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Fate of the Acna #1
Blood & Brujas
From the moment Dayanara could wield a blade, she's been used as a weapon for Caldera, a kingdom of fierce brujas. Whenever her mother, the all-powerful Acna, points her in the direction to kill, Dayanara follows.After centuries of war against the vampire kingdom at their border, her mother offers their king Dayanara's hand in marriage as a truce. Their agreement is bound by magic, and Dayanara must decide if she wants to kill the king, seduce the king, or embrace the union.On the bright side, the marriage is set to make her the next Acna, granting her all the power that comes with the role. Depending on how much the Goddess Naom gifts her, it could be enough to regain control of her life. Or maybe everything will crumble beyond repair.
482 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2024
418 people are currently reading
5034 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
February 20, 2024
A why choose fantasy romance with brujas (witches), vampires, lobos (wolf shifters) and more! YES ITS SPICY. But the part I loved the most? Our “why choose” group has multiple ladies, and our main FMC Daya is bisexual (yes this means there are spicy FF & MF scenes) 😭🫶
I did have to bully my brain into being in a fantasy mood to finish this, but I’m so glad I did! Arranged marriages in fantasy books are genuinely so much fun to read and this one is no different. Above all though, I’m in love with Daya. She is my fav combo of being badass while also having heaps of trauma lmao.
“You listen to me. Being a woman does not make you weak. Anyone who ever told you that was trying to hold you back. You are strong, and you are capable.”
This quote in particular?? It lives rent free.
I will say, I struggled with some of the modern phrases used since this isn’t set in a modern/contemporary setting. But the story, characters, and plot twists, are so so cool despite this.
Huge thank you and all the forehead kisses to the author for the arc copy 🫶
I did have to bully my brain into being in a fantasy mood to finish this, but I’m so glad I did! Arranged marriages in fantasy books are genuinely so much fun to read and this one is no different. Above all though, I’m in love with Daya. She is my fav combo of being badass while also having heaps of trauma lmao.
“You listen to me. Being a woman does not make you weak. Anyone who ever told you that was trying to hold you back. You are strong, and you are capable.”
This quote in particular?? It lives rent free.
I will say, I struggled with some of the modern phrases used since this isn’t set in a modern/contemporary setting. But the story, characters, and plot twists, are so so cool despite this.
Huge thank you and all the forehead kisses to the author for the arc copy 🫶
March 5, 2024
I am a little biased…but i mean if you don’t believe in yourself who will? lol be sure to check out the content warnings on my site! This story is set in a unique world that I created simply because I don’t see it very often in this genre. Set in a non-eurocentric, non-heteronormative fantasy world, where my girl Daya can flourish (mostly.) She is morally gray, as is most of the cast, so I hope you love her 🖤
November 10, 2024
Dayanara is a bisexual ✨ QUEEN ✨ and I would do anything for her.
If two of your favorite fantasy characters are Manon from Throne of Glass and Dianna from The Book of Azrael, you ABSOLUTELY need to read this.
The rate at which she kills men? The way she DOES NOT give a single flying f*** about their opinions? A true queen. She has never done anything wrong in her entire life, and embodies “Good for her!!”
If two of your favorite fantasy characters are Manon from Throne of Glass and Dianna from The Book of Azrael, you ABSOLUTELY need to read this.
The rate at which she kills men? The way she DOES NOT give a single flying f*** about their opinions? A true queen. She has never done anything wrong in her entire life, and embodies “Good for her!!”
September 5, 2024
I stumbled on this book in a StoryGraph challenge. I like to look through the books that others have selected for prompts and have found some good books that I probably wouldn't have found otherwise. So to whoever you were - big thanks.
This book starts with a bang- a massive battle scene, our FMC is DECIMATING our enemies. The pacing overall was excellent. It starts hard and fast, eases up a bit and then is a steady increase to the end (cliffhanger FYI).
If you like your FMCs to be murderous, snarky, damaged, morally grey and with mommy issues - look no further. And on the point of morals - everyone is morally grey. It is wonderful.
I also appreciated that the why-choose romances didn't happen at the exact same time. Sometimes I wonder how these FMCs are falling in love with multiple people simultaneously... so I appreciated that that was not the case here. While focusing on one, the other took a back seat (both figuratively and literally).
