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Warriors of the Five Realms #3
Blood Song
She owes her blood. He’ll pay with his life.
Ruthless assassin Gabriel has little fear and even fewer scruples. Every head has a price, and every hunt is a thrill. He saunters through life on a tightrope, mocking fate and defying death with every step. So when he’s forced to hunt down and deliver a prophesied blood sacrifice, Gabriel has no reason to expect trouble. Until he realizes just who the mark is—a wildcat of a woman with dark eyes and an even darker secret…
She may be voiceless, but she speaks to his soul, and giving her up may be a cost too steep to bear.
Shyaree has lived her whole life under the weight of a terrible sin and the shame of her Changelessness. When her brother falls prey to a curse, healing him is her one chance at atonement. Only she never expected to be kidnapped by an arrogant and insufferable fae. She can’t trust him or his bargains…or can she? He’s a cutthroat bent on using her, yet working with him may be the only way to survive…
He demands her blood, but she can’t deny the way he calls to her body, or the danger he poses to her heart.
Blood Song is Book 3 in The Warriors of the Five Realms adult fantasy romance series. This book features a standalone couple with a guaranteed HEA, but for full enjoyment of the overarching fantasy arc, please start with Book 1, Little Fire.
Blood Song is intended for readers aged 18+. It contains mature language and explicit scenes of violence and sex that may be offensive or upsetting to some readers. For a comprehensive list of possible triggers, visit the author's website. Please read with care.
Ruthless assassin Gabriel has little fear and even fewer scruples. Every head has a price, and every hunt is a thrill. He saunters through life on a tightrope, mocking fate and defying death with every step. So when he’s forced to hunt down and deliver a prophesied blood sacrifice, Gabriel has no reason to expect trouble. Until he realizes just who the mark is—a wildcat of a woman with dark eyes and an even darker secret…
She may be voiceless, but she speaks to his soul, and giving her up may be a cost too steep to bear.
Shyaree has lived her whole life under the weight of a terrible sin and the shame of her Changelessness. When her brother falls prey to a curse, healing him is her one chance at atonement. Only she never expected to be kidnapped by an arrogant and insufferable fae. She can’t trust him or his bargains…or can she? He’s a cutthroat bent on using her, yet working with him may be the only way to survive…
He demands her blood, but she can’t deny the way he calls to her body, or the danger he poses to her heart.
Blood Song is Book 3 in The Warriors of the Five Realms adult fantasy romance series. This book features a standalone couple with a guaranteed HEA, but for full enjoyment of the overarching fantasy arc, please start with Book 1, Little Fire.
Blood Song is intended for readers aged 18+. It contains mature language and explicit scenes of violence and sex that may be offensive or upsetting to some readers. For a comprehensive list of possible triggers, visit the author's website. Please read with care.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2022
265 people are currently reading
2663 people want to read
About the author
Hollee Mands
7 books542 followersHollee Mands writes her stories in the land called Melbourne, where the weather is as capricious as her imagination. When not stuck in a daydream, writing—or thinking about writing—she's juggling her tiny, spirited tyrant, conquering the demands of her day job, escaping between the pages of a book, exploring new recipes in the kitchen, or embarking on some other epic household adventure... all with a cuppa in hand and a podcast in her ears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
December 28, 2023
3.5
“Seelie and Unseeliee, two parts of a whole,
Destroy one, and to the other woe.
Without light, there can be no shadow,
Winter will reign, and darkness will follow.”
Tercera parte de esta saga. En esta entrega ya nos cambian de protagonistas al mismo tiempo que se nos presentan otros escenarios y otros aspectos de su mundo.
“I allowed my insecurities to dictate my actions, and it nearly cost me Evangeline. You were right, you know. The truth hurts”.
En general, estoy contenta con la novela, no lo voy a negar. Los personajes principales tenían mucho carisma por separado, aunque he de admitir que no los veía como pareja, pero, al final estoy conforme con el resultado.
“Do you know what’s worse than death, wildcat? It’s not being able to die when you desperately want to.
Comentar que al inicio estaba muy contenta con la evolución que estaban dando a los personajes, sin embargo, siento que a partir de mitad del libro me faltó un poco más para creerme sus sentimientos. Lo mismo me ha ocurrido con el escenario, me ha encantado o nuevo, pero al mismo tiempo me ha faltado un poco más de profundidad.
“ Do you know what it feels like to look at yourself in the mirror every day only to see the face that has led to your family’s demise ? ”
Eso sí, el final ha sido lo mejor. Me ha dejado un poco descolocada y con ganas de leer el siguiente, sin embargo, como siempre ocurre habrá que esperar.
“Do not tell me how it’s not my fault. ”
“Seelie and Unseeliee, two parts of a whole,
Destroy one, and to the other woe.
Without light, there can be no shadow,
Winter will reign, and darkness will follow.”
Tercera parte de esta saga. En esta entrega ya nos cambian de protagonistas al mismo tiempo que se nos presentan otros escenarios y otros aspectos de su mundo.
“I allowed my insecurities to dictate my actions, and it nearly cost me Evangeline. You were right, you know. The truth hurts”.
En general, estoy contenta con la novela, no lo voy a negar. Los personajes principales tenían mucho carisma por separado, aunque he de admitir que no los veía como pareja, pero, al final estoy conforme con el resultado.
“Do you know what’s worse than death, wildcat? It’s not being able to die when you desperately want to.
Comentar que al inicio estaba muy contenta con la evolución que estaban dando a los personajes, sin embargo, siento que a partir de mitad del libro me faltó un poco más para creerme sus sentimientos. Lo mismo me ha ocurrido con el escenario, me ha encantado o nuevo, pero al mismo tiempo me ha faltado un poco más de profundidad.
“ Do you know what it feels like to look at yourself in the mirror every day only to see the face that has led to your family’s demise ? ”
Eso sí, el final ha sido lo mejor. Me ha dejado un poco descolocada y con ganas de leer el siguiente, sin embargo, como siempre ocurre habrá que esperar.
“Do not tell me how it’s not my fault. ”
December 22, 2022
Gah. I just deleted my review after writing all of my fangirl thoughts down T_____T
Suffice it to say. Hollee Mands is the only author to hook me on to fae. It helps that these fae come with fangs. Idk do fae always have fangs? This is how little I know about fae 😄
The author’s acknowledgments share her frustrations in writing Blood Song. She scrapped the first 90,000 words because she wasn’t feeling the characters, the scenes, or the plot. Gabriel is the Unseelie fae Guildmaster and Shyaree is the mute healer from the Animati (shifter) realm.
You could have fooled me. I felt the first half of the story was excellent. It had a lot of romance in jealousy, heated exchanges, but the third and second acts felt too focused on the plot. This is a magical object quest story and do me a favour, I’ll do you one.
