I recommend this book to anyone interesting in slow burn romance, paranormal, gothic, fantasy settings, and multiple POVs. The start of the book was a bit heavy for me but the world must be built and the author does a great job at doing so. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.

Witches, vampires and an undeniable bond. This book has it all. It was a little slow to start but once you get past the prolouge it is a story of desire and longing and figuring out where one belongs. I loved this book and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!!!

This book took me quite awhile to get in to. It was pretty slow, and the writing often felt repetitive. I often felt like the same emotion/thought/feelings the characters were having was repeated in different ways multiple times in a short period of time. I found it hard to stay interested in because of this and the slow pace.
However, the last quarter of the book the writing felt better and the pace improved significantly. I found myself much more interested and invested in the story. I would be interested in reading the next book in the series when it comes out to see what happens with the characters. The spice when it finally started to hit towards the end was GOOD, and leaves the promise of more spice in the coming books.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

Reviewed on StoryGraph, Goodreads, and Amazon. Will share a mini review on Instagram by this weekend.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC of A Dream of Blood and Magic in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.**
▪︎Review is live on Goodreads as of 8/31/2024.▪︎


4.25⭐️
1.5🌶


I think this has a promising start! And for the first book in a series, it's pretty solid. If you like The Mortal Instruments and A Discovery of Witches, this will most likely fit right in with your next TBR!

I think the story could have been ironed out more, but it peaked my interest enough that I will most likely continue with the series. Avery, the main character, has a lot going on and a lot to deal with. She has never known stability and is thrust into a world she had been hidden from. I think, for the most part, she compartmentalizes in order to deal with what's happening, so hopefully she will get some peace later in the series!

Warning! This story does include:
▪︎depictions of graphic violence (vampires feeding on blood and regular ole fighting)
▪︎deep trauma
▪︎implied assault
▪︎depictions of human girls basically becoming enslaved to be food for vampires

Ooooooh this was a perfect curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and ignore the world type of book!

The blend of vamps, witches and delicious romance really twisted its way into my yearning heart, and I cannot wait to read more of Boothe's works because she really crafted such an enjoyable story here.

This book had me in a chokehold from the moment I read the description. Olivia is AMAZING at writing, and I can’t wait to read more books by her. The author did a fantastic job at building realistic characters and weaving in world building to make readers feel like they’re actually a part of the story. I don’t want to include any spoilers here, but if you’ve been considering reading this book, DO IT!

I’m absolutely in love with this book. I feel like the book started a little slow for me but once I got hooked I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait for book two, cause I need more of an explanations of how her powers work and why the mother abandoned her only child.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishsers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

This book can be explained as "so short, yet unbearably long".

I have no clue what happened in this book. Somehow, through hundreds of pages of nothing happening, we have so much info-dumping and yet, none of it was remotely understandable. This book is incredibly complicated to the point, where nothing makes sense in terms of the world, and yet so boringly simple in plot. Avery has dreams. Avery meets crow. Avery meets vampires. Avery meets witches. Avery meets fox. Avery makes a deal. The end.

This entire book reads like the first third of a fantasy novel, where it's all set up and explanation, yet it was dragged out for 350 pages and still made no sense.

Avery is nice and powerful and very speshul. She was in foster care. Every man is attracted to her. She has one friend, CJ the DJ. That's all I know about her character. Literally, that's it. She is as complex as a piece of cardboard.

Azrael is a vampire. He's mean but hot. Kane is a vampire. He is less mean, and also hot. That's all I know about them.

There are witches. They come in two groups. That's all I know about them!! Do you see the through line? I know nothing about any characters. I hate everyone in this book. What I hate most is very boring dialogue portrayed as if it's witty banter. Which happens A Lot.

I was just so bored. This was such a slog and felt so pointless the whole time. I have 0 desire to read the next book and honestly don't know why I bothered to finish this one. 1 star.

It's taken me a little longer than normal to finish this book, not because it isn't brilliant or I didn't like it, but there is so much world building, back stories and character info, that I had to really concentrate to take it all in. It is written so well, the attention to detail is wonderful and the writing style is smooth and lyrical.

