I generally enjoyed this story, if not finding it a little predictable from time to time. I see the typical trope of "Im an ugly woman but everyone seems to fancy me" a bit tired now, but the authors pulls it off well. I look forward to seeing what the next book is like.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review (Thank you!)

Wavorly Sterling’s treatment at her Nightingale school, prior to being taken to Lord Zein’s estate, is strongly written, and deals with the world building well. Many times, there are too many new terms and laws that an author must introduce to a reader, and quick does a good job at introducing them gradually without feeling like I was reading a dictionary.

Upon Wavorly’s entrance to Zein’s estate, the book really begins to pick up steam. In a classic vampire novel, there are frequently tropes that take place, centered around the vampire falling in love with a mortal. and that does begin to take on the ye old vampire novel touch.


The author does a good job of introducing the vampire genre into the 2019 light and does a wonderful job of not making the reader feel like this is another 2009 sparkle vampire book (for the most part).

“Enslavement is still enslavement, no matter how soft the chains.”-Kelsey Quick, "A Violet Fire"

A Violet Fire not only met but exceeded my expectations for an inventive and thrilling vampire novel set in a world not entirely apart yet not completely the same as ours. Following 18-year old human protagonist, Waverly, readers are introduced to a vampire-led stratocracy, based specifically within the region of the world known as Cain. In Cain, vampires brainwash, enslave, torture, and feed from humans. What follows throughout the novel is Waverly - a human who grew up outside the restrictive grip of Cain - battling with her hatred for vampires and her need to escape.

Honestly, similar to Waverly, I also grappled with my thoughts about not just vampires but the book itself while reading. The writing itself is well-crafted and engaging, but I was expecting to review the book overall as a problematic, yet gripping read. Fellow readers: I was wrong. Or rather, it took the electrifying twists and turns of the novel's plot to its very end for me to develop a true appreciation for the story Kelsey Quick has crafted within the world of A Violet Fire. Brace yourself for a protagonist who is strong of mind and heart, and likely to become your latest young, female protagonist to root for as a character that commands attention and solidarity.

As a former Twilight fan (shout-out to those middle school years), I'm excited by any opportunity to fall in love with a new vampire novel or series. Looking forward to the next installment, and as ever, appreciate the opportunity through NetGalley to read an advanced edition of this book.

4.5 stars

Wow an awesome first book a Y/A vampire dystopia about Waverly a human who is kept for a food supply and Zein. Vampire lord who saved her as a child but is a little on the rough side.
Waverly knows what freedom is and keeps trying to escape.
She catches the eye of Zein and things start developing between them.
Great drama,dialogue twists angst beginning of a possible romance.
With a unexpected ending.
Can't wait to read what happens next.
Really kept by interest.
Voluntarily reviewed.

There's a good story in here (I especially liked the twist on the traditional vampire/human 'love story' trope), but this had a few too many flaws for me to bump it any higher than two stars. The tone and pacing were incredibly uneven, and the prose really needed polish when it came to flow; by which I mean, there's a certain clunkiness against the ear that kept jarring me out of the story, (which could probably be smoothed out with another draft or two).

I know I say it a lot, but I am conflicted about this book.

Usually, I don't like vampires, it's probably because I was forced to read Twilight (because my friend's mom wouldn't let her read it) and I've been against them ever since.

But these ones were actually pretty interesting. The story was interesting. The characters were... okay.

And still, it's just not my kind of book.

There's so much going on in this book. The vampires use humans as cattle (called 'supply'), basically, so that they can keep a steady supply of blood. Most of the humans are perfectly fine with this, since they've been raised by the vampires and don't know anything else.

But Waverly, the main character, was born outside of Cain, in a free city, so she knows what freedom is and she is determined to return to it.

She has little to no interest in being a part of the 'supply lines' that govern life for humans in Cain, and the only thing that stops her from continuing to attempt to escape is that her owner Lord Zein, is holding her friends and threatening their safety.

///// Worldbuilding

Honestly, the best part of this by far was the worldbuilding.

It was unlike anything else I've ever read (granted I've not read a lot of vampire books).

But then in the last quarter of the book, the world-building gets a bit weird. Suddenly there's magic. Suddenly there's a prophesy and a chosen one. People from Waverly's past return. It gets complicated and I'm still not entirely certain what happened.

And then it just ended.

At the time that I read this (July 2019) there was no hint that this book was part of a series. Granted it was an advance copy, but you'd think they would have said 'keep an eye out for book two!' or something.

