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When Blood Runs Red
Not yet published
Expected 22 Mar 26In Eclipsera, blood is power—but greed holds the blade.
After her parents’ untimely deaths in a suspicious lab explosion, Aria Ellis retreats into herself, haunted by grief and unanswered questions. But when her sister, Luna, drags her to the glittering Guardian Gala, Aria is thrust back into the deadly politics of Eclipsera’s founding families.
Desperate to learn more about her parents’ demise, Aria begins studying her mother’s old journal and discovers research about ancient blood magic, hinting at dark things happening in Eclipsera. When a genetically engineered monster attacks her apartment, corrupting her magic and nearly claiming her life, Aria realizes she might be the next victim in the city’s dark games.
Navigating a deadly web of power, desire, and betrayal, Aria must decide what price she’s willing to pay for the truth—and whose blood will stain her hands before it's over.
WHEN BLOOD RUNS RED is a dark, seductive urban fantasy filled with twisted betrayals, deadly romance, and a world where power is the only thing more dangerous than love. Perfect for fans of These Violent Delights, The Mortal Instruments and From Blood and Ash.
N.B. Enter Eclipsera at your own risk. When Blood Runs Red contains graphic violence, mature themes, and adult situations.This story is intended for mature audiences (18+) and may not be suitable for all readers.
After her parents’ untimely deaths in a suspicious lab explosion, Aria Ellis retreats into herself, haunted by grief and unanswered questions. But when her sister, Luna, drags her to the glittering Guardian Gala, Aria is thrust back into the deadly politics of Eclipsera’s founding families.
Desperate to learn more about her parents’ demise, Aria begins studying her mother’s old journal and discovers research about ancient blood magic, hinting at dark things happening in Eclipsera. When a genetically engineered monster attacks her apartment, corrupting her magic and nearly claiming her life, Aria realizes she might be the next victim in the city’s dark games.
Navigating a deadly web of power, desire, and betrayal, Aria must decide what price she’s willing to pay for the truth—and whose blood will stain her hands before it's over.
WHEN BLOOD RUNS RED is a dark, seductive urban fantasy filled with twisted betrayals, deadly romance, and a world where power is the only thing more dangerous than love. Perfect for fans of These Violent Delights, The Mortal Instruments and From Blood and Ash.
N.B. Enter Eclipsera at your own risk. When Blood Runs Red contains graphic violence, mature themes, and adult situations.This story is intended for mature audiences (18+) and may not be suitable for all readers.
- GenresFantasy
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 22, 2026
128 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Prior
4 books30 followersPatricia Prior writes romance that lives everywhere—on war-torn fantasy battlegrounds, in small-town diners, between teeth-baring monsters and late-night text messages. Whether it’s soft and slow or dark and destructive, her stories always center love in all its messy, beautiful, break-you-open forms. Expect emotional chaos, sharp edges, and characters who ruin you (in the best way).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 25, 2026
I struggled a little at first to pick up the magic system. But the power plays and blood magic, science and experimentation added layers to the story I wasn’t expecting. It kept it interesting.
March 12, 2026
I don’t know how she does it - even the bloody, graphic and highly questionable scenes are made into a beautiful disaster that just keeps you turning the pages. I mean blood magic, hello?!
Thank you to the author Patricia Prior for the opportunity to ARC read this book!
I love it when you keep second guessing intent, events and statements made.
This is a dark urban fantasy that keeps you on the toes. The world building is greatly done where we get to follow the rich and fabulous without any moral - I was yearning for a dive to the less fortunate (for the reality check our FMC needed), and I was served and not disappointed!
I love-hate almost all characters except two (I love-love Rowe and Kane) - and I think it’s beautifully done and executed because I still want and need to know more about each and every character still!
Characters? Insidious.
Writing? Immaculate.
Plot? Intriguing.
World building? Immense.
If you like it dark, twisted, politically challenged and red flags - you need to read this book. The ending gave me goosebumps and I need book 2.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark fantasy
🖤 Survival over moral
🖤 Political power struggles
🖤 Dystopian class divide
🖤 Family legacy, bloodline expectations
🖤 A weaponized magic system
🖤 Morally very grey characters
🖤 Romantic subplots
🖤 Sacrifice for the greater good
🖤 Shifting alliances
Thank you to the author Patricia Prior for the opportunity to ARC read this book!
I love it when you keep second guessing intent, events and statements made.
This is a dark urban fantasy that keeps you on the toes. The world building is greatly done where we get to follow the rich and fabulous without any moral - I was yearning for a dive to the less fortunate (for the reality check our FMC needed), and I was served and not disappointed!
I love-hate almost all characters except two (I love-love Rowe and Kane) - and I think it’s beautifully done and executed because I still want and need to know more about each and every character still!
Characters? Insidious.
Writing? Immaculate.
Plot? Intriguing.
World building? Immense.
If you like it dark, twisted, politically challenged and red flags - you need to read this book. The ending gave me goosebumps and I need book 2.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark fantasy
🖤 Survival over moral
🖤 Political power struggles
🖤 Dystopian class divide
🖤 Family legacy, bloodline expectations
🖤 A weaponized magic system
🖤 Morally very grey characters
🖤 Romantic subplots
🖤 Sacrifice for the greater good
🖤 Shifting alliances
March 1, 2026
4.5 ✨ but rounding up because i can 🤪. I loved this one, this book gave jurassic park vibes in the best way, with the technology and creatures. Also Rowe 🫶🏼 my one true love, I hope you make it out of this series alive or i will riot 😂 This might be so problematic to say but Luna and Alex’s story line is probably my favorite so far in this series. Aria was a great FMC and i’m excited to see more of what happens with her as we progress throughout the series…. because ifykyk 🙊, thank you for doing my
boy Dom dirty….. NOT haha, he’s not my first choice but he also did not deserve thatttt, also if you plan on reading this brace yourself for impact at the ending because man was it shocking!!
boy Dom dirty….. NOT haha, he’s not my first choice but he also did not deserve thatttt, also if you plan on reading this brace yourself for impact at the ending because man was it shocking!!
March 1, 2026
★★★★★
This book emotionally wrecked me — and I loved every second of it.
When Blood Runs Red completely consumed me from beginning to end. This was one of those stories that made me feel everything — rage, grief, hope, love — and at times made me want to throw my Kindle across the room, which is always the sign of a truly great book.
The writing was immersive and vivid, and the blood magic was one of the most unique magic systems I’ve read in a long time. It felt dangerous, layered, and full of potential, and I’m incredibly excited to learn more about it as the series continues. The world itself felt alive, filled with fascinating magical creatures and a constant undercurrent of tension and unease.
The villains were truly villains — the kind that make your blood boil and leave you desperate to see them fall.
What stood out most to me was how deeply the story explored heavier, more human themes beneath the fantasy. Grief, rage, obsession, corruption, and the way power can be used to exploit and control others were all woven into the narrative in a way that felt meaningful and relevant. It added emotional weight to every choice the characters made.
And that ending… I’m still not okay. It left me staring at a wall trying to process everything and immediately needing the next book.
This was an easy five-star read for me, and I already know this series is going to stay with me. I will be counting down the days until book two.
Thank you to Patricia Prior for trusting me with an ARC of this story. 🖤
This book emotionally wrecked me — and I loved every second of it.
When Blood Runs Red completely consumed me from beginning to end. This was one of those stories that made me feel everything — rage, grief, hope, love — and at times made me want to throw my Kindle across the room, which is always the sign of a truly great book.
