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Remnants of Blood #1
Remnants of Blood
The Fair Folk are the stuff of myth. Stories of monsters and old magicks. But all myths carry a grain of truth. That truth is that remnants of this ancient power live on in the blood of their descendants.
When Tannin’s grandfather dies, he leaves her with a mountain of trouble. Between cryptic journals that warn of unknown foes lying in wait and a crippling debt owed to a cruel and formidable local Laird, Tannin is thrown into a cut-throat world where she is perilously out of her depth.
But her problems have only just begun. Secrets lurk in Tannin’s bloodstream – secrets not even she is aware of. And they want out.
A scheming princess with the offer of an alliance. A secret society with murderous intentions. A dark past that refuses to stay buried. Tannin’s life will never be the same.
When Tannin’s grandfather dies, he leaves her with a mountain of trouble. Between cryptic journals that warn of unknown foes lying in wait and a crippling debt owed to a cruel and formidable local Laird, Tannin is thrown into a cut-throat world where she is perilously out of her depth.
But her problems have only just begun. Secrets lurk in Tannin’s bloodstream – secrets not even she is aware of. And they want out.
A scheming princess with the offer of an alliance. A secret society with murderous intentions. A dark past that refuses to stay buried. Tannin’s life will never be the same.
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2021
6 people are currently reading
1234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 2, 2021
"Well," Tannin said, putting her hands on her hips, "fuck."
This quote pretty much sums up how incredibly difficult it is to write a review that will never be able to do this book justice. But here I am, so let me try.
Remnants of Blood is a book stuffed to the brim with snarky sarcasm, puns, action, court intrigues and *pining* LGBT+ idiots. Not convinced yet? Let me elaborate. This is a YA queer fantasy, with strong, cutthroat and headstrong girls who know what they want and how to fight for it.
Cunningham created an exceptional cast of characters for her debut series; a snarky peasant, a haughty princess, bad guys you will want to murder yourself and incredible, well developed side characters you will absolutely be rooting for. The immense detail that goes into these characters amazed me, especially because it appears to be so effortlessly done.
(Sidenote: As a former student of linguistics I particularly enjoyed the character's various accents that align with their socio-cultural backgrounds and not only serve to characterise them, but also settle them within the universe of the Five Kingdoms.)
While on the topic of world-building, I have to applaud the vivid imagery Cunningham conjures up in her book. It draws you in and holds you captive and makes these scenes almost film-like. Let me give you an example:
The air was still and held the underlying tang of death. Even the church itself seemed to be in a state of decay. The stone walls were holding themselves together purely out of tradition and a stubborn reluctance to give way to the moss that was already poking through some of the gaps to creep towards the plaques.
I highly recommend you drink some rose petal tea or let yourself a nice bubble bath while you read this book to fully immerse yourself in some of its scenes.
Finally, if you are a fan of fantasy, court intrigues, queer characters and a good old enemy to lovers trope, I can only urge you to put this on your TBR pile and read this book ASAP!
#YA #fantasy #queer #newrelease #2021 #debut #fantasyseries
August 23, 2022
Scottish mythology and lesbians? Everything I wanted and more.
I seriously love finding insane reads by indie authors because this book deserves so much bloody hype. I ended up reading this after talking to the author and my god did I love it.
I’m weak for mythology reads, but Scottish mythology with bleak moments, gore and a morally grey MC? Yes, yes and yes. Give me it all. We also have a nice I hate you, to friends, to lovers trope that was adorable as hell.
Tannin (MC) is lesbian, Ava (prominent SC) is lesbian and the central romance is queer WLW.
I will say this is definitely upper YA/A bridged, whilst there is sex it’s fade to black (not descriptive) and there is nudity scenes. Plus, a good bit of gore and killing.
Without spoilers this had so many turns in the storyline and a lot of unpredictable moments that made me both smile and want to gouge my heart out so like… awesome tbh. It’s steeped in mythology and I really appreciated the world building and characters within it. Each one had depth and personality entirely different from the next.
I can’t wait to read the next ! After that ending? Idk send tissues and help.
Ty to the author for providing me with a copy for an honest review, this was a brilliant read.
Tws are listed below, skip if you don’t want vague spoilers:
Tw/CW// Death, Hanging, Alcohol, Poison, Torture, Child harm, Experimentation, Theft, Sexual harassment, Gore, Animal harm (brief), Nudity (not heavily described but there) , Implied sex (fade to black), Bomb/Pyrotechnic, Burns, Imprisonment.
I seriously love finding insane reads by indie authors because this book deserves so much bloody hype. I ended up reading this after talking to the author and my god did I love it.
I’m weak for mythology reads, but Scottish mythology with bleak moments, gore and a morally grey MC? Yes, yes and yes. Give me it all. We also have a nice I hate you, to friends, to lovers trope that was adorable as hell.
Tannin (MC) is lesbian, Ava (prominent SC) is lesbian and the central romance is queer WLW.
I will say this is definitely upper YA/A bridged, whilst there is sex it’s fade to black (not descriptive) and there is nudity scenes. Plus, a good bit of gore and killing.
Without spoilers this had so many turns in the storyline and a lot of unpredictable moments that made me both smile and want to gouge my heart out so like… awesome tbh. It’s steeped in mythology and I really appreciated the world building and characters within it. Each one had depth and personality entirely different from the next.
I can’t wait to read the next ! After that ending? Idk send tissues and help.
Ty to the author for providing me with a copy for an honest review, this was a brilliant read.
Tws are listed below, skip if you don’t want vague spoilers:
Tw/CW// Death, Hanging, Alcohol, Poison, Torture, Child harm, Experimentation, Theft, Sexual harassment, Gore, Animal harm (brief), Nudity (not heavily described but there) , Implied sex (fade to black), Bomb/Pyrotechnic, Burns, Imprisonment.
August 13, 2021
“Some secrets we take to the grave, my dear.”
Receiving an advanced reader copy of this book was a gift, all wrapped up in my inbox. The fantasy genre is a long-standing favourite of mine, and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth (ha) into the debut outing from author HF Cunningham, ‘Remnants of Blood.’
The experience of reading this book can be summed up in the laundry I left in the washing machine far too long, the public transport I missed, and the food that went a little too crispy in the oven. I couldn’t put it down, constantly saying to myself, “Just one more chapter…” If I was able, I would easily have read it all in a day or two.
"New life from old corpses. That was the Skirter Way."
Cunningham’s writing is eloquent and vivid, with worldbuilding built into the very foundations of the plot. Any exposition serves the wider story and feeds into the reader’s engagement with the events in the book. It also leaves one wondering where in the Five Kingdoms we’ll get to visit next, in future installments. Cunningham wields the fantasy genre and Scottish folklore like a master, commanding tropes and subverting them as she sees fit. This serves to create a rich and diverse world that one can’t help but be sucked into.
"There was probably even a god of lost causes somewhere up there that could be her own personal patron."
With a sharp wit, sharper tongue, and a healthy disregard for authority, Tannin Hill sets a new standard for YA protagonists. She is put through the wringer through the events of the novel, where every safety blanket she finds is ripped away from her, sometimes through no fault of her own. Having said that, Tannin incites a lot of her troubles through her recklessness and headstrong nature but maintains her good humour through it all. She is a joy to engage with; a beautifully flawed character who perfectly embodies the tumult of her way of life and what she discovers about herself. Her quips often made me laugh out loud, while her actions often made me whisper, “Tannin, no.” She goes through things no seventeen-year-old should and comes out fighting at every turn. What do you say to the girl who’s lost everything? Although rooted in the realm of fantasy, Tannin’s story is an inspiration for anyone fighting a losing battle in an unfair world. Also, on a personal note, I found her experiences with trauma and symptoms of panic to be both incredibly relatable and expertly written.
Tannin’s character development really flourished in the presence of an incredible cast of characters, all of whom were three-dimensional, living, breathing people. I was able to picture not just their appearance, but their mannerisms and other characteristics. The return of much-loved characters from the beginning of the book towards the climax of the novel felt like coming home - even though things had got much more complicated by then. I found a personal favourite character in Attilo, whose stoic demeanour and gentle earnestness captured my heart from the moment he was introduced. Watching the layers of his character peel away throughout the novel and learning more about him only served to cement his place as perhaps one of my favourite book characters of all time. Flint and Eve also receive honourable mentions as fantastic well-rounded characters in their own right.
Tannin’s dynamics with the diverse supporting cast were so realistic and a wonder to read. Flint and Tannin’s friendship felt safe in the hands of the author: no compulsory heterosexuality to be found here. Speaking of which, who could forget the stunning queer love story Tannin becomes embroiled in. I genuinely shed tears at how beautiful this relationship was, with a level of stark realism that deeply conveyed how messy, passionate and special LGBTQ+ romance is. The pining. Oh Gods, the PINING.
Tannin’s love interest is another incredibly well developed character whose initially inscrutable actions are rationalised as she is brought further into the spotlight from the middle of the book onwards. She is a calculated and intelligent individual torn between two lives, and her unique struggle is thoroughly interconnected with the plot.
