I really enjoyed this book. The story flows well and keeps me engaged. I liked the bit of backstory we got in this story. I look forward to reading the rest.

Rich, vivid, and gripping from beginning to end. Sapir A. Englard weaves a powerful fantasy tale that lingers long after the last page.

Aileen Henderson’s journey is both brutal and compelling, marked by intense internal conflicts and fierce loyalty tests. The tension between Aileen and Lord Ragnor Rayne crackles with passion and betrayal, keeping readers hooked through every twist. The world-building is richly layered, blending supernatural mythology with raw emotional stakes. Though the pacing varies, the strong character development and immersive atmosphere make this a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and paranormal romance. Fans seeking a thrilling blend of power, passion, and peril will find this book impossible to put down.

3.5 ⭐️

Overview 💕

In Dance of the Phoenix, Englard returns readers back to the dark, seductive (and dangerous) underworld of vampires, escalating tensions from previous books in the Cloak of the Vampire trilogy. The protagonist, Aileen Henderson, continues to navigate life (and afterlife) among vampires after being thrown into their ruthless politics and supernatural intrigues.

She has found favor — and a deeply conflicted relationship — with Lord Ragnor Rayne, the leader of the Rayne League. Yet despite her rising status, she must conceal her true identity among the Common vampire population. When the Hecatomb (a deadly tournament) is announced, tensions reach a boiling point. Loyalties are tested, old loves resurface, jealousy simmers, and the rules are harsh. All the while, Aileen is torn between different allegiances, her past and present, and what price she’s willing to pay for power, protection, or survival.

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What I loved 💕

Englard does a strong job of creating a vivid and immersive vampire world — underground courts, brutal rites, power plays, seductive danger. The texture is dark but rich, and there’s an unrelenting edge to the supernatural politics. If you enjoy morally grey characters and gothic, vampiric settings, this book captures that well.

The romantic tension between Aileen and Ragnor continues to be compelling: it’s fraught, imperfect, dangerous. Their relationship isn’t idealized; it’s tangled with power dynamics, secrets, and risk. That adds weight to their interactions. Similarly, Aileen’s internal conflict — hiding her true nature, choosing sides, what she’s willing to lose — gives the narrative more emotional stakes.

The Hecatomb/tournament structure, war between vampire leagues, reappearances of former lovers — all ingredients that raise the stakes. Englard does not shy away from violence, betrayal, or loss. There’s a sense that choices matter, which keeps tension alive.

Lastly, the narration was wonderfully done. Lidia Dornet & Oliver Clarke brought the raw emotions alive. It kept me engaged and I hang on to every word. 5/5 ⭐️

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My “meh” notes

Dance of the Phoenix doesn’t quite hit as hard as the earlier books in terms of momentum. Even though the threat of the Hecatomb is high, some of the build feels less focused, and certain plot developments seem more setup than payoff.

A certain triangle!

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Overall

All told, Dance of the Phoenix is a satisfying continuation to the Cloak of the Vampire saga. It doesn’t quite reinvent the wheel, but it does what it promises: deepen the stakes, intensify the emotional conflict, and deliver more of the dark, romantic, fantastical tension that fans of the first two books will be looking for.

For lovers of vampiric romance with political intrigue, conflicted loyalties, sensual danger, and a heroine who is both vulnerable and yet forged in hardship, this will be a compelling read. If you prefer leaner plots, more action, or revelations that hit like sledgehammers, this might feel a little more preparatory than climactic.

Thank you, Montlake, Brilliance Audio, & NetGalley for my gifted advanced book copy. All my reviews are my own opinion. 💕

Dance of the Phoenix by Sapir A. England is the continuation of the series. As the third book, it is required that you go back to the previous two and read them in order.
Dance of the Phoenix is still written in first person dual POV. I don't want to spoil too much, as this is the third installment. We pick up exactly where we left off and I will say, while we have more awareness, we are still going to be left on a cliffy needing more.

Dance of the Phoenix by Sapir Englard is the next explosive instalment of the vampire romance world. This one is action packed from the first page to the last and just when I thought it is going to end safely, the author delivered an epic twist that left me stunned. It is also more sinful and sexy than the previous ones in the series and I love it.

