So this was a random pick while filling out a survey for Netgalley’s app, the audiobook portion. I grabbed the ebook since the audiobook had some glitches through the app.

It took me sometime to get into the story and found myself zoning out, but after 20% I was devouring every single word. From the characters, even though I was more invested in Slate than Cadence. However, with this being a series, there’s no doubt that we’ll see more character development with Cadence. We definitely saw a little glimpse of it at the end of the book.

I had trouble deciphering if this would be a YA or NA. I’m a romance reader and there’s some elements that seemed to cross over into the NA category.

I’m definitely invested in this magical world and the characters, the narrators were great, but think the ebook suits me better.

What an enjoyable read from two new to me authors, can’t wait for the next book.

Of Wicked Blood was an enjoyable read! I love that the 2 different character perspectives are so different, and Slate's sarcastic personality/voice is so entertaining. And it was fun seeing things from both Cadence & Slate's perspectives. The world-building is also really convincing--it felt like I was actually in Brume. The trials they go through are intriguing & captivating. But I did have a difficult time understanding everyone's motivations and the end I felt a little abrupt and I have a handful of unanswered questions. Overall though it was very well-written & thought-out and I'd recommend it!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Of Wicked Blood was an exceptionally fun read! I adored all the characters, the slow-burning romance and the feeling of being a Goonie!

The treasure hunt of the story line was like trick-or-treating down a spooky town with a huge smile on your face. Ghosts, Dragons, Sirens, Greek mythology and more coming to life on the page! It was like I was part of this quick to love scooby gang that incited so much love and edge of my seat concern for their safety at the end!! Will all the personalities make it out of the Wicked Blood alive?! You need to add this book to your list and find out how much fun this hunt was!

Ahhh. I was very close to not finishing this book, but i am so happy i finished. It was such an fun fantasy and original consept. The snow burn romance was top notch. I really liked watching Cadence and Slate bantere. Can’t wait for the second book. 2022 can not be here fast enough

What a nice surprise! This book won my heart for how amazing it was. This was also my first ever experience listening to a NetGalley audiobook, and fortunately it was a positive one.
The story is super good and it exceeded all my expectations. The search for magical artifacts with limited time added a lot of motion to the story, so of course I was hooked from the beginning. I think the fantasy world was very interesting and the setting in Europe was definitely a good decision for this book.
The characters were interesting, and I feel I did care about all of them. I liked everyone, even the characters you are supposed to dislike. Everyone had their own story and uniqueness, and they made a great team with great dynamics. A cool thing I saw in this book was that not every relationship in this book is linear. Most of the characters had complex relationships with each other. There are so many examples in the book for this, but I’ll just give Slate and Adrian’s relationship as an example. They both have strong feelings for the same girl, and there are moments where they dislike each other, but there are also moments where you see how close and amicable they have become with each other. A few more relationships I found very interesting were the relationships between Slate/De Morel, Adrian/Cadence and Cadence/her dad.
The romance was a huge aspect of why I liked this book so much. It’s the kind of romance that starts with them both hating each other and it transforms into a very intense and loving relationship. I think the authors did a great job with this relationship, but I have to admit it felt a bit like insta-love. It didn’t bother me too much because the good thing is that even the characters address it in the book. I don’t know why, but I feel like when they acknowledge it, it doesn’t feel that bad! But yeah, I wish they didn’t feel like they actually loved each other so soon.
There were so many things that made this book amazing - the plot, the romance, the characters and relationships -, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I flew through this book!
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series! Since the book is named “Quatrefoil”, I’m assuming there will be four books in total? Fingers crossed!

Perfect for fans of The Gilded Wolves and Six of Crows.

It should be pretty basic that you shouldn't steal from the dead but Slate isn't always the brightest despite making his living stealing. After a bender Slate decides to break into the De Morel crypt resulting in him stealing the Bloodstone ring which has a habit of killing the person currently wearing it if they don't complete a series of tasks in a specific time frame. Cadence is the daughter of the ring's last victim and must help Slate complete his tasks before time runs out. Slate and Cadence along with two other descendants of the founding families must work together to find the missing Quatrefoil pieces and restore magic to Brume. Each person will have to complete a specific task to obtain their piece of a corresponding element within the time limit or Slate will die.

I did not expect to like this book as much as I did but man do I want the second book already. The magic system was different from any other book I've read lately but it wasn't complicated or hard to follow. I appreciated that while it's classified as new adult some of the language and scenes are pushing that NA boundary. Nothing worse than reading a book with high stakes or your main characters are tailoring their language for a younger audience. The growing relationship between Slate and Cadence made sense without being inst-love and the drama with Adrien was excellent.

