Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review! this was definitely a hard one to get through. Muslims and vampires are sure quite an insane combination that u cannot put in the same sentence... and it pissed me off so bad i did not like the representation in this one, it was not executed well whatsoever, first half felt so dragged i almost dnfed. i liked the characters they were interesting to read, there were a lot of good elements but the execution was just terrible.. see idk if the author is muslim or not but muslims certainly dont drink blood...

unfortunately, not for me

5 stars

I devoured this book, it was so much fun, and an original story while still touching on the popular tropes we see in romantasy. This book is a
dark fantasy which sits on the edge of dark romance without committing to dark romance tropes. Other than its dark themes, I believe it is marketed as YA.

The representation in this book was fantastic including Muslim MCs and a plus size MC. The book is a dual POV predominantly that follows two sisters, one abducted and one on a quest to get her back. The storyline has everything from court politics and intrigue, backstabbing and spying, hidden identity, forbidden love, and more all bundled up in a rich world inspired by the history and rise of the Ottoman Empire which adds so much depth to the story. Also as a prominent love triangle hater I was worried I would hate this book not realising that this had love triangles when starting. However this author threw me through a loop because I am INVESTED. I do not even know who I am rooting for anymore and I am desperate for the next book.

To top it all off this book does not just have you rooting for morally grey characters, but also straight up evil characters. The design and characterisation of the Vampir in this book are so good and so dark that you truly never know who is a friend and who is an enemy.

My only criticism of this book was that I felt like it was maybe a little slow in the first couple of chapters, however once it got going I didn't want to put it down. Those first few chapters were setting the scene and info dumping but as soon as the storyline starts going I did not care that it was a bit slow in those first 3 chapters.

Overall, I felt the story was original, fast-paced, and kept me gripped right until the end. I will be looking out for the next read with bated breath and will be looking into this author for anything else they have written.


Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book, I'm not a big fan of love triangles and there are two in this book, Yes you read that right two! one love triangle for each sister. So if you love a good love triangle you should read this. It did take me at least 40% before i really became invested in the story and my god did the last 35% pack a punch!

0 - 🌶
4 - ⭐️

Not my cup of tea, but it was an interesting story. Fans of “Stalking Jack the Ripper” and “Hunting Prince Dracula” (both by Kerri Maniscalo) will likely enjoy this book as well. It has a similar vibe to that series, but this book also has an element of family and the fierce bond between sisters.

Where do I start? This book series has incredible potential, with love triangles and forbidden romances that had me hooked. The pacing was sometimes fast, sometimes slow, and the beginning dragged a bit. But once it picked up halfway through, I couldn't put it down after I was around halfway done with it. The relationships, especially the sisterhood, were well-done and drove the plot effortlessly. Yara and Aylin's bond transcended distance. While Ilyas and Aylin's romance took a backseat to Yara's connections with the vampire brothers, the balance between perspectives was great. Overall, despite its flaws, I still enjoyed this book!

I hate that it took me so long to read this. I was instantly drawn in by the cover and it did not disappoint. Took a while to get into but by the end I was hooked!

This wasn't my favorite book. It started off okay, but then it just fell flat for me. It had interesting moments like the vampire court was nice but other than that; it was extremely flat, boring, and overdramatic for me.

This book has two things I love; vampires, and kidnapping trope. Add that to it being MMF? Sign me up. I've been long over due for a vampire book and it just rekindled my love for the supernatural romances. It does have a couple of possible triggers- canniblism, human trafficking, violence. But the writing was well done and it make it hard to put down. It was not a spicy read, but it didn't need it. I give the book 4 stars, definitely would recommend it to anyone who needs a vampire pallet cleanser.

Thank you to Northern Light Press and F. M. Aden for an arc copy of The Court of The Undead to review.

I’ve not read many vampire-themed books this year, which is not like me. I love a good vampiric story with clever intrigues and twists. But, the vampire market has felt a bit lacking in variety in 2023. The Court Of The Undead caught my eye with its unique angle on Netgalley, luring me to take the plunge. Basing the book during the Ottoman Empire and interweaving the history, culture, and politics of the time through the POVs of the characters and plot brought an intriguing fresh twist to the classic vampire legend.

The Court of the Undead is based on the classic gothic romance story style. Set in the historical backdrop of the Ottoman Empire and Venetian Principality. The premise focuses on humans being kidnapped for the use of a Vampire court ruled by Dracul for blood and vice, vampire court intrigues and politics, the battle between vampire hunters stalking creatures of the night, and the lengths a person will go to save their loved ones from danger.

