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Blood Grace #5
Blood Union: Part One
She's ready for her eternal future with him. But the past won't let them go…
The night Cassia has fought for is here. At last, she'll drink Lio’s blood and join him as an immortal Hesperine, fulfilling their Grace bond. But then an unexpected guest returns to Orthros with a revelation about the past she never imagined. Secrets lay hidden in the illustrious Empire, where she must travel with Lio to find the truth.
Lio has risked everything for his Grace before, and he'll do it again. He'll stand between Cassia and the politics pulling her back toward the human world. He'll push his magic to new limits to keep her safe. Even if it destroys his life's work as a diplomat - or Cassia's trust in him.
Steamy romance meets classic fantasy worldbuilding in Blood Grace. Follow fated mates Lio and Cassia through their epic love story for a guaranteed series HEA.
The night Cassia has fought for is here. At last, she'll drink Lio’s blood and join him as an immortal Hesperine, fulfilling their Grace bond. But then an unexpected guest returns to Orthros with a revelation about the past she never imagined. Secrets lay hidden in the illustrious Empire, where she must travel with Lio to find the truth.
Lio has risked everything for his Grace before, and he'll do it again. He'll stand between Cassia and the politics pulling her back toward the human world. He'll push his magic to new limits to keep her safe. Even if it destroys his life's work as a diplomat - or Cassia's trust in him.
Steamy romance meets classic fantasy worldbuilding in Blood Grace. Follow fated mates Lio and Cassia through their epic love story for a guaranteed series HEA.
671 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2022
232 people are currently reading
2410 people want to read
About the author
Vela Roth
17 books648 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 101 reviews
November 25, 2022
I was not entertained or amused with this book and it hit me with the one thing about a book for me to give it 1 star; It annoyed the FU*K out of me to the point I've completely lost interest in the series and will not be continuing on.
I am annoyed beyond belief with the book for setting up her gift night with some meaningful conclusions to things that have haunted her just for it to be yanked out and become meaningless because her sister might be alive. If that wasn't enough, the gift being a dick teased again and again throughout the book was the absolute worst. I cannot possibly comprehend what good she believes she can do in saving her sister as a human when she could be a badass as a hesperine. I could have actually forgiven the sudden out of no where "your sister could be alive plot". WHY would you delay the gift to stay weak and easy to kill when you could become stronger for the adventure ahead? God it could have been so interesting seeing Cassia trying to balance the new changes and new magic while looking for her sister in a new land.
Everything that revolved around her sister being dead in the past books has become completely pointless now with the possibility of her being alive. It removes the "realness" of the character's life. Bad things happen to people, let dead people stay dead. The road of life is not paved with rainbows and unicorns, let bad things happen to your character. You want something fluffy for your character? Do something else than bring the dead suddenly back to life.
When you made soli's death the corner stone of so many things. Cassia's motivations were so understandable in past books, relatable to so many people who have lost a sister or a mother figure. The scene in the first book where she told Lio about her sister's death made me even cry a little. Soli had become a perfect martyr for the series, an inspiration. Yet now it is all meaningless, it wasn't even her sister!
Two huge sins slapping you in the face. I HATE when I am so disappointed in a book series that I got invested in just for it to let me down in later books. I enjoyed the first book so much and the characters were so refreshing. Now I'm just annoyed as hell sitting here writing an angry review because I'm so disappointed.
I am annoyed beyond belief with the book for setting up her gift night with some meaningful conclusions to things that have haunted her just for it to be yanked out and become meaningless because her sister might be alive. If that wasn't enough, the gift being a dick teased again and again throughout the book was the absolute worst. I cannot possibly comprehend what good she believes she can do in saving her sister as a human when she could be a badass as a hesperine. I could have actually forgiven the sudden out of no where "your sister could be alive plot". WHY would you delay the gift to stay weak and easy to kill when you could become stronger for the adventure ahead? God it could have been so interesting seeing Cassia trying to balance the new changes and new magic while looking for her sister in a new land.
Everything that revolved around her sister being dead in the past books has become completely pointless now with the possibility of her being alive. It removes the "realness" of the character's life. Bad things happen to people, let dead people stay dead. The road of life is not paved with rainbows and unicorns, let bad things happen to your character. You want something fluffy for your character? Do something else than bring the dead suddenly back to life.
