Scan barcode
sofiesbooked's review
4.0
I wish I had read L.E. Sterling's previous series - the True Born trilogy prior to reading A Glamour of Blood. I was a bit lost on the backstory going through the beginning as this is technically a spin-off series. You are thrown right in the middle of the story at the beginning of the book. I would've loved a bit more introduction to the characters in the beginning to avoid feeling so lost.
3.75⭐️
Still extremely enjoyable read once you get into the plot of this urban fantasy. The story follows Serena and her best friend Carl on a mission to find the missing street kids. Her mission is intertwined with Nolan Storm, someone she considers her rival (maybe even an enemy) and the leader of the True Born. The two of them share a history and it is not always pleasant. But Serena does NOT back down - there is banter and an undeniable attraction.
I can definitely see the potential of this and am excited to read more in the future.
Read if you love:
Urban fantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Strong Female leads
Dystopian Young Adult romance
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled: Teen for this eARC to review!
3.75⭐️
Still extremely enjoyable read once you get into the plot of this urban fantasy. The story follows Serena and her best friend Carl on a mission to find the missing street kids. Her mission is intertwined with Nolan Storm, someone she considers her rival (maybe even an enemy) and the leader of the True Born. The two of them share a history and it is not always pleasant. But Serena does NOT back down - there is banter and an undeniable attraction.
I can definitely see the potential of this and am excited to read more in the future.
Read if you love:
Urban fantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Strong Female leads
Dystopian Young Adult romance
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled: Teen for this eARC to review!
jlreadstoperpetuity's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Divergent and Blade Runner so this mashup is just right up my alley.
This was a riveting dystopian thriller that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the ruins of Dominion City. In a world ravaged by the plague and hunger, Serena Rogue, a resilient bounty hunter, embarks on a relentless quest to save kidnapped children from the city's perilous streets.
What makes this novel truly captivating is the complex dynamic between Serena and Nolan Storm, a man with a deep-seated grudge against her. Forced into an uneasy alliance, their enmity and undeniable attraction create an electrifying tension.
If you watched the movies like Ultraviolet or read manga like The Ghost Shell and Blood: The Last Vampire; this book has that badassasery vibes that would work for urban and paranormal thriller-fantasy lovers.
This was a riveting dystopian thriller that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the ruins of Dominion City. In a world ravaged by the plague and hunger, Serena Rogue, a resilient bounty hunter, embarks on a relentless quest to save kidnapped children from the city's perilous streets.
What makes this novel truly captivating is the complex dynamic between Serena and Nolan Storm, a man with a deep-seated grudge against her. Forced into an uneasy alliance, their enmity and undeniable attraction create an electrifying tension.
If you watched the movies like Ultraviolet or read manga like The Ghost Shell and Blood: The Last Vampire; this book has that badassasery vibes that would work for urban and paranormal thriller-fantasy lovers.
atrailofpages's review
3.0
This book follows Serena, a gal who cannot see, but can see True Born talismans which allows her to see True Born, and anything covered in talismans. Her and her familiar Carl, half man half cat, have been in hiding from Nolan Storm after Nolan threatened to take her out when she seemingly betrayed him. Serena learns that kids who were like her when she was little are going missing. Not only that, but her step-mother has come to visit from her clans who had abandoned Serena when she was little and want to put Nolan Storm on a throne with Serena’s help. All Serena wants to do is fine the kids, but she begins to wonder if her clan, or the Order, may have something to do with the children who are missing. And so she teams up with Nolan in a tentative truce to find these kids.
First off, this is a well written book and the world is very intriguing. It seems to be based in our world, but like an alternate dystopian world with magic, and beings called True Born who are basically humans with unique powers. There are also quite a few characters in here, with Nolan being my favorite. The story kept me on my toes, and I always love a good mystery, I love trying to figure out what’s going on, and solve the mystery. I also loved the romance, to a point. I love a good slow burn enemies to lovers romance, and I was very into this romance at first, but I’ll explain later why I had a bit of a hard time with it too. Nolan I adored. He is scary, but very mature, level headed, and just a great character! Carl added some nice comedic aspects to the story, but he was rather immature for most of the book, which may be why Serena became immature in the end.
