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pagesinthesnow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Torture, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Child death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Slavery, Kidnapping, and Fire/Fire injury
zanazy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found myself pleasantly surprised by the story. Oraya is the main female character and the story is told from her perspective. Raihn is the main male character who is mysterious from the very beginning and this drew me in. Vampires, humans, gods, and a competition to be the last one standing are all present, and there is a mystery to both Oraya and Raihn that kept me reading in suspense. I was dreading the conclusion based on the knowledge that only one could win, so I saved the last 10 chapters an extra day. In the end, I may have screamed, fell into silent shock, and currently still feel like I need to be a little stabby stabby with some characters.
Oraya is the adopted-human daughter of the reigning Vampire King, Vincent. In this world, there are three factions of vampires, and the Hiaj are currently on top since Vincent is a Hiaj. The other two factions are the Rishan who previously ruled and who Vincent overthrew in what is described as a bloody coup. The Bloodborn are the third faction who are cursed and set to live for shortened lifespans. As a human surrounded by vampires, Oraya has always been protected by her father, Vincent. He trains her to fight and kill, and it’s his idea for her to enter the Kejari, a bloody tournament that comes along once in a lifetime for Oraya. Vincent basically trains her to win so in the end, as her wish from the goddess, she can bind herself to him. Giving her power, but also giving him power too. Raihn is another contestant in the tournament, and they form an alliance, knowing they will eventually need to turn on each other as only one can win. While they are in the tournament, civil unrest is prevalent and King Vincent rains havoc for all the Rishan. As the tournament progresses, Oraya and Raihn become close, and although Oraya has always been told to guard her heart, it becomes harder to do after each trial. This culminates in the final trial, when the two fight each other and only one of them wins.
This was a unique vampire story that was not afraid to show that humans are the main food source for vampires. This led me to wonder how a human like Oraya has survived as long as she has which I hope to find out more in book 2. Oraya was cunning and smart when it came to her survival. When it came to knowledge, she was as naive as a prey would be in a world surrounded by predators. On a personal note, her name did not seem fitting and is my least favorite amongst all the other characters. Raihn is a complex and mysterious character who was both a white knight and dark knight throughout the story. Villain, enemy, friend, andlover. When Raihn and Oraya finally ally in the tournament, the story picks up pace and seemingly flies by. Until that point, the pace of the story is slow. Oraya often describes the world and building architecture in great detail which paints a vivid picture of her world and surroundings as you read. My favorite side character is Mische, Raihn’s friend and ally coming into the tournament, and she represents everything good in vampires. Vincent is a compelling character who loves his adopted daughter in his own twisted way. He is a mix of Daddy Warbucks from Annie and Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) from the Daredevil comics.
The ending…I screamed when Oraya killed Raihn. At first, I thought Vincent used his powers to push her hand to kill him. I should have known it was Raihn pushing her to kill him. Even after she said he was dead, I was expecting him to wake up. Her wish… I was not expecting that. I assumed she’d ask for his life, or the goddess would see how much she loved him and gift him to her, but when Oraya wishes that Raihn had won instead… WOW. I do feel like an explanation is needed, as that would mean that she should be dead right? That he killed her? Then when Raihn immediately upon realizing what she’d done (which he realized super quick and asked no questions), tells the goddess he wants the Rishan restored, I went into another shock. I was not surprised to find out that he was an heir since Oraya focused on his scar a lot, but for him to do what he did once his mark showed up? HE KILLS VINCENT. It’s not even just that, but he kills Vincent in front of Oraya as she watches and tries to save her father. Cruel as he was, she thought of him as her father and Raihn knew that. It was too much. When Oraya gets the heir mark for the Hiaj and Raihn saves her life by telling everyone he will marry her, all my love for his character dies. He had previously told Oraya binding herself to Vincent was a dumb idea, and yet here he was doing it to her. She even calls him out for this later. APPLAUSE for Oraya here. I know he had to stop his people from killing her so he said what he said, but I cannot forgive him for saying he would marry Oraya and rape her like he assumes Vincent did to the previous Rishan queen, who we also know was Raihn’s first vampire love that he regrets not saving. And to top it off, he said he would plop up Vincent’s body so he would watch the wedding and I assume the subsequent bedding/rape. That whole dialogue went too far. Raihn eventually tells Oraya he said it to save her, but it’s a poor excuse for someone who loves her. Given Oraya’s past, which he knew about, and how she just watched him kill her father, I cannot imagine how you forgive or un break your heart from all of that. I love that Jesmine is Oraya’s army’s top commandant and survived, and that she called Oraya her queen. From the quick interaction they have, I got the sense that she will be able to help Oraya understand all that she is, and how powerful she always has been. I truly hope Oraya can stand on her own and reclaim her power, her title, and save her kingdom. I currently could care less if Raihn remains in the picture. He needs a major redemption in my eyes.
