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A Study in Shadows #2
Blade of Demons
When another ancient is murdered, Lyssandra alone cannot resist Asher’s call. Aiding him means going against the Potentate’s direct orders, and she won’t bring Steifan and Tholdri down with her.
But the murder isn’t the only problem. Mysterious shadows stalk a nearby village, and ghouls are roaming free. When a villager is killed, Lyssandra and Asher must unravel this new mystery, all while fighting their growing attraction for one another. That attraction becomes Lyssandra’s primary issue when she is offered a way out of her partnership with the vampire . . . for a price.
Lyss will soon find out where her loyalties truly lie, for with the possibility of Asher’s demise, comes a chance to regain the life she knew before.
But the murder isn’t the only problem. Mysterious shadows stalk a nearby village, and ghouls are roaming free. When a villager is killed, Lyssandra and Asher must unravel this new mystery, all while fighting their growing attraction for one another. That attraction becomes Lyssandra’s primary issue when she is offered a way out of her partnership with the vampire . . . for a price.
Lyss will soon find out where her loyalties truly lie, for with the possibility of Asher’s demise, comes a chance to regain the life she knew before.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
947 people are currently reading
2108 people want to read
About the author
Sara C. Roethle
125 books931 followersSara C. Roethle is a Fantasy author and part-time unicorn. She enjoys writing character driven stories in various fantasy realms with elements of Celtic and Norse myth, humor, and metaphysical ponderings.
Her series include:
Tree of Ages
The Thief's Apprentice
The Moonstone Chronicles
Xoe Meyers
Bitter Ashes
Her series include:
Tree of Ages
The Thief's Apprentice
The Moonstone Chronicles
Xoe Meyers
Bitter Ashes
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
January 21, 2023
Such good writing. I love how mature the characters are. No unnecessary drama and no unneeded details. The story line and character development moved along at the perfect pace. There were unexpected twists and turns and lots of emotions along the way. I will definitely be following this auther, and look forward to book 3.
December 15, 2022
There’s just something about an ancient vampire that really gets me going.
December 13, 2022
Brilliant sequel
Loved it as much as the first book and I have been counting down the days until it's release - finally here and I binged it l day.
It's an engaging fantasy story - not so complicated that you lose track but interesting and freshly written, the element of creepiness and danger remains. There's just something about the way adventure is mixed with romance in this series that I particularly enjoy. The story is the focus point, the romance does not consume the story, like what happens in so many books - but it's sweet and well paced. I have definitely become tired of so many fantasy books just being loaded with sex scenes, I do enjoy romance but when it's constant it gets old fast. This book, like its predecessor, strike the perfect balance for me and I think that must be difficult for an author to achieve. It's going to be a long wait for the next one!
Loved it as much as the first book and I have been counting down the days until it's release - finally here and I binged it l day.
It's an engaging fantasy story - not so complicated that you lose track but interesting and freshly written, the element of creepiness and danger remains. There's just something about the way adventure is mixed with romance in this series that I particularly enjoy. The story is the focus point, the romance does not consume the story, like what happens in so many books - but it's sweet and well paced. I have definitely become tired of so many fantasy books just being loaded with sex scenes, I do enjoy romance but when it's constant it gets old fast. This book, like its predecessor, strike the perfect balance for me and I think that must be difficult for an author to achieve. It's going to be a long wait for the next one!
July 7, 2023
Seriously, truly, madly, deeply, thoroughly LOVING this series. Ermagersh…
December 5, 2024
Enjoying the story
I'm really liking this series. It's an easy read and I'm enjoying the world. I think the books are spaced out pretty good and the flow feels natural. On to book 3
I'm really liking this series. It's an easy read and I'm enjoying the world. I think the books are spaced out pretty good and the flow feels natural. On to book 3
January 21, 2023
Another five star read to start off 2023. This book really had it all. Great world building, character building relationship depth and growth. The side characters and main characters were both flawlessly written and execution was just amazing. I absolutely did not see the twists and the turns coming and the revelations and the last half of the book totally just blew my mind. It was hands down better than the first book and so now my expectations for the third and final book of the series are just through the roof. I will definitely be eagerly anticipating the last book and I will also be looking further into this author to see what other works she has published because her writing is just amazing.
