Bonds of the Vampire King

Blood Fire Saga #7

by Bella Klaus

Enemies to the left of us, schemers to the right, and I'm stuck with the worst of them all.

Kresnik has gone too far. Not content with taking over the world, he has to drive a wedge between Valentine and me. Neither will any of our enemies attempts to drive us apart.

We're going to will this war, defeat those who stand against us, or die trying.

This time, I'm fighting fire with blood.

Bonds of the Vampire King is book seven of the Blood Fire Saga series.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Magic

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2021

About the author

Bella Klaus is an avid fan of paranormal and urban fantasy featuring sultry-as-sin supernatural heroes and heroines not afraid to stand up to them.

Join Bella's reader group for giveaways, advance copies of her books, and to connect with Bella and other readers:
http://www.bellaklaus.com/facebook

Her first series is the Blood Fire Saga, a set of fast-paced stories where the natural and supernatural worlds collide. If you enjoy steamy romance, twists and turns and supernatural mysteries, you’ll love Return of the Vampire King its sequels.

When Bella isn’t crafting stories about magic, she lives in Central London with her inamorata, enjoys True Blood, Supernatural, and The Vampire Diaries, and hopes to one day craft the perfect chocolate cocktail.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series had potential to be good, but it was wayyyyy too long! It could have been finished in probably three books. I got bored at times, but I liked the characters and the basis of the story.

[PelicanFreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still haven’t finished picking my jaw up off the ground since finishing this one last night.
Wow!

This series has been a big part of my life for the duration of seven very involved books to the point that even when not actively reading any of them, they had most of my attention. Now that the series is over … well, normally I’d be sad but I’m so impressed with how Klaus pulled it off, that there isn’t room for sadness. Plus, I’m deep into Abducted … perhaps the sad or empty feelings will come once I’ve finished her Hades And Persephone trilogy.

This book was the perfect conclusion to what has turned out to be a perfect saga. The Greek mythology was heavy and added yet another layer of fun to it all. I’d have liked to see some of the people who spent 7 books calling Mera a blood cow and other unsavory things get theirs … but she seems fine with her new situation so that’s all that matters.

The epilogue for this book leads into Hades’s trilogy perfectly so I don’t feel like I have to move on from the world yet. Klaus is so good at what she does. The editing is well done too, only a few mistakes noted and one phrase or action seems overused. (She seems to have a need to describe the FMC’s throat going dry every few minutes. It’s hard to be mad about that when I’m too busy being completely lost in this world.)

Well played!!
5 stars for this book and for the series overall.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we are at the end... But it won't be over for long! We do have the promise of a new Hades series, where we can probably expect a cameo or two.

Kresnik has officially become a problem, Valentine has been arrested, and Hades is proving difficult. It all comes down to Mera to figure out the plan, execute it, and save the day- and everyone else it seems! I can't give any more of the plot away as it would be spoiler city so that is all you get folks for the plot!

I was really impressed with the growth of Mera the most in this series. She has become very capable within the last few books and this last one sends it home for sure. She is able to take lead and charge through a situation without letting anyone down. In fact, all the supporting cast has come full circle and really developed over time really well. You have your favorites and they are easy to love, then you have the baddies that you love to hate!

All in all the writing is really good, it flows very naturally and I didn't pick up on plot holes. At the end of it, I got my questions answered and didn't feel like I was short-changed in any way. I love the world-building and the detail that went into this series.

This was the first series I had read from Bella Klaus, but I can positively say it won't be the last. Her books are excellent and they really do transport you to another realm. A great read for fans of steamy, PNR focusing on (but not limited to) vampires, witches, and gods.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, this is the epic conclusion to Mera and Valentine's story. Guys, seriously, if you haven't already read the first book, you NEED to read that one first. This cannot be read as a standalone. What a wild ride this has been. Secrets after secrets, death, pain, suffering, self discovery, even some hot sexy times. After all of the crap that has been thrown their way. They definitely deserved their happy ending. From the beginning, I have loved both characters. I do hope to see them make a cameo in the spin-off series, Abducted. This was my first series by Bella Klaus. I am so excited to check out her other series.