Goodreads now lists that it's book one in a series, and I'm probably going to read the rest.

///// Characters

I'm really not sure what was happening with some of the characters.

They were just... confusing.

There's a lot of Stockholm syndrome involved, which means you can't expect rational thought, but still, I cannot tell you what was happening with Waverly or Lord Zein for 50% of the book (particularly the end).

///// Overall

I might read book two.

I might not.

I haven't decided yet.

An amazing read, not a vampire love story, but a ale that will be spread over books. Engaging and thoroughly entertaining. Wavorly is an amazing character, so gutsy I loved her so much, we don’t get to know Zein too much as it’s kept quite withdrawn and it’s obvious we will learn over time. I can’t wait for the next.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this novel. It was slow to start but worth it once you got into the thick of it.

It has everything you need; a strong female protagonists, romance and so many twists and turns your head will spin. I couldn’t put the book down. I’m also looking forward to any other novels that may follow.

#avioletfire #netgalley
I was given this book free an exchange for my honest review through NetGalley. This was an interesting read, I had a hard time getting into it though.

This book is the first in a series so most of the book is spent setting up the background and getting to know the characters.
It oozes passion that is all tied up in lies and betrayal. It's an interesting take on the over used , cliche insta-love vampire romance, it's focus in the emotional and mental manipulation.

It's a good read and makes you eager to see where the story goes next.

This book is not a vampire love story, it is an epic tale in a vast and detailed world of fantasy. The depth and intensity of the story, the thorough character development and fantasy, that still has elements of reality, make this a fantastic read.

The story develops at a steady pace. Since A Violet Fire is set in a fictional reality, much of the early part of the story is focused on setting the scene, this was done in a way that was entertaining rather than tiresome. It is filled with suspense, twists and turns that kept me on my toes and guessing to the end. This story is very complex, but not confusing in the slightest.

This novel has my head spinning, in a good way! I need the next instalment. I can't predict how this story will end, and I love that!

What an engrossing read! I had a hard time putting it down. In a world where humans are scarce and vampires rule, humans are raised as living blood bags and bred to continue the race. Wavorly, raised on the outside, is sent to train to become a slave to her vampire master, Lord Anton Zein. Wavorly is headstrong, fierce, and longs for freedom. In this book we follow them as they become closer and secrets from the past come to light.
I’m heavily invested in this series and really really want to know what happens next. That ending left me speechless 😶. If you like vampires, forbidden romance, and secret societies this one is for you. I loved it.

**I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As it is an indie, the author has full control over the work. She's stated that she will take ARC feedback into consideration.**

I'm dividing my review into two parts. <b>Skip to "Enemies to Lovers Deliciousness" if you just want the usual format. The general review may contain spoilers, while the quick categories do not.</b>

<b>General review</b>
I requested this ARC because the premise intrigued me. I never got tired of the vampire trend and the synopsis promised a hate-to-love romance. That's all you need to get my attention, really. Plus, it was compared to The Cruel Prince so I was doubly encouraged.

(Confession: I didn't finish reading TCP. But that's for another time. I understand perfectly why A Violet Fire was comped to it)

Let me say though that <b>the prose is beautiful and the concept is promising. The author just stumbled with the execution.</b> There are some scenes that captivated me entirely... while others left me skipping forward. I'd rate this <b>3.5/5 stars for that inconsistency. I have so many mixed feelings.</b>

<b>WORLDBUILDING</b>

<b>I LOVED the worldbuilding.</b> It's very original, and the author even included the universe's history and politics at play. Plus, you know that the novel only takes place in a small part of the world--and that's why Wavorly is itching to escape to a better, freer country. I'm very interested in learning more about the places outside Cain.

I also want to reiterate that <b>the prose is beautiful.</b> The author offers lavish descriptions of places, clothing, and characters. I could imagine it all perfectly in my head. At one point, I just kept reading on because of her prose.

<b>RELATIONSHIPS</b>

<b>Wavorly and Zein's romance hooked me in because I am a sucker for the hate-to-love trope.</b> Wavorly is the only human who hasn't been brainwashed to worship Zein, so he's fascinated by her. (Also, she's the last human with red hair and green eyes, so she's "genetically important") Even if she pisses him off, and she does that a lot, he admits it's refreshing. Nobody else dares to argue with him, so his immortal life is really boring.

