Blood Feast: A Fantasy Romance (Blood Grace) Paperback – June 20, 2024

So... I reread the entire series in less than 5 days, the week before finals week. And honestly? I regret nothing.It took me a few days to fully comprehend all that went down in this book, but now that I have....First of all, SO HAPPY for Cassia. I know she struggles a lot in the book particularly, but she's officially and forever Hesperine!!! I was completely shocked by Orthros for once. I was NOT AT ALL expecting Cassia's first few months as a Hesperine to be like this. (and neither did Lio, poor guy) Love Mak and my baby Lyros forever and always, but they were so frustrating in this book! I just so deeply wanted everyone to "be friends again" because the interpersonal conflicts seem so... un-Hesperine. I suppose this is due to our perspective change? We have so much more information now that Cassia is no longer human, but she is still learning to understand the Blood Union and getting to know her family for who they truly are.Second of all, OKAY SOLIA LOVE TRIANGLE. Not here for it, tbh. I am firmly team Monsoon, even though I feel for our lonely prince. I know the girls love a prince vs prince battle (also... why should Solia have to choose if it is true?? but that's neither here nor there) but I can't accept that when it comes to my beloved Hesperines.As for that twist? I mean the one about a certain King... f*ck Kallikrates and his fangirl nature. Sir, please grow up and stop lusting after people and power that don't want you and wasn't made for you. No remorse for that one girl, I understand why Lio and Cassia feel for her, but I am not a forgiving person.The other twist? I hate it. It could be worse, I know. But my baby Lio deserves better. I figure this might be necessary for his growth, but for now (in my imagination of course because we're forever away from the next book) I can see him blaming himself and Cassia blaming herself for his condition.Anywhooo... Thank you to Vela for creating such a safe and warm space. Reading these books, these characters, their relationships (special shoutout to Zoe and the Lion of Orthros), is healing and feels like home. I love every minute of the highs and lows, though I'm sure my friends are tired of hearing about me crying, screaming, and throwing up over the same 7 (now 8) books over and over again.Those are all my thoughts for now, time to write more final essays... and convince all my friends to read this series so I can rant more.

Vela Roth has done it again! This book is truly captivating and consuming! Book 8 starts quickly with the most action out of all of the books! Many of the lingering questions from the last 7 books are answered, and we really start to get a better understanding of the deeper conspiracy Killikrates has been masterminding…but with every question answered, another one is left in its place. YES! This book has everything that a traditional romance reader would want. SCORCHING hot spicy scenes, an avowal, and tons of romantic moments between Lio and Cassia. BUT this book is so much more than that. It is a beautiful blend of classic fantasy world building, romance, and conspiracy. Blood Feast is full of many heavy and complicated feelings, but especially focuses on the idea of not living up to the expectations we believe our loved ones have of us. Vela Roth also explores the moral responsibilities we all have when we have the power to change our society and ourselves. We get to see all of our favorite heroes fall apart and come together under the stress and trauma of war, all while being hunted down in a revenge plot that left my head spinning. We really see the questioning of Hesperine morals, and law in this book as the Black Roses evaluate if it is more important to uphold the spirit of the law or the letter of the law. Lio and Cassia along with every other Hesperine has to decide where their morals, and goddess will lead them at this moment in history.Without giving away too much more of the story, know that there are plenty of friends and places from Cassia and Lio’s past that make a reappearance. Friendships are rekindled, and enemies are confronted. Along the way there is plenty of tragedy and devastation- so please have your tissues ready! This book was an emotional roller coaster. The ending is both beautiful and heartbreaking and will leave you wondering- what are you willing to sacrifice to fulfill your promises? What are you willing to endure in pursuit of what you believe is right? This book has you questioning your heart and holds a mirror up to all of us as we watch our own society struggle with these same questions. The hardest question this book asks our heroes, and really asks us all is this: are your morals and actions in line with each other? This fantasy romance meets the philosophical questions that plague us all- Human and Hesperine alike. Who are you when you are scared? Does your fear define you or push you to be stronger and overcome?I am already counting down the days until book 9 gets here. If you can't tell, I am HOOKED and can't wait to see more of the world Vela Roth has so painstakingly created.

For some reason I thought this was going to be the last one in the series. But alas, it’s not. The tale will continue.Like most of the other books in the series, I have mixed feelings. Overall, this was a decent continuation. I’m sure I’ll read the next one.

Wow. Anytime I think Vela can't whip out anymore surprises, after 8 books and a prequel she's still doing it. I was honored to receive an ARC copy and oh Goddess did I devour this book.This addition to the series came with the same classic, addictive high fantasy and all the magic that comes along with it. Sweet romance between couples and moments of "will they/won't they" for those we WISH would just get over themselves and be couples already. Old allies (and enemies) come back to say hello and some decide to make themselves everyone's problem.But the best, masterfully crafted part of this story for me was the tension. It was non-stop, beginning with the subtle feeling of dread that built up slowly until I was fighting tears at every turn of the page.With the stakes getting higher and the enemies getting more dangerous, even strong-willed relationships are tested. Graces and family and friendships alike. No one is quite safe in Blood Feast.This book is packed with action and danger as much as it is heartfelt moments and deliciously new ways to have a good fang-bang between battles 🌹🤭👀And the plot has certainly been plotted! Major reveals and twists in the story to keep you hanging on until the very last word. Vela played her hand and had us heretics eating out of it the whole time. It will be a long, agonizing wait until book 9.🌹🌹🌹