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Sanguine and Stygian #1
Sanguine and Stygian
A Heart of Blood and Ashes meets The Witcher in this sexy, action-packed fantasy romance.
In a world where mercenary clans hold all the power and children are cursed from birth by blood magic, Kara McKenna is one of the unlucky ones. Marked by a curse that awakens if she’s responsible for someone’s death, she’s spent her entire life as an outcast. She’s working as a farrier in the mountain reaches when the Sanguine Riders invade in search of a cursed woman. Kara’s family is killed in the ensuing violence, and she’s left destitute, homeless, and alone. She resolves to join the Sanguine’s rival clan—the Stygian Brotherhood—for the training that will enable her revenge.
Tensions flare amid the training yard as Kara and the Stygian commander, Logan Vakarian, wrestle with their growing attraction to one another. If she succeeds in her revenge and her curse awakens, she’ll have to feed its dark appetites with violence or passion each month, or risk succumbing to a blood rage.
As Kara’s hunt for the mercenaries responsible for her family’s death comes to a head and her relationship with Logan deepens, she’ll be forced to choose where her loyalties lie—with the only family she has left, or the deadly mercenary she’s falling in love with.
In a world where mercenary clans hold all the power and children are cursed from birth by blood magic, Kara McKenna is one of the unlucky ones. Marked by a curse that awakens if she’s responsible for someone’s death, she’s spent her entire life as an outcast. She’s working as a farrier in the mountain reaches when the Sanguine Riders invade in search of a cursed woman. Kara’s family is killed in the ensuing violence, and she’s left destitute, homeless, and alone. She resolves to join the Sanguine’s rival clan—the Stygian Brotherhood—for the training that will enable her revenge.
Tensions flare amid the training yard as Kara and the Stygian commander, Logan Vakarian, wrestle with their growing attraction to one another. If she succeeds in her revenge and her curse awakens, she’ll have to feed its dark appetites with violence or passion each month, or risk succumbing to a blood rage.
As Kara’s hunt for the mercenaries responsible for her family’s death comes to a head and her relationship with Logan deepens, she’ll be forced to choose where her loyalties lie—with the only family she has left, or the deadly mercenary she’s falling in love with.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2021
55 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Sara Sellers
6 books70 followersSara Sellers lives in Georgia with her three cats. She likes the sound of rain, the smell of gasoline, and the taste of boiled peanuts. She has a soft spot in her heart for K-dramas and training montages.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 29, 2021
I'm a little biased ;)
April 6, 2025
Sanguine and Stygian
Sanguine and Stygian #1
Fantasy
Sara Sellers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ • ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ • ᴄᴜʀꜱᴇꜱ •
I really like this authors writing style. The characters were interesting and developed well. I liked the banter and the humour that went alongside the fighting and the training.
The magic and the world building was slowly introduced and I'm very curious about the curses and what Kara will be able to do with hers in the future.
The sexual tension between Kara and Logan was intense and the slow burn was just right.
Although I liked Kara, she frustrated me at times with how reckless she was. She would act without thinking about the consequences or how it would affect other people.
I wasn't surprised by one of the plot twists and I have a prediction about who the traitor is in Logan's clan. I look forward to reading the next book
Sanguine and Stygian #1
Fantasy
Sara Sellers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ • ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ • ᴄᴜʀꜱᴇꜱ •
I really like this authors writing style. The characters were interesting and developed well. I liked the banter and the humour that went alongside the fighting and the training.
The magic and the world building was slowly introduced and I'm very curious about the curses and what Kara will be able to do with hers in the future.
The sexual tension between Kara and Logan was intense and the slow burn was just right.
Although I liked Kara, she frustrated me at times with how reckless she was. She would act without thinking about the consequences or how it would affect other people.
I wasn't surprised by one of the plot twists and I have a prediction about who the traitor is in Logan's clan. I look forward to reading the next book
January 19, 2022
4.5 - I really enjoyed
Sanguine and Stygian
! That this was the 1st book from new author, Sara Sellers, is even more impressive. I was completely engaged and want more. I loved Logan and Kara and can't wait to read more.
Content/Trigger Warning: cannibalism, animal death, brutality and attempted rape
Content/Trigger Warning: cannibalism, animal death, brutality and attempted rape
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
Didn't feel very invested in their relationship because it was insta-lovey. Could've been dragged over a couple of books instead of the sex scene being in the first. I like having sexual tension and buildup more.
June 16, 2021
Tropes:
-band of brothers (and sisters)
-the couple that kills together stays together (or as I like to call it, battle buddies with benefits)
-alpha hero
-revenge quest
-found family
4/5 peppers on the spice scale
I've been looking for more second world fantasy romance, so this steamy dark fantasy was a treat. It features a heroine who knows what she wants and goes for it and isn't afraid to pursue the hero sexually--yes please to female characters owning their sexuality! No wallflowers or virgins here.
