In Jenna Wolfhart's Bad Blood (Thirteen Crowns), Selene, the last Titan queen, faces a deadly game of survival. Bound by treaty to attend the Olympians' annual blood ceremony, she finds herself trapped on a remote island as the vampire monarchs begin to die mysteriously. Accusations fly, and escape is impossible. Adding to her plight, Selene finds herself drawn to Ares, the bloodthirsty king who previously attempted to kill her. This thrilling vampire romantasy, loosely based on Greek myths, blends duty, desire, and destruction as Selene navigates political intrigue, deadly enemies, and a forbidden romance, fighting for her kingdom and her heart against a backdrop of betrayal and simmering passion.
Review Bad Blood
Oh my gosh, Bad Blood! Let me tell you, this book was a wild ride from start to finish. Jenna Wolfhart has done it again – she’s crafted another captivating world that’s both familiar and utterly unique. The blend of Greek mythology and vampires? Genius! I’ve always been a sucker for stories about the gods and goddesses, and this twist on the mythology was so incredibly fresh and fun. It's dark, it’s dramatic, and it’s deliciously intriguing.
The world-building is fantastic, not overwhelming at all despite the large cast of characters. Wolfhart expertly balances the introduction of new elements with the ongoing plot, ensuring the story never feels bogged down in exposition. I particularly appreciated the dual POV, primarily focusing on Selene but giving us valuable insights into Ares’s mind as well. Those few chapters from the mysterious, unnamed POV? chef’s kiss – The reveal was perfectly timed and added a whole new layer of suspense.
Speaking of suspense, this book is a masterclass in building tension. The slow burn romance between Selene and Ares is agonizingly delicious. Seriously, the level of simmering animosity and unspoken desire had me practically vibrating with anticipation. This wasn’t some insta-love trope; this was a slow, deliberate build of connection forged in the fires of hatred and mutual respect. And while the spice is definitely there, it’s not the main focus; the slow burn actually enhances the emotional impact of their relationship. The pacing kept me completely hooked, always throwing in twists and turns to keep me guessing and frantically flipping pages. I was constantly on the edge of my seat!
Selene is a fantastic character. She's strong, determined, and fiercely loyal to her people, even when faced with insurmountable odds. She’s flawed, relatable, and absolutely captivating. Ares, on the other hand, is the perfect brooding anti-hero. His internal conflict, his struggles with his loyalty to Zeus, and his undeniable attraction to Selene create a fascinating character arc that left me wanting more. Both characters were incredibly well-developed, with their motivations and backstories carefully woven into the narrative.
The plot itself is a whirlwind of mystery, betrayal, and political intrigue. The constant hints and references to yet-unrevealed plot points kept me constantly speculating and eagerly anticipating the next piece of the puzzle. I admit, at times the sheer number of unanswered questions felt a little frustrating, but it only amplified my desire to devour the next book in the series. The ending? A total cliffhanger, of course! And even with the epilogue's little surprise twist, prompting a delighted "Oh, I'd completely forgotten about that!", it was a perfect setup for the next installment. Overall, Bad Blood is a fantastic read, a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and mythology, that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a thrilling page-turner. I eagerly await the next book!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 1.12 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 448
- Publication date: 2024
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