The writing was immersive and vivid, and the blood magic was one of the most unique magic systems I’ve read in a long time. It felt dangerous, layered, and full of potential, and I’m incredibly excited to learn more about it as the series continues. The world itself felt alive, filled with fascinating magical creatures and a constant undercurrent of tension and unease.
The villains were truly villains — the kind that make your blood boil and leave you desperate to see them fall.
What stood out most to me was how deeply the story explored heavier, more human themes beneath the fantasy. Grief, rage, obsession, corruption, and the way power can be used to exploit and control others were all woven into the narrative in a way that felt meaningful and relevant. It added emotional weight to every choice the characters made.
And that ending… I’m still not okay. It left me staring at a wall trying to process everything and immediately needing the next book.
This was an easy five-star read for me, and I already know this series is going to stay with me. I will be counting down the days until book two.
Thank you to Patricia Prior for trusting me with an ARC of this story. 🖤
February 26, 2026
“You ruin me, Aria, and I’d let you do it a thousand times over.” ♥️
I signed up to read and review this book on a whim and I am so glad I did! I knew from the first few chapters that this book would be a five star read for me! I was completely captivated by the lush world building, the complex characters and the unique plot! To say I am obsessed with this book would be an understatement.
This book truly has it all: dark, urban fantasy elements mixed with political intrigue in a dystopian setting, a forbidden love triangle, morally gray characters and a ton of secrets and betrayals. There is so much to unpack and my head was spinning all the way through to the end. I cannot put into words how amazing everything came together!
“I never wanted perfect. I only ever wanted you. Exactly as you are, whatever comes next.”
Now let’s talk about the romance. How am I supposed to choose between Dom and Rowe? Both guys have their flaws, but they’re also both unique in their own way! They also definitely both have their fair share of daddy issues and being pawns in the game of power. Without spoiling anything, I am on the edge of my seat dying to know where things are going to go with them, especially after the way things ended. Poor Aria is sure in for a wild ride and I just know she’s going to end up with a broken heart (more so than what she’s already gone through)!
Thank you so much to Torch Lit Ink for the advanced copy! When Blood Runs Red releases on March 22, and you do not want to miss it!
I signed up to read and review this book on a whim and I am so glad I did! I knew from the first few chapters that this book would be a five star read for me! I was completely captivated by the lush world building, the complex characters and the unique plot! To say I am obsessed with this book would be an understatement.
This book truly has it all: dark, urban fantasy elements mixed with political intrigue in a dystopian setting, a forbidden love triangle, morally gray characters and a ton of secrets and betrayals. There is so much to unpack and my head was spinning all the way through to the end. I cannot put into words how amazing everything came together!
“I never wanted perfect. I only ever wanted you. Exactly as you are, whatever comes next.”
Now let’s talk about the romance. How am I supposed to choose between Dom and Rowe? Both guys have their flaws, but they’re also both unique in their own way! They also definitely both have their fair share of daddy issues and being pawns in the game of power. Without spoiling anything, I am on the edge of my seat dying to know where things are going to go with them, especially after the way things ended. Poor Aria is sure in for a wild ride and I just know she’s going to end up with a broken heart (more so than what she’s already gone through)!
Thank you so much to Torch Lit Ink for the advanced copy! When Blood Runs Red releases on March 22, and you do not want to miss it!
March 11, 2026
ARC Review – Releases March 22
When Blood Runs Red completely pulled me into a fantasy world I hadn’t explored before, and I was hooked from start to finish.
Set in the dangerous and intoxicating world of Eclipsera, where blood is power and politics are just as deadly as magic, this story follows Aria Ellis as she searches for answers after the mysterious deaths of her parents. What begins as grief and curiosity quickly spirals into something much darker, filled with ancient blood magic, corruption, betrayal, and secrets that run far deeper than Aria could have imagined.
What really stood out to me was how carefully built and immersive the world is. The author clearly put incredible thought into the magic system, the politics of the founding families, and the layered mysteries surrounding Aria’s parents. I actually found myself reading this a little slower than I normally would, and not because it dragged, but because I wanted to fully absorb every detail of the world and understand everything unfolding around Aria.
The atmosphere is dark, seductive, and tense, with moments of danger and intrigue that kept me constantly wanting to know what would happen next. Every new revelation pulled me deeper into Eclipsera and its deadly power struggles.
Aria is a compelling protagonist: grieving, determined, and willing to push forward even when the truth might destroy everything she thought she knew. Watching her unravel the secrets around her was incredibly engaging.
By the time I reached the end, I was completely invested in this world and these characters, and now I’m already desperate for book two.
I’m so honored I had the chance to read this ARC, and I will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy for my shelf.
If you enjoy dark urban fantasy with rich worldbuilding, dangerous magic, political intrigue, and deadly romance, this is definitely one to watch for when it releases.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
When Blood Runs Red completely pulled me into a fantasy world I hadn’t explored before, and I was hooked from start to finish.
Set in the dangerous and intoxicating world of Eclipsera, where blood is power and politics are just as deadly as magic, this story follows Aria Ellis as she searches for answers after the mysterious deaths of her parents. What begins as grief and curiosity quickly spirals into something much darker, filled with ancient blood magic, corruption, betrayal, and secrets that run far deeper than Aria could have imagined.
What really stood out to me was how carefully built and immersive the world is. The author clearly put incredible thought into the magic system, the politics of the founding families, and the layered mysteries surrounding Aria’s parents. I actually found myself reading this a little slower than I normally would, and not because it dragged, but because I wanted to fully absorb every detail of the world and understand everything unfolding around Aria.
The atmosphere is dark, seductive, and tense, with moments of danger and intrigue that kept me constantly wanting to know what would happen next. Every new revelation pulled me deeper into Eclipsera and its deadly power struggles.
Aria is a compelling protagonist: grieving, determined, and willing to push forward even when the truth might destroy everything she thought she knew. Watching her unravel the secrets around her was incredibly engaging.
By the time I reached the end, I was completely invested in this world and these characters, and now I’m already desperate for book two.
I’m so honored I had the chance to read this ARC, and I will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy for my shelf.
If you enjoy dark urban fantasy with rich worldbuilding, dangerous magic, political intrigue, and deadly romance, this is definitely one to watch for when it releases.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
February 25, 2026
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Blood Runs Red is a dark, glittering fantasy thriller that feels like magic, politics, and danger all poured into a crystal goblet and served with a sharp bite. I devoured this concept.
Eclipsera is a fascinating world where blood literally equals power, and that alone sets the stage for ruthless ambition and twisted politics. Aria’s journey from grieving daughter to reluctant truth-seeker is compelling and emotional, you can feel her heartbreak, confusion, and slow-burning determination to uncover what really happened to her parents. The mysterious journal, the elite Guardian Gala, and the lurking founding families all give this story a rich, almost old-world intrigue that I adore.
The genetically engineered monster attack is such a chilling turning point, pushing Aria into a world she can’t ignore anymore. I loved how her magic becomes corrupted there’s something so haunting about power that comes with a price, especially when blood and betrayal are woven into the same tapestry.
This book promises secrets, betrayal, morally gray choices, and a heroine who might have to become dangerous to survive. If you love dark fantasy with political intrigue, blood magic, and a strong female lead who’s done being in the dark, When Blood Runs Red is absolutely worth picking up.
Grim, glamorous, and deliciously ominous just the way a good fantasy should be. 🩸✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Blood Runs Red is a dark, glittering fantasy thriller that feels like magic, politics, and danger all poured into a crystal goblet and served with a sharp bite. I devoured this concept.