The plot starts a little slow – there are a few odd chapters introducing characters and heavy world-building (a lot of telling elements) to wander through first. Around 20%, the story ramps up into fast action with political intrigue, menacing double-crossing, dark obsession love triangles, creepy intentions, and some eye-rising villainy. If you are a big Vampires Diary fan (like I was in my teens before the TV series), you will see influences and some Easter egg nods to L. J. Smith’s books and her characters Damon and Stefan.

Yara and Volkan seem to be the two characters who have solid character development within the story. They are growing and evolving as the plot points unfold. Yara gets swept up into vampire court life as she tries to manipulate parties to earn her freedom, becoming more ruthless and merciless on her path to darkness. Volkan is the reserve – his arrogant and dismissive attitude changes as he grows to care for Yara, she inspires him to be gentler and even tender with her, though he would still unlive anyone who harms her. I am hoping Ilyas and Aylin get more development in the second book, but I felt their whole purpose in the story was the discovery of Yara’s location and the vampire court. I’ll leave readers to make up their minds about Eldar, I’m in two minds on him as a character.

I am a little nervous that this book is listed as YA, it's very dark at points and more suited to an adult audience. Perhaps it's intended for a New Adult (18 +), but it needs trigger warnings for abuse, murder, and unhealthy relationships.

In the end, I thought this book was a solid 3.5 stars out of 5 read. Some of the writing could have been a little more refined at the start and middle of the story, but something is alluring about the plot that will keep you reading from reaching the vampire fortress. I think vampire lovers will find a story to sink their teeth into meeting Eldar and Volkan for the dark romance elements and morally grey cards.

I really liked that this was a story about the two sisters and the ways they each fought separately and differently. I was rooting for their reunion and was so upset when they were torn apart again. I think I favored one romance over the other but they were both done pretty well. I also enjoyed the vampire parts as well and was happy to see that in more of a darker way. The setting was well done but I thought the pacing of the book was a little off and made me not quite want to keep picking this up between reads.

Muslim and African main characters vampir romance enemies to livers
¿morally gray characters sibling bond
§ Dual POV
The story follows 2 sisters Yara who is described as curvy, beautiful and a beautiful voice, and Aylin who is described as tomboyish, hardheaded and wants to be a warrior.
Yara gets kidnapped and auctioned off to vampire brothers one with white hair and one with black hair. Did I mention they are twins...
Aylin is set on rescuing her sister and leaves with one of the Janissary llyas. She ends up going some hunters to help rescue her sister.
Such a great read with great characters and character development.
Yara and Aylin are left as 2 different people at the end of the book and I can't wait to read more about them.
Thank you NetGalley and Northern Lights Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this story

A fantastic Ottoman Empire fantasy steeped in vampire court politics that I read in only a few sittings. I truly cannot wait to see where the sequel takes these characters!

“I want to see my jewels on your throat when you sing for me. I want everyone to know that you belong to
the Demircis.
- Your Beloved”

This book really surprised me! This dark fantasy book is intoxicating, alluring, and exhilarating. This book follows two sisters Aylin and Yara. It also follows Volkan and Eldar, two vampire twins.
I love how much history the author inputs in the novel. It makes the story more believable. I really liked the character development especially Yara. She really came out of her shell and was more bold. I love Volkan! I am waiting for the shoe to drop on Eldar. I really enjoyed seeing a feast for the eyes for vampires. I strongly encourage people to read this novel!!! It left me wanting more!

Tropes-

Enemies to Lovers
Romantic Vampires
Familial bond
Politics
Love triangle
Slow burn
Dark
Muslim representation
African American representation
I want to say thank you to F.M. Aden, Northern Light Press, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book!

This book was for sure a wild card for me. The cover was kind of plain but the synopsis is what drew me into the story. Set during a dark time in human history where in the infamous Dracul reigns, two sisters are caught up in a raging storm when the youngest sister Yara is kidnapped to be sold as a blood slave to the vampires and the oldest sister, Aylin, sets off with one of her Fathers men to get her back.
I love how fiery of a character Aylin is to a fault. She for sure is a fighter character that plays with fire and it’s only a matter of time before she gets burned. Her sister on the other hand is her polar opposite in every way but their love for each other is something of an awe to behold.
I for sure love the setting and a vibe of this book. The setting being medieval old school Dracula vibes. Before electricity and vehicles. I could fee myself in this dark age of human history and that for sure is a key to a good book.
Overall it was a pretty solid book. Kind of fell in the middle with me in terms of character development and dark spicy romance.
Thanks to the folks at NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. My review is a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.

