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Æsa
In 1783 Mount Laki erupted, leaving Iceland in famine. The sirens surfaced to help man, forming a bond between them. Árelía and Prince Eiríkur joined together to keep peace among the two species, and peace was kept until greed and gluttony consumed Prince Eiríkur. Twenty-five years later, there hasn’t been a siren sighted in six years. Until Æsa is discovered by siren hunters and everyone is after her, some for show and some for feasting, while others may have intentions far more sinister.
Nikolai has escaped a violent past. Jealousy, betrayal, hatred, and murder entrench his family, and he no longer wants any part of it. However, his brothers won’t let him go and seek him out. Nikolai knows they are coming for him and is ready to accept his fate. But he has one last thing to do before he does—and he must have Æsa to do it. Æsa does not trust man and never will; in fact, she despises them. But Nikolai is not a man.
Tragic, powerful, and darkly beautiful, Æsa is the second book in the Blood Bound series.
Nikolai has escaped a violent past. Jealousy, betrayal, hatred, and murder entrench his family, and he no longer wants any part of it. However, his brothers won’t let him go and seek him out. Nikolai knows they are coming for him and is ready to accept his fate. But he has one last thing to do before he does—and he must have Æsa to do it. Æsa does not trust man and never will; in fact, she despises them. But Nikolai is not a man.
Tragic, powerful, and darkly beautiful, Æsa is the second book in the Blood Bound series.
- GenresFantasy
252 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2021
About the author
Sabrina Voerman
13 books112 followersSabrina Voerman is a West Coaster who spends her time hiking and exploring all the richness of the island she lives on. With a profound love of fairy tales and all things witchy, she draws her inspiration from the nature around her, allowing it to bleed into her storytelling. She is always seeking new adventures and places to explore, either in life or in her writing. When she isn’t traversing all Vancouver Island has to offer, she can be found with a cup of coffee either reading a book or writing one.
She lives alone with her three plants she never asked for but somehow inherited. Thankfully, they thrive on neglect.
She lives alone with her three plants she never asked for but somehow inherited. Thankfully, they thrive on neglect.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 1, 2021
“It was a voice that you might hear mocking in the distance as you were dying, one that soothed you and calmed you while causing your pain.”
In the eventful waters living between the pages of Æsa lives more than just the story of one siren. So many enthralling and emotional storylines connect, all unrushed and flowing to finality. The end isn’t what you’re desperate for, because this is a story that you don’t want to see end, but to know the fates of the characters so diligently written is something you’ll be pining for.
The lore and creation of a world so dark and dramatic will keep you immersed, sucked beneath twists, turns, and tides.
If the mature tale of the mermaid is what you’ve been holding your breath for, Æsa is where you’ll find your relief.
In the eventful waters living between the pages of Æsa lives more than just the story of one siren. So many enthralling and emotional storylines connect, all unrushed and flowing to finality. The end isn’t what you’re desperate for, because this is a story that you don’t want to see end, but to know the fates of the characters so diligently written is something you’ll be pining for.
The lore and creation of a world so dark and dramatic will keep you immersed, sucked beneath twists, turns, and tides.
If the mature tale of the mermaid is what you’ve been holding your breath for, Æsa is where you’ll find your relief.
November 2, 2021
Voerman returns to dark fiction with a roiling tidal wave of caustic emotion, and with her second release, Aesa...you'll drown in vivid prose & characters born of infinite complexity.
When Red released, I complimented Voerman on her world-building and dedication to historical accuracy, and with Aesa, I've found that this author has a whole arsenal of talent for weaving fantasy.
Voerman paints a grim & hardscrabble world where mermaids are hunted and harvested for their meat, and to be a siren is to be constantly persecuted by humankind. Enter Nikolai, my favorite character in the entire book...an aloof vampiric outcast with a tortured origin and a penchant for standing up for the preservation of sirens while all others seek their exploitation.
Vampires, mermaids, and mad kings...Voerman presents a fairytale universe that is sure to satiate any lover of fantasy, the environments & characters carrying a dark bite, and you'll be pleased to know that her universe interconnects with callbacks to Red and the werewolf lore she created in her first book.
A core element of the story is a tragic love between two outcasts, both creatures carrying guilt and pain from past hurts, and the little tastes of warmth and compassion they're able to draw from each other.
If you're seeking a siren song that'll resonate in the brain long after reading, open your heart to the voice of Aesa...you won't regret it.
When Red released, I complimented Voerman on her world-building and dedication to historical accuracy, and with Aesa, I've found that this author has a whole arsenal of talent for weaving fantasy.
Voerman paints a grim & hardscrabble world where mermaids are hunted and harvested for their meat, and to be a siren is to be constantly persecuted by humankind. Enter Nikolai, my favorite character in the entire book...an aloof vampiric outcast with a tortured origin and a penchant for standing up for the preservation of sirens while all others seek their exploitation.
Vampires, mermaids, and mad kings...Voerman presents a fairytale universe that is sure to satiate any lover of fantasy, the environments & characters carrying a dark bite, and you'll be pleased to know that her universe interconnects with callbacks to Red and the werewolf lore she created in her first book.
A core element of the story is a tragic love between two outcasts, both creatures carrying guilt and pain from past hurts, and the little tastes of warmth and compassion they're able to draw from each other.
If you're seeking a siren song that'll resonate in the brain long after reading, open your heart to the voice of Aesa...you won't regret it.
November 6, 2021
I had high expectations going into Æsa due to my enjoyment of Voerman's first novel, Red. All I knew of the book was that there was a siren involved, and it took place in the same world as Red. I did not know there were vampires, and anyone who knows me, knows that this is a very, very good thing. To say I liked Æsa would be a gross understatement. I began reading it last weekend, days before my own book release, which derailed my reading a bit. But the entire time, I was looking forward to getting back to Iceland, to Æsa and Nikolai, and Kashmir (Voerman, we need to chat).
