Yes!! This was so good. I really liked the plot and the magical prison setting is brilliant. The characters are not black or white and that feels so more realistic (yes, it's a fantasy, I'm aware). Need more books by Drake!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

A Bargain So Bloody was a solid start to this new romantasy series. I really enjoyed the prison setting and how tense and unsettling it felt, especially with Samara trying to survive in such a brutal place. The deal she makes with Raphael was one of my favorite parts. You can feel the mistrust between them, but also the slow build of connection.
I liked that it was not overcomplicated but still felt different from other fantasy books I have read. Raphael is definitely a classic morally grey vampire, and his “touch her and die” energy worked really well here. Samara was harder for me at times, since her choices could feel repetitive, but it did make sense given her trauma.
My only real critique is pacing. Some parts dragged a little, and I wanted more clarity around the bigger magical world outside the prison. Still, the atmosphere was great, and the tension kept me hooked. The ending was a strong cliffhanger that left me curious about where the story will go next.
Overall, dark, entertaining, and full of tension. I will be picking up book two.

My favorite part of this book was the unique magic system. Especially the beginning of the books was so interesting and I loved the world building that took place.

Towards the end of the book I was struggling to sympathize with our FMC.
She’s been treated horribly by other witches (thrown into prison) but they’re fine and everything the vampires do is awful. Her moral compass seemed very pick and choose what works for her.

Thank you to NetGalley and everyone involved!

“My world is a brutal one, but I want to share it with you nonetheless."

5⭐️🩸

The magic system was something I haven’t read about before, and I really enjoyed it. It was interesting and had me hooked from the start! The same goes for the way the vampires were described (and how they “worked”). It gave me a feeling of “going back to the roots” of vampires with some aspects, which I loved.

I found the characters all very lovable. They had their own battles to fight and therefore weren't one dimensional, and their imperfections (even if they may initially be seen as annoying) made them all the more unique.
Raphael and Samara’s story was not only gripping, but had me squeaking and giggling - I love them, your honour!

The plot was never once boring and the pace wasn’t dragging on either. It was the right amount of fast-paced and a few “slower” scenes that had me sitting at the edge of my seat for pretty much the entire book.
This story is packed with twists, smaller and bigger ones. It was fun to speculate and see which parts of it came true and which ones didn't. (I listened to most of it while being in public, and boy was it a challenge to hold myself back with reactions. I definitely wasn't always successful xD.)

ABSB became my comfort book from the moment I started it. If you like a really good slow burn, a story full of magic and vampires with a unique plot, magic system and characters; ABSB is the perfect pic!

I'll be sitting here patiently (very impatiently) waiting for the next book.
So, brb I need to order the gorgeous hardcover edition of this book now!

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in a new supernatural romantasy series and ensnared me from chapter one.
We follow Samara, who's spent more than half her life in prison for a crime she didn't commit. When a vampire is brought in and chained up, Samara is given the task of tending to his wounds. When she hears some news that leaves her desperate to escape, she strikes a deal with the vampire and is taken under his protection. When they escape, she can't seem to shake him and ends up in the most dangerous of places so far.
The end of this book not only pulled the rug out from under me but has left me hanging on the ledge of such a mind-blowing cliffhanger! I hope book 2 is out soon as I'm dying to read more!

Book: A Bargain So Bloody
Author: Vasilisa Drake
Series:Kingdom of Dark Magic
Length: 498 pages
Publisher: Late Night Daydreams LLC
Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Samara is forced to a 15 year sentence she for a crime did not commit at Greymere, a magical prison. She is tormented by the guards and tortured mentally by the screams of her fellow inmates! At Greymere, which normallly blocks people who have magical abilities, however Samara has no powers so this doesn't affects her.. Creepy Nelson the warden gives her a suave to apply this vampire a man she is absolutely petrified of!. She soon discovers she will never leave this prison so she and the vampire make an alliance where they escape. together. He tells her if she agrees he promises to help her get out of Greymere where he will protect her, especially when she realizes she will never leave the prison so they escape together.

Will they succeed? Read and discover their fate!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own,

Vampires
Witches
Trauma
Magic System
Deception
Aliance
Escape
World Building
Romance

Dark and really so perfect. Easy fantasy to fall into for a newer fantasy reader. Slow burn with a lot of tension that just delivers! Not very spicy but the tension makes up for it 100%

4.75⭐️

I loooved this book! Sam is quite a naïve FMC but she KNOWS this about herself, so she takes every opportunity to learn and adapt, and she trusts her instincts. She might be naïve , but she is definitely not weak!
Then we have Raphael, our white-haired (truly) morally grey vampire! His banter with Sam? Phenomenal! He is so sassy , in a quiet broody way - I was instantly charmed.
Even though the world building and magic system are quite unique, the story is very easy to follow and the lore is easy to learn! I didn’t feel lost or grasping at straws, everything clicked into place quite nicely.
The found family in this book was phenomenal as well - I was obsessed with Thea as soon as we met her😍
The plot is very fast paced, so much happens but it all feels very organic! The ending definitely took a turn I wasn’t expecting , so I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series will unfold!