I also loved just how damn bloodthirsty Kara was. There was no winging about violence or one of my biggest pet peeves--assassins who never actually kill anyone. But this does mean the violence was brutal at times. Personally I liked this, but some readers may not.
So, plotwise: Kara's on a revenge quest after the Sanguine mercenaries attack her family, so she goes to their rivals, the Stygian Brotherhood (the other big bad mercenary clan in this fantasy world--which is conveniently full of muscular dudes in leather) for training.
She trains to be a warrior under their tutelage, but she has this curse she was born with hanging over her head the whole time, cause it will awaken if she goes through with her revenge. We learn through the hero, Logan, that this curse that has to be fed with death or sex each month if it awakens. This subplot was kind of bonkers, but I ate it up and asked for seconds.
So once Kara graduates from training, she has to fulfill the revenge quest she set out on originally. But that's complicated by her growing feelings for the mercenary that recruited her, Logan, and her loyalty to the Stygians, who have become like family. The Stygians have a kind of standing truce with the Sanguines in order to avoid an all out war, so her provoking them would jeopardize that truce and potentially get people she loves killed.
The first half was a little slow burny, but the chemistry and will they/won't they tension between the leads kept it engaging, and the romance really heats up in the second half. Would heartily recommend!
-band of brothers (and sisters)
-the couple that kills together stays together (or as I like to call it, battle buddies with benefits)
-alpha hero
-revenge quest
-found family
4/5 peppers on the spice scale
I've been looking for more second world fantasy romance, so this steamy dark fantasy was a treat. It features a heroine who knows what she wants and goes for it and isn't afraid to pursue the hero sexually--yes please to female characters owning their sexuality! No wallflowers or virgins here.
I also loved just how damn bloodthirsty Kara was. There was no winging about violence or one of my biggest pet peeves--assassins who never actually kill anyone. But this does mean the violence was brutal at times. Personally I liked this, but some readers may not.
So, plotwise: Kara's on a revenge quest after the Sanguine mercenaries attack her family, so she goes to their rivals, the Stygian Brotherhood (the other big bad mercenary clan in this fantasy world--which is conveniently full of muscular dudes in leather) for training.
She trains to be a warrior under their tutelage, but she has this curse she was born with hanging over her head the whole time, cause it will awaken if she goes through with her revenge. We learn through the hero, Logan, that this curse that has to be fed with death or sex each month if it awakens. This subplot was kind of bonkers, but I ate it up and asked for seconds.
So once Kara graduates from training, she has to fulfill the revenge quest she set out on originally. But that's complicated by her growing feelings for the mercenary that recruited her, Logan, and her loyalty to the Stygians, who have become like family. The Stygians have a kind of standing truce with the Sanguines in order to avoid an all out war, so her provoking them would jeopardize that truce and potentially get people she loves killed.
The first half was a little slow burny, but the chemistry and will they/won't they tension between the leads kept it engaging, and the romance really heats up in the second half. Would heartily recommend!
March 6, 2025
This was an enjoyable read.
The positives: I enjoyed the world, the found family vibes with the Stygians. I would like to know more about them. The story was fast-paced and kept my hooked.
However, I have many questions and concerns.
First, the writing is decent, even though there is anachronistic language for a fantasy setting. I know, I know, it could be any language, really, but the modern colloquialisms just wouldn't be there. It doesn't make sense.
Second, some of Kara's choices were just dumb. I honestly don't understand what Logan is attracted to with her. She is super niave one moment, stubborn the next, hotheaded, doesn't think things through, but is super confident in her sexuality (when she was only with one person before him) to seduce Logan.🤔 Hmmm. No. Some moments I am not sure I want to root for her. She has some serious growing up to do. She better get smarter about trusting her gut and the right people.
Third, the whole encounter with Wesley. She was already getting vibes he wasn't telling her the truth, yet she went to the lengths to betray her clan and free him? Da f***, girl! She knew the Stygians were good and better than the Sanguines, but she doesn't think honesty and trusting Jon and Logan would be a better option? Even after Logan finally gave in to his feelings? Argh!!! They gave her presents and treated her well, like F*** Kara!
Fourth, how the f*** would Logan forgive her for the betrayal and apologize for thinking the worst of her?🤦🏼♀️ That bit undermines her authority and his feelings. Wrong.
Lastly, there is no 3rd book in the series. This series was published in 2021. No 3rd book? It's not coming. Why continue with this if it is not coming?
