mars_tea's review
1.0
The premise of the story wasn’t bad, but the book information dumps for several pages and then carries on like it’s the middle of a trilogy. It feels like I’ve missed the development of pretty much every relationship between everyone except Ismini and her best friends.
It was just too difficult to keep reading when all these questions went unanswered, and the events all went much too fast.
It was just too difficult to keep reading when all these questions went unanswered, and the events all went much too fast.
breerashel's review
3.0
I had read a few books by N. Isabelle Blanco before and enjoyed the darkness that she is capable of bringing to a story. Blood Flows Deep intrigued me because it is more of a fantasy than her other books. I thought that the premise was interesting in that Ismini is a sacrifice for a god and she is aware of that fact. When I read that I wondered what would drive a person like that and how could they be okay with that. The author was able to write such a compelling book with a sacrifice mated to her own killer and vice versa. I knew that I had to read this story to find out how it progresses.
I loved the tension between the two main characters. It seemed so natural and I thought that the emotional turmoil that they both go through is portrayed really well. As far as characters go, I connected much more with Ismini than I did with Dyletri. He seemed very childish and entitled at times which annoyed me.
All in all I really enjoyed the book. The only critique that I would give would be more world building. I feel like I was dumped into a world that I didn't completely understand. I was aware that there was bad blood between some of the gods resulting in betrayal and bloodshed but didn't understand much else about it.
https://fictionedtodeath.blogspot.com/2018/09/blood-flows-deep-ryze-1-by-n-isabelle.html
I loved the tension between the two main characters. It seemed so natural and I thought that the emotional turmoil that they both go through is portrayed really well. As far as characters go, I connected much more with Ismini than I did with Dyletri. He seemed very childish and entitled at times which annoyed me.
All in all I really enjoyed the book. The only critique that I would give would be more world building. I feel like I was dumped into a world that I didn't completely understand. I was aware that there was bad blood between some of the gods resulting in betrayal and bloodshed but didn't understand much else about it.
https://fictionedtodeath.blogspot.com/2018/09/blood-flows-deep-ryze-1-by-n-isabelle.html
jbquinn's review
5.0
You know how when you're reading a book you LOVE & when you finish it 2 things happen; 1) You. Are. Wrecked! The book just completely wrecks you in every possible way imaginable & you end up with this massive book hangover. AND 2) You're thoughts are consumed with this book. You think to yourself, 'I wish I could read that book again for the first time & experience it again for the first time.' Well, that happened with this book for me. I actually got to read this book again for the first time! I got to experience everything again PLUS MORE! How? This book has been reworked & completely revamped! I love it even more now! I have such an infinite love for this book, these characters, the unbelievable and incredible storytelling & this amazing world the characters reside in. I can't even form words good enough to do this book justice but, I'm going to try!
The Blood Flows Deep is the first book in the Ryze series. This book is Dyletri & Ismini's book. Dyletri is the God of Fertility. He has suppressed his powers, became celibate & promised a sacrifice of an innocent soul to the Fates all to save Dimithinia, the woman he 'thinks' he's in love with. Fast Forward fourteen thousand years, he meets Ismini. The woman who's soul he has to sacrifice. Except, things don't go according to plan. Dyletri falls in love with Ismini & with that comes guilt. He feels guilty for falling in love with Ismini due to all the promises he's made. Plus, he's a bit confused about Dimithinia.
Ismini didn't have the best life growing up. She's never felt worthy of anything or anyone. Thanks to Nylicia (Watcher of Destiny) Ismini has known about Dyletri her whole life, knows who he is & has come to terms with what she has to do. Although, Destiny has other plans for her. I loved Ismini from the get go. She is amazing! She doesn't play the why me card or the victim in anything that's happening to her. She's accepted her fate & puts others selflessly before her. She knows that Dyletri feels guilty & Ismini doesn't think she's worthy of him because of what he's doing. Yet, she loves him anyway & because she loves him she's willing to die for his happiness. So, she keeps things from him. Things that they're both feeling & things that effect them both.
Being the God of Fertility Dyletri knows how to please a woman! He did NOT disappoint when it came to pleasing Ismini. One of my favorite parts of this book (among many),
"By the Gods, yes, writhe on that cock baby." His body presses harder against mine. His tongue is suddenly everywhere, licking from my jaw to my ear threatening to make me come again.
"Dyletri pleas---" I don't get to finish. He dematerializes us. I gasp as we reappear in an unknown room. My legs are wrapped his waist, and his throbbing cock is nestled right on my pussy.
Dyletri shakes with restrained power as he holds me. He sniffs my skin and licks another fiery path up my jaw. When his tongue slides into my ear, my legs become an instant vise around him.
I lower my head and bite down into almost I breakable flesh. Power and taste explode inside my mouth again.