The story itself was almost striaghformward in its penitent morally grey vampire, saving the last of the sea sirens. However, the world Voerman built, luring us in with its song of a volcanic eruption which sent the world into a spell of starvation, lust, greed, and war, was astounding. Each character was drawn so specifically and wonderfully, that I craved more of them, much like the mad king and his addiction to siren flesh. The author bled me a bit with that ending, though, so I I'm walking away melancholic, yet so utterly satisfied with Æsa. The reading world will definitely know Voerman's name shortly. This book is one for the ages. An easy five stars. I loved it.
The story itself was almost striaghformward in its penitent morally grey vampire, saving the last of the sea sirens. However, the world Voerman built, luring us in with its song of a volcanic eruption which sent the world into a spell of starvation, lust, greed, and war, was astounding. Each character was drawn so specifically and wonderfully, that I craved more of them, much like the mad king and his addiction to siren flesh. The author bled me a bit with that ending, though, so I I'm walking away melancholic, yet so utterly satisfied with Æsa. The reading world will definitely know Voerman's name shortly. This book is one for the ages. An easy five stars. I loved it.
March 15, 2022
I picked this up a while back, during the launch period, and didn't have the time to read it until months later.
However, even after several months, I have found myself surprised, again, by Sabrina Voerman's writing style. Her first book was already a lovely, funny, enjoyable, and sometimes dark twist on a fairytale. This, is no different, and encompasses a lot of dark themes.
Mermaids are hunted and killed, their meat is harvested. There are emotional storylines of different people. There are even tints of human greed, exploitation, the murder of one's own kin (In this case, vampires hunting and killing their own) that are told through two different characters. Nikolai, the vampire, and Æsa, the siren. It interwines with fantasy and dark fantasy, and not only did Voerman have already an arsenal that was surprising, in terms of historical accuracy with her first novel, but I realized, she even has great worldbuilding and fantasy-versed skills that take you into dark, grim little places that you wouldn't really expect. You look at the cover, it's a blue, and somewhat welcoming cover. Fresh, not really dark or harmful. And then, just as you think it'll be a light read, you get sucked straight into a dark and completely devastating world filled with all sorts of different takes on humanity, greed, hatred, slaughter and murder, economical greed, consumption, and much, much more.
5/5, has become one of my few favorite authors.
However, even after several months, I have found myself surprised, again, by Sabrina Voerman's writing style. Her first book was already a lovely, funny, enjoyable, and sometimes dark twist on a fairytale. This, is no different, and encompasses a lot of dark themes.
Mermaids are hunted and killed, their meat is harvested. There are emotional storylines of different people. There are even tints of human greed, exploitation, the murder of one's own kin (In this case, vampires hunting and killing their own) that are told through two different characters. Nikolai, the vampire, and Æsa, the siren. It interwines with fantasy and dark fantasy, and not only did Voerman have already an arsenal that was surprising, in terms of historical accuracy with her first novel, but I realized, she even has great worldbuilding and fantasy-versed skills that take you into dark, grim little places that you wouldn't really expect. You look at the cover, it's a blue, and somewhat welcoming cover. Fresh, not really dark or harmful. And then, just as you think it'll be a light read, you get sucked straight into a dark and completely devastating world filled with all sorts of different takes on humanity, greed, hatred, slaughter and murder, economical greed, consumption, and much, much more.
5/5, has become one of my few favorite authors.
November 3, 2021
"When you begin to clean up the earth of evildoers, you don't feel so bad about being evil yourself." - ÆSA
One of the most notable things about this story was the depiction of suffering, and its heaviness upon a soul. Past, present, and expecting suffering in the future, these characters of fantasy portray realistic emotions. And just as well written are the subtle hints of hope that ultimately lead them from their suffering, and to the unexpected forms of freedom.
I hadn't realized how much I actually enjoyed dark fantasy until after reading Sabrina's first novel, Red, in the Blood Bound Series, then after reading this one and being blown away by the entire story, I'm now anxiously waiting for the next. I was immersed into ÆSA and couldn't read it fast enough, drawn to the suspense.
One of the most notable things about this story was the depiction of suffering, and its heaviness upon a soul. Past, present, and expecting suffering in the future, these characters of fantasy portray realistic emotions. And just as well written are the subtle hints of hope that ultimately lead them from their suffering, and to the unexpected forms of freedom.
I hadn't realized how much I actually enjoyed dark fantasy until after reading Sabrina's first novel, Red, in the Blood Bound Series, then after reading this one and being blown away by the entire story, I'm now anxiously waiting for the next. I was immersed into ÆSA and couldn't read it fast enough, drawn to the suspense.
April 8, 2022
I’ve watched The Little Mermaid somewhere up in the 1000’s. It is my absolute favorite movie. I also love horror. This means that any time and every time I see someone saying “this ____ is the horror version of The Little Mermaid!” I instantly consume it. It happens more than you would think. Trust me when I say there just isn’t any reason for anyone to try that anymore. Sabrina Voerman has perfected that concept here. Everything I love about the film is here, loyal friendships, characters who don’t fit in in the world they are born into, and a strong feeling of attachment to the story itself. Voerman’s ÆSA is an absolute powerhouse of a book; the best comparison I can make is that it is a sledgehammer painted as elegantly as a church cathedral. Bludgeoning in its emotional pull, delicate in its telling, beautifully passionate. There isn’t a line here that feels like Voerman said “yah, that’ll get me to the next chapter.” Every sentence has been crafted to fit into the grand scheme of the story. The world inside of this book is one I would love to see more of; the wars, the inside of Erikurs life, the world below the water’s surface. The world feels so big and fleshed out that I don’t doubt Voerman has actually been there and seen first hand the oceans, the circuses, the larger than life fables and myths. If you like the idea of “dark fairytale” but never feel quite satisfied, give ÆSA a read, you’ll come away completely satisfied but with a craving for more of these stories. Also, Erikure is a real asshole, he did Aeriel wrong and he knows it. K thx.
