I had such a blast reading this book! The lore, the tension and THE VAMPIRES!? This needs to be on everyone’s autumnal tbr because it’s perfect for spooky season✨

Engaging from the start, this was a really exciting and mysterious story.. set in a vampire academy in Scotland!
Assuming a secret identity, our FMC vampire hunter is searching for a text that could turn the tide in the battle between the species.
I loved the Buffy vibes, it was very nostalgic but with a new, modern twist.
The characters were appealing and I warmed to them a lot.

I got a third of the way through and realised that the writing wasn’t for me, even though I loved the premise of it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

If you mixed the dark academia setting of Bloodwing Academy with the mystery and intrigue of Throne of Glass, and sprinkled in a touch of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’, you’d get The Book of Blood and Roses.

The first book in a planned series by Annie Summerlee, this contemporary fantasy follows Rebecca: a low-ranking vampire-hunter who’s been sent undercover to a vampire university in search of the mysterious Book of Blood and Roses - a long-lost tome that may hold the key to ending vampires forever.

If she succeeds, she’s promised her long-awaiting answers about her parents’ gruesome murders.

But nothing is ever that simple, is it? Because her new roommate, Aliz, just happens to be the alluring heir of one of the most powerful vampire families - and Rebecca is dangerously drawn to her.

I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this book - I genuinely COULD NOT put it down. You can expect:

- Rich worldbuilding – set in the Scottish highlands, the dark academia vibe is luscious, eerie, and totally immersive. The vampire lore is compelling and original - no long, tedious info dumps!

- Mystery and intrigue - in addition to her search for the mysterious book, Rebecca must navigate deadly politics - think blood oaths, secret societies, and centuries old treatises.

- Plot twists and revelations - this story is so artfully woven - every time I thought I’d figured out where it was going, something shifted. I was never quite sure who to trust - but in the best way!

- Great side characters - some I didn’t expect to love, and others whose demise I was cheering for. I hope we get to see more of these in the next book!

- Forbidden slow burn romance - the chemistry between Rebecca and Aliz is electric. Their relationship is charged with so much tension and yearning, and the stakes could not be higher (no pun intended!)

This was honestly one of the best books I’ve read in a while, and I’m already dreading the wait for the sequel. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. If this one isn’t a viral success when it’s released, I’ll be amazed.