When you made soli's death the corner stone of so many things. Cassia's motivations were so understandable in past books, relatable to so many people who have lost a sister or a mother figure. The scene in the first book where she told Lio about her sister's death made me even cry a little. Soli had become a perfect martyr for the series, an inspiration. Yet now it is all meaningless, it wasn't even her sister!
Two huge sins slapping you in the face. I HATE when I am so disappointed in a book series that I got invested in just for it to let me down in later books. I enjoyed the first book so much and the characters were so refreshing. Now I'm just annoyed as hell sitting here writing an angry review because I'm so disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
The books have gotten slow and they're becoming hard to read. They also explain things in a weird way that's hard for me to get over. Instead of doing an aside like in most books to explain something, a character will recite the thing like they're a walking encyclopedia.
I'm not sure if I will be able to continue. The stakes are too low, the pacing too slow, and there is so much to read out there.
I'm not sure if I will be able to continue. The stakes are too low, the pacing too slow, and there is so much to read out there.
July 22, 2022
This is another excellent book in the series! Vela Roth is a fantastic storyteller, creating a magical and layered world, exceptional characters, and super swoon-worthy romances.
Cassia and Lio go on a dangerous journey after Cassia reexamines events from her past with the help of her friends. She realizes that not everything was as it seemed, and she, with Lio’s help seeks the truth. Cassia and Lio continue to be an amazing couple, and I love their unwavering support of and love for each other.
Much like the other books in the series, this book has an interesting and gripping plot. And there are many shocking revelations that I totally didn’t see coming. I loved that! Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it went in a completely different direction, and the many twists, turns, and surprises make for a suspenseful, intense read.
I also like that a lot of the story takes place in a completely different, yet equally immersive, setting. Roth is a master of world-building, creating expansive, vivid, and original settings that keep expanding as the series progresses. I’m fascinated by this layered and fascinating world, and the descriptions are so detailed and layered that you are easily pulled into the story.
I’m loving this epic romantasy series and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy vampire romance or romantasy. Special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Cassia and Lio go on a dangerous journey after Cassia reexamines events from her past with the help of her friends. She realizes that not everything was as it seemed, and she, with Lio’s help seeks the truth. Cassia and Lio continue to be an amazing couple, and I love their unwavering support of and love for each other.
Much like the other books in the series, this book has an interesting and gripping plot. And there are many shocking revelations that I totally didn’t see coming. I loved that! Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it went in a completely different direction, and the many twists, turns, and surprises make for a suspenseful, intense read.
I also like that a lot of the story takes place in a completely different, yet equally immersive, setting. Roth is a master of world-building, creating expansive, vivid, and original settings that keep expanding as the series progresses. I’m fascinated by this layered and fascinating world, and the descriptions are so detailed and layered that you are easily pulled into the story.
I’m loving this epic romantasy series and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy vampire romance or romantasy. Special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
July 18, 2022
100 out of 10 stars.
This. Author. I can't even describe how stunning her work is. This is my favorite book of the series by far. Every time you think Ms. Roth has given us everything, she gives us even more. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, forgoing sleep and work. Totally worth it :)
Lio and Cassia continue to be my favorite couple. The stakes are even higher, but they continue to conquer every challenge together. I love seeing their relationship grow like a real couple. It's simple perfection how Ms. Roth captures the intimacy and the irritations between lovers. *chef's kiss*
The most stunning aspect of this book, however, is the world building. Ms. Roth takes readers to the Empire, which is inspired by Persian and African architecture. Her descriptions are immensely satisfying. I could feel the heat of the desert and smell the camels. The architectural descriptions were my favorite part. If only I could travel to the Empire.
As for the supporting cast, Ms. Roth does not let us down. Beautifully fleshed out and each with an immense back story, these characters are as "real" as the MCs. In this book, we meet Monsoon, who is a brute in the best ways. Move over Lio, I have a new crush <3
Ms. Roth continues to be my favorite author. She is miles ahead of anyone else. Run, do not walk, to buy this book.
