3.5 Stars

I was given a free e-copy of Crimson Road by A.G. Slatter (author), Titan Books (publisher), and Net Galley.

I do not know if Crimson Road is stand-alone or the first in a series.

Crimson Road is the first novel that I read by this author.

This review will be spoiler free.

I would characterize Crimson Road as a gothic-fantasy with strong horror elements.

The world-building is a strength of this story. The author did a solid job in creating a setting that appeared to be an alternate Europe in the pre-industrial age. The lore, to this reader, in this story is very solid as well. This story is filled with assassins, vampires, powerful and wealthy families, and political machinations.

The main character is a young woman who has extensive training in the martial arts, who recently lost her father, and her father’s final request is for her to find and retrieve her younger brother.

Crimson Road is shown from a single character pov and it is from the main character’s pov.

The main character is very engaging, three-dimensional, and I rooted for her throughout the story.
I have two issues with this novel: minor characters and the story.

I found majority of the minor characters did not have any depth. The author indicated that one of the minor characters was a friend from childhood. Also, one of the other minor characters who was a young girl was often in the company of the main character, but never shared her past or where she was from and appeared to be hiding from someone. At the end of the story, it is determined there is a connection between the childhood friend and young girl. The issue is that it was told and not shown,

The story is more told than shown in the main character’s narration. I would have preferred that some of the events that occurred in this story were described and not shown.

If Crimson Road is a stand-alone, then I would have preferred the story to more developed and minor characters a bit more fleshed out.

If Crimson Road is first in a series, then I hope that some of the plot lines referenced will be further developed and expanded in subsequent novels.

I really found the main character to be engaging and would like to read more of her adventures.

I rate Crimson Road 3.5 stars.

I would like to thank A.G. Slatter, Titan Books , and Net Galley for the free ARC.

4.5 stars Having previously read 'All the Murmering Bones' I was familiar with A.G. Slatter's captivating writing style. I always love her dark humor and her eccentric characters. The Crimson Road does have cross over characters with her previous books but it's not necessary to have read any of them first. Crimson Road starts out mysteriously with the death of a questionably sane father who in his paranoia had his daughter trained for physical combat. Imagine all this happening in a gothic world where mythical creatures are real. Violet aged 20, our main character, is understandably bitter about the whole thing until the truth comes out. I was immediately intrigued. The setting and the premise all had me interested. She is so good at painting the picture of whatever story she tells. I couldn't put this book down. The dream sequences that start some chapters are a little confusing initially but the reader quickly gets it. That's really my only critique. Otherwise 'The Crimson Road' in my opinion will be yet another feather in this author's cap. If you've read her other books you'll love this one too.

"I won’t feed you platitudes about destiny and inevitable victories.’ She shrugs. ‘But violets are symbolic of faith not just religious, but faith in things. In self. In a path. In what you’re doing.'"

This was such a fun read. Violet is left with messes her father made and must figure out what to do to clean them up and survive. She's been trained as a fighter since she was young, and now she's been upended with the death of her father.

She must learn first what he did and then figure out how to fix it so that she can go on with her life. But the path forward is anything but easy.

Unfortunately, I don't think this book is for me. Nothing against this writer, I think they're a good author but this book just didn't do it for me.

A gothic fantasy, following Violet as she travels through cruel lands to fight a terrible danger ready to pray on all of humanity: the leech lords.

In this 4th novel in the series, AG Slater reinvents the vampire very successfully and give us glimpses of all of her previous heroines. It's so much fun to meet them again, and see how they changed, or didn't. Because we are getting those glimpses, I would really recommend reading the other books before digging into that one, as you will get spoilers.

If you like gothic universes, morally grey characters and dark fairy tales, this is a series you don't want to miss.

So, I’ve never read any of the other books in the Sourdough Universe. I’ve heard of them, and know the characters who have cameos in this one were the main characters of previous books, and I know these are gothic dark fantasy (and some of the past books were fairytale retellings I think?) but never have actually read any of them. I’m a little late to the game, and it might be weird to start with the newest, but I requested this arc because of the fairytale vibes I’m getting from that awesome cover art. Not gonna lie the synopsis kind of went over my head, which was the same case is the previous books which were why I never read them, but I ended up LOVINGGGGG this. Far more than I expected to.

First off, the worldbuilding is absolutely fantastic and is the main highlight of this book. Since this book’s universe was completely unfamiliar to me before starting this, the first page I see for worldbuilding mentions a small nation that has “slaver cities” where “human cattle are bought as sold as serfs and food” lol what. And it’s not just that the dreaded Darklands that sucks to have to live in, because really, the entire book’s world as a whole is just insanely dangerous. Trolls that eat humans, kelpies, merwomen luring people beneath the waters, ghosts and ghouls, and none of it is specific to the Darklands only. The whole world just kinda sucks. The only thing that makes the Darklands different are the leeches, aka vampires, which no one knows how they even originated or created to begin with (you’ll have to pick up the book to find out!). And in this book’s world, these leeches (who once were human but are no longer) not only suck blood but also sometimes eat their victims and suck on their bones so that’s fun. I would really hate to live in the sourdough universe, yet it’s so horrendous that I’m fascinated by it.

After her father dies, Violet is tasked with journeying to the Darklands to rescue her brother who had died long ago (an explanation to how this task even makes sense comes at around a quarter into this book) a task she initially refuses to do. The Darklands are impenetrable due to the Briar Witches holding the border with magic, and though it is a place where the leeches are confined by magic, some humans still live in the Darklands and are ruled by the leeches. There is far more to the Darklands, like the mysterious anchorhold in the north, a mysterious stronghold existing for a long time without anyone knowing, and anyone sent to this place find out more is never seen again. The worldbuilding is very immense, dark, and imaginative and is by far the strongest part of this book.

I LOVED this book and this book world. BUT, it also took me foreverrrrr to finish. Like oh my gosh I think this is the only book that I actually enjoyed that took me this long to finish because books that usually take me this long are ones that I don’t. I usually can finish a book in just one or two sittings, one sitting easily if I REALLY love it, but this one took me several days. It’s a great book, but it isn’t necessarily one that has you eager to pick it back up and finish it. It doesn’t have that compulsive readability factor that I seek in a book.

And, this part isn’t really this book’s fault, but I’m just someone who doesn’t really comprehend complex fantasy worlds very easily, and as someone totally new to this book’s universe, I feel like I had to focus really hard at the beginning to just understand this world. The beginning was a bit hard to get through for that reason because I was like straining to focus so that I could understand this book’s world. If I had a sourdough universe cheat sheet guide plus map it would’ve been way easier. I think I spent the first maybe 30-40% just trying to understand the world, which took more brainpower than I desire when I’m trying to read for enjoyment (which is my biggest qualm in the fantasy genre in general and why I typically never gravitate towards high fantasy. Gothic fantasy though, I’ll almost always make an exception for!). But of course, this won’t apply to anyone who picks up on fantasy easier than I do, or readers of the previous sourdough books.

I am super fascinated by this book world and really am tempted to go back and read the previous installments. But most of all I just want a sourdough universe guide, with a map. Man, I would love a map. This book’s world captivated me and I am very interested in reading any future installments!

Thank you to Netgalley and Titan for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

The Crimson Road was an intriguing gothic fantasy. With a strong FMC and a wide cast of characters, it is sure to delight fans of the genre.

Violet is a trained assassin, having been raised to fight since she was a little girl. Her father ensured this and set her up against a variety of foes in order to prove her skill. All the while, she was raised thinking that upon his death she would be rich. When her father, Hedrek, dies, she is horrified to discover that this is not the case, and he instead planned to send her away to a mysterious place known as the Darklands, where beasts roam free.

Resolved to clean up after her father, and after escaping assassination herself, Violet begins her journey to the Darklands, to finish what her father tried to start.

Overall I thought this book was good. The concept is intriguing and the characters, especially Violet, were fun to read about. Despite this, I felt that something was missing in the book as a whole that prevented me from giving it a higher rating. I thought that the pacing was a bit inconsistent, and in my opinion the climax and ending of the novel were glossed over, especially when it took almost 350 pages to reach it.

Still, it was a good read and I would recommend it to fans of the genre.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, particularly the setting, atmosphere, and the richly developed characters. One of the highlights for me was the strong, capable female characters who were both compelling and empowering. It was refreshing to see such well-rounded women driving the story forward.

While I would have liked to see more depth in the world-building and a clearer explanation of the fantasy elements, it didn’t detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of the book. The story was well-paced, entertaining, and thoughtfully outlined, keeping me engaged from start to finish.

Overall, it’s a highly enjoyable read with great characters and a captivating atmosphere. I would definitely recommend it, though I do wish a bit more had been explored in the fantasy world. Nonetheless, it’s a solid four-star book.

A. G. Slatter brings another lovely story for all. With darkness, action, but always hope, Slatter throws us back into the universe of her past books with a new story. I love how Slatter's characters are captivating and so true. Every character is very distinct and the world is painted very clearly. You feel as if you are right there with Violet as she weaves her way through her world. While there is always darkness in the lives of her characters the way that Slatter approaches it is so beautiful, the internal struggles that we all have (even if not relative to exact scenarios) make the themes come alive and easier to see the way that the themes live within the characters but the world and plot as well.

My first by this author but it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed this one. I was torn between not wanting it to end and wanting to race through to finish it and find out the ending.
Brilliant!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc

Man, #nohypeNovember feels wildly successful especially snagging A. G. Slatter’s latest ARC in her “Sourdough Universe”. (Thank you #netgalley )
This might be the Thanksgiving wine speaking, but #agslatter kinda reminds me of a mini-Sanderson. But like more digestible and less intimidating. 😂 A little more gothic. She also has characters that are easy to love and surprising world building.

So there are four very different one-off books (& a bunch of mini tales/novellas), but the same world/magic systems slowly interweaving together.

But like, Slatter’s voice also sort of reminds of #CatherynneMValente or even like a #PatriciaAMcKillip or even #alixeharrow - it sort of feels like a dreamlike fairytale while being smirk worthy.

In this installment, we get a deeper look at Leeches (🧛), their dark lands & a world shaking family prophecy that *needs*’to be destroyed. I’ve read enough vampire books where I found myself nodding along to the “species” overview. But I think where Slatter shines is when the set up is finished and she starts playing with the magic systems.

So, though I only have read two* of Slatter’s books- her other two books are moving up fast in my 2025 TBR. In fact, I’m aiming #thepathofthorns in January. If I did it all over again, I would start at the earliest pub dates, only because I think you’ll enjoy the connections on a deeper level.

*#thebriarbookofthedead had a awesome speaker-of-the-dead vibe. A solid witchy delight!

4.25/5

I can’t wait to see where this goes next. :)

I am a huge gothic fantasy fan, and when I saw that this one included vampires and assassins, I was SO excited to be granted a review copy. I read through this in 2 nights because I needed to know what happened! The main character, Violet, has to unweave the past problems her father has created for her. The writing was gorgeous, and it's set in the same universe as other books from A.G. Slatter's collection, so I'll be heading there next! If you loved Phantasma, One Dark Window, or Throne of Glass, (plus vampires) this is a great one to pick up!

You can tell that Slatter's been building to this for a while, and if you've been following the rest of the books within the universe, you will also get lots of her other characters from this world showing up to aid our heroine, who is not having any of this but is getting dragged back into dealing with the Leech Lords kicking and screaming, and also has to deal with one of the worst things - a man who refuses to get that you have no interest in him whatsoever. This comes out a few days before Valentine's - pick it up for a dark little treat.

3/5 stars! I love the set up of this book and the characters started strong. This fell victim to having one main character that was annoying as all get out, and that making it impossible to enjoy the story. I think it still wrapped up ok, but it wasn't for me.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

I am a huge fan of this author! This is the third book of theirs I have read and they’ve all been winners for me! I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and publisher.

