A Dream of Blood and Magic is a fantastic introduction to the new Spirit Marked series. If you’re a fan of moody vampires, a bold witchy FMC, slow burns and a tiny bit of spice, this one’s for you!

Spoilers ahead, i’ll keep it to a minimum but you’ve been warned!

One thing I will 100% praise Olivia Boothe for is including trigger warnings right at the beginning of the book. I love this, it allows the reader to understand what they’re getting into without having to google triggers and potentially spoil plot points before even getting their hands on the book. I agree with all the triggers included, and I praise Boothe for writing them into her story carefully and thoughtfully.

The book is a 3 way Pov between the characters Avery, Kane and Azreal. We don’t see Azreal as much towards the end as he isn’t as pivotal as a charcter, but i’d have to say I enjoyed his POV’s due to him being a vampire stuck 500 years ago unable to understand the 21st century – it had me chuckling a few times. I liked the switch between Avery and Kane, their POV’s gave context to support story lines and character development throughout. Another little gem was the character art on each POV, they were beautiful and a nice little touch!

Our main character is a fiery red head called Avery, she has visions and strange dreams that have plagued her since being a child. Her parents died when she was young, and her childhood consisted of foster homes, avoiding the control of men and surviving in NYC with her best friend CJ. When a crow barrels its way through her window, her visions get worse and she begins to question whether her dreams are a little more real than she at first thought. As a traditional fantasy story goes, Avery realises, with a little help, that she’s the Spirit Marked, a powerful witch that can wield the powers of all four elements, a one in a kind that hasn’t been seen on this earth for 500 years – and she has no idea how to control it.

This leaves her running, hunted by The Shadow Knights (vampires determined to protect the innocent), Luther’s cronies (the bad guys, harvesting innocent girls for blood) and the Hive (all powerful witches, who want to use Avery’s power for the worst), all whilst trying to prove that she is innocent and working alone. She is finally captured by the Shadow Nights, with Kane, the man she’s seen numerous times in her dreams, her capturer.

Now, the slow burn romance enters the book probably mid way through, and it is pretty slow with the only small spicy scene and flirty banter coming at the end of the book. I like this though, as I feel like it sets up the next book really well and leaves me excited to find out how the relationship between Avery and Kane will grow. I found myself giggling and blushing over lines like “don’t mention it little monster” and “she was a woman I wanted to claim”, and i really want these two to grow together in power, I will be devastated if instead there is a betrayal! Oh also, Kane and Azreal are 500 year old vampires, who happen to have a scottish accent…

I liked Boothe’s writing style, it was so gripping and had me reading this book between busy spells at work, i just couldn’t put it down!

I would recommend this to the girlies who love a little bit of spice, some morally grey but ridiculously attractive men and a strong FMC who isn’t scared to tell people what she thinks. It’s a good book to get into the romantasy/smut genre, where the plot is still pivotal but there’s a budding romance we’re all going to be rooting for.

For me, it’s a 4 star read and i’ll be keenly waiting for the second book, A Dream of Frost and Midnight!!

p.s, the cover is also inconspicuous and pretty! a double bonus!

DNF @15% . Nothing wrong with the book itself, but I realized very early on that both the writing and the story weren't for me. Readers of paranormal fantasy will probably have a good time with this book.

Thank you NetGalley/Three Brothers Press for the ARC.

Wow! I finished this book in one day, completely captivated by its blend of witches, vampires, mystery, and action. The story had me crying, laughing, angry, and sad as I followed Avery Jaxon, who discovers her dreams are more than just dreams. Her reality is turned upside down with the arrival of a mysterious crow, thrusting her into an enigmatic storyline. Initially, I picked up this book on a whim, intrigued by the blurb, but it far exceeded my expectations. Vampires, witches, and magic—what’s not to like? I loved every single word from beginning to end. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next instalment. Highly recommended!

A Dream of Blood and Magic by Olivia Boothe
Spirit Marked Series
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 12 June 2024

In this enchanting tale, Avery Jaxon's life is turned upside down when a mysterious crow crashes through her Brooklyn apartment window, awakening her dormant elemental magic. As Avery delves into her shrouded past, she discovers an ancient prophecy that thrusts her into a supernatural war between witches and vampires.

With dark forces hunting her for her rare and powerful magic, Avery must learn to control her abilities while forming an unlikely alliance with Kane, a vampire sworn to protect humanity. Despite their growing attraction, Avery struggles to trust her supposed enemy, especially as others vie for her blood and heart.

As Avery grapples with her family's past and her newfound destiny, she must navigate a perilous journey to save both her loved ones and the world from destruction. This forbidden love, rivals-to-lovers, high-stakes tale combines elements of gothic contemporary fantasy with the allure of Underworld and Kingdom of the Wicked.

"A Dream of Blood and Magic" is narrated from multiple points of view, providing a comprehensive and in-depth look at the story and its characters. Avery Jaxon's life takes a drastic turn after she saves a child from being hit by a bus, an act that unknowingly plunges her into a war between witches and vampires and places her at the centre of an ancient prophecy.

The book is rich with elements of magic, supernatural powers, and ancient prophecies. Avery's journey of discovering and harnessing her magical abilities is particularly captivating, with vivid descriptions that make the reader feel as though they are witnessing the events firsthand.

The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers eagerly turning pages to see what happens next. As the first book in the Spirit Marked series, it sets the stage for more adventures to come, leaving readers eager to learn more about Avery and her powers in future instalments.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Three Brothers Press, and the author, Olivia Boothe, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

LOVED EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF IT. I RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO READ THIS BOOK ASAP. I RATED IT 4 STARS BECAUSE I LOVED IT SO MUCH.

This gothic fantasy romance combines some of the best tropes: found family, forced proximity, undiscovered magical abilities, and mysterious past. Olivia Booth does a fantastic job of drawing you into this fantasy world and keeping you on your toes for what will happen next. My favorites parts were the multiple timelines and dream walking.
I would categorize this book as more of a fantasy than romance, but there were definitely some amazing moments that made me swoon. I really enjoyed this story an eager to read the second book in this series.

If you’re into gothic romance and contemporary fantasy, this book is an absolute must-read. It's not just the intricate plot and well-developed characters that make it shine, but also how it hits you right in the feels. With a perfect mix of romance, action, and mystery, there's never a dull moment. Every chapter drags you deeper into Avery’s world, making it impossible to put down.

In short, this novel takes you on a mesmerizing journey through a darkly enchanting world where love and magic collide. It’s all about courage, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love. Reading it feels like stepping into a beautifully crafted spell that leaves you breathless and wanting more. Whether you’re a fan of romance, fantasy, or just a good story, this book is guaranteed to captivate your heart and imagination.