*Thank you to Netgalley, the authors, and Twig Publishing for allowing me to listen to an arc in exchange for an honest review."

4.6 starlights ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Such a fantastic and original story. It is captivating and imaginative and kept me intrigued throughout.

The story follows Slate, a savvy thief that spent most of his difficult childhood in foster care. However, a letter calling him back to his birthplace, Brume (a village in France known for its magical heritage), changes everything. Armed with this letter, his birth certificate and his real name, he discovers Cadence, hidden secrets, adventure, romance and magic.

Olivia Wildenstein and Katie Hayoz are brilliant writers! The narrative starts off a little slow but definitely picks up with its excellent and enticing plot and compelling characters (especially Slate) and thrilling action.
This is perfect for fans of urban fantasy, french dark academia, unique characters and a fascinating magic system. I loved this story a lot!

And the audiobook narrative is just as amazing! I’m really enjoying the listen! Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the audiobook and arc.

I received an ARC of Of Wicked Blood by Olivia Wildenstein and Katie Hayoz thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Content warning: child death, prior child abuse mentioned (no, these are not related)

Review of narration:

When I started Of Wicked Blood I was reading the eARC version, which is great, but then I saw that there was the audiobook ARC available and immediately started listening to it as well. The narrator for Cadence is incredible. Literally exactly how I imagined Cadence sounding. She reminds me of the voice actor who did American Royals/Majesty, which is high praise. Slate’s narrator I was less a fan of, but that is totally because I imaged him to sound differently. If I had started off listening, I wouldn’t have this complaint. I’m still happy I got to enjoy the audiobook version though and I do recommend it! Just maybe not after starting the book without audio.

Review:

I am obsessed with this book. After the first chapter, I preordered the sequel (August cannot come fast enough). I knew it was going to be a hit because Slate is incredible. The banter between Slate and his brother is priceless and that banter continues throughout with multiple characters. Slate is so much fun to read! Cadence is not quite as good of a character as Slate (morally grey characters just sing to me) but their chemistry together is wonderful.

Plot-wise the story was excellently crafted. There was the perfect amount of build up and the action-packed scenes were not piled in one spot. The way the history of Brume was told (which is an extremely important aspect of the story) was brilliant. I never felt lectured to, despite there being parts where it was literally be taught to Slate.

The descriptions were great. A picture was painted as the story was being told. I felt like I was walking through the events with them. I would have like a bit more detail to the environment, but the book is already 400+ words of perfection so I totally get why those details are not there and as you’re reading you don’t even notice.

I cannot recommend this story enough. It gives me flashbacks to all the good aspects of Endgame (which honestly aren’t that many looking back on it, but this gives off that same “adventure, save the world” vibe). Another book it reminds me of is Lore (minus the mythology). Definitely worth picking up and moving it up the TBR list!

This was a great start to a new series, and I really enjoyed most of it. I liked the characters for the most part, Slate, specifically, although Cadence has potential to grow on me more, once she discovers that she doesn’t need her Papa for everything, and that really sinks in.
The beginning of this took awhile for me to get into. Lots of information being doled out, which is necessary, of course, but it got to be that I felt inundated with it all.
However, once we got over the hump and things picked up, I was throughly invested. I’m excited to read the next in the series, because 8 can see many things on the horizon for this group.

As a side not, I read and listened to the audio, and the narrators were absolutely wonderful. I didn’t feel like I couldn’t listen to either of them, and felt they did justice to the characters.

This book is very much urban fantasy meets a dark-academia setting, and hooked me right from the start. We meet Slate, an orphan going his own way in the world, that finally gets details on who his parents were. But that obviously comes with all sorts of questions: why was he never contacted before, what more is being hidden from him, etc.

Then we meet Cadance, a young woman living in the very town Slate’s ancestors came from. And we get to know she is likely a descendant from the witch that trapped the wizard Merlin in a cave. But Cadance doesn’t believe in magic. At least, not yet. Because when Slate steals a cursed ring, not believing magic isn’t quite possible anymore. Especially when the 4 children of the founding families are supposed to participate in a ritual to ‘restore magic.’

So, this book has all the right components for a high stakes, magical love story. However, while I loved the trials and how they definitely got progressively more difficult, the book missed some character background and justification. An example of this is Cadance’s father, who sometimes does things that I can’t quite wrap my head around. And I think either more background to this character, or some small explanation would have aided in my understanding.

Then there’s the fact that I didn’t really like Slate. In my eyes, he started out as an asshole. Especially in the first few chapters, he was very egotistical to the point where it seemed a mismatch to his intelligence (e.g. seemingly not thinking of the consequences of his actions). Hence my joy at his thievery going absolutely wrong - it felt like the perfect case of instant karma! Regardless, Slate grew on me. I definitely never ‘loved’ him, but at the end of the book I liked him enough to care about his story.

