I’m going to start off by saying that I enjoyed reading this dystopian vampire novel. Overall it was a fun quick read that’s reminiscent of the vampire and dystopian books of the mid aughts and early 2010’s.

That being said I was foolish to read the reviews that were posted as it’s not something I usually do. Why did I this time? Well I happened to notice when they were written so I knew they were the requisite close author friends or family 5⭐️ reviews so I knew I wouldn’t take much stock in them. However, I got excited after reading them with the adjectives used. Saying things like “high stakes adventure, swoon worthy romance and witty humor” and “stab you in the angstiest part of your heart and you will thank her for it”

Now remember, I enjoyed this book and recommend this book to others…. But I felt like I read a very different book than what was described in the quotes above. I didn’t get angst… well maybe for a short bit at the 85% area during the climax of the action. The issue was that action wasn’t until 80% of the book was done as it was then that it finally picked up. Before that it plodded along and at times was very repetitive.

I guess you could say it’s a very slow burn type romance? I think part of the “issue” is for a romantasy it’s a rather short book at only 300 kindle pages which makes it hard to meet all the typical pieces.

That being said the reader got a very clear picture of what this dystopian world looks and feels like. The author did a great job detailing the world and supported it throughout the book.
Dystopian isn’t usually my favorite genre as I can be really picky but I thoroughly enjoyed the world she created. The one strange thing is that I felt like the book had a zombie quality to it and not vampires. I mean it’s all about vampires and talk about blood sucking and all the vampire things but the behavior and how everyone fits in the world just scream zombie to me. It didn’t take away my enjoyment, it’s just that I can’t picture them as vampires…

I also liked the group of “let’s be different from the expectation” type resistance groups which is present in the book. I’m not going to give details as not to spoil anything. As far as the romance.. meh. I liked the outcome but felt there couldn’t have been more watching it unfold insofar as the details given along the way.

I am looking forward to any future sequels if that’s in the cards!


I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Entangled Publishing through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Vampires, slayers, and angst--and omg the SNARK! It's hard to believe this is a debut. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an escapist, propulsive read that will keep you up at night and also get you in all the feels. Ruby and X forever!!!