I really thought I would love this book, and I really wanted to, but I am giving this three stars mainly because, well, a couple things. This is a continuation after the original trilogy(which I did not know, that’s my bad!) but the author did state you should not feel like you need to read the original series. Well, I do feel like I should have read the original series. The world was not explained enough in this book and so I felt lost at times. There is also clearly some sort of relationship going on between a few of the characters who worked together in the original series, and I felt like I entered into the middle of their story, so I felt a bit lost again.
I really liked Serena at the beginning of the book, she started off with a bang and was the bigger person and came to Nolan first even though he was out for blood. However, as the story progressed, Serena seemed to become more immature, at least to me. She started making petty comments, and a couple times Nolan did something, and she would say “I didn’t ask for your help”, or “why didn’t you ask me first”. It was like anything Nolan did wasn’t okay, but it was okay if she did them, especially when it seems to me she did betray him previously, and apparently that was okay. And so because Serena kind of went downhill for me as the story progressed, I wasn’t as into the romance as I was at first. The romance I was so into until Serena just became so immature, especially when you compare her to Nolan who seems much older than her, is much more levelheaded and patient, and yah scary, but he’s so much more mature than she is. There were a few times he would ask her if she’s done with her tantrum. It got to the point that the romance wasn’t very believable any longer.
There’s also a creepy cult, and well, I’m not into that, but this is me, a trope I’m just not really into
First off, this is a well written book and the world is very intriguing. It seems to be based in our world, but like an alternate dystopian world with magic, and beings called True Born who are basically humans with unique powers. There are also quite a few characters in here, with Nolan being my favorite. The story kept me on my toes, and I always love a good mystery, I love trying to figure out what’s going on, and solve the mystery. I also loved the romance, to a point. I love a good slow burn enemies to lovers romance, and I was very into this romance at first, but I’ll explain later why I had a bit of a hard time with it too. Nolan I adored. He is scary, but very mature, level headed, and just a great character! Carl added some nice comedic aspects to the story, but he was rather immature for most of the book, which may be why Serena became immature in the end.
I really thought I would love this book, and I really wanted to, but I am giving this three stars mainly because, well, a couple things. This is a continuation after the original trilogy(which I did not know, that’s my bad!) but the author did state you should not feel like you need to read the original series. Well, I do feel like I should have read the original series. The world was not explained enough in this book and so I felt lost at times. There is also clearly some sort of relationship going on between a few of the characters who worked together in the original series, and I felt like I entered into the middle of their story, so I felt a bit lost again.
I really liked Serena at the beginning of the book, she started off with a bang and was the bigger person and came to Nolan first even though he was out for blood. However, as the story progressed, Serena seemed to become more immature, at least to me. She started making petty comments, and a couple times Nolan did something, and she would say “I didn’t ask for your help”, or “why didn’t you ask me first”. It was like anything Nolan did wasn’t okay, but it was okay if she did them, especially when it seems to me she did betray him previously, and apparently that was okay. And so because Serena kind of went downhill for me as the story progressed, I wasn’t as into the romance as I was at first. The romance I was so into until Serena just became so immature, especially when you compare her to Nolan who seems much older than her, is much more levelheaded and patient, and yah scary, but he’s so much more mature than she is. There were a few times he would ask her if she’s done with her tantrum. It got to the point that the romance wasn’t very believable any longer.
There’s also a creepy cult, and well, I’m not into that, but this is me, a trope I’m just not really into
lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
3.0
If you like YA dystopian fantasy with enemies-to-lovers vibes, A Glamour of Blood just might be for you. Though I would highly recommend that you read author L.E. Sterling’s prior series True Born Trilogy first.
The reason I make that recommendation is because I felt totally lost in the world of this book, and didn’t feel like the book did enough to establish the world for me. I feel like if I’d read the other books, I would have already had a sense of the world and perhaps even of the main characters. This feels very much like the continuation of a series, and not a potential entrance point. For that reason, I found this to be a frustrating read.
However, if you’re a fan of the True Born Trilogy you will probably feel right at home with this book. The characters and characterizations felt appropriate for YA, and there are some great enemies-to-lovers moments.
Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The reason I make that recommendation is because I felt totally lost in the world of this book, and didn’t feel like the book did enough to establish the world for me. I feel like if I’d read the other books, I would have already had a sense of the world and perhaps even of the main characters. This feels very much like the continuation of a series, and not a potential entrance point. For that reason, I found this to be a frustrating read.