-I don't know why I had been procrastinating so bad considering the fact that I honestly loved this book and i have my footnotes ready with me so bear with me while I take you thru this magical world of vampires, hunters and court politics. now before I start with that lemme just make it very clear that it is hands down one of the best enemies-to-lovers I've read and trust me when I say it is in my top 3 favorite trope and i really hate it when they ruin it by "saying" that two characters hate each other even tho a blind man can see that they're pining for each other from the first page itself. I absolutely loathe that. But in this book you can actually see things progressing from them wanting to tear each other's head off to.....well, you'll see that for yourself!
-the first 2-3chapters are kinda slow but not because nothing's happening infact it sets the mood??setttings?? for the upcoming chapters. It just becomes eerie, you can feel it in your bones like haunting but in a eerie way?
-did i mention these guys have so cool names like why couldn't i have such names? i mean yara?? aylin?? eldar??volkan?? extra points for well muslim rep and also yara ain't a "born skinny bitch" like that made me so happy i mean where my curvy girlies at? we being represented, y'all. and the outfits, salwars and kaftans and stuff was really cool. my desi heart be singing ballads here even tho india is nowhere near turkey lol
-the book is mostly said from the dual pov of the sisters (sometimes volkan's or eldar's pov is included). so i think most of y'all will agree with me when i say Yara's was easily the better pov. all the court politics was giving the cruel prince with an interesting love triangle.
-coming to the characters. lets talk guys. Eldar was level-headed, calculative but unpredictable with his moves kinda like Elijah while Volkan was quite the opposite. he was reckless, impulsive just like damon. even went on to degrade and humiliate Yara many times in the beginning.
-now my favourite, the girlies. Yara is so cool you guys, she is just oh so awesome like I don't know whether i wanna be her or be with her. so was Aylin. Both the sisters had dynamite personalities that you can't help but love. Yara more so than Aylin but yeah. I mean Yara, being a human surrounded by blood-thirst vamps had so much better self-preservation than most of the fantasy FMC I've read about. she's what you call "not like others girls" girl and not even in a bad way. what i loved the most about her was that she acknowledged the fact these vampirs are pretty but also predators and went on to work around that rather than being in denial for half the book which ensured the pacing was perfect.
-Aylin's part was good too but there isn't much to say. the adventure was amazing and so was her chemistry with the psycho lover boy. tbh i'm skimming thru it. the only reason i even like domenico is because i've weakness for twisted, damaged, tortured guys in need of fixing. yes, i'm sick.
-Halfway through the book, it felt like Volkan was gonna be "the one" but whether that happened or not you're gonna have to see for yourself. i mean he did soften for her to the point of braiding her hair and applying her kohl. me when? i'm not crying, you are.
-but after a few pages i kinda had a feeling that something will happen and volkan will end up becoming the second lead in the triangle, nothing substantial its just a feeling i had that i picked up from the vibes. like lets be honest, most of the times hatred is more intense than love and Eldar was always the object of her hatred so it had to count for something, right? idk.
i haven't said much about the side characters but that's not because they are bland or anything infact they some complexity to their character which makes this book a short enjoyable allrounder.
-here are some of my footnotes that i couldn't help but type up while reading because i was just so excited.
1)that classic scene where she kisses someone and looks at someone else?? except make it looks at Eldar while Volkan drinks from her neck??????? WTF?????? like that's so intimate.
2)even tho we condemn some of the things that Eldar has done, one thing we do admire is his fierce loyalty to his brother. just like Elijah fr. Volkan won at life.
3)FUCK VOLKAN. ELDAR'S MY MAN. HE IS SO VILE, SO WRETCHED, SO TWISTED, SO DREADFUL. HE REPRESENTS EVERYTHING I DESPISE IRL MEN AND EVERYTHING I LOVE IN FICTIONAL MEN.
4)but also the fact that i kinda predicted that this book would end with Volkan becoming the second lead like-
5)but then again imagine if Yara does accept Eldar's marriage proposal. like that'd be so catastrophic??? not only would she be married to the worst enemy she made in court but also she'll be betraying Volkan by marrying his brother and in the process hurting the only man(or vampire?) who ever cared for her???
6)never mind that was a ruse, that fucking little bitch Eldar. serves him right tho. but then again, what will happen when his own flesh and blood leaves him for the mere mortal girl?? oh this should be fun.
I've tried to not to include major spoilers in the main review.
anyways, in conclusion, a 4.5stars. ending could've been better i guess but considering its a series that's okay. it wasn't anything phenomenal but it did kept me on the edge so cheers to that. it's like a breath of fresh air from the annoying vampires and their pathetic little bitches who'd bend over backwards for them. also the love-hate triangle is well-written so i'm happy, infact i'm looking forward to the next book.