I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are at the end of the series, and I’m very sad to see it go. But, I am so glad that I discovered this author. In this latest, Kresnik is after Mera, and Valentine is not going to let that happen. While Kresnik tries to achieve his goal, the Council is up to shenanigans, and they aren’t all in it to for good reasons. This last book is a great ending with loads of action, secrets, and some interesting conclusions. We also get a glimpse of the future, and a glimpse of some spinoffs. I am so happy to see more books with the characters I’ve grown to love and hate (in a good way). This was a very satisfying conclusion to this great series, and I’m so looking forward to another series! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Becky Morrell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm glad it's over. I've never read a series that made me go "oh, FFS" at YET ANOTHER raunch scene. The plot suffered and the heroine is so damn whiney. Valentine this, valentine that. Dude! The world is going to shit. Get your head out of his pants, jeez.

[CAS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

Review


4 STARS


The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 on a great series.  This series really didn’t need to be 7 books.  I feel like the author thought of every single obstacle that could happen to Mera and made a book about it, delaying her HEA.


One of the books, I didn’t even really read, just skimmed through and saw how it ended.  Then the first few books were cliffhangers.  


It might be my impatience, because I felt bad for Mera, like girl hang on, eventually you’ll get your HEA, once the author decides to act right.  


This series is one where you get attached to the heroine, and just want her to come out on top.  You might really think about sending the author a strongly worded email in order for Mera to get it..LOL  I deserve Chocolate after this!  Which speaks to the author’s ability to create such fantastic characters and pull you in deep to their story, that you feel the heartbreak with them.  Well done, and this is the second series I’ve read of hers, and I will be binging the rest.  I love that I got to see some other characters crossover (this one is before the time of the other series I read with the Wolf God, so it was nice to see the beginning.)


One other complaint I had at the end, it didn’t tell us how Mera got on the council.  I think that would have been huge to be a part of that last book, instead of putting it on the epilogue, to say oh yea she’s on it.  This council was trying to tear her apart and kill all her kind.  That was a deep part of the story and to not acknowledge how she became one of them, feels a little let down.


This series, wow where do I begin?  Poor Mera.  She was getting hit at every angle.  Valentine, her aunt, and her all came up with a plan once they realised she might be a fire mage.  Which in their world meant her immediate execution.


However, Mera left for the human world.  Someone  messed with her memories and she thought Valentine just used her and threw her out of the palace in complete humiliation.


She went three years with heartbreak thinking the worst.


Now someone is stalking her and Valentine comes in to help save her, but she is not trusting of him after he broke her heart.  They then learn someone skewed her memories and that is not what happened on how she remembers it.


Then the first curse. ugh.


Someone has turned Mera’s blood into a curse where the Vampires want to drink her dry.  Then they messed with the Wards to keep Valentine and her locked in the house together.  Valentine can’t resist Mera’s blood, the lust for her is too real.   He ends up sacrificing himself for her.  He’d rather die than hurt her.


The next obstacle she has to overcome is her trail for murdering Valentine, who is the Vampire King and a Monarch on the Supernatural Council.


She discovers she is the Phoenix who can bring the dead back.


However, Valentine rises without his heart or his soul.  Making him cold, but possessive of Mera.   He tries to still protect her, that is until the sketchy mage puts a spell on his heart and takes control of the Vampire.  Making him fall to his command.


Mera must now try and save Valentine.  Her only goal is to connect him with his heart and soul and use her Phoenix powers to burn him to bring him back whole.


The obstacles are many in this book that it took 7 books to get through each one.  Each book is a brand new obstacle that is keeping them separated and trying to hurt the both of them.