April 25, 2022
"He had her image burned into his memory, but it was not seeing her that he longed for. "
Second in the Blood Bound series, Voerman takes us to Iceland where it's been a decade since the mad King disappeared, after having grown a taste for siren tail, therefore causing their extinction. Æsa has been the only sister left for a long time, and when she is captured for sale she thinks it is her end, but she doesn't know Nikolai and Kashmir yet, and the lengths they will go to in order to try to save her.
Nikolai has his own problems, having left the brotherhood of vampires. He is softer than his kind and means to repent through helping sirens. Easier said than done -- the brotherhood is only a few steps behind his trail....
I enjoyed the mad King. I would have loved to read more about him and his experiments, gruesome as they were.
Also the type of vampires are different than what I usually seek in vampires, but I can appreciate the creative license in taken here.
I would recommend picking this up to see how an isolated siren and isolated vampire relate to each other, and whether or not they succeed in their mission. It is original, tender and violent.
Second in the Blood Bound series, Voerman takes us to Iceland where it's been a decade since the mad King disappeared, after having grown a taste for siren tail, therefore causing their extinction. Æsa has been the only sister left for a long time, and when she is captured for sale she thinks it is her end, but she doesn't know Nikolai and Kashmir yet, and the lengths they will go to in order to try to save her.
Nikolai has his own problems, having left the brotherhood of vampires. He is softer than his kind and means to repent through helping sirens. Easier said than done -- the brotherhood is only a few steps behind his trail....
I enjoyed the mad King. I would have loved to read more about him and his experiments, gruesome as they were.
Also the type of vampires are different than what I usually seek in vampires, but I can appreciate the creative license in taken here.
I would recommend picking this up to see how an isolated siren and isolated vampire relate to each other, and whether or not they succeed in their mission. It is original, tender and violent.
September 18, 2022
Æ𝘚𝘈 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭. 𝘝𝘰𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘺 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘥, Æ𝘴𝘢.
𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵-𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘷𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦, 𝘕𝘪𝘬𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘪, 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥, Æ𝘴𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘕𝘪𝘬𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘪 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘤 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.
𝘝𝘰𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 Æ𝘴𝘢 𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦, 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦, 𝘝𝘰𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.
𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵-𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘷𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦, 𝘕𝘪𝘬𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘪, 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥, Æ𝘴𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘕𝘪𝘬𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘪 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘤 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.
𝘝𝘰𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 Æ𝘴𝘢 𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦, 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦, 𝘝𝘰𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.
November 7, 2021
With all the hallmarks of a real-life fairy tale, Æsa is the beautifully told, fully-realized mermaid story my heart has been yearning for.
Just like a siren song, Æsa will pull you to the water’s edge and lull you into the arms of the sea, and you won’t know you’re drowning until it’s too late.
This is exactly what it feels like to read Æsa—the mere premise of a mature mermaid tale is enticing enough as it is, but the deeper you wade into the story, the more you will fall in love with the unapologetically dark world Voerman has crafted.
Tortured vampire Nikolai and siren of the sea Æsa are on two paths that intertwine in a spectacular marriage of beloved dark fantasy tropes and an enthralling writing style that will imprint these characters into your mind forever.
Sirens are devoured for their flesh, humans are sucked dry of their blood, and vampires are hunted down by their own as the author wrangles themes of consumption, exploitation and human greed.
At the heart of the tale are Nikolai and Æsa’s past sins, and the hope at redemption propels their journey towards an explosion of an ending that is so full-circle, so expected and un-expected, and just simply perfect.
Voerman has touched upon a certain element of timelessness in the ending of Æsa that can be likened to the bittersweet endings of the folktales told by the Brothers Grimm, and for that alone this story has earned its title of being a transcendent mermaid tale.
What are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor, and listen to the siren song.
Just like a siren song, Æsa will pull you to the water’s edge and lull you into the arms of the sea, and you won’t know you’re drowning until it’s too late.
This is exactly what it feels like to read Æsa—the mere premise of a mature mermaid tale is enticing enough as it is, but the deeper you wade into the story, the more you will fall in love with the unapologetically dark world Voerman has crafted.
Tortured vampire Nikolai and siren of the sea Æsa are on two paths that intertwine in a spectacular marriage of beloved dark fantasy tropes and an enthralling writing style that will imprint these characters into your mind forever.
Sirens are devoured for their flesh, humans are sucked dry of their blood, and vampires are hunted down by their own as the author wrangles themes of consumption, exploitation and human greed.
At the heart of the tale are Nikolai and Æsa’s past sins, and the hope at redemption propels their journey towards an explosion of an ending that is so full-circle, so expected and un-expected, and just simply perfect.
Voerman has touched upon a certain element of timelessness in the ending of Æsa that can be likened to the bittersweet endings of the folktales told by the Brothers Grimm, and for that alone this story has earned its title of being a transcendent mermaid tale.
What are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor, and listen to the siren song.
November 28, 2021
Voerman strikes again with her second book in the blood bound series. Æsa was a masterful prose that dug into the dark depths of mankind. I couldn't help but feel familiarity with this historical fiction and the parallels it had to the same atrocities that we are currently living through today. My heart ached for Æsa and her journey. Voerman brought this character to life with raw dialogue and descriptive actions placed upon and taken by Æsa, as well as other characters.
