A review by tornoutending
Blood Runs Black by Sylvia San Sebastian

adventurous dark emotional 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

4.0

☆☆☆☆½

Dante de Vici’s easy charm and suave suits hide a sadistic streak. Leone Cava has joined the police force to avenge his murdered parents. Dante and Leone encounter each other on opposite ends of the battlefield: criminal, meet cop. As they manufacture the Nightshade’s demise, their unlikely alliance blooms into something more—something powerful enough to shatter their beliefs.

What drew me to the book: I saw the author promoting it on Social Media (both X and Instagram) and thought I might enjoy it.
How long it’s been on my TBR: Since the author first posted about it.
My expectations: First and foremost I expected a good (romantic) relationship between Leone and Dante. I wasn't sure what to expect from the writing, although I enjoyed the snippets from the author's Instagram and the first chapter which I previewed really caught my eye.

My thoughts whilst reading: I didn't note down many thoughts whilst reading as I'd open the book and before I knew it I'd made considerable progress (without stopping to write down thoughts). A few things I do remember though was really enjoying reading about our main characters: Dante and Leone and their Bloodcurses, more particularly how they used their powers, Leone who had to bleed and hurt to have control and Dante who could control those around him without so much as breaking a sweat. I also loved seeing their relationship unfurl, how they went from using each other to them not being able to stop thinking about each other and then how that turned into something more and how that then eventually turned into their relationship. With that said I did think that their relationship could've been a little more drawn out as it felt a little fast. 
Overall: I really enjoyed Blood Runs Black, it had a fast pace and was an enjoyable Fantasy Crime book with great characters and a great relationship all of which made for a solid debut.
Miscellaneous: Dante & Leone reminded me of 2 of my favourite ships.
Did it meet my expectations: Yes!

Favourite character: Dante easily. (Although when he slandered Frankenstein I wanted to throw some tomatoes at him).
Favourite relationship: Obviously, Dante and Leone's. Watching them change and grow with each other was so interesting to watch and I loved their dynamic. Especially watching how they changed and changed each other.
Favourite scene: The scene where Leone is asking Dante to promise him something and then later when Leone has a realisation about the promise (I just love angst and Sylvia San Sebastian served it with this).
Favourite quote: Honestly there were so many great quotes to choose from but "This destruction is my sin as much as it is Dante's."

Why I rounded the review up / down*: Not applicable.
Will I be reading the sequel: This book was a standalone but with an open ending, so if the author ever decided to revisit the world and characters I absolutely would read. I am also excited to see what Sylvia San Sebastian does next.
Will I be investing in a physical copy: I bought the e-book version as it has a bonus chapter but I would love to get my hands on a physical copy at some point.
Do I recommend it: Yes!

*(For rating systems such as Goodreads)