This exists within an interconnected universe the author has created. It does reference characters and events from other books the author has written though you can read it as a standalone. I did feel I benefitted from reading the author’s earlier works first as I enjoyed getting the references from the other books in this one.

This focuses on vampires, in this book known as ‘leech lords’. Our main character has been trained her whole life to go to the Darkhold and right a wrong her father had made thirteen years earlier. Upon her father’s death she refuses, determined to be her own person and not just a tool for her father’s use. However circumstances rally against her forcing her to do things she vehemently doesn’t want to. Her father’s cruelty and callousness was awful and I really felt for this character having her autonomy ripped away and being treated as just a means for another’s plans.

This was a rich story, about a quest to defeat a great evil, a battle against impossible odds. A brave young woman who is faced with difficult choices. It’s fascinating and I couldn’t put it down. There was so much conflict in this book, it wasn’t clear cut and there were loyalties and relationships that were tested.

I will have to go back now and read the author’s other book I haven’t read yet!

The Crimson Road is a captivating dark fantasy that delves into a world of vampires, assassins, and ancient magic. A.G. Slatter masterfully weaves a tale of revenge, redemption, and the enduring power of family.

Violet Zennor, a skilled fighter raised in the shadows, is thrust into a perilous quest to uncover the truth about her past and save her brother. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of the Darklands, she encounters a cast of intriguing characters, from cunning vampires to powerful witches.

The author's vivid descriptions and atmospheric world-building create a haunting and immersive reading experience. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action and quieter, character-driven scenes. The exploration of themes such as power, sacrifice, and the consequences of unchecked ambition adds depth to the story.

While the plot may be somewhat predictable at times, the strong character development and the author's elegant prose elevate the novel. Violet is a compelling protagonist, and her journey of self-discovery is both thrilling and heartbreaking.

The Crimson Road is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and gothic horror. It's a dark and twisted tale that will leave you wanting more.

This is a dark gothic fantasy with vampires, murderers, and thieves. Must I say more? Violet, our FMC, is headstrong, independent, and a survivor of abuse. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to read about powerful women. The storyline was very promising for the first half of the book, and then it began to fall flat towards the later half of the book. The book felt somewhat repetitive and had some pacing issues that threw me off as I read. However, the world-building and gothic atmosphere was very well-executed. I did overall enjoy this book and would recommend it to others who enjoy gothic fantasy books.

Thank you Netgalley and Titan Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I selected this one because I really enjoyed All The Murmuring Bones. I appreciate a good gothic fantasy, and that’s what I got with that one.

I’ll preface the rest by saying I’m not really a vampire person. Even reading Anne Rice, I’ve always preferred her witches to the vampires.

This one fell a little short for me. I still enjoyed it, but it’s definitely a mood read, and very gothic in telling. The beginning was very slow paced feeling for me, and we picked up steadily until the last bit. If I remember correctly, Murmuring Bones was structured much in the same way. I never felt connected to the main character like I was with Miren, and I found the plot to be a little lacking. My favorite parts were honestly her stint in Blackwater and the very end, and the rest was a bit mediocre. The writing was good and felt very gothic in style, but as I’m reading an ARC, I recognize changes and corrections will be made before publishing.

All that being said, I did enjoy this or I wouldn’t have given it 3⭐️. Its interesting enough to keep me invested, but I’m just not a vampire person. I would read another of her books, mostly because I enjoy the world she sets her books in.

If you’re a vampire person and appreciate a good gothic fantasy, definitely check this one out. If you’re not a vampire person, meh. Maybe check out Murmuring Bones!

I will be resharing closer to publication date as well.

I love a book with a strong start! I am so picky nowadays and this got me right from the first pages.

Loved the setting, the atmosphere and the characters. Particularly I loved that this book featured very strong and capable female characters. I would have appreciated some more world building and explanation into the fantasy elements of this book, but that wasn’t a deal breaker for me. It was a well outlined, entertaining book! I would definitely recommend.