Then there was Nikolai. Hands down the best tragic hero I've read in quite sometime. His trials and tribulations placed me within the pages--where the words were visceral. As a reader, I prefer stories that connect me to the characters on an emotional level rather than just being told a story. So, it's highly appreciated when an author does just that.
Now, apart from the emotional response this book evoked. The story itself was excellently executed. Voerman writes with poetic elegance while maintaining a clear and concise narrative. The chapters are perfectly paced and layered to reveal the whole tale in the most delicious of ways. It is also evident that Voerman took care to make her historical fiction as accurate as possible, which I appreciated the most. For me, the thing that makes a story is when even the most impossible scenario actually comes across as plausible. Voerman, did just that.
I highly recommend picking this book up. To savour every page and let it melt into you. This is definitely a book that will stay with (me) for a long time.
Æsa
Then there was Nikolai. Hands down the best tragic hero I've read in quite sometime. His trials and tribulations placed me within the pages--where the words were visceral. As a reader, I prefer stories that connect me to the characters on an emotional level rather than just being told a story. So, it's highly appreciated when an author does just that.
Now, apart from the emotional response this book evoked. The story itself was excellently executed. Voerman writes with poetic elegance while maintaining a clear and concise narrative. The chapters are perfectly paced and layered to reveal the whole tale in the most delicious of ways. It is also evident that Voerman took care to make her historical fiction as accurate as possible, which I appreciated the most. For me, the thing that makes a story is when even the most impossible scenario actually comes across as plausible. Voerman, did just that.
I highly recommend picking this book up. To savour every page and let it melt into you. This is definitely a book that will stay with (me) for a long time.
Æsa
November 27, 2021
"Everyone had something to look back on and keep them up at night, memories that taunted and swirled through their mind, haunting them."
After falling in love with "RED", I was so excited for the release of Æsa. As expected, I absolutely loved it! This fantasy novel takes place in Iceland where a mad King reigns and siren are relentlessly hunted by humans which ultimately annihilates their population. After a lost war, the remaining siren are forced into the deep depths of the ocean and assumed to have died off. Æsa spends a decade alone in the dark sunless waters and believes she is the last of her kind. She then makes a decision that not only puts her in danger but causes a ripple effect. When word spreads of a siren sighting, Æsa has enemies coming at her from every direction. Then comes Nikolai, a vampire with a dark and haunted past who seems willing to help. Initially unsure if Nikolai is a friend or foe, Æsa decides he is the best option for her survival and together their journey begins.
Although its Nikolai's intention to help Æsa, he must stay on the move because of his own persistent adversaries and their intent on hunting him down. Roman and Ivan are Nikolai's grisly brothers and the cherry on top of this fast paced, thrilling and beautifully written story. What a phenomenal job Voerman does at making this imaginary world feel so realistic. A story of greed, survival, love, hate and self-sacrifice. Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The characters and scenes from this memorable story are fantastic and is sure to leave a lasting impact on any lover of fantasy.
After falling in love with "RED", I was so excited for the release of Æsa. As expected, I absolutely loved it! This fantasy novel takes place in Iceland where a mad King reigns and siren are relentlessly hunted by humans which ultimately annihilates their population. After a lost war, the remaining siren are forced into the deep depths of the ocean and assumed to have died off. Æsa spends a decade alone in the dark sunless waters and believes she is the last of her kind. She then makes a decision that not only puts her in danger but causes a ripple effect. When word spreads of a siren sighting, Æsa has enemies coming at her from every direction. Then comes Nikolai, a vampire with a dark and haunted past who seems willing to help. Initially unsure if Nikolai is a friend or foe, Æsa decides he is the best option for her survival and together their journey begins.
Although its Nikolai's intention to help Æsa, he must stay on the move because of his own persistent adversaries and their intent on hunting him down. Roman and Ivan are Nikolai's grisly brothers and the cherry on top of this fast paced, thrilling and beautifully written story. What a phenomenal job Voerman does at making this imaginary world feel so realistic. A story of greed, survival, love, hate and self-sacrifice. Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The characters and scenes from this memorable story are fantastic and is sure to leave a lasting impact on any lover of fantasy.
May 7, 2022
Sabrina Voerman’s Æsa is an engaging and spellbinding retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen mermaid tale that surprised and compelled me at every turn. Though it is a fairy-tale retelling, that didn’t enter my mind until well after I finished and reflected on story elements that connected in many ways to that beloved dark tale. This is a strength indeed. It’s that inventiveness that I see as the story’s chief strength. I have not read a story quite like it before. Dark and inspiring, violent and tender, lurid and subtle. I was compelled start to finish, and I think it’s a testament to Voerman’s many talents with plot, dialogue, and story-telling. Suspense and dread follow siren Æsa throughout the story and her terrors, fears, and motivations were captivating. I found the dynamic between Nikolai, Æsa , and his closest companion, a dog named Kashmir organic, sincere, and the beating heart of the entire book. Voerman’s lore and world-building are entirely original, and its freshness makes it instantly memorable.
November 8, 2021
"Æsa" is the new novel from Sabrina Voerman, the counterpart of "Red" from the "Blood Bound Series". Book 1 in the series has a theme of fire, where book 2 is here to represent water. I am IN LOVE with this concept and hope to see the other elements of planet Earth, represented in her books to come.
Before I speak on my comparisons and contrasts between "Red" and "Æsa", I'll make start with making book 2 its own experience. Sabrina has been vocal about these novels being stand alones in the same "Blood Bound Universe", after all. Though this novel left many impressions on me, the main one it has left has been the subtext on animal cruelty.
The plot is simple but told through the lense of a universally told story. The characters are aware of the sirens(mermaids) being slaughtered and eaten by humanity, the world within the story is also aware of the siren tales. The mad king has been granted the reputation of killing and eating the sirens; his wealth and power had been utilized to slaughter them by the thousands. He even married the queen of them all and subjected her to slow torture, before eating her completely. One of many things that makes Æsa so special is her being one of the only sirens left in the world.
