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Blooded
A broken mage. A penitent vampire. Can they put aside the horrors of the past to save each other?
Plagued with erratic. volatile magic, Nicodemus Green focuses his entire life to stop an evil sorcerer who brainwashes or kills anyone in his path to domination. Ten years into this crusade, Nick stumbles upon his former Academy instructor in the Austrian Alps. The strict and pious Byron Domitius has cloistered himself in an isolated manor. Alone and starving, he hates the twisted, damned creature he has become.
A prophecy calls for Nick and Byron to bond by blood to finally bring an end to the sorcerer's hidden agenda. The two are forced to see beyond their shared past, and Nick finds himself desiring more from his old instructor than just his magic. But are these emotions real, or do they come from the heat of their bond?
MM Contemporary Fantasy
Plagued with erratic. volatile magic, Nicodemus Green focuses his entire life to stop an evil sorcerer who brainwashes or kills anyone in his path to domination. Ten years into this crusade, Nick stumbles upon his former Academy instructor in the Austrian Alps. The strict and pious Byron Domitius has cloistered himself in an isolated manor. Alone and starving, he hates the twisted, damned creature he has become.
A prophecy calls for Nick and Byron to bond by blood to finally bring an end to the sorcerer's hidden agenda. The two are forced to see beyond their shared past, and Nick finds himself desiring more from his old instructor than just his magic. But are these emotions real, or do they come from the heat of their bond?
MM Contemporary Fantasy
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2021
2 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Nat Kennedy
6 books53 followersHeroes, Magic, Amore
Nat Kennedy writes romantic fantasy of all kinds. She prides herself in delivering engaging, plotty romantic stories. In her worlds, Heroes abound. Here you'll find good men taking positive actions in rough places. Come along to lands of magic and enchantment—from epic, fantastical worlds to contemporary America, she'll take you on a journey you won't soon forget.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest where the rain keeps the world green. Find her online at natkennedy.com or on IG natkennedybooks.
Nat Kennedy writes romantic fantasy of all kinds. She prides herself in delivering engaging, plotty romantic stories. In her worlds, Heroes abound. Here you'll find good men taking positive actions in rough places. Come along to lands of magic and enchantment—from epic, fantastical worlds to contemporary America, she'll take you on a journey you won't soon forget.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest where the rain keeps the world green. Find her online at natkennedy.com or on IG natkennedybooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 6, 2022
4.5 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Hidden Gems. This has not influenced my review.*
This is one of those books with great everything!
The best thing for me was the characters and the emotion they brought. They felt believable and developed and unique---even the spirit in the house Byron was living in was unique and interesting and her own character---and I felt for them. I felt for Byron most though. He had so much personal angst and turmoil, feeling like he'd been abandoned and forsaken by his friends, the man he loved, God. After the sexy biting scenes, my favorite scene was the one when I realized the true depth of his angst and guilt and pain and when he finally learned the truth about things that had been haunting him. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
The romance was perhaps a bit fast, but it didn't really feel too fast. They had a good connection. Also, hot damn, this author knows how to write sexy vampire biting! Seriously, those biting + sex scenes were just fantastic.
Friendship was an important element too. Nick and his friends were close in school, but the trauma they experienced together on the night of their graduation brought them even closer. For ten years or so since then, they've lived together and hunted down baddies together and stuck together through thick and thin. The friendship between Chester and Byron, what Chester, and even Sean, did for Byron, was heartwarming too.
I liked that the trauma from the graduation day incident wasn't brushed off. It affected Nick and his friends and the trajectory their lives took.
I also liked the way the vampirism was portrayed. At least, Byron's experience with it. Not monstrous, plenty sexy, but also not overlooking the less nice elements of it, like wanting to lick blood off the floor.
The world was basically ours, but with supernaturals and magic as an accepted part of it. There was a magic system that uses spells and components and focus stones and the stars.
There's no indication as of right now that this will be a series, and this was a complete story, but there is a little plot thread that could definitely be followed into a sequel, and I would gladly read it. I really liked Nick and Byron and their friends, and I'd love to read more about them.
Overall, this was a solid book all-around, it gave me some feels, and that sexy vampire biting really gave it an extra kick ;-)
*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m paranormal romance, sexy vampire biting, magic, friendship, personal angst, and a bit of urban fantasy action.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Hidden Gems. This has not influenced my review.*
This is one of those books with great everything!
The best thing for me was the characters and the emotion they brought. They felt believable and developed and unique---even the spirit in the house Byron was living in was unique and interesting and her own character---and I felt for them. I felt for Byron most though. He had so much personal angst and turmoil, feeling like he'd been abandoned and forsaken by his friends, the man he loved, God. After the sexy biting scenes, my favorite scene was the one when I realized the true depth of his angst and guilt and pain and when he finally learned the truth about things that had been haunting him. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
The romance was perhaps a bit fast, but it didn't really feel too fast. They had a good connection. Also, hot damn, this author knows how to write sexy vampire biting! Seriously, those biting + sex scenes were just fantastic.
Friendship was an important element too. Nick and his friends were close in school, but the trauma they experienced together on the night of their graduation brought them even closer. For ten years or so since then, they've lived together and hunted down baddies together and stuck together through thick and thin. The friendship between Chester and Byron, what Chester, and even Sean, did for Byron, was heartwarming too.
I liked that the trauma from the graduation day incident wasn't brushed off. It affected Nick and his friends and the trajectory their lives took.
I also liked the way the vampirism was portrayed. At least, Byron's experience with it. Not monstrous, plenty sexy, but also not overlooking the less nice elements of it, like wanting to lick blood off the floor.
The world was basically ours, but with supernaturals and magic as an accepted part of it. There was a magic system that uses spells and components and focus stones and the stars.
There's no indication as of right now that this will be a series, and this was a complete story, but there is a little plot thread that could definitely be followed into a sequel, and I would gladly read it. I really liked Nick and Byron and their friends, and I'd love to read more about them.
Overall, this was a solid book all-around, it gave me some feels, and that sexy vampire biting really gave it an extra kick ;-)
*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m paranormal romance, sexy vampire biting, magic, friendship, personal angst, and a bit of urban fantasy action.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
September 5, 2021
This was an interesting new book and a new author for me. The world was fascinating. Nick and his trio of mage friends are trying to find and stop a villain bent on mayhem and destruction and have been committed to the cause for several years. Byron was a celestial and a professor but now he is a vampire wracked with guilt and shame who has tried to kill himself by refusing to feed. When Nick and his friends stumble upon Byron, they ask for his help to learn more ways to defeat their enemy. There is an entire set of world and magic building here that I would honestly be fascinated to read more about. I did love how the characters come back together and it is acknowledged that all of them have done some darker deeds in the past all in name of surviving their battle going on between the good guys and the bad guys. No one is perfect. I also love the bond the two main characters build together. A great book and one I would read again.