This. Author. I can't even describe how stunning her work is. This is my favorite book of the series by far. Every time you think Ms. Roth has given us everything, she gives us even more. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, forgoing sleep and work. Totally worth it :)
Lio and Cassia continue to be my favorite couple. The stakes are even higher, but they continue to conquer every challenge together. I love seeing their relationship grow like a real couple. It's simple perfection how Ms. Roth captures the intimacy and the irritations between lovers. *chef's kiss*
The most stunning aspect of this book, however, is the world building. Ms. Roth takes readers to the Empire, which is inspired by Persian and African architecture. Her descriptions are immensely satisfying. I could feel the heat of the desert and smell the camels. The architectural descriptions were my favorite part. If only I could travel to the Empire.
As for the supporting cast, Ms. Roth does not let us down. Beautifully fleshed out and each with an immense back story, these characters are as "real" as the MCs. In this book, we meet Monsoon, who is a brute in the best ways. Move over Lio, I have a new crush <3
Ms. Roth continues to be my favorite author. She is miles ahead of anyone else. Run, do not walk, to buy this book.
February 19, 2023
At this point I am starting to feel like we are drawing this out in order to write additional books in the series.
It feels like the author wrote herself into a corner regarding the “gift” transformation and wasn’t ready to transition Cassia into her next self. I am struggling with another book about the craving with a new person’s POV. I would have been happy to have Cassia journey with Lio as a new gift and the challenges that entails. What I’m annoyed at is that the beginning (and prior books) set up this as the next step and it was never meant to happen. It reads as disingenuous and frankly annoying. I find a lot of Cassia’s decision making in this book straight up stupid and her intellect / cunning would never had made those mistakes. They placed her in harmful situations as well as Knight whom she never would have done this too.
It appears I’m in the minority here so it’s probably just me. I will continue with the series and chalk it up to this book not being my cup of tea
It feels like the author wrote herself into a corner regarding the “gift” transformation and wasn’t ready to transition Cassia into her next self. I am struggling with another book about the craving with a new person’s POV. I would have been happy to have Cassia journey with Lio as a new gift and the challenges that entails. What I’m annoyed at is that the beginning (and prior books) set up this as the next step and it was never meant to happen. It reads as disingenuous and frankly annoying. I find a lot of Cassia’s decision making in this book straight up stupid and her intellect / cunning would never had made those mistakes. They placed her in harmful situations as well as Knight whom she never would have done this too.
It appears I’m in the minority here so it’s probably just me. I will continue with the series and chalk it up to this book not being my cup of tea
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2022
I am SO disappointed, SO SO disappointed. It is very obvious that the author only wanted to prolongue the saga, but didn't even create new enemies or obstacles, just re-opened some first book issues, changing in the process our characters so they become a little dumb. I'm really sad :( I thought this would be ny new favorite saga, maybe only the 4 books. Hope at least the sixth book (which I think is going to be the last) has a redeeming ending.
December 3, 2024
On the verge of finally becoming a Hesperine, Cassia finds out the truth that will shake up her world.
The special guest on her Gifting Night is one who has been long awaited in Orthros. Nike finally shows up, and offers Cassia final memories of her sister. Or not. It turns out Solia might still be alive after all these years. Not being able to bear the uncertainty, Cassia decides to delay her Gifting to find out what happened to her sister. But why is she feeling such relief?
Tracking her sister all the way to the Empire, they have to go covertly, as citizens of Cordium and Tenebra are not allowed within the Empire's borders. And until she has her Gifting, Cassia is not considered a citizen of Orthros yet.
On their journey they encounter the famous pirate captain Ziara (one of the many things they write Zoe home about as she is so excited at the famous woman privateer), a mercenary Monsoon who guides them all over the Empire to find Ukocha, the last one to have seen Solia. They encounter mythical Jinn who guard the Muqaal desert and the shadowy organization known only as 'Broken Stones' who seem to be targeting Cassia and have the uncanny ability to neutralize even Hesperine magic.
It is so fascinating to find out more about the Empire and different cultures and languages all over it. Vela Roth has a way of writing that makes you only thirsty for more, and I can't wait to read more and finally meet Solia, and see what became of her after all these years.
The special guest on her Gifting Night is one who has been long awaited in Orthros. Nike finally shows up, and offers Cassia final memories of her sister. Or not. It turns out Solia might still be alive after all these years. Not being able to bear the uncertainty, Cassia decides to delay her Gifting to find out what happened to her sister. But why is she feeling such relief?