Meanwhile, Zein is very hot and cold. His attempts to punish Wavorly are just for show, really, and he never means to hurt her seriously (no matter how many evil threats he makes). He makes sure she's comfortable, cares for her, and respects her boundaries. He even guarantees her and her friends' safety (albeit on his own terms). So Zein learns to be more compassionate towards her.

Honestly, I was clutching my e-reader to my face whenever they shared a scene. <b>I was so into their dark, flirty, half-hate-half-love banter.</b> And when he bites her... <i>oof.</i>

<b>BUT Wavorly's opinion of Zein is inconsistent.</b> Once they get to know each other more, she hates him one moment, and then loves him the next, and then remembers that she hates him... I understand what the author was doing; Waverly is conflicted since she's hated vampires all her life. But <b>sometimes it just gave me whiplash. I wish we were more gently eased into her romantic struggles.</b>

<b>EXCESSIVE INFO-DUMPS</b>

<b>The worldbuilding is fascinating and complex, I give it that! But I think there was too much info-dumping in this novel.</b> I prefer discovering the world through its plot rather than having it directly explained by the characters. The constant exposition was present throughout the novel... it was happening even near the end. I know it's done for our benefit, but I think constant info-dumping just makes the world feel cold and impersonal.

And yet, when there wasn't an info-dump, when there were hints of a plot twist... it felt <b>predictable.</b> I think it's because the author revealed the details at awkward times. Rather than seeming organic (if they were mentioned from the start), they seemed too much like <b>conspicuous plot devices.</b> Yes, she suddenly starts getting flashbacks about her <i>dead</i> best friend. The moment she name-dropped him, I knew he was alive and coming for her.

<b>PACING</b>

A Violet Fire starts off really great. We're thrown into the action with some minor backstory, Wavorly is really driving her own destiny, and it's easy to root for her. Even after she and her friends are transferred to Zein's castle, there's enough drama to keep you reading. There's her relationship with Zein, her blooming friendships (and enemy-ships) with the other girls, and the mystery of that ~violet room which honestly, I did not care for. I'm sorry. It was mysterious, yes, but I didn't know why we should care for it other than <i>oh it's only visible to Wavorly and it reveals her past and there's a secret prophecy...</i>

I think the novel waffles a bit at this midpoint. Once Wavorly reluctantly falls for Zein (and after he threatens the safety of her friends) she has no more reason to escape. She goes from an active protagonist to a very passive one, only reacting to the events and characters around her. Like, I get that she had no choice, but this lack of drive (aside from wanting to examine the violet room which, like I said, I didn't care for) made the novel seem so slow. I think I devoured close to a hundred pages in one day, and then after that, it became an effort to read too many pages at once.

Near the end, there's a Chosen One plot twist that I didn't personally enjoy (though that's only because I am personally not into the Chosen One trope). It made a lot of sense, and it put everything in the story into perspective... but I was disappointed. I expected A Violet Fire to be much more unique (considering its worldbuilding). The fact that the Chosen One trope was only revealed at the last... 80% or so of the novel is also the issue, I think. <b>Maybe it's my fault; I was expecting this novel to subvert all the usual vampire fantasy tropes. But it didn't.</b>

<b>BONUS: Other Reviewers' Issues</b>

I've read other reviews and I noticed that other readers think Wavorly slut shames the other female characters. <b>I disagree.</b> It might seem like it because she's disgusted by their hero worship of the vampires, but Wavorly understands that they were brainwashed into it. It isn't their fault. And the things that are their fault (like attacking her out of jealousy) warrants anger, I think. More than anything, Wavorly was angry that the other girls were praising <i>vampires.</i> It had nothing to do with them being <i>men</i> they were attracted to. It's the <i>object of attraction</i> that she hates, not the <i>attraction itself</i>. Remember when her best friend Savvy revealed she was in love with Gemini? Wavorly was supportive because she knew it would make her friend happy.

Wavorly is the only person who doesn't hero worship her captors. I understand why she's so upset and disgusted.

<b>Enemies to Lovers Deliciousness</b>
<b>Quick categories</b>

<i>Steamy hatef*ck scale: 4/5</i>
The steamy hatef*ck is good. God, Wavorly hates Zein with such a burning passion. When Zein gets pissed off, he gets really aggressive. She's still supposed to feed him her blood, so there's a lot of tension when he gets angry enough to bite :)

<i>Secret softness scale: 4/5</i>
Zein really does care for her, even if he's an evil vampire warlord. He gives her special treatment, always makes sure she's okay after a feeding, and saves her time and time again. Wavorly softens up to him once she realizes he's kinder than she thought.