Things you might not like, but didn't deter my enjoyment personally - the FMC is overpowered, her magic is some next-level shit. Not everyone enjoys that, but I always love an FMC that is a ticking time bomb with no equal in the world. There are also some modern phrases and curses used throughout the book. I noticed them, but they weren't cringy to me. I actually thought it made the FMC more relatable rather than a weird oversight of the author.
Micro-tropes included:
Scars with a big reveal of the "I will not be ashamed of them" dress
Training scenes with the romantic interest(s)
"Oh you want to drink my blood? Gonna have to catch me first."
Just gonna throw my hood on to conceal my identity, going to the dirty local pub for a beer
You woke me up from my nightmare and I nearly killed you in return, oopsies
This book starts with a bang- a massive battle scene, our FMC is DECIMATING our enemies. The pacing overall was excellent. It starts hard and fast, eases up a bit and then is a steady increase to the end (cliffhanger FYI).
If you like your FMCs to be murderous, snarky, damaged, morally grey and with mommy issues - look no further. And on the point of morals - everyone is morally grey. It is wonderful.
I also appreciated that the why-choose romances didn't happen at the exact same time. Sometimes I wonder how these FMCs are falling in love with multiple people simultaneously... so I appreciated that that was not the case here. While focusing on one, the other took a back seat (both figuratively and literally).
Things you might not like, but didn't deter my enjoyment personally - the FMC is overpowered, her magic is some next-level shit. Not everyone enjoys that, but I always love an FMC that is a ticking time bomb with no equal in the world. There are also some modern phrases and curses used throughout the book. I noticed them, but they weren't cringy to me. I actually thought it made the FMC more relatable rather than a weird oversight of the author.
Micro-tropes included:
Scars with a big reveal of the "I will not be ashamed of them" dress
Training scenes with the romantic interest(s)
"Oh you want to drink my blood? Gonna have to catch me first."
Just gonna throw my hood on to conceal my identity, going to the dirty local pub for a beer
You woke me up from my nightmare and I nearly killed you in return, oopsies
March 6, 2024
This was my first ARC of the year. After hearing brujas and vampires I was immediately reeled in. My favorite thing had to be Daya’s personality and how ruthless she was. Can all FMC be like her? I love it! 😈 I really enjoyed this fantasy world and I honestly can’t wait to read book 2!! 💜🩸🔮
March 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
i tried so hard to enjoy this, i really did. a why choose shifters/witches/vamp situation is exactly what i need in my life. but the fmc is so unlikable, she’s so perfect with no flaws. good at everything she does. i get what the author was going for but it was overwhelming. i found myself cringing at nearly everything she did.
the dialogue is weird at times. kaizer is so one dimensional, it’s like he has no personality. axel on the other hand was chefs kiss, i really enjoyed him. i also was not a fan of how short the beginning battle was, it failed to bring me in. i think if the battle was drawn out more, it would have a better affect on hooking the reader. overall, this just wasn’t it for me.
i received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
🌶️🌶️
i tried so hard to enjoy this, i really did. a why choose shifters/witches/vamp situation is exactly what i need in my life. but the fmc is so unlikable, she’s so perfect with no flaws. good at everything she does. i get what the author was going for but it was overwhelming. i found myself cringing at nearly everything she did.
the dialogue is weird at times. kaizer is so one dimensional, it’s like he has no personality. axel on the other hand was chefs kiss, i really enjoyed him. i also was not a fan of how short the beginning battle was, it failed to bring me in. i think if the battle was drawn out more, it would have a better affect on hooking the reader. overall, this just wasn’t it for me.