It's an orgasmic mouth fuck.
This book is so full of thigh clenching, erotic, sexy goodness. With that said, there's also an amazing storyline. There's action, sex, drama & angst. It's also about friendships and how family isn't always blood. And even though Dyletri & Ismini are the main characters, we still get other pov's. I have to say, I LOVE every character in this book & can't wait for future books. I can honestly say, this is one of my all time favorite books. It's exceptionally written. I'll be reading it again & I'll always feel that excitement when reading. Everyone needs to read this book & experience this book! I guarantee you, you won't be disappointed!
The Blood Flows Deep is the first book in the Ryze series. This book is Dyletri & Ismini's book. Dyletri is the God of Fertility. He has suppressed his powers, became celibate & promised a sacrifice of an innocent soul to the Fates all to save Dimithinia, the woman he 'thinks' he's in love with. Fast Forward fourteen thousand years, he meets Ismini. The woman who's soul he has to sacrifice. Except, things don't go according to plan. Dyletri falls in love with Ismini & with that comes guilt. He feels guilty for falling in love with Ismini due to all the promises he's made. Plus, he's a bit confused about Dimithinia.
Ismini didn't have the best life growing up. She's never felt worthy of anything or anyone. Thanks to Nylicia (Watcher of Destiny) Ismini has known about Dyletri her whole life, knows who he is & has come to terms with what she has to do. Although, Destiny has other plans for her. I loved Ismini from the get go. She is amazing! She doesn't play the why me card or the victim in anything that's happening to her. She's accepted her fate & puts others selflessly before her. She knows that Dyletri feels guilty & Ismini doesn't think she's worthy of him because of what he's doing. Yet, she loves him anyway & because she loves him she's willing to die for his happiness. So, she keeps things from him. Things that they're both feeling & things that effect them both.
Being the God of Fertility Dyletri knows how to please a woman! He did NOT disappoint when it came to pleasing Ismini. One of my favorite parts of this book (among many),
"By the Gods, yes, writhe on that cock baby." His body presses harder against mine. His tongue is suddenly everywhere, licking from my jaw to my ear threatening to make me come again.
"Dyletri pleas---" I don't get to finish. He dematerializes us. I gasp as we reappear in an unknown room. My legs are wrapped his waist, and his throbbing cock is nestled right on my pussy.
Dyletri shakes with restrained power as he holds me. He sniffs my skin and licks another fiery path up my jaw. When his tongue slides into my ear, my legs become an instant vise around him.
I lower my head and bite down into almost I breakable flesh. Power and taste explode inside my mouth again.
It's an orgasmic mouth fuck.
This book is so full of thigh clenching, erotic, sexy goodness. With that said, there's also an amazing storyline. There's action, sex, drama & angst. It's also about friendships and how family isn't always blood. And even though Dyletri & Ismini are the main characters, we still get other pov's. I have to say, I LOVE every character in this book & can't wait for future books. I can honestly say, this is one of my all time favorite books. It's exceptionally written. I'll be reading it again & I'll always feel that excitement when reading. Everyone needs to read this book & experience this book! I guarantee you, you won't be disappointed!
beckiebookworm1974's review
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
Review Copy
Blood Flows Deep (Ryze #1) by N. Isabelle Blanco was a really great start to what is shaping up to be a fantastic new series.
I'm not a newcomer to this author having previously read her Voyeur collaboration; which incidentally I adored.
But this was so different to anything I expected, and I mean that in a completely positive way.
This was just so imaginative and though I was expecting Ismini and Dyletri's story here what we got was just so much more.
Dyletri is the god of lust and Ismini; the female Dy has waited aeons for; not for his own but to sacrifice to the fates to bring back his lost love Diminthia.
Well, that was never going to end well ay?
So moving on here "Blood Flows Deep" was so rich in truly developed characters; who displayed such individualism and diversity it was an actual pleasure to experience.
While this story was developing; the author was weaving such an intricate web; with so many overlaps and intricacies, it was truly a staggering feat.
The only reason I didn't rate this much higher was there were certain incidences in the fabric of this tale that were not to my taste; however this authors story welding skills; were truly a super-power and for that reason alone you need to read this.
After this book, you will definitely need to soldier on regardless; it was like a compulsion to get to that fated finale.
This is told from multiple POV; I usually can't abide this at all; here I loved it; it just seemed to fit the author's way of narrating.
this truly was a pleasure to read and it was only some slight personal preferences that pulled this down.
Onwards and upwards to the next exciting, action-filled episode of this series.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with a Review copy of "Blood Flows Deep (Ryze #1) " of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
doggielol16's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
becsa's review
3.0
This was an interesting read that I found somewhat difficult to get into as I was trying to figure out who was who is past lives and how everyone was intertwined. One part that I found confusing was that Dyletri was once Salicyar until he was betrayed by the Aviraji and he became Dyletri.
