BOOK REVIEW: Of Wicked Blood by @olives21 @katie_hayoz

4 stars

I am a huge fan of Olivia Wildenstein's Boulder Wolves series so I was excited to read this book she wrote with Katie Hayoz.
This book is really unique and not like anything I have ever read! I sped through it in a day as I was completely gripped the whole time.
Firstly, the characters are fantastic, especially the lead male Slate who has such great humour and had me laughing throughout. I really enjoyed his chapters for his wit and general snarky inner monologue. He is a no nonsense, tough kind of guy but has a heart of gold underneath and I loved getting to know him. The lead female Cadence is Slate's polar opposite. Quiet, kind and wears her heart on her sleeve. She is endearing and you can't help but like her and want her to fall for the bad boy Slate! The side characters all played really great parts and there wasn't one that didn't fill a great role.
The storyline was filled with magic, twists and turns. It was a little darker than I expected and there was SO much detail that it never got boring. It was a magical adventure with a slow grow romance and danger around every corner. The writing was fantastic too.
What made me knock one star off was the fact that the book is based in France and yet there were SO many americanisms. Things like using pepper spray (which isn't really a thing in Europe) and some of the words they used, especially for the college staff. It just wasn't right and made it feel a little fake at times. I think if a book is based in a specific country then the writers should make sure you write how they speak and live.
I also thought the ending was too rushed and deserved some extra time to conclude what is a great book.
That being said, I really really enjoyed it and look forward to the second book and the madness and drama that will likely happen! Plus Slate has my whole heart ❤.

Please note that I was #gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Of Wicked Blood is my second 5 star read of 2021! This novel, influenced by dark academia and French history, had flawed and well developed characters. The writing is wonderful and the story follows an amazing pace. You don’t get bored at all once you get started. Something important is always happening, or a secret is revealed, and that keeps you reading more and more chapters non-stop.

Slate, our male POV, is handsome (think Damon Salvatorre meets Kaz Brekker) and is morally grey. He has spent his whole life fighting and stealing; through foster homes and abusive guardians and afterwards into his adult life. He's the last of his family as far he knows. After selling a Renoir (that he likely stole), he feels his life is finally what he deserves, then he receives a letter claiming to know his real name and family, inviting him back to his birth town, Brume. When he arrives, his life gets turned upside down, not only about his origins but he also steals a ring from a family crypt that gives him more than he bargained for.

Cadence, the other POV, is a Brume history enthusiast (think Caroline Forbes), belonging to one of the oldest families the de Morel's. After Slate's arrival at the behest of her father, their lives intertwine.They realize the huge part they now have in the Quatrefoil. Together with Gaelle and Adrien, they race against the moon to bring back magic to Brume. Along the way, a romance simmers, jealousy rises, and drama appears to keep all characters on their toes. While they uncover the pieces of the Quarterfoil, the dark and horrid secrets of Brume's prominent citizens are revealed and you'll never look at the characters the same again.

And the ending... I need the next book like yesterday! My questions need to be answered! Who? How? What? What next? The inclusion of cursed artefacts, black magic, jaw-breaking humour, enticing action, and just the most wonderful romance, this book is definitely a must read!

This was a magical read. I am a sucker for Ya fantasy books. And this one has it all. Magic, Fantasy, romance.

But I was little let down with the ending... So Is there a Second book?!

Really good read.

4 stars.

This was such a fun read! I love the magical (and deadly) city of Brume. I love the adventure and mystery. The squad. The romance. Once I got into the story, I did not want to put it down. Slate is such a great character who is a bit morally gray (okay maybe a lot sometimes) but also has a soft gooey center. Cadence took some getting used to. She read and both very grown up but also very childish, mostly when interacting with her father. It threw me off a bit because with the squad she was so much more mature. Overall I really enjoyed it and am excited there will be another book!

Full review on www.readandwander.com the week of release.

If you are looking for a fantasy read that involves magic and also humour, this story is for you. You can’t help but root for Slate and Cadence (and most of the rest of the crew) in their quest to find magical items that are tied to their ancestry. Mix in some witty banter and French swearing and this book is a treat to read.

