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Blood Runs True
The King is dead…
Alone and far from home, word of her father’s murder is the worst possible news for Tamara to receive. With the previous regime massacred, a usurper has claimed her rightful throne and sent elite warriors to ensure she never returns.
Whilst attempting to evade them, Mara discovers another kingdom in danger, under attack from the same demons who killed her father. Helping them could allow her to acquire a power strong enough to win the war against the demons forever.
But the city won’t give up its secrets easily.
Between a distrusting monarch, his overly attentive son, and a supposed prophecy of dubious origins, finding a way home might have a higher price than Mara is willing to pay.
Alone and far from home, word of her father’s murder is the worst possible news for Tamara to receive. With the previous regime massacred, a usurper has claimed her rightful throne and sent elite warriors to ensure she never returns.
Whilst attempting to evade them, Mara discovers another kingdom in danger, under attack from the same demons who killed her father. Helping them could allow her to acquire a power strong enough to win the war against the demons forever.
But the city won’t give up its secrets easily.
Between a distrusting monarch, his overly attentive son, and a supposed prophecy of dubious origins, finding a way home might have a higher price than Mara is willing to pay.
430 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2022
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 20, 2022
An excellent debut novel, nicely paced with a variety of well-rounded characters and plenty of exciting twists and turns along the way! Each chapter begins with a flashback scene before returning to the present day storyline, adding depth to the main character. The magic system is fresh and exciting, definitely worth a read - I look forward to the sequel!
November 19, 2022
This was a fantastic book and a really enjoyable read. There was the perfect amount of world building – enough to showcase the unique world that had been created but without the unnecessary amounts of exposition that sometimes plague fantasy writing. The characters felt realistic and relatable (though I wish I was as cool as Mara!) The magic system was very original and I loved finding out more about how it worked as the book progressed. Looking forward to book #2!
December 27, 2022
This is a really excellent book. The world feels real and draws you in, and the story is cleverly woven - the reveals are the kind that seem obvious once you know them but are impossible to spot! Also if you enjoy a cutting sarcastic comment and a bit of dry wit, then these characters are for you! Looking forward to the sequel for sure.
September 9, 2025
Update: read it again. Just as amazing the second time around.
Where to even start with this? I guess with the rating. As solid a 5 stars as you can get. The characters; the world building; the pace; the magic system. All top tier.
Ms. Armstrong is an incredibly talented writer, deftly weaving heart-pounding action with heart-wrenching emotion. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll quite possibly scream. You’ll get attached to characters you shouldn’t. (Iykyk)
Bottom line: get this book. It absolutely belongs on the shelf next to all your favorite fantasies.
Where to even start with this? I guess with the rating. As solid a 5 stars as you can get. The characters; the world building; the pace; the magic system. All top tier.
Ms. Armstrong is an incredibly talented writer, deftly weaving heart-pounding action with heart-wrenching emotion. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll quite possibly scream. You’ll get attached to characters you shouldn’t. (Iykyk)
Bottom line: get this book. It absolutely belongs on the shelf next to all your favorite fantasies.
January 11, 2023
In the interest of transparency, I should declare that the author is a dear friend of mine. However, that fact was forgotten only a few pages into the book, when any preconceptions I may have had one way or another were taken over by the story, which confidently speaks for itself.
Mara's character and journey really resonated with me, in a way that not many characters have before. The plot is expertly crafted, with an abundance of questions and reveals keeping you glued to the page and throughout there is, above all, the trust that the author knows exactly what they're doing and where they're leading you.
I've always believed that a good book does at least two of three things well: it has a solid and interesting plot, strong and varied characters, and last but not least, contains some beautiful writing (the voice, if you so will). A great book achieves all three.
Well. This book hits all of these and more. I can honestly say that if I had just picked up this book randomly in a shop, rather than knowing the author personally, it would have made no difference to my feelings. As it is, I am so grateful to have been in the right place at the right time to be introduced to Mara and her world. I am not exaggerating when I say that Blood Runs True has already become one of my favourite and most treasured books.
Mara's character and journey really resonated with me, in a way that not many characters have before. The plot is expertly crafted, with an abundance of questions and reveals keeping you glued to the page and throughout there is, above all, the trust that the author knows exactly what they're doing and where they're leading you.
I've always believed that a good book does at least two of three things well: it has a solid and interesting plot, strong and varied characters, and last but not least, contains some beautiful writing (the voice, if you so will). A great book achieves all three.
Well. This book hits all of these and more. I can honestly say that if I had just picked up this book randomly in a shop, rather than knowing the author personally, it would have made no difference to my feelings. As it is, I am so grateful to have been in the right place at the right time to be introduced to Mara and her world. I am not exaggerating when I say that Blood Runs True has already become one of my favourite and most treasured books.