I would recommend for fans of The Serpents and Wings of Night 🩸

Thank you Netgally and Victory Editing Netgally Co-Op for the ARC

A bargain so bloody is book 1 in a new romance fantasy. It was a very quick read that I could not put down.

I have to say I was disappointed. I was expecting something darker and more devastating.
The story was readable, but not much actually happened. Samara, I love that name (The Ring), really got on my nerves. I understand that she doesn't like vampires, she makes that abundantly clear in every other sentence, but everyone tries to accommodate her and she just complains.

I wanted to know more about what was going on in Rafael's head. But I didn't learn much, just a few tidbits.

There was some chemistry there, but nothing worth mentioning.
In any case, Samara doesn't deserve Rafael. At least not yet. We'll see in the next installment, but I doubt it...

Because of Rafael, I'll probably read the next book.

Audience: Adult
Plot: 4.5 out of 5
Characters: 4.5 out of 5
Spice: 1 out of 5 (kissing)

Keywords: Dark Romantasy, Vampires, Witches, Bargains, Found Family, Enemies to Lovers, Betrayal, Unique Magic, Slow Burn

Tea Pairing: Chocolate Hazelnut Dessert Tea by Plum Deluxe

Favorite Quotes:
“Would you crave me as ruthlessly as I crave you?”
“If you want something, and it’s in my power to give it, I will give it.”

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. Thank you! All opinions are my own.

Samara “Sam” has been trapped in the magical prison of Greymere for a crime she didn’t commit. Serving out a fifteen year sentence, she keeps her head down and counts down the days until she can be free. But she learns that freedom is a lie, and that she will never be free, unless she takes matters into her own hands. Luckily, the newest prisoner might be able to help her. The only problem is that he’s a vampire, and the mortal enemy of witches. Can she trust Raphael enough to get to safety? Or will she strike a bargain that will end up being the one for her soul?

This is a very, very slow burn with lots of tension. I loved the interactions between Samara and Raphael. He was totally obsessed with her, and just the way he would encourage her, and say things like, “I’ll always respect your wishes,” made me fall for him.

It also had a very unique magic system using enchanted cards. The user speaks the spell on the card, and it activates the magic for a temporary time. What I like about this magic system is that anyone, even non-magic users, can use the cards.

Overall, this novel surprised me greatly. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but one thing was for sure – I couldn’t put it down! Plus, the audiobook narration was very entertaining! The narrator, Cecily Foster, did an amazing job in her performance in regard to the different characters. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good enemies to lovers, and a super slow burn.

This has left me dying for the sequel! Absolutely wonderful! Love the characters and love the plot! Well-worth the read.

A Bargain so Bloody is a fantasy vampire slow burn romance. The FMC is named Samara who is being imprisoned for a crime in which we do not know. She is sentenced to 15 years, with only 3 remaining. She is tortured, starved and abused daily. Her only hope of being released in a few years is shattered when a guard reveals he has to intention of ever letting her leave.
Raphael our MMC is a recently captured vampire prisoner. One night Samara is told to attend the vampires wounds from being beaten. Raphael convinces her to a bargain for both of their freedoms.
This story is full of secrets, dark elements and unknown intentions. I liked watching the FMC learn and become a stronger character. The MMC was overly protective from the beginning with a touch her and die vibe (literally). I enjoyed this book overall and gave it 3.75 in rating. The ending was a twist that makes you excited for the next book. Thank you to Netgalley Victory Editing for the opportunity to read this. book.

First of all, thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Said this, A Bargain So Bloody totally surprised me in the best way. I picked it up expecting a quick dark fantasy read, but I ended up way more invested than I thought I’d be. The premise hooked me right away—Samara stuck in this awful magical prison, surrounded by cruelty and lies, and her only chance at escape being a literal bloodthirsty vampire? Yes, please. That tension between needing someone you absolutely shouldn’t trust made for such an intense dynamic.

I really liked how layered both Samara and Raphael were. She’s tough but vulnerable, and he’s dangerous but not one-dimensional. Their uneasy alliance had just the right amount of tension, mistrust, and slow-burning connection to keep me turning pages. Plus, the setting of Greymere is so atmospheric—it’s cold, terrifying, and just oozing with dread.

I’m giving this four stars mainly because while I was hooked, I did feel like some pacing parts dragged just a bit, and I wanted a little more clarity around certain magical elements. But honestly, it didn’t take away much from my enjoyment. If you’re into gritty fantasy with reluctant partnerships, morally gray characters, and high-stakes escape plans, this is one to check out. I’m really curious to see where the story goes next!

This book was so consumable. I read it in hours. Honestly, a slow burn with tension and a fun time. Easy to read but full of world building and angst.

I dont know how many books in the series this will be but i forgo at least three. - because the second book is going to be a BANGER….lots of questions raised- lots of intrigue. This was a great time. I need more to read it because i need to debrief!!

Truly, the only reason I got through this was because I couldn’t accept the white hair & red eyes so I pictured him as Damon from Vampire Diaries & it made the book 1 thousand times better.