Gabriel and Shyaree have met in the previous book, Winter Sun, and they have an attraction for each other that is hidden by mutual animosity. However, they will both need each other’s help if they are to save the life of their sibling… I quite like the twist with the siblings on the end.
Hollee Mands is one of my favourite fantasy romance authors currently writing right now. She is up there with Zoey Draven’s Horde King series because she is giving high fantasy, beautiful worldbuilding, and excellent couple chemistry.
Too many fantasy romances are clean with barely any rubbernecking, and I personally find it misleading when the covers and the blurbs show half-naked people or make the romance seem steamier than it actually is. This is why I love Warriors of the Five Realms so far. And while Blood Song has, perhaps, one or two explicit scenes (this is now low on my steam ratings 🫣), I give this 5 stars because the Kovi berry picking scene at the end just won me over.
I love sentimental shit like the hero acting like a lovesick fool. I ate up that throwaway scene where Gabriel is plucking Kovi berries from Declan’s private orchard because it’s Shyaree’s favourite! The way he’s got berry juice all over him, a branch hitting him in the face, how he gently places the more ripe berries into his rip sack because he knows he has to be careful with them as they are her favourite but are easily damaged, how Declan comes strolling along 🤭
Also that scene with Zephyr and Io in the end 😳 Like a scene out of Game of Thrones. Please don’t tease me like that 😩 When is Glass Hearts coming?? 🥺
Suffice it to say. Hollee Mands is the only author to hook me on to fae. It helps that these fae come with fangs. Idk do fae always have fangs? This is how little I know about fae 😄
The author’s acknowledgments share her frustrations in writing Blood Song. She scrapped the first 90,000 words because she wasn’t feeling the characters, the scenes, or the plot. Gabriel is the Unseelie fae Guildmaster and Shyaree is the mute healer from the Animati (shifter) realm.
You could have fooled me. I felt the first half of the story was excellent. It had a lot of romance in jealousy, heated exchanges, but the third and second acts felt too focused on the plot. This is a magical object quest story and do me a favour, I’ll do you one.
Gabriel and Shyaree have met in the previous book, Winter Sun, and they have an attraction for each other that is hidden by mutual animosity. However, they will both need each other’s help if they are to save the life of their sibling… I quite like the twist with the siblings on the end.
Hollee Mands is one of my favourite fantasy romance authors currently writing right now. She is up there with Zoey Draven’s Horde King series because she is giving high fantasy, beautiful worldbuilding, and excellent couple chemistry.
Too many fantasy romances are clean with barely any rubbernecking, and I personally find it misleading when the covers and the blurbs show half-naked people or make the romance seem steamier than it actually is. This is why I love Warriors of the Five Realms so far. And while Blood Song has, perhaps, one or two explicit scenes (this is now low on my steam ratings 🫣), I give this 5 stars because the Kovi berry picking scene at the end just won me over.
I love sentimental shit like the hero acting like a lovesick fool. I ate up that throwaway scene where Gabriel is plucking Kovi berries from Declan’s private orchard because it’s Shyaree’s favourite! The way he’s got berry juice all over him, a branch hitting him in the face, how he gently places the more ripe berries into his rip sack because he knows he has to be careful with them as they are her favourite but are easily damaged, how Declan comes strolling along 🤭
Also that scene with Zephyr and Io in the end 😳 Like a scene out of Game of Thrones. Please don’t tease me like that 😩 When is Glass Hearts coming?? 🥺
January 12, 2022
SO FREAKING EXCITED
December 27, 2022
5⭐️
Sometimes I come across a book that, despite being a highly anticipated read and my expectations are high, it always surprises me. This is one of those books.
I knew it would be good. I read Hollee’s works before and they captivated me instantly so it’s no wonder that her 3rd book would also do the same. The thing is, I’m absolutely in love with Declan and Evie (the main characters of her previous books) so I thought it would be a good book, but that would also make me miss them. I was wrong.
From the beginning, the story of Shyaree and Gabriel is so interesting and different from what expected. You have this very intense and strong mmc and a good and caring fmc, that combine make such a good pairing.
Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes and Hollee just nailed it, once again. The build up of the story line, the little connections throughout the book and how the events are shown to the reader is absolutely stunning.
The pace of book is really nice and you just get involved in this world.
There are moments where I screamed, teared up, wanted to punch a few characters and also moments that made me so so so happy.
This has it all.
If you’re looking for an amazing fantasy romance series, without a doubt, this is it.
Sometimes I come across a book that, despite being a highly anticipated read and my expectations are high, it always surprises me. This is one of those books.
I knew it would be good. I read Hollee’s works before and they captivated me instantly so it’s no wonder that her 3rd book would also do the same. The thing is, I’m absolutely in love with Declan and Evie (the main characters of her previous books) so I thought it would be a good book, but that would also make me miss them. I was wrong.
From the beginning, the story of Shyaree and Gabriel is so interesting and different from what expected. You have this very intense and strong mmc and a good and caring fmc, that combine make such a good pairing.
Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes and Hollee just nailed it, once again. The build up of the story line, the little connections throughout the book and how the events are shown to the reader is absolutely stunning.
The pace of book is really nice and you just get involved in this world.
There are moments where I screamed, teared up, wanted to punch a few characters and also moments that made me so so so happy.
This has it all.
If you’re looking for an amazing fantasy romance series, without a doubt, this is it.
December 21, 2022
“The world may think you’ve lost your wits, and even you may second-guess yourself… but none of that matters because the moment we stop trying is the moment we stop fighting.”
To follow Evangeline and Declan is not easy. I even thought it might have been impossible to match. But here come Gabriel and Shyaree — whom I met in the previous books and immediately obsessed over — with their enemies to lovers swagger to prove they sure can match Little Fire 🔥
The fact that it’s December and so close to the holidays had me reading this book very slowly. And I can’t even be mad about that. It allowed me to drink in all of Gabriel’s struggles and Shyaree’s amazing character growth. I took my time as I learned them. I took my time savoring this amazing fantasy romance that should have everybody singing its praise.
This was also a very emotional charged read for me. I think it was all due to one little thing: I connected with the characters so much that their pain became my pain. And there I was sobbing like a 3 year old who forgot to bring her favorite blanket (based on a true story 👀 #momlife)
I’m sure you’ve seen me saying this countless times but I’m doing you a solid here: GO READ LITTLE FIRE! Then binge read the whole series.
What’s inside:
🖤fantasy romance
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤forced proximity
🖤touch her and you d*e
Adult. 5 stars ⭐️
To follow Evangeline and Declan is not easy. I even thought it might have been impossible to match. But here come Gabriel and Shyaree — whom I met in the previous books and immediately obsessed over — with their enemies to lovers swagger to prove they sure can match Little Fire 🔥
The fact that it’s December and so close to the holidays had me reading this book very slowly. And I can’t even be mad about that. It allowed me to drink in all of Gabriel’s struggles and Shyaree’s amazing character growth. I took my time as I learned them. I took my time savoring this amazing fantasy romance that should have everybody singing its praise.