i received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2025
we’ve got ourselves a bisexual fmc QUEEN and I’m here for EVERY second of it 😮💨
why choose? TICK
vampires? TICK
witches? TICK
fiesty, fierce, latina fmc? TICK
there is so much to love about this book, it was so refreshing to experience a why choose book that has not just mf spice but ff spice too 🥵
down so bad for axel, ugh what a man I can’t. the plot was a little predictable buttttt the vibes are vibing and I enjoyed it so much
why choose? TICK
vampires? TICK
witches? TICK
fiesty, fierce, latina fmc? TICK
there is so much to love about this book, it was so refreshing to experience a why choose book that has not just mf spice but ff spice too 🥵
down so bad for axel, ugh what a man I can’t. the plot was a little predictable buttttt the vibes are vibing and I enjoyed it so much
January 18, 2025
Liked:
- this edition is gorgeous
- this being set in somewhere that felt specific and not generic fantasyland (it's possible the map helped)
- story did eventually make me want to find out what happened next
- some of the spice
Room for improvement:
- copy editing (e.g. viscous vs vicious)
- story editing
- dialogue tags
- "why choose" is a weird name for serial monogamy--I was expecting poly. But that's just my misunderstanding of current book buzzwords, I suppose
- "morally grey" is a weird way to spell "sociopath"
- heteronormative understanding of what "real" sex is
Reminded me of (at various points):
- reading something I halfway through realize is fanfic for a fandom I know nothing about
- lord of the rings x twilight x James Bond x Tortall x dating sim video game
- reading a resume written by someone told you should only ever use active and specific verbs
- harlequin presents
51:
- times a character smirked or had a smirk. In 540 pages. That's too many smirks for me, ma'am. But maybe my understanding of what that word means and the author's understanding are not the same
- this edition is gorgeous
- this being set in somewhere that felt specific and not generic fantasyland (it's possible the map helped)
- story did eventually make me want to find out what happened next
- some of the spice
Room for improvement:
- copy editing (e.g. viscous vs vicious)
- story editing
- dialogue tags
- "why choose" is a weird name for serial monogamy--I was expecting poly. But that's just my misunderstanding of current book buzzwords, I suppose
- "morally grey" is a weird way to spell "sociopath"
- heteronormative understanding of what "real" sex is
Reminded me of (at various points):
- reading something I halfway through realize is fanfic for a fandom I know nothing about
- lord of the rings x twilight x James Bond x Tortall x dating sim video game
- reading a resume written by someone told you should only ever use active and specific verbs
- harlequin presents
51:
- times a character smirked or had a smirk. In 540 pages. That's too many smirks for me, ma'am. But maybe my understanding of what that word means and the author's understanding are not the same
March 4, 2024
Witches, Vampires, Werewolves and REPRESENTATION??? Yes pls!! Honestly I loved the world building and the plot so much. It was heavily detailed and reading this was like having a movie in my mind. And I also loved Daya! She got shit done and she didn’t care about anyone’s opinions. She was a little unhinged sometimes and reading it I kept cheering her on. She’s so likable and relatable in my opinion it’s hard not to fall in love with her! I don’t care who she ends up with at this point (I do have a favorite of course) but I’m team Daya and Daya only! She can do no wrong in my eyes! Thanks you so much Mikayla for the ARC copy I cannot wait to read book 2!!
June 22, 2025
This was a gripping story full of twists and turns and I was never sure what would happen next!
Mikayla D. Hornedo has created such an immersive and engaging world with complex characters that make up an fantastic book! Daya is a powerful witch just doing her best to navigate a tense and uncertain situation she's been thrown into, not knowing who she can trust. Even her betrothed, a vampire king, is not above suspicion. And I really enjoyed the tense setting where I was never sure who I could trust and who was really Daya's ally. The story took so many twists that I could never predict what was coming next and I loved it!
And the spice in this book was so hot! I loved that Daya is a woman who unapologetically goes after what and who she wants. The relationship twists were also so much fun to experience!
I am excited to start the next book, I can't wait to see where this story goes!
Mikayla D. Hornedo has created such an immersive and engaging world with complex characters that make up an fantastic book! Daya is a powerful witch just doing her best to navigate a tense and uncertain situation she's been thrown into, not knowing who she can trust. Even her betrothed, a vampire king, is not above suspicion. And I really enjoyed the tense setting where I was never sure who I could trust and who was really Daya's ally. The story took so many twists that I could never predict what was coming next and I loved it!
And the spice in this book was so hot! I loved that Daya is a woman who unapologetically goes after what and who she wants. The relationship twists were also so much fun to experience!
I am excited to start the next book, I can't wait to see where this story goes!