Eclipsera is a fascinating world where blood literally equals power, and that alone sets the stage for ruthless ambition and twisted politics. Aria’s journey from grieving daughter to reluctant truth-seeker is compelling and emotional, you can feel her heartbreak, confusion, and slow-burning determination to uncover what really happened to her parents. The mysterious journal, the elite Guardian Gala, and the lurking founding families all give this story a rich, almost old-world intrigue that I adore.
The genetically engineered monster attack is such a chilling turning point, pushing Aria into a world she can’t ignore anymore. I loved how her magic becomes corrupted there’s something so haunting about power that comes with a price, especially when blood and betrayal are woven into the same tapestry.
This book promises secrets, betrayal, morally gray choices, and a heroine who might have to become dangerous to survive. If you love dark fantasy with political intrigue, blood magic, and a strong female lead who’s done being in the dark, When Blood Runs Red is absolutely worth picking up.
Grim, glamorous, and deliciously ominous just the way a good fantasy should be. 🩸✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
When Blood Runs Red by Patricia Prior 🩸
Release date: 22nd March 2026
🩸Dark Fantasy
✨️Forbidden love
🩸Morally Grey characters
✨️Unique Magic System
🩸Touch her and die vibes
✨️Rivalry
𝑷𝑬𝑹 𝑶𝑹𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑬𝑴 𝑷𝑬𝑹𝑫𝑼𝑹𝑨𝑴𝑼𝑺. 𝑷𝑬𝑹 𝑺𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑼𝑰𝑵𝑬𝑴 𝑺𝑼𝑹𝑮𝑰𝑴𝑼𝑺. 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝒘𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆.
A dark urban Fantasy with a dystopian twist and political intrigue. Not only that but it includes a love triangle and a villain who is you can actually hate. When the blood runs red quite literally gives you it all and more. Even though the complex magic system takes a while to grasp, its the romance that just sucks you in and leaves you wanting.
“𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘,” 𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕦𝕣𝕣𝕤, “𝕀’𝕧𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕀 𝕞𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦. 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕗𝕝𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤?”
If you want a book that explores the more heavier side of emotions this book is it. It hit in just the right places, and gives you a little bit of spice (because who doesn't like even a tiny bit) The characters, you either love or hate, and I must say i think i hated a majority of them apart from Aria: my girl needs protecting from the cruelty of her world. One aspect I loved most about this book is the complex magic system, yes it did take me a while to grasp but once I did it really make the book more gripping and impossible to put down.
I'd like to thank Patricia Prior to gifting me this e-book ARC in return for my honest review ☺️
When Blood Runs Red by Patricia Prior 🩸
Release date: 22nd March 2026
🩸Dark Fantasy
✨️Forbidden love
🩸Morally Grey characters
✨️Unique Magic System
🩸Touch her and die vibes
✨️Rivalry
𝑷𝑬𝑹 𝑶𝑹𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑬𝑴 𝑷𝑬𝑹𝑫𝑼𝑹𝑨𝑴𝑼𝑺. 𝑷𝑬𝑹 𝑺𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑼𝑰𝑵𝑬𝑴 𝑺𝑼𝑹𝑮𝑰𝑴𝑼𝑺. 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝒘𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆.
A dark urban Fantasy with a dystopian twist and political intrigue. Not only that but it includes a love triangle and a villain who is you can actually hate. When the blood runs red quite literally gives you it all and more. Even though the complex magic system takes a while to grasp, its the romance that just sucks you in and leaves you wanting.
“𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘,” 𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕦𝕣𝕣𝕤, “𝕀’𝕧𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕀 𝕞𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦. 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕗𝕝𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤?”
If you want a book that explores the more heavier side of emotions this book is it. It hit in just the right places, and gives you a little bit of spice (because who doesn't like even a tiny bit) The characters, you either love or hate, and I must say i think i hated a majority of them apart from Aria: my girl needs protecting from the cruelty of her world. One aspect I loved most about this book is the complex magic system, yes it did take me a while to grasp but once I did it really make the book more gripping and impossible to put down.
I'd like to thank Patricia Prior to gifting me this e-book ARC in return for my honest review ☺️
March 2, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me an early copy of this book.
Who knew I would find a new favorite book by randomly scrolling Instagram and signing up for an early copy of this? I read the description and was instantly intrigued. Going into it I had zero expectations. Now I’m obsessed! I had no idea going into it we would be following sisters and going on their own paths and I loved every minute of it. I’m so down bad for Dom. Honestly I think I have a thing for characters called Dom since this is the second book with this name I’ve been obsessed with. I love a good broody, dark hero and we get that from Dom in spades! I’m on my knees for him and I would literally do anything for him. I can also totally relate to Aria. This story is everything I wanted but didn’t know I needed. I loved the magic system as well. And that ending?! I need the next book! Honestly this deserves infinity stars! If you want a good story with relatable characters that you can invest in then this is the story for you. I can’t tell you how obsessed I am without saying I’m obsessed lol.
Who knew I would find a new favorite book by randomly scrolling Instagram and signing up for an early copy of this? I read the description and was instantly intrigued. Going into it I had zero expectations. Now I’m obsessed! I had no idea going into it we would be following sisters and going on their own paths and I loved every minute of it. I’m so down bad for Dom. Honestly I think I have a thing for characters called Dom since this is the second book with this name I’ve been obsessed with. I love a good broody, dark hero and we get that from Dom in spades! I’m on my knees for him and I would literally do anything for him. I can also totally relate to Aria. This story is everything I wanted but didn’t know I needed. I loved the magic system as well. And that ending?! I need the next book! Honestly this deserves infinity stars! If you want a good story with relatable characters that you can invest in then this is the story for you. I can’t tell you how obsessed I am without saying I’m obsessed lol.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was not what I expected. There is romance.
So, Dom and Rowe both got a thing for our main girl, Aria, but Aria has to figure out what she wants.
Personally, I'm team Rowe!!!
There's also Luna, now this girl, she's got issues if you ask me. At first, she seemed kinda naive and easily manipulated. Turns out...
So, there's magic, but not just any magic, the bad kind!? It's blood magic it's the kind used for power.
Now, Power... is a big word because without it, you are nothing, right? It's more important than love or money or family. Without power, what do you really have? Besides all those other things I listed.
Right, you have nothing!!
So back to my boy Rowe, he has this kind of friend/made family member. His name is Griff, and he's kinda funny in his own right. But that's all I'm giving ya. Sorry ya'll. That's the end. Better luck somewhere else.
So, Dom and Rowe both got a thing for our main girl, Aria, but Aria has to figure out what she wants.
Personally, I'm team Rowe!!!
There's also Luna, now this girl, she's got issues if you ask me. At first, she seemed kinda naive and easily manipulated. Turns out...
So, there's magic, but not just any magic, the bad kind!? It's blood magic it's the kind used for power.
Now, Power... is a big word because without it, you are nothing, right? It's more important than love or money or family. Without power, what do you really have? Besides all those other things I listed.
Right, you have nothing!!
So back to my boy Rowe, he has this kind of friend/made family member. His name is Griff, and he's kinda funny in his own right. But that's all I'm giving ya. Sorry ya'll. That's the end. Better luck somewhere else.
February 8, 2026
Wow, this book had me feeling all of the feels! I was laughing, crying and raging throughout it.
This story felt so unique and I loved every single second of it.
You have a powerful FMC, Aria, who isn’t afraid of saying it how it is and what she wants. Then you have the more introverted FMC, Luna, I can’t say too much on her at the moment because I am not her friend! Two delicious MMC’s, Rowe and Dom, good luck deciding who you love more!
This story also had some amazing side characters who I am dying to read more about. Griff, absolutely hilarious! He really had me laughing out loud.
Ps. I’m team Rowe😍
THE ENDING?! I need book 2 immediately!
This story felt so unique and I loved every single second of it.