If you have the patience and love a good series, with twists, turns, lots of rage where you want to throw your Kindle, email the author a few choice words, then go back reading with a lot of ice cream and chocolate, then you will love this series.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonds of the Vampire King is the 7th and final book in Bella Klaus’s paranormal romance series. I love that each book in this series has always picked up exactly where the last book left off. It makes it so easy to follow and rejoin the story in progress. Mera is once again in trouble with Kresnik intent on using her to further his own agenda and reclaim his powers to the fullest extent. While Mera has managed to make some progress with Valentine, the happy ending that she is chasing is still far from being obtained. Until Kresnik is dealt with and ultimately killed, there will be no safety to be found, especially not for her. The final battle is coming and Mera will need to burn bright and strong to come out on top in the end.
Bonds of the Vampire King is a good addition to the series. I like that we get quite a bit in this book. The author gives readers more dips into the mythological with this book and I will admit that I wanted a bit more. The author does a good job pulling me to the edge of my seat with a variety of scenes with Mera and wondering...what happened? These moments typically came whenever Mera would be losing conciousness...which happened quite a bit during the first few chapters.
There is quite a bit of up and down with this story and it was a series of pushes and pulls for me. I frequently wondered...when is Kresnik just going to die?! LOL! The man/being is literally like a roach...a really powerful roach when you think about it. Haha. Now, while his persistence in existing is annoying, I found that I got a bit annoyed with Mera, too. I had a bit of a split reaction to her half the time. On one hand I’d understand her actions, but then I’d think...don’t you have more important things to be worrying about than your modesty, for example? After six books, I honestly thought that she’d have gotten stronger, smarter and/or more sensible, but...it seems that she really hasn’t. My expectations were built up that with her being a RARE phoenix that she’d eventually tap into her powers and become something really powerful. For me, it just takes too long to get there.
While I did enjoy this book for the most part, I felt that it got dragged out a bit too much. I read this book a bit faster than I’ve read others in this series, but it still had moments of where I skimmed parts to move ahead in the storyline. The story gets bogged down in places that could have simply been cut out to maintain a more proper flow, so for that reason I am choosing to rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Bonds of the Vampire King has good moments, but at times there is too much going on and slows things down. If you have read this series and enjoyed it, then find out how it all ends.

[Marissa]

Wow this series sure knows how to put a bang in it even with the last book! I absolutely loved this series and the growth that Mera had throughout was incredible to see. If you thought the last book might be easy going and maybe this time Mera will be able to get through everything without trouble...Bella Klaus had another thing coming for us! There is so much that happens in this book and Mera is once again facing off with Kresnik and we have Hades that is just causing issues.

Mera really steps up in this book and proves that she is a great leader. She takes charge and does what is necessary. In the previous books she had a hard time with that and followed everyone so it was amazing to see her come into her own. I absolutely loved this ending and cannot wait to read Hades' story next to see what Bella has in store for us.

Overall this was a great series and while I am sad to see Mera and Valentine's story come to an end it was a thrilling ride and you never knew what was going to happen next. I definitely recommend you read this story and fall in love with Mera and Valentine and all that they have gone through to be together.

[Bethanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful but long series

I enjoy reading about history and am fascinated by the Greek and Roman mythology that we have here. The beginning is a bit confusing because very little is regarding vampires but instead is a London full of different supernatural characters and I had no experience with the spells , crystals, and treatments in this case. The actual story is of a woman who thought she had no power, had been dumped by her Vampire boyfriend publicly, and is now hunted down by various supernatural characters. Turns out her memory was erased, she is a fire creature that is possibly a Phoenix. Her former vampire boyfriend is a King, gets turned into a zombie, and every mythological creature shows up creating chaos.
I believe the story goes on far too long, we probably didn't need to meet everyone in Greek or Roman mythology, AND there's far too much emphasis on food. This woman is a chocolate addict, is constantly eating everything and anything . BUT, I did enjoy reading this! Cutting out all the descriptions of all the meals could lose at least a few hundred pages!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion to Valentine and Mera's story brought a lot of answers - sometimes even more than expected or bargained for. Going against a god with crazy thirst for revenge and power dominance is a heavy burden, and with everything else going on, they both have their hands full... or even tied, with Valentine ending up in prison. Mera needs every advantage she can gain to defeat Kresnik, but the question is, how many will fall victim to the evil schemes..
Although I am still under the impression the whole series could have been shorter and fit into some 4 books, I have to admit this final installment really contained an epic climax worthy of all the complications and challenges Mera had to endure. Slower in the beginning, the story gradually sped up until it raced to the final battle. It was interesting comparing Mera from book one with Mera here, the long road she absolved to become the woman she is now. And Hades becoming is own book/series actually sounds quite fun.