Also, Slate’s narrator felt a bit off for me. I expected him to sound much younger, and the flow of his words sometimes felt a bit off. Playing it at 1.25 speed made it nicer to listen to in my opinion, so if you have the same issue maybe give that a go. Cadance’s narrator, however, is spot on! I definitely preferred chapters from her POV.

The writing of the story was great, though it has a weird feeling of being both fast and slow at the same time. And the progression of the story is very natural, up until the final chapters. Those final chapters felt really sped up, almost like some parts were missing, and kind of rushed. Nonetheless, it’s a solid ending that makes me excited for the second book.

I would love to get back into Brume, it’s lore, the magic and the mysteries left behind. Overall, it was a nice and easy listen, so I would definitely recommend this book

This is the first book I have read from this Author and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I thought the writing was good and the Narrators have pleasing voices (especially the Narrator for Slate). I liked that there were female and male Narrators for the different PoV's. I'm a bit long in the tooth for YA books now, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless and I can definitely picture this as a film. If anything, I do think the ending could be improved - after the whole epic adventure, it's really quite rushed and disappointing: Although I can see that it is the first of a series, so probably left open for the next installment. I would love to read a non YA book by this Author.

I am grateful to NetGallery for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book.

I was very surprised by this book. Its not my common choice of book but wanted to give it ago and well I'm glad i did. I was hooked from the very start and loved every second of this book. The authors writing skills are superb and the thought behind this story is incredible. I would be interested in reading more of both of the ladies work. It's a 4* for me.

Loved loved loved... oh my goodness this story was exciting! I listened to this story in audio through NetGalley.
The book cover, the story line, the characters, that setting loved it all, there was nothing not to love about this story. Even my family enjoyed listening while I had it playing. I can’t wait for book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and the authors for an advance audiobook galley! My review is for the story as a whole, and notes regarding the audiobook are included as part of my review.

ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ: I’ve been in a bit of a mental funk lately, and 𝘖𝘧 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 was the perfect escape. This story transported me to France with its witchy fantasy goodness, entertaining characters, unique magic system, and slow-burn romance.

The premise of the book—a wicked treasure hunt to defeat four curses—really shaped this up to be a fast-paced read. The setting and storytelling were immersive, and I was very happy with the dual POV. Slate and Cadence were fun to follow, especially Slate (I’m such trash for morally grey characters lol), and I’m ready for the romance between these two to heat up.

ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ: Audiobooks can be a hit or miss for me, but this one was definitely a hit. The narrators did a fabulous job bringing Slate and Cadence to life, and I easily got sucked into the story.

All in all, I really enjoyed this one and am excited to see what unfolds in 𝘖𝘧 𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ if you love magic, mystery, adventure, and slow-burn romance!

This was a fun fantasy mixed with magic and characters that I enjoyed! I really enjoyed Slate's brooding attitude and thieving activities! He was a great MC with a wonderful character arc. I thought this story had some lovely romance with a suspenseful plot that was filled with twists and turns!

I really enjoyed the story, and I think that YA fantasy readers will love it! I listened to the audio of this book, and I thought the narrators did a great job. If you're an audio fan, this is a good one for you!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

“He lays his hand on my jaw, tilts it up.

My heart beats are so loud and close together that they are probably making all 6 layers of my clothing vibrate.

The tip of his nose touches the tip of mine and his breath warms my parted lips.

The only boy I’ve kissed is Roma and those kisses were always friendly and sweet. I don’t think kissing Slate will be friendly or sweet.

I lick my lips in anticipation.

‘Can’t wait for our date’

He pulls back, releases my head, but finds my hand in the folds of his coat and tows me downstairs.

Yep. I’m going to strangle him.”

———

Of Wicked Blood is a beautifully crafted story full of all the things that make a book come to life - masterful storytelling, relatable and engagingly complex characters, and a world that pulls you in.

What I liked:
I think that I would like to instead say, what didn’t I like!? This is one of those books that I couldn’t stop reading, but absolutely did not want the story to end! (I just learned that the release date for book 2 is set for next year and I am absolutely heartbroken.)

A couple of highlights:
The chemistry between characters,
The tension between Slate and Cadence was delicious! I completely enjoyed reading each moment between them!

SLATE!
Ugh. Did I just find a new book boyfriend!? Maybe. There’s just something about a dark and twisty bad boy with a hard of gold that gets me every time.

The story.
I truly appreciated the unique story. It was exciting and well written. I literally wanted to absorb every piece of it.