The plot is told through these lenses; Æsa is chased and captured multiple times, by men who all want her for their own selfish reasons. Some want her to live life in a dirty tank and put on display for entertainment and wealth. Others want to eat her. There are creatures in the story that desire to capture her because of the power a siren's blood has been described to hold. But what about Æsa? What she wants for herself is of no concern for the greedy hearts of men in the 1800s.
Coming back to this thought provoking subtext of animal cruelty; I found myself getting upset with the inhumane treatment of our mermaid. But why should I care? I don't believe in mermaids, why did it bother me so much? Probably because her treatment can look awfully similar to the treatment of animals.
Æsa is taken from her home in the endless ocean and forced into a confined tank, which was often left unclean. Is this how the orcas feel at SeaWorld? Her kind is endangered and she has witnessed helplessly, her fellow sirens being slaughtered and captured in nets. Is this how the orcas feel at SeaWorld?
Sabrina goes into deep detail of the claustrophobic feelings of life in confined tanks and the emotional longing to swim freely in bodies of open water. Æsa is tortured throughout the story by her oppressors and the author doesn't shy away from describing the abuse. It bothered me and I know it was supposed to... so GREAT JOB SABRINA!
There is another character by the name of Nikolai, a vampire on the run from his sadistic brothers. His character was very well written and he had this thing about him that reminded me of choosing my own path in life. We are not our bloodline if we don't want to be, and we don't have to join the family business per say. But what I loved about this character was his sensitivity. As ruthless as he was in combat, he was insecure. For a vampire that feeds on the blood of humans, Nikolai has a lot of humanity about his character.
Our vampire in the story is Æsa's savior and the supporting lead to our aquatic Bonnie and Clyde. They both have the same inexpressed insecurity of people dying for them, or how they both failed to save the ones they loved. They both feel like cowards and they both carry the burden of shame. It's crazy to think that the insecurity we hold in front of someone... is the same insecurity they hold in front of you!
The combat was epic! Bloody and grotesque! As a major fan of UFC and Boxing, the fight scenes were accurately written! I wonder if the author is kicking people's ass on the street when she isn't writing masterpiece after masterpiece!
There are disturbing images of sirens who had lost their sense of being a mermaid. Very metaphorical to me; it reminded me of how losing one's humanity is terrifying to me. Losing a limb, having it replaced by something else; this is why the movie "Tusk" makes me squeamish.
My heart strings were tugged on tightly, so it's clear that Sabrina Voerman is a master of playing with the reader's emotions. But she wants us to feel what she feels and she doesn't have to blatantly say it for us to get it. What a talent she is!
Now in comparison to "Red", Voerman's previous novel... the emotion is still present! I felt emotional reading book 1 but for different reasons. There was a theme of abuse, but "Red" was abuse against and from people who love us. I related all to well. "Æsa" speaks on abuse from the perspective of something that isn't considered a human. But reading through the siren abuse, they deserve to be treated as human beings should be treated.
The violence is present in both novels; visually executed, gory, and entertaining! The depth in lead characters are still a driving force in both novels. I love knowing how the author's characters feel and I love it even more when I feel like I know them personally. Sabrina makes you feel like you know these characters!
Did I like "Æsa" better than "Red"? No, but it doesn't change the fact I still ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS SECOND BOOK! It's more of a personal preference of the first book's landscape, characters, creatures, and heavier focus on witchcraft. I'm a sucker for coven stories. But what the author did so intelligently was this... she didn't try to live up to the greatness of book 1! The author recreated originality and told a completely different story within the same universe! This is why I will always read both novels! I will have different moods, seasons in life, etc. All of those things will play into which novel I decide to go back to.
I loved the narrowing of characters in "Æsa" and I loved having a lot of cool characters in "Red". Between both novels in the "Blood Bound Series", readers can have anything and everything they want!
4.5/5
Before I speak on my comparisons and contrasts between "Red" and "Æsa", I'll make start with making book 2 its own experience. Sabrina has been vocal about these novels being stand alones in the same "Blood Bound Universe", after all. Though this novel left many impressions on me, the main one it has left has been the subtext on animal cruelty.
The plot is simple but told through the lense of a universally told story. The characters are aware of the sirens(mermaids) being slaughtered and eaten by humanity, the world within the story is also aware of the siren tales. The mad king has been granted the reputation of killing and eating the sirens; his wealth and power had been utilized to slaughter them by the thousands. He even married the queen of them all and subjected her to slow torture, before eating her completely. One of many things that makes Æsa so special is her being one of the only sirens left in the world.
The plot is told through these lenses; Æsa is chased and captured multiple times, by men who all want her for their own selfish reasons. Some want her to live life in a dirty tank and put on display for entertainment and wealth. Others want to eat her. There are creatures in the story that desire to capture her because of the power a siren's blood has been described to hold. But what about Æsa? What she wants for herself is of no concern for the greedy hearts of men in the 1800s.
Coming back to this thought provoking subtext of animal cruelty; I found myself getting upset with the inhumane treatment of our mermaid. But why should I care? I don't believe in mermaids, why did it bother me so much? Probably because her treatment can look awfully similar to the treatment of animals.
Æsa is taken from her home in the endless ocean and forced into a confined tank, which was often left unclean. Is this how the orcas feel at SeaWorld? Her kind is endangered and she has witnessed helplessly, her fellow sirens being slaughtered and captured in nets. Is this how the orcas feel at SeaWorld?
