The book begins with Samara, our FMC, in a magical prison called Greymere. She has spent several years in this prison for crime where she was guilty by association. As a Void, a person with no magic, she serves in the prison rather than just being kept in a cell. The only thing getting her through is the promise of being released in a couple more years. When she is punished for slacking at her job, she is exposed to Raphael, a vampire, who is a new inmate imprisoned for being what he is. Samara is unsettled by him and tries to avoid him at all cost. Until she learns that her freedom is not coming, she will be there for the rest of her life. She decides to team up with Raphael, the only one who can help her, to escape so she can join monastery known for renouncing witches and the use of magic, the only place she can be free. Raphael agrees but asks for a favor in return. On the run after a bloody escape, Samara learns that Raphael was caught looking for something. An ancient creature who seeks to destroy the vampires. He calls in his favor for her help in finding an ancient text that will help him defeat this creature.

As Samara and Raphael make their way on this journey they are faced with difficulties. Samara is confused by Raphael. He is protective of her and seems to be honorable, but in the next breath is ruthless with our apology. While she tries to sort out her opinions of him, feelings start to surface causing even more confusion. Raphael seems to be harboring secrets, ones that seem to affect her. He starts to show her a side to his world that she never expected from the vampire community, and finds herself at odds with her beliefs. But everything has a dark side and with the lack of transparency from Raphael, resentment starts to brew. Samara must decide where she stands and pray that she makes the right choice.

This book is well written, and I enjoyed the audiobook. I did struggle a little bit with the world building. It feels like there is a lot going on. With all the types of magic, how the magic system works and the amount of Gods in their world, it gets hard to keep everything straight. I appreciate the slow burn between the FMC and MMC, but I feel like the character evolvement is also very slow. There were times when I wanted to scream at Samara, but also had to remind myself that due to her childhood circumstances, she was very sheltered.

Despite my frustrations, I am interested to see where it goes. It kept my interest regardless of my confusion. The book ends a slight cliff-hanger, and I am curious about what comes next.

★★★★★ 5.0

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

<i>"Let me serve you."</i>

This was such a fun, satisfying start to what I hope is going to be a very interesting series! It hit so many of my favorite romantasy loves: brooding morally questionable love interest, a heroine with a shadowy past, simmering tension between enemies, and all the forbidden pining your heart can handle. Yes, there are familiar elements, dark mountains, magical prisons, mysterious powers, but it still managed to feel original, especially in how quickly the plot moved. Honestly, it kind of caught me off guard (in a good way).

The pacing was surprisingly fast, but not in a way that felt rushed. I thought we’d linger longer in certain places (especially the beginning setting or the journey scenes), but Drake skips the fluff and just goes. At first I thought I accidentally skipped a chapter, but then I realized, no, this book just doesn't waste time. I didn’t mind it. In fact, it was refreshing. So many romantasies pad the middle with days of travel and training montages (which this had, of course, but in short bursts), and while that can be great for world-building, I appreciated how this one trusted the reader to keep up.

This ARC was an audiobook performed by Cecily Foster, who did an amazing job bringing the characters and story to life. She used just the right amount of vocal variation to set characters apart without making it feel overdone or theatrical. Her pacing was spot-on, easy to follow at normal speed but also totally workable at a faster pace (which is usually how I listen). She brought emotional weight and nuance to the dialogue, which made the story even more immersive.

I'm genuinely excited to see where this series goes. The setup has plenty of room for deeper politics, angst, and betrayal, and I’m already mentally placing bets on certain character arcs. And that epilogue?! Bring on the blood bargains and slow-burn danger kisses. I’m in.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of the audiobook.

A grimy prison? Fight for survival? Using your enemy to escape?! Yes, please! 4.5/5 stars.

The beginning of the book was very strong, and the setting pulled me right in. I was very pleased that we went almost straight to action and kept moving. Never once did I feel bored in the first half of the book, nor did I feel the need to give myself a break. I enjoyed the banter and Raphael's ruthlessness.

The second half made me roll my eyes at times, but I do have to remind myself that just because <i>I</i> would act differently in certain situations, the heroine who was locked up in prison since childhood has her reasons for being scared, suspicious and apprehensive. Samara is a sheltered character, who had to hunt rats to survive, or eat food with some spit sauce - so she definitely has her reasons for distrust or even her naivety once out of prison. She also at times felt blind to some very obvious facts, especially when it comes to discerning who her real enemy is, which was slightly frustrating, but understandable from her point of view.

To us readers, many things might seem obvious, especially because we know when a book is advertised as slow burn romance. But the characters, of course, have a mind of their own and a story to follow. So even when I was internally screaming at Samara or even at Raphael and his friends to honestly talk things through with each other - I knew there were reasons they did not.