You have a powerful FMC, Aria, who isn’t afraid of saying it how it is and what she wants. Then you have the more introverted FMC, Luna, I can’t say too much on her at the moment because I am not her friend! Two delicious MMC’s, Rowe and Dom, good luck deciding who you love more!
This story also had some amazing side characters who I am dying to read more about. Griff, absolutely hilarious! He really had me laughing out loud.
Ps. I’m team Rowe😍
THE ENDING?! I need book 2 immediately!
March 4, 2026
This book made me feel EVERYTHING. I mean everything: love, hope, rage, grief… I giggled, I gasped!
When Blood Runs Red is one of most vivid and memorable books I’ve read. I knew the first few chapters in I was going to be captivated! From the complexity of characters, to the immersive world building… this is dark urban fantasy through and through!
Now…Rowe and Dom. How does one choose one over the other!?!? I’m not sure where my heart would take me there. Our girl Aria better buckle up too, I can’t wait to see more of what happens to her though!
THE ENDING!?. I need book two NOW.
Highly recommend reading this beauty!!! ☺️
When Blood Runs Red is one of most vivid and memorable books I’ve read. I knew the first few chapters in I was going to be captivated! From the complexity of characters, to the immersive world building… this is dark urban fantasy through and through!
Now…Rowe and Dom. How does one choose one over the other!?!? I’m not sure where my heart would take me there. Our girl Aria better buckle up too, I can’t wait to see more of what happens to her though!
THE ENDING!?. I need book two NOW.
Highly recommend reading this beauty!!! ☺️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an advanced reader copy from the author.
.Honestly one of the most intense books I've ever read - The author has done an incredible job with the world building, the magical system and most especially with the characters whether they're MC or supporting. If you like dark then seriously this book is for you. Not at all what I was expecting but I will be waiting with baited breath for book 2.
.Honestly one of the most intense books I've ever read - The author has done an incredible job with the world building, the magical system and most especially with the characters whether they're MC or supporting. If you like dark then seriously this book is for you. Not at all what I was expecting but I will be waiting with baited breath for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 1, 2026Had the absolute privilege of doing an arc read for this book. I was intrigued from word go, you can tell something just isn't quite right here. When the first real twist hit I cried and by the time that happened I could not put this book down. This book is going to mess with what you think you know and by the end you won't know who to cheer for or whether everything is absolutely F****d. Cannot wait for the next book!!
March 3, 2026
I needed time to form a review on this book because I couldn't quite get over the ending and I need a second book like now! The storytelling, the dystopian setting with magic, the relationships between families and friends, this is everything and more I could ever want in a book. Kept me hooked right from the first chapter. Fantastic book and I can't wait to read more. I can't wait to see where this story goes, it was sensational!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've beenreallv busv this week so thisster in a book to me a longer to read: However for me this book is 4.5 . The FMC and her sister kept taking turns pissing me off The Fmc seems like she is starting to wake up im hoping in the next book she gets it together. other then that the book was good and I can't wait for the next one to come out...
March 5, 2026
ARC review! I did struggle a little in getting the hang of the magic system but once I got passed that the book gets really good. Everywhere there is a surprising twist or turn that I didn’t expect. Every time I thought I knew what happened next there was a new twist. The last few chapters shocked me! I cant wait for the next book to come out!
Read
March 12, 2026ARC Review
What an intricate world that has been designed.
The way magic and greed intertwine combined with the well developed characters ensures that the reader is left wanting to turn the page and learn more. I love multiple points of view and this does not disappoint.
Given the ending and my attachment to the characters I cannot wait for the next book!
What an intricate world that has been designed.
The way magic and greed intertwine combined with the well developed characters ensures that the reader is left wanting to turn the page and learn more. I love multiple points of view and this does not disappoint.
Given the ending and my attachment to the characters I cannot wait for the next book!
August 7, 2025
did not expect to be this emotionally attached
March 3, 2026
An orphaned scientific genius. A dark love interest. Blood magic and experiments. I couldn’t get enough of this!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an ARC
I loved this book! It was a page turner for me. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish reading it because I couldn't put it down and it was SO worth losing sleep for! The way the author combined magic with technology was unique from other magic technology books. The world was different, it didn't feel like a cookie cutter world. I enjoyed the characters and several of them surprised me! The plot twists that I didn't see coming hit hard. This was a roller coaster. It does end on a cliffhanger and now, sadly, I have to wait until the next book comes out to see what happens. And I can't wait to read it! I definitely recommend giving this book a read!
I loved this book! It was a page turner for me. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish reading it because I couldn't put it down and it was SO worth losing sleep for! The way the author combined magic with technology was unique from other magic technology books. The world was different, it didn't feel like a cookie cutter world. I enjoyed the characters and several of them surprised me! The plot twists that I didn't see coming hit hard. This was a roller coaster. It does end on a cliffhanger and now, sadly, I have to wait until the next book comes out to see what happens. And I can't wait to read it! I definitely recommend giving this book a read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received this as an ARC via BookFunnel - thank you!
This book left me… conflicted.
Aria (FMC)
I genuinely don’t know how to feel about Aria. On one hand, I really didn’t like her, she’s needy, self-centered, and constantly acts like she knows better than everyone else. On the other hand, I can’t ignore what she’s been through. She didn’t deserve the trauma she experienced, and at times, I truly felt for her.
She gives strong “burnt-out child prodigy” energy: intelligent, sharp, occasionally compassionate, and even funny. She has moments of being an absolute badass, but they’re often overshadowed by her frustrating personality.
“I’ve never been more grateful for the endless etiquette lessons that taught me how to smile while quietly imagining everyone at the table dead.”
Dominic (MMC)
I hated him. Truly: this might be the most I’ve ever hated an MMC.
Yes, he had a horrific upbringing, and yes, there were moments where my heart broke for him. The way his father shaped him into a monster is tragic. But that does not excuse what he becomes.
He is cruel, manipulative, and deeply disturbing: drugging waitresses, forcing people into brutal fights, and torturing magical creatures. His obsession with Aria is not love - it’s pure toxicity.
“Everything I’ve done - every broken rule, every unholy deal - it’s always been for you. Even when it shouldn’t have been, and when the right thing would’ve been letting you go.”
“I used to be untouchable. Never needed anyone, never fucking cared if someone stayed or left. But you destroyed that. Made me into something that can’t survive without you breathing the same air.”
This isn’t romance. It’s obsession.
Rowe (the real MMC, in my opinion)
I loved him. He’s kind, empathetic, and genuinely cares about Aria in a way that feels healthy and grounded. Honestly, he loves her better than she even deserves at times. I hope we will learn more about him and spend more time in the Sanctuary.
Luna (Aria’s sister)
This might be controversial, but I liked her. Yes, she makes questionable choices, but they make sense. She’s desperate for attention and validation, and that desperation drives her actions in a believable way.
Margaux (Dominic’s sister)
My absolute favorite character.
“That sounds like Margaux. I’ve faced down rabid chimeras that were less intimidating.”
She steals every scene she’s in. What she and Octavia did, what they risked.. I never saw it coming.
Even though they haven’t even met yet, I ship her with Griff.
Overall Thoughts
I did enjoy the book, and I’m interested enough to continue the series. The plot is intriguing, but the world-building is underdeveloped. We’re told a lot, but not shown or properly explained.
The biggest issue for me is the characters. Aria and Dominic are both deeply unlikable, and I’m not sure if that was intentional. I can see a redemption arc working for Aria, but for Dominic… I honestly don’t see any path that would make me like him.
