A review by beckiebookworm1974
Blood Price by Vela Roth

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