Genre: YA Fantasy / Paranormal
Release Date: April 5, 2022
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Pages: 336
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SYNOPSIS
Belle Morte is one of the houses where vampires reside since coming out to the world about their existence.
Now they are treated like celebrities, and people sign up to become living blood donors while living a life of luxury in the house.
Unlike all the other donors who see vampires like gods, Renie came to Belle Morte for one reason only: to find out what happened to her sister who has seemingly disappeared from Belle Morte.
She wants answers, but what she finds instead is a much larger scheme than she ever could have imagined.
After meeting vampire Edmond Dantes, a mortal enemy she feels inexorably pulled towards, her fate has begun to change.
And Renie may never leave Belle Morte.
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐Plot:
For me this was a fun, fast read. This story wasn’t anything dramatically new for this genre, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
The premise laid out in the first chapters hooked me into the mystery of it all. The pacing of the story’s events and revelations kept me turning the pages, even if it was generally predictable.
I liked seeing the story happen from the two points-of-view and would love to see even more from Edmond’s perspective in the future. Although, I do wish his parts were in first person as well, the shifting into third is awkward.
The ending sets up really well for the next book in the series and I will definitely be anxiously awaiting to see how the cliffhanger plays out.
⭐⭐⭐⭐Characters:
Were they cliché, yes. Did it make me excited about them any less because of it, definitely not. I found Renie’s rebellious, outcast nature to be super relatable.
And how could I not love the stereotypical bad boy with a good heart? Edmond is alluring and seductive.
The romance between them is sweet and spicy.
Even the side characters, Renie’s friends, are endearing in their own ways. I liked the characters enough to want to see more of their development.
⭐⭐World-building:
One thing about this story that I found unique and very interesting to read about was Edmond’s backstory.
I haven’t read many vampire stories that delved as deeply into the historical aspects of the vampire’s life experiences. The retelling of his life over the hundreds of years was captivating to me as much as it was to Renie and I would love to hear more about it.
I enjoyed the lore built around the vampires, as well as learning the political and societal aspects and rules needed for them to fit in.
Although I understand the story itself only takes place in one location, I would’ve like more than just the three or four rooms it seemed stuck in. It lacked an atmosphere to draw me in.
Overall I think this book is an exciting, light read. There isn’t much else for me to say about this one. It’s exactly as I expected it to be and didn’t disappoint.
If you are looking for something new and profound, this isn’t it. But if the vampire sub-genre and all its typical tropes are your guilty pleasure, than this is one you will enjoy as much as I did.
Recommended for readers who love:
- vampire anything
- a feisty, outcast heroine
- the dangerous, mysterious, but secretly soft love interest
- a fast, fun read
Thank you to Netgalley and Wattpad Books for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
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