Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - King of Battle and Blood

My expectations were very low for this book, but I enjoyed it. There is more plot and emotion than I expected. I found the cuts between the emotional moments and the sex scenes jarring, but hey different people cope in different ways I guess. The MC felt very realistic to me. She takes her emotions out on others by starting fights when she's upset, so I can see why some people found her annoying. She also took forever to figure out the very-foreshadowed reveal, but I thought that was supposed to be some dramatic irony where the reader knows before the character.

Throughout the book, I always felt the need to know what happened next. I picked up the sequel asap. I really love some of the supporting characters, though I feel several are under-developed. Overall, I'd say it's mostly well-written prose. There are a few glaring flaws, but if you can look past them, it's a fun read.

Content Warnings

fannehsm's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

A true enemies-to-lovers story—and the fantastic banter that comes along with it! Come to grapple with things you thought you knew about your world and existential crisis, stay for falling in love with a powerful overprotective vampire and coming into the confidence to rule. #feminism #justgirlythings

I had a lot of fun! Adrian’s immediate attraction to Isolde felt a little dumb at first, but the story, characters, and writing were so good I gave it a pass. But

when you find out about why it was so immediate, it makes sense why Scarlett wrote it this way and she was smart to keep it light on all the “why me?” stuff so I wasn’t too suspicious.

HOWEVER, I was a little disappointed, as the clues were laid out, that Adrian’s love is not so much for Isolde than

it is for who she was in a past life.

I felt bad for her for that… like her love was more “real” born out of getting to know him now. Slight imbalance here.

I really liked all their interactions and the build up of their relationship. It wasn’t too obvious that “this plot point will lead to this relationship development” -kind of progression. It felt natural and their interactions were fun.

This is a fun vampire lore fantasy kingdom without feeling like it’s too straightforward with how vampires are presented. I really loved this couple and the growth Isolde goes through. She is also one fierce woman!

Finally, Adrian is a hot “where is my wife” lover boy. He’s powerful, intense, and charismatic. So if you’re looking for that intense and giggly worship, he’s your guy!

Content Warnings

fayeelizabeth's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

would have been 4 stars but killing off one of the lesbians and leaving the other to suffer is a crime i cannot forgive

Content Warnings

heartsfromjaney's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional fast-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? No

4.0

Content Warnings

katerinovaaa's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

1 POV, ich-form, longer chapters
I loved the storyline and I really wanna read the second book but I'm not a fan of angst. Was it slightly cringy at times? Yes. But I didn't mind at all. The smut was pretty vanilla but I liked their connection and desire. So if you just wanna read comforting hard vampire smut then this is not a book for you.

Issa is so badass I freaking love her. And as Adrian said: "I like my wife and her knives."

"What if I miss the sun?"
"Then I will find it for you."

I cried my eyes out in the first 50 pages ngl. 😂 Even though it was insta-lust, the slow-burn was so slow I was scared I'll have to wait till the second book.

Tropes:
🩸orgasmic bites (not used between MCs unfortunately.)
🩸one horse
🩸enemies to lovers
🩸fated mates
🩸forced marriage
🩸witches, vampires, monsters
🩸disrespect my queen and DIE (unless she kills you first)

Trigger warnings:
JEALOUSY - it's there all the fucking time. He says he's not interested but his behavior is sure questionable. However, there is no cheating.
burning alive
sword fights, gore
alcohol (wine, mentioned)
death of a parent
death of a loved one
Killian has anger issues and grabs her once, bruising her arm. Adrian is NOT impressed.
betrayal - NOT between MCs

Content Warnings

More...