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Blood Grace #3
Blood Sanctuary: Part One
Their love could last for all time - unless the king’s assassins cut her life short…
Cassia has reunited with her beloved Lio in the land of eternal night. She longs to become an immortal Hesperine like him so they can stay together forever. But she’s torn between their happiness and her duty to the kingdom her human father rules. To free herself from the king, she must convince his ambassadors to ally with the Hesperines, despite centuries of conflict.
Lio will die if Cassia leaves him, but he won’t force her to stay by revealing their blood bond. While they negotiate for peace in public, he tempts her in private with the promise of everlasting passion. But their future may end before it begins when enemies within the embassy threaten her with a lethal spell.
Steamy romance meets classic fantasy worldbuilding in Blood Grace. Follow fated mates Lio and Cassia through their epic story of forbidden love for a guaranteed series HEA.
Blood Sanctuary Parts One and Two were previously published as one ebook. New edition featuring a fantasy world map, glossary of lore and characters, enhanced opening chapter, and all-new cover artwork
Cassia has reunited with her beloved Lio in the land of eternal night. She longs to become an immortal Hesperine like him so they can stay together forever. But she’s torn between their happiness and her duty to the kingdom her human father rules. To free herself from the king, she must convince his ambassadors to ally with the Hesperines, despite centuries of conflict.
Lio will die if Cassia leaves him, but he won’t force her to stay by revealing their blood bond. While they negotiate for peace in public, he tempts her in private with the promise of everlasting passion. But their future may end before it begins when enemies within the embassy threaten her with a lethal spell.
Steamy romance meets classic fantasy worldbuilding in Blood Grace. Follow fated mates Lio and Cassia through their epic story of forbidden love for a guaranteed series HEA.
Blood Sanctuary Parts One and Two were previously published as one ebook. New edition featuring a fantasy world map, glossary of lore and characters, enhanced opening chapter, and all-new cover artwork
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2022
292 people are currently reading
2645 people want to read
About the author
Vela Roth
17 books644 followersGet a free book when you sign up for Vela's mailing list at vroth.co/signup!
Vela Roth manifested unstable writing powers at a young age, and many of her early experiments had unintended results. As she grew, a curriculum of fantasy novels with kickass heroines helped her learn to control and wield her abilities.
Eventually she dared pursue the knowledge inside the most forbidden tomes: romance novels. She's been practicing the dark arts of fantasy romance ever since, but she strives to use her novels only for good.
She lives in a solar-powered writer's garret at the foot of the mountains. Her familiar is a rescue cat with a missing fang and a huge heart. When not typing furiously at her manuscript, she can usually be found gaming on her home-built PC or trying to grow roses in the desert.
She loves hearing from readers and hopes you'll visit her at velaroth.com.
Vela Roth manifested unstable writing powers at a young age, and many of her early experiments had unintended results. As she grew, a curriculum of fantasy novels with kickass heroines helped her learn to control and wield her abilities.
Eventually she dared pursue the knowledge inside the most forbidden tomes: romance novels. She's been practicing the dark arts of fantasy romance ever since, but she strives to use her novels only for good.
She lives in a solar-powered writer's garret at the foot of the mountains. Her familiar is a rescue cat with a missing fang and a huge heart. When not typing furiously at her manuscript, she can usually be found gaming on her home-built PC or trying to grow roses in the desert.
She loves hearing from readers and hopes you'll visit her at velaroth.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 30, 2024
Reunited, but still forced apart by the circumstances.
Striving to be together, but keeping their distance for the Tenebran's cause, Lio and Cassia need to cultivate their relationship in secret. Facing the same goal, they need to navigate the delicate political situation in order to align their countries. But there is a problem, dissidents on both sides manipulating the situation to further their own objectives.
Lio is determined not to use their Grace bond as a way to guilt Cassia into staying with him. It is adorable and incredibly sweet how much he respects her own wishes and admires her strength. On the other hand, that alienates Cassia from him as she is unsure of his true feelings toward her and doesn't know whether their relationship will last the negotiations.
The absolute best character is definitely Zoe and her goats. I wish this series sometime get made into films or TV series and I wonder who would play her. She is so strong and caring, I can just see her running on a field with Aurora and Moonbeam and Knight making circles around them.