This was also a very emotional charged read for me. I think it was all due to one little thing: I connected with the characters so much that their pain became my pain. And there I was sobbing like a 3 year old who forgot to bring her favorite blanket (based on a true story 👀 #momlife)
I’m sure you’ve seen me saying this countless times but I’m doing you a solid here: GO READ LITTLE FIRE! Then binge read the whole series.
What’s inside:
🖤fantasy romance
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤forced proximity
🖤touch her and you d*e
Adult. 5 stars ⭐️
December 20, 2022
pleasing enough
It was good to see this world continued to be explored in this story of Gabriel and Shyaree. To be honest, I am unsure how I feel about the relationship between the two main characters, and I still think my favourite book has been Little Fire with Declan and Evangeline. I was frustrated with some of Gabriel’s decisions and there are a fair few spelling errors which affected the flow of the book. However, I liked that there were some cameos from Declan though! I guess what I’m saying is that I was happy enough to finish the book, but my heart wasn’t as invested in this one.
It was good to see this world continued to be explored in this story of Gabriel and Shyaree. To be honest, I am unsure how I feel about the relationship between the two main characters, and I still think my favourite book has been Little Fire with Declan and Evangeline. I was frustrated with some of Gabriel’s decisions and there are a fair few spelling errors which affected the flow of the book. However, I liked that there were some cameos from Declan though! I guess what I’m saying is that I was happy enough to finish the book, but my heart wasn’t as invested in this one.
January 15, 2023
This is the third book in this fantasy romance series and focuses on Gabriel Blacksage, an assassin and sometime spy for Declan, the arch age and hero of the first two books. The heroine is Shyaree, a type of healer and a shift changer. They were both in the previous book and had a seemingly antagonistic relationship. I say seemingly as things aren't always as they appear.
The plot is very complex so I'll simply say Shyaree is using Gabriel and Gabriel is using Shyaree and longings and strong feelings begin to develop. I very much enjoyed this book but found it exhausting at times. They are on a quest and land in one dangerous, lie threatening situation after another. If you like adventure in your romance, you will love this book.
I recommend you read the first two books, first because they are very good and second because the world building, while excellently done, is a bit on the complicated and to start with this book would be like diving into the deep end of the pool without knowing how to swim.
I love the characters of Gabriel and Shyaree. Gabriel is the leader of a powerful assassin guild so he's morally gray. But I love that in a hero. And while Shyaree has led a rather isolated yet painful life, she is fierce, especially when it comes to Gabriel and often places herself at risk for him.
If you are into Fantasy romance at all, or even not sure, I highly recommend this series.
The plot is very complex so I'll simply say Shyaree is using Gabriel and Gabriel is using Shyaree and longings and strong feelings begin to develop. I very much enjoyed this book but found it exhausting at times. They are on a quest and land in one dangerous, lie threatening situation after another. If you like adventure in your romance, you will love this book.
I recommend you read the first two books, first because they are very good and second because the world building, while excellently done, is a bit on the complicated and to start with this book would be like diving into the deep end of the pool without knowing how to swim.
I love the characters of Gabriel and Shyaree. Gabriel is the leader of a powerful assassin guild so he's morally gray. But I love that in a hero. And while Shyaree has led a rather isolated yet painful life, she is fierce, especially when it comes to Gabriel and often places herself at risk for him.
If you are into Fantasy romance at all, or even not sure, I highly recommend this series.
January 5, 2023
4+ "Blood Sacrifice" Stars!
The stress, not angst, was so strong with this one. I could not relax almost the entire book. I wanted to stab Gabriel because... well, I can't say. But he cut it so close that when the relief came, I actually gasped, and a wee tear formed in the corner of my eye. Shyaree was everything good in leading lady. Sweet, fierce, vulnerable, bad ass! Loved her. Very good. And now I can't wait for the next book! Happy reading!
The stress, not angst, was so strong with this one. I could not relax almost the entire book. I wanted to stab Gabriel because... well, I can't say. But he cut it so close that when the relief came, I actually gasped, and a wee tear formed in the corner of my eye. Shyaree was everything good in leading lady. Sweet, fierce, vulnerable, bad ass! Loved her. Very good. And now I can't wait for the next book! Happy reading!
December 28, 2022
2 Stars
Compared to the first and second book in this series, both of which I enjoyed, this addition was a bit of a let down. I'll take some of the blame - I didn't re-read the other books before reading this - which made this story extremely hard to follow. I will say though - some of the lingering plot and motivations should have absolutely been re-capped at least a little. At no point was the story re-connected back to the previous books. It wouldn't be too much of a problem if you read these books all back-to-back, but with how long it took for this to be released there should have been at least some connection. All that to say - I spent a lot of the book confused at what the overarching plot even was and who the protagonist is. There was an odd mix of the story being sort of character focused, but then there's this plot with the daggers, something about finding a cure, raising the dead and some people who can't die. It didn't blend together well, things were extremely muddled.
Due to all the issues with the plot, it was really hard for me to get through this. I easily would get bored, stop reading to play on my phone or do anything else, and then force myself to come back. Eventually I had to skim the last 20% just to see what happened - unsurprisingly it wasn't very memorable or eventful. Also, I was very confused how the magic system worked. It was never explained, the lore seemed to be thrown in and again I was SO confused at times. A critique that I still have from the other books - the transitions from scene to scene were very poorly done and super confusing/choppy. One example, though there are many, is when Gabriel and Shyaree and like drowning in water or something - then the scene cuts and they are somehow out of the cave?
The romance didn't work for me either. All of a sudden Gabriel is basically in love with Shyaree. There was barely any tension or chemistry in their relationship development. It wasn't believable, imo. This is what's most disappointing because I adored the relationship in the first book of this series, and thought the tension and slow burn was amazing. I know this author writes well, but this addition didn't hit the right mark.
Even though I'm being pretty critical, I do enjoy this author and will continue to follow her works! I think there is a ton of potential.
Compared to the first and second book in this series, both of which I enjoyed, this addition was a bit of a let down. I'll take some of the blame - I didn't re-read the other books before reading this - which made this story extremely hard to follow. I will say though - some of the lingering plot and motivations should have absolutely been re-capped at least a little. At no point was the story re-connected back to the previous books. It wouldn't be too much of a problem if you read these books all back-to-back, but with how long it took for this to be released there should have been at least some connection. All that to say - I spent a lot of the book confused at what the overarching plot even was and who the protagonist is. There was an odd mix of the story being sort of character focused, but then there's this plot with the daggers, something about finding a cure, raising the dead and some people who can't die. It didn't blend together well, things were extremely muddled.