Reading this book as a Scottish person adds a unique enjoyment and nostalgia to the experience. Seeing phrases such as “ye wee bism” and “Lang may yer lum reek” paired with distinctly written Scottish dialects peppered throughout the novel is a delight as a Scots native. Cunningham’s love for her home country shines through her words in these moments.
If I were to mention any criticisms for the book (and they are few and far between), I would mention some mild pacing issues at different points in the novel. I found the start of the novel to be a tad slow while the climactic events in the last third of the book seemed to happen a tad too quickly. Another minor gripe lies in the development of characters from Tannin’s past. Inclusions of more flashbacks to further develop these characters more would have made subsequent events involving them more impactful. As I mentioned, these are very minor things and did not sway my rapt engagement with the chaos and corruption within the walls of the city of Armodan in any way.
‘Remnants of Blood’ is a must-read for any fan of the fantasy genre, and those interested in creative spins on folklore and legends. Cunningham’s writing style is sure to enrapture any reader and leave them wanting more.
Wake up and smell the lacewood oil - read this book.
Receiving an advanced reader copy of this book was a gift, all wrapped up in my inbox. The fantasy genre is a long-standing favourite of mine, and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth (ha) into the debut outing from author HF Cunningham, ‘Remnants of Blood.’
The experience of reading this book can be summed up in the laundry I left in the washing machine far too long, the public transport I missed, and the food that went a little too crispy in the oven. I couldn’t put it down, constantly saying to myself, “Just one more chapter…” If I was able, I would easily have read it all in a day or two.
"New life from old corpses. That was the Skirter Way."
Cunningham’s writing is eloquent and vivid, with worldbuilding built into the very foundations of the plot. Any exposition serves the wider story and feeds into the reader’s engagement with the events in the book. It also leaves one wondering where in the Five Kingdoms we’ll get to visit next, in future installments. Cunningham wields the fantasy genre and Scottish folklore like a master, commanding tropes and subverting them as she sees fit. This serves to create a rich and diverse world that one can’t help but be sucked into.
"There was probably even a god of lost causes somewhere up there that could be her own personal patron."
With a sharp wit, sharper tongue, and a healthy disregard for authority, Tannin Hill sets a new standard for YA protagonists. She is put through the wringer through the events of the novel, where every safety blanket she finds is ripped away from her, sometimes through no fault of her own. Having said that, Tannin incites a lot of her troubles through her recklessness and headstrong nature but maintains her good humour through it all. She is a joy to engage with; a beautifully flawed character who perfectly embodies the tumult of her way of life and what she discovers about herself. Her quips often made me laugh out loud, while her actions often made me whisper, “Tannin, no.” She goes through things no seventeen-year-old should and comes out fighting at every turn. What do you say to the girl who’s lost everything? Although rooted in the realm of fantasy, Tannin’s story is an inspiration for anyone fighting a losing battle in an unfair world. Also, on a personal note, I found her experiences with trauma and symptoms of panic to be both incredibly relatable and expertly written.
Tannin’s character development really flourished in the presence of an incredible cast of characters, all of whom were three-dimensional, living, breathing people. I was able to picture not just their appearance, but their mannerisms and other characteristics. The return of much-loved characters from the beginning of the book towards the climax of the novel felt like coming home - even though things had got much more complicated by then. I found a personal favourite character in Attilo, whose stoic demeanour and gentle earnestness captured my heart from the moment he was introduced. Watching the layers of his character peel away throughout the novel and learning more about him only served to cement his place as perhaps one of my favourite book characters of all time. Flint and Eve also receive honourable mentions as fantastic well-rounded characters in their own right.
Tannin’s dynamics with the diverse supporting cast were so realistic and a wonder to read. Flint and Tannin’s friendship felt safe in the hands of the author: no compulsory heterosexuality to be found here. Speaking of which, who could forget the stunning queer love story Tannin becomes embroiled in. I genuinely shed tears at how beautiful this relationship was, with a level of stark realism that deeply conveyed how messy, passionate and special LGBTQ+ romance is. The pining. Oh Gods, the PINING.
Tannin’s love interest is another incredibly well developed character whose initially inscrutable actions are rationalised as she is brought further into the spotlight from the middle of the book onwards. She is a calculated and intelligent individual torn between two lives, and her unique struggle is thoroughly interconnected with the plot.
Reading this book as a Scottish person adds a unique enjoyment and nostalgia to the experience. Seeing phrases such as “ye wee bism” and “Lang may yer lum reek” paired with distinctly written Scottish dialects peppered throughout the novel is a delight as a Scots native. Cunningham’s love for her home country shines through her words in these moments.
If I were to mention any criticisms for the book (and they are few and far between), I would mention some mild pacing issues at different points in the novel. I found the start of the novel to be a tad slow while the climactic events in the last third of the book seemed to happen a tad too quickly. Another minor gripe lies in the development of characters from Tannin’s past. Inclusions of more flashbacks to further develop these characters more would have made subsequent events involving them more impactful. As I mentioned, these are very minor things and did not sway my rapt engagement with the chaos and corruption within the walls of the city of Armodan in any way.
‘Remnants of Blood’ is a must-read for any fan of the fantasy genre, and those interested in creative spins on folklore and legends. Cunningham’s writing style is sure to enrapture any reader and leave them wanting more.
Wake up and smell the lacewood oil - read this book.
August 23, 2021
If you are a fan of fantasy, magic, queer characters, sword fighting, or the ever-popular enemies to lovers trope, go read this book!
Remnants of Blood is packed with mystery and magic and is inspired by Scottish and Irish folklore, giving the novel some great world-building and the characters various accents. The main character, Tannin, begins as a normal girl working in a bakery. However, after her grandfather’s death, secrets start to unravel, and Tannin is in for the journey – and fight – of her life.
“A scheming princess with the offer of an alliance.
A secret society with murderous intentions.
A dark past that refuses to stay buried.
Tannin's life will never be the same.”
Tannin is witty, headstrong, and unafraid to fight for what and who she cares for. While she has her faults, you can’t help but root for her as the past is revealed and new challenges arise. Her faults make her character more realistic and relatable, and it makes her growth through the book all the better.
"There was probably even a god of lost causes somewhere up there that could be her own personal patron."
There are a few other characters I grew to love, namely Eve and Attilo. Cunningham doesn’t skip building up the secondary characters and giving them stories of their own. The variety in characters was fantastic – there was everything from brutal thieves to protecting father figures.
While this book does involve the Fair Folk, Cunningham goes about it in a refreshing way, different than the ever-popular ACOTAR or The Cruel Prince. The novel begins in a normal town, and Tannin with no knowledge of magic. Even the fae at this point in the book are little more than myths to the commoners. It isn’t until a gruesome accident and unlikely allies emerge that the magical world begins to unravel its secrets…
Prepare for some bloody and gory scenes, with fresh buttered pastries and tea served right after.
Add this to your TBR. You won’t regret it! (Until you join the wait that is for Book 2, anyway!)
Remnants of Blood was given to me as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. It is currently available for preorder in paperback and ebook formats, and will be published on September 14th, 2021.
Full disclosure that I was also the illustrator for the book map in the opening pages of the novel.
Remnants of Blood is packed with mystery and magic and is inspired by Scottish and Irish folklore, giving the novel some great world-building and the characters various accents. The main character, Tannin, begins as a normal girl working in a bakery. However, after her grandfather’s death, secrets start to unravel, and Tannin is in for the journey – and fight – of her life.
“A scheming princess with the offer of an alliance.
A secret society with murderous intentions.
A dark past that refuses to stay buried.
Tannin's life will never be the same.”
Tannin is witty, headstrong, and unafraid to fight for what and who she cares for. While she has her faults, you can’t help but root for her as the past is revealed and new challenges arise. Her faults make her character more realistic and relatable, and it makes her growth through the book all the better.
"There was probably even a god of lost causes somewhere up there that could be her own personal patron."
There are a few other characters I grew to love, namely Eve and Attilo. Cunningham doesn’t skip building up the secondary characters and giving them stories of their own. The variety in characters was fantastic – there was everything from brutal thieves to protecting father figures.
While this book does involve the Fair Folk, Cunningham goes about it in a refreshing way, different than the ever-popular ACOTAR or The Cruel Prince. The novel begins in a normal town, and Tannin with no knowledge of magic. Even the fae at this point in the book are little more than myths to the commoners. It isn’t until a gruesome accident and unlikely allies emerge that the magical world begins to unravel its secrets…
Prepare for some bloody and gory scenes, with fresh buttered pastries and tea served right after.
Add this to your TBR. You won’t regret it! (Until you join the wait that is for Book 2, anyway!)
Remnants of Blood was given to me as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. It is currently available for preorder in paperback and ebook formats, and will be published on September 14th, 2021.
Full disclosure that I was also the illustrator for the book map in the opening pages of the novel.
August 18, 2021
“We don’t have to be friends. Just allies.”