September 1, 2021
“Blooded” by Nat Kennedy is an LGBTQ urban fantasy with an enemy to lovers romance.
Nick and his friends graduate from magic school, and instead of pursuing the life they planned, they commit to hunting down Woodworm, whose vicious attacks threaten to destroy the world.
That’s all, folks! I’m not giving away any more.
Things I liked:
The first action scene sucked me into the story. The characters kept me reading. I liked the bond between Nick and his three friends. The characters are developed, likable, and engaging. Plus, they have an easy camaraderie that comes from years of friendship.
Lately, I’ve read some novels marketed as one genre but turn out to be romances. I always feel tricked when the plot fads to the background and the romance takes over. That didn’t happen here. Nick’s romance become important, but the quest stays in the foreground.
I enjoyed the humor in the book, especially the interaction between Josephine, who seems to be a cranky ghost, and Byron, a morose vampire. Josephine does her best to make Bryon’s life miserable and drive him away, but he doesn’t budge.
Some Nit Picks:
Places in the middle slowed for me. The first action scene was wowsers. Then the pace slowed and didn’t escalate until later in the story.
There’s a ten-year gap in the story, which at first, I found a little jarring.
The magic and terminology took some getting use to, but that might be me. I happily accept that Gandalf can do things without having to know how he does it. Also, figuring things out is better than tedious/boring information dumps.
Overall:
I enjoyed this story and would recommend this to readers who like urban fantasy, LGBTQ stories, and enemy to lovers romances. One caveat: there are explicit gay sex scenes.
Nick and his friends graduate from magic school, and instead of pursuing the life they planned, they commit to hunting down Woodworm, whose vicious attacks threaten to destroy the world.
That’s all, folks! I’m not giving away any more.
Things I liked:
The first action scene sucked me into the story. The characters kept me reading. I liked the bond between Nick and his three friends. The characters are developed, likable, and engaging. Plus, they have an easy camaraderie that comes from years of friendship.
Lately, I’ve read some novels marketed as one genre but turn out to be romances. I always feel tricked when the plot fads to the background and the romance takes over. That didn’t happen here. Nick’s romance become important, but the quest stays in the foreground.
I enjoyed the humor in the book, especially the interaction between Josephine, who seems to be a cranky ghost, and Byron, a morose vampire. Josephine does her best to make Bryon’s life miserable and drive him away, but he doesn’t budge.
Some Nit Picks:
Places in the middle slowed for me. The first action scene was wowsers. Then the pace slowed and didn’t escalate until later in the story.
There’s a ten-year gap in the story, which at first, I found a little jarring.
The magic and terminology took some getting use to, but that might be me. I happily accept that Gandalf can do things without having to know how he does it. Also, figuring things out is better than tedious/boring information dumps.
Overall:
I enjoyed this story and would recommend this to readers who like urban fantasy, LGBTQ stories, and enemy to lovers romances. One caveat: there are explicit gay sex scenes.
September 26, 2021
I devoured this book in a couple of days. This was a great novel and very well written.
The story begins with four sorcerery students about to graduate and sets the scene of antagonistic students against beleaguered professors. Four of these students are great friends and it is these four we follow after their graduation party is disrupted by a dark wizard, determined to do whatever it takes to rise as a Pure.
Nicodemus Green, casts a desperate spell, that doesn’t work quite as it should, and he struggles to control his errratic magic which plague him from then on.
Byron Domitrius is one of their strictest professors. During the battle he is turned into a vampire, cut off from his celestial powers and left struggling to cope with both life changing events.
This is a great story, with well developed characters, and I must admit you just want the author to hurry up and get them together, because you know that there are going to be fireworks.
It takes ten years for Byron and Nick to meet again, by then Byron just wants to die and Nick has grown into one of quartet of powerful sorcerors searching for more knowledge. Nick and Byron are wonderful together, both broken, both with issues, but meant for each other. Wrap around a magical adventure with plenty of threat and action and you’ll find yourself hooked.
Just a note, that even though this begins with YA characters, this is an adult book, with explicit gay relationships.
The story begins with four sorcerery students about to graduate and sets the scene of antagonistic students against beleaguered professors. Four of these students are great friends and it is these four we follow after their graduation party is disrupted by a dark wizard, determined to do whatever it takes to rise as a Pure.
Nicodemus Green, casts a desperate spell, that doesn’t work quite as it should, and he struggles to control his errratic magic which plague him from then on.
Byron Domitrius is one of their strictest professors. During the battle he is turned into a vampire, cut off from his celestial powers and left struggling to cope with both life changing events.
This is a great story, with well developed characters, and I must admit you just want the author to hurry up and get them together, because you know that there are going to be fireworks.
It takes ten years for Byron and Nick to meet again, by then Byron just wants to die and Nick has grown into one of quartet of powerful sorcerors searching for more knowledge. Nick and Byron are wonderful together, both broken, both with issues, but meant for each other. Wrap around a magical adventure with plenty of threat and action and you’ll find yourself hooked.
Just a note, that even though this begins with YA characters, this is an adult book, with explicit gay relationships.
July 14, 2023
BLOODED is a standalone novel that I would love to see made into a series. I'm really not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet.
It is a story of two parts, one longer than the other. We start off in school, with Nick and his friends preparing to graduate. Then we move forward ten years and see how their reality (and they themselves) has changed.
I would love to know more about their magic, and how it works. As I've said, I'm not ready for farewells! Their Mentor-of-the-Month was brilliant and it showed how they were resourceful and prepared to take the grey path in order to achieve the greater good. The relationships between all of them were interesting and showed how close they were. They had had good times and bad, and it reflected this.
Nick and Byron themselves were HOT. I thought it very well written how these two slowly transitioned from student-teacher to being on a level, with many adjustments having to be made on both sides. I loved how they were together and, I'll say this just once again, I still need more! This is a series begging to be written!
A wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 30, 2021
It is a story of two parts, one longer than the other. We start off in school, with Nick and his friends preparing to graduate. Then we move forward ten years and see how their reality (and they themselves) has changed.