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy hot fireballs

Mera, a phoenix fire user, and Valentine, the now resurrected Vampire king, are thrown for a loop when chasing their enemy through the tunnels. As the story progresses an unexpected trip causes grief, the return causes more trouble, and there is no guarantee that they will survive until the final battle. All I can say about Bella Klaus’ Bonds of the Vampire King is holy hot fireballs my heart was racing. The number of side trips necessary are intriguing and provide the knowledge needed to move forward with their plan. I see that Hades and Beatrice have books planned, but I would love to see Kain in a story of his own as well.

I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Tara Syrnyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have such a mixed bag of emotions for this book! I was so eager to dive into it, but also reluctant to leave Mera and Valentine! This was the last book in this series and it was everything I had hoped and needed it to be! The entire series was an emotions roller coaster for me! It is a very well written series with fantastic characters and phenomenal world building . I grew so attached to these characters and I am so excited that we get to see them in other series ! I thought this book wrapped up everything really well while leaving it open to be visited again! When I started this series , this was a new to me authour and I now have another favorite go to authour ! I look forward to reading more!

[FluffPandas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series, it had all the key elements, hot guys, action, interesting plot, good world-building and best of all character development.

I really appreciate the plot in this final novel, it all comes to a climax and you get all sad, and then you realise that there is a possibility Hades (my favourite) could become his own little story!

The character development is what really sets this apart from other series. Mera starts off unsure and throughout the course of the series really starts to blossom and I loved reading it. You realise how far she has come in this final book and it gives me all the wholesome vibes.

I recommend this series to anyone who loves reading characters develop through trial by fire and those who enjoy interesting characters and a cool plot.

[Jahaiyra · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author lost it

Like any good series somehow people who write them tend to pull them apart piece by piece and rip it away until everyone completely loses sight of what we originally started with. I believe those that are commenting are single women who have no idea of the real world so they got hot and bothered by a demon book with unnecessary plots. This book was irritating to say the least. My book club was very determined to finish this book and we would get a prize as a result so here I am. Just to let you know we all hated it. The author is in need of some therapy, surgery, anything to help her features better. It is always the ones who look a certain way that right be most outrageous books.

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final installment for Mera and Valentine. But don't worry, it looks like they'll be making an appearance in spinoff books. I'm glad Hades is getting his own series, I've really enjoyed his character.
This final book is the same as the others, full of adventure, frustrations, sex scenes - just like we've come to expect from this series.
I was glad to see that Valentines brothers finally apologise to Mera.
We've come such a huge way from where Mera started, working in the human world - that it's hard to believe she's the same quiet character. But she's grown as a character so much in each book, determined to fight for what she wants.
This was a great conclusion to the series.

[Rebekah Tomkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it’s over and I, for one, am sad to see this end. It’s been one mighty rollercoaster from start to finish. There have been ups and downs, I’ve been thrown for loops, sudden twists and turns and I’ve reached the end wanting to read it all over again! Mera was a fantastic character and she really grows from the shy, hurt sorrowful girl in book one to a strong, feisty, determined woman by the end of the series. Bella Klaus took us on a whirlwind adventure and the plot was great fun, and I loved all the drama and never knowing what would happen next. It was my first series by Bella Klaus but I know it definitely won’t be my last. Truly fantastic author and great series.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonds of the Vampire King book 7 in this series and the finale of Mera & Valentine's books...........maybe? The build up to the showdown with Kresnik was a tension lead, fast paced hell of a read. This series has kept me gripped from the first book until this last one and although im sad this is the final book in the Blood Fire Saga it was just a bloody brilliant ending. So much happened in it that i couldnt put it all down in this review and it would give too much of the plot away. I just loved this series so much.

Im looking forward to Abducted and more of Hades. Beatrice and Lazarus too but im just wondering will there be any books coming for Beowolf?? I really hope so

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

This is the finale that we have been waiting for!! We pick right back up where the last book left off. Mera is still in trouble with Kresnik trying to save herself as well as everyone else. There are still plenty of surprises to come but this is the ending we have been waiting for. The story answers all of our lingering questions and wraps things up quite nicely. There is also a tease of Hades getting his own spin off series that I am looking forward to. A totally great vampire romance for those that enjoy the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Lorraine Brattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible ending to the Blood Fire saga.