<i>Go female friendships! scale: 5/5</i>
I actually really enjoyed Wavorly's friendship with Savvy. That girl is precious, and it's sweet how Wavorly sacrifices a lot just to save her best friend. Even if they fight, they don't stay enemies for long. And even if they're jealous of each other at times, it doesn't break their friendship, and they always make-up.

<b>TL;DR I have mixed feelings about this novel. If you're a fan of vampire romances and traditional fantasy tropes, then I recommend it. But if you're looking for something new and subversive, then maybe skip it. Still, I look forward to seeing what the author will write next.</b>

What do I want to say about this book? First off, I really liked it. I stayed up a little too late reading it and then immediately picked it up again when I woke up. I was fascinated by the story because I had no idea where it was going and honestly, that's a satisfying trait in a book. It can be nice to know how a book is going to end, but it's much more fun to be surprised.

The writing style was also highly enjoyable. I liked the sarcastic tone of the main character, and that bled into the description of people and surroundings. The main character also had a relatable internal conflict: the fear that one's friends are going to abandon you. Painfully annoying as such a problem is, I could understand exactly what Wavorly was feeling when she expressed that fear, and that drew me to the character.

The vampires themselves? Awesome and terrifying. This isn't some Twilight wannabe. This is a "vampires are predators you need to be constantly on your guard" type book and that is far more fun to read about. Wavorly's conflict about caring for a vampire is real and perfect, because again--PREDATOR.

I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who's read other vampire novels, and even to those who don't think they like vampire books. The conflicts within are real and complex, and you won't be disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

6+Stars. Can you say HELL YES!!!

Kelsey Quick is a new-to-me author and she made one heck of an impression on me with A Violet Fire!

Set in a time where humans are scarce and thus, so is the blood supply for vampires, humans are now serving at their whim. From breeding farms to brainwashing and sustenance for vampires, humans are completely dominated and oppressed.

Wavorly, however, has known freedom and the outside world. She bucks convention and all demands. She has a huge hate for vampires. Especially one who saved her from death by another vampire then left her and promised to come back when he never did.

Being headstrong, passionate and courageous she defies convention and that sets her apart from her peers who shun her because they cannot understand her willfulness and defiance. This has left her alone for too many years.

When once again she meets Zein, the vampire who saved her, she has more hatred and distrust for vampires than ever. When she is chosen to follow Zein to his home after the Distribution Ceremony, she cannot wait to escape.

As the days go by, however, her mindset starts to waver. She starts to believe that not all vampires are evil and that includes her master, Zein. Can she trust him? Or, is everything just a ruse?

Holy smokes! This book blew me away! It’s excruciating knowing that I have to wait for the next book. There are breath-stealing moments that left me at the edge of my seat. It is exciting, gripping and full of danger. It consumed me. Around every corner there was a new development. Twists and turns abound. This series is going to be my newest addiction.

My anxiety during the selection was raging alongside Wavorly’s. I needed to know what her fate was going to be.

Wavorly is strong, defiant and courageous. She left me slack-jawed. She is such a ballsy little thing!

Zein is a tough one to crack. We do not get to see much of him but he keeps everything so close to the chest. He is powerful, demanding and somewhat of a bully which befits his station. It was hard to categorize if he is good or bad and what his intentions are toward Wavorly. I have a feeling that in the long-run even he doesn’t really know.

This is one book you don’t want to miss!

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5ish? I'm so torn on this book. It definitely turns the vampire genre on it's head with it's all powerful, nearly human hating vampires. I didn't mind the fresh take on that and thought that it was pretty interesting. I found the main character a touch irritating sometimes. Like she was incapable of acknowledging her own emotions, which I guess, if this is a YA/teen character is pretty par for the course. What really irritated me was the "vampire romance," or lack thereof. If you're going to shill a book as a partial romance, you have to really bring those feelings, and this fell so far short it might as well have been a hop off the grand canyon. There's no real chemistry between Wavorly and Zein. He hasn't redeemed himself enough from being one of the literal world full of bad vampires for me to ever buy off on him being a "good" guy with really poor decision making skills. Maybe there wasn't enough backstory? I don't know, I just didn't like this whole (non) romance thing. It didn't fit, and given that it was such a huge part of the plot, that really needed to work for me. There was also no hope for a future for them. What kind of vampire romance doesn't at least offer the human part a chance at eternal life? Otherwise, what is the point? Maybe 40 years before she's so old it makes it laughable? Meh. Interesting new plot, terrible take on romance.