Due to all the issues with the plot, it was really hard for me to get through this. I easily would get bored, stop reading to play on my phone or do anything else, and then force myself to come back. Eventually I had to skim the last 20% just to see what happened - unsurprisingly it wasn't very memorable or eventful. Also, I was very confused how the magic system worked. It was never explained, the lore seemed to be thrown in and again I was SO confused at times. A critique that I still have from the other books - the transitions from scene to scene were very poorly done and super confusing/choppy. One example, though there are many, is when Gabriel and Shyaree and like drowning in water or something - then the scene cuts and they are somehow out of the cave?
The romance didn't work for me either. All of a sudden Gabriel is basically in love with Shyaree. There was barely any tension or chemistry in their relationship development. It wasn't believable, imo. This is what's most disappointing because I adored the relationship in the first book of this series, and thought the tension and slow burn was amazing. I know this author writes well, but this addition didn't hit the right mark.
Even though I'm being pretty critical, I do enjoy this author and will continue to follow her works! I think there is a ton of potential.
December 20, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I read the first two books at the beginning of 2022 and really liked them, so I was excited to read this one, a standalone set in the same world, following characters we had previously met. Blood Song was everything I love in an adult fantasy romance book, filled with adventures, romance, twists and turns… Hollee Mands is a great new author that I highly recommend.
I adored both main characters, Gabriel the Unseelie who is ready to do everything he can to save his sister, even if he has to kill the woman he's starting to fall for… and Shyaree the Animati—a shifter—who's ready to help Gabriel in exchange for his help finding three items in Thurin's Mountain to save her brother. That's when the adventure starts, and what a ride!
The world-building for this series starts in the first two books but continues in this one as well, I love the universe Hollee created, it's super interesting and not so confusing that you can't follow along properly.
The romance starts slow, both characters know each other but haven't seen each other for over a year, they also never were close. But the sexual tension and the build-up to their first kiss was worth it and made total sense. From that moment on, I loved seeing their love develop and how great the pacing was. This book is steamy too.
I have nothing bad to say about it, I am so looking forward to more. And I highly recommend this series if you love adult fantasy romance with fae, shifters, magic and more!
I adored both main characters, Gabriel the Unseelie who is ready to do everything he can to save his sister, even if he has to kill the woman he's starting to fall for… and Shyaree the Animati—a shifter—who's ready to help Gabriel in exchange for his help finding three items in Thurin's Mountain to save her brother. That's when the adventure starts, and what a ride!
The world-building for this series starts in the first two books but continues in this one as well, I love the universe Hollee created, it's super interesting and not so confusing that you can't follow along properly.
The romance starts slow, both characters know each other but haven't seen each other for over a year, they also never were close. But the sexual tension and the build-up to their first kiss was worth it and made total sense. From that moment on, I loved seeing their love develop and how great the pacing was. This book is steamy too.
I have nothing bad to say about it, I am so looking forward to more. And I highly recommend this series if you love adult fantasy romance with fae, shifters, magic and more!
February 8, 2025
I really enjoyed these characters in the first novels. This one felt rushed and like a money grab. It could have been done so much better...
December 29, 2022
This is one of the best fantasy romance series that I've read in 2022. I gave 5 stars to Little Fire (Book 1) and Winter Sun (Book 2), and Blood Song (Book 3) did not disappoint either. This universe has some fantastic world-building, but my favorite part of these books is how well-crafted the characters are built. There is so much depth into the characters that you can't help but like them.
While books 1 and 2 focused on Declan and Evangeline/Freya, this book was centered around Gabriel and Shyaree. It was set in the same world, but there were new side characters and a totally different quest storyline.
Declan and Evangeline are probably still my favorite couple, but Gabriel and Shyaree were incredible too. Gabriel and Shyaree were a fantastic "enemies-to-lovers, but he's actually secretly obsessed with her" trope. I love how protective they are of each other, as we see with both of them repeatedly risking their own lives to save each other in dire situations. I love how while she is mute, he was able to communicate with her by talking to her in her native language and he is able to speak in handspeak with her as well. I love how they're willing to protect each other from their own families and friends, even before they got together romantically. I felt that the main couple really saw each other, understood each other's trauma, and still thought the other was beautiful. They are really an incredibly well done couple.
Additionally, I really loved the pacing of this book. Blood Song has the perfect balance of action sequences, romance, description, and inner monologue. In my opinion, this is an incredibly difficult balance to find, and I rarely see this balance found in fantasy books, so I was excited at how well this author does it. At no point was I frustrated with endless inner monologue, detailed description, or nonstop attack scenes. It was a perfect medley.
5 stars. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I love this world, and the characters are extremely well-crafted. More people should read it.
While books 1 and 2 focused on Declan and Evangeline/Freya, this book was centered around Gabriel and Shyaree. It was set in the same world, but there were new side characters and a totally different quest storyline.
Declan and Evangeline are probably still my favorite couple, but Gabriel and Shyaree were incredible too. Gabriel and Shyaree were a fantastic "enemies-to-lovers, but he's actually secretly obsessed with her" trope. I love how protective they are of each other, as we see with both of them repeatedly risking their own lives to save each other in dire situations. I love how while she is mute, he was able to communicate with her by talking to her in her native language and he is able to speak in handspeak with her as well. I love how they're willing to protect each other from their own families and friends, even before they got together romantically. I felt that the main couple really saw each other, understood each other's trauma, and still thought the other was beautiful. They are really an incredibly well done couple.
Additionally, I really loved the pacing of this book. Blood Song has the perfect balance of action sequences, romance, description, and inner monologue. In my opinion, this is an incredibly difficult balance to find, and I rarely see this balance found in fantasy books, so I was excited at how well this author does it. At no point was I frustrated with endless inner monologue, detailed description, or nonstop attack scenes. It was a perfect medley.
5 stars. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I love this world, and the characters are extremely well-crafted. More people should read it.
January 26, 2023
Cheesy and predictable, but I loved the adventure and world building.
July 31, 2023
Oh my god I loved this book!
I loved that at the end the author said she really struggled writing that story and had to start from scratch. I really believe the hard work really shows because this book is far superior to book 1&2 in terms of plot and character development. For me anyway.
It was not stagnant the way the two previous books had been. The pace in this one just kept going. It was perfect. It was absolutely packed with action and adventure.
Even the romance and sex scenes were better.
I also much preferred the chemistry between Shyaree and Gabe to the one between Evie and Declan.
And also the progression of the romance and also other friendships was great.
I find in this book the friendship between Declan and Gabriel had a lot more depth than that of Declan and Killian. As a reader you can really feel the author put a lot of work and honestly it is my second favourite of the series (sorry the prequel is still number 1 for me).
I guess if I have to be picky all I’ll say is that the first part of this book I didn’t like the hot/cold, pushing her away bs. It was very unlike Gabriel. He is usually super flirtatious and not afraid to pursue Shyaree. So when he said a few cruel things to her in the beginning to make her hate him it felt very “Declan”. Almost like the author was trying to turn Gabriel into Declan 2.0 and it was very off putting. But thankfully it didn’t last long and Gabriel remains the witty charming fae mercenary we know and love from book 2.