“Allies I can do.”
I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Remnants of Blood is the debut book by H.F. Cunningham. (love the author's name!)
If you are into fantasy, LGBT+, humour, plots, action, sarcasm, world building then this is your book.
There is a beautiful map in the book which I always really like! I did wonder why the borders were all straight lines. Might it have something to do with the history of the land?? Hope I’ll find out in book 2 or maybe it’s just like this.
The world building in this book is really good! Everything is vividly written down and it didn’t bother me. Sometimes a lot of information distracts me but in this case I wanted to keep reading. I was surprised by the Scottish that has bene woven into the story. It makes it a bit more real. But I must be honest, I wanted more of that Scottish because it just gave the story more character. The writing style reads very good and light. I got pulled into the story quite easily despite the elaborate world building. The tempo of the book differs from slow to action packed and very up tempo. Near the end it is more action packed which keeps you reading. To me it didn’t feel like this is a debut book.
Cunningham takes you into the life of Tannin who must make a snarky comment most of the time. I love this! I laughed several times while reading the book. It’s like everyone is a bit sarcastic in this book from time to time.
After meeting Ava Tannin’s life takes a turn and there is lots of action involved. We learn more about the mystery revolving around the Remnants. This has something to do with our main character Tannin.
There is one character I still have questions about and that is Flint. He doesn’t appear as often in the book as I would’ve expected. So I have been w=very suspicious of him. I wonder how that will work out in the next book.
As for the characters of Ava and Tannin I’m glad that they are sort of no nonsense and just say what they think. This sometimes isn’t such a good idea but it is very entertaining.
This book is in the top of my reads this year till now. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I can’t wait for book 2.
So this book is one to look out for and put it on your TBR asap.
“Allies I can do.”
I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Remnants of Blood is the debut book by H.F. Cunningham. (love the author's name!)
If you are into fantasy, LGBT+, humour, plots, action, sarcasm, world building then this is your book.
There is a beautiful map in the book which I always really like! I did wonder why the borders were all straight lines. Might it have something to do with the history of the land?? Hope I’ll find out in book 2 or maybe it’s just like this.
The world building in this book is really good! Everything is vividly written down and it didn’t bother me. Sometimes a lot of information distracts me but in this case I wanted to keep reading. I was surprised by the Scottish that has bene woven into the story. It makes it a bit more real. But I must be honest, I wanted more of that Scottish because it just gave the story more character. The writing style reads very good and light. I got pulled into the story quite easily despite the elaborate world building. The tempo of the book differs from slow to action packed and very up tempo. Near the end it is more action packed which keeps you reading. To me it didn’t feel like this is a debut book.
Cunningham takes you into the life of Tannin who must make a snarky comment most of the time. I love this! I laughed several times while reading the book. It’s like everyone is a bit sarcastic in this book from time to time.
After meeting Ava Tannin’s life takes a turn and there is lots of action involved. We learn more about the mystery revolving around the Remnants. This has something to do with our main character Tannin.
There is one character I still have questions about and that is Flint. He doesn’t appear as often in the book as I would’ve expected. So I have been w=very suspicious of him. I wonder how that will work out in the next book.
As for the characters of Ava and Tannin I’m glad that they are sort of no nonsense and just say what they think. This sometimes isn’t such a good idea but it is very entertaining.
This book is in the top of my reads this year till now. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I can’t wait for book 2.
So this book is one to look out for and put it on your TBR asap.
August 24, 2021
Remnants of Blood was given to me as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts with our main character, Tannin, as secrets start to unfold after her grandfather’s death. Something that really drew me to Tannin’s character, besides the witty dialogue and overall sass, is that she isn’t afraid to fight for who she loves! Not only is Tannin a loveable character, I think that even the secondary characters in this book were written well. I found myself just as intrigued with their stories and I can’t wait to find out more!
The world building in this book is amazing! As someone who has had experience writing, it is something that can be very difficult to do and I think Cunningham does a spectacular job with it.
I would recommend this book to any lover of the fantasy genre, queer characters, action-packed fight scenes, and an overall amazing story! If you don’t already, then I would recommend adding Remnants of Blood to your TBR list immediately!
The story starts with our main character, Tannin, as secrets start to unfold after her grandfather’s death. Something that really drew me to Tannin’s character, besides the witty dialogue and overall sass, is that she isn’t afraid to fight for who she loves! Not only is Tannin a loveable character, I think that even the secondary characters in this book were written well. I found myself just as intrigued with their stories and I can’t wait to find out more!
The world building in this book is amazing! As someone who has had experience writing, it is something that can be very difficult to do and I think Cunningham does a spectacular job with it.
I would recommend this book to any lover of the fantasy genre, queer characters, action-packed fight scenes, and an overall amazing story! If you don’t already, then I would recommend adding Remnants of Blood to your TBR list immediately!
August 2, 2021
We first meet the book’s main protagonist Tannin as she says a final farewell to her grandfather at his funeral. What follows is a quest to find the truth as Tannin strives to uncover her past and make sense of the cryptic notes that she reads in her grandfather’s journals. Stories she thought of as myth or legend are suddenly all too real and she finds herself in mortal danger and unsure of who she can trust. Strong characters such as Flint and Ava are given their own unique voice and there are tantalising hints about their back stories that leave the reader eager to find out more about them. There is heartbreak in this book too, you will probably cry, which is testament to the writers ability to create a strong characters that you find yourself really rooting for.
HF Cunningham has a real talent for bringing fantasy to life and Tannin’s no holds barred dialogue, gift for comedic timing and outright Scottish sass had me laughing out loud. The story moves along at a cracking pace and I finished the book in just over a day. This book has everything, friends, love, betrayal, monsters and rivalries. It also has some graphic violence and strong language but nothing is gratuitous.
I found myself really invested in the storyline and characters and can’t wait for the sequel to find out what happens next. Remnants of Blood is quite simply a great read from start to finish and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
HF Cunningham has a real talent for bringing fantasy to life and Tannin’s no holds barred dialogue, gift for comedic timing and outright Scottish sass had me laughing out loud. The story moves along at a cracking pace and I finished the book in just over a day. This book has everything, friends, love, betrayal, monsters and rivalries. It also has some graphic violence and strong language but nothing is gratuitous.
I found myself really invested in the storyline and characters and can’t wait for the sequel to find out what happens next. Remnants of Blood is quite simply a great read from start to finish and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
March 21, 2023
Reread 2023: still immaculate, Tannin's a brilliant main character with all her sass, dark humour and complexity. I'm so excited to see how this series develops.
First read 2021: Thank you so much to H. F. Cunningham for choosing me to be a part of the ARC team for Remnants of Blood ❤.
Listen, I'm not saying you NEED this book or anything but... that's exactly what I'm saying, add this to your TBR immediately. If queer, hilarious puns and characters using dark humour as a coping mechanism doesn't automatically get you on board then let me also present you with: a scheming princess, all the tea you can drink, secret deadly societies and in depth, believable, complex characters.
Cunningham's world building is incredible in such a way that the book, particularly the first part, felt like a movie was playing in my head. The subtle descriptions throughout also depicted ideas of class differences and wealth which were further perpetuated by the contrast of the backgrounds of Tannin and the princess, each with a lack of understanding of how the other grew up.
This book had me constantly on edge and at times I physically couldn't put it down. The suspense of knowing that Tannin's past was catching up to her even though she couldn't remember it was truly thrilling.
The dynamics between different characters within the story were so immaculately written. I really loved Tannin's friendship with Flint and the events occurring which really tested that relationship. Eve is such a loveable character and one I'd never want to let down if I knew her in real life. Attilo is a new favourite character of mine, he has my whole heart.
In conclusion, you should all go and pick this up when it gets released! In terms of age recommendation, I'd put this in the older young adult category as there are rather graphic depictions of violence and strong language.
First read 2021: Thank you so much to H. F. Cunningham for choosing me to be a part of the ARC team for Remnants of Blood ❤.
Listen, I'm not saying you NEED this book or anything but... that's exactly what I'm saying, add this to your TBR immediately. If queer, hilarious puns and characters using dark humour as a coping mechanism doesn't automatically get you on board then let me also present you with: a scheming princess, all the tea you can drink, secret deadly societies and in depth, believable, complex characters.
Cunningham's world building is incredible in such a way that the book, particularly the first part, felt like a movie was playing in my head. The subtle descriptions throughout also depicted ideas of class differences and wealth which were further perpetuated by the contrast of the backgrounds of Tannin and the princess, each with a lack of understanding of how the other grew up.
This book had me constantly on edge and at times I physically couldn't put it down. The suspense of knowing that Tannin's past was catching up to her even though she couldn't remember it was truly thrilling.
The dynamics between different characters within the story were so immaculately written. I really loved Tannin's friendship with Flint and the events occurring which really tested that relationship. Eve is such a loveable character and one I'd never want to let down if I knew her in real life. Attilo is a new favourite character of mine, he has my whole heart.