February 10, 2024
I enjoyed this story so much. Fell in love with the characters and didn’t want the story to end! It was my first ARC of the year and now I have to wait for the next book 🥲 I am rooting for Daya, Ax and Zuri to live happily ever after lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I reallllllllly wanted to love this book. The ideas and world building are there but the tension is just missing? It’s almost as if too many things happen, that all impact and shock value just dissipate for me. I almost wish this book would have ended with the Ritual and taken more time to polish and flesh things out.
February 21, 2024
DNF @ 50%
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this review is mostly negative. While some of the world building elements were fun and had a lot of potential, I was never able to get into the story. Here’s what I gathered from reading half of this story.
The writing has a lot of issues: bad grammar, overuse of dialogue tags (a lot of people exclaimed or bellowed in this book), undercooked magic system, awkward word choices (why are witch groups called sanctions?), and a notable lack of tension. There's also a lot of modern words used - like "goner" and "jackpot". Not everyone dislikes this, but it is definitely not my cup of tea.
The FMC Daya is your typical sassy heroine. There are several love interests, which was one of those fun parts. However, the first vampire dude is IMO kind of creepy and improbably dim. None of the characters felt very memorable.
The witches here are more like Throne of Glass witches. They are long living, violent, drink blood, etc. There’s some elemental magic (like Avatar) but also magical gemstones, and teleporting? Overall, there were some fun ideas but the execution was all over the place.
TLDR this book was not for me. I hope others may be able to enjoy this more than I did.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this review is mostly negative. While some of the world building elements were fun and had a lot of potential, I was never able to get into the story. Here’s what I gathered from reading half of this story.
The writing has a lot of issues: bad grammar, overuse of dialogue tags (a lot of people exclaimed or bellowed in this book), undercooked magic system, awkward word choices (why are witch groups called sanctions?), and a notable lack of tension. There's also a lot of modern words used - like "goner" and "jackpot". Not everyone dislikes this, but it is definitely not my cup of tea.
The FMC Daya is your typical sassy heroine. There are several love interests, which was one of those fun parts. However, the first vampire dude is IMO kind of creepy and improbably dim. None of the characters felt very memorable.
The witches here are more like Throne of Glass witches. They are long living, violent, drink blood, etc. There’s some elemental magic (like Avatar) but also magical gemstones, and teleporting? Overall, there were some fun ideas but the execution was all over the place.
TLDR this book was not for me. I hope others may be able to enjoy this more than I did.
could-not-finish
November 29, 2024DNF at 17%
It’s weird…like there’s kinda no plot? The plot is “let’s put the MC in this new place and ehhhh see what happens? Maybe throw in a hottie?”
The MC is likeable, but there’s not enough forward momentum in the plot to keep me invested.
It’s weird…like there’s kinda no plot? The plot is “let’s put the MC in this new place and ehhhh see what happens? Maybe throw in a hottie?”
The MC is likeable, but there’s not enough forward momentum in the plot to keep me invested.
August 28, 2024
I tried to get through it but just could not I didn’t like the characters or the plot.
January 13, 2025
Awakening from getting knocked unconscious on the battlefield, Dayanara is surprised to find out that she is now engaged to the king of her enemy. Her mother, the Acna (leader) of the witches (Brujas), has promised Daya’s hand in marriage to Kaizer the vampire king of Sanjry in return for ceasing the centuries old war between them. Daya reluctantly agrees that this move is best for her people but she isn’t happy about it. Things get extra complicated when she falls for her handmaiden (Zuri) and has unexpected chemistry with King Axel who has traveled from Dusra to discuss this new marriage and all the kingdoms involved. There’s also this chaotic energy circling because these two kingdoms have been enemies for a long time so there’s animosity and hatred to be dealt with and it doesn’t help that Daya thinks Kaizer is hiding something huge…something that could ruin them all.
Daya is a FMC that is not going to sit idly by or bow out quietly. She is a fighter, a warrior, through and through. She doesn’t take lightly to disrespect and is quick to speak her mind. She was such a breath of fresh air in the way she was unapologetically herself. She demanded respect, wasn’t afraid to get violent, and exuded confidence. But there was also this softer and more emotional side to her when it came to her relationship with Zuri and her complicated relationship with her mother. We get to see these little bits of vulnerability in her which just really made her feel all the more realistic and genuine. Hello I’m a huge fan of her character in case it wasn’t clear.