March 17, 2024
What an excellent read! Really scratches the high fantasy fix. I really liked the MC, Mara, but if I’m being honest, I truly LOVED Nate’s character arc! I found myself identifying with him a lot and rooting for him as much as the MC. I also really enjoyed Titan’s character. Djet made an excellent villain as well, which made the ending all the more satisfying. Plenty of obstacles in the way! The MC’s double blades are a fun addition, as is the ward system and the implications of not having wards or having broken wards. It’s a nice system and it’s fun to examine the character’s working within it. It certainly does get dark at points, especially with the missing children, but I never found myself uncomfortable as I sometimes feel with other dark fantasies. No spice either, which I think worked well for this story because the focus on fantasy really made it flow well, and I’m not so sure spice would have been a worthwhile addition, so I appreciate that the author didn’t take it there. I usually read a lot of fanfic and urban fantasy, so I love it when a high fantasy book is written to be consumable and enjoyable. I also appreciate when a story has multiple moving pieces that all sort of…link together in a satisfying manner, which I felt Blood Runs True managed to execute perfectly. I’m genuinely looking forward to more of Mara and Nate’s adventures!
February 7, 2023
Fantastic read, once I picked it up I couldn't put it down!
Loved the flashbacks at the start of each chapter, definitely added layers to the characters. The voice of Mara is really clear throughout and I enjoyed discovering the world she inhabits alongside her. Very much looking forward to the next one!
Loved the flashbacks at the start of each chapter, definitely added layers to the characters. The voice of Mara is really clear throughout and I enjoyed discovering the world she inhabits alongside her. Very much looking forward to the next one!
July 21, 2025
Well built high fantasy world. Layers of intrigue and humor stacked on top of a undiscovered city/nation. Solid tattoo-based magic system, the use of which has costs in more than one world.
Overall, an outstanding debut for this author and I can't wait to see where the story goes.
Overall, an outstanding debut for this author and I can't wait to see where the story goes.
October 23, 2025
UPDATE: Read this book again a year later and it still holds all its charm. In fact, I’d say it was even better the second time around. Shamed to say that I forgot a lot of smaller points since my last read but it was a joy to rediscover them all again, and it makes me even more excited for the sequel!!
— — — — —
Blood Runs True is the debut novel by this author, and what a debut it is. The author creates a tantalising world filled with intrigue and suspense, with characters and a setting that immediately draw you in. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning the pages, chapter after chapter, and you won’t want to put it down.
The novel introduces a wide range of characters, each of whom you’ll find yourself emotionally invested in. Their actions and emotions are so well-crafted that you may catch yourself shouting at the pages in response. Every character is unique and beautifully written, making it easy to connect with them as soon as they’re introduced - shout out to Titan and Set! You’ll be the same when you meet them, trust me!
The world-building in Blood Runs True is deep and rich, with layers of potential that are only hinted at in this book, teasing the reader with the promise of more to come. Magic plays a central role in the world, especially through the use of Runes - mysterious symbols that bestow immense powers on those fortunate enough to wield them. The intrigue surrounding these Runes is one of the many elements that will leave you excited to see how they’ll be explored in future books.
I won’t delve too much into the plot because I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers. But trust me on this - it’s gripping from the first chapter. The author will constantly challenge your beliefs and assumptions, just when you think you have things figured out. The plot moves along at a nice steady pace, but there’s never a dull moment, you’ll be kept on your toes the whole time.
The only cruel part of this book is that it eventually comes to an end. If you’re searching for a captivating and entertaining read, look no further. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this author takes the series next!
— — — — —
Blood Runs True is the debut novel by this author, and what a debut it is. The author creates a tantalising world filled with intrigue and suspense, with characters and a setting that immediately draw you in. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning the pages, chapter after chapter, and you won’t want to put it down.
The novel introduces a wide range of characters, each of whom you’ll find yourself emotionally invested in. Their actions and emotions are so well-crafted that you may catch yourself shouting at the pages in response. Every character is unique and beautifully written, making it easy to connect with them as soon as they’re introduced - shout out to Titan and Set! You’ll be the same when you meet them, trust me!
The world-building in Blood Runs True is deep and rich, with layers of potential that are only hinted at in this book, teasing the reader with the promise of more to come. Magic plays a central role in the world, especially through the use of Runes - mysterious symbols that bestow immense powers on those fortunate enough to wield them. The intrigue surrounding these Runes is one of the many elements that will leave you excited to see how they’ll be explored in future books.
I won’t delve too much into the plot because I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers. But trust me on this - it’s gripping from the first chapter. The author will constantly challenge your beliefs and assumptions, just when you think you have things figured out. The plot moves along at a nice steady pace, but there’s never a dull moment, you’ll be kept on your toes the whole time.
The only cruel part of this book is that it eventually comes to an end. If you’re searching for a captivating and entertaining read, look no further. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this author takes the series next!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews