done in by some basic bitch torch wielding hunters all the while she tossed Rue over a cavern’s abyss to survive? Pffft to that.
Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2021
I must admit, Vampires is not on my usual "must read" list, historic fiction is. And that's what hooked me - the first chapter reads like a strong historical fiction. So I went for the story and do not regret it, not at all. The book lived up to my expectations.
If you liked stories by Anne Rice and Laurell K Hamilton, I think this is the story you will enjoy.
If you're looking for strong female heroines, this one is right your alley.
If you like vampires, but Twilight wasn't your thing, this might be exactly what the doctor ordered. :D
Seriously, well worth your time.
If you liked stories by Anne Rice and Laurell K Hamilton, I think this is the story you will enjoy.
If you're looking for strong female heroines, this one is right your alley.
If you like vampires, but Twilight wasn't your thing, this might be exactly what the doctor ordered. :D
Seriously, well worth your time.
June 15, 2021
Excellent Storyline and Characters
I really enjoyed reading this. The characters are compelling and I definitely stayed hooked throughout the story.
I wasn't sure at first if I liked the alternating chapters in the time line, but ended up really enjoying it. It was a creative way of giving both the current and backstory to keep the reader engaged and wanting to know more.
The lgbtq characters added a great facet to the story as well. It's hard to find good lgbtq books that work the characters in seemlessly without stereotypes or cliches. ❤️
I really enjoyed reading this. The characters are compelling and I definitely stayed hooked throughout the story.
I wasn't sure at first if I liked the alternating chapters in the time line, but ended up really enjoying it. It was a creative way of giving both the current and backstory to keep the reader engaged and wanting to know more.
The lgbtq characters added a great facet to the story as well. It's hard to find good lgbtq books that work the characters in seemlessly without stereotypes or cliches. ❤️
April 25, 2022
If you're looking for a beautifully written, fresh take on vampires, this is the book for you.
Blood and Sand follows Rue from her beginnings in ancient Mesopotamia to modern day Ireland, over an even-filled span of 4,000 years. Despite having lived for so long, she's never aged past her twenties, and is consequently still prone to making mistakes. Such as falling for totally the wrong kind of woman...I won't say any more, because spoilers. But it's a hell of a journey and one you won't regret taking.
100% recommend.
Blood and Sand follows Rue from her beginnings in ancient Mesopotamia to modern day Ireland, over an even-filled span of 4,000 years. Despite having lived for so long, she's never aged past her twenties, and is consequently still prone to making mistakes. Such as falling for totally the wrong kind of woman...I won't say any more, because spoilers. But it's a hell of a journey and one you won't regret taking.
100% recommend.
July 23, 2021
Not sure
I liked the back and forth between present and past, but wasn’t really pulled into the story. I finished it, but if there’s a book 2 I don’t think I’ll get it. There was a lot of action which I liked, but I wasn’t pulled into any of the characters. Maybe the point was to show how thin the line between good and evil is, but I felt about the same about Rue as I did Thomas. It was a long book to not really feel like I was rooting for anyone.
I liked the back and forth between present and past, but wasn’t really pulled into the story. I finished it, but if there’s a book 2 I don’t think I’ll get it. There was a lot of action which I liked, but I wasn’t pulled into any of the characters. Maybe the point was to show how thin the line between good and evil is, but I felt about the same about Rue as I did Thomas. It was a long book to not really feel like I was rooting for anyone.
October 16, 2024
This is such a gem in the realm of vampire books! Ancient vampire Rue's story, past and present, is immensely gripping. The world is fascinating and the action left me gasping for breath. Topped off with a sapphic twist, this was everything I wanted.
I hope the second book fleshes out Grace's character a bit more, she was a bit of a damsel in distress in this book. Which was understandable, as she was caught between millennia old demons and vampires, but I hope to see more of her.
I hope the second book fleshes out Grace's character a bit more, she was a bit of a damsel in distress in this book. Which was understandable, as she was caught between millennia old demons and vampires, but I hope to see more of her.
June 6, 2025
This is a wonderful, gritty vampire book. Filled with longing and learning. Wow! Rue goes though so much to keep Grace safe. The story keeps a steady pace that moves form past to present but in a good way. There so much interesting stuff in each chapter. It adds a lot of depth and understanding into Rue character. The book also have an interesting take on how vampires were first created. And there is even a werewolf and some fae thrown in. I really loved it.
January 24, 2021
I highly recommend! You will not regret immersing yourself in the masterfully constructed world of Rue. Not only has Aisling Wilder gotten me hooked on her main character's epic journey - moving back and forth between ancient Babylon and the present day - but her captivating book has opened up the whole world of vampire fiction and urban fantasy for this reader. I can't wait for Book 2!
February 21, 2021
There are so many vampire stories around these days it's easy to get jaded. But Rue restored my faith in the genre. I loved the flashbacks to her origins in ancient Ur, beautifully contrasted with her life in modern day Dublin. The writing is lush, the characters engaging and the settings vividly described. I loved it and can't wait to read the sequel.
May 12, 2021
Ms L
Thoroughly enjoyed. I’m sad.
To the author, please to continue the story with Lilitu, I find her fascinating even more than Rue. No big time gap, let her wake right after Rue fall.
Thanks
Thoroughly enjoyed. I’m sad.
To the author, please to continue the story with Lilitu, I find her fascinating even more than Rue. No big time gap, let her wake right after Rue fall.
Thanks
June 4, 2021
3.5. Mixed feelings about this. The historical parts were very good, but I didn't buy the main relationship. Yay for sapphic vampires but it was literally just built on blood addiction the whole time. Grace did nothing but cry. Where was the attraction? But otherwise an enjoyable read
July 26, 2021
Fun Story
Really fun book. Lots of action. I love the back and forth between timelines. The only thing I didn't like was the romance between Grace and Rue. Mostly because there wasn't much to Grace. I love Rue's character alot.
Really fun book. Lots of action. I love the back and forth between timelines. The only thing I didn't like was the romance between Grace and Rue. Mostly because there wasn't much to Grace. I love Rue's character alot.
October 9, 2021
Si bien lo disfruté leyendo, y realmente lo de vampira-humana me llamó la atención, siento que se volvía una lectura muy tediosa o lenta, con información que quedaba en el aire, o info que no venía al caso
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