All the Blood Spilt is a riveting continuation of the saga

The second installment of A.M. Dunnewin's All the Dark Souls trilogy, All the Blood Spilt, is a gripping continuation of the story that has me completely captivated. This chapter continues where the last one left off, throwing me into a turbulent adventure where peril looms around every corner and trust is a scarce resource.

All the Blood Spilt ♦ A.M. Dunnewin | A Review

Opinion
The fearless executioner Joss and her steadfast assistant Henrik are now on the run, their destiny linked to that of the Prince Royal Callan Ronan, whom they heroically saved from the jaws of death. Their escape from danger is a terrifying journey that puts their bravery and commitment to the test. They must navigate a treacherous landscape of foes and unforeseen difficulties, as betrayal is always lurking around every corner.

The characters in All the Blood Spilt have a compelling development that makes it stand out. Joss, Henrik, and their mysterious assassin Aric, who is always on the lookout for trouble, create an unshakable relationship through hardship despite the constant threat that hangs over them. In a world of darkness, when alliances are brittle and trust is a luxury they cannot afford, their friendship serves as a light of hope.

Dunnewin’s masterful storytelling delves even deeper into the psyche of each character, unraveling layers of complexity that add depth and nuance to an already rich tapestry. The growth I witnessed in the first installment blossoms into full bloom here, as each member of this motley crew confronts their demons and grapples with their past.

The mystery surrounding the prince’s real enemy hangs large amid the mayhem and confusion, throwing a dark veil over their pursuit of the truth and atonement. But when alliances are put to the test and secrets are revealed, the group starts to peel back the layers of deceit that trap them, getting closer to the core of the plot that threatens to tear their world apart.

Dunnewin’s world-building is nothing short of extraordinary; it gives the story a tangible sense of hopelessness and dread. Every element, from the gloomy lanes of the towns to the barren stretches of the wilderness, has been painstakingly created to transport the reader to a world that is on the brink of oblivion.

And let us not overlook Dunnewin’s prose in All the Blood Spilt, which is nothing short of magnificent. Her words dance over the page, creating a mesmerizing story that captivates the reader and refuses to let go. With each turn of the page, I was enthralled by her poetic words and rich picture.

Conclusion
In conclusion, All the Blood Spilt is a dark fantasy masterpiece that outperforms its predecessor in every way. With its vividly created characters, sophisticated plot, and haunting atmosphere, it is a must-read for genre enthusiasts. A.M. Dunnewin has excelled herself with this novella.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. My apologies for taking so long to post my review, but my crazy life got in the way again.

I initially requested this book because of the cover art and the description. I am not usually a Sci-Fi/Fantasy kind of girl, but I was intruiged nonetheless. The female main character, Joss Brevyn, is a "deathsman" and a total badass. She and her assistant Henrik have saved Callan, a lost prince, from his execution, but now they are fugitives. And are being pursued by Aric, an Assassin.

This cat-and-mouse game is full of friendship, betrayal, threats, dark secrets, tension, moral dilemmas, and shows the lengths people will go for self-preservation. I enjoyed the story, and the development of the characters; they were relatable and really made you root for the underdog. I should note that this is the 2nd book in the All the Dark Souls Trilogy, however, I did not read the first one prior to reading this one (I should have). I did go back and read it after, and found I like this second book better than the first. I am very interested in reading the 3rd book to see how everything turns out.

If you like Sci-Fi & Fantasy novels and twisty cat-and-mouse plots, then I definitely recommend this book!

I read the first book in this series, called All the Dark Souls, and I absolutely loved that. So when I saw I could request for an ARC for the second book, I immediately asked for it. Fortunately, I received it from @netgalley. So thank you, and ofcourse also to @amdunnewin.

The first book is about Joss Brevyn, a female executioner, last heir in a long line of executioners. Because she’s a woman, she’s different, but still the same rules apply: Kill the condemned within 3 tries or be tortured and killed yourself. Joss hasn’t missed her mark yet, until she finds some stranger along the road who’s been badly injured. Joss and her sidekick Henrick take the man home and try nursing him back to health. But then the real trouble begins. This man isn’t just any man. He’s the man who’s was pointed out to be the one to kill someone very important. So here comes the problem: their goals cross each other. But how does that work when they are both bound by their duties and one of them suddenly has this change of heart, which can ultimely spark a chain reaction with a not so lovely ending. 