Ismini was a tough girl who was almost used as a pawn and I couldn't figure out why Enteax and Lisrin knew right from the beginning that she was the one that Dyletri was after. But they didn't give up and some not good things happened because of it.
I liked that Dyletri and Ismini were able to act on their feelings and figure out what they meant to each other. The role of Nylicia was interesting and I found myself very intrigued by her and what she could do.
I liked the ending and the change in Ismini and I wonder if the same thing will happen with her best friend, Evesse.
I found the book interesting but found it didn't grip me the way that others have.
Ismini was a tough girl who was almost used as a pawn and I couldn't figure out why Enteax and Lisrin knew right from the beginning that she was the one that Dyletri was after. But they didn't give up and some not good things happened because of it.
I liked that Dyletri and Ismini were able to act on their feelings and figure out what they meant to each other. The role of Nylicia was interesting and I found myself very intrigued by her and what she could do.
I liked the ending and the change in Ismini and I wonder if the same thing will happen with her best friend, Evesse.
I found the book interesting but found it didn't grip me the way that others have.
lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
We are introduce to quite a few characters in a short time and it took me a little while to work out/remember who was who. Once this happened, and the plot starts to really flow I was totally immersed in the story. Reading other reviews I think this book has had some reworking as the blurb and title are different now and Dyletri is the god of lust, not fertility.
The book has smokin' hot gods, snarky goddesses, not 1 but 3 kick-ass female humans, several baddies, the fates demanding their due and a whole lot of prophecy and destiny. It's also got intrigue, adventure and chemistry that is hot enough to set fire to your panties. And stirring it all together is Nylicia, that girl knows so much more than she is letting on.
Looking back I could probably summarise the whole book in a few sentences, and yet at no point did it feel slow or dragging. I was totally gripped by this wonderful tale that blended urban fantasy on Earth with happenings on other realms. This could be read as a stand alone, not that I'd want to because I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters. However it is clear that parts of this story are setting up plot lines for future books, so whilst there isn't a cliffhanger there are 'loose ends'.
It dropped a star because whilst I enjoyed the book it didn't tug at my emotions and I do have to agree that there is no relationship building between Dyletri and Ismini. I found the connection/chemistry between them believable but it did come across more as outside forces pushing them together rather than them falling in love.
This is a new-to-me author and, as I've already said, I enjoyed this book enough to want to continue the series.
The book has smokin' hot gods, snarky goddesses, not 1 but 3 kick-ass female humans, several baddies, the fates demanding their due and a whole lot of prophecy and destiny. It's also got intrigue, adventure and chemistry that is hot enough to set fire to your panties. And stirring it all together is Nylicia, that girl knows so much more than she is letting on.
Looking back I could probably summarise the whole book in a few sentences, and yet at no point did it feel slow or dragging. I was totally gripped by this wonderful tale that blended urban fantasy on Earth with happenings on other realms. This could be read as a stand alone, not that I'd want to because I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters. However it is clear that parts of this story are setting up plot lines for future books, so whilst there isn't a cliffhanger there are 'loose ends'.
It dropped a star because whilst I enjoyed the book it didn't tug at my emotions and I do have to agree that there is no relationship building between Dyletri and Ismini. I found the connection/chemistry between them believable but it did come across more as outside forces pushing them together rather than them falling in love.
This is a new-to-me author and, as I've already said, I enjoyed this book enough to want to continue the series.
linathebookaddict's review
4.0
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
What an amazing paranormal tale!
Full review to come.
4 Stars
What an amazing paranormal tale!
Full review to come.
4 Stars
nbiblioholic's review
5.0
This was the first time I read a book by N. Isabelle Blanco. I’ve read a collaboration of hers, but this was my introduction to what she could really produce on her own. And I was absolutely blown away! She hooked me right from her prologue, sucked me into the lives and emotions of each of her characters, and has left me hungry for so much more.
What I liked:
★ This book was so HOT!! The words, the growls, the moans, the undulations of bodies, the descriptions... so. freaking. hot!!
★ The world building - the way that Enzyria was described, I could easily imagine this realm. From the 108-inch TV screen to the rooms to the hills and mountain ranges to the temples, I could picture it all.
★ The characters - I don’t just mean the main characters of this story, Dyletri and Ismini, although they were fantastic and I’ll get to them in a sec. I mean all of the characters. The author took the time to give details for each so that I was able to not only picture them in my head, but also give them their own unique mannerisms, facial expressions, etc. She made them so freaking real!