That said, based on the ending, I might not have to.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
Aria’s anger toward Dominic feels incredibly illogical. After her parents’ death, he did try to help her - even if he handled it poorly. He didn’t know better. So her resentment doesn’t feel justified; it feels forced.
Also, their relationship is beyond toxic - it’s uncomfortable. At one point, during an intimate scene, they start talking about his father and the abuse he endured… which completely killed the mood and felt deeply unsettling.
Another issue: repetition. We are constantly told about the intrigue, politics, cruelty, and power struggles in Eclipseria - to the point where it becomes exhausting. Meanwhile, key elements are barely explained: How do blood rubies actually work? What are these bonding rituals? Who or what is Astrafel? The imbalance between over-explaining the obvious and under-explaining the important really weakens world-building.
This book left me… conflicted.
Aria (FMC)
I genuinely don’t know how to feel about Aria. On one hand, I really didn’t like her, she’s needy, self-centered, and constantly acts like she knows better than everyone else. On the other hand, I can’t ignore what she’s been through. She didn’t deserve the trauma she experienced, and at times, I truly felt for her.
She gives strong “burnt-out child prodigy” energy: intelligent, sharp, occasionally compassionate, and even funny. She has moments of being an absolute badass, but they’re often overshadowed by her frustrating personality.
“I’ve never been more grateful for the endless etiquette lessons that taught me how to smile while quietly imagining everyone at the table dead.”
Dominic (MMC)
I hated him. Truly: this might be the most I’ve ever hated an MMC.
Yes, he had a horrific upbringing, and yes, there were moments where my heart broke for him. The way his father shaped him into a monster is tragic. But that does not excuse what he becomes.
He is cruel, manipulative, and deeply disturbing: drugging waitresses, forcing people into brutal fights, and torturing magical creatures. His obsession with Aria is not love - it’s pure toxicity.
“Everything I’ve done - every broken rule, every unholy deal - it’s always been for you. Even when it shouldn’t have been, and when the right thing would’ve been letting you go.”
“I used to be untouchable. Never needed anyone, never fucking cared if someone stayed or left. But you destroyed that. Made me into something that can’t survive without you breathing the same air.”
This isn’t romance. It’s obsession.
Rowe (the real MMC, in my opinion)
I loved him. He’s kind, empathetic, and genuinely cares about Aria in a way that feels healthy and grounded. Honestly, he loves her better than she even deserves at times. I hope we will learn more about him and spend more time in the Sanctuary.
Luna (Aria’s sister)
This might be controversial, but I liked her. Yes, she makes questionable choices, but they make sense. She’s desperate for attention and validation, and that desperation drives her actions in a believable way.
Margaux (Dominic’s sister)
My absolute favorite character.
“That sounds like Margaux. I’ve faced down rabid chimeras that were less intimidating.”
She steals every scene she’s in. What she and Octavia did, what they risked.. I never saw it coming.
Even though they haven’t even met yet, I ship her with Griff.
Overall Thoughts
I did enjoy the book, and I’m interested enough to continue the series. The plot is intriguing, but the world-building is underdeveloped. We’re told a lot, but not shown or properly explained.
The biggest issue for me is the characters. Aria and Dominic are both deeply unlikable, and I’m not sure if that was intentional. I can see a redemption arc working for Aria, but for Dominic… I honestly don’t see any path that would make me like him.
That said, based on the ending, I might not have to.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
Aria’s anger toward Dominic feels incredibly illogical. After her parents’ death, he did try to help her - even if he handled it poorly. He didn’t know better. So her resentment doesn’t feel justified; it feels forced.
Also, their relationship is beyond toxic - it’s uncomfortable. At one point, during an intimate scene, they start talking about his father and the abuse he endured… which completely killed the mood and felt deeply unsettling.
Another issue: repetition. We are constantly told about the intrigue, politics, cruelty, and power struggles in Eclipseria - to the point where it becomes exhausting. Meanwhile, key elements are barely explained: How do blood rubies actually work? What are these bonding rituals? Who or what is Astrafel? The imbalance between over-explaining the obvious and under-explaining the important really weakens world-building.
Review of advance copy received from Author
That ending was utterly brutal. What do you mean I now have to wait for the second book in the series?
This book is a tragedy, wrapped in something else. It’s gritty and unapologetic. It is the worst that humanity has to offer. The little people suffer so that those who sit on high can continue to do so. Ignoring the suffering, feeding on it, thriving on it. It is raw in its cruelty, it forces you to look at it.
The characters in the book are unlikeable, ninety per cent of them have zero redeeming qualities, the other ten percent, have hints of something more, of humanity peaking in through the cracks. Rowe, perhaps, is the only one that is likeable. It’s not a bad thing either, to have unlikeable characters, not in the setting that we’re in, not with the world we’re brought into. In fact, it makes the book better, it makes everything more real, because these people, exist for power, for prestige. Aria herself says that she didn’t shout the truth from the rooftops for anything other than selfish reasons. When she sees the suffering, it makes her stop and question, yes, but there isn’t an urge to do something, not truly. It’s real and honest.
Each relationship in the book, whether its between Dom and Aria, Aria and Rowe, or Aria and Luna, and those between father and sons is unique, and it’s hard, and it’s cruel. Aria is crushed under the weight of her parents' expectations, honed and forced to bend a knee her entire life, fighting at the cage she’s been forced into, and Dom offers her escape in ways that is pure, chaos. It’s control, and obsession, it's mutual destruction. Dom has been broken by life, by a father’s hand, and Aria is a salvation that he both refuses to accept, because he knows what it means, and wants the salvation she offers more than anything.
Rowe is the image of childhood dreams, of safety and security. He’s what the world could be, good, and pure.
As much as I disliked Luna, I understand her, she’s been ignored her whole life, trying desperately to find scraps of love and affection, and when it’s offered to her, she becomes so easily manipulated, without even seeing it. I was screaming at her throughout the book because the very things that she was accusing Dom for, and Aria for, were happening right in front of her eyes, and she didn’t even question it. She’s so desperate for love, and to be valued that she doesn’t care off how badly she’s selling her soul, bit by bit.
The true villain of the whole book, though, is done so perfectly that while you know he’s up to something, you're questioning his moves, and his actions, but you don’t truly understand how brilliantly unhinged he is, until right towards the end. The reveal is beautiful.
It’s not just the characters are done well, and i’m not just talking about the main characters, it’s the side characters as well, but the world. It’s new, it’s vibrant, it’s something different. There’s a grunge to it, the magic system is something that is inspired. Did I wish we had more of an understanding of it? Yes. BUT in saying that, I think we lack true understanding of it because we’re told this story from Luna and Aria, and both of them are in the dark about things, something we don’t learn until later in the story.
I also liked the writing style of this book, though sometimes it did feel a little to flowey and lyrical, i feel that could have done with some scaling back and it wouldn’t have taken away anything from the way the story was told. It felt a little over done at times.
This is the perfect introduction to the series, and I can’t wait for the second one.
This book is a tragedy, wrapped in something else. It’s gritty and unapologetic. It is the worst that humanity has to offer. The little people suffer so that those who sit on high can continue to do so. Ignoring the suffering, feeding on it, thriving on it. It is raw in its cruelty, it forces you to look at it.
The characters in the book are unlikeable, ninety per cent of them have zero redeeming qualities, the other ten percent, have hints of something more, of humanity peaking in through the cracks. Rowe, perhaps, is the only one that is likeable. It’s not a bad thing either, to have unlikeable characters, not in the setting that we’re in, not with the world we’re brought into. In fact, it makes the book better, it makes everything more real, because these people, exist for power, for prestige. Aria herself says that she didn’t shout the truth from the rooftops for anything other than selfish reasons. When she sees the suffering, it makes her stop and question, yes, but there isn’t an urge to do something, not truly. It’s real and honest.