Really enjoying this series but I have to say still no books have managed to top the Killian prequel for me.
I would really love to see previous characters (Killian in particular) have more of an actual role in the plot besides the prequel. Like a CL Wilson’s Tairen Soul type of story telling where the side characters really play an important role.
And also I must say the female friendships are very much lacking in this series. I’d like to see more of Evie, Mailin, and Shyaree kick ass together rather than just spend all day at the infirmary lol
From the ending of this book it sounds like the next book will focus on Zion. I can’t wait!
I loved that at the end the author said she really struggled writing that story and had to start from scratch. I really believe the hard work really shows because this book is far superior to book 1&2 in terms of plot and character development. For me anyway.
It was not stagnant the way the two previous books had been. The pace in this one just kept going. It was perfect. It was absolutely packed with action and adventure.
Even the romance and sex scenes were better.
I also much preferred the chemistry between Shyaree and Gabe to the one between Evie and Declan.
And also the progression of the romance and also other friendships was great.
I find in this book the friendship between Declan and Gabriel had a lot more depth than that of Declan and Killian. As a reader you can really feel the author put a lot of work and honestly it is my second favourite of the series (sorry the prequel is still number 1 for me).
I guess if I have to be picky all I’ll say is that the first part of this book I didn’t like the hot/cold, pushing her away bs. It was very unlike Gabriel. He is usually super flirtatious and not afraid to pursue Shyaree. So when he said a few cruel things to her in the beginning to make her hate him it felt very “Declan”. Almost like the author was trying to turn Gabriel into Declan 2.0 and it was very off putting. But thankfully it didn’t last long and Gabriel remains the witty charming fae mercenary we know and love from book 2.
Really enjoying this series but I have to say still no books have managed to top the Killian prequel for me.
I would really love to see previous characters (Killian in particular) have more of an actual role in the plot besides the prequel. Like a CL Wilson’s Tairen Soul type of story telling where the side characters really play an important role.
And also I must say the female friendships are very much lacking in this series. I’d like to see more of Evie, Mailin, and Shyaree kick ass together rather than just spend all day at the infirmary lol
From the ending of this book it sounds like the next book will focus on Zion. I can’t wait!
December 17, 2022
Mostly Spoiler-free. (No major details that's not already revealed in blurb).
If you like to read through potential trigger warnings, they are listed on Hollee's website.
This review is for the ARC copy.
~:~ For fans of being a 'good girl' ;) ~:~
Hollee does not let readers down with a romance, ever, and while I will forever remain partial to Declan and Evie, Gabriel surprised me!
This lovely character [Gabriel] had been one of my favorites from Little Fire and Winter Sun, and getting to learn more of his backstory (soul crushing as it was) only deepened what we had already learned of him in earlier series installments.
Shya, I knew was going to come in strong! And I love strong female characters who do so without having to rely on straight masculine qualities.
Both characters were dedicated to their end goals, and falling in love wasn't supposed to happen and the mixture of actions and passion was nothing short of brilliant and, at times heart wrenching. (You just want to reach into her world, and give people hugs.)
Hollee has a special talent to make me laugh and cry while I'm reading.
World wise, the story builds on what was established in earlier novels with a bigger delve into not only the Unseelie, but also touches on Seelie.
The Animati--the shifters--get a nice centerstage for a portion of this novel to let the reader dig even deeper into the cultures Hollee has created, but also a interesting dive into the history of the world itself.
Also, huge Declan fan, so, not spoiling anything, but the bromance in the book is so on point I smiled until my face hurts while reading.
Will definitely be reading more of this world! Love it!
If you like to read through potential trigger warnings, they are listed on Hollee's website.
This review is for the ARC copy.
~:~ For fans of being a 'good girl' ;) ~:~
Hollee does not let readers down with a romance, ever, and while I will forever remain partial to Declan and Evie, Gabriel surprised me!
This lovely character [Gabriel] had been one of my favorites from Little Fire and Winter Sun, and getting to learn more of his backstory (soul crushing as it was) only deepened what we had already learned of him in earlier series installments.
Shya, I knew was going to come in strong! And I love strong female characters who do so without having to rely on straight masculine qualities.
Both characters were dedicated to their end goals, and falling in love wasn't supposed to happen and the mixture of actions and passion was nothing short of brilliant and, at times heart wrenching. (You just want to reach into her world, and give people hugs.)
Hollee has a special talent to make me laugh and cry while I'm reading.
World wise, the story builds on what was established in earlier novels with a bigger delve into not only the Unseelie, but also touches on Seelie.
The Animati--the shifters--get a nice centerstage for a portion of this novel to let the reader dig even deeper into the cultures Hollee has created, but also a interesting dive into the history of the world itself.
Also, huge Declan fan, so, not spoiling anything, but the bromance in the book is so on point I smiled until my face hurts while reading.
Will definitely be reading more of this world! Love it!
December 20, 2022
Finally we get Gabriel’s story! I knew this one would be full of emotion and all the feels, and Hollee delivered above and beyond! This is legit an enemies to lovers trope, although they’re really only enemies because they fight their feelings for each other from the start…and boy do these two fight the pull between them! At times, I just wanted to reach into the book and shake them. But once they both give in…whoo boy do they give in! These characters were so well written with real and relatable flaws and emotional scars, and it just made them love each other and fight for each other more fiercely. I enjoyed the small scenes with Declan and Evie, as well as the introduction of some new side characters. This book has such amazing world building, and the magic system is superbly done. I cannot wait for the next in this series!
July 12, 2024
I just can’t. Why does the FC have to be so damn ANGRY. It’s exhausting to listen to when the Mac is deliberately calm. I don’t like when authors do this.
Women = bad, emotional, can’t be rational.
Men = calm, level headed, able to make clear decisions.
That’s what I get when authors do this. So I ask: why? What’s the point? Especially when the authors who do this are typically women. It’s makes it “men writing as women” vibes and another form of the typical pick me marysue characters - how a 16 year old would act to get the guy they like for the weeks attention.
On top of that, you get the old miscommunication trope, along with the FC being a v I r g I n.
Nah, DNF. 45%
Women = bad, emotional, can’t be rational.
Men = calm, level headed, able to make clear decisions.
That’s what I get when authors do this. So I ask: why? What’s the point? Especially when the authors who do this are typically women. It’s makes it “men writing as women” vibes and another form of the typical pick me marysue characters - how a 16 year old would act to get the guy they like for the weeks attention.
On top of that, you get the old miscommunication trope, along with the FC being a v I r g I n.
Nah, DNF. 45%
December 19, 2022
I just love this series!
I was super excited to get my hands and eyes on Gabriel's and Shyaree's story and I don't know which of the two I love more: the arrogant Fae assassin who might or might not be afraid of water, or the Changeless and non-speaking Animati woman who's got quite something to say.