The positives: I enjoyed the world, the found family vibes with the Stygians. I would like to know more about them. The story was fast-paced and kept my hooked.
However, I have many questions and concerns.
First, the writing is decent, even though there is anachronistic language for a fantasy setting. I know, I know, it could be any language, really, but the modern colloquialisms just wouldn't be there. It doesn't make sense.
Second, some of Kara's choices were just dumb. I honestly don't understand what Logan is attracted to with her. She is super niave one moment, stubborn the next, hotheaded, doesn't think things through, but is super confident in her sexuality (when she was only with one person before him) to seduce Logan.🤔 Hmmm. No. Some moments I am not sure I want to root for her. She has some serious growing up to do. She better get smarter about trusting her gut and the right people.
Third, the whole encounter with Wesley. She was already getting vibes he wasn't telling her the truth, yet she went to the lengths to betray her clan and free him? Da f***, girl! She knew the Stygians were good and better than the Sanguines, but she doesn't think honesty and trusting Jon and Logan would be a better option? Even after Logan finally gave in to his feelings? Argh!!! They gave her presents and treated her well, like F*** Kara!
Fourth, how the f*** would Logan forgive her for the betrayal and apologize for thinking the worst of her?🤦🏼♀️ That bit undermines her authority and his feelings. Wrong.
Lastly, there is no 3rd book in the series. This series was published in 2021. No 3rd book? It's not coming. Why continue with this if it is not coming?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2022
What a book!
I'm impressed of how much I really enjoyed reading this book. It really had me hooked on it the whole time. I read it in less than two days and that means a lot! I was obsessed with it.
In this book we follow the story of Kara, a young woman who wants to avenge her father and brother's death. Due to this, she joins a clan in order to train and develop her skills. There, she meets the Commander of the Stygian clan, Logan Vakarian (aka my love ❤️), and something starts burning between them.
I'm really happy I decided to read this book. It was in my TBR for months until I decided to give it a try.
I am fascinated with the world building the author has created. Blood magic, clans, a blood curse, royalty, etc. It was well explained and easy to understand it.
The TENSION BETWEEN KARA AND LOGAN was killing me and had me begging for more. The book is super easy to read, it has some plot twists that can leave you bowled over.
The friendship Kara starts to forge with the rest clan members is stunning. I've never wished so hard to have friends like that.
I really hope you can read this book so that you understand why I freaked out with it.
I'm starting the next one right now!
Don't forget to subscribe to the author's newsletter :)
I'm impressed of how much I really enjoyed reading this book. It really had me hooked on it the whole time. I read it in less than two days and that means a lot! I was obsessed with it.
In this book we follow the story of Kara, a young woman who wants to avenge her father and brother's death. Due to this, she joins a clan in order to train and develop her skills. There, she meets the Commander of the Stygian clan, Logan Vakarian (aka my love ❤️), and something starts burning between them.
I'm really happy I decided to read this book. It was in my TBR for months until I decided to give it a try.
I am fascinated with the world building the author has created. Blood magic, clans, a blood curse, royalty, etc. It was well explained and easy to understand it.
The TENSION BETWEEN KARA AND LOGAN was killing me and had me begging for more. The book is super easy to read, it has some plot twists that can leave you bowled over.
The friendship Kara starts to forge with the rest clan members is stunning. I've never wished so hard to have friends like that.
I really hope you can read this book so that you understand why I freaked out with it.
I'm starting the next one right now!
Don't forget to subscribe to the author's newsletter :)
September 27, 2024
I reallllyyy enjoyed this book and find myself thinking about it often.
The plot and world the story is told in is such a unique concept. I really enjoyed all of the relationships our main character made on her journey. I’m also a sucker for skill/strength growth!!! so satisfying and empowering when our FMC developed herself and is besting others that sneered at her in the beginning.
I will admit there are some seriously brutal aspects of this book but it’s really quite awesome in my opinion.
I read in another review that they thought the romance developed too quickly but I disagree! The was definitely slow burn pining and me mentally screaming JUST DO IT ALREADY!!! I love to love a powerful and dangerous MMC that is gone for our FMC.
I am crying the third book hasn’t been released because I’m OBSESSED! I periodically check Sara’s ig and website for updates on the release.
Overall an action packed, unique fantasy love story that was both heartbreaking and pure awesomeness!
The plot and world the story is told in is such a unique concept. I really enjoyed all of the relationships our main character made on her journey. I’m also a sucker for skill/strength growth!!! so satisfying and empowering when our FMC developed herself and is besting others that sneered at her in the beginning.
I will admit there are some seriously brutal aspects of this book but it’s really quite awesome in my opinion.