I mentioned in my review of the first book Blood Mercy how much this series remind me of From Blood and Ash. While I stand firm in that, I do admit Vela Roth is much better at gradually expanding the storyline and constantly improving and enlarging the worldbuilding. While it also follows a certain fantasy/romance storylines, the author makes this interesting and keeps us on our toes, without giving too much away. I am also always very happy when complex political intrigues are portrayed, makes it almost like I'm reading gossip (in a good way).
Striving to be together, but keeping their distance for the Tenebran's cause, Lio and Cassia need to cultivate their relationship in secret. Facing the same goal, they need to navigate the delicate political situation in order to align their countries. But there is a problem, dissidents on both sides manipulating the situation to further their own objectives.
Lio is determined not to use their Grace bond as a way to guilt Cassia into staying with him. It is adorable and incredibly sweet how much he respects her own wishes and admires her strength. On the other hand, that alienates Cassia from him as she is unsure of his true feelings toward her and doesn't know whether their relationship will last the negotiations.
The absolute best character is definitely Zoe and her goats. I wish this series sometime get made into films or TV series and I wonder who would play her. She is so strong and caring, I can just see her running on a field with Aurora and Moonbeam and Knight making circles around them.
I mentioned in my review of the first book Blood Mercy how much this series remind me of From Blood and Ash. While I stand firm in that, I do admit Vela Roth is much better at gradually expanding the storyline and constantly improving and enlarging the worldbuilding. While it also follows a certain fantasy/romance storylines, the author makes this interesting and keeps us on our toes, without giving too much away. I am also always very happy when complex political intrigues are portrayed, makes it almost like I'm reading gossip (in a good way).
November 28, 2025
This pace is slow but I have a feeling this series is going to be one of my favourites.
Vela Roth does an amazing job at making all these characters unique and loved. I honestly can't get enough of them or this story.
Vela Roth does an amazing job at making all these characters unique and loved. I honestly can't get enough of them or this story.
March 23, 2022
Blood Sanctuary is another great addition to the Blood Grace series! It is as immersive and captivating as the first two books in the Blood Grace series, and I can’t get enough of Lio and Cassia! Their story continues as they try to form an alliance between their people, while politics, sabotage, and secrets threaten them at every turn. However, Cassia and Lio remain steadfast in their desire to achieve peace between their kingdoms. The couple faces many difficult, and often underhanded and dangerous, obstacles. With tons of political maneuvering, the looming threat of war, a variety of conflicting views, and threats from every direction, the stakes for Casia and Lio keep getting higher, and finding a way to bring these two very different places together in peace seems impossible.
I like that Cassia and Lio continue to grow individually and as a couple and that they are so in tune with each other. They have similar goals and desires, and they work together exceptionally well. Plus, I absolutely adore their love story! It is sweet and passionate, and their chemistry is off the charts! I can’t wait for this couple to completely give in and say how they truly feel. I want Cassia to tell Lio of her plans to stay with him in Orthos, and I want Lio to tell her the secret he’s been keeping from her. I think both are afraid of losing what they have, and I’m eager to see them face these issues.
The secondary characters are also dynamically developed, and I loved learning more about each of them. Every character has a significant role in the story and that we learn so much about each of them. They all have unique stories, and there are layers upon layers to unravel. Some of my favorite characters include Lio’s amazing, funny, and supportive friends, Lio’s adorable sister and her pets, and Lio’s parents. Individually, they are compelling, and as a group, they are a force to be reckoned with.
All of these characters welcome Cassia into their fold, and the way they treat her and each other is everything Cassia has been missing in her life. It is with these people that Cassia finally feels a sense of belonging, and their inherent kindness and patience is wonderful. I love that Cassia has found her family and am so hoping that she remains in Orthos with them while still achieving peace for her kingdom.
As the summit gathers in Orthos, we learn even more about this unique kingdom. Guided tours through the city, visits to many different homes and locations throughout the kingdom are described in such detail that you almost feel as if you were there. The author has a gift for creating vivid worlds, characters, and plotlines that are intricate, layered, nuanced, and detailed.