I received a complimentary copy of A Violet Fire from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What an original take on the vampire genre! I loved the tragedy of the human condition and the 'Violet Heir' who may be able to avenge some of what has been lost. Angry and powerful, Wavorly is a character to envy. (Sounds like there will be a great sequel as well!)
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

A Violet Fire by Kelsey Quick. First, I must say I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book! I could not put it down! I started it and kept finding excuses to stop everything that I was doing to read! I was intrigued at the very beginning and I SO did not expect the first book to leave me wanting to find the sequel and buy it! I will probably buy a hard cover to keep in my classroom for the dystopian section of the common core unit.

Wavorly is not the typical teenage girl in most dystopian books. Her character is strong and very cynical to the point of getting her in trouble. Zein IS the typical vampire character—but just when you think you have he plot and ending figured out, you are wrong. This is am adventure that I was thrilled to go along for the ride with. Can’t say again how much I loved this book.

I looove this book. I'm so happy that vampires are officially back in the YA genre. The plot was engaging and had some twists I didn’t see coming but thoroughly enjoyed, the writing was easy to follow and the characters were relatable and full of life. I had so many emotions while reading this, and for me, that’s the element that makes a book a good one.

A Violet Fire is a dystopian novel in which vampires rule the world and use humans as their blood supplies. Men and women born in the territory of Cain are learning from an early age that their only purpose in life is offering their blood to their masters and serving them as best as they can. Wavorly Sterling is tossed into this life at the age of eight, and ten years later hates everything that has to do with vampires and her enslavement. Anton Zein is an enigmatic vampire who saved her life when she was little and is now responsible for her fate. What will happen when their paths collide?

Wavorly is the type of character that either you love or hate. I liked her a lot! I think she is strong, opinionated and just, but she is equally immature, impulsive and has a big mouth on her. She is a very realistic character as all the other cast members. Zein is mysterious and magnetic. He won me over from the second time we get to meet him. He has his scary moments but, most of the time, he is kind and understanding. Their interactions are addicting and their chemistry is tangible. Also, the relationships and the dynamics between the supply units are very interesting to read due to their hard competition with each other.

The only issue I have to point out is the pacing. I think there are many unnecessary descriptions that slow the story down and makes you want to skip them and get to the juicy parts. Still, I don’t think it’s something that will spoil your reading experience.

The ending is absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to read the next one! If you like YA paranormal stories, I’d say to give this one a try.

I received this e-arc from NetGalley for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Anyone who's enjoyed Holly Black's The Cruel Prince needs to read Kelsey Quick's A Violet Fire. It takes the same basic concept of being a rare human in world of magical, powerful creatures, and turns it into a kind of psychological drama with a fantasy backdrop. It's beautifully crafted, and the character development is top-notch. This book exemplifies what an active protagonist should look like--not jumping from one big, exciting event to another but pushing the plot forward with her decisions.

When the book begins, Wavorly (or Wave, as her few friends call her), has every reason not to have agency. She's enslaved as a young child, raised in a world where her only purpose is feeding a vampire master, and pretty much spends all her time locked in one cage or another. Yet her fierce goal to escape and find freedom permeates her every action. She gives herself agency. Her choices matter, and she reflects back on them and adjusts future actions accordingly. Wave never just walks anywhere. She surveys her surroundings, looking for openings she can use later.

The core of the book is the war going on in Wave's head. She has always hated vampires, but when her master Zein starts showing her small moments of kindness, it throws her off, and she finds her resolve weakening. The reader is left constantly trying to figure Zein out as much as Wave is. I could still see readers having mixed feelings about him even after the book is over.

Throughout the book, Wave gets visions of a sort by stepping into a room of violet flames that only she seems to be able to see. These build up to an excellent twist at the end that I don't believe any reader is going to see coming, simply because the hints Wave gets from her moments past the wall are too disjointed. But I don't believe this is one of those books where the aim is to figure the twist out. The big question becomes, once all is revealed, what does Wave ultimately do with this final piece of information? Does she give Zein her full trust or not? There are surprisingly stiff consequences if her assessment about him is wrong.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I hope I get to read more of the author's work in the future.

Rating: 5 out of 5