This series was truly the best Vampire series I have ever read. These stories were so hard to stop reading. I would honestly read for hours on end because it was just too good to put down. Valentine is a true Vampire King. He has so much power and his love and devotion for Mera is other worldly. Mera has become a great power herself. She is amazing!

If you love stories about the Supernatural then this series is for you. Loads of magic and hot scenes! This is my first venture into Bella Klaus books but it won't be my last. Thank you so much for your talented words!

[thebookcritic_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

dragged out

I was kind of ready for this series to be over. It was drawn out and could’ve been finished around Book 5. Mera was too busy thinking about somebody pretending to be her instead of appreciating that she wasn’t found out. She still hasn’t learned not to trust anyone especially the council. She’s so determined to fight against Kresnik but once she’s in Valentine’s presence she forgets everything. I hated the young man reference to Kain. Mera and Kain aren’t that far apart in age. I feel like Mera isn’t fully practical. She wants to save everyone. This is war! There will be casualties.

The epilogue was the best part.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic conclusion to this series. The author created an amazing, enticing story that draws you in, capturing your attention from beginning to end. The emotional rollercoaster and adrenaline fueled action was everything. There are a few surprises that I wasn't even expecting which made for a helluva read. Overall a fantastic read. Also I'm so looking forward to Hades spinoff. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Retta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh it’s the last book!! It’s was so amazing!! I had some minor questions but she says they will get answered in Hades story! So other than that this was amazing! I absolutely loved it. It was wrapped up beautifully and in such a way that I couldn’t believe it would work out. I mean I kept questioning how it was going to end the whole way. I just didn’t see it til it happened. I love when an author can keep you on your toes till the very end. Now I am just so excited to read Hades and Persephone’s story! I’m sure it is going to be another amazing series!!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an epic finale and it really finished off the series in a great way. There are twists, action, an incredible final battle and a fab HEA. There really aren't enough adjectives to give this book so I'll just say that the entire series was a high octane reading adventure with characters that really pulled at me and made me invested. I can't wait to see more books by this author and love the idea that she'll be writing a spin off series. So much to look forward to, for sure!

[Kelly Bugler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book. great addition to the series.
Valentine and Mera are still fighting to get back to each other but of course it is up to the woman to truly save the day.
Kresnik is becoming more and more of a problem and causing havoc for our beloved couple.
Not all questions are answered in this book but its okay as the spin off book Hades comes out and hopefully will answer them for us.
Great series! well worth the read.

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expect the Unexpected!
Valentine and Mera were always destined to be together even if fate has done its best to pull them apart and the past 6 books which leads us to this much awaited book 7 which doesnt dissapoint.
I have loved this series which will have your emotions rollercoasting along the way and totally packs a punch when you arnt expecting it - even this last book has a few surprises and i loved the climactic showdown ending was epic.
Just such an enjoyable PNR series.

[Jasmine Voosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonds of the Vampire King by Bella Klaus is the seventh and final book in this thrilling series. It certainly evokes a lot of different emotions. I'm thrilled to find out how everything turns out because I for one was kept guessing and this book didn't disappoint. I'm sad that that this is over and hopeful that we can at least still get a glimpse of our favorite duo in Hades' story. I loved this series and can't wait for the next! Well done!!

[Suzanne Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Color me disappointed. I don't know what I expected from this book, but what I got was "the answers to all the questions you never thought to ask" and advertisement for another series. I read the first 8 chapters, hoping for a story to start, but when it didn't look like it was coming, I moved on to the epilogue. The good news is, there is now a series for Hades, who I was rooting for all of the time anyway.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last book of the series but the author does promise more side series. This was an amazing series. The detail put into was mind blowing. I loved Mera from the start. The character grew so much and became one kick butt heroine. Valentine is always a surprise and the twists he brings. Intense fight scenes and things are always heating up with Mera and Valentine. No matter what you think will happen you won’t expect this ending. I can’t wait to read any new series the author rights from this one.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down series

I read the series and every book is just as good as the next. I appreciate the way she leads you into the next book and doesn't waste a quarter of it explaining the book before
I love the way she brings each character to life and makes even the worst of them real and relatable
The sex scenes are steamy yet sensual, even the more lude(ish), for lack of a better word, are done tastefully.