In conclusion, you should all go and pick this up when it gets released! In terms of age recommendation, I'd put this in the older young adult category as there are rather graphic depictions of violence and strong language.
August 23, 2021
In terms of genre ‘Remnants of blood’ is a queer fantasy book but it is so much more than that; it is a brilliant, witty, romantic, dramatic, mythical epic adventure.
The story follows Tannin whose grandfather has just passed away and has left behind cryptic journals containing their family history but also a debt to be paid off. Tannin makes a deal with Laird to pay off the debt but quickly falls into a murky underworld where she faces dangers from all around.
Cunningham has natural talent in creating a cast of characters who are all distinctly original and realistic in their actions and speech. She writes with a level of detail which paints their interactions perfectly but also doesn’t over saturate the writing like you sometimes get in the fantasy genre. I loved Tannin as a main character because she is openly flawed and snarky with quick wit but is balanced by her softer, moral side for those she cares about. Of course she finds new allies and enemies along the way as she searches for answers about her history and a connection to legendary folklore.
As with all great fantasy novels there is a love interest; Ava who is a princess with a double life and answers to the questions Tannin has about the dark world of monsters and magick. The way that their relationship unfolds is paced perfectly, just like the rest of the novel and even though I don’t read a whole lot of fantasy I have become completely drawn into Cunningham’s world.
A really amazing read and I for one (especially after that epilogue) cannot wait for the next installment!
The story follows Tannin whose grandfather has just passed away and has left behind cryptic journals containing their family history but also a debt to be paid off. Tannin makes a deal with Laird to pay off the debt but quickly falls into a murky underworld where she faces dangers from all around.
Cunningham has natural talent in creating a cast of characters who are all distinctly original and realistic in their actions and speech. She writes with a level of detail which paints their interactions perfectly but also doesn’t over saturate the writing like you sometimes get in the fantasy genre. I loved Tannin as a main character because she is openly flawed and snarky with quick wit but is balanced by her softer, moral side for those she cares about. Of course she finds new allies and enemies along the way as she searches for answers about her history and a connection to legendary folklore.
As with all great fantasy novels there is a love interest; Ava who is a princess with a double life and answers to the questions Tannin has about the dark world of monsters and magick. The way that their relationship unfolds is paced perfectly, just like the rest of the novel and even though I don’t read a whole lot of fantasy I have become completely drawn into Cunningham’s world.
A really amazing read and I for one (especially after that epilogue) cannot wait for the next installment!
August 25, 2021
A magical adventure!
Tannin’s grandfather has died and she is only just learning of difficulties he has left behind for her to face. Setting out on an adventure, Tannin is fighting foes, learning that the world is cruel place and she might just be out of her depth dealing with it all. It isn’t until she starts exploring her options that she learns secrets of her heritage and has to make life changing decisions to survive but one thing is for sure, Tannin’s life has changed forever.
I really enjoyed this adventure. Everything was so visual and I really felt like I was embarking on this journey of discovery, secrets, and uncertainty at Tannin’s side. For a character who was thrown in literally at the deep end, Tannin embraces everything with an admirable strength, taking it all in her stride but still having the odd moment of vulnerability when she could afford to.
It was really exciting as Tannin started to learn of secrets and dark forces in her world that were going to take hold and be outside of her control at times. When she started accepting all she was learning and trying to embrace it, Tannin’s character really grew. She is certainly and unstoppable force, so I am excited for her future.
Tannin was extremely untrusting of the other characters she encountered but with each of them she managed to have drama, heartache and connections. She had to form and manage the alliances and learn who to trust which only tested her further. All that emotional uncertainty on top of her world being changed forever made a heady cocktail to get lost in.
I really enjoyed the story and hope there will be more from Tannin in future as her adventure has only just begun!
Tannin’s grandfather has died and she is only just learning of difficulties he has left behind for her to face. Setting out on an adventure, Tannin is fighting foes, learning that the world is cruel place and she might just be out of her depth dealing with it all. It isn’t until she starts exploring her options that she learns secrets of her heritage and has to make life changing decisions to survive but one thing is for sure, Tannin’s life has changed forever.
I really enjoyed this adventure. Everything was so visual and I really felt like I was embarking on this journey of discovery, secrets, and uncertainty at Tannin’s side. For a character who was thrown in literally at the deep end, Tannin embraces everything with an admirable strength, taking it all in her stride but still having the odd moment of vulnerability when she could afford to.
It was really exciting as Tannin started to learn of secrets and dark forces in her world that were going to take hold and be outside of her control at times. When she started accepting all she was learning and trying to embrace it, Tannin’s character really grew. She is certainly and unstoppable force, so I am excited for her future.
Tannin was extremely untrusting of the other characters she encountered but with each of them she managed to have drama, heartache and connections. She had to form and manage the alliances and learn who to trust which only tested her further. All that emotional uncertainty on top of her world being changed forever made a heady cocktail to get lost in.
I really enjoyed the story and hope there will be more from Tannin in future as her adventure has only just begun!
August 15, 2021
Remnants Of Blood follows Tannin Hill, as she attempts to move forward with her life after the death of her grandfather, only to find that she is left responsible for her his debts and therefore at the mercy of the local Laird.
Cunninghams story follows Tannin as she navigates the descent from her fairly normal day to day life into the desperate position she finds herself falling deeper into as the plot progresses, while finding out some hidden secrets about herself along the way.
Tannin is feisty, she is snarky, she takes shit from no one, whilst managing to be an incredibly flawed, vulnerable and believable character. The side characters in RoB are among some of my favourites that I have read and it was incredibly easy to fall for so many of them.
Cunninghams world building is so well done here. In one book set almost entirely in one corner of the world, we still get a sense of the vastness of the world beyond Armodan. The folklore and history woven into the world is fantastic, and that the reader learns much of it at the same time Tannin herself does, it really takes the reader along for the ride.
Cunninghams dry humour fits the world and the characters perfectly and I laughed out loud several times while reading.
Overall I had an amazing time reading RoB, and can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy post publication so I can experience the story all over again!
Cunninghams story follows Tannin as she navigates the descent from her fairly normal day to day life into the desperate position she finds herself falling deeper into as the plot progresses, while finding out some hidden secrets about herself along the way.
Tannin is feisty, she is snarky, she takes shit from no one, whilst managing to be an incredibly flawed, vulnerable and believable character. The side characters in RoB are among some of my favourites that I have read and it was incredibly easy to fall for so many of them.
Cunninghams world building is so well done here. In one book set almost entirely in one corner of the world, we still get a sense of the vastness of the world beyond Armodan. The folklore and history woven into the world is fantastic, and that the reader learns much of it at the same time Tannin herself does, it really takes the reader along for the ride.
Cunninghams dry humour fits the world and the characters perfectly and I laughed out loud several times while reading.
Overall I had an amazing time reading RoB, and can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy post publication so I can experience the story all over again!
September 26, 2021
“We’ve all got demons. It’s how ye live with ‘em now that matters.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ahhh I absolutely loved this book! I read it as an ebook, which always takes me a bit longer, but you can also get a physical copy as well.
The world building was great, I can easily picture what Armodan looks like and it’s the perfect mix of just enough detail while not overwhelming you. At the end of the book it seems like the author’s hinting at exploring more of the world in following books and I’m really excited for that!
The magic system is really cool and I can’t wait to learn more about it as it feels like we’ve only barely scratched the surface of it.
It doesn’t often happen that the main character of the book is my favorite, but Tannin is just great. She’s funny, reckless and doesn’t sugarcoat her thoughts. She’s also pretty relatable. The other characters are great too, not all of them were likable but they were all well written!
The plot was amazing! From the way we start out, you’d never be able to guess all the twists and turns this book takes and even if you do manage to guess some, there’s more to surprise you anyways.
Currently still processing the ending because now I have to sit and wait for a sequel, pretending I have patience when I really don’t 🥲.
Also, fun fact: this book is queer and has a bunch of bipoc characters, if you needed any more convincing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ahhh I absolutely loved this book! I read it as an ebook, which always takes me a bit longer, but you can also get a physical copy as well.
The world building was great, I can easily picture what Armodan looks like and it’s the perfect mix of just enough detail while not overwhelming you. At the end of the book it seems like the author’s hinting at exploring more of the world in following books and I’m really excited for that!
The magic system is really cool and I can’t wait to learn more about it as it feels like we’ve only barely scratched the surface of it.
It doesn’t often happen that the main character of the book is my favorite, but Tannin is just great. She’s funny, reckless and doesn’t sugarcoat her thoughts. She’s also pretty relatable. The other characters are great too, not all of them were likable but they were all well written!
The plot was amazing! From the way we start out, you’d never be able to guess all the twists and turns this book takes and even if you do manage to guess some, there’s more to surprise you anyways.
Currently still processing the ending because now I have to sit and wait for a sequel, pretending I have patience when I really don’t 🥲.
Also, fun fact: this book is queer and has a bunch of bipoc characters, if you needed any more convincing.