I really like Avery, and I know from how book 1 went that I'm going to love her even more in book 2. She is kind and sweet, despite everything that has happened to her, but can also be stubborn and rebel. From the beginning, she has been on a journey to find herself and answers to her past. Although a lot are still unanswered, you can tell that she will be a force to reckon with.

I can't wait to see her and Kanes' relationship blossom, or at least I hope it does! They have such good chemistry, and I love Kanes' arrogant exterior and soft centre. There's no spice in this book, just a little tension, but I think there will definitely be some in book 2!

I am very excited for book 2 and to see where it leads our characters

Easy and engaging read! I liked Avery as a FMC. She stays strong as she adapts to so many shocking things and learns to develop her magic. She’s always assessing others and the environment, looking for a way out. Buffy vibes 🖤. I love the animal spirit guides so much. Crows are my fav 🙌. Although, any time animals are introduced in any book I end up worrying about their wellbeing 😅. I’m so curious about the leading guys 😏. Shadow, Kane, and Azrael. Sparks fly and some delicious spice is sprinkled in. The ending was kind of sudden. There’s still a lot we don’t know about the feud between Kane and Azrael, and how the witches play into things but this book sets it up nicely for a series. I’ll definitely be looking for book 2!

Fav tropes:
Slow burn ❤️‍🔥
Fated mates 💞
Star-crossed lovers 💫
Enemies to lovers ⚔️
Age gap 🕰️
Chosen One 📜
Dreamwalker 🪞
Witches 🧙‍♀️
Vampires 🧛
Animal guides 🦊 🐦‍⬛
Suppressed magic 🔮
Kidnapping 🪤

Fav quote:
“Love is not strength, it cripples you. Remember that.”

Thank you Olivia Boothe, NetGalley, and Victory Co-Op for the opportunity to read and review this book! Looking forward to the next one!

Thank you for sending me this book.

I really wanted to love this as it had so much potential. But I just found I wasn’t wanting to pick it up to read it. I didn’t hate the book but I didn’t love it

A Dream of Blood and Magic by Olivia Boothe is a captivating blend of gothic urban fantasy and romance.

The story excels in creating a rich, immersive world filled with elemental magic, supernatural creatures, and high-stakes action.

Boothe’s writing is engaging, with multiple points of view that keep the narrative fresh and exciting. The book’s pacing is well-balanced, blending action, mystery, and romance seamlessly. Fans of slow-burn romance and dark fantasy will find much to love in this story.

it’s been a minute since I read a vampire romance & I devoured this one. It’s a fantastic first book in a brand new series. I loved the cool gothic vibes and the plot consumed me. Incredibly difficult to put down! Obsessed with the magic system and loved that it’s multi-pov. Set in NYC, this urban fantasy is for fans of The Vampire Diaries and Crescent City. Can’t wait for book 2!

"My self-control is on a precipice, my honor ready to burn to cinders... all because of you."

Hypnotic and mystical, 'A Dream of Blood and Magic' stands out as a gothic urban fantasy with a rich noir atmosphere.

Introducing a vividly dark, skillfully crafted world steeped in magic, where the protagonist finds herself deciphering lucid dreams and communing with elemental spirits as she navigates a volatile supernatural path.

The writing style is particularly engaging, balancing immersive descriptions with story progression and natural, fluid dialogue. Occasional spice is executed with finesse, enhancing the romantic tension. Paranormal dark-fantasy aspects are elegantly integrated throughout, with exhilarating action scenes and moments of mild horror.

A significant strength of this novel lies in the intricate characters and their respective relationships. The dynamic between the heroine and her spirit guardians injects a unique and hopeful dimension into the story. The deliciously forbidden, slow burn romance is equally satisfying, unfolding with nuanced suspense.

The emotional core of the novel centers on Avery's tumultuous quest for self-discovery as she navigates a warring world. Surreal and intriguing dream sequences deepen the mystery, drawing readers further into her story.