Sabrina goes into deep detail of the claustrophobic feelings of life in confined tanks and the emotional longing to swim freely in bodies of open water. Æsa is tortured throughout the story by her oppressors and the author doesn't shy away from describing the abuse. It bothered me and I know it was supposed to... so GREAT JOB SABRINA!
There is another character by the name of Nikolai, a vampire on the run from his sadistic brothers. His character was very well written and he had this thing about him that reminded me of choosing my own path in life. We are not our bloodline if we don't want to be, and we don't have to join the family business per say. But what I loved about this character was his sensitivity. As ruthless as he was in combat, he was insecure. For a vampire that feeds on the blood of humans, Nikolai has a lot of humanity about his character.
Our vampire in the story is Æsa's savior and the supporting lead to our aquatic Bonnie and Clyde. They both have the same inexpressed insecurity of people dying for them, or how they both failed to save the ones they loved. They both feel like cowards and they both carry the burden of shame. It's crazy to think that the insecurity we hold in front of someone... is the same insecurity they hold in front of you!
The combat was epic! Bloody and grotesque! As a major fan of UFC and Boxing, the fight scenes were accurately written! I wonder if the author is kicking people's ass on the street when she isn't writing masterpiece after masterpiece!
There are disturbing images of sirens who had lost their sense of being a mermaid. Very metaphorical to me; it reminded me of how losing one's humanity is terrifying to me. Losing a limb, having it replaced by something else; this is why the movie "Tusk" makes me squeamish.
My heart strings were tugged on tightly, so it's clear that Sabrina Voerman is a master of playing with the reader's emotions. But she wants us to feel what she feels and she doesn't have to blatantly say it for us to get it. What a talent she is!
Now in comparison to "Red", Voerman's previous novel... the emotion is still present! I felt emotional reading book 1 but for different reasons. There was a theme of abuse, but "Red" was abuse against and from people who love us. I related all to well. "Æsa" speaks on abuse from the perspective of something that isn't considered a human. But reading through the siren abuse, they deserve to be treated as human beings should be treated.
The violence is present in both novels; visually executed, gory, and entertaining! The depth in lead characters are still a driving force in both novels. I love knowing how the author's characters feel and I love it even more when I feel like I know them personally. Sabrina makes you feel like you know these characters!
Did I like "Æsa" better than "Red"? No, but it doesn't change the fact I still ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS SECOND BOOK! It's more of a personal preference of the first book's landscape, characters, creatures, and heavier focus on witchcraft. I'm a sucker for coven stories. But what the author did so intelligently was this... she didn't try to live up to the greatness of book 1! The author recreated originality and told a completely different story within the same universe! This is why I will always read both novels! I will have different moods, seasons in life, etc. All of those things will play into which novel I decide to go back to.
I loved the narrowing of characters in "Æsa" and I loved having a lot of cool characters in "Red". Between both novels in the "Blood Bound Series", readers can have anything and everything they want!
4.5/5
November 17, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Fans of mermaids, vampires, fairytales, mythology, and folklore will walk away raving about Sabrina Voerman’s 2nd book in the Blood Bound Series. AEsa and Nikolai are incredible characters. Vivid, yet gray; real, yet mythical. Their journey kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing is detail-oriented and beautiful. I devoured AEsa and can’t wait to read more of Voerman’s work. Fantastic!
December 21, 2021
"What makes man?"
"Greed."
Sabrina Voerman is back with the second book in her series, Blood Bound. Each book takes a legend, or dare I say it, 'fairy tale', and presents it in a fresh and original way. Let's also throw in a few buckets of blood. Æsa is the name of book 2, and it concerns itself with both vampires and sirens, whereas the first book, Red, detailed the tortured life of a werewolf and his curse.
It is the dawn of the 19th century. Iceland. The volcano, Laki, erupted, causing death and destruction for Man. The sirens rise from the sea to give aid. That one act of kindness and compassion leads to years of sorrow. After all, Man is greed.
Now, Æsa is the last siren left, in a sea that has become a deep void, much like the one inside her. She is soon captured by corrupt men and sold to a collector. Is this the end of her existence? A Russian traveller and brawler named Nikolai proves the answer is no, as he rescues her, and this strange pair begin a perilous journey back toward the sea. Why does this stranger care about her? And more than that, as a man, how can he be so different to the rest of his kind? The answer: Nikolai is not mere Man.
This book was a fantastic addition to the series, and Voerman should be incredibly proud of this world she is creating. To my delight, it is a shared universe, with each book concerning different plots, yet containing callbacks to other books. The pace of Æsa barrells ahead at breakneck speed, developing the peril and the action and the bond between the characters along the way. Voerman does this by utilising her sharp, yet poetic prose. The writing style is perfect, along with the fast pace, allowing the reader to zip through. From its beginning to its tragic end, this book is at once an adventure story, a story of friendship, of damaged and lost souls, of redemption and escape from trauma, and a paen against greed.
"Greed."
Sabrina Voerman is back with the second book in her series, Blood Bound. Each book takes a legend, or dare I say it, 'fairy tale', and presents it in a fresh and original way. Let's also throw in a few buckets of blood. Æsa is the name of book 2, and it concerns itself with both vampires and sirens, whereas the first book, Red, detailed the tortured life of a werewolf and his curse.
It is the dawn of the 19th century. Iceland. The volcano, Laki, erupted, causing death and destruction for Man. The sirens rise from the sea to give aid. That one act of kindness and compassion leads to years of sorrow. After all, Man is greed.
Now, Æsa is the last siren left, in a sea that has become a deep void, much like the one inside her. She is soon captured by corrupt men and sold to a collector. Is this the end of her existence? A Russian traveller and brawler named Nikolai proves the answer is no, as he rescues her, and this strange pair begin a perilous journey back toward the sea. Why does this stranger care about her? And more than that, as a man, how can he be so different to the rest of his kind? The answer: Nikolai is not mere Man.