While the book started off promising, the pacing felt too slow for an urban fantasy.
The magic and the setting are basic but the characters are stereotypical. May be not the book for me

Why did I wait so long to read this!?!
Thanks Netgalley for letting me get ahold of this early, but these gonna be my words

I honestly picked the book for the cover. LOOK AT IT! It's simple but definitely draws me in. And goodness I was not ready for what it had to offer.

Right off the bat. This is NOT a YAbook why are y'all lying to us? Yeah, one of the main character is 17 BUT Slate talks way too much about his penis and the effect that Cadence has on it.

So as I said, we have multiple main character. Cadence and Slate.

Slate is a criminal. He grew up in the system getting one shitty family after another the only good thing to come out of it was Bastian. Whom Slate has a soft spot for. When we find out he is actually the last of his blood line. A bloodline that could bring magic back to the world, but at what cost?

Cadence is raised and born in Brume, Salem of the East. Being that Brume holds the record for most witch trials and convictions in all of France. She is so invested in the history of the town and it's magic with finding out she is also a key to bringing it back, but with this she starts to see murders pile up around the curse they must break to bring magic back. She starts to wonder. Is the magic really worth it with this much death?

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And if you like slow burns. This is not the one. It's definitely a love at first time and BUT they comment how dumb they think they're being for the attraction....but can you blame her? He's a DARK HAIR BAD BOY. We all love those!!!

I simply loved this book and could not put it down. I need more asap.... actually I kind of want to reread it again 😅😅

I need to start off by saying… WHAT WAS THAT ENDING.
I was so invested in this book but the ending did not do this book justice. I know that there is a sequel on the way but that’s not for another year.
The story itself was something unimaginable. If only it were real and magic could once again exist.
I can’t help but wonder what else Mr De Morel has up his sleeve, I sense a very deceitful man who tries to act like the nice guy in a wheelchair that he is expected to me. Definitely more to be uncovered there.
Had it not been for the abrupt ending, I probably would’ve rated this higher. Overall it was a very well written book that kept the reader engaged. Can’t have a good book without some sort of love triangle… Am I right?

I’ve really enjoyed reading Olivia Wildenstein’s past work so I was pretty excited to receive an ARC for this book, her newest novel.
This book has got a lot going for it.
It takes place in France, it’s witchy, we’ve got some sneaky scooby-doo bad guys, a slow burn romance, local “folklore” that was really fun to read about.,A really awesome magical astronomical clock, a snarky bad boy with a heart of gold and friggin dragons. So yeah, a lot of good stuff happening.
Unfortunately, this book has a lot going against it as well.
The plot’s pacing was weird. I felt like it moved from event to event at a snails pace, but then when I finally got to the big important scenes, they felt too rushed.
CADENCE WAS PROBLEMATIC. In oh so many ways. She was shallow and one dimensional and SO petty. I have not read such an insufferable character in a long, long time. I just, I couldn’t stand her.
Lastly, that ending. Just. It was just not good.
Slate and Bastian saved the entire book for me. I was really rooting for Slate. He was the underdog and the hero all at the same time and I was invested in his success.
Of Wicked Blood had a lot of promise, the premise is really cool. Sort of like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire meets Medival times. The romance was a slow burn and by the time the main characters get together it’s really satisfying and Slate’s macabre sense of humor helped eliminate some of the tension caused by the trials the gang had to endure.
Honestly, even looking past Cadence and everything about her that literally annoyed me to no end. I enjoyed this book. UNTIL THAT ENDING.
The worst part is, I can’t even talk about the ending with out giving it away.
Let’s just say, that nothing was solved, there was no happy ending, it felt like it was all hastily thrown together.
I SAY THIS BECAUSE: The resolution to all of Slate and Cadence’s problems made approximately zero sense to me, and was left completely unexplained. THEN come to find out this is a duology, so now I have to wait until the second book is published for any sort of answer!
I must admit, that I was fully engrossed in Of Wicked Blood at more than one point while reading. So naturally that makes it an automatic three star read for me. However due to my hatred for a main character, and a totally unsatisfying ending, I am going to have to dock a star (for each reason respectively).

I give this book 3 stars.

Pub date: Feb 2021
This YA urban fantasy with a romance was right up my alley! I'm a sucker for the anti-hero with a heart of gold (e.g. Han Solo) and I LOVE Slate, the poor, ex-foster kid turned successful thief and rogue. Cadence is the rich, daddy's girl, but kind and a little naive. When Slate drunkenly steals her family's heirloom after finding out his legacy in Cadence's small French town, he unknowingly binds himself to staying and helping find pieces that will bring magic back in the world. The dynamic between Slate and Cadence is fun as he slowly wins her over (their POVs exchange ever other chapter), and the supporting characters help define each of them further (love Alma and Bastian, especially!). However, the search for the pieces was less interesting to me until they had to figure out something on their own (without Cadence's sketchy father), and there is a segment about a terrible consequence of their search which brings the stakes into high relief. There end up being a lot of unanswered questions in this first installment that leave the reader needing more. Can't wait for the next!

Well, if you love curses, dark magic, mysterious trials, fated bloodlines, cursed artifacts and towns with mysterious lore, this book has it all! This book took me on a dark magical journey full of secrets, challenges and even a bit of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end. While the ending wrapped up nicely and this could be read as a stand alone, it left me wanting more. I can't wait to continue reading within this world!

The beginning of this story left me doubtful, but my doubts were assuaged throughout the story. The language and crassness of the main character at the beginning (as well as certain actions that would be considered cause for some serious after-death punishment) threw me off and I wasn't sure this book would be for me. I was very pleasantly surprised.

The characters were well fleshed out, and Slate was an endearingly immoral character who had an interesting backstory and experienced moderate growth (moderate because not much actual time has passed, not because he will not grow more). I was left a little underwhelmed with Cadence's character growth, although her character was interesting as well, and I definitely think she will have her time to shine. Bastian has to be the most adorable person I've read about in ages. I hope he sticks around.

I loved the setting. Quaint village, mystical history, odd traditions, lots of old buildings steeped in history - is there anything better? I can't wait to read the next installment, and the only problem with this book that I really have is the wait until the next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Twig Publishing for providing a copy of this e-book for review.

Of Wicked Blood is an urban fantasy set in the village of Brume, that is believed to be the birthplace of all magic. This book gave me major Mystic Falls vibes but add in a treasure hunt for magical items. While this book starts a little slow the plot really picks up as Slate finds himself in a life or death situation after accidentally acquiring a magical artifact. Cadence and Slate come to learn they are both descendants of founding families, which requires them to rally with the other two founding family’s descendants to hunt down magical artifacts, in order to complete an ancient ritual and save Slates life. This book is perfect you want to get lost in an exciting magic filled plot with strong dark academia vibes. Also, the romance plot between Cadence and Slate was well paced and super enjoyable.

Slate has had a hard life. Nothing has come easy. However, he has made it through with his cunning, strength and not a little thieving.

He does not remember anything of his time before ending up in foster care. So when he gets an unsolicited letter from Professor Rainier de Morel, the Acting Dean at L’Université de Brume he is a little bit intrigued and a lot angry.

It seems Slate has history there he never knew of not to mention the offer of a full scholarship.

The full scholarship is not what Slate is looking forward to however. He wants vengeance against M. de Morel who knew where he was during his untenable and unendurable times and never reached out to help.

Shortly after he arrives he realizes he may have bitten off more than he can chew.

A ghostly town with a magical history, a stolen ring that cannot be pried from his finger, a deadly deadline to find hidden magical pieces and a girl that has him willing to risk anything to be with her.

Will this thief be able to steal her heart and if he does, will he survive to reap the benefits?

I enjoyed the budding relationship between Cadence and Slate. The unique story line, the magic, mystery as well as the intrigue kept me turning the pages.

The pace, for me, in the beginning was slow but if you persist through these first few chapters, the pace and story line pick up and become much more fast paced and interesting.

One thing I will note is that the authors do not go into depth with characters. I have read this whole book but feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of who these characters are.

In my opinion, the characters weren’t fleshed out enough even though they were all quite intriguing. I believe adding more background or history would have made this a five-star read. The connection we would feel as they each go through trial and risk life and limb to retrieve their quatrefoil would be more potent and chilling.

Cadence’s character is young and naive in the beginning of the story . As the story progresses however, she starts to show a strength of character and independence that I didn’t think she was capable of. This made me like her character so much more. Her character seemed a little bland before.

As for Slate. I liked the growth of his character it seemed natural. I would’ve enjoyed knowing more on his past. Maybe a scene or two. Just to cement the way he is and what he has done before arriving in Brume.

Rainier I did not like from the get-go. In my opinion he is a master manipulator. Full of deceit and lies. But I am unable to verify this gut feeling I have about him until the next book. Sigh!

I also think a small glossary of terms would not be remiss for the French words that are in the book. I was taken out of my reading to look up what some of them meant.

The ending itself was disappointing in that it left me with so many questions!

With all that being said, this series has so much promise and I’m hooked enough to want more.

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

Lately I have really enjoyed reading stories based on Arthurian legends.

And this story has a lot of influence from it, it slowly introduces you to a world full of magic and adventures.
Although I must say that the book was very long and there were moments where I really wanted to put it aside, because of how slow it was.

However I must admit that ma has hooked and would like to read a little more about this story.

I didn't really know what to expect from Of Wicked Blood, but I was totally blown away! A brilliant story of a forgotten magic and a quest to recover it, this book has everything. A thrilling romance, a pulse pounding adventure, and an eerie vibe that is hard to tear yourself away from!

So far, one of my favourite books of the year. Can't believe I have to wait so long for the sequel!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun, enjoyable book to read. It features chapters from both Slate and Cadence's POV and follows them as they discover that they are two of the four people required to bring about the return of magic. I loved their progression from adversaries to friends and more. Slate's easy-going and sarcastic personality lightened the book and I found him really relatable. The animosity between him and Adrien was amusing and I loved the quaint setting of Brume.

While I found the plot slow to start, there was enough suspense to keep me interested. I am intrigued to learn more about Rainier and the failed attempt to bring magic back. However, I felt the ending was a little rushed and confusing. I will probably reread the last couple of chapters later on to try and understand what happened.

Thank you to NetGalley and Twig Publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This would make a great Disney movie. If they take out the cussing. It's full of magic and fantasy.

Slate who grew up in foster homes, finds out he is the decendent of a well-known magical family from Broom. The last living decedent that has to help the town get its magic back.

This isn't the type of book i like but it will be good for the teens.


Thank you #OFWICKEDBLOOD #NetGalley

I received the arc for this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review so here goes.

*4.5 stars

Loved the plot and concept of a trial with a badass team assembling. I feel the start however was a bit slow paced and the ending extremely fast paced. Overall it was a good read and an easy one to get through.

The characters themselves were great and there was a good amount of character development for Slate and Gaelle, I feel there is a lot more too the De Morel and Mercier family which I’m really excited to learn about in the upcoming sequel novels.

The romance was good, the issues that occurred between them were not drawn out and I feel they were concluded well and maturely for a YA novel.

Was I the only one confused by the ending though? I might have to reread that and try and make more sense out of it. I think maybe a chapter after the final one may have been go to maybe hint at whats to come in the next book to keep some hype for it.

Overall it was a great read and I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy and reading the rest of the series when it’s released!

The book just wasn’t for me. I did not finish the book after reading 23% because I couldn't get into the story or writing style. I thought some of the word choice and turns of phrase used were really awkward, and I struggled to connected with the characters. While this is set at a university, I found the writing a bit juvenile, and I think that younger YA readers will be more interested in this urban fantasy, although the frequent cursing may be an issue for younger readers.