February 2, 2025
Another 3.5 - 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read in this series. Definitely an entertaining & easy read with some fun twists this book! Tropes, pros, & cons below 👇🏼
TROPES
- Slowwwwww burn continues from book 1
- Vampires, witches, ghouls, necromancers, & more
- Found family
- Mysterious pasts
PROS
- There does seem to be constant action. Almost like reading 5 Law & Order episodes in a row, like they’re constantly solving a new crime. 😆
- Found family is really great.
- Not predictable! Like some things we know will happen but now how or who & that’s fun!
- New interesting villains.
- Asher continues to be the best & sweetest vampire ancient to ever live.
CONS
- Same issue as book 1 I’m just not like SUPER invested in anyone but Asher 😆.
TROPES
- Slowwwwww burn continues from book 1
- Vampires, witches, ghouls, necromancers, & more
- Found family
- Mysterious pasts
PROS
- There does seem to be constant action. Almost like reading 5 Law & Order episodes in a row, like they’re constantly solving a new crime. 😆
- Found family is really great.
- Not predictable! Like some things we know will happen but now how or who & that’s fun!
- New interesting villains.
- Asher continues to be the best & sweetest vampire ancient to ever live.
CONS
- Same issue as book 1 I’m just not like SUPER invested in anyone but Asher 😆.
January 3, 2023
I loved the first book and I love this one.
I don’t even know what to say right now, I’m just swept up in the events and the ending of the book and wondering how I’m supposed to get on with life until the third book comes out.
I love Lyssandra and Asher. I love the tension, I love everything. I love her emotions and like lack of them? But that’s not even the right way to explain it, I guess I love the way she processes everything that happens to her. I loved the ending, I’ve never been good at guessing the endings of books and I didn’t guess this ending but I loved it. I also loved that this book while it still had the amazing tension but the smut made sense and flowed with the characters which was great too.
I can’t wait for the third book!
I don’t even know what to say right now, I’m just swept up in the events and the ending of the book and wondering how I’m supposed to get on with life until the third book comes out.
I love Lyssandra and Asher. I love the tension, I love everything. I love her emotions and like lack of them? But that’s not even the right way to explain it, I guess I love the way she processes everything that happens to her. I loved the ending, I’ve never been good at guessing the endings of books and I didn’t guess this ending but I loved it. I also loved that this book while it still had the amazing tension but the smut made sense and flowed with the characters which was great too.
I can’t wait for the third book!
December 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this installment. The MC, Lyssandra, can get annoying. She’s gruff. She’s mean. Thankfully, she softens a little in this book. And just when I couldn’t take her flip flopping on Asher anymore, she finally started changing her tune. The poor guy just can’t get a little softness or kindness from this girl, and he’s SO nice to her! He basically follows her around like a puppy.
These books seem to follow a murder mystery type of storyline, which isn’t my favorite type of storyline, but I do enjoy these books. The supporting characters have enough personality to make it feel real. The bad guys are interesting. I will definitely read the next one.
These books seem to follow a murder mystery type of storyline, which isn’t my favorite type of storyline, but I do enjoy these books. The supporting characters have enough personality to make it feel real. The bad guys are interesting. I will definitely read the next one.
December 14, 2022
Exceeded my expectations. Loved it wholeheartedly. While I wish there was more spice, I love these characters and their growing interactions.
February 25, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
May 10, 2024
I loved it so much more than book 1 — I liked seeing how much Lys has grown in terms of her bond and relationships with those around her. Asher and Lys’s banter is one of my favorite things. I still wish we could get his pov on things
February 3, 2025
Oh the betrayals….
That’s it. That’s the review.
That’s it. That’s the review.
February 28, 2025
Really enjoying this series! Hope the final two books are as good as the first two!
February 14, 2023
A hunter of the Helius Order, an ancient vampire, deadly shadows in the night, ghouls, mystery and adventure.