I’m really enjoying this series. It is a slow-building, character driven fantasy with political intrigue, amazing characters and relationships, tons of twists and turns, and the most swoon-worthy and passionate romance! I’m eager to see what’s in store for Lio and Cassia next, as they try to find a way forward.
I like that Cassia and Lio continue to grow individually and as a couple and that they are so in tune with each other. They have similar goals and desires, and they work together exceptionally well. Plus, I absolutely adore their love story! It is sweet and passionate, and their chemistry is off the charts! I can’t wait for this couple to completely give in and say how they truly feel. I want Cassia to tell Lio of her plans to stay with him in Orthos, and I want Lio to tell her the secret he’s been keeping from her. I think both are afraid of losing what they have, and I’m eager to see them face these issues.
The secondary characters are also dynamically developed, and I loved learning more about each of them. Every character has a significant role in the story and that we learn so much about each of them. They all have unique stories, and there are layers upon layers to unravel. Some of my favorite characters include Lio’s amazing, funny, and supportive friends, Lio’s adorable sister and her pets, and Lio’s parents. Individually, they are compelling, and as a group, they are a force to be reckoned with.
All of these characters welcome Cassia into their fold, and the way they treat her and each other is everything Cassia has been missing in her life. It is with these people that Cassia finally feels a sense of belonging, and their inherent kindness and patience is wonderful. I love that Cassia has found her family and am so hoping that she remains in Orthos with them while still achieving peace for her kingdom.
As the summit gathers in Orthos, we learn even more about this unique kingdom. Guided tours through the city, visits to many different homes and locations throughout the kingdom are described in such detail that you almost feel as if you were there. The author has a gift for creating vivid worlds, characters, and plotlines that are intricate, layered, nuanced, and detailed.
I’m really enjoying this series. It is a slow-building, character driven fantasy with political intrigue, amazing characters and relationships, tons of twists and turns, and the most swoon-worthy and passionate romance! I’m eager to see what’s in store for Lio and Cassia next, as they try to find a way forward.
December 4, 2024
Blood Sanctuary: Part One is probably the slowest-moving of the series so far, but I still really, really enjoyed reading it. I feel like each of these books, despite their length, take place over a few weeks each, if that, and it speaks to Roth's storytelling ability that the story isn't taxing or annoying to get through. I believe that other authors who write similarly but seemingly without aim could be accused of writing purple prose/flowery for flowery's sake, but I think every part serves a purpose and means something in terms of progressing the plot or providing the reader with insight into a character's growth.
I absolutely love these characters, Lio and Cassia's love, Lio being a cutie pie puddin' pop at all times, and Cassia continuing to grow in strength, street smarts, intuition, and her own power. I'm still not certain what her "power" is going to be as the series continues, but I'm starting to get an idea, and I'm really enjoying it. Blood Sanctuary: Part One is largely centered on some kind of will-they-won't-they—except this time, the reader is wondering if Lio will finally tell Cassia what their bond truly means and wondering if Cassia will tell Lio she wants to be with him forever. Because Lio and Cassia are two of the least selfish characters ever, they are extraordinarily considerate of one another and never want their love and desire for the other to influence the decisions that are made, which, in some way, continues that slow burn charm I really enjoyed in the first novel.
The spicy scenes are hot and plentiful, appropriately-timed and fun to read. Roth is truly skilled at writing passion and making the actual act of drinking blood seem like a very normal and fulfilling thing as opposed to many vampire media that depicts it as something scary or life-threatening.
I'm just so in love with this world, the writing, the characters, the political intrigue, and the symbolism and social commentary sprinkled throughout, and I will continue slowly reading this series so that I can make it last! I adore Zoe and hope her and the goats continue making an appearance.
5 ⭐️s
4 🌶️
I absolutely love these characters, Lio and Cassia's love, Lio being a cutie pie puddin' pop at all times, and Cassia continuing to grow in strength, street smarts, intuition, and her own power. I'm still not certain what her "power" is going to be as the series continues, but I'm starting to get an idea, and I'm really enjoying it. Blood Sanctuary: Part One is largely centered on some kind of will-they-won't-they—except this time, the reader is wondering if Lio will finally tell Cassia what their bond truly means and wondering if Cassia will tell Lio she wants to be with him forever. Because Lio and Cassia are two of the least selfish characters ever, they are extraordinarily considerate of one another and never want their love and desire for the other to influence the decisions that are made, which, in some way, continues that slow burn charm I really enjoyed in the first novel.