This is part of a series and must be read in order. The vampire league is gearing up for a battle as the enemy Lord has challenged Lord Ragnor Rayne and Aileen has to be one of the warrior in the competition. Not many knows that she is Child of Kahil and direct descendant of Morrow Gods and Ragnor wants to keep it so. Their relationship is going through a violent phase as they try to build on their trust and face the outside issues but they dont know each other's secrets. Will Ragnor's team wn the competition? Or will Aileen make an ultimate sacrifice?

Aileen has matured a lot in this book. She is learning to use her power and she is also expressing her wants and needs more strongly. The demons from her past is constantly dragging her back in the hell of guilt, shame and pain but she is fighting those. Ragnor has this otherworldly larger than life presence within the pages but we also get to see the vulnerable side of the powerful vampire Lord who is afraid to lose Aileen. He is keeping some devastating secrets and these might be their undoing. Their passion is insane here as they use their bodies to wash away their doubts and heartbreak. They are made for each other but the challenges keep on coming and they might not be able to keep it together.


This story is also information overload. Considering this is the third book, I feel like I haven't learnt anything as lots of new characters and new worlds and new supernatural power plays got introduced here. And I feel that everything beyond Ragnor and Aileen's soulmate love is messed up.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

This is the third book in the series and picks up exactly where book 2 left off!

This was a little bit slower than the other books, there is lots of information and secrets to keep hidden until the end so it was a very tricky way of doing that. I had almost forgot about the conversation between two characters that isn't revealed until necessary. It worked out well in the author's favor.

I will say that when it came to the battle scene with the contestants, I was gutted... I was so angry and just kept thinking, "what the heck is going to happen now". I am not kidding when I say I lost sleep to finish this book just so I could know the ending. I do think we need a little more of a back story with Eliza. There is so much of her to unravel and make sense, I kind of hope the next book is more focused on her than anyone else. Rayne and Aileen seem to have their HEA, for the most part.. But I am hoping this next book focuses on Eliza and Aileen. There is a turmoil there that will need to be solved, but I also think there might be more to Aileen than anyone lets on.

I hope there is more and will definitely be watching for it!

About the series:
The Cloak of the Vampire Series follows protagonist Aileen Henderson—a young woman who is turned into a vampire by the powerful vampire Ragnor Rayne—as she learns to navigate a new and dangerous world.

During orientation at an underground vampire-run facility, Aileen learns that Ragnor is no ordinary vampire. He is a “sacred” as well as the lord of the Rayne League. Aileen and Ragnor are attracted to each other and act on their desires. They face many challenges both separately and together.

My thoughts on the series as a whole:
Initially, I thought the Cloak of the Vampire books were too young for me. I wasn’t crazy about the idea of vampire leagues, the ambiance of the underground facility or the male main character. I also found the writing awkward at times, especially in the early books.

I did read them, however. Not just because I’d agreed to but because of the protagonist.

Aileen starts out as an underdog and remains an underdog (in spite of her steadily increasing power) through all three books. Having had a very rough start in life, she is consistently supportive of others and tries to do what’s right. She was a sympathetic character and I wanted to see how things turned out.

While I sympathized with Aileen, I was less invested in Ragnor. I didn’t hate him. I just didn’t get a strong sense of him as a person or feel especially drawn to him. Some of his actions seemed erratic.

About Book 3:
By the time we reach Book 3, Eileen has returned to the Rayne League after a series of ordeals at another league. She and Ragnor are now in a relationship.

The main event in this book is a deadly tournament called the Hecatomb in which Aileen must participate. I thought the tournament and accompanying twist worked well. The ending of the book was probably a little too ambitious but I appreciated it.

There is a LOT of graphic sex in The Dance of the Phoenix and in the series as a whole. I found much of it repitive with no real connection to the characters. I don’t hate these scenes but they don’t really interest me either so I tend to skim them.

While not all the plot twists were believable there were enough of them to hold my interest.

Triggers: The Dance of the Phoenix includes trauma and violence. I didn’t find it excessive but I have a pretty high tolerance. It will be too much for some readers, so please check the trigger warnings.

Would I recommend it?
I was curious about what makes something a digital hit. So, for me, reading this series was an exercise. I didn’t mind doing it and I learned a bit in the process.

I think Englard’s biggest strength as a writer is her ability to create a likable and sympathetic underdog character. This helps people feel invested in the story even when writing is less than perfect.

Would I recommend the series? That depends on who’s asking. If you’ve read and like PNR on popular digital publishing platforms, yes. If you’re a curious writer, thinking about writing for a digital platform, sure. If you’re looking for a sophisticated or nuanced vampire story, probably not.

I gave the book three stars and might have given it a four if the writing had been a bit better. Some would give it less but I’m always conscious of something NPR reviewer Maureen Corrigan considers key to a good review.

Does the author accomplish what they set out to do?

I think that Sapir A. Englard did.

My favorite book in the series so far 🩸🔥🦇 the action was actioning ⚔️ the twists were twistin’ 🤯 the trials were shocking 😱 and I loved the different POVs from some of the important side characters, it really enhanced the story and made it feel even bigger 👀 this was most definitely a roller coaster ride 🎢 and ooooo weeeeee that ending was actually EPIC 💀🙌 I’m just upset I have to wait for the next book because I know it’s going to be absolutely insane 😵‍💫🩸This series is criminally underrated, add it into your vampy book rotation!!

“Thank you Montlake” arc📖&alc🎧 “Thank you Brilliance Audio”
*all thoughts and opinions are my own*

Thank you to net galley for the chance to receive this ARC. I absolutely loved this book. There is a cliffhanger in a sense but not bad. I think this is a great series to read and you won't be disappointed. 5/5

“Dance of the Phoenix,” by Sapir A. Englard

Same as the rest of the series, which is so good, but mixed in with death trials now. I really like how we are getting more and more of the hidden information, and this book has so many twists that explain so many mysteries I have been waiting to get. Loved how this one unfolded. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Vampires
-Death Trials

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

The story of Aileen and her life of being a, dare I say, reluctant vampire, although her feelings are getting better now that Ragnar has come around, continues in the third book of this suspenseful series by Sapir A. Englard. The plot has gotten thicker while the tension has only mounted higher.

This may be book three, but Ragnar and Aileen are still figuring out their relationship, which is still flaming hot, while there is as an actual battle brewing between the clans.

There is a Hecatomb that has been set, which is where vampire is pitted against vampire in a large tournament of sorts, like gladiator games of the past where only one survivor is the winner. Paired with her ex, Logan, not only does Aileen have to worry about her relationship with Ragnar, but Aileen also has to worry about winning the Hecatomb, while facing her past. She has a lot to focus on in this book.

I've been rivited through this entire series, but I'm reeling after the ending and how the Hecatomb ended. I don't know what to say because wow...just wow...and I'm leaving my review at that.

Thank you to Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
A 4.5 star review overall.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

I just love her writing and the world she has created. It’s amazing how much detail there is.
I just love that this book keeps you on your toes and adds all these twist and turns.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dance of the Phoenix plunges readers back into Sapir A. Englard’s dark, alluring vampire world with plenty of intrigue, romance, and high-stakes drama. Aileen’s journey navigating deadly tournaments, warring leagues, and forbidden desires keeps the tension tight, and her complicated relationships—especially with Lord Ragnor Rayne—add layers of passion and suspense.

The world-building is rich and immersive, though at times the plot can feel a little dense with characters and political machinations. Fans of steamy paranormal romance with strong heroines and dangerous, seductive vampire lore will find themselves thoroughly entertained.

I have been enjoying this series, and this book was another fantastic addition. It had me feeling everything. There were twists and turns that had me shouting, "What and why!?" I am hoping the next book comes out sooner rather than later because I really need to know what happens next!

Review will be coming soon :) I can’t wait to read this one! I have been anxious to see what happens next.

I need the next book IMMEDIATELY!! The trials and tribulations that our beloved characters go through is heart wrenching but in the most pleasing way!! I was holding my breath and trying to read as quick as I could towards the end. The way the Author captures your emotions and holds them hostage is incredible.