I read in another review that they thought the romance developed too quickly but I disagree! The was definitely slow burn pining and me mentally screaming JUST DO IT ALREADY!!! I love to love a powerful and dangerous MMC that is gone for our FMC.
I am crying the third book hasn’t been released because I’m OBSESSED! I periodically check Sara’s ig and website for updates on the release.
Overall an action packed, unique fantasy love story that was both heartbreaking and pure awesomeness!
May 6, 2021
So glad to discover a new author writing fantasy romance! I'm a big fan of C. L. Wilson and Grace Draven but love to see newcomers to the genre. This book was gritty and fast-paced, with nonstop action and a load of sexual tension. (And once they get to it, the sex scenes are HOT!) The dialogue and banter between the characters jumps off the page, and I loved the sense of camaraderie around the mercenaries. The whole concept of the rival mercenary clans and mercenary guild felt really cool and unique.
Overall, it's sleek and dark and sexy with kiss-me-at-the-edge-of-your-knife scenes and characters teetering on the edge of lust and violence. If you like your romance with swordplay and fight scenes (and those oh-so-wonderful hero/heroine is in danger moments) then this is the book for you.
Overall, it's sleek and dark and sexy with kiss-me-at-the-edge-of-your-knife scenes and characters teetering on the edge of lust and violence. If you like your romance with swordplay and fight scenes (and those oh-so-wonderful hero/heroine is in danger moments) then this is the book for you.
June 4, 2021
Have book hangover after A Heart of Blood and Ashes, From Blood and Ash, or A Court of Silver Flames? Read this!
It’s a full-length adult fantasy romance with mercenaries, blood magic, and a sex curse. What more could you want?
The pacing is quick. It has that unputdownable quality to it. I loved seeing Kara transform into a badass female warrior. The world building with the mercenary clans was introduced really naturally. It wasn’t super info-dumpy like some fantasy can be.
And Logan—hnggh—so hot. I loved the dynamic between the two of them.
Can’t wait for book two!
NOT for readers who dislike cursing and violence.
It’s a full-length adult fantasy romance with mercenaries, blood magic, and a sex curse. What more could you want?
The pacing is quick. It has that unputdownable quality to it. I loved seeing Kara transform into a badass female warrior. The world building with the mercenary clans was introduced really naturally. It wasn’t super info-dumpy like some fantasy can be.
And Logan—hnggh—so hot. I loved the dynamic between the two of them.
Can’t wait for book two!
NOT for readers who dislike cursing and violence.
November 19, 2021
Different twist with great adventure.
Definitely a fast paced read! Action, friendship and intense attraction. The characters are well built and the story keeps moving. Some areas leave you with questions and hopefully book 2 can answer those.
Definitely a fast paced read! Action, friendship and intense attraction. The characters are well built and the story keeps moving. Some areas leave you with questions and hopefully book 2 can answer those.
November 21, 2022
Kara and Logan
Love doesn't know itself sometimes. Kara found her way to a mercenary unit after her father and brother were killed. From there the story is about her trails and tribe to find herself and her sibling. Logan turns out to be just the one to help.
Love doesn't know itself sometimes. Kara found her way to a mercenary unit after her father and brother were killed. From there the story is about her trails and tribe to find herself and her sibling. Logan turns out to be just the one to help.
May 22, 2021
Action packed read with enjoyable dialogue between the two main characters but be warned it is a bit instalove and not for everyone. I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2021
Wow!
This was intense! The ending was hot! And nothing like a good power couple to make everything hotter than usual!
This was intense! The ending was hot! And nothing like a good power couple to make everything hotter than usual!
September 15, 2022
Not bad
It was a good read, I expect to read further book in the series, so we'll done Sara, the characters were believable and interesting.
It was a good read, I expect to read further book in the series, so we'll done Sara, the characters were believable and interesting.
February 22, 2024
So good! This series should be getting more attention from the Romantasy crowd. Fast paced but the world building doesn't suffer for it. Logan is hot. Kara is awesome.
dnf
February 25, 2024the writing was just too dry for me to feel a connection with any of the characters
March 9, 2025
A little predictable yes but I had a great time reading this and I enjoyed the world building
June 16, 2023
Sanguine and Stygian is a captivating and intense fantasy novel that weaves a tale of revenge, betrayal, and unexpected love. With a fierce and complex protagonist, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world of assassins, political intrigue, and magical forces.
I loved this. It had The Witcher vibes, especially certain scenes that had a Kaer Morhen feel. It's action-packed, and the romance is sizzle-worthy. I couldn't help but fall for Logan! Yummy.
I loved this. It had The Witcher vibes, especially certain scenes that had a Kaer Morhen feel. It's action-packed, and the romance is sizzle-worthy. I couldn't help but fall for Logan! Yummy.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews