fuunosenshi's review against another edition
2.0
It felt too long. The first half of the book, nothing magical happens. And when it does, all the tension dissapears because Hesperines are basically Mary-Sues, so all their problems are solved easily. The battles are oh so boring when they are using magic, and since their human enemies can't move at the same speed as them (at least I assumed that was what happened), they chat while under attack. The author says the liegehounds are dangerous, but in the "battle" with them they do nothing, so they don't feel like a threat.
There's mention of Iskhyra's "quest", but we never know what it is, and it never brings anything to the story, yet is continuously brought up. The "Gifting" is supposedly a highly emotional moment but all that happens is we go back some days and read about the events that happened. The events described in Maerea's "gifting" were things we already knew from Alceus's perspective and added nothing to the story. And when they start giving alternate names to sexual organs it was absolutely akward.
The whole Hesperine culture seemed interesting, though, and the prose gave a historical vibe that not many authors can pull off.
There's mention of Iskhyra's "quest", but we never know what it is, and it never brings anything to the story, yet is continuously brought up. The "Gifting" is supposedly a highly emotional moment but all that happens is we go back some days and read about the events that happened. The events described in Maerea's "gifting" were things we already knew from Alceus's perspective and added nothing to the story. And when they start giving alternate names to sexual organs it was absolutely akward.
The whole Hesperine culture seemed interesting, though, and the prose gave a historical vibe that not many authors can pull off.
asabovesobelow's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
beccaannekent's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
By now, it’s clear I’m obsessed with Vela Roth’s writing. Every page I just absolutely devour.
Strong Star-Crossed lovers vibe, with vampires this is an excellent novella in the Blood Grace series. Set several years before the main series events, we follow Maerea and Alcaeus as they strive to end a feud that has last generations and caused so much heartache.
If you have read the full series of the Blood Grace series, then you will instantly recognise one particular name within this book (about half way through the series), and it links so well. Especially in the epilogue.
I adore this world and the characters so much, I’d honestly love for multiple novellas for all the characters as I just know I’d enjoy every single page written by Roth.
Strong Star-Crossed lovers vibe, with vampires this is an excellent novella in the Blood Grace series. Set several years before the main series events, we follow Maerea and Alcaeus as they strive to end a feud that has last generations and caused so much heartache.
If you have read the full series of the Blood Grace series, then you will instantly recognise one particular name within this book (about half way through the series), and it links so well. Especially in the epilogue.
I adore this world and the characters so much, I’d honestly love for multiple novellas for all the characters as I just know I’d enjoy every single page written by Roth.
jody_diou's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.75
little_miss_darkness's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
THAT is the prequel I wanted to read!
What happened to Alkaios and Nephalea and how did they become what they did? What path did lead them to each other and to Iskhyra? And years later, Cassia?
We find out their general backstory after they finally reach Orthros. Their fueding families sound like a Shakespearean fairy tale. They fall in love despite the odds.
But neither family is happy, and her brother is determined to end the feud by ending his enemy's line.
Alkaios, broken and bleeding, and abandoned, makes a deal with the devil (or a wicked sorceress). Nephalea decided to go with him and they manage to break the siege with their newfound powers.
Their entire story leads to that moment. When they spot a little girl in the middle of another siege, twenty years later. They don't realize just how much that small act of Mercy changes the course of history.
Whoever is a fan of Blood Mercy series like me will surely enjoy this prequel. Like other prequels, you know how it will end, but this one still continues to surprise and awe, something I haven't read before. If that smalle glimpse of Alkaios and Nephalea wasn't enough for you, like me, you will enjoy this story immensely.
What happened to Alkaios and Nephalea and how did they become what they did? What path did lead them to each other and to Iskhyra? And years later, Cassia?
We find out their general backstory after they finally reach Orthros. Their fueding families sound like a Shakespearean fairy tale. They fall in love despite the odds.
But neither family is happy, and her brother is determined to end the feud by ending his enemy's line.
Alkaios, broken and bleeding, and abandoned, makes a deal with the devil (or a wicked sorceress). Nephalea decided to go with him and they manage to break the siege with their newfound powers.
Their entire story leads to that moment. When they spot a little girl in the middle of another siege, twenty years later. They don't realize just how much that small act of Mercy changes the course of history.
Whoever is a fan of Blood Mercy series like me will surely enjoy this prequel. Like other prequels, you know how it will end, but this one still continues to surprise and awe, something I haven't read before. If that smalle glimpse of Alkaios and Nephalea wasn't enough for you, like me, you will enjoy this story immensely.
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
This was a great story, I loved the world, I loved these characters and their romance, and I can't wait to start the full length books!
rachheartbooks's review against another edition
5.0
YES YES YES YES YES
Blood Price is a prequel novel to Vela Roth’s spellbinding Blood Grace series. It follows different main characters in a time prior to the series. It could be read before Blood Mercy, but I think it was well received read after as well.
The book starts with an offer and an acceptance. Life over death. We know nothing of the characters or their lives, apart from Alcaeus’ love for Maerea. I was immediately enthralled.
Maerea’s father dies, and her brother immediately strikes in action. He kills his father’s long lived, generational familial rival and his eldest son before leaving the stronghold to seek reinforcements and allies elsewhere. Maerea is left to keep the crumbling estate together, ensure food for the people her family rules over, and grieve the loss of her father.
Before long, Alcaeus arrives to the stronghold to request the life price for his elder brother’s death. There is an almost immediate connection between Maerea and Alcaeus as they discuss their lives, state of Maerea’s household, and how she can possibly afford to pay him for her brother’s rash decisions.
Love blooms, and before long, Maerea agrees to marry Alcaeus, even though she knows her brother will never understand or agree with her decision.
He returns, lacking allies, to find his sister has wed the enemy. He again uses his sword instead of his words and attempts to slaughter Alcaeus on the battlefield.
We are introduced to a Hesperine, the feared immortal beings that desecrate human graves and feast on blood. Or so the followers of Anthros think…
I loved this book, as I’ve loved all of Vela Roth’s books. Blood Price is a taste of the world of Anthros and Hespera before the true political, religious feast in the books that follow. Alcaeus and Maerea are two characters you root for from the very beginning, and their love is truly what dreams are made of. Above all else, through all life throws at them, their love holds fast.
*~I received an ARC from the author. This is my voluntary review~*
Blood Price is a prequel novel to Vela Roth’s spellbinding Blood Grace series. It follows different main characters in a time prior to the series. It could be read before Blood Mercy, but I think it was well received read after as well.
The book starts with an offer and an acceptance. Life over death. We know nothing of the characters or their lives, apart from Alcaeus’ love for Maerea. I was immediately enthralled.
Maerea’s father dies, and her brother immediately strikes in action. He kills his father’s long lived, generational familial rival and his eldest son before leaving the stronghold to seek reinforcements and allies elsewhere. Maerea is left to keep the crumbling estate together, ensure food for the people her family rules over, and grieve the loss of her father.
Before long, Alcaeus arrives to the stronghold to request the life price for his elder brother’s death. There is an almost immediate connection between Maerea and Alcaeus as they discuss their lives, state of Maerea’s household, and how she can possibly afford to pay him for her brother’s rash decisions.
Love blooms, and before long, Maerea agrees to marry Alcaeus, even though she knows her brother will never understand or agree with her decision.
He returns, lacking allies, to find his sister has wed the enemy. He again uses his sword instead of his words and attempts to slaughter Alcaeus on the battlefield.
We are introduced to a Hesperine, the feared immortal beings that desecrate human graves and feast on blood. Or so the followers of Anthros think…
I loved this book, as I’ve loved all of Vela Roth’s books. Blood Price is a taste of the world of Anthros and Hespera before the true political, religious feast in the books that follow. Alcaeus and Maerea are two characters you root for from the very beginning, and their love is truly what dreams are made of. Above all else, through all life throws at them, their love holds fast.
*~I received an ARC from the author. This is my voluntary review~*
thehamsterreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a lovely fantasy romance! It’s the prequel to Vela’s Blood Grace series and introduces her world quite nicely while providing backstory on some characters from the main series. I love the medieval feel of the world of Akanthia and I love the writing style which has an older English feel and really suits the story. Maerea and Alcaeus are twin souls stuck on opposite sides of a family feud, and they meet when Alcaeus comes to demand a blood price because Maerea’s brother Gerrian killed his father and brother. However, he doesn’t want more death, he is determined to find a peaceful solution along with Maerea while her brother is away seeking military allies. They, of course, fall in love and decide to marry to end the blood feud. I don’t want to give spoilers, but things don’t go according to plan and Alcaeus ends up becoming a Hesperine which is basically like a vampire but with cool magic.
This book is definitely steamy and I really enjoyed the romance! It’s kind of insta-lovey but I found it believable since Alcaeus and Maerea really are well matched. I really love this world from the rest of the series so I was super happy to step back into it in this book. Alcaeus and Maerea only just start learning their magic in this book but you can tell they are going to use it to bring their goal of peace to the world.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book is definitely steamy and I really enjoyed the romance! It’s kind of insta-lovey but I found it believable since Alcaeus and Maerea really are well matched. I really love this world from the rest of the series so I was super happy to step back into it in this book. Alcaeus and Maerea only just start learning their magic in this book but you can tell they are going to use it to bring their goal of peace to the world.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
beckiebookworm1974's review against another edition
2.0
This is a fantasy romance that initially had a very medieval historical romance vibe.
As this then unfolds we see the fantasy and paranormal elements also added to the mix.
A different take on vampires that had some imaginative ideas.
Two family’s and neighbours feuding for years until Alcaeus and Maerea both wanting peace and finding a mutual affection try to bridge the gap through a joining in marriage.
But others are not as quick to set aside old grudges and Alcaeus finds himself forced into a life-changing decision.
This was quite instalove it also felt very romantic.
The lyrical use of the language also contributes to the overall vibe as well and this had a very old world historical feel to it all.
Both main characters were just nice nothing really stood out about them here.
Alcaeus comes across as quite an idealist with old-world values and manners.
He isn’t a hot-head and has quite the loyal steadfast nature.
He wants to do what’s right and has strong emotion for Maerea not wanting her to pay for the sins of others.
He also most definitely has a white knight complex which makes him, unfortunately, behave like somewhat of a martyr at times.
Maerea also didn’t show herself in the best light on her husband's initial return acting judgemental and close-minded when She should have been open to the possibilities.
it just seemed she was not willing to take the same leap of faith that he initially did with her.
She also wore blinkers where her brother was concerned refusing to hold him accountable forever making excuses for his poor decisions and behaviour.
She did come through in the end but I was then annoyed again that Alcaeus then seemed to do the same thing back to her in return.
At times I felt like shaking some sense into his noggins.
He wanted to be accepted for himself but couldn’t seem to grasp how his wife could want the exact same thing he did.
He felt he had some sort of price to pay, hence him behaving like a martyr, It just didn’t have to be so bloody difficult.
This one wasn’t quite for me though I did enjoy the first half more than the second.
I just got a bit bored as not much was happening and I felt like we were continually rehashing old ground.
I found all the various names and places slightly confusing and thought it strange how the two mains here just changed their names halfway through, I understand they wanted a fresh start but it was weird still.
I also thought that the flashback scene was definitely in the wrong place in the book it felt disjointed and out of place.
For me, this did lack chemistry and I wasn’t invested in the characters themselves.
I also wasn’t a fan of the overly emotional language and behaviour it’s not really my thing these two were just way too nice there was no grit to them.
Finally, the writing with this was fine, It was quite formal in its tone which wasn’t my favourite but did work for the story itself.
I believe this is a prequel novel to the series as a whole which I haven’t read.
This ends in a HEA so you get closure and there’s no cliffhanger just an epilogue that teases you with what to come in the next book.
This is going to be a hit for those who like a more traditional type of romance with all the wooing and romance and such.
I’m more a fan of the caveman approach myself imaginative but this wasn’t quite for me, unfortunately.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Blood Price (A Blood Grace prequel).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
bergamot_breeze's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.25