I would love to know more about their magic, and how it works. As I've said, I'm not ready for farewells! Their Mentor-of-the-Month was brilliant and it showed how they were resourceful and prepared to take the grey path in order to achieve the greater good. The relationships between all of them were interesting and showed how close they were. They had had good times and bad, and it reflected this.
Nick and Byron themselves were HOT. I thought it very well written how these two slowly transitioned from student-teacher to being on a level, with many adjustments having to be made on both sides. I loved how they were together and, I'll say this just once again, I still need more! This is a series begging to be written!
A wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 30, 2021
September 18, 2021
This gripping novel has something for everyone: an appealing group of magical friends, plus angels, vampires, a sentient house (one of my favorite characters), and an evil fae creature, all adventuring through a well thought-out fantastical world. There is humor and tension, drama and love (both heartfelt and steamy!). The book starts in a wizarding academy, which inevitably invites some Potter comparisons, but this story fully stands on its own as its own unique world. The author continues to slip in touchstones from the Potter universe, but they are woven into the story in ways that make them not imitation but a winking nod to a classic. The pacing kept this reader turning pages and the tension built to a satisfying conclusion.
October 6, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This is a story with a well developed magic system, heavily detailed and lovingly described. It’s dense with world building, down to the minutiae of spell ingredients, what’s being cooked for dinner, what color hair the girl has with whom Nick’s friend is dancing at the club. It’s heavy on exposition and history and a little light on the plot, which isn’t a terrible thing. But it was, for me, an exhausting one. I felt every single page that I read, and it took me several days to read. This book was a grind, and while it isn’t a terrible book or terribly written, it’s not a very good story.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This is a story with a well developed magic system, heavily detailed and lovingly described. It’s dense with world building, down to the minutiae of spell ingredients, what’s being cooked for dinner, what color hair the girl has with whom Nick’s friend is dancing at the club. It’s heavy on exposition and history and a little light on the plot, which isn’t a terrible thing. But it was, for me, an exhausting one. I felt every single page that I read, and it took me several days to read. This book was a grind, and while it isn’t a terrible book or terribly written, it’s not a very good story.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
September 15, 2021
Byron, is a celestial, losing his connection to the stars and being made a vampire destroyed him. Nick, trained as a Slayer, on the hunt for a man of true evil. Their joining was the stuff of prophecy.
An unusual way of working magic added to the complexity of the story. The world building was well done as were the characters. The house had its own personality and the ghost was a standout character.
The hunters closeness made them a family and their interactions were definitely a highlight. I felt that the author did a great job of using the four to lighten the story a bit.
The evil bad guy even had great minions. Satisfying book.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
An unusual way of working magic added to the complexity of the story. The world building was well done as were the characters. The house had its own personality and the ghost was a standout character.
The hunters closeness made them a family and their interactions were definitely a highlight. I felt that the author did a great job of using the four to lighten the story a bit.
The evil bad guy even had great minions. Satisfying book.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
September 25, 2021
Nicodemus Green must live with unpredictable magic. Sometimes it’s present, sometimes it’s uncontrollable. The power of his magic waxes and wanes and it seems completely out of his control. He embarks upon a crusade to stop an evil magician and is teamed up with some good friends and colleagues. After a decade of searching and learning and fighting those on the darker side of magic, they come across an old professor named Byron Domitius.
Domitius is a vampire and has basically been starving himself. He’s overcome with remorse and disgust over the state he is in and has little or no motivation to exist. He feels that he has been abandoned by everyone.
When Nick enlists the help of Domitius to pass on what skill he has he ends up offering his blood to the vampire. Unfortunately, it’s not until after the exchange of blood has occurred that one of Nick’s colleagues points out that a bond can develop just by virtue of the feeding. In fact, if a vampire feeds upon three occasions there’s a solid bond developed between the two beings. That bond could be influential… it could be used as a weapon to get the upper hand.
Domitius finds himself in the unfortunate position of being a pawn in the epic battle that is going on in the book. Both Domitius and Nick must determine whether the connection they feel to one another is purely because of the blood bond… or whether there is something very “human” attracting them to one another.
This is an entertaining book. I found the beginning to be a little slow, but it picked up the pace quite quickly. The magical world is complex enough to be engaging although I wish that I had been able to learn more about the great evil side of magical beings.
Domitius was probably my favorite character. He was quite brooding – and not without reason. He was turned into a vampire against his will, lost his connection to the celestial bodies, and has lived a decade alone and torturing himself over things he did in the past.
This was a real adventure story, and very enjoyable.
Domitius is a vampire and has basically been starving himself. He’s overcome with remorse and disgust over the state he is in and has little or no motivation to exist. He feels that he has been abandoned by everyone.
When Nick enlists the help of Domitius to pass on what skill he has he ends up offering his blood to the vampire. Unfortunately, it’s not until after the exchange of blood has occurred that one of Nick’s colleagues points out that a bond can develop just by virtue of the feeding. In fact, if a vampire feeds upon three occasions there’s a solid bond developed between the two beings. That bond could be influential… it could be used as a weapon to get the upper hand.
Domitius finds himself in the unfortunate position of being a pawn in the epic battle that is going on in the book. Both Domitius and Nick must determine whether the connection they feel to one another is purely because of the blood bond… or whether there is something very “human” attracting them to one another.
This is an entertaining book. I found the beginning to be a little slow, but it picked up the pace quite quickly. The magical world is complex enough to be engaging although I wish that I had been able to learn more about the great evil side of magical beings.
Domitius was probably my favorite character. He was quite brooding – and not without reason. He was turned into a vampire against his will, lost his connection to the celestial bodies, and has lived a decade alone and torturing himself over things he did in the past.
This was a real adventure story, and very enjoyable.
October 7, 2021
4.5 stars
Fantasy fiction done right!
I was craving a good paranormal, bonded mates story with good world-building that kept the reader in me captivated throughout and Bryon and Nick’s tale was just perfect!
It does take a while for us to get into the action and the romance aspect of it, but the author’s descriptions weave together a wonderful introduction into the amazing world of sorcery, spells and paranormal beings.
Through the detailed backstory, we learn a lot about Bryon’s loneliness, Nick’s courageous and strong personality as well as the strained student-teacher relationship they share.
War breaks out and both their worlds shatter, decades later, a now changed Bryon stands desolate, isolated from the world, starving himself to death whereas fueled by anger of losing to Wormwood, Nick spends years putting together a team of sorcerers to hunt down the bad guys.