This is perfectly paced with believable, interesting characters and a great plot.
This is perfectly paced with believable, interesting characters and a great plot.
January 21, 2023
And this is why I don't read incomplete series :) Third book coming out when again ?
January 20, 2023
I am so disappointed in this book. I was torn on the first book but felt like there was a good ramp up at the end that drew me to continue the series. However, I’ll stop with this book and not continue.
Once again, this was murder mystery with a fantasy backdrop and the tiniest splash of romance. The plot followed a murder mystery tied to a drug trade and it just felt like grasping at straws for the first half of the book before the ‘real plot’ got started. When the ‘real plot’ actually reared its head, it played out so quickly and was over in a blink. The big aspects of the book started around the 75% mark and that just feels too late to have so many big revelations, and the final ten pages of the book shouldn’t have the climatic romantic moments. The “real plot” was fantastic and if it dominated the pages compared to the murder mystery, I would be all over this book. But the reality is it got the back burner and because of that it made the book slow and monotonous for me.
Asher did not behave like a centuries-old vampire, you never see him feed or explain where he sleeps or why or any of the details of his vampire life. The “didn’t mean me any harm” comment from the sword happened far too often—we understand how it works!
One thing I really liked: the character talks about a horse carrying two people. I loved this! Most horses cannot carry two adults but in fantasy there’s two people atop a horse all the time. I do love only one horse trope so I suspend reality for this happily, but I was glad to see this detail explained in the book.
Once again, this was murder mystery with a fantasy backdrop and the tiniest splash of romance. The plot followed a murder mystery tied to a drug trade and it just felt like grasping at straws for the first half of the book before the ‘real plot’ got started. When the ‘real plot’ actually reared its head, it played out so quickly and was over in a blink. The big aspects of the book started around the 75% mark and that just feels too late to have so many big revelations, and the final ten pages of the book shouldn’t have the climatic romantic moments. The “real plot” was fantastic and if it dominated the pages compared to the murder mystery, I would be all over this book. But the reality is it got the back burner and because of that it made the book slow and monotonous for me.
Asher did not behave like a centuries-old vampire, you never see him feed or explain where he sleeps or why or any of the details of his vampire life. The “didn’t mean me any harm” comment from the sword happened far too often—we understand how it works!
One thing I really liked: the character talks about a horse carrying two people. I loved this! Most horses cannot carry two adults but in fantasy there’s two people atop a horse all the time. I do love only one horse trope so I suspend reality for this happily, but I was glad to see this detail explained in the book.
February 1, 2025
Really good
This was very good. As the story continues and the mystery deepens what we found was truly the coolest, well thought out story I've read in awhile. I loved it. I didn't forsee much of it and was stunned with a couple of the revelations. I love these characters and damn what a mess they have gotten themselves into. I cannot wait to continue, I need to go get the next book. I would say this is more of a 4.5 stars!! I'm definitely gonna be checking out whatever else this author has written, I like her writing.
This was very good. As the story continues and the mystery deepens what we found was truly the coolest, well thought out story I've read in awhile. I loved it. I didn't forsee much of it and was stunned with a couple of the revelations. I love these characters and damn what a mess they have gotten themselves into. I cannot wait to continue, I need to go get the next book. I would say this is more of a 4.5 stars!! I'm definitely gonna be checking out whatever else this author has written, I like her writing.
March 21, 2023
The first book was so painfully slow, this is even slower. The FMC continues the same lack of growth, the SAME conversations of “you’re a vampire I can’t stand you” over and over till about half way. She does seem to soften by the half way point but then reverts back to the “I have a duty to my vows��� she’s hit us with for the past.. book and a half. I enjoy the adventure part but the lack of character growth and the emphasis on a romance that is going in circles is exhausting.
June 21, 2024
Blade of Demons lives up to the high standard set by the first book and is an excellent addition to the series.
Like book 1, it has two distinct halves with different main plots. The first half focuses on Lyss and Asher working together to find out who murdered an ancient vampire. The investigation leads them to discover deeper secrets regarding the Potentate, which is the focus of the second half. Some parts did drag a little bit, but overall the pacing was good and I didn’t need to skim to stay interested.