This book was a fantastic addition to the series, and Voerman should be incredibly proud of this world she is creating. To my delight, it is a shared universe, with each book concerning different plots, yet containing callbacks to other books. The pace of Æsa barrells ahead at breakneck speed, developing the peril and the action and the bond between the characters along the way. Voerman does this by utilising her sharp, yet poetic prose. The writing style is perfect, along with the fast pace, allowing the reader to zip through. From its beginning to its tragic end, this book is at once an adventure story, a story of friendship, of damaged and lost souls, of redemption and escape from trauma, and a paen against greed.
December 7, 2021
What an incredible book! This is exactly why I love a good dark fantasy read. This tragic love story between two outcasts that truly tugged on my heartstrings. Vampires, sirens and mad kings.....do I need to say more?I was expecting sirens but not vampires and those who know me, know that I love vampires. What a pleasant surprise.
Voerman does an incredible job creating an imaginary world and characters that feel real. I like how she makes the imaginary world feel familiar and current. This story is so beautiful, so well-written and shows Voerman's versatile as a writer. It's emotional, thought-provoking, dark and the battle scenes are brutal.
The characters, Æsa and Nikolai, captured my heart. They are real yet so mythical. Voerman's does an incredible job with describing Æsas pain and struggle which left me heartbroken. I admire her, even after all she has been through, she manages to feel hopeful and see the good in people. Then we have Nikolai, a tortured and tragic hero. He is my favorite and he stole my heart. He is ruthless yet so sensitive. There's more humanity in this vampire than in any human being. He reminds us all that we are the ones that decide our faith.
I love how Voerman uses her words to show us the character traits and their feelings. This gives depth and draws you into the story, leaving you mesmerized with the descriptions. This is such a powerful tool of making the reader feel all the emotions and Voerman does an amazing job. She describes their emotions in a real and honest way. We can feel the suffering both Æsa and Nikolai have endured.
If you love a good dark fantasy read or if you are a fan of sirens, vampires, mythology and/or fairy tales, you'll love this second book in the blood bound series. Let Voerman mesmerize you with this beautiful and heart wrenching story. She definitely stole my heart with it.
Voerman does an incredible job creating an imaginary world and characters that feel real. I like how she makes the imaginary world feel familiar and current. This story is so beautiful, so well-written and shows Voerman's versatile as a writer. It's emotional, thought-provoking, dark and the battle scenes are brutal.
The characters, Æsa and Nikolai, captured my heart. They are real yet so mythical. Voerman's does an incredible job with describing Æsas pain and struggle which left me heartbroken. I admire her, even after all she has been through, she manages to feel hopeful and see the good in people. Then we have Nikolai, a tortured and tragic hero. He is my favorite and he stole my heart. He is ruthless yet so sensitive. There's more humanity in this vampire than in any human being. He reminds us all that we are the ones that decide our faith.
I love how Voerman uses her words to show us the character traits and their feelings. This gives depth and draws you into the story, leaving you mesmerized with the descriptions. This is such a powerful tool of making the reader feel all the emotions and Voerman does an amazing job. She describes their emotions in a real and honest way. We can feel the suffering both Æsa and Nikolai have endured.
If you love a good dark fantasy read or if you are a fan of sirens, vampires, mythology and/or fairy tales, you'll love this second book in the blood bound series. Let Voerman mesmerize you with this beautiful and heart wrenching story. She definitely stole my heart with it.
December 21, 2021
In this dark retelling of The Little Mermaid, Prince Eirikur went mad and devoured the siren Arelia, inciting a brutal war between the two races. Ten years later, Aesa is the last of her kind, all other sirens having been eaten by the Mad King. Now Aesa has been captured and sold to the highest bidder, but others want her for their own purposes. When Aesa is kidnapped by a vampire named Nikolai, she isn't sure if she can trust his promises of a return to the sea.
I read this novel first on Wattpad and it's one of my favorites in the Blood Bound series. I fell in love with Nikolai all over again as Aesa slowly did the same (and Kashmir! I had totally forgotten about Kashmir!). This is not a romance story, however - and it doesn't hold back any punches as Aesa and Nikolai narrowly escape brutal torture up until the final confrontation. The cold Icelandic landscape is the perfect backdrop. This can be read as a standalone novel, though I loved the hints at Red and at the next book in the series. If you like your fairytale retellings dark and gritty, this is definitely one to read!
I read this novel first on Wattpad and it's one of my favorites in the Blood Bound series. I fell in love with Nikolai all over again as Aesa slowly did the same (and Kashmir! I had totally forgotten about Kashmir!). This is not a romance story, however - and it doesn't hold back any punches as Aesa and Nikolai narrowly escape brutal torture up until the final confrontation. The cold Icelandic landscape is the perfect backdrop. This can be read as a standalone novel, though I loved the hints at Red and at the next book in the series. If you like your fairytale retellings dark and gritty, this is definitely one to read!
November 3, 2021
“Everyone had something to look back on and keep them up at night, memories that taunted and swirled through their mind, haunting them.”
This book is going to haunt the reader, long after they are finished reading it. It will tick all the boxes a reader could want in a book. Adventure, fantasy, history, magic, love, and the perfect touch of horror.
I was completely swept along, page by page, as this story kept me on edge to the end. Fast paced and concise with characters who felt as alive as any human (although very much not human!).
I’m looking forward to Book 3 in The Blood Bound Series!
This book is going to haunt the reader, long after they are finished reading it. It will tick all the boxes a reader could want in a book. Adventure, fantasy, history, magic, love, and the perfect touch of horror.
I was completely swept along, page by page, as this story kept me on edge to the end. Fast paced and concise with characters who felt as alive as any human (although very much not human!).