September 4, 2021
I was asked to do an ARC review by the author, and let me tell you that I was happy with it.
Cunningham's style of writing gripped me right from the start with strong sarcasm, comedy, and a looseness that is not seen as much in Fantasy these days. She painted a clear image of the world and the main character, Tannin, on the first page alone.
The world it plays in feels very much alive and realistic with just that touch of the fantastical to pull you right in.
Everything feels very connected and well-thought out, directly pulling you in. It is a very pleasant read that I found difficult to put down and, honestly, I am already aching to read the next part.
Throughout the entire story, Cunningham never fails to keep you entertained. Either through a hilarious use of sarcasm, strong characters and their relations, or unique action scenes.
As someone who reads to be immersed into different worlds, Remnants of Blood was perfect for me. The story was very fluid, with information woven into the story rather than dumped all at once. Descriptions were short and strong, serving their purpose without creating distractions from the flow of the story.
I really enjoyed how the characters were written as well. From the moment you meet them, it is easy to remember each unique character, which, in my opinion, is a great talent Cunningham possesses.
Her undiluted and realistic depiction of wlw romance was really refreshing to see in a Fantasy story, and I am eager to read more about it.
All in all, I would say this is a really good book 100% worth the read.
If you can, (pre)order it or at least add it to your TBR because you will not be disappointed!
Cunningham's style of writing gripped me right from the start with strong sarcasm, comedy, and a looseness that is not seen as much in Fantasy these days. She painted a clear image of the world and the main character, Tannin, on the first page alone.
The world it plays in feels very much alive and realistic with just that touch of the fantastical to pull you right in.
Everything feels very connected and well-thought out, directly pulling you in. It is a very pleasant read that I found difficult to put down and, honestly, I am already aching to read the next part.
Throughout the entire story, Cunningham never fails to keep you entertained. Either through a hilarious use of sarcasm, strong characters and their relations, or unique action scenes.
As someone who reads to be immersed into different worlds, Remnants of Blood was perfect for me. The story was very fluid, with information woven into the story rather than dumped all at once. Descriptions were short and strong, serving their purpose without creating distractions from the flow of the story.
I really enjoyed how the characters were written as well. From the moment you meet them, it is easy to remember each unique character, which, in my opinion, is a great talent Cunningham possesses.
Her undiluted and realistic depiction of wlw romance was really refreshing to see in a Fantasy story, and I am eager to read more about it.
All in all, I would say this is a really good book 100% worth the read.
If you can, (pre)order it or at least add it to your TBR because you will not be disappointed!
August 8, 2021
This book elicited a range of emotions within me.
First of all, the dialogue is hilarious. I laughed immensely, even during intense moments, thanks to Tannin's reactions and her choice of language—"Fuck!"
Tannin was reckless throughout the whole book and I think she still has a lot of maturing to do, but her heart was always in the right place and I was still rooting for her. I could sympathize with every choice she made, and I even cried near the end (looking at you, Eve).
I accumulated a few favorite side characters, most notably Attilo. They're fully developed and they each have a role to play.
For me, this book really took off in the last half and I couldn't put it down. It's well written and the world is vivid. I honestly didn't want it to end, and I'll be eagerly awaiting the second.
First of all, the dialogue is hilarious. I laughed immensely, even during intense moments, thanks to Tannin's reactions and her choice of language—"Fuck!"
Tannin was reckless throughout the whole book and I think she still has a lot of maturing to do, but her heart was always in the right place and I was still rooting for her. I could sympathize with every choice she made, and I even cried near the end (looking at you, Eve).
I accumulated a few favorite side characters, most notably Attilo. They're fully developed and they each have a role to play.
For me, this book really took off in the last half and I couldn't put it down. It's well written and the world is vivid. I honestly didn't want it to end, and I'll be eagerly awaiting the second.
August 19, 2021
This book is incredible!
I'm going to try to keep my review spoiler free because I think you should all experience this beautifully immersive world, with it's complex, engaging characters with as little foreknowledge as possible.
Cunningham has managed to find a fresh take on what is generally considered to be quite a saturated fantasy market, and I loved getting to be a part of her storytelling. Let's face it - I can't help but fall in love with a queer adventure!
I'm going to try to keep my review spoiler free because I think you should all experience this beautifully immersive world, with it's complex, engaging characters with as little foreknowledge as possible.
Cunningham has managed to find a fresh take on what is generally considered to be quite a saturated fantasy market, and I loved getting to be a part of her storytelling. Let's face it - I can't help but fall in love with a queer adventure!
March 26, 2023
3.5 stars, it was entertaining and gotta love a princess in disguise who is also gay
September 4, 2022
Great characters, worldbuilding, romance and Scottish mythology!
Broke me out of a 6 months reading slump
Get it - you won't regret it!
Broke me out of a 6 months reading slump
Get it - you won't regret it!
September 17, 2021
i need a sequel or i will cry… more.
August 12, 2021
I was chosen as part of the advanced reader copy team for Remnants of Blood, and as someone who enjoys a lot of fantasy, Remnants of Blood was the perfect blend of well-worn tropes within the genre, and a refreshing breath of fresh air to it.
From the first line and the premise of us meeting Tannin at a relatively low point in her life, I was immediately intrigued about what journey we would see her go on, and what a journey it was. The world-building fed to us throughout the story never feels like it overshadows it - what we learn of the world through Tannin's eyes is always done in service of the plot but still makes this realm feel fully realised and fleshed out. In a genre that can often be too concerned with making a world feel big, instead of making it feel real, this is the first part of Cunningham's world-building that I found incredibly refreshing - the second being that exposition is merely one of many methods used to relay to the reader elements of the world and the story as it unravels. Too often authors fall back on relaying to the reader information through monologues - it is not necessarily a bad way to give us this information, but if it becomes the predominant or only way it can often feel like a crutch the story is leaning on. Thankfully, there are a number of ways we as the reader discover new elements of this world - and I feel a rather clever one is how Cunningham has Tannin reflect on her childhood and re-evaluate it with the benefit of hindsight and new understanding as a young adult.
On the subject of Tannin, she was a thoroughly enjoyably protagonist from beginning to end for me. She feels incredibly human - she has many admirable traits, but she also has insecurities and flaws. Her morals are complex and sometimes even contradicting, and yet as we learn more about what brought her to where she is in this story and what experiences she goes through in it, I perfectly understood how she had been shaped into the person she is. She's also incredibly witty - sometimes charming but more often irritating to the other characters around her, but always managing to elicit a laugh from me even in some of her more dire straits. I also think that the way Tannin is allowed to have difficult struggles with grief, with trauma, and not always react 'perfectly' to the challenges and hurts she faces very cathartic. As someone who has often cracked under pressure or grief, seeing such a raw depiction of it resonated with me personally.
The supporting cast is also full of so many great characters from endearing friends to intimidating villains. I have my own personal favourites among them that I won't list all of here, but I have to say that the friendship between Flint and Tannin was especially beautiful to me. Immediately there is warmth, an almost brother-sister like affection, and it speaks to a problem so prevalent in YA that I was immediately relieved when in every interaction there was not a single whiff of him having a crush on her. For many other queer fans, I think this will also be a huge weight taken off of their minds while reading. And while we do get a beautiful queer romance within the pages of this book, I really do feel that the platonic relationships are given equal importance - not just the relationships between Tannin and other characters, but between two of our supporting cast in particular, Ava and Attilo - which is another excellent feather in this book's cap for me. I do love my romance, and was damn near blushing as I willed two characters to just. kiss. already. in this book, but I love my close friendships and found family bonds just as much.
The pacing is a little slow in the initial chapters as we are introduced to the world and characters, but it builds pretty consistently until around the end of the second act where the stakes are raised tremendously. I was just shy of 200 pages from the end at this point, and if it had not been for adult responsibilities, I would have determinedly finished it in one sitting. As it is, I finished it in two. I did not want to put the book down as everything started to barrel excitingly towards the end and the tension began to rise. I do feel that it perhaps began to get slightly too fast in its pacing near the very end, but against the book as a whole it is a minor gripe, and I was still incredibly invested in the story until the final word.
Overall, if you're looking for an exciting fantasy drama with plenty of humour, heart, complex characters, forbidden romance, danger, secret societies and ancient civilizations - with plenty of tea and delicious bread and butter to soothe you along the way - then pick this book up and get pulled in along with me.
From the first line and the premise of us meeting Tannin at a relatively low point in her life, I was immediately intrigued about what journey we would see her go on, and what a journey it was. The world-building fed to us throughout the story never feels like it overshadows it - what we learn of the world through Tannin's eyes is always done in service of the plot but still makes this realm feel fully realised and fleshed out. In a genre that can often be too concerned with making a world feel big, instead of making it feel real, this is the first part of Cunningham's world-building that I found incredibly refreshing - the second being that exposition is merely one of many methods used to relay to the reader elements of the world and the story as it unravels. Too often authors fall back on relaying to the reader information through monologues - it is not necessarily a bad way to give us this information, but if it becomes the predominant or only way it can often feel like a crutch the story is leaning on. Thankfully, there are a number of ways we as the reader discover new elements of this world - and I feel a rather clever one is how Cunningham has Tannin reflect on her childhood and re-evaluate it with the benefit of hindsight and new understanding as a young adult.