Seriously just read this book. It was sooo freaking good. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for book two to come out.
What to expect
Arranged marriage
Vampires, witches & wolves
Elemental magic
Slow burn
Spy holes
Growing harem
Bisexual rep
FF, MF scenes
Take no shit, badass FMC
“You can drink my blood if you can catch me.”
Literally everyone is morally grey
TW/CW: violence/battle scenes, blood & gore, animal blood, physical assault, brutal whipping as punishment, attempted sexual assault (side character), on page graphic murders, physical and emotional abuse from a parent (mother), death of a loved one
Daya is a FMC that is not going to sit idly by or bow out quietly. She is a fighter, a warrior, through and through. She doesn’t take lightly to disrespect and is quick to speak her mind. She was such a breath of fresh air in the way she was unapologetically herself. She demanded respect, wasn’t afraid to get violent, and exuded confidence. But there was also this softer and more emotional side to her when it came to her relationship with Zuri and her complicated relationship with her mother. We get to see these little bits of vulnerability in her which just really made her feel all the more realistic and genuine. Hello I’m a huge fan of her character in case it wasn’t clear.
Seriously just read this book. It was sooo freaking good. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for book two to come out.
What to expect
Arranged marriage
Vampires, witches & wolves
Elemental magic
Slow burn
Spy holes
Growing harem
Bisexual rep
FF, MF scenes
Take no shit, badass FMC
“You can drink my blood if you can catch me.”
Literally everyone is morally grey
TW/CW: violence/battle scenes, blood & gore, animal blood, physical assault, brutal whipping as punishment, attempted sexual assault (side character), on page graphic murders, physical and emotional abuse from a parent (mother), death of a loved one
March 6, 2024
Amazingly crafted spicy paranormal romance, with a seductive host of diverse characters.
I loved the steamy RH romance and growing chemistry, all the morally grey themes, seamless worldbuilding, and the paranormal abilities and elemental magic.
There was so much intriguing drama, twists, action packed battles, ALL the delightful sassyness and flirting, and not knowing who is scheming.
I like that this includes vampires and lobos (wolf shifters), but the main feature is the brujas - witches who give off Valkyrie warrior vibes. The magic in this is so creative too with aspects of portal travel, dark magic, elemental magic, and goddess gifts.
As Daya is bisexual you get spicy FF and MF scenes, and her exploring new relationships amongst her friends, enemies and allies.
Stunning read, can't wait for book 2, and Daya raining down vengeance.
✨"Words are nice, but why don't you use that pretty little mouth for something a little more tactile"
✨"I'll do anything- if it means making you so alone that you need me, I'll do it"
✨"Your power calls to me like a song from a siren"
✨"I wasnt some bargaining chip for my mother to use, some pretty thing for Kaiser to flaunt around. I was a force to be reckoned with"
I loved the steamy RH romance and growing chemistry, all the morally grey themes, seamless worldbuilding, and the paranormal abilities and elemental magic.
There was so much intriguing drama, twists, action packed battles, ALL the delightful sassyness and flirting, and not knowing who is scheming.
I like that this includes vampires and lobos (wolf shifters), but the main feature is the brujas - witches who give off Valkyrie warrior vibes. The magic in this is so creative too with aspects of portal travel, dark magic, elemental magic, and goddess gifts.
As Daya is bisexual you get spicy FF and MF scenes, and her exploring new relationships amongst her friends, enemies and allies.
Stunning read, can't wait for book 2, and Daya raining down vengeance.
✨"Words are nice, but why don't you use that pretty little mouth for something a little more tactile"
✨"I'll do anything- if it means making you so alone that you need me, I'll do it"
✨"Your power calls to me like a song from a siren"
✨"I wasnt some bargaining chip for my mother to use, some pretty thing for Kaiser to flaunt around. I was a force to be reckoned with"
March 13, 2024
What a badass action packed ride this was!