Each relationship in the book, whether its between Dom and Aria, Aria and Rowe, or Aria and Luna, and those between father and sons is unique, and it’s hard, and it’s cruel. Aria is crushed under the weight of her parents' expectations, honed and forced to bend a knee her entire life, fighting at the cage she’s been forced into, and Dom offers her escape in ways that is pure, chaos. It’s control, and obsession, it's mutual destruction. Dom has been broken by life, by a father’s hand, and Aria is a salvation that he both refuses to accept, because he knows what it means, and wants the salvation she offers more than anything.
Rowe is the image of childhood dreams, of safety and security. He’s what the world could be, good, and pure.
As much as I disliked Luna, I understand her, she’s been ignored her whole life, trying desperately to find scraps of love and affection, and when it’s offered to her, she becomes so easily manipulated, without even seeing it. I was screaming at her throughout the book because the very things that she was accusing Dom for, and Aria for, were happening right in front of her eyes, and she didn’t even question it. She’s so desperate for love, and to be valued that she doesn’t care off how badly she’s selling her soul, bit by bit.
The true villain of the whole book, though, is done so perfectly that while you know he’s up to something, you're questioning his moves, and his actions, but you don’t truly understand how brilliantly unhinged he is, until right towards the end. The reveal is beautiful.
It’s not just the characters are done well, and i’m not just talking about the main characters, it’s the side characters as well, but the world. It’s new, it’s vibrant, it’s something different. There’s a grunge to it, the magic system is something that is inspired. Did I wish we had more of an understanding of it? Yes. BUT in saying that, I think we lack true understanding of it because we’re told this story from Luna and Aria, and both of them are in the dark about things, something we don’t learn until later in the story.
I also liked the writing style of this book, though sometimes it did feel a little to flowey and lyrical, i feel that could have done with some scaling back and it wouldn’t have taken away anything from the way the story was told. It felt a little over done at times.
This is the perfect introduction to the series, and I can’t wait for the second one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: When Blood Runs Red by Patricia Prior
When Blood Runs Red is a dark, seductive urban fantasy that leans fully into its morally gray characters, dangerous romance, and high-stakes power struggles. From the very first chapter, Patricia Prior creates a world that feels sharp-edged and alive — one where alliances shift quickly, trust is fragile, and love can be just as lethal as any weapon.
The atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest elements. The setting has that moody, neon-lit urban fantasy vibe — equal parts glamour and decay — where power moves quietly behind closed doors and nothing is ever quite what it seems. There’s a constant undercurrent of tension, and even in quieter moments, you can feel the weight of what’s at stake. The world-building unfolds naturally rather than through heavy exposition, which makes the supernatural elements feel grounded and believable within the story’s reality.
The romance is intense and complicated in the best way. This isn’t a soft, easy love story — it’s layered with secrets, manipulation, and undeniable chemistry. The emotional push-and-pull between the main characters keeps the pages turning. If you enjoy romances where attraction and danger are tightly intertwined, this book absolutely delivers. The betrayals hit hard because they feel personal, and the author isn’t afraid to let relationships get messy.
Character-wise, the protagonist stands out as fiercely determined but flawed. Their choices aren’t always clean or morally simple, which makes them compelling. I appreciated that motivations weren’t black-and-white; everyone seems to be operating from a place of ambition, survival, or hidden vulnerability. Some supporting characters could have used a bit more development, but they still add depth to the power dynamics and political tension woven throughout the plot.
In terms of pacing, the story moves quickly without feeling rushed. Action sequences are vivid and cinematic, while the quieter scenes build emotional stakes. There are twists that genuinely caught me off guard, particularly in the final stretch of the book. The ending leaves enough resolution to feel satisfying, but also enough intrigue to make you eager for what might come next.
Readers who loved the morally complex relationships of These Violent Delights, the supernatural intensity of The Mortal Instruments, or the passionate, high-stakes romance of From Blood and Ash will likely find a lot to enjoy here. It carries that same blend of danger, desire, and shifting loyalties while still maintaining its own distinct tone.
Overall, When Blood Runs Red is a gripping, moody urban fantasy that isn’t afraid to explore the darker side of love and ambition. It’s dramatic, emotionally charged, and filled with sharp twists that keep you guessing. If you’re looking for a story where power and passion collide — and no one walks away unscathed — this one is well worth the read
When Blood Runs Red is a dark, seductive urban fantasy that leans fully into its morally gray characters, dangerous romance, and high-stakes power struggles. From the very first chapter, Patricia Prior creates a world that feels sharp-edged and alive — one where alliances shift quickly, trust is fragile, and love can be just as lethal as any weapon.
The atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest elements. The setting has that moody, neon-lit urban fantasy vibe — equal parts glamour and decay — where power moves quietly behind closed doors and nothing is ever quite what it seems. There’s a constant undercurrent of tension, and even in quieter moments, you can feel the weight of what’s at stake. The world-building unfolds naturally rather than through heavy exposition, which makes the supernatural elements feel grounded and believable within the story’s reality.
The romance is intense and complicated in the best way. This isn’t a soft, easy love story — it’s layered with secrets, manipulation, and undeniable chemistry. The emotional push-and-pull between the main characters keeps the pages turning. If you enjoy romances where attraction and danger are tightly intertwined, this book absolutely delivers. The betrayals hit hard because they feel personal, and the author isn’t afraid to let relationships get messy.
Character-wise, the protagonist stands out as fiercely determined but flawed. Their choices aren’t always clean or morally simple, which makes them compelling. I appreciated that motivations weren’t black-and-white; everyone seems to be operating from a place of ambition, survival, or hidden vulnerability. Some supporting characters could have used a bit more development, but they still add depth to the power dynamics and political tension woven throughout the plot.
In terms of pacing, the story moves quickly without feeling rushed. Action sequences are vivid and cinematic, while the quieter scenes build emotional stakes. There are twists that genuinely caught me off guard, particularly in the final stretch of the book. The ending leaves enough resolution to feel satisfying, but also enough intrigue to make you eager for what might come next.
Readers who loved the morally complex relationships of These Violent Delights, the supernatural intensity of The Mortal Instruments, or the passionate, high-stakes romance of From Blood and Ash will likely find a lot to enjoy here. It carries that same blend of danger, desire, and shifting loyalties while still maintaining its own distinct tone.
Overall, When Blood Runs Red is a gripping, moody urban fantasy that isn’t afraid to explore the darker side of love and ambition. It’s dramatic, emotionally charged, and filled with sharp twists that keep you guessing. If you’re looking for a story where power and passion collide — and no one walks away unscathed — this one is well worth the read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Opened book for first time and promptly read 56 pages didn’t want to put it down!!!!!!
The author writes in such a way it means you can feel the very essence of all the main characters. They in turn highlight the darker parts in all of us that we hide or turn our backs on.
The author has created a world of magic and mayhem - which is breathtaking spellbinding!!!
From the first page the reader is transported into the most magical and supernatural world of Eclipseria!
56 pages in and already a strong image of this world has been formulated in my imagination and as I turned the pages clear pictures were building of the characters what they look like, how they think and feel. Every time I picked the book up I was looking forward to continuing my journey into this dark fantasy - journeying through Eclipseria and experiencing all that dwells within this dark sensual world. The author’s descriptions of the emotions felt by Dom and Aria and how she builds a scene is breathtaking!
This kind of storyline reminds me of the books I read in the past By Cassandra Clare city of bones, mortal instruments with magic spells, illusions, creatures underworld, et cetera but this is much much more gripping and is definitely my favourite.