A tiny bit predictable & if you know me, I’m always trying to figure out the ending before it happens so do with that what you may. Will I be rushing to read book 2? Probably not, if I’m bored & don’t have anything better - okay hand it over.

Oh & heavy on fantasy - definitely not a ROMANTasy cause there was basically two steamy kisses & second base groping that made me feel like I was reading YA.

The only advice I have on this is... READ THIS BOOK NOW!

Wow. I loved this book. The writing was incredible, the characters were done so well, I truly cared for our FMC and MMC. I had no real thought about where it was going till about the 90% mark and I did guess correctly but it didn't take away from it as the execution was done beautifully!

I am foaming at the bit for the next one! I cannot wait to see where this goes next.

This was a great read! The characters are likeable, and their personalities felt realistic. I am a huge book theory girl, so the minute I start reading, the wheels are turning to predict outcomes. I was able to predict a couple of outcomes relatively easily, and I have further predictions that have yet to be confirmed regarding the Void's circumstances around magic.

I enjoyed the push and pull between our MC's- but Samara definitely has me kicking my feet with some of the choices she makes out of plain and simple fear.

I am so excited for book 2! Things start to really ramp up in the last half of the book, and the last chapter was intense build up for what's to come.

This was very easily a 4/5 star read for me based on my opinion of the characters, their dynamics, the world, and the plot. The world building was all detailed enough not to feel like there were holes to jump over, but not so complex that its difficult to understand and get into the swing of, and the plot moves at a nice and steady pace with minimal glossing over, and unrealistic timelines. A+ !

🇬🇧 Review of A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake

A Bargain So Bloody is a dark, fast-paced romantasy that doesn’t shy away from difficult themes. With an adaptive heroine, a morally grey world, and an inventive magic system, it delivers a story that is utterly unapologetic in how it deals with trauma, morality, and power, and that’s both its strength and its occasional weakness.

At the center of it all is Samara, who is not your usual romantasy heroine. She is deeply traumatized, filled with rage and pain, and she doesn’t “heal” just because someone loves her. There’s no neat recovery arc here, no magical forgiveness. Instead, her journey is filled with hate, vengeance, confusion, and fleeting moments of tenderness that never feel like they cancel out what she’s been through. Her emotional chaos is palpable and real. I appreciated that Drake let her remain angry, even broken at times. It’s honest and rare.

The magic system built around enchanted cards is one of the most original I’ve seen in a while. These magical cards hold power, and a sense of unpredictability that gives the story its own rhythm. It’s refreshing to see a fantasy book move away from elemental magic and use something with both strategy and mystery. I genuinely loved this system. It was inventive, symbolic, and added richness to the world-building.

Then there’s the vampire lore, which manages to feel fresh in a genre saturated with bloodsuckers. Instead of leaning into gothic tropes or predator/lover clichés, Drake built a structured, established vampire society with rules, order, and a veneer of civility. However, their treatment of humans is practical but ethically uncomfortable. It’s clear that humans are resources, and while they’re not necessarily tortured, the cold efficiency with which they’re used raises unsettling questions. It adds a delicious moral greyness that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The same moral tension exists in the witch kingdom, especially in how it treats voids (humans without magical abilities). While at first it seems like the witches are a contrast to the vampires, their own prejudices and hierarchical system reveal that power corrupts, regardless of who wields it. Both societies are flawed, and the book doesn’t pretend otherwise. That complexity is one of its strongest elements.

👍 What I particularly liked:
• The magic card system was brilliant: symbolic, strategic, and completely fresh. It gave the story a unique flavour.
• A new perspective on vampires, leaning into societal structure and utilitarian horror instead of simply sensual tropes.
• The story refuses to sugar-coat pain or simplify trauma. It’s messy, and that’s the point.
• Both societies are flawed and morally complex, with no obvious “good” side.

👎 What didn’t work for me:
• The pacing is breakneck. So much happens in so few pages that it becomes overwhelming rather than suspenseful. It took time to adjust.
• I couldn’t connect with Raphael. His unwavering loyalty to Samara lacked explanation or depth. His motivations remain unclear, which made the romantic subplot feel emotionally thin.

❤️‍🔥 Spice Level: 1/5 🌶, but leaning towards 🫑

Final Verdict: 4.25/5 ⭐️
A Bargain So Bloody is a gritty, emotionally intense, and morally rich story.
If you enjoy romantasy that leans into darkness, moral ambiguity, and powerful storytelling devices, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Dark, addictive, and full of slow-burn tension. This book had me hooked with its morally grey vampire MMC, magical cuffs, and gritty prison break setting. Samara and Raphael’s dynamic gave forced proximity a sharp edge, and the banter and angst were deliciously done.

The atmosphere was rich, the magic system creative, and that ending? Jaw-dropping.

🧛‍♂️ Recommend to: Fans of tortured vampires, “he falls first” dynamics, and romantasy with bite.
💬 Tropes: Enemies to lovers, magical cuffs, prison break, touch-her-and-die, morally grey love interest.