Dayanara is a forceful witch destined to become the next Acna, the most powerful witch in command of the entire clan. Her mother, the current Acna, arranges a marriage to a rival vampire king, Kaizer, to bring peace between their lands. Daya is expected to fulfill her role and mother’s orders, but everything is not as at seems… and Daya begins her search for the truth amongst what the vampires truly want in regards to the arrangement.
This was a fast paced and gripping read with all of the best pieces in a romantasy. Witches, vampires, shifters, unique magic systems and twists and turns that’ll leave you reeling. I cannot wait for the next book because wow this had me hooked from start to finish. Mikayla has a way of writing that’s almost conversational and so fluidly written.
Diverse characters, slow burn, why choose, lgbtq rep, forced proximity, … one of the most badass & sassy FMC’s I’ve read so far this year.
Oh and did I mention that Daya is a 170+ year old witch? So those of you who want a baddie FMC over 25 years old… this is the one 👀
Blood & Brujas is sure to check quite a few boxes for romantasy lovers…. Buckle up for an adventure, because this is one that’ll stick with you long after the final page.
4.85 🌟/2.25 🌶️
Dayanara is a forceful witch destined to become the next Acna, the most powerful witch in command of the entire clan. Her mother, the current Acna, arranges a marriage to a rival vampire king, Kaizer, to bring peace between their lands. Daya is expected to fulfill her role and mother’s orders, but everything is not as at seems… and Daya begins her search for the truth amongst what the vampires truly want in regards to the arrangement.
This was a fast paced and gripping read with all of the best pieces in a romantasy. Witches, vampires, shifters, unique magic systems and twists and turns that’ll leave you reeling. I cannot wait for the next book because wow this had me hooked from start to finish. Mikayla has a way of writing that’s almost conversational and so fluidly written.
Diverse characters, slow burn, why choose, lgbtq rep, forced proximity, … one of the most badass & sassy FMC’s I’ve read so far this year.
Oh and did I mention that Daya is a 170+ year old witch? So those of you who want a baddie FMC over 25 years old… this is the one 👀
Blood & Brujas is sure to check quite a few boxes for romantasy lovers…. Buckle up for an adventure, because this is one that’ll stick with you long after the final page.
4.85 🌟/2.25 🌶️
March 29, 2025
Did I have a fun romp? Yes. Will I read the second book? Yes. Would I reread it? Yes. Did I think this was good? Um.
It had the potential to be something above what it was. It failed rather spectacularly.
I do love a murderous woman, but Dayanara's impulse to kill any problem grew tiresome. I don't buy that you'd ask your servant if she was loyal to you or her king and then go solely off of words if I've been told you don't trust anybody. I don't buy you'd be betrayed multiple times and still decide to trust another king because of some heart connection (oh yeah and a nice room along with a cool closet and some sex). Her characterization swung from childish and inconsistent into I'm a witch warrior and I'll cut off your head. Cool, feel free! Maybe you'd be doing me a favor at this point.
It was a vibe sure.
But here is my remaining gripe with romantasy that spans many, many books. If actual thinking makes your books fall apart, then I'm a little disappointed.
Also, if we're trying to counter or subvert the eurocentric traditional fantasy, you have to do it well in order to make your point. This did not succeed. There are other better diverse recs out there that don't have to be propped up by the crutch of tropes.
But if you want to not think and watch a woman terrorize men, please be my guest. It's probably better that way.
It had the potential to be something above what it was. It failed rather spectacularly.
I do love a murderous woman, but Dayanara's impulse to kill any problem grew tiresome. I don't buy that you'd ask your servant if she was loyal to you or her king and then go solely off of words if I've been told you don't trust anybody. I don't buy you'd be betrayed multiple times and still decide to trust another king because of some heart connection (oh yeah and a nice room along with a cool closet and some sex). Her characterization swung from childish and inconsistent into I'm a witch warrior and I'll cut off your head. Cool, feel free! Maybe you'd be doing me a favor at this point.
It was a vibe sure.
But here is my remaining gripe with romantasy that spans many, many books. If actual thinking makes your books fall apart, then I'm a little disappointed.
Also, if we're trying to counter or subvert the eurocentric traditional fantasy, you have to do it well in order to make your point. This did not succeed. There are other better diverse recs out there that don't have to be propped up by the crutch of tropes.
