A review by originalbooknerd
The Blood of Gods and Monsters by Lucinda Dark

dark emotional funny mysterious tense 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

5.0

➿𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝔾𝕠𝕕𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤 - 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕝 𝔾𝕠𝕕𝕤 𝟛 - ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨➿ 

 

Author: Lucinda Dark 

 

Couple: Kiera with Kalix, Ruen & Theos Darkhaven 

 

Tropes: Academy setting, Assassin FMC, Hidden identities, Dark Romantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Slow burn, Forced Proximity, Why Choose, Multiple POVs 

 

Review: WOAH. NO. WORDS! The Blood of Gods and Monsters is the penultimate book in Kiera’s story and IT. IS. A. RIDE! Lucy packed punch after punch in this book and I cannot even begin to guess at what will come in the finale of this series! This book begins the moment where we ended book 2 and is IMMEDIATELY full of action. Kiera comes face to face with parts of her origin in this book and Lucy sure did know how to lead up to this big reveal in her true fashion of dropping it on us and running…not to say anything but Caedmon you were not my friend in this book. AT. ALL! 

 

This book was the turning point for a lot of the romantic tension between Kiera and the Darkhavens and we FINALLY get to see Daddy Ruen come out to play…handcuffs and all (wink wink). I almost died when Ruen gave into the desire he had for Kiera and adored the way he began fighting for her and his brothers instead of against her. I also LOVED how he made Kiera face her actions with him and Theos, instead of allowing her to deny and run away from the growing bond. Ruen and Theos were instrumental in this book simply because they began piecing together Kiera’s role in what would need to be done but also because they began to think of what life may look like beyond the academy and Lucy sure did well with creating the tension between them as emotions rise and Kiera blows her lid about walking away from them after all is said and done. 

 

Kiera’s story was a lot more emotional in this book and I found that Lucy brought out her softer, more vulnerable side in this book which was nice to see, even though she is NOT a SOFT FMC. The struggle she had with accepting her fate and trying to piece together Caedmon’s cryptic clues led me on a trail of theories that I could not keep guessing at and ultimately was SHOCKED by at the end. I also found that Kiera’s powers and manifestation of her family’s magic was very mysterious in the sense that we never truly get the whole picture of what she can do. Kiera ended this book trying to come to terms with hard truths she learned and accepting what must be done if she wants to survive and I am excited to she what she does. 

 

Lastly, but most definitely NOT least is KALIX! I LOVE THIS MAN. He is everything in this book and while he is the most emotionally stunted and confused MMC ever, his character and personality are a WONDERFUL fit for Kiera and I also love how his growing obsession with her and the feelings he begins to feel absolutely CONFOUND him. I think I was laughing so hard at times during his POV that I forgot that Kalix is more like his snakes than human and I would NOT have him any other way. I also loved how 90% of the heat, tension and banter in this book was with Kiera and Kalix since that man has a MOUTH on him! (And that scene with the snake restraints….Lucy girl why only one?!?) Kalix stayed out of most of the drama in this book and instead began to become more of a bodyguard and lover towards Kiera. I found this side of his character to hint at just how far gone is is for her and CANNOT wait until he learns she pans to walk away from them! 

 

The Blood of Gods and Monsters has been the best book so far in the series. Lucy was amazing with the wit, sarcasm, deceit, banter and secrets between all the characters and I am ecstatic to see what happens in book 4. Kiera and the Darkhavens have been the BEST series I have ever read by her and I hope there is more to come in this world…and maybe little Darkhavens in a future…epilogue…spinoff?? SOMETHING?? 

 

Rating: 100+, Oh. My . GAWWWWD. LUCY!!! This book will live rent free forever in my head as I wait for the conclusion and can I just say…DADDDY RUEN FOR LIFE (but Kalix is still my fav)! 

  

 

Thank you @authorlucysmoke for the eARC!