Tracking her sister all the way to the Empire, they have to go covertly, as citizens of Cordium and Tenebra are not allowed within the Empire's borders. And until she has her Gifting, Cassia is not considered a citizen of Orthros yet.
On their journey they encounter the famous pirate captain Ziara (one of the many things they write Zoe home about as she is so excited at the famous woman privateer), a mercenary Monsoon who guides them all over the Empire to find Ukocha, the last one to have seen Solia. They encounter mythical Jinn who guard the Muqaal desert and the shadowy organization known only as 'Broken Stones' who seem to be targeting Cassia and have the uncanny ability to neutralize even Hesperine magic.
It is so fascinating to find out more about the Empire and different cultures and languages all over it. Vela Roth has a way of writing that makes you only thirsty for more, and I can't wait to read more and finally meet Solia, and see what became of her after all these years.
July 9, 2025
Love the series
Love the books and want to see how they end. But what happened to Cassia? Was it purely so they can move the story forward that they turned her into an idiot? Our planning and careful Cassia would never have done some of these things. And having grown up constantly being reminded what happens to those who were not careful and 3 steps ahead she would not have lost that in less than a year. It would be second nature.
And something about the entire series just fade to black if you can't stand using words for body parts. I spend most of the time skipping over portions of the book cause using rhabdos, kalux, and krana is just cringe inducing. It literally is a turn off since they aren't using any other words to describe anything else in the books. But of you are wanting to do YA books just do a fade to black. Or pepper more words for other things into the books so they don't stand out like a sore thumb. So it doesn't look like you are scared of those words. Either you can talk about sex or not and to try and take the childish route and use the equivalent of pee pee and hooha is just cringy.
Love the books and want to see how they end. But what happened to Cassia? Was it purely so they can move the story forward that they turned her into an idiot? Our planning and careful Cassia would never have done some of these things. And having grown up constantly being reminded what happens to those who were not careful and 3 steps ahead she would not have lost that in less than a year. It would be second nature.
And something about the entire series just fade to black if you can't stand using words for body parts. I spend most of the time skipping over portions of the book cause using rhabdos, kalux, and krana is just cringe inducing. It literally is a turn off since they aren't using any other words to describe anything else in the books. But of you are wanting to do YA books just do a fade to black. Or pepper more words for other things into the books so they don't stand out like a sore thumb. So it doesn't look like you are scared of those words. Either you can talk about sex or not and to try and take the childish route and use the equivalent of pee pee and hooha is just cringy.
October 19, 2023
I sped through the previous books despite the lengths of the books. This is the first one that I struggled to finish. It felt unnecessarily long and little plot happened. Also, Cassia has lost her way with clever words and strategy. She had several blunders in this book where she showed a lack of finesse where she previously excelled in this area. I don’t love to see a FMC become less than she was before just because she “got” the MMC.
I also felt like there were several plot holes. Delaying the gift night over and over again because Solia might be alive did not make sense to me. Why would Cassia want to remain human and vulnerable for this search? I’m also not loving the idea that a character that has been “dead” for several books and is the main cornerstone for why Cassia is the way she is, might be alive.
Also, why couldn’t they leverage the Hesperine trackers for finding Solia? I don’t really see an advantage to sending out two inexperienced young people on this search
I think I will take a break from this series and return later. The pacing in this book was so slow and exhausted me
I also felt like there were several plot holes. Delaying the gift night over and over again because Solia might be alive did not make sense to me. Why would Cassia want to remain human and vulnerable for this search? I’m also not loving the idea that a character that has been “dead” for several books and is the main cornerstone for why Cassia is the way she is, might be alive.
Also, why couldn’t they leverage the Hesperine trackers for finding Solia? I don’t really see an advantage to sending out two inexperienced young people on this search
I think I will take a break from this series and return later. The pacing in this book was so slow and exhausted me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2023
DNF at around 65% (I think lol), she was supposed to become a vampire at the beginning of the book but noooo we were BAITED. Tbh the author should have made this a novella showing her becoming a vamp and then boom HEA. Maybe one day I’ll finish but not today
June 23, 2023
I‘m kind of bored of this book…
May 10, 2025
This one started off super slow, and I definitely struggled with it in the beginning. I think that might be a theme with the “part 1” books in this series, since it’s really only the first half of the book. But once it finally picked up, I had so much fun and couldn’t put it down! I’m honestly so invested in these characters—that’s one of my favorite things about long series. There’s so much time to get attached to characters as you learn more and more about them throughout the books.