The spicy scenes are hot and plentiful, appropriately-timed and fun to read. Roth is truly skilled at writing passion and making the actual act of drinking blood seem like a very normal and fulfilling thing as opposed to many vampire media that depicts it as something scary or life-threatening.
I'm just so in love with this world, the writing, the characters, the political intrigue, and the symbolism and social commentary sprinkled throughout, and I will continue slowly reading this series so that I can make it last! I adore Zoe and hope her and the goats continue making an appearance.
5 ⭐️s
4 🌶️
April 5, 2024
These books move at a glacial pace, but up until now I’ve remained interested enough to see where things are going… I’m not sure I’ll continue after this one though. The pace was still glacial so that wasn’t a surprise, but nothing really happened in this book. I don’t understand why these books are as long as they are for how little happens.
November 26, 2022
TLDR - how am I so obsessed, this is witchcraft -
If you ask me what happened in this I cannot tell you at all but I definitely enjoyed the journey. This series is very slow moving so if you’ve made it to book 3 you’re already aware of that and obviously care as much as I do (which is not at all)
I’m finally feeling like I remember the side characters which is amazing. I honestly love so many of them and their cute moments but they really are the best “supporting” characters as everything they do I can see how it works to build our main characters.
Speaking of, our FMC is amazing, spectacular, wondrous, I have too many happy words about her. I think she is such a beautiful character and the fact that she’s so real and human feeling with her flaws and struggles endears her to me even more.
I’m actually loving seeing that in our MMC as well, we didn’t get much of that in the first book as he was more naive and ignorant than faulted but now we get to see anger and irrationality. It’s great!
For romance and smut it definitely is toned down but I’m loving just how much they care for each other but dance around the big parts of their relationship. Our smut is again in the same vein as the last books with no random foot fetish this time but I think the book makes up for only a few scenes by having the undercurrent of tension between them as they are so desperate for each other but can’t always act on it
Overall this series is amazing. I absolutely love it and I was so skeptical to begin with but I’m not even feeling burnt out which often happens with fantasy series. Definitely a new favourite series.
I do wish I could figure out where to get the bonus book that’s not longer on the website about Apollon and his ritual kids
If you ask me what happened in this I cannot tell you at all but I definitely enjoyed the journey. This series is very slow moving so if you’ve made it to book 3 you’re already aware of that and obviously care as much as I do (which is not at all)
I’m finally feeling like I remember the side characters which is amazing. I honestly love so many of them and their cute moments but they really are the best “supporting” characters as everything they do I can see how it works to build our main characters.
Speaking of, our FMC is amazing, spectacular, wondrous, I have too many happy words about her. I think she is such a beautiful character and the fact that she’s so real and human feeling with her flaws and struggles endears her to me even more.
I’m actually loving seeing that in our MMC as well, we didn’t get much of that in the first book as he was more naive and ignorant than faulted but now we get to see anger and irrationality. It’s great!
For romance and smut it definitely is toned down but I’m loving just how much they care for each other but dance around the big parts of their relationship. Our smut is again in the same vein as the last books with no random foot fetish this time but I think the book makes up for only a few scenes by having the undercurrent of tension between them as they are so desperate for each other but can’t always act on it
Overall this series is amazing. I absolutely love it and I was so skeptical to begin with but I’m not even feeling burnt out which often happens with fantasy series. Definitely a new favourite series.
I do wish I could figure out where to get the bonus book that’s not longer on the website about Apollon and his ritual kids
August 5, 2023
3.5 stars
May 5, 2025
I definitely think this was the slowest installment so far, but I still enjoyed it. This book focused a lot on the politics and dynamics between the Hesperines and the Tenebrans/mages. Relations between them are still not great, and the Tenebrans and mages continue to be ignorant and prejudiced, although some of the Tenebrans are starting to come around. Lio and Cassia are still hiding their relationship from the mortals, but all the Hesperines know.