As their paths cross and the prophecies dictate that the two bond to combine their powers in the race to defeat Wormwood, Nick and Bryon start anew, rediscovering their relationship as well as mend part of their lost souls. The chemistry between the duo was sizzling and the intimacy of their bond was intense and so very romantic to read. Both their characters were very well written but I loved the way the author showed us how Bryon flourished under Nick’s affection and care. What a few words of care and love can do to a soul in despair.
I would have personally liked a bit more of their romance, just coz I loved the poetic and truly adorable way they flirted.
Complemented with some great side characters, this story is the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, angst and hurt-comfort. Not to forget, the best ever epilogue and last line!
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good fantasy story full of action and romance.
Fantasy fiction done right!
I was craving a good paranormal, bonded mates story with good world-building that kept the reader in me captivated throughout and Bryon and Nick’s tale was just perfect!
It does take a while for us to get into the action and the romance aspect of it, but the author’s descriptions weave together a wonderful introduction into the amazing world of sorcery, spells and paranormal beings.
Through the detailed backstory, we learn a lot about Bryon’s loneliness, Nick’s courageous and strong personality as well as the strained student-teacher relationship they share.
War breaks out and both their worlds shatter, decades later, a now changed Bryon stands desolate, isolated from the world, starving himself to death whereas fueled by anger of losing to Wormwood, Nick spends years putting together a team of sorcerers to hunt down the bad guys.
As their paths cross and the prophecies dictate that the two bond to combine their powers in the race to defeat Wormwood, Nick and Bryon start anew, rediscovering their relationship as well as mend part of their lost souls. The chemistry between the duo was sizzling and the intimacy of their bond was intense and so very romantic to read. Both their characters were very well written but I loved the way the author showed us how Bryon flourished under Nick’s affection and care. What a few words of care and love can do to a soul in despair.
I would have personally liked a bit more of their romance, just coz I loved the poetic and truly adorable way they flirted.
Complemented with some great side characters, this story is the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, angst and hurt-comfort. Not to forget, the best ever epilogue and last line!
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good fantasy story full of action and romance.
October 7, 2021
Wow. What an epic story. Fantastic fantasy, well-written, characters that are easy to become invested in, epic storyline and final battle. It’s got to be hard to write a story with so much magic in it that you have to make up, and Nat Kennedy did a fantastic job at it. So engaging, so enthralling, so exciting! This was a hard one to put down. I could definitely read more from this universe. And none of the main characters die!
September 25, 2021
There’s a lot of intricate world building in this novel, some of it familiar-- angels, vampires, amagical school with aspiring young magical practitioners who live in a world that combines modern conveniences with supernatural powers. Two factions, one obsessed with “Pure” identity and consolidating power. A villain named Wormwood. Added to this are some distinctive touches: magical stones that enhance powers and must be bonded to a particular magic user, for example. The protagonist is really Nick, who we see go from graduation, which goes horribly awry to a life of nomadic magical vigilantism accompanied by his closest friends. The camaraderie those friends share is real, and sometimes charming, although they also have plenty of sharp edges and spend a lot of time picking on each other--they might have been kinder in a past life, but the gritty edges of their reality have clearly bled in to the way they interact with each other. Nick’s love interest is his former teacher, Byron, who’s also undergone A LOT: the former protege of the story’s big bad, he’s basically lived a life of torture waiting for Nick and company to show up and set destiny in motion. The antagonistic component of Nick and Bryon’s interactions comes through loud and clear, and it really is the majority of the time they spend together: Byron is sensitive, proud, and easily annoyed; Nick and his friends are cocky and can be mean-spirited without, it seems, really trying. Nick and Bryon definitely rock the “enemies” part of the enemies to lovers. The lovers thing felt a bit more rushed, but under the constraints of the plot, it made sense. The plot is engaging and easy to get caught up in, and it all ends with a satisfying HEA.
Overall, I really liked this novel. However, I don’t want to end this review without pointing out that there are some views in this story that struck me as somewhat problematic: Nick’s conviction that only penetrative sex is “real” is reinforced by the plot line, which...is just gross and maybe don’t do that? Nick very clearly doesn’t like penetrative sex, and that should just be ok, full stop, not something he has to see as an “intimacy issue” and be forced, by the fate of the world and the dictates of some prophecy, to get over. Additionally, his friends are not great in their treatment of queerness: not only are they *extremely* intrusive about “who tops” and what that might mean, but Jenny is relentlessly biphobic: every time Nick tells her he’s bi, she brushes him off and either insinuates or implies outright, to him and to other people, that he’s really gay. Which is...also very not cool. It’s never anyone else’s place to define someone’s sexuality, and who wants friends who don’t listen to or respect the way you identify? That said, I found this to be a really enjoyable read, and if the blurb sounds appealing, definitely check it out.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall, I really liked this novel. However, I don’t want to end this review without pointing out that there are some views in this story that struck me as somewhat problematic: Nick’s conviction that only penetrative sex is “real” is reinforced by the plot line, which...is just gross and maybe don’t do that? Nick very clearly doesn’t like penetrative sex, and that should just be ok, full stop, not something he has to see as an “intimacy issue” and be forced, by the fate of the world and the dictates of some prophecy, to get over. Additionally, his friends are not great in their treatment of queerness: not only are they *extremely* intrusive about “who tops” and what that might mean, but Jenny is relentlessly biphobic: every time Nick tells her he’s bi, she brushes him off and either insinuates or implies outright, to him and to other people, that he’s really gay. Which is...also very not cool. It’s never anyone else’s place to define someone’s sexuality, and who wants friends who don’t listen to or respect the way you identify? That said, I found this to be a really enjoyable read, and if the blurb sounds appealing, definitely check it out.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2021
Really interesting spin on the teacher/student romance plot. Nick hasn't been Byron's student for some time, but they meet again when Nick and his friends need Byron's help to defeat the villain of the story. They find Byron greatly altered from when they knew him as a teacher. As they begin to work together with a distinct lack of enthusiasm, but for the greater good, they begin to form an emotional bond. This has some incredibly interesting world building, the magic is well developed and the feelings between Nick and Byron flow naturally from the plot.
September 20, 2021
I thought this was a really interesting paranormal fantasy. It's nicely encased in the one story, so no cliff hangers either.
This is a very plot-focussed story, and whilst the relationship is still important, don't expect high heat.
I thought the world building was interesting and I enjoyed the mythology drawn in part from Christian texts.
There is a religious element to this book, in a positive way, but steer clear of that's an issue for you.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
This is a very plot-focussed story, and whilst the relationship is still important, don't expect high heat.
I thought the world building was interesting and I enjoyed the mythology drawn in part from Christian texts.