The author takes us into another of her five realms, and we get an adventurous exploration while Shya and Gabe fall in love (with some great banter).
This book is exciting, romantic, sexy, funny and everything else you wish for.
And one of the things I love the most about this author is that you find a small (or big) surprise every other page.
Perfect mixture of romance and fantasy. 💕
... can't wait for the next book!
I was super excited to get my hands and eyes on Gabriel's and Shyaree's story and I don't know which of the two I love more: the arrogant Fae assassin who might or might not be afraid of water, or the Changeless and non-speaking Animati woman who's got quite something to say.
The author takes us into another of her five realms, and we get an adventurous exploration while Shya and Gabe fall in love (with some great banter).
This book is exciting, romantic, sexy, funny and everything else you wish for.
And one of the things I love the most about this author is that you find a small (or big) surprise every other page.
Perfect mixture of romance and fantasy. 💕
... can't wait for the next book!
December 2, 2023
I jumped into this series starting with this book, because I was intrigued with the plight of the MC’s. While I was confused by some aspects of the plot, I still enjoyed this book. I was looking for angst and I found some in this story. This book had fascinating world building and I may read more.
March 23, 2023
great for Sarah J Maas hangover
Love love love this series!!! Top fantasy romance author!!! Love this story as much as Little Fire!!! Highly recommend! Bye.
Love love love this series!!! Top fantasy romance author!!! Love this story as much as Little Fire!!! Highly recommend! Bye.
December 28, 2022
3.0 stars
April 5, 2025
2.5/5
I wanted to love this, but it was hard to get through.
I wanted to love this, but it was hard to get through.
January 6, 2023
I’m only writing this review as a summary so that when the next book comes out and I’ve forgotten everything that happened, I can read this instead of rereading the whole book.
Shyaree has been returned to her panther shifter clan, where her brother is sick. She is in the midst of an unfortunate forced arranged marriage when Gabriel portals in to snatch her. He needs her to fulfill a ceremony which will save himself and his sister. What he doesn’t tell her is this ceremony will kill her.
In exchange for her cooperation he agrees to help her track down the ingredients that will save her brother. They depart on this adventure, full of monsters, rock spiders, and plenty of “who did this to you?” Moments.
We learn that Shyaree can’t shift because if she does she could have lethal venom. Through the story she learns how to shift safely and has two forms - panther and serpent.
During the ceremony at the last minute Gabriel changes his mind and saves Shyaree. Turns out his sister Io was cunning and was trying to be queen. She killed the king and kept Zion as a prisoner. Now she has both magical daggers
Zephyr is the former Unseelie king who is being kept alive because of a horcrux-like phenomenon where he put part of his soul in 5 other people. One is Gabriel, who separated from him. One is the dead king, one is Io and one is Zion. Can’t remember the 5th.
Gabriel found some fae survivors in the human realm. I’m sure this will come into play.
Shyaree has been returned to her panther shifter clan, where her brother is sick. She is in the midst of an unfortunate forced arranged marriage when Gabriel portals in to snatch her. He needs her to fulfill a ceremony which will save himself and his sister. What he doesn’t tell her is this ceremony will kill her.
In exchange for her cooperation he agrees to help her track down the ingredients that will save her brother. They depart on this adventure, full of monsters, rock spiders, and plenty of “who did this to you?” Moments.
We learn that Shyaree can’t shift because if she does she could have lethal venom. Through the story she learns how to shift safely and has two forms - panther and serpent.
During the ceremony at the last minute Gabriel changes his mind and saves Shyaree. Turns out his sister Io was cunning and was trying to be queen. She killed the king and kept Zion as a prisoner. Now she has both magical daggers
Zephyr is the former Unseelie king who is being kept alive because of a horcrux-like phenomenon where he put part of his soul in 5 other people. One is Gabriel, who separated from him. One is the dead king, one is Io and one is Zion. Can’t remember the 5th.
Gabriel found some fae survivors in the human realm. I’m sure this will come into play.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2023
I wanted more. I was excited for Gabe’s and Shyaree’s story but I just felt it lacked.
January 28, 2023
I'm so sad to say that this book was only 2 stars for me! I absolutely loved the first few books in this series and Declan is a forever book boyfriend. However, I NEVER got to the point where I liked Gabriel. Which is a big bummer because he was a very intriguing character in the other books. This book was too long for me and had too many adventures that were similar in nature. There were several underground fights with cragaliths throughout the book. Then there was another big fight scene at the end with different foes. It also bothered me that Gabriel continually got injured in every.single.battle. In addition to that there were a couple points in the story when the characters jump to a new location and situation and I had a hard time keeping track. Is this fever dream? Were we 3 days in the future from the last scene? The chronological flow was off for me. I slogged through the last half of the book and struggled to finish it.
December 22, 2022
4- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I hated you, wildcat...From the very first moment I laid eyes on you...because you made me want...with such intensity that it frightened me."
Blood Song is the third novel in the high fantasy romance series, Warriors of the Five Realms. In this novel we follow the characters of assassin Gabriel and animati (shifter) Shyaree who we me in the previous book. In this story, though, Gabriel is forced onto a hunt for a prophesied blood sacrifice who is the key to his freedom and those he loves...but he soon discovers this sacrifice is the enchanting wild cat who's secrets drew him in over a year ago. Shyaree, meanwhile, is desperately seeking a way to save her brother from a curse before she is suddenly captured by the devilish assassin who drove her crazy during their time together. When they are together the tensions rise as duty and heart fight for supremacy...
Gabriel really embraces the brooding morally grey hero. He carries a lot of guilt on his soldier and struggles to find his way yet hides it all behind a reckless and charming exterior. Knowing his backstory adds so much to his character and I loved seeing more of it unfold. Shyaree is an absolute delight to read - she is fierce and strong. She takes on so much responsibility and doesn't let her inability to speak as a barrier to speak her mind. Watching them find each other and fall was such a reward when you see their journey. The banter was a delight!
In terms of spice, this book does contain explicit scenes. It is a slow burn so you'll see it around the 60% mark. I will say the spice is nicely blended into the story and I thought a good marker in their relationship. I would put it around 🌶️🌶️ out of 5.
He was a scorching star on a moonless night and everywhere he touched, her blood ignited like oil to flame. She had never been so eager to burn.
The overall plot and story was a little slow to start. It took me a bit to really get into it but once the slow burn really began and we started to see the attraction blossom and I really enjoyed it - which was about 25-30% in. The story is a little typical but I find the character and world added nuance to it that made it fresh and fun. The smaller subplots revolving around Shyaree's shifting added some twists I enjoyed and seeing the little cameos of previous characters provided easter eggs I grinned gleefully at. The writing and story was easy to follow but I did struggle to get a sense of the world - I couldn't really gather it in my mind. The ending was really good and played into the set up of the story really well and I loved the two epilogues - once to finish off these character's journey and the other to tempt us for the future.