In this book, the world continues to expand, and we finally get to experience the Empire. I loved the adventure aspect of this installment—I always love a good quest in a fantasy series. We also got to meet Nike, who I find to be such an interesting character, especially because she’s been discussed so much in previous books. I love all the Hesperine family dynamics.
Cassia and Lio continue to be absolutely ADORABLE. They’re genuinely such a sweet, non-toxic couple and I love their interactions. You can really tell how much they love one another. I love Cassia’s growth throughout this series, BUT she was making some dumb decisions in this book.
I didn’t love Cassia’s decision to wait for her gifting, and I’m on the fence about how to feel about Solia potentially being alive. I guess I just don’t really understand why she couldn’t have done this search as a Hesperine? It would’ve mitigated a lot of risks and made things simpler, that’s for sure.
BUT things are heating up and I feel like the politics are about to get so much more complicated with Cassia officially being a fugitive in the empire. Looking forward to continuing the story!!
In this book, the world continues to expand, and we finally get to experience the Empire. I loved the adventure aspect of this installment—I always love a good quest in a fantasy series. We also got to meet Nike, who I find to be such an interesting character, especially because she’s been discussed so much in previous books. I love all the Hesperine family dynamics.
Cassia and Lio continue to be absolutely ADORABLE. They’re genuinely such a sweet, non-toxic couple and I love their interactions. You can really tell how much they love one another. I love Cassia’s growth throughout this series, BUT she was making some dumb decisions in this book.
I didn’t love Cassia’s decision to wait for her gifting, and I’m on the fence about how to feel about Solia potentially being alive. I guess I just don’t really understand why she couldn’t have done this search as a Hesperine? It would’ve mitigated a lot of risks and made things simpler, that’s for sure.
BUT things are heating up and I feel like the politics are about to get so much more complicated with Cassia officially being a fugitive in the empire. Looking forward to continuing the story!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
Oh. My. Gosh. This book was absolutely amazing!!! At this point in the series, Cassia is determined to put her past in Tenebra aside in order to become a Hesperine so she can be with Lio forever. Unfortunately, the past isn’t ready to let her go. When new information about a loved one comes to light, Cassia makes the decision to put aside her own happiness in order to pursue the lead given by the new information. I thought Cassia’s inner turmoil was extremely well written, and I loved how loyal she is. Cassia has always been kindhearted and down to earth, and that’s why she’s such a likable main character for me. As for Lio… could he get any swoonier? I don’t think so. Lio is one of my favorite fantasy romance MMCs of all time because of his strength, dedication, and loving nature. As for that ending… holy crap!!! I can’t wait for part two!!!
July 4, 2024
I still absolutely love these characters, but it must be said that this installment was a bit of a dud. Roth's worldbuilding is lush and immersive, but we got, arguably, too much of it in this book. Or, at least, too much when counterbalanced by the lack of forward momentum and circuitous conversations. The pacing was torturous until the last 20%.
That being said, my fondness for the series remains. I actually don't even mind the turnabout with Solia--this series is the absolute manifestation of hurt/comfort, and we're fully embracing the comfort after many books of hurt.
That being said, my fondness for the series remains. I actually don't even mind the turnabout with Solia--this series is the absolute manifestation of hurt/comfort, and we're fully embracing the comfort after many books of hurt.
October 20, 2024
Plot war in den ersten 10 Seiten und am Ende vorhanden. Irgendwo zwischendrin ist er abhanden gekommen. Werde ich es DNFen? Neee, jetzt ist es auch zu spät lol. Buch 6 von 8 als Nächstes 🦅💥
September 20, 2023
I have absolutely fallen in love with this series, these characters, and the world building Vela Roth has done. I mean it: seriously some of the most beautiful world building I’ve seen, especially in a romance book.