Can’t wait to pick up the book each time and learn more about Elipseria and the real truth of what has happened!
Vivid imagery and language used to describe the smallest detail helps the reader feel the emotions of the character and understand them.
Each time I put the book down it’s hard as I want to continue - don’t want to stop. I can feel what the characters feel through the writer. The adult scenes take your breath away - stand aside Mr Gray we now have Dom!
Writer has created through her spell binding descriptions of the environment. Character, feelings, a world I can see - feel and visualise. Love to see it in film format
Really reminded me how much I love these dark fantasy books
The dark creatures wow! …. Captivated by it …. Can’t put it down - - so believable so real so raw!
I feel lost now that I have finished the book and
cannot wait to find out what happens next - what is to become of Dom!
Well done this book is excellent! Definitely recommend !!!
The author writes in such a way it means you can feel the very essence of all the main characters. They in turn highlight the darker parts in all of us that we hide or turn our backs on.
The author has created a world of magic and mayhem - which is breathtaking spellbinding!!!
From the first page the reader is transported into the most magical and supernatural world of Eclipseria!
56 pages in and already a strong image of this world has been formulated in my imagination and as I turned the pages clear pictures were building of the characters what they look like, how they think and feel. Every time I picked the book up I was looking forward to continuing my journey into this dark fantasy - journeying through Eclipseria and experiencing all that dwells within this dark sensual world. The author’s descriptions of the emotions felt by Dom and Aria and how she builds a scene is breathtaking!
This kind of storyline reminds me of the books I read in the past By Cassandra Clare city of bones, mortal instruments with magic spells, illusions, creatures underworld, et cetera but this is much much more gripping and is definitely my favourite.
Can’t wait to pick up the book each time and learn more about Elipseria and the real truth of what has happened!
Vivid imagery and language used to describe the smallest detail helps the reader feel the emotions of the character and understand them.
Each time I put the book down it’s hard as I want to continue - don’t want to stop. I can feel what the characters feel through the writer. The adult scenes take your breath away - stand aside Mr Gray we now have Dom!
Writer has created through her spell binding descriptions of the environment. Character, feelings, a world I can see - feel and visualise. Love to see it in film format
Really reminded me how much I love these dark fantasy books
The dark creatures wow! …. Captivated by it …. Can’t put it down - - so believable so real so raw!
I feel lost now that I have finished the book and
cannot wait to find out what happens next - what is to become of Dom!
Well done this book is excellent! Definitely recommend !!!
Review of advance copy
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
Arc review: thank you so much Torch Lit Ink & Patricia Prior for this free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book has me highly conflicted. The author did a great job in her writing style, she was very descriptive and in the beginning I found myself wanting to know what happened next. The characters were very complex, she really made you see what their inner demons were, and it isn't just black and white with how they turned out. It was definitely dark and there were a lot of politics involved. Those were done well, and the science was well thought out. She really painted a picture of the stark contrast between the different districts, and the difference of the conditions between them.
That's where my confliction begins because the science lost me, I understood the basic concept but I found myself very confused in a lot of instances where it went a bit too in depth for my knowledge. I was a bit disappointed with the world building too. There was a lot of potential for it, but I felt like there needed to be a lot more explanation into how everything fat together, or the back stories for the other territories, but I have to assume that hopefully gets explored in the next book. I also found I would have liked more knowledge regarding the situation with Astrafel, I feel like it wasn't explained very properly with what actually happened in the beginning to cause it .
There was a lot of depth to every character, I found myself really despising Dom, I can understand why he is the way he is with everything he went through, but he made no effort to change his choices or future. I understood the complexity and unfairness of what Aria and Luna went through growing up and how it lead them to the choices they made, but I didn't find myself rooting for either of them, I just felt really bad for them for how they grew up and what they still had to deal with. I think the only character I liked was Rowe, he didn't have it easy but he still chose a different path for himself.
It wasn't a bad read, just it wasn't for me. Please make sure you check trigger warning before reading this book as it can be quite dark at times. Please protect your mental health.
Arc review: thank you so much Torch Lit Ink & Patricia Prior for this free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book has me highly conflicted. The author did a great job in her writing style, she was very descriptive and in the beginning I found myself wanting to know what happened next. The characters were very complex, she really made you see what their inner demons were, and it isn't just black and white with how they turned out. It was definitely dark and there were a lot of politics involved. Those were done well, and the science was well thought out. She really painted a picture of the stark contrast between the different districts, and the difference of the conditions between them.
That's where my confliction begins because the science lost me, I understood the basic concept but I found myself very confused in a lot of instances where it went a bit too in depth for my knowledge. I was a bit disappointed with the world building too. There was a lot of potential for it, but I felt like there needed to be a lot more explanation into how everything fat together, or the back stories for the other territories, but I have to assume that hopefully gets explored in the next book. I also found I would have liked more knowledge regarding the situation with Astrafel, I feel like it wasn't explained very properly with what actually happened in the beginning to cause it .
There was a lot of depth to every character, I found myself really despising Dom, I can understand why he is the way he is with everything he went through, but he made no effort to change his choices or future. I understood the complexity and unfairness of what Aria and Luna went through growing up and how it lead them to the choices they made, but I didn't find myself rooting for either of them, I just felt really bad for them for how they grew up and what they still had to deal with. I think the only character I liked was Rowe, he didn't have it easy but he still chose a different path for himself.
It wasn't a bad read, just it wasn't for me. Please make sure you check trigger warning before reading this book as it can be quite dark at times. Please protect your mental health.
March 12, 2026
—ARC REVIEW—
Giving this 3 stars for the sheer fact that this could have been absolutely epic and easily become my favourite.
But… reading this made me feel for 488 pages like the meme that says “may I please have a crumb of context”.
I can absolutely see the potential for an amazing magic system, and I’m sure that it is… I just don’t know anything about it? What does the blood rubies do? Why do they need them? Why is having more/bigger a status thing? Does it make a difference? What is the curse that was mentioned in passing like twice or so?
And about all the experiments, what is the purpose of all of it? I mean, I totally get that they’re trying to do something with the magic, but I don’t fully understand what (apart from trying to make them not depend on the blood rubies I guess?), but just… what?? To all of it, really.
What is all the tech they have? I figured out a couple of them from context, but there was one or two others that I just haven’t got a clue about? There was no explanation of purpose or what they were used for, which I find a bit frustrating.
And Astrafel? Who or what is that? Why did this thing just get dropped on us 3 quarters into the book with no explanation? What is the bond Aria has with it?
There is a lack of lore and world building which for me, sadly pulls this down from an easy 5 to a barely 3 stars for me. It very much felt like I was dropped into a world on a different planet and was just walking around trying to figure it all out based on context clues from things I saw or overheard.
But despite a lack of context for… pretty much everything, it was still very wordy. Things that didn’t need explaining were explained multiple times. And the amount of similes (I think that is the correct word?), sometimes more than one in a single sentence was entirely unnecessary.
These comparisons could have been cut with 80% without making the story any less compelling.
All that being said, I will likely still read any continuation, but sadly this ended up very much feeling like a first draft to me, where a lot of the repeating and unnecessary details could have been exchanged for world building.
Giving this 3 stars for the sheer fact that this could have been absolutely epic and easily become my favourite.
But… reading this made me feel for 488 pages like the meme that says “may I please have a crumb of context”.
I can absolutely see the potential for an amazing magic system, and I’m sure that it is… I just don’t know anything about it? What does the blood rubies do? Why do they need them? Why is having more/bigger a status thing? Does it make a difference? What is the curse that was mentioned in passing like twice or so?