Once again, the characters are fantastically written. Lyss continues to be a well developed and sympathetic protagonist. I absolutely loved her maturity, professionalism, and strong sense of justice.
We see a lot more of Asher in this book, and though his history remains a bit of an enigma, his sweet and caring personality truly shines. His interactions with Lyss are so natural and the chemistry between them is undeniable. I also thoroughly enjoyed that out of the two of them, Lyss is ruthless one, which is a nice change from the genre norm.
The romantic subplot is stronger than in book 1, but still is slow burn and takes time to develop. If you are reading this strictly for the romance you may get a bit impatient, but I really enjoyed how the author handled it. Lyss started book 1 wanting to kill Asher, so it makes sense that she wouldn’t fall in love quickly. The romance is wonderfully balanced and doesn’t overshadow the main plot.
If I had one complaint about the book it is that Tholdri, Steifan, and the other familiar characters don’t make an appearance until 50% in. I really missed them at the beginning and I hope we see a lot more of them in the next book.
Overall, I was not disappointed by this sequel. I thought the storyline of the first one was a bit more engaging, but this is still one of the better books I’ve read. The ending has a lot of unanswered questions, but also provides a decent amount of closure so it doesn’t feel like too much of a cliffhanger. I’m looking forward to book 3!
Like book 1, it has two distinct halves with different main plots. The first half focuses on Lyss and Asher working together to find out who murdered an ancient vampire. The investigation leads them to discover deeper secrets regarding the Potentate, which is the focus of the second half. Some parts did drag a little bit, but overall the pacing was good and I didn’t need to skim to stay interested.
Once again, the characters are fantastically written. Lyss continues to be a well developed and sympathetic protagonist. I absolutely loved her maturity, professionalism, and strong sense of justice.
We see a lot more of Asher in this book, and though his history remains a bit of an enigma, his sweet and caring personality truly shines. His interactions with Lyss are so natural and the chemistry between them is undeniable. I also thoroughly enjoyed that out of the two of them, Lyss is ruthless one, which is a nice change from the genre norm.
The romantic subplot is stronger than in book 1, but still is slow burn and takes time to develop. If you are reading this strictly for the romance you may get a bit impatient, but I really enjoyed how the author handled it. Lyss started book 1 wanting to kill Asher, so it makes sense that she wouldn’t fall in love quickly. The romance is wonderfully balanced and doesn’t overshadow the main plot.
If I had one complaint about the book it is that Tholdri, Steifan, and the other familiar characters don’t make an appearance until 50% in. I really missed them at the beginning and I hope we see a lot more of them in the next book.
Overall, I was not disappointed by this sequel. I thought the storyline of the first one was a bit more engaging, but this is still one of the better books I’ve read. The ending has a lot of unanswered questions, but also provides a decent amount of closure so it doesn’t feel like too much of a cliffhanger. I’m looking forward to book 3!
February 4, 2025
If you are reading this book then you probably read the last one so you are familiar with the characters -Lyssandra, the badass Hunter who is secretly the (unwilling) servant of the very sexy vampire Asher. Just like the last book this is divided into two parts or episodes. It's like romantasy meets Supernatural, and honestly I am totally here for it.
I loved this author's previous series for focusing more on plot than romance, but this one is very clearly a hot-burning romance and I'm mad about it. I especially love how there is no creepy power dynamic between Lyssandra and Asher. They are consenting adults, and what books up between them is definitely not teenage romance. It's honestly refreshing.
I also really like the Supernatural-style murder mystery element. It's such a great way to have this world's lore explored and these monsters revealed and defeated. The plot is compelling enough to keep me engaged. Its definitely not plot filler between the romance scenes; it very much stands on it's own and I'm enjoying the world building.
I'm also enjoying seeing Lyssandra grow. She's becoming less rigid, in no small part due to Asher's influence, which kind of makes you wonder if Vampires are all that bad to begin with. Plus we have a compelling plot element of a mysterious sword and I love stories about mysterious relics!