I loved getting to know the other Hesperines more in this installment. The found family really started to come together in this. We also got to know a lot more of Hesperine history and lore, which I found interesting.
This series is definitely a much slower pace than I’m used to, with all the “fighting” done via subterfuge, scheming, and diplomacy. It’s very much a political fantasy romance. These are definitely things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about picking this series up because I know it won’t be for everyone.
I loved getting to know the other Hesperines more in this installment. The found family really started to come together in this. We also got to know a lot more of Hesperine history and lore, which I found interesting.
This series is definitely a much slower pace than I’m used to, with all the “fighting” done via subterfuge, scheming, and diplomacy. It’s very much a political fantasy romance. These are definitely things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about picking this series up because I know it won’t be for everyone.
January 4, 2023
A fun but embarrassing start to this year!
May 24, 2025
look, i will be honest - nothing of substance happened in this book nor the previous two books. i also think the cast is unnecessary large. but i am having fun so yay
November 26, 2023
As the peace talks continue, Lio and Cassia become more solidified in their determination to be together for ever but there might be others with more cruel plans.
I am still enjoying the series. I appreciated that there was more interaction with different characters and experiencing the kingdom of the Hesperine people. I was expecting a little more action but perhaps Vela Roth is saving that for the part two.
Goodreads review published 26/11/23
I am still enjoying the series. I appreciated that there was more interaction with different characters and experiencing the kingdom of the Hesperine people. I was expecting a little more action but perhaps Vela Roth is saving that for the part two.
Goodreads review published 26/11/23
June 4, 2022
Found family.
June 24, 2023
I think this is my favourite so far?
February 23, 2023
Love this series, it's turning out to be my comfort series.
March 16, 2022
The third installment in Vela Roth's Blood Grace series, and I'm still as obsessed as ever with these amazing MCs and the plot!
In this book, the characters are more driven than ever to bring their kingdoms into an alliance, and also, to further cement their relationship. We also see a lot of lovely scenes between Lio, Cassia and their friends/close family members, and it really added to the experience.
I think my favourite thing about this book was that, Lio and Cassia were so in sync, that most of the time, I could visualize any chapter as being narrated by either of them. It was extremely cool, and I love that Lio and Cassia have progressed to such trust and closeness ❤️
In this book, the characters are more driven than ever to bring their kingdoms into an alliance, and also, to further cement their relationship. We also see a lot of lovely scenes between Lio, Cassia and their friends/close family members, and it really added to the experience.
I think my favourite thing about this book was that, Lio and Cassia were so in sync, that most of the time, I could visualize any chapter as being narrated by either of them. It was extremely cool, and I love that Lio and Cassia have progressed to such trust and closeness ❤️
November 25, 2022
I really really enjoy the fact that our MCs are not ultra powerful and more "normal people" with just slightly elevated statuses. They are clever and witty and I really enjoy them together. The world building and side characters are also wonderful but the pacing of the 2nd book followed by this one is really turning into a slog. Vela Roth is a talented author and her books have refreshing twists on typical fantasy romances but there are only so many witty conversations and political discussions while constantly being secretive and sneaky I can take before redundancy starts taking hold and I stop caring about the plot. A plot that which feels like it is a bit of a slog with not much forward momentum. 50% through I've started just skimming pages until something happens. I may even just skip the next book and move to book 5 where the synopsis makes it sound like we're going to be getting somewhere.
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April 30, 2022The story starts from where it was left off in "Blood Grace" and goes on with a smooth pace with a lot of knowledge given about Orthros and how Hesperines came into existence building their sanctuary. It’s described beautifully and gives you awe feeling every second of it. Leo and Cassia make bonds deeper than they realize at first and as the story progresses, they realize a lot more on the way. They grow individually and also together. Every day brings more challenges to Hesperines and they face them with unity. I loved how every important person is explained along the way with intricacies. This book is full of strategies and countering.
January 26, 2023
Much better than the previous one. Plot moved forward, gave me a chance to enjoy/loathe characters. An improvement for sure.