Overall, 'A Dream of Blood and Magic' is a captivating and enjoyable book, offering a distinctive blend of gothic romance, strong character building, and an enchanting atmosphere. While the ending feels somewhat abrupt, the plot consistently provokes curiosity. A compelling read for those seeking a fresh and engaging urban fantasy experience, this novel leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Title: A Dream of Blood and Magic

Author: Olivia Boothe

Rating: 4/5

Initial Thoughts:

At first, the progression of the story in "A Dream of Blood and Magic" was slow, but as I approached the halfway point, the momentum picked up significantly. It became engrossing and I found it difficult to set the book aside. Anticipation for the sequel has already taken hold, as I am thoroughly captivated and crave resolutions to the mounting questions within the narrative.

Synopsis:

The narrative concludes with several lingering inquiries, heightening the eagerness for the forthcoming book. The characters within the story have drawn me in, each with their own complexities and mysteries, leaving me torn between affection and aversion for some. The intricacies of the magical elements and the captivating nature of the familiars have provided an engaging backdrop, offering insight into their diverse personalities.

Received this copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story quite a lot and truly enjoyed the writing as well. I cannot tell you how many times I've rolled my eyes at the romance and romantasy books I've read over the years with the trite story lines, plots and phrases. I found this to be refreshingly not so! Ms Boothe has a knack for choosing her words wisely and not falling into the pit of mediocrity (a big plus in my opinion). While there is the often used 'immediate attraction of opposites' aspect of this story, the authors ability to convey its subtle, and not so subtle nuances effectively was....again....refreshing. And, I happen to like the struggle of resisting/fighting attraction in stories as it provides great tension, but not at the expense of explaining WHY it is so. Ms Boothe does explain why and that it is tied to the lore of the story. Now I am upset at having to wait for the next book.

I have read the author's debut romance duet and loved it. And so far, I am liking this one as well. Book 2 promises to be very spicy and if this book is the precursor of what is to come? I'm all in. Bring it on, sister!

Loved this book and writing. Very organized with a well thought out plot. Love this fantasy thriller with POVS. The way the story is presented you definitely get attached to the characters easily. Loved how I know what was going on, didn't have to play a guessing game or use assumption.

Underworld meets Kingdom of the Wicked in this forbidden love, rivals to lovers, high stakes, slow-burn gothic contemporary fantasy romance. A SINISTER DARKNESS BREWS, SOWING THE SEEDS OF WAR. AND AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL IS A YOUNG WITCH WILLING TO RISK IT ALL TO SAVE THOSE SHE LOVES.
This book was for sure a book that gave me vibes of a lot of other books. Such as:
•Forbidden Romance
•Chosen One
•Reincarnation
•Basic World Building and Character Development
We meet Avery. A woman who finds out her whole life has been a lie and that she is at the center of a war between a centuries long war between witches and vampires.
The multiple point of views of this story outside of Avery for sure gives this story a more well rounded story.
Avery as a central character for sure has her good and bad sides.
On the good side, she has this rare and ancient powers that makes her interesting on her journey to understanding them.
The bad side, she is a pretty character development that is pretty much paint by the numbers. And her journey outside her powers can be sometimes cringy. In the sense that it drags and becomes repetitive to the point where you wanna skip forward to get to the meat of the story.
Her romance kind of confuses me CuaSe you think it’s one guy and two min later it could be someone else. And both guys are also not as engagement and interesting as wish they were.
The storyline is pretty standard with her journey of harnessing her powers and the war that she can’t help but be involved in.
Overall this book is about a 3 star read for me.
Basic, nothing extraordinary and all around forgettable story that I won’t be interested in continuing since this book is seen as the launch of a series.
But like I tell everyone, don’t let my review dissuade you from reading this book. Just cause it didn’t click with me, doesn’t mean it won’t click with you.


Thanks to the folks at NetGalley for a copy of this book. My review is a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.

This book was pretty good, I would definitely recommend

~This was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This book is a solid 3 and I feel the future books have potential to be even stronger. The world building is definitely creative and I did get into it. Unfortunately it took about 30% of the book in to understand (sort of) the politics of the universe. It could have been written a bit more clearly, it almost seemed like I skipped a prequel book or a novella, because nothing was really explained in the beginning.

Once I did get into it, I was really curious about what would happen next and understanding everyone’s POV. Even though there is three POV I didn’t feel overwhelmed by it. The MFC does read more like she is 15 than 25 which was a bit bothersome, I hope she is more adult in the next book, especially since the cast is mostly immortal and ancient.