★ Dyletri and Ismini - Dyletri fancied himself in love with a Queen (Dimithinia) and when she was killed he vowed to resurrect her. He had to balance the tide, so in order to save her soul he had to sacrifice another. Both he and Ismini knew what her purpose was and although she wasn't okay with it, she had accepted it. But when these two meet face-to-face, their destiny takes a sudden swerve. Dyletri tries hard to deny the pull of this human but Ismini has already accepted her fate - she's mated to him. And there is so much more!!
★ The plot - it was like a mix of gods, humans, destiny, mating and then… oh yeah, btw, there’s a war coming between these amazing people I’ve met and the Aviraji, which as I understand it, used to be what all of these gods were.
★ The intricacy of the plot - yeah, I know I should have included this above, but it deserves its own point. There was so much going on (and easy to follow along) that I need to make it clear how freaking lovely this was. There’s obviously a romance build going on, but there’s also a battle, both internally and externally, for all of these gods, especially with Dyletri and Zeniel. Dyletri was originally the God of Lust, sleeping with anyone who called him. Zeniel was originally Mavrak, the God of Vengeance, who led a massacre and had to be tortured into submission. Gah!! And there is SO much more to learn!!
★ The so-called side characters who felt very much like main characters, although they didn’t each get a POV. I can’t wait to learn more about each and every one of them. I was able to see their plots developing in this story, but I can’t wait to find out exactly how everything plays out. Zeniel/Mavrak is next and I’m sure it will be just as fabulous as this one.
★ Cyake, Nylicia, Zexistr, Sil, Liz, Ian, Nythi, and I hope there’s a freaking story for Crius and Dimithinia. I NEED it!!
★ EVERYTHING!!
What I didn’t like:
★ *crickets* Cuz there was NOTHING that I didn’t like!!
I’m just gobsmacked! N. Isabelle Blanco’s new series has virtually smacked me in the face with this book’s awesomeness!! I want to tell you all about it, but I won’t. I really need you to add this to your reading list though. If you’re a fan of fantasy, mythology, and/or paranormal romance, you will definitely be a fan of this book.
Release Date: August 8, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romance
POV: Primarily Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4.5 out of 5
Type: Book 1 of the Ryze series
What I liked:
★ This book was so HOT!! The words, the growls, the moans, the undulations of bodies, the descriptions... so. freaking. hot!!
★ The world building - the way that Enzyria was described, I could easily imagine this realm. From the 108-inch TV screen to the rooms to the hills and mountain ranges to the temples, I could picture it all.
★ The characters - I don’t just mean the main characters of this story, Dyletri and Ismini, although they were fantastic and I’ll get to them in a sec. I mean all of the characters. The author took the time to give details for each so that I was able to not only picture them in my head, but also give them their own unique mannerisms, facial expressions, etc. She made them so freaking real!
★ Dyletri and Ismini - Dyletri fancied himself in love with a Queen (Dimithinia) and when she was killed he vowed to resurrect her. He had to balance the tide, so in order to save her soul he had to sacrifice another. Both he and Ismini knew what her purpose was and although she wasn't okay with it, she had accepted it. But when these two meet face-to-face, their destiny takes a sudden swerve. Dyletri tries hard to deny the pull of this human but Ismini has already accepted her fate - she's mated to him. And there is so much more!!
★ The plot - it was like a mix of gods, humans, destiny, mating and then… oh yeah, btw, there’s a war coming between these amazing people I’ve met and the Aviraji, which as I understand it, used to be what all of these gods were.
★ The intricacy of the plot - yeah, I know I should have included this above, but it deserves its own point. There was so much going on (and easy to follow along) that I need to make it clear how freaking lovely this was. There’s obviously a romance build going on, but there’s also a battle, both internally and externally, for all of these gods, especially with Dyletri and Zeniel. Dyletri was originally the God of Lust, sleeping with anyone who called him. Zeniel was originally Mavrak, the God of Vengeance, who led a massacre and had to be tortured into submission. Gah!! And there is SO much more to learn!!
★ The so-called side characters who felt very much like main characters, although they didn’t each get a POV. I can’t wait to learn more about each and every one of them. I was able to see their plots developing in this story, but I can’t wait to find out exactly how everything plays out. Zeniel/Mavrak is next and I’m sure it will be just as fabulous as this one.
★ Cyake, Nylicia, Zexistr, Sil, Liz, Ian, Nythi, and I hope there’s a freaking story for Crius and Dimithinia. I NEED it!!
★ EVERYTHING!!
What I didn’t like:
★ *crickets* Cuz there was NOTHING that I didn’t like!!
I’m just gobsmacked! N. Isabelle Blanco’s new series has virtually smacked me in the face with this book’s awesomeness!! I want to tell you all about it, but I won’t. I really need you to add this to your reading list though. If you’re a fan of fantasy, mythology, and/or paranormal romance, you will definitely be a fan of this book.
Release Date: August 8, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romance
POV: Primarily Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4.5 out of 5
Type: Book 1 of the Ryze series