This was such a great book. The history behind the story was fascinating. I truly loved the characters' development, especially Yara's. She turned to be such a wild woman... Now, let's talk about the brothers.... I can honestly say that Volkan is my favorite, with his soft heart hidden behind his cruelty. And what about Aylin???
I can't wait to see all the chaos they will bring to the world!!!

I enjoyed this book a lot. Sad that it was ended on a huge cliff hanger, hopefully there is another book in the works to continue this story.

The innocent Yara turned fearsome and determined while falling for her captor, Ilyas too stubborn to follow his heart and poor Aylin lost in the world not knowing who to stand by.

Some things were cut off to short and made you wonder what happened in the time jump the wither made. It left much to the imagination. And the way the boob need it fills your head with so many questions on how they sisters were going to continue their sort and how the brothers relationship will hold up to everything that has happened.

Wow, I absolutely adore the diverse characters in this book and the fast paced plot line. This stunning story features Muslim and African American main characters, vampires, and an addicting dark romance. I think if you loved Elena and Damon from the Vampire Diaries, you would devour this. I could not get enough of the enemies to lovers romance and I love how the author did not make it obvious which sister was going to end up with who, it kept me on my toes throughout the whole book! I really recommend this incredible fantasy romance!

The Court of the Undead is a gothic story set in the Ottoman Empire about two sisters. When one of the sisters is kidnapped by a court of vampires, the other runs away to train with a group of vampire hunters in order to find and rescue her. This book is fraught with relationships, politics, and scheming.

Read this if you are looking for a:
- Historical setting
- Love triangle
- Court politics, but with vampires
- Angsty romance, enemies to lovers
- Sister bond

Thank you to Northern Light Press, NetGalley, and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Atmosphere and Setting: The historical atmospheres was my favourite part: from Turkey to Italy to a vampire court. I feel like it is rare to see historical fiction + fantasy, and would have wanted a whole book set in fantasy Turkey. We don’t get to see a lot of gothic book set in this setting/region of the world, and I really enjoyed that.

Characters: I loved the relationship that the sisters have in this book and would have wanted even more from it (or maybe that develops in book 2). I was also drawn by the love triangle, and curious to know how it will resolve. The romantic tension on all fronts was engaging, but I wished we could have had more details and more payoff to let us sit in that tension even more. It does feel a bit confusing that Yara goes from loving to hating the brothers scene to scene without warning, too.

Prose: My biggest challenge with this book was the prose and pacing. The stakes are often established what feels like too late, after the action has started; as a result the way that tension escalates feels a bit out of order or makes it feel like you are missing information. Occasionally the perspective changes abruptly and sometimes it is confusing or disorienting. In the dialogue, I wasn’t a fan of the banter between characters: sometimes it moved too quickly or was a bit stilted. At several points the dialogue was a bit strange, like one character could read what was going on in the other’s head without having spoken it. Sometimes it feels like the characters are spelling out their “big evil plans” detail by detail in dialogue rather than letting the reader gather them through inference.

Overall thoughts: This book was conceptually strong, especially in the atmosphere, the settings, the tropes, and the pairings. I know that this book was written for YA, but I think might have done better if pushed into adult fantasy with even darker themes for a more mature audience, more explicit romantic tension, and more developed prose. However, the plot twists and ways the book turned at the end were surprising, and set up well for the sequel. Those who really enjoy this book will be itching for the second one immediately.

"The Court of the Undead" is a riveting and intense novel that had me glued to its pages, often reading late into the night. The plot is rife with twists and turns that add layers of suspense and excitement. Despite the complexity of the storyline, the author masterfully keeps everything easy to follow, making it a highly engaging read. It's a captivating book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the next revelation.