Overall, I had a lot of fun watching Gabriel and Shyaree move through their baggage and to realize what was truly important in the end. If you love a fantasy world with unique characters, angsty storylines, and slow burn spice this is definitely a book to check out!
Available on KU!
"I hated you, wildcat...From the very first moment I laid eyes on you...because you made me want...with such intensity that it frightened me."
Blood Song is the third novel in the high fantasy romance series, Warriors of the Five Realms. In this novel we follow the characters of assassin Gabriel and animati (shifter) Shyaree who we me in the previous book. In this story, though, Gabriel is forced onto a hunt for a prophesied blood sacrifice who is the key to his freedom and those he loves...but he soon discovers this sacrifice is the enchanting wild cat who's secrets drew him in over a year ago. Shyaree, meanwhile, is desperately seeking a way to save her brother from a curse before she is suddenly captured by the devilish assassin who drove her crazy during their time together. When they are together the tensions rise as duty and heart fight for supremacy...
Gabriel really embraces the brooding morally grey hero. He carries a lot of guilt on his soldier and struggles to find his way yet hides it all behind a reckless and charming exterior. Knowing his backstory adds so much to his character and I loved seeing more of it unfold. Shyaree is an absolute delight to read - she is fierce and strong. She takes on so much responsibility and doesn't let her inability to speak as a barrier to speak her mind. Watching them find each other and fall was such a reward when you see their journey. The banter was a delight!
In terms of spice, this book does contain explicit scenes. It is a slow burn so you'll see it around the 60% mark. I will say the spice is nicely blended into the story and I thought a good marker in their relationship. I would put it around 🌶️🌶️ out of 5.
He was a scorching star on a moonless night and everywhere he touched, her blood ignited like oil to flame. She had never been so eager to burn.
The overall plot and story was a little slow to start. It took me a bit to really get into it but once the slow burn really began and we started to see the attraction blossom and I really enjoyed it - which was about 25-30% in. The story is a little typical but I find the character and world added nuance to it that made it fresh and fun. The smaller subplots revolving around Shyaree's shifting added some twists I enjoyed and seeing the little cameos of previous characters provided easter eggs I grinned gleefully at. The writing and story was easy to follow but I did struggle to get a sense of the world - I couldn't really gather it in my mind. The ending was really good and played into the set up of the story really well and I loved the two epilogues - once to finish off these character's journey and the other to tempt us for the future.
Overall, I had a lot of fun watching Gabriel and Shyaree move through their baggage and to realize what was truly important in the end. If you love a fantasy world with unique characters, angsty storylines, and slow burn spice this is definitely a book to check out!
Available on KU!
December 23, 2022
Blood Song is an incredibly fantastical and wickedly exquisite journey of two jagged hearts that find something wholly unexpected and marvelously precious. This journey is not one for the faint of heart, and it is anything but easy. In fact, it is a lethal adventure that is sure to inspire nightmares and fuel fantasies. You can be sure to expect that you will be forever transformed, and you can only hope that at the end of the path you will find some amount of happiness and wonder.
Gabriel Blacksage finds himself in an impossible situation between his loyalty to family and his devotion to his heart. His life has been one dark nightmare after another, but when he finally finds some comforting moments of light and Heaven, he is forced to extinguish them for the sake of another. Shyaree doesn't seem to be able to catch a break. First, her brother falls to a deadly curse, and then she is forced to take a mate who cares nothing for her. When she can take no more, she must decide not only where her loyalty lies but where her very heart resides if she is is save what it left of her life. Can Gabriel and Shyaree find some measure of happiness in a life driven to decimate every shred of anything between them, or will Fate gleefully destroy everything that these two ever hope to build?
Shyaree always felt that Gabriel hated and abhorred her. He disapproved and frowned upon everything she said and did. Knowing there was nothing she could do, she just ignored him and went on with her life. Until the day that Gabriel flipped her world upside down. When he showed her what he really thought of her, it unfroze her heart and obliterated her indestructible defenses. She was lost to him and knew they would never be the same again. The problem was figuring out how to build a life the way they wanted together. They would both need to fight harder then they ever have before. Between these two fierce warriors, surely they could figure out the impossible and make it happen.
Hollee Mands has proven that she can not only imagine a deadly and glorious new world, but that she can also imbue it with all the passion, hope, loyalty, and love that will make it impossible to ignore and even harder not to fall in love with. I am in awe of her marvelous talent and her endless creativity in how she continues to breathe remarkable life and heart into each of her extraordinary characters Nothing will stop me from anticipating her next wonderful masterpiece in this already outstanding series! Whatever you do, do not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Gabriel Blacksage finds himself in an impossible situation between his loyalty to family and his devotion to his heart. His life has been one dark nightmare after another, but when he finally finds some comforting moments of light and Heaven, he is forced to extinguish them for the sake of another. Shyaree doesn't seem to be able to catch a break. First, her brother falls to a deadly curse, and then she is forced to take a mate who cares nothing for her. When she can take no more, she must decide not only where her loyalty lies but where her very heart resides if she is is save what it left of her life. Can Gabriel and Shyaree find some measure of happiness in a life driven to decimate every shred of anything between them, or will Fate gleefully destroy everything that these two ever hope to build?
Shyaree always felt that Gabriel hated and abhorred her. He disapproved and frowned upon everything she said and did. Knowing there was nothing she could do, she just ignored him and went on with her life. Until the day that Gabriel flipped her world upside down. When he showed her what he really thought of her, it unfroze her heart and obliterated her indestructible defenses. She was lost to him and knew they would never be the same again. The problem was figuring out how to build a life the way they wanted together. They would both need to fight harder then they ever have before. Between these two fierce warriors, surely they could figure out the impossible and make it happen.
Hollee Mands has proven that she can not only imagine a deadly and glorious new world, but that she can also imbue it with all the passion, hope, loyalty, and love that will make it impossible to ignore and even harder not to fall in love with. I am in awe of her marvelous talent and her endless creativity in how she continues to breathe remarkable life and heart into each of her extraordinary characters Nothing will stop me from anticipating her next wonderful masterpiece in this already outstanding series! Whatever you do, do not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
December 24, 2022
.𝑶𝑩𝑺𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑬𝑫.
It’s the only way to describe how I feel about the 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 series.
This series is so under-hyped! If you like intense world building, alpha warrior men, Fae/magic, and Romantasy you should definitely check these out! The review below is for book 3, 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈. I highly recommend starting with either the prequel, Lullaby Scars, or book one, Little Fire.
“𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙤𝙤, 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙩.”
“𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤, 𝙂𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚,”
I’m not normally a nickname gal, but the ones Gabriel and Shyaree chose for each other had me swooning. I simply loved the banter back and forth between these two. Shyaree is voiceless, which means she primarily uses sign language to communicate and although that sounds like it would be difficult to read in a book, this author did fantastic. The language used to communicate this style and the back and forth with the two characters was seamless. I was amazed I was reading a voiceless character so easily. The touch her and die vibes were 🔥! Two people motivated by family and loyalty willing to sacrifice anything for their siblings at the expense of themselves. This was an incredible installment in the the Warriors of the Five Realms series and a must-read for any adult fantasy romance reader!
“𝙃𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡. 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙎𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚. 𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙, 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣.”
5⭐️│1.5🌶
Check author’s website for trigger warnings.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
It’s the only way to describe how I feel about the 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 series.
This series is so under-hyped! If you like intense world building, alpha warrior men, Fae/magic, and Romantasy you should definitely check these out! The review below is for book 3, 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈. I highly recommend starting with either the prequel, Lullaby Scars, or book one, Little Fire.
“𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙤𝙤, 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙩.”
“𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤, 𝙂𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚,”
I’m not normally a nickname gal, but the ones Gabriel and Shyaree chose for each other had me swooning. I simply loved the banter back and forth between these two. Shyaree is voiceless, which means she primarily uses sign language to communicate and although that sounds like it would be difficult to read in a book, this author did fantastic. The language used to communicate this style and the back and forth with the two characters was seamless. I was amazed I was reading a voiceless character so easily. The touch her and die vibes were 🔥! Two people motivated by family and loyalty willing to sacrifice anything for their siblings at the expense of themselves. This was an incredible installment in the the Warriors of the Five Realms series and a must-read for any adult fantasy romance reader!
“𝙃𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡. 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙎𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚. 𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙, 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣.”
5⭐️│1.5🌶
Check author’s website for trigger warnings.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2023
This drove me to make a new shelf:
"Books like mine."
I hardly have any memory of the first two books in this series. I'll definitely have to give them a reread, but Mands did a good enough job reestablishing the world and magic system to where I didn't feel entirely lost.
Gabriel is an assassin with a dark past and unseelie magic. He is cold, methodical, uncaring, and determined to right a wrong that haunts him.
Shyaree is passionate, loving, quick witted and anathema to a people she wants nothing more than to be a part of. She wants to help her only remaining family member to find happiness and will do just about anything to see he gets it, even help Gabriel with a dubious task.
Gabriel is a lot like my main character Raven. Actually, I think Gabriel is who my betas wish Raven was. He's much sweeter, kinder, softer, which made his...
🤔
*slight spoiler*
🤫
Betrayal - harder for Shyaree to fathom. Shyaree is a slave to her beliefs, her culture, her trauma, and it made her a wonderful character to follow. She was discovering her strength along with the reader and coming into her own before our eyes.
The angst in this book was just at the right level to be enjoyable.
The peril was full throttle! I love actually being worried about what's going to happen next to our poor heroes.
The world building was fun, even though this has shifter elements to it, it didn't annoy me like other shifter books do. (It didn't turn into some creepy book about bestiality. 🤭)
I'll probably write a fuller review later and post it on my blog, but for now I'm just gonna sit here and endure my book hangover because wow, this read was much stronger than I thought it would be and I loved it!
"Books like mine."
I hardly have any memory of the first two books in this series. I'll definitely have to give them a reread, but Mands did a good enough job reestablishing the world and magic system to where I didn't feel entirely lost.
Gabriel is an assassin with a dark past and unseelie magic. He is cold, methodical, uncaring, and determined to right a wrong that haunts him.
Shyaree is passionate, loving, quick witted and anathema to a people she wants nothing more than to be a part of. She wants to help her only remaining family member to find happiness and will do just about anything to see he gets it, even help Gabriel with a dubious task.
Gabriel is a lot like my main character Raven. Actually, I think Gabriel is who my betas wish Raven was. He's much sweeter, kinder, softer, which made his...
🤔
*slight spoiler*
🤫
Betrayal - harder for Shyaree to fathom. Shyaree is a slave to her beliefs, her culture, her trauma, and it made her a wonderful character to follow. She was discovering her strength along with the reader and coming into her own before our eyes.
The angst in this book was just at the right level to be enjoyable.
The peril was full throttle! I love actually being worried about what's going to happen next to our poor heroes.
The world building was fun, even though this has shifter elements to it, it didn't annoy me like other shifter books do. (It didn't turn into some creepy book about bestiality. 🤭)
I'll probably write a fuller review later and post it on my blog, but for now I'm just gonna sit here and endure my book hangover because wow, this read was much stronger than I thought it would be and I loved it!
December 30, 2022
Blood Song by Hollee Mands is a stunning book that I refused to put down until I reached the final pages. Hollee’s writing as always is just absolutely gorgeous, everything flows perfectly and the story unfolds beautifully making you believe you’re right there in the middle walking side by side with the characters exploring the beautiful world the author has created.
The characters in this book are some of the strongest in the Warriors of the Five Realms series and I loved watching them overcome the obstacles in their way and grow even stronger throughout the story.
Gabriel Blacksage is such an amazing male character who quickly made it onto my list of favorite fictional men. He is absolutely everything I wanted for this story - sarcastic, a fae warrior ( that has fangs ), leader of a powerful guild, and most importantly fiercely protective of those he loves.
Now Shyaree . . . this women just might be the true meaning of a fierce female - she’s a Animati - a shifter that cannot shift into her animal form which makes her ridiculed by her tribe but doesn’t stop her from going on a near impossible quest in an attempt to save her ungrateful brother who is also the Primus of her tribe. Shyaree’s and Gabriel’s relationship was one of the most epic romances I’ve read all year and I loved every page of it.
Blood Song is an action packed romantic fantasy that should be added to everyones reading list and bookshelves immediately. I cannot fully express how much I loved this book and the stunningly written characters, and beautiful world inside the pages - I could easily pick it up an reread Gabriel & Shyaree’s adventure all over again.
The characters in this book are some of the strongest in the Warriors of the Five Realms series and I loved watching them overcome the obstacles in their way and grow even stronger throughout the story.
Gabriel Blacksage is such an amazing male character who quickly made it onto my list of favorite fictional men. He is absolutely everything I wanted for this story - sarcastic, a fae warrior ( that has fangs ), leader of a powerful guild, and most importantly fiercely protective of those he loves.
Now Shyaree . . . this women just might be the true meaning of a fierce female - she’s a Animati - a shifter that cannot shift into her animal form which makes her ridiculed by her tribe but doesn’t stop her from going on a near impossible quest in an attempt to save her ungrateful brother who is also the Primus of her tribe. Shyaree’s and Gabriel’s relationship was one of the most epic romances I’ve read all year and I loved every page of it.
Blood Song is an action packed romantic fantasy that should be added to everyones reading list and bookshelves immediately. I cannot fully express how much I loved this book and the stunningly written characters, and beautiful world inside the pages - I could easily pick it up an reread Gabriel & Shyaree’s adventure all over again.
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