There is a religious element to this book, in a positive way, but steer clear of that's an issue for you.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
September 25, 2021
Great read! I loved this vampire story mixed with magic! Unique universe and fast read. Great chemistry between the couple which stands out. Can't wait for more.
February 8, 2022
*4.5*
This is my first book by Nat Kennedy and I found Blooded to be an exciting and dramatic urban fantasy romance. There is an interesting array of characters, both friend and foe, as well as strong relationships among the groups.
We start with Nick and his group of friends at what is essentially college for Blooded, those with magical powers, as they reach graduation. Unfortunately, an attack by Wormwood, the second in command of a captured enemy, leaves lasting damage for many. Nick attempted to use a spell against Wormwood but it seems to backfire, leaving him with temperamental magic, and Byron, on the professors and a Celestial, fights them and saves some lives but essentially loses his when he is turned to a vampire.
We then move forward ten years and find that Nick and his best friends, Brett, Beatrice and Jenny, have all been travelling, learning and fighting Wormwood's supporters, working their way towards defeating him. When they end up in Austria, they stumble across Byron who was sent away to be a lookout for any possible dangers but thought he had been abandoned. A prophecy is heard that then brings a new element to proceedings, saying that Byron and Nick should join in a blood bond that will help them to be stronger together and help to defeat Wormwood who is trying to become a Pure, an immortal and powerful magic user.
The story starts with quite an intensity as there's a surprise attack which sets in motion the rest of the book and the mission that the Fabulous Four (Nick, Brett, Beatrice and Jenny) set out on. Their friendships strengthen and deepen with everything that they go on to do. There is a depth to all of the main characters involved and I found it easy to fall into how well they come to work together and rely on each other for everything from personal situations to magical fights. We get to know Byron better after he is sent to Austria and I felt for him as he feels abandoned by his friends and circles the depths of depression, going so far as not feeding for several years which doesn't work so well for a vampire. When the group stumble across Byron in a huge mansion style house, it comes as quite the shock to all considering the ten years that have passed. When the prophecy comes out about Nick and Byron sharing a blood bond, it's a shock to them both but also works in their favour regarding the attraction that they now share. There is a spark that ignites from the first bite and they grow closer in the time that they spend living there whilst also searching to finally end things for Wormwood. The couple work well together, everything that happens feels like a natural progression for them with a good dose of angst regarding everything that has happened in each of their pasts as well as what is currently going on.
The enemy that is Wormwood and the group that follows him is a really interesting and well thought out bad guy. Totally believable in his desire to become Pure and basically take over the world. I enjoyed how we are occasionally reading from his POV but not enough that it completely gives the game away too soon. There are several battle scenes that keep you on your toes, entertained and gripped to see the outcome with the last being an all out brawl between good and evil.
I found this to be a thoroughly entertaining read from all aspects. It did take me a minute to get into the story (not including the first battle scene) but with such a world being created, there is a lot to be explained. I enjoyed all of the characters and what they go through throughout. There is a constant test on their endurance, readiness and skills as magical users but also trust and reliance on each other. The author has done very well in creating this world and a plot that holds from start to finish with a story and characters that I found myself loving very easily. Definitely a recommended read for fans of urban fantasy, magic users, enemies to lovers romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This is my first book by Nat Kennedy and I found Blooded to be an exciting and dramatic urban fantasy romance. There is an interesting array of characters, both friend and foe, as well as strong relationships among the groups.
We start with Nick and his group of friends at what is essentially college for Blooded, those with magical powers, as they reach graduation. Unfortunately, an attack by Wormwood, the second in command of a captured enemy, leaves lasting damage for many. Nick attempted to use a spell against Wormwood but it seems to backfire, leaving him with temperamental magic, and Byron, on the professors and a Celestial, fights them and saves some lives but essentially loses his when he is turned to a vampire.
We then move forward ten years and find that Nick and his best friends, Brett, Beatrice and Jenny, have all been travelling, learning and fighting Wormwood's supporters, working their way towards defeating him. When they end up in Austria, they stumble across Byron who was sent away to be a lookout for any possible dangers but thought he had been abandoned. A prophecy is heard that then brings a new element to proceedings, saying that Byron and Nick should join in a blood bond that will help them to be stronger together and help to defeat Wormwood who is trying to become a Pure, an immortal and powerful magic user.
The story starts with quite an intensity as there's a surprise attack which sets in motion the rest of the book and the mission that the Fabulous Four (Nick, Brett, Beatrice and Jenny) set out on. Their friendships strengthen and deepen with everything that they go on to do. There is a depth to all of the main characters involved and I found it easy to fall into how well they come to work together and rely on each other for everything from personal situations to magical fights. We get to know Byron better after he is sent to Austria and I felt for him as he feels abandoned by his friends and circles the depths of depression, going so far as not feeding for several years which doesn't work so well for a vampire. When the group stumble across Byron in a huge mansion style house, it comes as quite the shock to all considering the ten years that have passed. When the prophecy comes out about Nick and Byron sharing a blood bond, it's a shock to them both but also works in their favour regarding the attraction that they now share. There is a spark that ignites from the first bite and they grow closer in the time that they spend living there whilst also searching to finally end things for Wormwood. The couple work well together, everything that happens feels like a natural progression for them with a good dose of angst regarding everything that has happened in each of their pasts as well as what is currently going on.
The enemy that is Wormwood and the group that follows him is a really interesting and well thought out bad guy. Totally believable in his desire to become Pure and basically take over the world. I enjoyed how we are occasionally reading from his POV but not enough that it completely gives the game away too soon. There are several battle scenes that keep you on your toes, entertained and gripped to see the outcome with the last being an all out brawl between good and evil.
I found this to be a thoroughly entertaining read from all aspects. It did take me a minute to get into the story (not including the first battle scene) but with such a world being created, there is a lot to be explained. I enjoyed all of the characters and what they go through throughout. There is a constant test on their endurance, readiness and skills as magical users but also trust and reliance on each other. The author has done very well in creating this world and a plot that holds from start to finish with a story and characters that I found myself loving very easily. Definitely a recommended read for fans of urban fantasy, magic users, enemies to lovers romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 30, 2021
Blooded is an epic MM fantasy romance and follows the story of Nick and Byron. The book takes some time to get into and get used to the terminology used but flows easily once you get into the book. The book also has some interesting and different spellwork that is great. Overall the book has rich world-building and interesting side characters. Good read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2021
This novel intrigued me as soon as I saw the cover art, which is really stunning.
This book tells the story of Nick and Bryon. It is rich in magic and fantasy.