But, with Blood Union I felt throughly annoyed and I see some others felt the same way. I could come to peace with the fact that we are five books in and Cassia is not a Hesperine yet. I really could. Being brought to the brink not once, but TWICE…that was just unnecessary. It was bad enough going through all the preparations of Cassia’s gift night just to have it pushed back. But to have her agree AGAIN to receive the Gift, and have her push it back AGAIN in the same chapter gave me a splitting headache. It truly felt like it was being dragged out just for the sake of another book. Not to mention Cassia’s incessant back and forth between appreciating being a human and anger at not being a Hesperine yet.
Cassia has built herself into a rigorously smart and capable character, which is why I was a bit disappointed at some of her decision making here. I can appreciate the sudden change to everything she thought she knew causing some rashness. But some things, particularly the ending, just seemed so vastly out of character for her.
Blood Union Part 1 was fantastic for world building - I loved getting to finally see and learn more about the empire and its political intrigue. Unfortunately many aspects of it also just seemed like filler. I truly felt that we had arrived at the right time in the plot for Cassia’s gift, but it was yanked away a little (no pun intended) gracelessly. I still have high hopes for the rest of the series, since Vela Roth is such an excellent writer!
But, with Blood Union I felt throughly annoyed and I see some others felt the same way. I could come to peace with the fact that we are five books in and Cassia is not a Hesperine yet. I really could. Being brought to the brink not once, but TWICE…that was just unnecessary. It was bad enough going through all the preparations of Cassia’s gift night just to have it pushed back. But to have her agree AGAIN to receive the Gift, and have her push it back AGAIN in the same chapter gave me a splitting headache. It truly felt like it was being dragged out just for the sake of another book. Not to mention Cassia’s incessant back and forth between appreciating being a human and anger at not being a Hesperine yet.
Cassia has built herself into a rigorously smart and capable character, which is why I was a bit disappointed at some of her decision making here. I can appreciate the sudden change to everything she thought she knew causing some rashness. But some things, particularly the ending, just seemed so vastly out of character for her.
Blood Union Part 1 was fantastic for world building - I loved getting to finally see and learn more about the empire and its political intrigue. Unfortunately many aspects of it also just seemed like filler. I truly felt that we had arrived at the right time in the plot for Cassia’s gift, but it was yanked away a little (no pun intended) gracelessly. I still have high hopes for the rest of the series, since Vela Roth is such an excellent writer!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
2.5 stars
This one was rough. I’ve complained about “so much nothing” in these books before, but this one took it to a new level. The ending is the only saving it from a lower rating. The introduction of Monsoon as a character might bring just some much needed life to this story.
I’m still in it to the end. But I really wish this author had a better editor. Like take out all the endless, repetitive talk. Add a bit more action between the diplomacy. I like being able to count on the steadfastness of Lio and Cassia’s relationship, but I’m so tired of the endless talking, descriptions of menial things, and tedious conversations that circle the same talking points.
This one was rough. I’ve complained about “so much nothing” in these books before, but this one took it to a new level. The ending is the only saving it from a lower rating. The introduction of Monsoon as a character might bring just some much needed life to this story.
I’m still in it to the end. But I really wish this author had a better editor. Like take out all the endless, repetitive talk. Add a bit more action between the diplomacy. I like being able to count on the steadfastness of Lio and Cassia’s relationship, but I’m so tired of the endless talking, descriptions of menial things, and tedious conversations that circle the same talking points.
July 20, 2022
It ticks all the boxes:
Beautiful writing.
Immersive world building.
A tender, fated love willing to conqueror all.
A sexy Beta hero that gets to really show us his fangs this book, if you know what I mean ;)
A twist that made me gasp.
Excellent characters and fun new friends in an exciting new setting.
Beautiful writing.
Immersive world building.
A tender, fated love willing to conqueror all.
A sexy Beta hero that gets to really show us his fangs this book, if you know what I mean ;)
A twist that made me gasp.
Excellent characters and fun new friends in an exciting new setting.
January 14, 2023
This really could have been condensed into 3 books, not 7
January 30, 2023
You lost me when you kept her human, sorry
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2023
this series is good but i don’t think it needs to be this long.
personally it could have ended by now, with the whole “solia being alive” it just seems as if they’re dragging on the books.
personally it could have ended by now, with the whole “solia being alive” it just seems as if they’re dragging on the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2023
... I'm gonna pretend this one never happened.