January 3, 2023
Now that a human delegation has arrived in Orthros, Lio and Cassia must work to change the humans' perceptions of the hesperines and forge a new alliance. This book focuses on introducing the human delegation and the reader to the culture, prosperity and might of the hesperine people. Through the use of cultural events, hosting gatherings and inviting the humans to experience everything Orthros has to offer, Cassia, Lio and his people spend the entire book trying to win over the humans and discredit the order of Anthros. This book was so extremely boring to me. Additionally, Lio has decided to with hold important information regarding his relationship with Cassia which is fueling insecurities and uncertainty. Miscommunication, or lack of communication is one of my least favortit ways of driving the relationship between characters. After forcing myself to finish this book, I am going to have to take a break from this series. After thoroughly enjoying the first book, I have been bored with how slowly the story is progressing now.
December 29, 2022
I really enjoyed the first and second book but the third has left me feeling disappointed and ready to give up on the series. While the characters are lovable, hardly anything happens. There is slow paced and then there is this book, which is slow paced to the extreme. In addition to this, the Hesperines are just so damn perfect all the time. It gets annoying after all. I probably will not continue with the series.
June 13, 2023
Blood Sanctuary: Part one is the third book in the Blood Grace series by Vela Roth. Here we get to see more Lio and Cassia, as I have been waiting for! More threats are looming for them from all sides, but I loved seeing the progress they made in their relationship with each other. I think this may be my favorite installment in the series yet!
Cassia finally gets to see Lio's homeland and meets plenty of people in his life. I loved seeing the expansion of the cast of characters, and I was so happy with how welcoming they were to Cassia. Lio and Cassia are still dealing with a lot and they are still keeping some secrets from each other, but I think they both progressed so much as characters in this installment. It was great to see. Their romance continues to be my favorite element of the story, but the political intrigue and issues are piling up on all sides, which kept the plot exciting as well. The pacing felt a little faster in this installment than the previous too, but still on the slower side.
I think this series is great for fans of epic fantasy worlds with complex political components, detailed, and slow paced writing, and great chemistry between the main characters. Skip this series if slower pacing is frustrating for you. Overall, this was another good addition to the series.
Cassia finally gets to see Lio's homeland and meets plenty of people in his life. I loved seeing the expansion of the cast of characters, and I was so happy with how welcoming they were to Cassia. Lio and Cassia are still dealing with a lot and they are still keeping some secrets from each other, but I think they both progressed so much as characters in this installment. It was great to see. Their romance continues to be my favorite element of the story, but the political intrigue and issues are piling up on all sides, which kept the plot exciting as well. The pacing felt a little faster in this installment than the previous too, but still on the slower side.
I think this series is great for fans of epic fantasy worlds with complex political components, detailed, and slow paced writing, and great chemistry between the main characters. Skip this series if slower pacing is frustrating for you. Overall, this was another good addition to the series.
January 23, 2023
I really do love this book series; the world building, characters, magic system, and writing is everything I want in a book!
I just find that it’s definitely not a book you can pick up and read to relax, it requires a lot of brainpower and because of this… it feels like a longer book than it actually is.
However, I adore the main characters and the writing is just phenomenal. So I’m excited to see how this journey continues!
Three stars doesn’t feel enough for this wonderful book but it’s just not QUITE a four star read!
3.5 ⭐️
I just find that it’s definitely not a book you can pick up and read to relax, it requires a lot of brainpower and because of this… it feels like a longer book than it actually is.
However, I adore the main characters and the writing is just phenomenal. So I’m excited to see how this journey continues!
Three stars doesn’t feel enough for this wonderful book but it’s just not QUITE a four star read!
3.5 ⭐️
March 23, 2022
This is such an incredible epic fantasy that I have loved since the beginning. The world building is beautiful and amazing and you feel as if you are on this journey with our awesome character Lio and Cassia. It’s an intriguing storyline full of fantasy, drama, romance, magic and action and once I enter this world I do not want to leave. The supporting characters are nearly as wonderful and exciting as the main ones which I loved and the emotions really tugged on mine. Mystery and suspense has had me on the edge of my seat and I am so ready for the next book!
December 12, 2022
Solid 4 stars
There were a few satisfying minor defeats of Chrysanthos but I’m getting a little impatient! I want more politics and outsmarting to happen. The domesticity and found family thing is cute, but it’s starting to feel overdone. Im not a big fan of reading about the joys of children in my romances.