The magical world that the author has created is an interesting one. The wizard academy at the beginning of the story reminded me of hogwarts so if you like Harry Potter this book may appeal to you.
Because of some of the complex spellcasting and terminology it took a while for me to get used to but i think that's mostly because I don't read as much fantasy fiction as some people.
The book also features a MM relationship in case you're not into that.
The writing is really good and it definitely has had a lot of work and imagination put into it.
I think if you are a fan of fantasy and magical elements then you will really enjoy this one. It's released very soon so check it out 😃
This book tells the story of Nick and Bryon. It is rich in magic and fantasy.
The magical world that the author has created is an interesting one. The wizard academy at the beginning of the story reminded me of hogwarts so if you like Harry Potter this book may appeal to you.
Because of some of the complex spellcasting and terminology it took a while for me to get used to but i think that's mostly because I don't read as much fantasy fiction as some people.
The book also features a MM relationship in case you're not into that.
The writing is really good and it definitely has had a lot of work and imagination put into it.
I think if you are a fan of fantasy and magical elements then you will really enjoy this one. It's released very soon so check it out 😃
October 1, 2021
Entertaining urban fantasy with magic, vampires, angels and so much more. Awesome world-building with interesting characters. Also enjoyed the camaraderie of Nick's friends and their journey.
Enjoyed Byron and NIck in their enemies to lovers' romance.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
Enjoyed Byron and NIck in their enemies to lovers' romance.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
September 24, 2021
Reviewed by Taylin
For Magical History specialist Nick, graduation meant access to even more ancient texts and the opportunity to become a demon slayer. Byron Domitius was an original bad boy who eventually saw the error of his ways, ultimately turning into the instructor everyone wanted to impress. Though he mostly ignored Nick. However, events changed many people’s lives, including those of Nick, his close friends, and his former teachers.
Blooded is a novel that seems to have had an incredible amount of thought put into it. Worldbuilding doesn’t take any shortcuts. It is also a very involved read that takes some concentration. The opening pages included a lot of information and character introductions that I had to re-read with no surrounding distractions. After that, I felt it was akin to Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets Harry Potter with a different type of wand. The story is long, and at times I was impatient for progression, wondering if certain passages were necessary – sometimes less can be more. Nevertheless, the story sucked me in, and I read every paragraph. Life meant that I left it alone for a few days, and when I returned, I shut the door and immersed myself into the intricate tale being told.
The tale is the classic, man wants world domination, good vs evil, where the cast has a lovely combination of personalities. On the outside, it looks like Nick and Byron are an unlikely awkward pairing. The circumstance of their coupling isn’t conducive to a naturally forming relationship – that, in itself, made for interesting reading and something different from the norm. As the story continued, the two grew on me to the point where I believed they were made for one another. Nick is an accepting man of action. Byron is deliciously tall, dark, and brooding with a caring protective edge.
Overall, I found Blooded to be a comprehensive adventure into the paranormal. The action is well thought out, enlightening, and adds another layer to the tale. Occasionally, story progression can get bogged down by otherworldly information and drama, making me periodically overwhelmed, sometimes impatient, mostly exhilarated. But the characters are loveable, and I feel like I fought every battle with them.
There is no word to confirm or deny, and this thought is purely my own gut reaction. But the author has created such an expansive world that it almost feels like the door is slightly ajar – allowing for the prospect of another story from this universe.
For Magical History specialist Nick, graduation meant access to even more ancient texts and the opportunity to become a demon slayer. Byron Domitius was an original bad boy who eventually saw the error of his ways, ultimately turning into the instructor everyone wanted to impress. Though he mostly ignored Nick. However, events changed many people’s lives, including those of Nick, his close friends, and his former teachers.
Blooded is a novel that seems to have had an incredible amount of thought put into it. Worldbuilding doesn’t take any shortcuts. It is also a very involved read that takes some concentration. The opening pages included a lot of information and character introductions that I had to re-read with no surrounding distractions. After that, I felt it was akin to Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets Harry Potter with a different type of wand. The story is long, and at times I was impatient for progression, wondering if certain passages were necessary – sometimes less can be more. Nevertheless, the story sucked me in, and I read every paragraph. Life meant that I left it alone for a few days, and when I returned, I shut the door and immersed myself into the intricate tale being told.
The tale is the classic, man wants world domination, good vs evil, where the cast has a lovely combination of personalities. On the outside, it looks like Nick and Byron are an unlikely awkward pairing. The circumstance of their coupling isn’t conducive to a naturally forming relationship – that, in itself, made for interesting reading and something different from the norm. As the story continued, the two grew on me to the point where I believed they were made for one another. Nick is an accepting man of action. Byron is deliciously tall, dark, and brooding with a caring protective edge.
Overall, I found Blooded to be a comprehensive adventure into the paranormal. The action is well thought out, enlightening, and adds another layer to the tale. Occasionally, story progression can get bogged down by otherworldly information and drama, making me periodically overwhelmed, sometimes impatient, mostly exhilarated. But the characters are loveable, and I feel like I fought every battle with them.
There is no word to confirm or deny, and this thought is purely my own gut reaction. But the author has created such an expansive world that it almost feels like the door is slightly ajar – allowing for the prospect of another story from this universe.
September 25, 2021
Nick and his friends have just graduated from their magical school when a tragedy struck that totally changed their life forever. Whatever plans they have prior to this event has been changed forever and instead Nick and his friends are now dedicated in hunting down the one responsible for the pain and chaos that happened not only to them but to others as well.
Blooded is the first work of Nat Kennedy that I have read. I was intrigued by the blurb so decided to give it a try. This is an urban fantasy story with an enemies to lovers romance in it. It is set in a world where magic is a normal thing with various races and there is a distinct differences between a normal person, a blooded, a celestial and other magical beings. This has been an interesting story though I had mixed feelings while I was reading it.
The first few pages is action packed and sets the tone for the rest of the book. The plot is engaging and hooks one in the adventures of Nick and his friends. Nick and Byron are quite interesting characters. Their relationship was antagonistic at the start when Nick was still a student and Byron was his teacher. Their personalities clash but years later after the traumatic events that drove them to where they are currently, both men had reconnected and the romance between them blossomed. Both are likeable and well-developed. The supporting cast is well-rounded and have pretty interesting personalities as well. The world building was done nicely and the magical system is fascinating. The mix of fantastical with real world sensibilities is pretty enjoyable to read.
It was noticeable though that some parts of the book had slower pacing in which I struggled a bit to get through. However, when it picked up its pace later on and the tension ramped up it was an exhilarating ride until the end.