However, if you’re a fan of the True Born Trilogy you will probably feel right at home with this book. The characters and characterizations felt appropriate for YA, and there are some great enemies-to-lovers moments.
Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
maryleonard90's review against another edition
5.0
"A Glamour of Blood" by L.E. Sterling unveils a mesmerizing world that beckons readers into its dark and enchanting depths. This book, the first in the series, promises an immersive journey into a unique blend of urban fantasy and captivating storytelling.
Set against an evocative backdrop, the narrative introduces us to Serena Rogue, a young woman who has navigated the unforgiving streets of Dominion City since her tender age of twelve. Abandoned by her stepmother and ostracized by her clan following her mother's demise, Serena stands as the last of the enigmatic Salvagers, wielding a remarkable and singular gift. Her ability to discern 'True Born' DNA, manifested as talismans, marks her as a singular force in a world teetering on the edge of magic and mystery.
The story gains momentum when children from Serena's former childhood gang, known as the 'Rogue Army,' inexplicably disappear. Guided by her unwavering bond with Carl, her extraordinary friend —a hybrid of man and cat—Serena embarks on a perilous quest to locate them. Along the way, she forms an uneasy alliance with Nolan Storm, the enigmatic leader of the True Borns, with whom she shares a history steeped in betrayal and enmity. Their intertwined fates lead to a series of encounters that continually delay Serena's seemingly inevitable demise.
"A Glamour of Blood" delivers an action-packed YA fantasy experience that immerses readers in its richly crafted world. At the heart of the story lies an intricate magic system that adds depth and distinctiveness to the narrative. Serena's ability to perceive the vivid hues of True Born DNA, despite her blindness, is a captivating concept that sets this book apart.
While maintaining a young adult rating, the novel masterfully navigates tension between the characters, weaving a magnetic attraction between Serena and Nolan that infuses the story with palpable intensity. Their interactions are charged with a chemistry that will elicit visceral reactions, from heart-pounding moments to captivating exchanges.
In conclusion, "A Glamour of Blood" is a must-read for enthusiasts of YA fantasy. It promises an enthralling journey through a world brimming with magic and intrigue. The anticipation for subsequent installments in this series is palpable.
As a reviewer, I had the privilege of delving into an advanced copy of this book, and I can attest that my thoughts are genuinely my own. My heartfelt thanks extend to L.E. Sterling for crafting this captivating world and to Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to explore the enchanting realm of "A Glamour of Blood."
Set against an evocative backdrop, the narrative introduces us to Serena Rogue, a young woman who has navigated the unforgiving streets of Dominion City since her tender age of twelve. Abandoned by her stepmother and ostracized by her clan following her mother's demise, Serena stands as the last of the enigmatic Salvagers, wielding a remarkable and singular gift. Her ability to discern 'True Born' DNA, manifested as talismans, marks her as a singular force in a world teetering on the edge of magic and mystery.
The story gains momentum when children from Serena's former childhood gang, known as the 'Rogue Army,' inexplicably disappear. Guided by her unwavering bond with Carl, her extraordinary friend —a hybrid of man and cat—Serena embarks on a perilous quest to locate them. Along the way, she forms an uneasy alliance with Nolan Storm, the enigmatic leader of the True Borns, with whom she shares a history steeped in betrayal and enmity. Their intertwined fates lead to a series of encounters that continually delay Serena's seemingly inevitable demise.
"A Glamour of Blood" delivers an action-packed YA fantasy experience that immerses readers in its richly crafted world. At the heart of the story lies an intricate magic system that adds depth and distinctiveness to the narrative. Serena's ability to perceive the vivid hues of True Born DNA, despite her blindness, is a captivating concept that sets this book apart.
While maintaining a young adult rating, the novel masterfully navigates tension between the characters, weaving a magnetic attraction between Serena and Nolan that infuses the story with palpable intensity. Their interactions are charged with a chemistry that will elicit visceral reactions, from heart-pounding moments to captivating exchanges.
In conclusion, "A Glamour of Blood" is a must-read for enthusiasts of YA fantasy. It promises an enthralling journey through a world brimming with magic and intrigue. The anticipation for subsequent installments in this series is palpable.