On the subject of Tannin, she was a thoroughly enjoyably protagonist from beginning to end for me. She feels incredibly human - she has many admirable traits, but she also has insecurities and flaws. Her morals are complex and sometimes even contradicting, and yet as we learn more about what brought her to where she is in this story and what experiences she goes through in it, I perfectly understood how she had been shaped into the person she is. She's also incredibly witty - sometimes charming but more often irritating to the other characters around her, but always managing to elicit a laugh from me even in some of her more dire straits. I also think that the way Tannin is allowed to have difficult struggles with grief, with trauma, and not always react 'perfectly' to the challenges and hurts she faces very cathartic. As someone who has often cracked under pressure or grief, seeing such a raw depiction of it resonated with me personally.
The supporting cast is also full of so many great characters from endearing friends to intimidating villains. I have my own personal favourites among them that I won't list all of here, but I have to say that the friendship between Flint and Tannin was especially beautiful to me. Immediately there is warmth, an almost brother-sister like affection, and it speaks to a problem so prevalent in YA that I was immediately relieved when in every interaction there was not a single whiff of him having a crush on her. For many other queer fans, I think this will also be a huge weight taken off of their minds while reading. And while we do get a beautiful queer romance within the pages of this book, I really do feel that the platonic relationships are given equal importance - not just the relationships between Tannin and other characters, but between two of our supporting cast in particular, Ava and Attilo - which is another excellent feather in this book's cap for me. I do love my romance, and was damn near blushing as I willed two characters to just. kiss. already. in this book, but I love my close friendships and found family bonds just as much.
The pacing is a little slow in the initial chapters as we are introduced to the world and characters, but it builds pretty consistently until around the end of the second act where the stakes are raised tremendously. I was just shy of 200 pages from the end at this point, and if it had not been for adult responsibilities, I would have determinedly finished it in one sitting. As it is, I finished it in two. I did not want to put the book down as everything started to barrel excitingly towards the end and the tension began to rise. I do feel that it perhaps began to get slightly too fast in its pacing near the very end, but against the book as a whole it is a minor gripe, and I was still incredibly invested in the story until the final word.
Overall, if you're looking for an exciting fantasy drama with plenty of humour, heart, complex characters, forbidden romance, danger, secret societies and ancient civilizations - with plenty of tea and delicious bread and butter to soothe you along the way - then pick this book up and get pulled in along with me.
October 17, 2021
I have a lot to say about things I enjoyed about Remnants of Blood, let’s see if I can remember them all.
Firstly, this book is so captivating. I couldn’t put it down, and when I eventually did three hundred pages in at midnight, it took me another hour to finally convince myself to go to sleep because I wanted to see how it ended. What I’m seeing more and more in fantasy recently is a completely new perspective on the supernatural creatures that draw us into fantasy, and Remnants of Blood was no exception; there’s the familiarity of the creatures that we know as fantasy readers with an original spin that keeps you captivated that I’ve also seen in reads such as From Blood and Ash and A Path of Darkness and Runes and absolutely loved; H.F Cunningham has done a similar thing with the same skill and executed it perfectly, I loved reading about the Remnants and the original outlook of the supernatural.
Secondly, Tannin was absolutely hilarious and a realistic seventeen year old. She’s witty, which I absolutely loved, but the best thing was that throughout the novel she is still learning about herself, she’s rash, she makes mistakes and still rushes into things without fully thinking about the consequences which, I don’t know about all of you, but even without the heaviness of Tannin’s life and the bounties on her head, I was exactly the same and so was everyone around me when we were seventeen? Yes, characters in these worlds and circumstances have to adapt and grow way beyond their years very quickly, but I loved the realism of Tannin’s character and her impulsive decisions, her relentless attitude, because it just made her so much more relatable and more loveable. A morally grey character who is trying to not allow her past and identity consume her.
There were points in this book where I was close to tears, but I think I was just too tired too cry; Ava and Tannin’s interaction in the Goal, Flint confronting Tannin in the bakery and his sheer fear. It was absolutely heartbreaking and, once again, I feel like it was a really good reflection on real life mirrored in this fantasy world. Sometimes the people we grow up with transform into people we wouldn’t even recognise and it’s mentally difficult and it’s heartbreaking. Obviously, as I said, this is in completely different circumstances, but Flint’s emotions were understandable, Tannin’s actions are ones that I think would be incredibly hard to sympathise with unless you hear or witness her perspective like we do in the novel. Although, I must admit, I shrieked in the epilogue when Flint was with Ava, and I need a second book to see him and Tannin have a well needed conversation and growth from their last interaction.
I loved Ava; usually, a lot of fantasy novels with these kind of tropes would have Ava as the narrator, but I really liked that it was the other way around in this case? It was interesting as a reader to see the defiant princess, engrossed researcher who looks like a cinnamon roll but could actually kill you as the love interest, but it was great to have that fresh perspective. I was absolutely devastated over Attilo (another moment where I could have sobbed) as him and Ava were great and I adored them both.
I also really hope that there’s a sequel so that we can see more of Dana and Adair; the plot twist of Stonestead was something that I was not expecting, alongside the other series of plot twists that just keep ! on ! coming ! and keep you so engrossed, waiting to see what happens next.
I’m rambling on at this stage, but another thing that was incredibly helpful was the glossary at the back — I was Googling terms until I found it, and it definitely saved me, my Scottish is not up to par. But, yeah, this book was great, go and read it ? It’ll hook you in if you’re a fantasy fan, arguably like Tannin’s claws.
Firstly, this book is so captivating. I couldn’t put it down, and when I eventually did three hundred pages in at midnight, it took me another hour to finally convince myself to go to sleep because I wanted to see how it ended. What I’m seeing more and more in fantasy recently is a completely new perspective on the supernatural creatures that draw us into fantasy, and Remnants of Blood was no exception; there’s the familiarity of the creatures that we know as fantasy readers with an original spin that keeps you captivated that I’ve also seen in reads such as From Blood and Ash and A Path of Darkness and Runes and absolutely loved; H.F Cunningham has done a similar thing with the same skill and executed it perfectly, I loved reading about the Remnants and the original outlook of the supernatural.
Secondly, Tannin was absolutely hilarious and a realistic seventeen year old. She’s witty, which I absolutely loved, but the best thing was that throughout the novel she is still learning about herself, she’s rash, she makes mistakes and still rushes into things without fully thinking about the consequences which, I don’t know about all of you, but even without the heaviness of Tannin’s life and the bounties on her head, I was exactly the same and so was everyone around me when we were seventeen? Yes, characters in these worlds and circumstances have to adapt and grow way beyond their years very quickly, but I loved the realism of Tannin’s character and her impulsive decisions, her relentless attitude, because it just made her so much more relatable and more loveable. A morally grey character who is trying to not allow her past and identity consume her.
There were points in this book where I was close to tears, but I think I was just too tired too cry; Ava and Tannin’s interaction in the Goal, Flint confronting Tannin in the bakery and his sheer fear. It was absolutely heartbreaking and, once again, I feel like it was a really good reflection on real life mirrored in this fantasy world. Sometimes the people we grow up with transform into people we wouldn’t even recognise and it’s mentally difficult and it’s heartbreaking. Obviously, as I said, this is in completely different circumstances, but Flint’s emotions were understandable, Tannin’s actions are ones that I think would be incredibly hard to sympathise with unless you hear or witness her perspective like we do in the novel. Although, I must admit, I shrieked in the epilogue when Flint was with Ava, and I need a second book to see him and Tannin have a well needed conversation and growth from their last interaction.
I loved Ava; usually, a lot of fantasy novels with these kind of tropes would have Ava as the narrator, but I really liked that it was the other way around in this case? It was interesting as a reader to see the defiant princess, engrossed researcher who looks like a cinnamon roll but could actually kill you as the love interest, but it was great to have that fresh perspective. I was absolutely devastated over Attilo (another moment where I could have sobbed) as him and Ava were great and I adored them both.
I also really hope that there’s a sequel so that we can see more of Dana and Adair; the plot twist of Stonestead was something that I was not expecting, alongside the other series of plot twists that just keep ! on ! coming ! and keep you so engrossed, waiting to see what happens next.
I’m rambling on at this stage, but another thing that was incredibly helpful was the glossary at the back — I was Googling terms until I found it, and it definitely saved me, my Scottish is not up to par. But, yeah, this book was great, go and read it ? It’ll hook you in if you’re a fantasy fan, arguably like Tannin’s claws.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
I’m going to start simply by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has been quite a while since I’ve been sent an ARC for review and I was more than a little nervous, as the last few I read were enough to make me stop reading ARCs. Lockdown settled around Sydney like a plague-blanket as I started this, so it was a good thing I had a new fantasy world to bury myself in for a while.