Also, some of the characters didn't really resonate with me and I found them annoying. The author did a good job in fleshing them out but the quirks and personalities were just a miss for me.
Overall, Blooded is an enjoyable, urban fantasy book with an interesting plot and nice, well developed characters. It has a good enemies to lovers romance which does not obscure the plot of the story but instead enhances it.
I'd give this a 4.25 out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
Blooded is the first work of Nat Kennedy that I have read. I was intrigued by the blurb so decided to give it a try. This is an urban fantasy story with an enemies to lovers romance in it. It is set in a world where magic is a normal thing with various races and there is a distinct differences between a normal person, a blooded, a celestial and other magical beings. This has been an interesting story though I had mixed feelings while I was reading it.
The first few pages is action packed and sets the tone for the rest of the book. The plot is engaging and hooks one in the adventures of Nick and his friends. Nick and Byron are quite interesting characters. Their relationship was antagonistic at the start when Nick was still a student and Byron was his teacher. Their personalities clash but years later after the traumatic events that drove them to where they are currently, both men had reconnected and the romance between them blossomed. Both are likeable and well-developed. The supporting cast is well-rounded and have pretty interesting personalities as well. The world building was done nicely and the magical system is fascinating. The mix of fantastical with real world sensibilities is pretty enjoyable to read.
It was noticeable though that some parts of the book had slower pacing in which I struggled a bit to get through. However, when it picked up its pace later on and the tension ramped up it was an exhilarating ride until the end.
Also, some of the characters didn't really resonate with me and I found them annoying. The author did a good job in fleshing them out but the quirks and personalities were just a miss for me.
Overall, Blooded is an enjoyable, urban fantasy book with an interesting plot and nice, well developed characters. It has a good enemies to lovers romance which does not obscure the plot of the story but instead enhances it.
I'd give this a 4.25 out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
September 24, 2021
I really had hope for this book. From the blurb it looked like it would be right up my alley. I love PNR, I love the world building, and shared challenges the two MCs must overcome together. The development of the relationship over time.
There was some of that, but the story was so slow and confusing in the beginning that I had to jump ahead a few times to get to anything interesting. I’m not sure if this authors other books are in this same world, but I definitely felt like I should understand this world better than I did when the book started.
There was a ten year time jump in the beginning that totally lost me for a while. The buildup of the second meeting between Nick and Byron and the beginning of that relationship took almost half the book. There’s a scene between Nick and another guy (not Byron) around the 40% mark and it’s not something I enjoy in my romance.
If you’re looking for a book that’s a paranormal, slow burn, heavy on complicated world building, this might be a good choice for you. It just didn’t work for me.
There was some of that, but the story was so slow and confusing in the beginning that I had to jump ahead a few times to get to anything interesting. I’m not sure if this authors other books are in this same world, but I definitely felt like I should understand this world better than I did when the book started.
There was a ten year time jump in the beginning that totally lost me for a while. The buildup of the second meeting between Nick and Byron and the beginning of that relationship took almost half the book. There’s a scene between Nick and another guy (not Byron) around the 40% mark and it’s not something I enjoy in my romance.
If you’re looking for a book that’s a paranormal, slow burn, heavy on complicated world building, this might be a good choice for you. It just didn’t work for me.
September 28, 2021
This was a new to me author. I really enjoyed the story! It had fascinating characters and great world building. Including magic, angels, vampires, fae, etc. There’s also humor, lots of drama and love. This was overall a fantastic read. The story is really well written story, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
August 31, 2021
DNF. It never grabbed me. I even jumped ahead several times. I think it’s a case of it’s me and not you.
September 27, 2021
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 hearts
For Magical History specialist Nick, graduation meant access to even more ancient texts and the opportunity to become a demon slayer. Byron Domitius was an original bad boy who eventually saw the error of his ways, ultimately turning into the instructor everyone wanted to impress. Though he mostly ignored Nick. However, events changed many people's lives, including those of Nick, his close friends, and his former teachers.
Blooded is a novel that seems to have had an incredible amount of thought put into it. Worldbuilding doesn’t take any shortcuts. It is also a very involved read that takes some concentration. The opening pages included a lot of information and character introductions that I had to re-read with no surrounding distractions. After that, I felt it was akin to Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets Harry Potter with a different type of wand. The story is long, and at times I was impatient for progression, wondering if certain passages were necessary – sometimes less can be more. Nevertheless, the story sucked me in, and I read every paragraph. Life meant that I left it alone for a few days, and when I returned, I shut the door and immersed myself into the intricate tale being told.
The tale is the classic, man wants world domination, good vs evil, where the cast has a lovely combination of personalities. On the outside, it looks like Nick and Byron are an unlikely awkward pairing. The circumstance of their coupling isn’t conducive to a naturally forming relationship – that, in itself, made for interesting reading and something different to the norm. As the story continued, the two grew on me to the point where I believed they were made for one another. Nick is an accepting man of action. Byron is deliciously tall, dark and brooding with a caring protective edge.
Overall, I found Blooded to be a comprehensive adventure into the paranormal. The action is well thought out, enlightening, and adds another layer to the tale. Occasionally, story progression can get bogged down by otherworldly information and drama, making me periodically overwhelmed, sometimes impatient, mostly exhilarated. But the characters are loveable, and I feel like I fought every battle with them.
There is no word to confirm or deny, and this thought is purely my own gut reaction. But the author has created such an expansive world that it almost feels like the door is slightly ajar – allowing for the prospect of another story from this universe.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
For Magical History specialist Nick, graduation meant access to even more ancient texts and the opportunity to become a demon slayer. Byron Domitius was an original bad boy who eventually saw the error of his ways, ultimately turning into the instructor everyone wanted to impress. Though he mostly ignored Nick. However, events changed many people's lives, including those of Nick, his close friends, and his former teachers.
Blooded is a novel that seems to have had an incredible amount of thought put into it. Worldbuilding doesn’t take any shortcuts. It is also a very involved read that takes some concentration. The opening pages included a lot of information and character introductions that I had to re-read with no surrounding distractions. After that, I felt it was akin to Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets Harry Potter with a different type of wand. The story is long, and at times I was impatient for progression, wondering if certain passages were necessary – sometimes less can be more. Nevertheless, the story sucked me in, and I read every paragraph. Life meant that I left it alone for a few days, and when I returned, I shut the door and immersed myself into the intricate tale being told.