That being said, it’s the same level of quality as the previous book, I think I just need to spread out my reading of this series a bit more.
There were a few satisfying minor defeats of Chrysanthos but I’m getting a little impatient! I want more politics and outsmarting to happen. The domesticity and found family thing is cute, but it’s starting to feel overdone. Im not a big fan of reading about the joys of children in my romances.
That being said, it’s the same level of quality as the previous book, I think I just need to spread out my reading of this series a bit more.
August 3, 2023
A perfect follow up to book 2.
I love that we got to read more of the dynamic and love between Cassia and Lio. Cassie and Lio both grow even more in character. I love their love and how they treat each other.
You get more information about the Hesperines and how their world works which makes reading even more interesting. The world-building is detailed and beautifully written. There are parts that you really you have to keep your attention.
You also learn more about the various characters of the embassy.
I love that we got to read more of the dynamic and love between Cassia and Lio. Cassie and Lio both grow even more in character. I love their love and how they treat each other.
You get more information about the Hesperines and how their world works which makes reading even more interesting. The world-building is detailed and beautifully written. There are parts that you really you have to keep your attention.
You also learn more about the various characters of the embassy.
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September 9, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Religious persecution
Physical injury (burns)
Blood-drinking
Religious persecution
Physical injury (burns)
Blood-drinking
April 12, 2024
4.5🌟
The romance and found-family components are golden.
The romance and found-family components are golden.
November 29, 2025
I will add a rating when I finish part 2 since this is a book split for page count not because there was necessarily a good stopping point with this book.
July 1, 2025
This book is what happens when your enemies-to-lovers slow burn gets marinated in political intrigue and then left to simmer for, oh, a thousand pages.
Cassia, our brave, mortal heroine, is trying to navigate the perilous waters of Hesperine court life, scheming nobles, magical bloodlines, and her own massive crush on Lio, the golden standard of emotionally intelligent, tender, poetic vampire men. She wants to turn for him. She wants to live forever for him. She wants magical blood in her veins, not just because it’s powerful, but because it would mean she finally belongs somewhere and with someone. It’s romantic as hell, and I was rooting for her the whole way.
Meanwhile, Lio is off dreaming about shared gardens, children’s laughter, and late-night sonnet readings under the moonlight. He is a walking Pinterest board of Hesperine domestic fantasy. The way he feels things? Swoon. But also, say something, man. Just tell her she’s your grace and you’ll collapse into dust without her. We’re 600 pages in and still waiting for him to say the quiet part out loud. The slow burn is less “simmering tension” and more “will one of you please just combust already.”
Now, let’s talk about the plot. Or rather, the endless spiraling talk around the plot. Because while Cassia’s internal monologue is full of longing and resolve, the actual events? Mostly conversations. Endless debates about alliances, history, ethics, protocol, the logistics of courtship, the weight of tradition, and the subtle nuances of immortality. Occasionally, someone tries to kill Cassia, except Lio and his terrifyingly competent family are always two steps ahead, so the danger never quite feels…dangerous.
Cassia does have a few shining moments that break through the political haze. Her monologue to Epodos? Iconic. A verbal slap so sharp I felt it through the page. “I do not need your apology. I do not need your favor. I do not need your invitation.” Mic drop. She earned that moment, and I nearly stood up and clapped.
Also: Lio’s family adores her. Which is lovely. Cassia deserves softness. She deserves safety. She deserves in-laws who look at her like she hung the stars. I would read an entire novella of her just hanging out with them, finally being loved without conditions.
And yet, by page 1079, you might find yourself wondering if anything has really happened. There’s one gladiator-style fight scene, but it’s quickly absorbed into more talking. No true stakes. No big explosive moments. It’s like watching a pot simmer for hours only to realise it’s empty.
Cassia, our brave, mortal heroine, is trying to navigate the perilous waters of Hesperine court life, scheming nobles, magical bloodlines, and her own massive crush on Lio, the golden standard of emotionally intelligent, tender, poetic vampire men. She wants to turn for him. She wants to live forever for him. She wants magical blood in her veins, not just because it’s powerful, but because it would mean she finally belongs somewhere and with someone. It’s romantic as hell, and I was rooting for her the whole way.