I’m looking forward to Book 3 in The Blood Bound Series!
July 1, 2022
Mermaids, vampires, demented kings, and a loyal dog.
Aesa is one of those books where there is so much lore, world building, a fully working system of powers all contained in a way that flows with the story. Voerman does an incredible job (once again) letting the characters speak and grow and develop, in turn allowing the plot to naturally unfold.
While at the heart of it, you may think this a romance, the real crunch of the story is in the each character's standalone story. yes they occupy the same space, yes they intertwine to create something special and deep, but it's their individual arcs for me that allow the book to elevate itself into being memorable.
Not knowing how each character will react to the twists and turns, wanting to know how they'll play off each other, knowing that each one has their own goals, you sit entranced by the story trying to see how they weave themselves together for a perfect conclusion.
I won't give away anything, i went into this book blind (not even reading the blurb, simply trusting Voerman, especially after her debut Red) and believe you should too. Just keep in mind.
Mermaid, Vampire, and Kashmir. That's all you need to know going into this, and you will enjoy it.
Aesa is one of those books where there is so much lore, world building, a fully working system of powers all contained in a way that flows with the story. Voerman does an incredible job (once again) letting the characters speak and grow and develop, in turn allowing the plot to naturally unfold.
While at the heart of it, you may think this a romance, the real crunch of the story is in the each character's standalone story. yes they occupy the same space, yes they intertwine to create something special and deep, but it's their individual arcs for me that allow the book to elevate itself into being memorable.
Not knowing how each character will react to the twists and turns, wanting to know how they'll play off each other, knowing that each one has their own goals, you sit entranced by the story trying to see how they weave themselves together for a perfect conclusion.
I won't give away anything, i went into this book blind (not even reading the blurb, simply trusting Voerman, especially after her debut Red) and believe you should too. Just keep in mind.
Mermaid, Vampire, and Kashmir. That's all you need to know going into this, and you will enjoy it.
February 14, 2022
Felt really immersed when reading this and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a very dark story and it wasn't predictable (for me at least) which I liked!
November 24, 2022
A completely unique story inspired by the classic Little Mermaid fairytale. Voerman delivers another beautifully written book that is less fairytale and more gritty horror fantasy. After reading the first horror fairytale in this series I was extremely excited to see how the mermaid genre would be tackled. I have to say it is a dark tale, full of pain, hurt, and horror. And it's spiced up with the inclusion of vampires. That was an exciting surprise for me as I wasn't expecting vampires in a mermaid story. These are two very different fairytale creatures yet the combination of them works surprisingly well.
Nikolai, a vampire with a chip on his shoulder from all the death he's brought to the people he loves, goes in search of one of the last of the mermaids known as Sirens in this world. He soon finds out he's not the only person looking for her. Æsa is captured by man when she risks a chance to leave the safety of her deep waters for a glimpse of the world above her. Nikolai and Æsa see each other for the first time as she's being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Once he finds her he vows to keep her safe, which is not an easy task for a vampire who can't go into the sun.
While the book begins with Nikolai and Æsa having separate adventures, a majority of it follows the two of them together, running from their pursuers. Sirens are a hot commodity not only for show but for eating too. One of the most grotesque aspects of this book is to see the savagery of humans and their treatment of the majestic Sirens who were the ones that saved humans from extinction in the first place. Prior to Æsa being captured she was in hiding as the youngest Siren left while her sisters all fought in the Siren Wars - fighting against the humans.
The world Voerman has built in this book was so well done. I would love to read a prequel about the Sirens before they were hunted down. They're such an interesting species. This world is connected to the Red world, which is the first book in the series, as there is a brief touch on the wolf creatures featured in the first book. I'm excited to read more from the Blood Bound series but this is my favorite of the two so far.
I highly recommend this to horror and fantasy lovers. It's such a thrilling story with very interesting characters. Although I must say I was very sad by the end but that's not a bad thing. It just shows how well-written this story was to make me feel! Nikolai and Æsa were greatly written characters. I loved them a lot and I loved their relationship together. I can't forget Nikolai's best friend and companion Kashmir, his devoted dog. Kashmir is probably the best character in the book. And it's definitely a book worth reading.
Nikolai, a vampire with a chip on his shoulder from all the death he's brought to the people he loves, goes in search of one of the last of the mermaids known as Sirens in this world. He soon finds out he's not the only person looking for her. Æsa is captured by man when she risks a chance to leave the safety of her deep waters for a glimpse of the world above her. Nikolai and Æsa see each other for the first time as she's being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Once he finds her he vows to keep her safe, which is not an easy task for a vampire who can't go into the sun.
While the book begins with Nikolai and Æsa having separate adventures, a majority of it follows the two of them together, running from their pursuers. Sirens are a hot commodity not only for show but for eating too. One of the most grotesque aspects of this book is to see the savagery of humans and their treatment of the majestic Sirens who were the ones that saved humans from extinction in the first place. Prior to Æsa being captured she was in hiding as the youngest Siren left while her sisters all fought in the Siren Wars - fighting against the humans.
The world Voerman has built in this book was so well done. I would love to read a prequel about the Sirens before they were hunted down. They're such an interesting species. This world is connected to the Red world, which is the first book in the series, as there is a brief touch on the wolf creatures featured in the first book. I'm excited to read more from the Blood Bound series but this is my favorite of the two so far.
I highly recommend this to horror and fantasy lovers. It's such a thrilling story with very interesting characters. Although I must say I was very sad by the end but that's not a bad thing. It just shows how well-written this story was to make me feel! Nikolai and Æsa were greatly written characters. I loved them a lot and I loved their relationship together. I can't forget Nikolai's best friend and companion Kashmir, his devoted dog. Kashmir is probably the best character in the book. And it's definitely a book worth reading.
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