And while I generally predicted where the story was/is going, I was still very pleased with how it all played out, and I must say I cannot wait to dive into book 2 when it comes out.

This story feels like it has a lot of potential, and I am very excited to see where the author takes us next!

First off I want to say, Cecily you did great!! The narration was awesome, kept me captivating when i really just wanted to just…. Not.

I give this book a 3/5. I think the first like 20% of this book was great! I was truly into the storyline and was looking forward to what happened next, after that it all just kind of went downhill for me as I realized that this was heading down the YA path; and maybe that’s my fault for expecting smut in every romantasy I read. I did not realize how YA it truly was until the book ended though, I kept waiting and waiting for the enemies to finally turn into lovers and to my dismay THEY NEVER DID!! The slow NEVER BURNED!!!

I think that’s what killed it for me, I was expecting romance where there was none. The MMC did fall first, but you never really found out why (truly for the life of me, because girlfriend was complaining about vampires THE WHOLE TIME and never did anything significant for him to fall in love with her) she betrayed him, didn’t trust him and didnt want to accept her feelings towards him, not even towards the very end.

The ending was also slightly predictable for me, although I will say that those last 30 seconds of the epilogue ALMOST KILLED ME! And not in a good way; I don’t see how this series will be a romantasy after that ending, I don’t see how it can all come together without betraying either all of her values and morals or just straight up making him look like the dumbest person for taking her back.

3.75✨.

‘A Bargain So Bloody’ was a good little read! The plot and premise were entertaining, though it did move slower at times than I would’ve liked. Still, for a first book in a series, it laid a solid foundation with a lot to look forward to. There was decent character development, strong pacing in key moments, and intriguing hidden motives and backstories that kept me engaged.

It definitely had some insta-love vibes, but honestly, I didn’t mind it — I’m curious to see how that thread plays out. I actually really like our vampire MMC, just a tad more than I actually like our FMC. 😂 Just when I thought we were heading toward a runaway plot twist, we got a surprise ending that has me hoping for a resolution that keeps the future wide open. 😉

I listened to this one on audio and the narrators were a smooth, engaging addition — they really enhanced the experience!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ALC.

I did not expect how much I was going to need book 2 ASAP 😆 This feels like a book ACOTAR fans would love, but I personally enjoyed it so much more than ACOTAR. There are so many romantasy tropes that it flips and changes in really interesting ways. I loved how this average person and a powerful vampire ended up traveling together. There was great tension and stakes in all the right places 😅 Samara reacted to vampires and their ways a lot like I would expect a real person would react.

I would definitely recommend this book if you're tired of standard romantasy books that seem to end the same way. Hold on because this is a great book!

My goodness, I LOVED this audiobook! 🎧💀 I love when I stumble on an indie author and the book just wrecks me in the best way—A Bargain So Bloody absolutely did that.

I was hooked from the first chapter. The tension, the worldbuilding, the vibe?? Immaculate. The vampire-witch dynamic was everything I wanted, and the magic system felt fresh and powerful without being confusing.

I did not want to stop listening for a second, and I need book 2 immediately. 😬🥹

If you’re into dark fantasy with high stakes, bloody bargains, and dangerously hot undead men, this one needs to be at the top of your list.

It's no secret that I've always had a thing for vampires. So from the moment the vampire was introduced in this story, it was like I was put under his thrall. I was memorized. Through the beginning moments in the prison, to breaking free and travelling on the journey, the relationship that grew between Samara and Raphael, our FMC and MMC, bordered between the lines of safety and fear with a lot of questioning between right and wrong. When she makes a deal to help him in return for enough gold to start a new life for herself, she enters the vampire kingdom under the protection of the king as "his chosen". All the dangerously exciting moments as Samara navigated life amongst the vampires had me thrilled. The sexual tension between her and Raphael was strong; a slow burn loaded with mixed signals and miscommunication. However, the more she discovered, trained and developed her skills, her whole demeanour abruptly shifted and I started getting a little annoyed with her mortally righteous attitude against the vampires as a whole. 

The plot twist at the end was almost an inevitable expectation but the consequences of that decision had my jaw dropping in surprise. I am eagerly anticipating book 2 to find out what happens next!

4.5 Stars!

I truly hope this book gets the hype it deserves! The world is so unique as well as the magic system!

Do you ever have the friend who can’t tell that someone is LITERALLY flirting with them ?? Yeah? Me too and her name is Sam and she’s the FMC of this book.

BECAUSE THE WAY THAT MAN WAS OBSESSED WITH HER!!!!


Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for letting me review this Audiobook prior to release! ❤️

I just finished listening to "A Bargain So Bloody," and this audiobook has everything I love about the enemies-to-lovers trope—it’s a slow burn that really pays off. The dynamic between the vampire and the human is brilliant. You can really feel the tension as they go from being enemies to allies to lovers, that relationship that started wary then developed into something much deeper.

The male lead is especially captivating. He has that "touch her and die" energy, which adds to his morally grey complexity that hooks you right in. I mean, he’s not your typical hero—he’s got his own dark side that makes you question his intentions. It’s fascinating to see how these two characters, navigate their forced proximity, when one has been raised to fear and despise the other.

There’s some seriously unique card magic woven through the plot, which I adored. It really adds depth to the story along with high stakes and twists that keep you guessing. Betrayal and secret identities only ramp up the intensity, and I love how it all ties back to the main relationship.

The whole vibe of them having to share a bed and a horse while trying to resist their feelings? Chef's kiss! Who doesn't love the Only One Bed trope? It’s hard not to get wrapped up in their struggle. I found myself rooting for them to find a way to overcome their differences and prejudices. If you enjoy a good slow burn with morally grey characters and lots of tension, then give this one a listen!

thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. this book exceeded my expectations! i was hooked from the very beginning. the narrator went above and beyond.

Samara was wrongly imprisoned from the age of 8 in a witch castle and figures out she is almost finished with her 15 year sentence. She ends up allying with a vampire named Raphael, who she despises purely because of what he is. Despite her better judgment, they form an escape plan after Raphael promises her his protection.

i enjoy their banter and how their relationship forms, plus the side characters stand out in a great way.

if you like these tropes, you’ll need to add this to your TBR quickly:
- slow burn
- vampire romantasy- more on the fantasy side
- magic and supernatural beings
- enemies to allies to lovers
- morally grey mmc
- protective and POSSESSIVE mmc
- touch her and d!e
- forced proximity

not to mention the epilogue is a HUGE plot twist. did not see it coming but it has me ready for book 2!!

Utterly addictive, darkly enchanting, and impossible to put down!

I was absolutely blown away by A Bargain So Bloody! Vasilisa Drake has crafted a lush, brutal, and mesmerizing world filled with dangerous bargains, cunning characters, and the kind of sharp, electric chemistry that makes your heart race. From the very first chapter, I was hooked — and the twists just kept coming.

The heroine is fierce, flawed, and wholly captivating, while the morally gray love interest had me torn between swooning and glaring at my Kindle. Their dynamic was everything I love in a dark fantasy romance: tension-filled, unpredictable, and layered with betrayal, longing, and undeniable connection.

The pacing was perfect, the world-building vivid without feeling overwhelming, and the plot had just the right balance of court intrigue, violence, and forbidden desire. And that ending? I am already counting down the days for book two!

Highly recommend for fans of dark romantasy, morally gray characters, and dangerous bargains with a price.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC — I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review, and I already know this will be one of my top reads of the year!

I was disappointed that the book ended so quickly. I feel like the main character had turned too quickly and there was no point into the change. Of course, she changed because she was going to die but I kinda wanted to see what she can do herself, I mean she has magic.

My least favorite thing about this was the ending, cause what do you mean I have to WAIT to find out what our hypocritical queen does next now that she has THAT information!?

Over all this book gave me so many emotions had me giggling and then going 'girl, what?' To being like 'omg really' I loved this Rollercoaster even if we got left right on a cliffhanger

First off, not only did I have the privilege to receive this arc. I was also able to immerse read it with the audio. The narration was so good. I am very picky with my audios & was very pleased with how clean and precise the narration was.
The story was amazing. I absolutely loved the magical system.
The usage of cards filled with magic is fun & intriguing.
Something I have not seen done in a book before. Samara our FMC has been imprisoned her whole life & is considered a void, non magical. She meets Raphael our MMC, who not only is a vampire but turns out to be the king of the vampires. They both escape prison and become reluctant allies. This book gives slow burn & a slight touch of enemies to lovers. Definitely touch her & die vibes. Raphael is very protective lol . You have found family & the unique magical system. Oh did I also mention the cliffhanger. I need book 2 like yesterday.
This was my first time reading anything from this author and I look forward to continuing this series.

Thank you to the author and team for the chance to listen to the audio for this book early. I was accepted for the eARC as well and left my review/feedback for the book separately.
The audio that was done for this book was fairly decent but I have to admit that there was nothing spectacular about it and this rating left is not a reflection of the story or book.
I will say it wasn’t the best audio I’ve listened to but the narrator did the job she was given and I can appreciate that for what it is. I listened to it on 2x speed and was still able to follow along just fine.
Thank you for the chance, again, to view this early.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️

If you’re craving a dark, romantic vampire fantasy that keeps you listening well past bedtime, A Bargain So Bloody delivers in every way. From the opening pages, where the heroine is trapped in a brutal prison, to her escape alongside a brooding vampire, this story grips you with its high stakes and emotional depth.

