Book: When Blood Runs Red by Patricia Prior
Reviewed by Michele (spicysithreads)
Rating: 5/5
Thank you to the author and to Torchlit Ink for the gifted copy!
This dark fantasy had me hooked from the beginning!
Set in the wild, dangerous world of Eclipsera—where blood holds real power and politics can be just as deadly as magic—this story follows Aria Ellis as she tries to make sense of her parents’ mysterious deaths. What starts as simple grief and a need for answers slowly pulls her into something much darker, full of old blood magic, corruption, betrayal, and secrets that go way deeper than she ever expected.
The writing was very descriptive and flowery at times, but I loved it! The pacing was a little slow for me, and I did get a little lost in the science at some point - but I pushed through it and I'm so glad I did!
The characters are all amazing - and I hate AND love them! Dom and Rowe both give me kinda Twilght Jacob/Edward vibes almost. And Luna - oh dear haha. Aria’s a layered character. She’s spent her whole life being shaped for a purpose—maybe even longer than she’s aware of. The only real way she pushes back is through her complicated, messy connection with Dom. They are very well written!
This was a wild ride, but I was into it! The spice was spicin' - so just be aware of that! I will be here eagerly awaiting the next book!
Tropes:
Dark Fantasy
Forbidden love
Morally Grey characters
Unique Magic System
Touch her and die vibes
Rivalry
4/5 stars
3/5 spice