I throughly loved reading thee spellbinding and mesmerizing third book in the series. When Aileen's partner in the battle ends up being her ex-boyfriend, Logan, she doesn't know how they can work together, and Ragnor, Aileen's vampire boyfriend and Lord, wants to know why. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of captivating characters, mystery, and suspense, and another riveting story by the phenomenally amazing author, Sapir A. England.

10 stars!!! This series, this book is one of the best series I have read and it just keeps getting better. I couldn't put this book down and didn't want to and at one point while reading this book I couldn't sit still only the percentage left saved my poor heart. First don't read this book as a stand alone, if you haven't read books one and two stop what you are doing and read them now(you can come back later and thank me) then come read this book. But buckle in before you start this book you're going to need it.

This book starts where book two left Aileen and her friends are back with Ragnor and his league but the Hecatomb is happening in part because of Aileen. Now Ragnor's league must prepare. We see more of Aileen and Ragnor in this book and not as much of Aileen pulling away they really, they really seem to be figuring it out. But there is so much more to this book, we learn so much more and this book is filled with jaw dropping moments. No one is safe, I can't say this enough this is must read. I was speechless and now that I'm finished reading this book I feel like it's going to take a little bit to process it all and the thought of having to wait to read book four seem cruel.

There so much I could say and so much I want to say but I don't want to spoil this book. If you read book one and two this is a must, I liked it even more than book one! if you haven't read any of the book you are in for a treat. This book ends like both book and book two we learn so much but we also are left with so many questions of what is to come next. After this book I have no clue how the author will be tying this all up in the end which is fun and exciting. I also wish I knew how many book would be in this series so I could prepare my little heart a little. But pretty much all you need to know is this book/series is a must, it will stick with you, you won't want it to end and once it does you will be on the edge of your seat for more.

*Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for this ARC

3.5 Stars

Okay, confession time: I’ve been deeply into this series since Book 1 (Blood of the Broken still lives rent-free in my head).

I devoured Blood of the Gods like a midnight snack in a vampire den. So it gives me no pleasure to report that Dance of the Phoenix, while steamy and suitably bloodthirsty, didn’t hit me quite as hard.

Let’s start with the good, because there’s plenty to love.

We’re back in the perilous underworld of vampire politics, and Englard doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to atmosphere. It’s all underground palaces, brutal rites, seductive threats, and forbidden magic. Basically, gothic-dystopia-meets-Tinder for immortals. I still love how rich this world feels: lush, dark, and unforgiving.


The tension between Aileen and Ragnor is still top-tier. Is it toxic? Probably. Do I care? Absolutely not. Ragnor continues to be the morally grey dreamboat I wouldn’t trust with my heart or my life, but I’d absolutely trust him to wreck me emotionally in a vampire love triangle.

Ok so now here’s where the pacing and engagement dipped a bit for me.

Aileen’s inner turmoil and attempts to hide her true status were intriguing, but not as gripping as in the previous books. The Hecatomb (killer name, by the way) should’ve raised the stakes, but I didn’t feel them the way I wanted to. Maybe it was too much setup and not enough payoff?

The Love Triangle? More like Emotional Whiplash…….
Enter Former Lover. (No spoilers—but you’ll know him when he shows up.) His reappearance was clearly meant to shake things up, but I felt more mildly rattled than shocked. I wanted more angst, more drama, more………something.
Instead, the triangle left me a little underwhelmed, and not in the fun “I can’t choose between them!” kind of way.


The tournament had so much potential: bloodsport, rival Leagues, deadly alliances. But it didn’t feel fully realised. I wanted more action, more strategy, and more of that raw adrenaline Book 1 and 2 gave me.


This wasn’t a bad book by any means….it’s still sexy, suspenseful, and satisfyingly twisted.
But compared to the first two, Dance of the Phoenix felt more like a filler episode before the next big showdown.

Still, I’m in this series for the long haul, and I trust Englard is setting us up for something huge.

If you’re a fan of morally murky vampire lords, deadly games, forbidden magic, and tortured heroines navigating toxic love and found power, this series still bites in all the right ways.