Meanwhile, Lio is off dreaming about shared gardens, children’s laughter, and late-night sonnet readings under the moonlight. He is a walking Pinterest board of Hesperine domestic fantasy. The way he feels things? Swoon. But also, say something, man. Just tell her she’s your grace and you’ll collapse into dust without her. We’re 600 pages in and still waiting for him to say the quiet part out loud. The slow burn is less “simmering tension” and more “will one of you please just combust already.”
Now, let’s talk about the plot. Or rather, the endless spiraling talk around the plot. Because while Cassia’s internal monologue is full of longing and resolve, the actual events? Mostly conversations. Endless debates about alliances, history, ethics, protocol, the logistics of courtship, the weight of tradition, and the subtle nuances of immortality. Occasionally, someone tries to kill Cassia, except Lio and his terrifyingly competent family are always two steps ahead, so the danger never quite feels…dangerous.
Cassia does have a few shining moments that break through the political haze. Her monologue to Epodos? Iconic. A verbal slap so sharp I felt it through the page. “I do not need your apology. I do not need your favor. I do not need your invitation.” Mic drop. She earned that moment, and I nearly stood up and clapped.
Also: Lio’s family adores her. Which is lovely. Cassia deserves softness. She deserves safety. She deserves in-laws who look at her like she hung the stars. I would read an entire novella of her just hanging out with them, finally being loved without conditions.
And yet, by page 1079, you might find yourself wondering if anything has really happened. There’s one gladiator-style fight scene, but it’s quickly absorbed into more talking. No true stakes. No big explosive moments. It’s like watching a pot simmer for hours only to realise it’s empty.
June 22, 2023
this is the cutest purest series ever i'm so obsessed with everyone in this book like you don't understand how much i love lio's trial circle and cassia and knight and komnena and apollon and baby zoe and kadi like i will start crying right now
i kinda wish vela roth just stuck with it being pure tbh bc the sex scenes are so boring (and if i have to read krana and rhabdos one more time i will combust you can say dick and pussy i promise no one is going to die). this is like the vampire book antithesis to fbaa which was so bad plot and character and relationship wise (i'm still not over cas and poppy constantly just murdering and threatening anyone who was perceived as a slight threat can we be mature like with my moth princess xandra pls) but jla knew wtf she was doing writing those scenes with casteel bc i was screaming into my pillow every damn time
it's kinda annoying only one hesperine ever was bad bc they have conscience magic ig?? i felt a little better when nodora's brother was mean bc at least there are some shades but i'm just not a fan for how black and white it is
also, this is the ugliest cover i have ever seen thank god i read this on my kindle so i didn't have to look at it. book 1 is so mf beautiful but the proportions on this (compare their head sizes for a minute and tell me i'm wrong) and their faces as a whole are ?? cassia and lio don't remotely look like the same characters from the first cover. cover artist i am sorry for being mean you should be so proud of yourself for the first cover you did a phenomenal job but pls
i kinda wish vela roth just stuck with it being pure tbh bc the sex scenes are so boring (and if i have to read krana and rhabdos one more time i will combust you can say dick and pussy i promise no one is going to die). this is like the vampire book antithesis to fbaa which was so bad plot and character and relationship wise (i'm still not over cas and poppy constantly just murdering and threatening anyone who was perceived as a slight threat can we be mature like with my moth princess xandra pls) but jla knew wtf she was doing writing those scenes with casteel bc i was screaming into my pillow every damn time
it's kinda annoying only one hesperine ever was bad bc they have conscience magic ig?? i felt a little better when nodora's brother was mean bc at least there are some shades but i'm just not a fan for how black and white it is
also, this is the ugliest cover i have ever seen thank god i read this on my kindle so i didn't have to look at it. book 1 is so mf beautiful but the proportions on this (compare their head sizes for a minute and tell me i'm wrong) and their faces as a whole are ?? cassia and lio don't remotely look like the same characters from the first cover. cover artist i am sorry for being mean you should be so proud of yourself for the first cover you did a phenomenal job but pls
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