So, that’s where the second book comes in. After saving this important person, he fled and Joss is on the run, because now she’s the one with a price on her head, as does her assistant. There’s only one way to clear this and that’s by finding this man. But finding him isn’t easy. And when you’re not the only one looking, that’s not becoming easier. So Jess and Henrik start looking for this man as does the man, Aric, she nursed back to certain health (although he hasn’t recovered fully yet). Aric has only one goal in order to save himself from The Mask. However, the journey to find this important person grows more complicated and Aric starts to realize that maybe killing him might not be the answer to all of his problems. And then there’s Joss.. Both must decide what to do: doing the right thing or simply save themselves? Because this man is that much important that it could change a lot. Like seriously, a lot. What that might be? Well, perhaps we can read that in the third book 😉

This book is the second installment in the All The Dark Souls Trilogy- so if you haven’t read the first, make sure you start there. This is a shorter length novel, and is a fast-paced, action packed read. It’s well written and engaging, and truly packs a punch.

This one picks up right where book one left off, with our FMC on the run. The majority of this book involves an epic journey with all of the heroes. During their travels, the group faces trials and tribulations, and all of the harrowing adventures that you would hope for in this type of journey driven story.

The star of this book is the character development that takes place throughout the story. Each of our heroes is fleshed out, and we learn more of their back stories, and their motivations. The FMC, Joss, is very likable and endearing, and her care for the members of her group is touching. The relationships that develop between all the characters is really is really what sucks you in, and sets the stage for what I’m sure will be an epic conclusion in the third installment. It ended right when things started to pick up, so I’m truly looking forward to the final book!

Loved this. World building and characters all fabulous. Storyline keeps you interested without having too much information.

3.5/5

Joss Brevyn, a deathsman, and her assistant Henrik must save the lost prince, Callan Ronen, from execution, leading to a perilous journey with a bounty on their heads. Pursued by threats, including the vengeful assassin Aric Kayden, the trio faces moral dilemmas as they navigate a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. Callan's dark secret adds complexity, forcing Joss and Aric to weigh the importance of doing what's right against self-preservation.

I really like the story of the strong FMC becoming a fugiative and just mainly being bad ass. Dunnewin wrote a nice story about friendship and betrayal. The main characters are all very likable and you can acurally understand the way why they behave like they do. The writing is nice and straightforward.

I liked the frist book but this was better, imo. I am looking forward to book 3 <3

The second installment in the series, we find Joss and Henrik on the run after saving the Prince. Like book one, this book caught my attention and kept it. I loved reading more about Joss’ adventure and cannot wait to read the next one!!!

This is the second book in the All the Dark Souls Trilogy. It ends on a pretty big cliff hanger. It is a bit slow paced. Not sure if I will continue the series. It falls somewhere between Young Adult and New Adult. There are some darker parts in the book, the main characters are constantly being chased by multiple assassins. It is enemies to lovers/rivals to lovers.

I might have said this in my review for the first instalment but I kind of wish this trilogy was all just one big 600-page book because the writing, and particularly the characterisation, are both very very good, but the story for each instalment doesn't have much of a beginning, middle and end. It just feels like what I suspect it is - a single story that got broken up into three small 200-page pieces.

That said. It's very good.

I really like the FMC, Joss, and did so from the first page of the first book. She has this quiet strength that I just adore. And she's so good and so caring of other people. I just don't know how she does her job and it was crazy to read in the author's notes of the first book that this actually happened to certain families!

Her relationship with Henrick, her sort of brother, is very sweet as well. They're constantly saving each other. and they never even have to ask. They just have each other's backs at all times.

As for the other blooming relationship with Aric - again I felt like we were just getting somewhere when it ended so I think I'm going to be picking up the final - and I suspect most action-packed - instalment very soon!

Cawpile score: 8.00/4.5 stars

Sometimes I really enjoy reading a shorter book, because if done right, they can be quite refreshing and this book was exactly what I needed.

Personally, I really felt immersed in the story in a way I didn't for quite some time. It makes you feel like it's set in a medieval time, but they have fire arms, so it's not that old. However, the plot is simple and easy to follow and the characters are quite normal and relatable.

I can't say that it's a super complex and impressive work, but it's perfect for when you need something to make you relax a little bit, and sometimes (especially after a fantasy book with tons and tons of world building and magic/political systems) that's exactly what I need

I had a great time with this one too, although the excitement didn't quite match the rollercoaster ride of the first one.

Despite the change of scenery, the adventure continues at a leisurely pace. What I love is that it's short and snappy, but you never feel like you're missing out on the good stuff. It's like a quick espresso of excitement.

So, yeah, thumbs up from me, I definitely encourage you to pick up this sequel. It's a worthy companion to the first one, and it keeps the good times flowing! 🚀📚

Joss and Henrik continue their mission to help the lost Prince Callan if for nothing else but to clear their names for not executing him. Will they make it? Will they perish along the way? Will they be in time to deliver the Prince or is it all for nothing? Don’t ask me I’m not giving away the story go read it!