I normally don't go for Vampire stories, but I love this author and am enjoying this series, so on to book 3!
4/5, would probably read the series again in the future.
I loved this author's previous series for focusing more on plot than romance, but this one is very clearly a hot-burning romance and I'm mad about it. I especially love how there is no creepy power dynamic between Lyssandra and Asher. They are consenting adults, and what books up between them is definitely not teenage romance. It's honestly refreshing.
I also really like the Supernatural-style murder mystery element. It's such a great way to have this world's lore explored and these monsters revealed and defeated. The plot is compelling enough to keep me engaged. Its definitely not plot filler between the romance scenes; it very much stands on it's own and I'm enjoying the world building.
I'm also enjoying seeing Lyssandra grow. She's becoming less rigid, in no small part due to Asher's influence, which kind of makes you wonder if Vampires are all that bad to begin with. Plus we have a compelling plot element of a mysterious sword and I love stories about mysterious relics!
I normally don't go for Vampire stories, but I love this author and am enjoying this series, so on to book 3!
4/5, would probably read the series again in the future.
March 27, 2023
“I may be a candle’s flame right now, but give me time, and I will become a forest fire.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just wanna start by saying Sara C Roethle never misses to make my jaw drop. This book was everything and more. The way she describes each town, each inn, it feels like I’m there. It feels like I’m part of the gang.
This book was the perfect sequel to reign of night and I can’t recommend this series enough.
We return to Lyssandra’s mission from the last book and things get wild. This book helped advance a story line that I was already obsessed with. I always say this but if you love the witcher and or castlevania then this is the series for you!
Lyssandra grows so much in this book and I’m so proud of her. I chose the specific quote of her being confident in herself because after all she’s been through, she’s embracing change and allowing herself to open up. I seriously can’t wait to see Lysdandra in the third book, she’s going to thrive!!!
Asher…listen I cant go into it because I’ll spoil a lot but what an amazing character. Him and Tholdri never fail to make my heart collapse😭
This plot hit me like a train, the way can never pre-determine what will happen. I cant guess any of the mysteries, and that’s what I love about Sara’s books, they keep me on my toes! So if that’s something you need in a book, look no further!!
✨If you like the following tropes, you should read this book:
- Vampires
- Touch her you die
- Found family
- Witches
- Hidden powers
- Strong FMC
- Grump/sunshine
I rated this book 5 stars which means I’m excited to read the next book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just wanna start by saying Sara C Roethle never misses to make my jaw drop. This book was everything and more. The way she describes each town, each inn, it feels like I’m there. It feels like I’m part of the gang.
This book was the perfect sequel to reign of night and I can’t recommend this series enough.
We return to Lyssandra’s mission from the last book and things get wild. This book helped advance a story line that I was already obsessed with. I always say this but if you love the witcher and or castlevania then this is the series for you!
Lyssandra grows so much in this book and I’m so proud of her. I chose the specific quote of her being confident in herself because after all she’s been through, she’s embracing change and allowing herself to open up. I seriously can’t wait to see Lysdandra in the third book, she’s going to thrive!!!
Asher…listen I cant go into it because I’ll spoil a lot but what an amazing character. Him and Tholdri never fail to make my heart collapse😭
This plot hit me like a train, the way can never pre-determine what will happen. I cant guess any of the mysteries, and that’s what I love about Sara’s books, they keep me on my toes! So if that’s something you need in a book, look no further!!
✨If you like the following tropes, you should read this book:
- Vampires
- Touch her you die
- Found family
- Witches
- Hidden powers
- Strong FMC
- Grump/sunshine
I rated this book 5 stars which means I’m excited to read the next book!!
January 15, 2023
Blade of Demons:
Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
So from the beginning I have enjoyed this series immensely. I love the monsters and the main character and her love interest. There was more spice in this book which I was extremely happy about. Most books I can usually call what’s going to happen but these books definitely kept me on my toes. The author leaves a lot to the imagination while she weaves her web. I loved the entire book until the end. Ugh. I’ve been holding out for that sex scene and for me it was kind of a let down. There is a few reasons I was a little disappointed. 1. I wanted them to be some where else, outside sounds fun and all until you do it. Is it too cold, too hot? Are there sticks, rocks, bugs? Believe me I could tell you a story about ants and sore knees once not fun.