Oraya is the adopted-human daughter of the reigning Vampire King, Vincent. In this world, there are three factions of vampires, and the Hiaj are currently on top since Vincent is a Hiaj. The other two factions are the Rishan who previously ruled and who Vincent overthrew in what is described as a bloody coup. The Bloodborn are the third faction who are cursed and set to live for shortened lifespans. As a human surrounded by vampires, Oraya has always been protected by her father, Vincent. He trains her to fight and kill, and it’s his idea for her to enter the Kejari, a bloody tournament that comes along once in a lifetime for Oraya. Vincent basically trains her to win so in the end, as her wish from the goddess, she can bind herself to him. Giving her power, but also giving him power too. Raihn is another contestant in the tournament, and they form an alliance, knowing they will eventually need to turn on each other as only one can win. While they are in the tournament, civil unrest is prevalent and King Vincent rains havoc for all the Rishan. As the tournament progresses, Oraya and Raihn become close, and although Oraya has always been told to guard her heart, it becomes harder to do after each trial. This culminates in the final trial, when the two fight each other and only one of them wins.
This was a unique vampire story that was not afraid to show that humans are the main food source for vampires. This led me to wonder how a human like Oraya has survived as long as she has which I hope to find out more in book 2. Oraya was cunning and smart when it came to her survival. When it came to knowledge, she was as naive as a prey would be in a world surrounded by predators. On a personal note, her name did not seem fitting and is my least favorite amongst all the other characters. Raihn is a complex and mysterious character who was both a white knight and dark knight throughout the story. Villain, enemy, friend, and
The ending…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Rape, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
firehearttt's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Edited after reading the sequel ~
I’ll admit, I wasn’t totally sold after reading this book. But once I finished the second one, I felt a lot differently. The ending of this one doesn’t feel as disappointing to me now that I got more answers and explanations. Looking forward to the third book!!
__________________________________________
I really wanted to be able to give this book 5 stars. And in some ways, it was. I really loved this author’s writing style, and how descriptive it was. It really helped bring the smallest details of the plot and world to life. The romance, while a slow-burn, was well worth the wait. Oraya is a badass main character, and Raihn is great. However, the ending fell flat for me. While I knew that it wouldn’t end happily, the outcome just didn’t hit the way I wanted it to. For a book as dark, twisted, and brutal as this one, I can understand why it ended the way it did, and why certain things happened, but that doesn’t mean I like it. All in all, I loved it while I was reading it, all the way up until the last few chapters. I will probably read the second book, although the ending left much to be desired and I may just move on to something else.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t totally sold after reading this book. But once I finished the second one, I felt a lot differently. The ending of this one doesn’t feel as disappointing to me now that I got more answers and explanations. Looking forward to the third book!!