And about all the experiments, what is the purpose of all of it? I mean, I totally get that they’re trying to do something with the magic, but I don’t fully understand what (apart from trying to make them not depend on the blood rubies I guess?), but just… what?? To all of it, really.
What is all the tech they have? I figured out a couple of them from context, but there was one or two others that I just haven’t got a clue about? There was no explanation of purpose or what they were used for, which I find a bit frustrating.
And Astrafel? Who or what is that? Why did this thing just get dropped on us 3 quarters into the book with no explanation? What is the bond Aria has with it?
There is a lack of lore and world building which for me, sadly pulls this down from an easy 5 to a barely 3 stars for me. It very much felt like I was dropped into a world on a different planet and was just walking around trying to figure it all out based on context clues from things I saw or overheard.
But despite a lack of context for… pretty much everything, it was still very wordy. Things that didn’t need explaining were explained multiple times. And the amount of similes (I think that is the correct word?), sometimes more than one in a single sentence was entirely unnecessary.
These comparisons could have been cut with 80% without making the story any less compelling.
All that being said, I will likely still read any continuation, but sadly this ended up very much feeling like a first draft to me, where a lot of the repeating and unnecessary details could have been exchanged for world building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I originally signed up for this book, I didn't realize there would be two possible love interests, which is usually something I avoid. However, with that being said, this book was totally different from other books I've read, which made it hard to put down. This book was fast paced, dark, had intrigue, mystery, and had some really unlikable characters.
The Dual POV of the two sisters was an interesting choice. While there were two POV, they didn't one hundred percent align with each other. It was a good choice for the author to tell the two different stories/paths the sisters were going on. Aria, the main FMC, is stuck in this world of violence and darkness that she was groomed to be in. I really wanted more background with her and Rowe and what she was like before she got involved with Dom. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about Dom, he may be a little but too Morally Grey almost Black for me. I can't decide, because at times you really feel sorry for the life has has lived with the abuse of his father. He and Aria didn't have a chance for "normal life". They one thousand percent have a toxic co-dependent relationship, with is fitting for the genre of dark urban fantasy.
Luna - her story was the old tale of the little sister who feels slighted and ignored. I wish she would of listened to Aria more - because while she has book smarts, her street smarts are significantly lacking.
For now, I'm team Rowe - I'd love to see more of him and Aria, but then part of me feels bad for Dom since he's so broken too (this is why I avoid multiple love interests :)).
The end of the book ended on cliffhanger, and I'll definitely be continuing the series.
The Dual POV of the two sisters was an interesting choice. While there were two POV, they didn't one hundred percent align with each other. It was a good choice for the author to tell the two different stories/paths the sisters were going on. Aria, the main FMC, is stuck in this world of violence and darkness that she was groomed to be in. I really wanted more background with her and Rowe and what she was like before she got involved with Dom. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about Dom, he may be a little but too Morally Grey almost Black for me. I can't decide, because at times you really feel sorry for the life has has lived with the abuse of his father. He and Aria didn't have a chance for "normal life". They one thousand percent have a toxic co-dependent relationship, with is fitting for the genre of dark urban fantasy.
Luna - her story was the old tale of the little sister who feels slighted and ignored. I wish she would of listened to Aria more - because while she has book smarts, her street smarts are significantly lacking.
For now, I'm team Rowe - I'd love to see more of him and Aria, but then part of me feels bad for Dom since he's so broken too (this is why I avoid multiple love interests :)).
The end of the book ended on cliffhanger, and I'll definitely be continuing the series.
Did not finish
March 11, 2026"I kneel for no one. Not for blood, not for power, not for the man who made me his weapon. But for you? I'd fall to my knees a thousand times over"
Thank you so much to the author for this eARC🩷
As much as I adored this book, and the plot had me on the edge of my seat, I did have to DNF it 60% in. And I will say it had nothing to do with anything negative about the book.
The writing was perfection, the plot was so intriguing and unique. The entire premise of the book was absolutely amazing and I can see this becoming a lot of readers favorite reads. Aria was my favorite character, I adore her and I see a little bit of myself in her. The misunderstanding between the siblings was portrayed so so well. Luna, I did not like her. And it isn't because of how she was written, her character just pissed me off and that's how she was supposed to be as a result of neglect but it just stressed me out.
My main reason for this TEMPORARY DNF is because of the love triangle. I did think that I could hang in there and see where it goes, but love triangles aren't a trope I'm too keen on picking up. I absolutely adored Dom, as far as I read, he may be flawed and have his problems but ugh his love for Aria was everything to me. Aria confused me a little, on one hand she loved Dom and was willing to do anything for him and he was all she needed but as soon as she saw Rowe she was all for him. I did want her to be with Dom and that's why I'm going to wait till the next book and do a reread of this when the whole situation has come together so I'm less stressed about it😭
Thank you so much to the author for this eARC🩷
As much as I adored this book, and the plot had me on the edge of my seat, I did have to DNF it 60% in. And I will say it had nothing to do with anything negative about the book.
The writing was perfection, the plot was so intriguing and unique. The entire premise of the book was absolutely amazing and I can see this becoming a lot of readers favorite reads. Aria was my favorite character, I adore her and I see a little bit of myself in her. The misunderstanding between the siblings was portrayed so so well. Luna, I did not like her. And it isn't because of how she was written, her character just pissed me off and that's how she was supposed to be as a result of neglect but it just stressed me out.
My main reason for this TEMPORARY DNF is because of the love triangle. I did think that I could hang in there and see where it goes, but love triangles aren't a trope I'm too keen on picking up. I absolutely adored Dom, as far as I read, he may be flawed and have his problems but ugh his love for Aria was everything to me. Aria confused me a little, on one hand she loved Dom and was willing to do anything for him and he was all she needed but as soon as she saw Rowe she was all for him. I did want her to be with Dom and that's why I'm going to wait till the next book and do a reread of this when the whole situation has come together so I'm less stressed about it😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC read
I would round up and give this a 4.5 instead of a 5-star rating.
The world-building was great; there were a lot of complicated emotional ties that were bound to send the reader on a journey.
The romance between Aria and Dom was not a perfect romance; it was anything but. It was complicated and messy. When Aria and Rowe had complications in their own relationship with each other. It is really a toxic versus comfort type of thing when it comes to Aria. A lot is going on with Aria as a character, and I honestly can't wait for book two to continue to see this journey.
The book gives Arcane vibes for me, well, a mixture of Arcane paired with V.E. Schwab's Villains series.
I don't really like Luna as a character at all. So when the chapters focused on her POV, I found them a little rougher to read. Alexander's POV at the end was interesting and a lot better to read than Luna's. Though, as I wasn't a big fan of Luna as a character, it was a little rough as well. Though it doesn't take away from the rating too much.
I would round up and give this a 4.5 instead of a 5-star rating.
The world-building was great; there were a lot of complicated emotional ties that were bound to send the reader on a journey.
The romance between Aria and Dom was not a perfect romance; it was anything but. It was complicated and messy. When Aria and Rowe had complications in their own relationship with each other. It is really a toxic versus comfort type of thing when it comes to Aria. A lot is going on with Aria as a character, and I honestly can't wait for book two to continue to see this journey.
The book gives Arcane vibes for me, well, a mixture of Arcane paired with V.E. Schwab's Villains series.
I don't really like Luna as a character at all. So when the chapters focused on her POV, I found them a little rougher to read. Alexander's POV at the end was interesting and a lot better to read than Luna's. Though, as I wasn't a big fan of Luna as a character, it was a little rough as well. Though it doesn't take away from the rating too much.
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