2. I really love Asher being mushy with Lys and most of the book her quips are relatable or funny. But after they have sex they compare her to a Candle flame/ Forrest fire. I guess it was a little cheesy and not necessary for me. Other than that I enjoyed the book. I think the ending was left wanting but the rest of the book took me on a journey. I am eagerly awaiting the next book. Hopefully there will be more spice and maybe a little bitting.🫦 😉
Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
So from the beginning I have enjoyed this series immensely. I love the monsters and the main character and her love interest. There was more spice in this book which I was extremely happy about. Most books I can usually call what’s going to happen but these books definitely kept me on my toes. The author leaves a lot to the imagination while she weaves her web. I loved the entire book until the end. Ugh. I’ve been holding out for that sex scene and for me it was kind of a let down. There is a few reasons I was a little disappointed. 1. I wanted them to be some where else, outside sounds fun and all until you do it. Is it too cold, too hot? Are there sticks, rocks, bugs? Believe me I could tell you a story about ants and sore knees once not fun.
2. I really love Asher being mushy with Lys and most of the book her quips are relatable or funny. But after they have sex they compare her to a Candle flame/ Forrest fire. I guess it was a little cheesy and not necessary for me. Other than that I enjoyed the book. I think the ending was left wanting but the rest of the book took me on a journey. I am eagerly awaiting the next book. Hopefully there will be more spice and maybe a little bitting.🫦 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
I was pretty sold on the first one, but I loved this one! A solid five star read for me.
We FINALLY start to see the softer side of the FMC, and she's allowing herself to actually have FRIENDS and starts to explore her feelings with the MMC. The MMC is as much of a simp as he was in the first book, and maybe it's my first-born-child-syndrome but man am I obsessed with how gentle he is with her. Yes, we get a few snippy lines from him here and there (deserved), but overall he is just so kind and gentle with her and her dysfunctional feelings, and he's always on her side. Chef's kiss, I'm obsessed.
I loved the ending and the plot twist, and gosh if I don't feel so awful for Xavier. Rabidly awaiting the third installment.
We FINALLY start to see the softer side of the FMC, and she's allowing herself to actually have FRIENDS and starts to explore her feelings with the MMC. The MMC is as much of a simp as he was in the first book, and maybe it's my first-born-child-syndrome but man am I obsessed with how gentle he is with her. Yes, we get a few snippy lines from him here and there (deserved), but overall he is just so kind and gentle with her and her dysfunctional feelings, and he's always on her side. Chef's kiss, I'm obsessed.
I loved the ending and the plot twist, and gosh if I don't feel so awful for Xavier. Rabidly awaiting the third installment.
May 7, 2024
1st reading: Very well written, probably better than the first book... although the back and forth with Amarithe - is she good, is she bad... no, wait, she's good, no but... Ugh, that got really tedious. At the same time, I suppose the changing perspectives on this character was realistic, based on what Lyssandra knew of her at different points in the story.
With the expansion of territory that the characters cover, the lack of a map becomes even more of a drawback.
However, the foreshadowing is nicely done, allowing me to solidify my suspicions of Lyssandra's origins long before they were ultimately revealed to be correct.
The plot has thickened, the stakes have risen even higher, and I'm eager to read the next installment.
With the expansion of territory that the characters cover, the lack of a map becomes even more of a drawback.
However, the foreshadowing is nicely done, allowing me to solidify my suspicions of Lyssandra's origins long before they were ultimately revealed to be correct.
The plot has thickened, the stakes have risen even higher, and I'm eager to read the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
Story is now starting. This book has started to have some interesting characters too. Not your run of the mill fantasy characters. A bit darker. I do find the conflict between the FMC and the vampire she is tied to interesting. She is still fighting something she has fought her whole life. I like it when FMC don't just fall and seem to immediately go for the bad guy who they have fought or been warned off their whole life. I have liked the characters which are being somewhat developed. The characters seem real; let me explain. The darker characters haven't always been bad, but they are not really redeemable now. Same for the good guys, they aren't all sunshine and daisies. Not really any sexual situations yet, but they are coming.