What I didn’t like:
All the loose ends! I know this is what sets the rest of the series up, but I feel like I now have more questions than answers. (And I have to wait like FOREVER until I get said answers)

Final Thoughts:
I love love loved every second of this book. The story, that vaguely reminded me of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in places, was beautifully told and well thought out. Bravo to the authors for a job well done. I cannot wait read the next book and see how the rest of the series unfolds.

Thank you for an advanced reader copy of this book. My feedback, thoughts, and opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

Of Wicked Blood
by: Olivia Wildenstein & Katie Hayoz
Upper YA to NA: There is some rough & crass language, lots of F-bombs, similar to SJM's Crescent City
Steam: slow burn, but with language about physical reactions 

Oh, this story! I was hooked FROM THE BEGINNING and listened every moment I could, totally engrossed! The world is amazing, the characters believable, and the romance was not forced, but flowed naturally.
In the north of France, during a bitterly cold winter, lives a historically-preserved Hogsmeade-type village, nestled next to a forest reputed to be the birthplace of French witchcraft... heralding back to Merlin. Here, a disunited curse has lain in wait for centuries, and rears its ugly head when a drunken mistake awakes it once more. Four dissimilar people must resolve and beat the curse trials before the instigator, Slate, loses his life. Slate: the handsome, jaded, disillusioned thief, with the soul of Harry Potter & the mouth of Samuel L. Jackson, is boiling with revenge, and an infatuation with Cadence. Cadence: the sheltered, old soul, rich daddy's girl, dreaming of magic alive in the world, and of one day catching Adrien's eye. Adrien, the dashing young professor guarding deadly knowledge, and Gaelle, single mother of three, harboring a tragic secret. These unlikely teammates band together on a dangerous & vicious quest to outsmart and outwit a centuries-old curse before it tears them, and those around them, apart one by one. 

I completely feel Wildenstein & Hayoz worked well together, seamlessly bringing the two MC's points of view to life and charging through an intense adventure reminiscent of the Harry Potter trials, but with a more modern flair. The twists and turns, the few mysteries that are still there at the end, will be revealed in the conclusion this summer, but I WANT TO KNOW NOW! Ha! If the language doesn't deter you, you'll enjoy the masterfully-told tale!

I listened to this through NetGalley, with an Advanced Listener Copy, and really thought Holly Fielding and Thomas Locklear did a fabulous job bringing all the emotions and excitement that came with the story!  
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Olivia Wildenstein for the ALC!

This is my first book by Wildenstein and Hayoz and I am not disappointed. I had the pleasure of snagging this on audio from NetGalley. Mind you I also pre-ordered the ebook but why wait when the opportunity arises!

The atmosphere set around Brume and the magical history of the area was exquisite. I love when authors can breathe life into a place and give it a spirit of its own. The characters were up and down for me. I really enjoyed Slate as a morally grey individual and loved his adoptive brother even more. Cadence took a little getting used too. I think her aura of naivety held me back at first. It could also be that I didn’t truly consider her as much as an MC in comparison to Slate. Slate just had much more growth and presence in this book and I am so not complaining. What really hooked me was the depth of all of the characters that come in. The authors really made the presence of each of their personas realistic.

I liked the build-up of the romance not being too aggressively insta-love-ish. I know books only have so much time to build connections so it’s nice when authors make it feel more genuine and not rushed. The depth of the magic system was what I really enjoyed and each challenge the characters faced was vividly penned. I do think that I will read the next book instead of listen. Occasionally some books have more imaginative weight being read by the reader and this is one of those for me. I do want to say that this is mentioned as young adult and while I personally don’t have qualms with foul language, I do feel this may be more appropriate for the older side of the YA spectrum.

If you are into Urban Fantasy, magic and atmospheric reads with romance than I would recommend this one to you. Thank you to NetGalley and Twig Publishing for the audio in exchange for an honest review.

True rating 3.5/5, rounded.

I listened to this audiobook after having already read the ebook and had a great time revisiting Brume and all the beloved (and not so beloved) characters we meet in this world. The story has a great combination of humor, romance, drama, magic, intrigue and action, and even though I found the narration a bit slow at certain moments that I thought required more tension, especially in the chapters told from Cadence's POV, I still found it quite engaging. I particularly enjoyed listening to Slate's chapters, which I found as entertaining as when I read the physical book. I definitely recommend this story and can't wait to see what happens next!

Review of excerpt of audiobook only:
The pacing of the dialog is good and the narrator did a good job of distinguishing between the two voices during dialog. It seemed like the excerpt was not from the very beginning of the book but also did not provide anything the would draw a listener in and pike interest in the story, therefore, this seemed to me to be a strange choice if the intent is to give a sense of the book or draw a reader in so they would want to listen to more.