Blood is how it all began, and only by blood can it end. Chaos has reigned in Zendar for years since the rise of the seven Bloodlines. The Liege Aleron Corvinus ruthlessly seeks revenge for the mistreatment of his ancestors. His ambitions will only be sated when he claims the world under his family’s name; he will only stop when all of Zendar is his and the other six Bloodlines pay their weight in blood.
Azel Undel was born into this world of blood and sand. She is of a dying Bloodline, a feared one, but most coveted. Promised, in exchange for money, to a man she had never known; Azel travels across Zendar. Her ship is attacked and she alone survives, setting the wheels of fate in motion. She did not expect to become her enemy’s captive or that he would demand her submission to him.
Loyalties are tested, secrets are uncovered, and Azel will have to make a choice: remain loyal to her family and everything she ever stood for or be loyal to her own heart.
3.5
TW: Dubcon, Rape
How can you not love a book that starts with:
“Blood is how it all began, and only by blood can it end.”
This book was a great read. The world-building is fantastic, and the MC Azl is an awesome character, tough, persistent, and fleshed out.
This book has intrigue, mystery, action, drama, and magic, so there is a little here for everyone to enjoy.
The plot was fast-paced and left the reader wondering what would happen next.
I had a small issue with the harem and concubines and felt like these were not as explored as they could have been and maybe culturally insensitive. I also felt the relationship between Azl and Aleron felt a little forced at time.
The book has several unforeseen twists and the prose is quite beautiful.
I would be interested in reading more from this author.