July 18, 2022
Blood Union part one brings new drama and secret revelations to the lives of Lio and Cassia on the eve of Cassia’s Grace Bond ceremony with Lio and sets into motion another exhilarating and fundamentally satisfying read in this ongoing lush and imaginative fantasy world.
With a story that is filled with powerful energy, exquisite prose, riveting characters and a narrative that unfailingly evokes the strong emotions and poignancy expressed by the author’s accomplishment in storytelling this phenomenal adventure of the heart has not failed to keep this reader riveted to the pages while being taken on a journey I was again so very happy to join.
Looking forward to part twos arrival!
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With a story that is filled with powerful energy, exquisite prose, riveting characters and a narrative that unfailingly evokes the strong emotions and poignancy expressed by the author’s accomplishment in storytelling this phenomenal adventure of the heart has not failed to keep this reader riveted to the pages while being taken on a journey I was again so very happy to join.
Looking forward to part twos arrival!
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2022
This is the fifth book in Vela Roth's Blood Mercy series - a paranormal vampire fantasy romance. Book 4 did end with a hea, and now, book 5 continues with the adventures of the same MCs Lio and Cassia.
I've been hooked on this world ever since book 1 released in January. I'm so happy that we get to see more of Lio-Cassia, and more of this world in general. As always, this book had an amazing plot and setting, and a relationship growth that lead to comfort reading. It had some truly shattering plot twists too, that were so fun!
Also how pretty is this cover 🥲
I've been hooked on this world ever since book 1 released in January. I'm so happy that we get to see more of Lio-Cassia, and more of this world in general. As always, this book had an amazing plot and setting, and a relationship growth that lead to comfort reading. It had some truly shattering plot twists too, that were so fun!
Also how pretty is this cover 🥲
July 20, 2022
This is an incredible series that just keeps getting better and better with each book! The world building is incredible and beautiful and so descriptive that you find yourself easily drawn in and the continued storyline is exciting with some amazing characters. Lio and Cassia’s relationship is going from strength to strength as their journey continues which is fraught with danger and so many twists and turns and surprises along the way. There’s a lot going on in this part one and I have to say I am addicted!
July 2, 2025
i did enjoy this book, but it doesn’t go without criticism.
i didn’t really like how the plot is now moving towards finding Solia and her actually still being alive, even though the first four books were on the premise that she was not. I also didn’t like the fact that Cassia’s gifting that keeps getting delayed over and over and over. it’s just like tease, but it’s going too far
I want to see what happens so I’ll probably keep reading, but this book was definitely a little frustrating .
i didn’t really like how the plot is now moving towards finding Solia and her actually still being alive, even though the first four books were on the premise that she was not. I also didn’t like the fact that Cassia’s gifting that keeps getting delayed over and over and over. it’s just like tease, but it’s going too far
I want to see what happens so I’ll probably keep reading, but this book was definitely a little frustrating .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
This world keeps getting better and better with each story Vela writes!! I have loved each and every installment and this one is no different! And the STEAM aid on point and at a level I definitely want it at!
September 23, 2023
Another great addition to this series! Vela Roth takes you on another adventure with Lio, Cassie and all there friends and family.
We get to know a different part of Orthos. I love the wordbuilding that Roth writes. She is on a greater level as ever.
The main plot of the story is about Cassia giftnight and something that happens that can change their future forever.
I can't tell you enough about the amazing and beautiful relationship between Cassia and Lio and all the other characters. The trope found family and friends is refresing and very powerfull.
Secrets come to light and changes are made.
We get to know a different part of Orthos. I love the wordbuilding that Roth writes. She is on a greater level as ever.
The main plot of the story is about Cassia giftnight and something that happens that can change their future forever.
I can't tell you enough about the amazing and beautiful relationship between Cassia and Lio and all the other characters. The trope found family and friends is refresing and very powerfull.
Secrets come to light and changes are made.
Read
September 9, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Blood-drinking
Attempted murder
Kidnapping
Physical assault
Stalking
Blood-drinking
Attempted murder
Kidnapping
Physical assault
Stalking
January 4, 2025
4.4 stars.
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