But if you want to not think and watch a woman terrorize men, please be my guest. It's probably better that way.
March 5, 2024
If you love Manon from ToG, but also crave more diversity this is written for you. This was such a perfect spicy fantasy with romance. The plot was so fun and entertaining, and while I knew the plot twists were coming I couldn’t tell what they would be. Daya is such a great character. She has a great backstory and such an addictive personality you really root for her, and talk about a BAD ASS female? She wrote the freaking book on it! Sexy, sassy, powerful, and take no shit. I’m in love and obsessed with her. The author really did and amazing job blending the fantasy world building with Latina culture sprinkles throughout. I loved the diversity in this book. It was so refreshing to have more skin tones, body types, and differing love interests. Waiting for book two is going to be the death of me.
Spice 3.5/5
Spice 3.5/5
March 5, 2024
4.5 stars
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this masterpiece and I honestly think this is one of the best fantasy debuts I’ve ever read.
Witches, vampires, werewolves. Arranged marriages to prevent wars, intricate magic systems and brilliant characters, this story had them all! I particularly enjoyed the more natural feel to the why choose romances, as we got to know the characters and their relationships a bit rather them being immediately forced from the first meeting which I’ve often struggled with in these types of books before.
The tension and action built up nicely over the book with several twists as to who different characters and their motives were, and the ending builds up nicely to prepare for the next instalment.
Thank you Mikayla for giving me the opportunity to read and review!
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this masterpiece and I honestly think this is one of the best fantasy debuts I’ve ever read.
Witches, vampires, werewolves. Arranged marriages to prevent wars, intricate magic systems and brilliant characters, this story had them all! I particularly enjoyed the more natural feel to the why choose romances, as we got to know the characters and their relationships a bit rather them being immediately forced from the first meeting which I’ve often struggled with in these types of books before.
The tension and action built up nicely over the book with several twists as to who different characters and their motives were, and the ending builds up nicely to prepare for the next instalment.
Thank you Mikayla for giving me the opportunity to read and review!
July 5, 2025
2.5⭐️
I wanted to love this so bad. It had so much potential. I found the first 30% - 40% was solid. It was slightly slow but picked up around 20% and I was really looking forward to where it was going.
And then it just dropped off and became so boring. The only interesting character was Ax and even he didn’t save it for me. Daya had little depth for an FMC. All she was was an overpowered character who was just constantly a bitch, that’s it that was her personality. I found it predictable. Just overall disappointed. It wasn’t bad by any means it had promise but just wasn’t for me in the end. Shame because I really enjoyed how diverse the characters were. Also the use of modern terms in a fantasy book felt so jarring.
I wanted to love this so bad. It had so much potential. I found the first 30% - 40% was solid. It was slightly slow but picked up around 20% and I was really looking forward to where it was going.
And then it just dropped off and became so boring. The only interesting character was Ax and even he didn’t save it for me. Daya had little depth for an FMC. All she was was an overpowered character who was just constantly a bitch, that’s it that was her personality. I found it predictable. Just overall disappointed. It wasn’t bad by any means it had promise but just wasn’t for me in the end. Shame because I really enjoyed how diverse the characters were. Also the use of modern terms in a fantasy book felt so jarring.
November 4, 2024
Give this author a standing ovation please because I have not read anything so exciting and different in a while and I read plenty. This will now be an auto buy author for me and I can't run fast enough for her other works. The cliffhanger is killing me and I need book two now.
Returning later with a full review but right now I need to first sit and think about all that I've read so I can continue to enjoy this story even after I've finished it.
10 stars for me! She's an easy and new top 5 favorite authors for me.
Returning later with a full review but right now I need to first sit and think about all that I've read so I can continue to enjoy this story even after I've finished it.
10 stars for me! She's an easy and new top 5 favorite authors for me.
November 23, 2025
Things I liked:
- The Brujas and their connection to their land, bodies and sexuality 🔮
- Non-Eurocentric world 🪶
- The Brujas being pictured as monsters/ born warriors (reminded me of my beloved ironteeth) 🗡️
- Bisexuality
Things I didn’t like:
- it was so lust forward, ZERO slow burn or yearning (and man do I love yearning)
- Nothing unique..all the typical tropes..