And what a world! I would hazard that there are very few fantasy novels out there that are based around Scotland itself, which Remnants of Blood predominantly is. Most fantasy novels I’ve come across in my time have tended to focus on a quasi-Great British society, with an emphasis on England, and maybe a shoe-in mention of some vikings or “wild northerners”. And The Five Kingdoms are very obviously reminiscent of Scotland. This is predominantly evident in the thick accents several of the characters support – much to my glee – and the gaelic holidays observed throughout the story. Being an ARC my copy didn’t have a pronunciation guide although I have been assured that this will feature in the final copy. Luckily I didn’t need it too often, but there were a few words that tripped me up and I’m certain I wasn’t the only one, so I’m sure that guide is going to get a real beating.
For a story with a blurb that leads with mentioning the Fair Folk, I expected there to be quite a few more actual fae in the world, something more akin to the writings of Holly Black or Cecilia Dart-Thornton. However I was pleasantly surprised to be absorbed into a world where the fae are considered almost as much a myth as they are in our own, with a few exceptions. From what is told of the fae throughout the novel, they are quite dissimilar to most representations, for example, kelpies are mentioned as being the fae of the waterways, rather than specifically being beautiful horses who will drown and eat a man (or woman, or enby, I doubt they’re picky). One thing I did find a little confusing was working out whether or not wargs were outright fae or remnants or their own thing entirely, but I didn’t really let it bother me, and if I read through the novel again I will probably find my answer. I found the way magical beings were approached really interesting and I think it served the novel well. By removing the fae themselves from the equation, we are free to focus our attention on their half-human offspring, the titular “remnants”, and their place in the world. The secret society of the Triquetra is referenced throughout the book, and although their threat to Remnants suffuses the background of the novel, it never quite comes to light. Judging from the ending of Remnants of Blood, this is the first of a series, so I expect that the Triquetra will take on the role of primary antagonist later on.
The main antagonist of this novel appears to mainly be Tannin herself, as she stumbles from bad decision to black-out and back again, and I love her for it. Honestly, I think it’s been a while since I’ve read such a relatable main character, and I couldn’t help but cheer for Tannin in the face of every terrible decision she made, because haven’t we all made more than a few bad choices in our lives, especially when a pretty girl is involved. If you’re looking for a fantasy story with a really hopeless lesbian in it, Remnants of Blood will be your jam because Tannin is emphatically both of those things.
I received an ARC of Remnants of Blood from the author in exchange for an honest review. Remnants of Blood is available in paperback and kindle formats and is currently available for preorder. It is due to be published on 14 September.
Find this review and more at my website StrangeQueerThings
And what a world! I would hazard that there are very few fantasy novels out there that are based around Scotland itself, which Remnants of Blood predominantly is. Most fantasy novels I’ve come across in my time have tended to focus on a quasi-Great British society, with an emphasis on England, and maybe a shoe-in mention of some vikings or “wild northerners”. And The Five Kingdoms are very obviously reminiscent of Scotland. This is predominantly evident in the thick accents several of the characters support – much to my glee – and the gaelic holidays observed throughout the story. Being an ARC my copy didn’t have a pronunciation guide although I have been assured that this will feature in the final copy. Luckily I didn’t need it too often, but there were a few words that tripped me up and I’m certain I wasn’t the only one, so I’m sure that guide is going to get a real beating.
For a story with a blurb that leads with mentioning the Fair Folk, I expected there to be quite a few more actual fae in the world, something more akin to the writings of Holly Black or Cecilia Dart-Thornton. However I was pleasantly surprised to be absorbed into a world where the fae are considered almost as much a myth as they are in our own, with a few exceptions. From what is told of the fae throughout the novel, they are quite dissimilar to most representations, for example, kelpies are mentioned as being the fae of the waterways, rather than specifically being beautiful horses who will drown and eat a man (or woman, or enby, I doubt they’re picky). One thing I did find a little confusing was working out whether or not wargs were outright fae or remnants or their own thing entirely, but I didn’t really let it bother me, and if I read through the novel again I will probably find my answer. I found the way magical beings were approached really interesting and I think it served the novel well. By removing the fae themselves from the equation, we are free to focus our attention on their half-human offspring, the titular “remnants”, and their place in the world. The secret society of the Triquetra is referenced throughout the book, and although their threat to Remnants suffuses the background of the novel, it never quite comes to light. Judging from the ending of Remnants of Blood, this is the first of a series, so I expect that the Triquetra will take on the role of primary antagonist later on.
The main antagonist of this novel appears to mainly be Tannin herself, as she stumbles from bad decision to black-out and back again, and I love her for it. Honestly, I think it’s been a while since I’ve read such a relatable main character, and I couldn’t help but cheer for Tannin in the face of every terrible decision she made, because haven’t we all made more than a few bad choices in our lives, especially when a pretty girl is involved. If you’re looking for a fantasy story with a really hopeless lesbian in it, Remnants of Blood will be your jam because Tannin is emphatically both of those things.
I received an ARC of Remnants of Blood from the author in exchange for an honest review. Remnants of Blood is available in paperback and kindle formats and is currently available for preorder. It is due to be published on 14 September.
Find this review and more at my website StrangeQueerThings
August 23, 2021
Ancient magics. A sketchy secret society. Not your average Princess. Fresh baked bread.
Tannin Hill inherits a debt she can’t possibly pay when her grandfather dies and that’s really not even her biggest problem.
Review may contain spoilers. Book CW for murder, blood, body horror, animal death, hanging.
If you enjoy fantasy and hilarity, folklore and mysteries, then definitely check out Remnants of Blood. It was really easy to get into the story and I was quickly invested in Tannin’s plight. Her friends and enemies are easy to love and hate and are also well written as people with complicated motivations. A few of the characters speak in Scottish dialogue which I found really fun to read (and try to say out loud). We find out what’s happening as Tannin does and clues to the mystery are sprinkled throughout, but it seems there’s still much more to learn about just what else Tannin’s grandfather didn’t tell her.
Favorite bits:
- The characters! I absolutely adored Tannin and her interactions with everyone around her. She’s haunted… by a debt that isn’t hers, by nightmares, by lost time and memories… but she also maintains peak snark through every wretched thing she deals with and it is A LOT. Are you a royal? Tannin Hill DOES NOT CARE. Bless.
- LGBTQ+ rep! Tannin trying not to check out the pretty girl and failing miserably hits perfectly.
- The plot! Tannin really just wants to lay low and be chill but gets zero chance. She’s got to clean up after her grandfather’s death, she gets dragged into a crime ring, and what exactly happened when those men came after her in the alley? Why is there so much blood? Who are the Triquetra and how much do they know about her?
- The magic! Inspired by Celtic folklore with rules we are learning right along with Tannin. What’s better than magic you didn’t know you had? Not knowing how the hell to use it and making it up as you go!
- The map! Admittedly, I’m obsessed with maps in books! I feel like I get to follow along the journey visually as well as through the words. Although we hang out in Armodan in this book, we do learn some about the other kingdoms. Looking forward to more exploration to come.
I really enjoyed Remnants of Blood and can’t wait to see where we’re going next!
I received an ARC of Remnants of Blood in exchange for an honest review. Remnants of Blood is out on 14 September 2021 in paperback and kindle e-book and is available to pre-order now!
Tannin Hill inherits a debt she can’t possibly pay when her grandfather dies and that’s really not even her biggest problem.
Review may contain spoilers. Book CW for murder, blood, body horror, animal death, hanging.
If you enjoy fantasy and hilarity, folklore and mysteries, then definitely check out Remnants of Blood. It was really easy to get into the story and I was quickly invested in Tannin’s plight. Her friends and enemies are easy to love and hate and are also well written as people with complicated motivations. A few of the characters speak in Scottish dialogue which I found really fun to read (and try to say out loud). We find out what’s happening as Tannin does and clues to the mystery are sprinkled throughout, but it seems there’s still much more to learn about just what else Tannin’s grandfather didn’t tell her.
Favorite bits:
- The characters! I absolutely adored Tannin and her interactions with everyone around her. She’s haunted… by a debt that isn’t hers, by nightmares, by lost time and memories… but she also maintains peak snark through every wretched thing she deals with and it is A LOT. Are you a royal? Tannin Hill DOES NOT CARE. Bless.
- LGBTQ+ rep! Tannin trying not to check out the pretty girl and failing miserably hits perfectly.
- The plot! Tannin really just wants to lay low and be chill but gets zero chance. She’s got to clean up after her grandfather’s death, she gets dragged into a crime ring, and what exactly happened when those men came after her in the alley? Why is there so much blood? Who are the Triquetra and how much do they know about her?
- The magic! Inspired by Celtic folklore with rules we are learning right along with Tannin. What’s better than magic you didn’t know you had? Not knowing how the hell to use it and making it up as you go!
- The map! Admittedly, I’m obsessed with maps in books! I feel like I get to follow along the journey visually as well as through the words. Although we hang out in Armodan in this book, we do learn some about the other kingdoms. Looking forward to more exploration to come.
