About the Book:
Title: Blood Price
Author: Vela Roth
Series: Blood Grace 0.5
Publication Date: June 22, 2022
Publisher: Five Thorns Press
Synopsis: An ancient feud. A forbidden love. A bargain with the darkest magic…
Lady Maerea has lost everything to her forefathers’ feud, and now it falls to her to stop the bloodshed. When the enemy storms the castle gates, he makes promises, not demands. Lord Alcaeus tempts her in ways she never imagined, but surrender would be the ultimate betrayal of her family.
Alcaeus doesn’t care about winning the war, but he would do everything to win Maerea’s heart. He secures her hand in a marriage alliance that could lead to a lifetime of passion. But her brother’s retribution is swift. Alcaeus’s only hope is to become humans’ worst fear: a Hesperine, a fanged immortal with a taste for blood.
Will his new power save Maerea – and can she love the monster he’s become?
This steamy fated mates romance with an HEA is a standalone novel and prequel to the epic Blood Grace series.
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My Review:
The prequel follows different characters than the rest of the series, and I was unsure how I would feel about it. I love Lio and Cassia, but Maerea and Alcaeus are just as compelling, and their romance is super swoon-worthy!
The strengths of the story lie in the character development and world-building. Though this story is shorter than the others, it is still incredibly layered, and the author continues to build an immersive setting and dynamic characters. Maerea and Alcaeus (love them both!!!) wish for peace and want a different future for themselves and their people. Unfortunately, they stand alone in their desires. They are both so good and honorable, and they are bright spots in a dark situation. I like that the story is told mostly from both of their perspectives, as you really understand the depth of their feelings toward each other as well as their motivations and opinions on everything that happens in the story. You also get to see how much they grow over the course of the story. They learn so much about themselves, each other, and the world around them, and the messages about tradition, prejudice, religion, and more are explored from their perspectives.
Of course, my favorite part of the story is the romance! Maerea and Alcaeus have the most epic love story!!! In some ways, it is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet (without the tragic deaths lol). With families as sworn enemies, murders on both sides, a brother seeking vengeance, and so many insurmountable odds against them, their romance stands in stark contrast to the brutality and violence that surrounds them. However, this couple fights so hard to be together, and their love story is pure, true, and so romantic!
The secondary characters are also well-developed, especially the ones who aid Maerea and Alcaeus in their journey. Minor characters from the main story have larger roles in this prequel, and I enjoyed learning more about them and their history. It was so interesting to see how they were brought together with Maerea and Alcaeus and how they connect to the main characters in the rest of the series.
Blood Price is a brilliant prequel to the Blood Grace series. I loved the romance and the characters as well as how it ties into the rest of the series. I would definitely recommend the book to readers who like romantasy, and I’m thankful to Vela Roth for providing me with a copy of it.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- THE ROMANCE!!!!!
- The world-building.
- The characters
Favorite Lines:
He couldn’t find his own torch if it burned his ass.
When lives are at stake, independence can be selfish, and cooperation can avert catastrophe.
Great review!
Thank you!