__________________________________________
I really wanted to be able to give this book 5 stars. And in some ways, it was. I really loved this author’s writing style, and how descriptive it was. It really helped bring the smallest details of the plot and world to life. The romance, while a slow-burn, was well worth the wait. Oraya is a badass main character, and Raihn is great. However, the ending fell flat for me. While I knew that it wouldn’t end happily, the outcome just didn’t hit the way I wanted it to. For a book as dark, twisted, and brutal as this one, I can understand why it ended the way it did, and why certain things happened, but that doesn’t mean I like it. All in all, I loved it while I was reading it, all the way up until the last few chapters. I will probably read the second book, although the ending left much to be desired and I may just move on to something else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
karapillar's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Hate crime, Infidelity, Rape, Torture, Xenophobia, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Abandonment
kcxar1341's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
wildflower_magic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Slavery, Torture, Kidnapping, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Vomit, Stalking, Abandonment, and Alcohol
readbyella_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Torture, Murder, and War
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Gore, Rape, Slavery, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
agregorcic's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book is everything you want in a fantasy. The PERFECT enemies to lovers. I tried so hard to put this book down, but I couldn’t stop myself from reading it all the way through. Raihn was captivating, kind, but never did it ever feel like this was a forced loved. It felt so natural especially with Oraya being scared and untrusting of others. And what an AMAZING mc she is!!!! I think the author could’ve sold us just a little more on her dad so the ending felt more intense. All the said, I hope the next book is just as good as this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Rape
booksbytheglass's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
LITERALLY F ME!!! am I about to return to my vampire era? a high probability because holy holy raihn is the hottest vampire I’ve ever seen 🥵🥵🥵
this was peak enemies to lovers matched with a slow burn, “who did this to you” trope, and of course the “I will sacrifice the world to save you” MY GOD
my review on this one is probably going to be rambling nonsense because I finished this one around midnight last night and I’m still thinking about it 🤭
oraya is the typical human savior of all creature-kind, which normally I hate but oraya was so relatable and determined to make the world a better place it really just made me 🥹🥹🥹
I loved the aspect of her having a vampire adopted dad who trained and raised her - because let’s be honest, we could all use one of those sometimes - and also, how oraya was able to come into her own through her actions in the tournament
and raihn - my lil rhysand vibes vampire 🫡 I would seriously die for him. we have to stan someone who’s brave and bold on the outside but secretly a softie on the inside!!!
but what solidified the 5 stars for me was that plot twist cliffhanger of an ending! I knew something crazy was going to happen BUT NEVER THAT! I haven’t felt this shocked by a fantasy book since red queen wow
if you’re a fan of twilight, goblet of fire, or throne of glass (or maybe a mash of all three), you definitely need to pick this one up!!! it’s worth the hype!!!
rating: 5 stars
wine pairing: left bank bordeaux merlot
this was peak enemies to lovers matched with a slow burn, “who did this to you” trope, and of course the “I will sacrifice the world to save you” MY GOD
my review on this one is probably going to be rambling nonsense because I finished this one around midnight last night and I’m still thinking about it 🤭
oraya is the typical human savior of all creature-kind, which normally I hate but oraya was so relatable and determined to make the world a better place it really just made me 🥹🥹🥹
I loved the aspect of her having a vampire adopted dad who trained and raised her - because let’s be honest, we could all use one of those sometimes - and also, how oraya was able to come into her own through her actions in the tournament
and raihn - my lil rhysand vibes vampire 🫡 I would seriously die for him. we have to stan someone who’s brave and bold on the outside but secretly a softie on the inside!!!
but what solidified the 5 stars for me was that plot twist cliffhanger of an ending! I knew something crazy was going to happen BUT NEVER THAT! I haven’t felt this shocked by a fantasy book since red queen wow
if you’re a fan of twilight, goblet of fire, or throne of glass (or maybe a mash of all three), you definitely need to pick this one up!!! it’s worth the hype!!!
rating: 5 stars
wine pairing: left bank bordeaux merlot
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Death of parent, and War
allyareads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
Minor: Rape