- It was too predictable
- I missed some character depth and change
But maybe some of those aspects will be better in the second book
- The Brujas and their connection to their land, bodies and sexuality 🔮
- Non-Eurocentric world 🪶
- The Brujas being pictured as monsters/ born warriors (reminded me of my beloved ironteeth) 🗡️
- Bisexuality
Things I didn’t like:
- it was so lust forward, ZERO slow burn or yearning (and man do I love yearning)
- Nothing unique..all the typical tropes..
- It was too predictable
- I missed some character depth and change
But maybe some of those aspects will be better in the second book
March 10, 2024
To start with, the FMC is a badass, and there are many more badass powerful women. The main character is bisexual, so there are great 🌶 scenes with both FM and FF 🔥. There is a unique world filled with brujas, vamipires, and lobos (wolf shifters). It has a bit of everything that I love from a romantasy. It is definitely one of my favorites reads this year. I can't wait for the next one!
"You listen to me. Being a woman does not make you weak. Anyone who ever told you that was trying to hold you back. You are strong, and you are capable." - Mikayla D. Hornedo (Blood and Brujas pg 122)
"You listen to me. Being a woman does not make you weak. Anyone who ever told you that was trying to hold you back. You are strong, and you are capable." - Mikayla D. Hornedo (Blood and Brujas pg 122)
November 21, 2025
who doesn’t love a badass bisexual Latina baddie bruja? love her but the cliff hanger!!!!!!! have to read the next one
April 19, 2024
I would like more. Right now. Actually this instant would be amazing. CAUSE WHAT DO YOU MEAN. WHAT DO YOU MEAN.
I think my heart rate was never at a normal rate this whole book. Wtf. wtf. wtf. wtf. I’m not okay. That was crazy. Oh my god. Ahhh my brain feels crazy rn. Oh my god.
I think my heart rate was never at a normal rate this whole book. Wtf. wtf. wtf. wtf. I’m not okay. That was crazy. Oh my god. Ahhh my brain feels crazy rn. Oh my god.
dnf
March 23, 2024DNF @ 30%
I dropped this NOT because it’s bad. Because it isn’t.
But because the slow burn is so slow the fire is practically nonexistent. I’m 30-35% into this book and not a soul has been snatched, nobody’s back has been blown out, and TBH I don’t know who the love interest(s) are.
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The world building is well done — it doesn’t hit you over the head. It’s smart and witty. Dayanara is a badass bitch who I can’t help but get behind.
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Thank you to the author for entrusting me with her book!
I dropped this NOT because it’s bad. Because it isn’t.
But because the slow burn is so slow the fire is practically nonexistent. I’m 30-35% into this book and not a soul has been snatched, nobody’s back has been blown out, and TBH I don’t know who the love interest(s) are.
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The world building is well done — it doesn’t hit you over the head. It’s smart and witty. Dayanara is a badass bitch who I can’t help but get behind.
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Thank you to the author for entrusting me with her book!
September 27, 2025
3.75⭐
While at times I found the writing a smidge distracting (almost every line in this book was either "exclaimed" or "murmured") the vibes were vibing and I never wanted to put this book down. Dayanara is such a unique and fun FMC; I couldn't get enough of her badassery.
While at times I found the writing a smidge distracting (almost every line in this book was either "exclaimed" or "murmured") the vibes were vibing and I never wanted to put this book down. Dayanara is such a unique and fun FMC; I couldn't get enough of her badassery.
June 23, 2025
I ate this book upppp🙂↕️ I have the Satisfiction special edition, so it’s like 539 pages, but I read every word on every page bc I wasn’t missing a single thing😭 The world building in this book is so immaculate I literally was explaining the book to my friend like I was a tenure professor giving a lecture😂 The characters are so diverse and their personalities make them all so three dimensional! Obviously this book has been out for a while I’ve gotten a few spoilers, but a lot of the plot points and reveals were still a huge shock to me😭 I’m very much invested in this series crazy and Mikayla will be hearing from my therapist if my sweet little babies Daya, Zuri, Ax, and Ishani get hurt🙃
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