November 23, 2024
This series continues to deliver interesting twists and turns. While the author excels at crafting a fast-paced and engaging story, the romance aspect feels underwhelming. There’s little chemistry or sexual tension between the characters, making the romantic subplot feel gratuitous rather than essential.
Some of the dialogue comes across as clunky or nonsensical, but what stands out is the refreshing approach to the main character’s journey. Unlike many books where the protagonist seems to always know more than the reader, it’s nice to be just as surprised as the FMC as she uncovers new truths about herself.
Despite a few drawbacks in this particular installment, the series as a whole remains compelling and highly enjoyable so far.
Some of the dialogue comes across as clunky or nonsensical, but what stands out is the refreshing approach to the main character’s journey. Unlike many books where the protagonist seems to always know more than the reader, it’s nice to be just as surprised as the FMC as she uncovers new truths about herself.
Despite a few drawbacks in this particular installment, the series as a whole remains compelling and highly enjoyable so far.
December 24, 2024
Book 2 miles better than book 1
While I didn't want to continue after Book 1, I did so in order to fulfill my promise to my friend.
Book 2 has much better pacing and clarity. It does a better job of grasping, holding, and compelling the readers' attention. Book 1 was so overladen with world building and overarching story building that the weight of it all crushes a reader's drive because there aren't enough insights or sprinkling of revelations to compel readers to keep going.
I still think this story is WAY longer than it needs to be, especially knowing there are still 2 books left to go, but I think drastic edits of Book 1 would be helpful in achieving a more compelling story from the outset that would build the commercial success of this series.
While I didn't want to continue after Book 1, I did so in order to fulfill my promise to my friend.
Book 2 has much better pacing and clarity. It does a better job of grasping, holding, and compelling the readers' attention. Book 1 was so overladen with world building and overarching story building that the weight of it all crushes a reader's drive because there aren't enough insights or sprinkling of revelations to compel readers to keep going.
I still think this story is WAY longer than it needs to be, especially knowing there are still 2 books left to go, but I think drastic edits of Book 1 would be helpful in achieving a more compelling story from the outset that would build the commercial success of this series.
June 26, 2025
Blade of Demons: A Study in Shadows, Book 2
By: Sara C. Roethle
🎧 Audiobook Narrated By: Kim Bretton
Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
📖 Ebook Read Using Kindle Unlimited
Another really good audiobook, narrated so well.👏✨️
Lyss goes to help Asher find out who killed Ancient Vampire friend.😢
They're thrown into a murder mystery with shadowy beings and ghouls!😳
A powerful necromancer offers to break the bond between Lyss and Asher. She just wants her vampire sword! She later finds out there's a terrible price! Ryllea returns.
Truths are uncovered about Lyss's true origins. Death and revival shock them all.💥
Debbie, 1970, UK
By: Sara C. Roethle
🎧 Audiobook Narrated By: Kim Bretton
Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
📖 Ebook Read Using Kindle Unlimited
Another really good audiobook, narrated so well.👏✨️
Lyss goes to help Asher find out who killed Ancient Vampire friend.😢
They're thrown into a murder mystery with shadowy beings and ghouls!😳
A powerful necromancer offers to break the bond between Lyss and Asher. She just wants her vampire sword! She later finds out there's a terrible price! Ryllea returns.
Truths are uncovered about Lyss's true origins. Death and revival shock them all.💥
Debbie, 1970, UK
July 22, 2024
I still can’t believe how fast I blew through this book (at least, fast for being the mom of a toddler who can no longer finish entire books overnight). The story being woven truly keeps me on my toes and wanting to learn more about the characters and their challenges. Classic betrayal coming out of the blue and a peak in the romantic relationship for the main character. The stakes continue to raise as we meet our new villain and our suspicions are spun on their tail. Already started the next book!
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