The tale is the classic, man wants world domination, good vs evil, where the cast has a lovely combination of personalities. On the outside, it looks like Nick and Byron are an unlikely awkward pairing. The circumstance of their coupling isn’t conducive to a naturally forming relationship – that, in itself, made for interesting reading and something different to the norm. As the story continued, the two grew on me to the point where I believed they were made for one another. Nick is an accepting man of action. Byron is deliciously tall, dark and brooding with a caring protective edge.
Overall, I found Blooded to be a comprehensive adventure into the paranormal. The action is well thought out, enlightening, and adds another layer to the tale. Occasionally, story progression can get bogged down by otherworldly information and drama, making me periodically overwhelmed, sometimes impatient, mostly exhilarated. But the characters are loveable, and I feel like I fought every battle with them.
There is no word to confirm or deny, and this thought is purely my own gut reaction. But the author has created such an expansive world that it almost feels like the door is slightly ajar – allowing for the prospect of another story from this universe.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
July 25, 2022
Blooded is a gay contemporary fantasy with a romantic side plot (the story takes precedence over the romance, like Outlander). It is not a paranormal romance.
In the past the Pure were banished from the world. Every person who can do magic -- the Blooded -- are descended from one of these Pure. Nick and Byron are both Blooded and can do magic. The worldbuilding was nicely developed, but I found the magical system pretty simple to follow.
I loved the dance of themes in the books. From Nick being a child of Dawn to Byron being a vampire of the night. Of the star metaphor for a connection to God. The main themed seemed to be learning to accept oneself. I enjoyed getting to know the characters well enough that I understood their choices. The magical house was a unique and great character, too.
If you like brooding vampires who are given a new reason to live, steamy feeding scenes, a plotty story of good vs evil, and a cast of dedicated and supportive friends, this is probably a book for you.
In the past the Pure were banished from the world. Every person who can do magic -- the Blooded -- are descended from one of these Pure. Nick and Byron are both Blooded and can do magic. The worldbuilding was nicely developed, but I found the magical system pretty simple to follow.
I loved the dance of themes in the books. From Nick being a child of Dawn to Byron being a vampire of the night. Of the star metaphor for a connection to God. The main themed seemed to be learning to accept oneself. I enjoyed getting to know the characters well enough that I understood their choices. The magical house was a unique and great character, too.
If you like brooding vampires who are given a new reason to live, steamy feeding scenes, a plotty story of good vs evil, and a cast of dedicated and supportive friends, this is probably a book for you.
August 31, 2021
I had some issues with the pacing of this book. The transition from Nick’s graduation to 10 years later felt awkward. I thought that Josephine was very oddly introduced. Almost like this was supposed to be a continuation of an earlier story, and we were supposed to already know that there was a decade between the action and the introduction, and who Josephine truly was. As far as I can tell, that’s not the case, but I dislike thinking that I’ve started a series in the middle.
Then, through a bit of the middle, I got bored. Nick being so undecided about sex was annoying. He is the type of man who will research a subject to death so that he knows everything and yet he never once came across the idea that not all gay men like anal? I don’t buy it. And I didn’t really sense any real antagonism between Byron and the group - not in the beginning, and not afterward. The words were there, but not anything to back them up.
Overall, this was ok. Wormwood was a bit too Voldemort. The Slayers weren’t believable if they had been fighting for over 10 years and not innovating new defenses against a group whose was constantly innovating. And was there any hope for the people who had been kidnapped and brainwashed into obsession of their master?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Then, through a bit of the middle, I got bored. Nick being so undecided about sex was annoying. He is the type of man who will research a subject to death so that he knows everything and yet he never once came across the idea that not all gay men like anal? I don’t buy it. And I didn’t really sense any real antagonism between Byron and the group - not in the beginning, and not afterward. The words were there, but not anything to back them up.
Overall, this was ok. Wormwood was a bit too Voldemort. The Slayers weren’t believable if they had been fighting for over 10 years and not innovating new defenses against a group whose was constantly innovating. And was there any hope for the people who had been kidnapped and brainwashed into obsession of their master?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 23, 2021
This was an overall good story and I went through it pretty fast. The world the author has created was complex, albeit a bit confusing at times, with attention given to descriptions and detailed information about people and surroundings. The plot was eventful and moved quickly, with many twists throughout. Besides the protagonists, Nick and Byron, there were many secondary characters, good and bad, that made the story more engaging.
Thing is, though, I liked it but I didn't love it like I was hoping to. The writing was loopy at times and the pacing was off, making me feel completely disconnected. The romance also let me down. Byron and Nick bonded, but more forced by the circumstances and I never felt like they really connected more, so their relationship, overall, went unrealized.
If a magic filled, fast moving and not necessarily relaxing story is what you're looking for, this is the perfect book for you.
Thing is, though, I liked it but I didn't love it like I was hoping to. The writing was loopy at times and the pacing was off, making me feel completely disconnected. The romance also let me down. Byron and Nick bonded, but more forced by the circumstances and I never felt like they really connected more, so their relationship, overall, went unrealized.
If a magic filled, fast moving and not necessarily relaxing story is what you're looking for, this is the perfect book for you.
September 8, 2021
Unfortunately this one just didn’t do it for me. The pacing was a bit off and there wasn’t enough worldbuilding to make this a solid story. The first couple of chapters thrusts you into this world of magic and paranormal beings but doesn’t quite give you the info you need to understand the how’s and why’s. I felt like this was a spin-off to another series in this universe where I should’ve already known the backstory and history.
The characters were fine but there’s a lot of telling instead of showing in order to speed up the pace of the plot. I didn’t feel like characters had any chemistry and was told their feelings and motivations instead of discovering them through actions.
This book had a lot of potential but it moves too fast with too many unexplained details. It seemed more like the finale of a story or series instead of the beginning of one.
2.5-3 Stars
The characters were fine but there’s a lot of telling instead of showing in order to speed up the pace of the plot. I didn’t feel like characters had any chemistry and was told their feelings and motivations instead of discovering them through actions.
This book had a lot of potential but it moves too fast with too many unexplained details. It seemed more like the finale of a story or series instead of the beginning of one.
2.5-3 Stars
November 22, 2023
Oh, this really did not work for me. I really can’t say I liked any of the characters. Byron was just too maudlin the whole time, and the “Foolish Foursome” were a bunch of brats. They were supposed to be in their late twenties but acted like they hadn’t made it out of their teens. Completely lacking in any humility, their power may have been impressive but their personalities were anything but. And Brett was just …eww. And the big battle with Wormwood was a confusing disappointment and the entire ending left me feeling completely unsatisfied.
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