Their journey—bound by necessity and an uneasy alliance—leads them in search of a powerful grimoire and then into the heart of the vampire kingdom. Sharing one horse (and some intense chemistry), she must confront everything she’s been taught to fear about vampires. The dynamic between the two leads is full of tension, slow-burn heat, and reluctant trust.

The magic system in this world is refreshingly original and intricately woven into the plot, adding a unique layer to the unfolding mystery and danger. Vasilisa Drake blends fantasy, romance, and rich worldbuilding in a way that feels both fresh and satisfyingly dark.

In the audiobook, the narrator, Cecily Foster, was incredible! Her different voices for each character were spot on. The pacing was perfect. I felt this book was just a chef’s kiss. If you love vampire romance with a gothic edge, reluctant allies-to-something-more, and unforgettable atmosphere, A Bargain So Bloody is for you. I can’t wait to read and listen the next book in the series!
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to both read and listen to this ARC!
#ABargainSoBloody

Of the ninth hell. I need to know what happens after THAT epilogue! 😮‍💨

The most beautiful of slow of burns*, buried under grippling tension, vampire-witch-void politics and tortured backstories that help shape the MCs.

“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘.”

We have our FMC Samara- who is wrongly imprisoned and has been dealt a horrible start to her life.
—Making her conscious of everyone and everything.

RAPHAEL. You’re brooding, hulking, but kinda funny vampire. For all his flaws, he is aware and protective.
I don’t think I will ever, not love a broody vamp. ❤️‍🔥
—His character is my fave out of the two - can you tell?

The story was written in a way that you can come to understand the world with ease and quickly. Nothing felt like it was being overly explained. Good pacing, keeping up with all the action and drama that unfolds. There’s nothing better then enjoying the book and realising how much progress you’ve made into it 😌
—Coiled grittiness, some humour, and a cliffy that will make you want the next one asap.

I am so thankful to have received the ALC from Victory Editing through NetGalley. Cecily Foster did an amazing job narrating the characters! I dont usually pick up audiobooks with a single narrator, but this was just so easy to get through, and highly enjoyable. The VA executed this one so well.


[🌶️1 ] beautiful slow burn*, tension and atmosphere.
[✩ 5 ]

A beautiful dark fantasy filled with love, betrayal, magic and beautiful world building. In a realm of witches being a null is a curse. Nulls are born without magic and must rely on cards created by witches to access magic. Sam grew up in Greymore a prison that makes witches go insane by cutting them off from their power. As a null she can work their without going insane but the 15 year sentence she must serve is slowly killing her, literally and figuratively. When the guards bring in a vampire, Sam makes a deal with the devil. She will help free him if he helps her escape. Now, Sam and Rafael are on a quest to escape the witch kingdom, find a lost grimoire and decode it. Not all is at it seems though, Rafael has lied about his identity, Sam is conflicted both hating the vampires and learning they are not all the monsters she once believed. Can they both overcome their prejudices and learn to trust in the hopes of one day learning love. Rafael isn't the only one hiding secrets though Sam has secrets of her own and they may cost her everything.
I devoured this book! I could not stop listening, a needed to know what happened next! And the cliffhanger at the end had me hating the fact that I don't know when the second book will come out. If you love epic fantasy books then I promise that you will love this book series.

I went in pretty blind on this and sometimes that’s the best way. A Bargain So Bloody is a dark slow burn romantasy – the first book in the Kingdom Of Dark Magic series. It starts with Samara, a void, who's been serving a prison sentence since she was a little kid. After realizing there was no way she was getting out of there, she makes a deal with another prisoner, Raphael, who’s also a vampire. This book follows their journey of escape and beyond. Since Samara has been in prison for over 10 years, there’s a great deal about the world that she doesn’t really know and relies on Raphael to guide her. The magic system is cool and one I’ve never seen before (closest is The Shephard King duology but this one is still different).

It’s hard to go into more detail without giving some key plot points away without flagging for spoilers but I will say that even though a few plot points were obvious for someone that reads a lot of romantasy, I definitely enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to the next book, especially given the way it ended. While I expected the ending, I didn’t expect Samara’s reaction and it sets up book 2 so well.

I still have so many questions that I’m hoping we’ll delve into more with book 2. I have a feeling where some of this is going to go but I ate these two up and I’ll be continuing the series. I would love to have book 2 introduce Raphael’s POV.

I am so glad I listened to the audiobook as the narrator, Cecily Foster, did a great job on this single narration/POV audiobook.