I'm so happy I decided to continue with this series. The second book really fleshed out the missing portions that were left out in the first book. Joss and Ariks characters to me no longer seemed one dimensional and had the depth I wanted in the first book. Having more information on Joss and her background added the necessary information for the reader to understand why she behaved the way she does and her reactions to certain situations. I'm still waiting for a bit more background for Arik's character but understand as he's the assassin the mystery is needed. I hope with the third book those questions about him can be answered. With the addition of Callan the plot really came together and had me completely sucked into the story. Callan is an interesting addition to the cast and added the suspense that was lacking from the first book. I enjoyed the appearance of many of the characters from the first book that were included in many of the scenes. It allowed us to have some closure with certain situations and characters. Just like last time Henrik really was the star of the book. His character is what really makes the series, he brings the comedic relief that is needed to balance the darker aspects of the book. I will definitely continue on with the series and recommend it if you're looking for something fast and fun to read.

☼ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5 ⭐️
☼ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 0/5
☼ 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: book 2 of 3, multiple POV, medieval-esque fantasy, assassins, war, suspense, long journey, fluff romance, witty banter, found family, political intrigue, betrayal
☼ 𝐓𝐖: grief, mild torture/mutilation, violence

Thank you to NetGalley and Dark Hour Press LLC for letting me read and review this book!

Book 2 begins immediately after the events of the first book. Joss Brevyn and her assistant Henrik are on the run. Not only are they running because of the price on their heads, but also in search of the man they saved — a man claiming to be the long lost prince and heir to the throne. In the hopes of clearing their names, they follow him through the dense forests and treacherous terrain seeking to help him and we learn pretty quickly just how dangerous this journey may turn out to be.

Once again we find ourselves reading from multiple POV’s, only this time with the added view of Callen Ronen. A stubborn and determined man who will stop at nothing to get home. The heir presumptive adds more tension and darkness to the story the more we uncover of him and his backstory and what had happened during his disappearance.

I found myself connected on more of an emotional level with the story and characters than I expected. Joss is so kind hearted but a bit savage, reserved yet unwavering. Henrik and Joss continue to be each others strength, always there to be whatever support the other needs. They’re protective of one another and I love their familial bond. Callen adds unfettered determination that Joss easily understands thanks to her years of being an Executioner. Even despite his initial mistrust and suspicions, he begins to form a rapport with Joss and Henrik that slowly deepens as the story progresses. And while the trio continues their push to Aselian, Aric is hot on their heels. Still determined to complete his assassination mission in order to save his own life, he uncovers some interesting truths along the way and finds himself questioning his motives. Joss, and his growing affection for her, at the heart of that change. There wasn’t much more to show in terms of their romance. It was comprised of longing and inner monologues, though they were finally more earnest with their feelings for one another.

"𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈," 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅, 𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒃𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔. "𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆. 𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏."

The writing and story feel much more fluid in this volume, with the action rising and falling steadily throughout. A lot happens in the small amount of pages (just under 200) and the connection between the characters continues to build as the journey reveals even more plot twists along the way. We also get a better understanding of the treachery at play and who is behind the masked men that want the prince dead. Overall, it was a fairly exciting and adventurous tale that had me looking forward to the final book.

I‘m really enjoying this series and am excited to see how the author will conclude it.
However this book strongly suffers from second book syndrom. While not bad it also doesn‘t stand on it‘s own or add enough to warrant an additional book. At less than 200 pages it is very much a filler book and could‘ve been incorperated into the other two books. Making it a duology instead of a trilogy, would‘ve greatly benefited the series in my opinion.

I liked this one as well, but not as much as the first one. I liked the fact that we could see into the executionner's life and job, and that aspect is gone in this second book as they're on the run (why? Well you'll have to read the 1st book to know). There's a lot of adventure here and we can follow the story easily, with a flowy pace. I like that it's short, but you don't feel like you're missing anything. I'd recommend this book as well as the first one !

Good to learn more about these characters and the world. Slightly
predictable at points but worth the read. Looking forward to the next one!

Warning: this review contains spoilers for book 1 of the All the Dark Souls series - don’t read this review before reading that book. Although that’s rich coming from me.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this e-ARC of All the Blood Spilt by AM Dunnewin. I picked up this book without realising it’s the second book in a series that I haven’t read the first of… but I famously did this with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban so I’m not put off. This is 3⭐️ from me.