As a reviewer, I had the privilege of delving into an advanced copy of this book, and I can attest that my thoughts are genuinely my own. My heartfelt thanks extend to L.E. Sterling for crafting this captivating world and to Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to explore the enchanting realm of "A Glamour of Blood."
erikoreads's review
3.0
Thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for this eARC!
This books was an interesting one, we get thrown right into the thick of the action, and spend the book trying to untangle what’s going on. There’s a trilogy / prequel, but this still works as a standalone book.
What’s going to happen next?? Look forward to seeing where this goes.
This books was an interesting one, we get thrown right into the thick of the action, and spend the book trying to untangle what’s going on. There’s a trilogy / prequel, but this still works as a standalone book.
What’s going to happen next?? Look forward to seeing where this goes.
moonlitchapters's review
3.0
Thank you Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review!
Honestly, I was really excited for this book, it sounded so good and it was to some degree, but it would have been even better if I'd known that it was a spin-off of a series. There's almost no character development or backstory because again, its a spinoff so you'd get that in the original series, but I had no knowledge and found myself getting really confused at times due to lack of context. I did like some parts, but I wish I'd read the first series because I think this one has potential that I didn't really get to experience this time around.
2.5 stars ⭐️
Honestly, I was really excited for this book, it sounded so good and it was to some degree, but it would have been even better if I'd known that it was a spin-off of a series. There's almost no character development or backstory because again, its a spinoff so you'd get that in the original series, but I had no knowledge and found myself getting really confused at times due to lack of context. I did like some parts, but I wish I'd read the first series because I think this one has potential that I didn't really get to experience this time around.
2.5 stars ⭐️
thereviewbooth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
4.0
I previously read the True Born trilogy and when I saw this pop up in my email, I had into satisfy my curiosity & request it.
You don’t necessarily have to read the prior trilogy to read this one but it would definitely help with background & world building. The main three characters were also in the trilogy but we didn’t get much (if any) one-on-one time with them. Especially Serena & Carl. I will say that I loved the characters in this book more than the trilogy – the Fox sisters were awesome in their own way but Serena is more my jam. She’s strong, fierce & loyal – smart and doesn’t incessantly martyr herself or pine. If things ever hit the fan & people start mutating, I’ll just say this – if I don’t have a cat-man familiar like Carl I will be sorely disappointed.
I whirl on Carl. “Calm down? Am I some hysterical female who needs a man to keep her in line? Am I some distressed damsel in need of rescue?”
Learning about factions other than the ones in the trilogy made this book just as interesting. I was never an overly big fan of the Splicers and it was kinda nice to see their butts handed to them. Seeing Dominion City through the “sight” of someone not in the higher echelon made a difference too. I also liked the supporting cast in this book more – it would be nice if some of Storm’s supporting characters got a little more page time too.
I would like to give a huge thank you to Entangled Teen for the opportunity to read this book & dive back into the world of Dominion City. I’m excited to see where Serena & Nolan’s story heads from the ending of this book.
amy_reads4's review against another edition
3.0
A Glamour of Blood is a standalone novel from L.E Sterling”s dystopian world, this book can be read alone or alongside the others within her series.
Whilst I enjoyed this dystopian story with a romance subplot there were moments that I found it to be over complicated and information dumping.,However I have not read any of the others in the series so that may have put me at a disadvantage.
If you enjoy YA dystopian, with secret societies and reborn gods, and an alpha hole then this one is for you.
Whilst I enjoyed this dystopian story with a romance subplot there were moments that I found it to be over complicated and information dumping.,However I have not read any of the others in the series so that may have put me at a disadvantage.
If you enjoy YA dystopian, with secret societies and reborn gods, and an alpha hole then this one is for you.
bookdragonstbr's review against another edition
adventurous
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
Wow!! I absolutely loved this book. I found myself so invested in the characters. Serena, Storm and of course, Carl are so well drawn out. Serena is a force to be reckoned with even though she was abandoned as a child. She wants to do what is right and will stop at nothing. Storm?, Well I think Storm may just be my latest book boyfriend. He's powerful and such an enigmatic presence throughout the story, you can't help but fawn. Carl, oh my half cat Carl... he's spunky and acts just like a playful kitten at times. His personality is fantastic and added so much to the story. The story itself was well written and kept you turning pages late into the night. Overall I loved it!!!