I really enjoyed Remnants of Blood and can’t wait to see where we’re going next!
I received an ARC of Remnants of Blood in exchange for an honest review. Remnants of Blood is out on 14 September 2021 in paperback and kindle e-book and is available to pre-order now!
August 23, 2021
First of all, I loved this book and I can’t wait for more!
Tannin finds herself in debt after her Grandfather passing and is looking for a way to try and pay back this money. With limited options, she is dragged into the darker workings of her world. From this, she learns that her world is not quite what it seems and neither is she.
I really liked Tannin as a character, she was snarky, hilarious and determined! Her faults made her easy to relate to and her sass made me laugh countless times. The supporting characters have a range of personalities, add to the story and I look forward to learning more about them all. I very much enjoyed reading the Scottish dialect in a broad accent in my head!
The flow of the story really worked well and it was very easy to follow. The pace was a little slow at the start but it picked up as it went along and looking back, this slower pace allowed me to get to grips with this new world and all of its workings.
Cunningham’s attention to detail is phenomenal, flawlessly linking the story together. The descriptions easily allow a detailed picture of the place and characters in your mind and had me invested by the end of the first chapter.
The fantasy genre is a vast one, with a lot of series being repetitive. This is not one of those series. It’s unique and it’s probably one of the things I enjoyed about it most.
I’d recommend this to anyone looking for something new in the fantasy genre. I’d say it is most suited to the upper range of YA.
September 1, 2021
Thank you to the author for gifting me an e-ARC copy of this book.
Remnants of Blood follows 17-Year old Tannin who, after her grandfathers death, is thrust into a world she didn’t know existed and that her granddad had shielded her from her whole life. A world of magic, supernatural creatures and a secret society that has sworn to wipe out everyone who is a Remnant - a person with magic within them.
When Tannin meets Ava, a girl who seems to have answers to the burning questions that keep Tannin up at night, they form an alliance and work together in order to stop the brewing war between humans and Remnants.
***
I absolutely adored Remnants of Blood! The world-building was absolutely fantastic, well thought through and executed with ease. As a reader, you will feel part of the action instead of merely observing and it is very easy to picture the whole kingdom.
Tannin is a headstrong and fierce character, and following her through this story is nothing short of a good time. She is a badass, sassy and doesn‘t take shit from anyone. Reading and finding out about Remnants from her POV is as interesting as it is emotional and I couldn’t have wished for a better main character.
The characters in general are lovely. You will find something charming about all of them and you genuinely suffer when they do. They are complex and vulnerable and tough and so deliciously human (yes, even the technically non-human ones).
H.F. created a world you can’t get enough of, and I am already feverishly awaiting the next book in this fantastic series!
Remnants of Blood follows 17-Year old Tannin who, after her grandfathers death, is thrust into a world she didn’t know existed and that her granddad had shielded her from her whole life. A world of magic, supernatural creatures and a secret society that has sworn to wipe out everyone who is a Remnant - a person with magic within them.
When Tannin meets Ava, a girl who seems to have answers to the burning questions that keep Tannin up at night, they form an alliance and work together in order to stop the brewing war between humans and Remnants.
***
I absolutely adored Remnants of Blood! The world-building was absolutely fantastic, well thought through and executed with ease. As a reader, you will feel part of the action instead of merely observing and it is very easy to picture the whole kingdom.
Tannin is a headstrong and fierce character, and following her through this story is nothing short of a good time. She is a badass, sassy and doesn‘t take shit from anyone. Reading and finding out about Remnants from her POV is as interesting as it is emotional and I couldn’t have wished for a better main character.
The characters in general are lovely. You will find something charming about all of them and you genuinely suffer when they do. They are complex and vulnerable and tough and so deliciously human (yes, even the technically non-human ones).
H.F. created a world you can’t get enough of, and I am already feverishly awaiting the next book in this fantastic series!
October 9, 2021
Just finished this and I absolutely loved it. I liked the focus on more Scottish myths. I remember reading that this is supposed to be a trilogy so much of this book is set up and worldbuilding, but it was never dry or boring. Cunningham keeps you interested in the lives of everyone here, and all the relationships, for good or ill, felt very real. Tannin is a very interesting protagonist as she doesn't act like she wants to be the protagonist. She mostly just wants to be left alone, go drinking with her best friend Flint and just get through. But when her grandfather dies everything changes and she is put on a crash course to dealing with a past that her grandfather had struggled to keep hidden from her. Even when she discovers the power in her blood she doesn't instantly become a hero or warrior, she's still young woman that just happens to be able to transform into a massive beast. She's sarcastic, resourceful, kinda whiney, and cares about her friends and I absolutely love her.
I also love the relationship blossoming between Tannin and Ava. It was a bit antagonistic at first, but they found common ground and built up from there. A seeming betrayl (that broke my heart thank you very much), shatters Tannin, but you still root for them both when truth starts coming to light.
All in all I just love this cast of characters, the good guys and the bad and cannot wait for the next book to come out so we can see how Tannin is going to deal with everything life has now handed to her.
I also love the relationship blossoming between Tannin and Ava. It was a bit antagonistic at first, but they found common ground and built up from there. A seeming betrayl (that broke my heart thank you very much), shatters Tannin, but you still root for them both when truth starts coming to light.
All in all I just love this cast of characters, the good guys and the bad and cannot wait for the next book to come out so we can see how Tannin is going to deal with everything life has now handed to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2021
I received the Advanced Reader Copy and I’m so happy I did! There aren’t a lot of wlw books out there, let alone good ones. This one was amazing! This YA fantasy novel did not bore me for a second. It really kept me on the edge of my chair. I can’t believe this is a debut book because it was brilliant.
I loved the humor. I laughed out loud a lot during reading. If you like puns and sarcasm, you’ll probably going to like this book too.
I liked that most characters were grey. For me this makes them more likable. It just made them more "human". Although sometimes they made some frustrating choices too haha.
Can’t wait for more from this author!
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes YA LGBTQ+ Fantasy novels.
I loved the humor. I laughed out loud a lot during reading. If you like puns and sarcasm, you’ll probably going to like this book too.
I liked that most characters were grey. For me this makes them more likable. It just made them more "human". Although sometimes they made some frustrating choices too haha.
Can’t wait for more from this author!
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes YA LGBTQ+ Fantasy novels.
January 12, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75/5
“We’ve all got demons. It’s how ye live with ‘em now that matters.”
Celtic-inspired fantasy with sapphic main characters? I’m in!
This book was a fun and fast read, though it could have done with a bit more editing. The typos and other errors were a bit distracting at times.
The storyline was intriguing and the characters were fairly well built. While I loved Tannin in the beginning, as her character refused to develop any accountability or remorse for her actions I started to detach from her.
Overall, this is a thoughtful story about friendship, love, and self-discovery, and should a sequel come out, I’d likely read it. Sláinte 💚
“We’ve all got demons. It’s how ye live with ‘em now that matters.”
Celtic-inspired fantasy with sapphic main characters? I’m in!
This book was a fun and fast read, though it could have done with a bit more editing. The typos and other errors were a bit distracting at times.
The storyline was intriguing and the characters were fairly well built. While I loved Tannin in the beginning, as her character refused to develop any accountability or remorse for her actions I started to detach from her.
Overall, this is a thoughtful story about friendship, love, and self-discovery, and should a sequel come out, I’d likely read it. Sláinte 💚
February 15, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. Quote: “Well,” Tannin said, putting her hands on her hips, “fuck.”
If you’re intrigued by this sentence I can totally recommend this book!
Tannin is a gay girl that loves puns and getting in trouble. Also swearing and not taking things seriously. Even though it is a pretty dark fantasy book her humour and her proneness to disasters, makes it really funny. I just liked her a lot.
This book contains a lesbian romance, magic, good friendships, a secret murderous society, a dark past, many many puns and a shit ton of swearing. Go read it it’s really good!
If you’re intrigued by this sentence I can totally recommend this book!
Tannin is a gay girl that loves puns and getting in trouble. Also swearing and not taking things seriously. Even though it is a pretty dark fantasy book her humour and her proneness to disasters, makes it really funny. I just liked her a lot.
This book contains a lesbian romance, magic, good friendships, a secret murderous society, a dark past, many many puns and a shit ton of swearing. Go read it it’s really good!
April 19, 2023
whoa!
my first fantasy book this year and it was genuinely amazing. honestly? i have not a single negative critic to make
the pacing, the universe, the plot, the relationships were really good, highly recommended
did i want more dialogue and time alone between ava and tannin?? sure, but i hope book 2 will cover that
my first fantasy book this year and it was genuinely amazing. honestly? i have not a single negative critic to make
the pacing, the universe, the plot, the relationships were really good, highly recommended
did i want more dialogue and time alone between ava and tannin?? sure, but i hope book 2 will cover that
February 3, 2023
i honestly felt the ending was a bit rushed
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