It starts off with action, as well as enough of a review of the first book that I could keep up. Joss is an executioner, she saved a lost prince from wrongful execution, and has a thing for a guy who turned out to be an assassin who was prepared to kill her to get the Prince. Now she’s on the run, desperately trying to find Prince Callan with her faithful assistant Henrik by her side.

Firstly, I wish I’d seen how Joss and Aric’s relationship developed in the first book, because I really love how it’s portrayed here. Aric is all about Joss and the way he follows behind, quietly supporting and defending her without her even knowing he’s there is bizarrely sweet. And there’s something really attractive about a man who finds a strong, capable, scary woman sexy! Although in the later parts of the book it does feel a bit like it becomes manufactured angst to keep them apart.

Again maybe I’m missing things from Book 1, but I liked Henrik, and wish we’d seen more of him and his character development. The familial relationship with Joss is more stated than illustrated in this book, but what we see of him is lovely. I would have liked to see more development of him, especially with the happenings that surround him.

Callan is really intriguing - this is no fairytale or conversely villain prince character, and he's got some major issues and some major drama surrounding him. I admit I still struggle to understand why he just goes along with Joss and Henrik joining him, his motivations there are not portrayed well, but I'm definitely intrigued to see where his storyline is going in book 3. I just wish we'd seen more character development.

Also, this book was just pretty short. It's a one-sitting read, which is fine (and to some people that's a draw), but to me it felt like not enough happened and this book didn't really have it's own story in it's own right - it indicates a bit of middle book syndrome or filler episode writing. And since character development is the big thing for me in novels, the short length and focus on action meant character development suffered, and that's just not my cup of tea.

Overall I enjoyed it, not helped by missing out the first book. I did enjoy the fact it was fast-paced and that definitely kept me interested. I wouldn't go seeking the next one, but I'd read it if I came across it. This series is for you if you liked The Furyck Saga by AE Rayne.

After saving Prince Callan, Joss and Henrik are on the run, determined to get him back to his own kingdom and outrun those from their home town hellbent on punishing them for not completing their job. Aric, the assassin, is hot on their tail, forced to kill the Prince by the ones known as 'The Mask', he uses his skills of hiding in plain sight, to tail and neutralise others sent to capture Joss and Henrik. However, with his heart pining for Joss, he's facing the biggest dilemma of his life, fighting demons within and outside himself, as they battle for priority.

Joss is distraught, not only is her heart shattered after letting Aric in, after all the loss and pain she's endured, but now she's also on the run, and being hunted down for saving an innocent man. Saving Prince Callan has condemned her and Henrik to a life on the road, with the constant, overpowering fear of being attacked or captured, and still trying to grapple with her feelings towards Aric, as she battles with her want to still see the best in him despite all his actions, she's understandably overwhelmed with feelings. I really did love seeing a darker side to her in this sequel, especially after witnessing Henrik, her best friend and brother, in pain. Her loyalty is unmatched and ferocious in such a quiet yet powerful way.

Henrik is his usual lovely, witty and charming self, he adds some real warmth and humour to such dark and dreary situations. However, he also suffers a great deal in this one, and it was utterly heart-breaking and agonising to see him in such pain and anguish, he deserves the entire world, and I'm ready to fight anyone who dares hurt him.



This man is an angel, and he deserves to be loved and appreciated for all he is.

Prince Callan is very closed off, his walls are high which is understandable after all he's endured, being held captive and almost beheaded. He longs to be back home, although he has a harsh and somewhat cold demeanour and exterior to him, he's a survivor, and he has a warm heart underneath the surface. It was really beautiful to see him slowly coming out of his shell, accepting help and showing a more vulnerable side.

I really loved seeing Aric's point of view, and seeing a greater depth to his characters as he slowly tails the three. He's stealthy, and so skilful, cool under pressure and very handy with a bow, an absolute bad-ass warrior. He's also trying to grapple with his feelings for Joss, which hold an undeniably powerful pull on him, determined to kill the prince and get out from under the thumb of 'The Mask' and be free again. It was really intriguing to see his thought process and how incredibly clever and cunning he is.

This story is so Gothically dark and gritty, vividly crafted in a way that really transports you through the pages. Full of nail-biting and thrilling fighting scenes and escapades that will have you absolutely entranced. It's a richly built world, with such quiet power that it draws you in from the first few pages, and you're immediately enraptured back into this world. The characters feel so tangible and they face such poignant and agonising situations, it's an emotional journey that is just so beautifully written. I can't tell you how excited I am for the next book in the series.

After reading book one I was very excited to read this and it did not disappoint. It takes place right where book one left off. If you are into Fantasy with a strong female lead and an epic journey this is a great read for you. Cannot wait for book 3 to finally be released!