A Duel with the Vampire Lord - Book review
A Duel with the Vampire Lord is the third book of the Married to magic series, yet a complete, standalone novel (all books happen in the same universe). The fantasy romance was written by Elise Kova and was published in 2022.
We are back with another book from Elise! This time the story takes inspiration from Snow White and dives into a world that felt a bit more gloomy, yet the banter and angst are back in full swing.
I chose to listen to the GraphicAudio, full-cast audiobook - a great experience for a an action packed story like this one. As per usual, I got the copy from my library and Libby.
In the next sections I will dive into what A Duel with the Vampire Lord is about, my thoughts, and my final verdict. In case there are any spoilers, you will be warned ahead so you’ll get to decide whether you’d like to continue reading this blog post or come back after you’ve read the book. ;)
You can also refer to my book rating guide that will be attached at the bottom.
The blurb
On the night of the blood moon, the Vampire Lord must die.
Floriane’s position as the forge maiden of Hunter’s Hamlet is one of reverence, for it is her skill that arms and protects the vampire hunters. She knows her place and is a faithful servant to the Master Hunter and her community… until the night of the blood moon. Until her brother is dying at the hands of the Vampire Lord Ruvan.
Wanting to defend her home at all costs, Floriane fights the vampire lord, ready to give her life if it means taking his. But Ruvan doesn’t want to take her life… he wants her.
Kidnapped and brought to the vampire castle, Floriane is now blood sworn to the vampire lord. She is bound in mind and body to her worst enemy. But Ruvan isn’t the fiend she thought he was. She learns the truth of the vampires: They are not mindless monsters, but a proud people, twisted and tortured by an ancient curse.
Ruvan believes that Floriane might be the key to ending his people’s suffering. All Floriane wants is to defend her home. Loyalties are tested and the lines between truth and lie, hate and passion, are blurred.
When her dagger is at his chest, will she be able to take the heart of the man who has claimed hers?
A darkly-reimagined Snow White, meets inspiration from Beauty and the Beast, with vampires, in an epic fantasy world of enemies to lovers, found family, and deep lore. This stand alone is complete with a “happily ever after” ending. It’s perfect for fantasy romance fans looking for just the right amount of steam and their next slow-burn and swoon worthy, enemies to lovers story.
(source: A Duel with the Vampire Lord (Married to Magic, #3) by Elise Kova | Goodreads)
Thoughts on the book
For some reason I had a bit more difficulties getting into the book and fully grasping the plot and world building. Though all books from the series happen in the same universe, each one focuses on a different couple and species within the magical realm. So far we met Elves, and the Fae kind - this time we meet the vampire folk.
We have a classic enemies to lovers book, though this time it is not just a “He is my enemy because he is always grumpy” kind of book, but one that entails having actual fiends collide in a world bound by a curse. the humankind and vampires had been enemies for multiple human generations.
The world building for this book seemed darker than the first two. Perhaps my perception of this book was different, because blood was mentioned so many times and thus had planted the image of a colder gloomier environment. Maybe it was also the fact that the vamps lived a less glamourous and somewhat idyllic lives compared to the Fae and and Elf folk.
Overall, I'd say that a too much was happening within one book. I could have dealt with one or two less characters and have a stronger plot with a clearer storyline instead.
Pacing and plot
Anyhow, the pacing of the story was okay. I actually didn’t quite believe the love story this time. and character wise with the Vampire Lord’s entourage - it felt a bit crowded. I had a more difficult time remembering who was who and what they added to the plot overall or how they might play a role in the future of the book.
A Duel with the Vampire Lord was a bit less spicy than the previous two books and leaves more to the imagination of what happened or didn’t happen between our main characters. Albeit in this case, I didn’t mind either, since the love story felt like a subplot while saving both the human and vampire world drove the story as the main plot. Which is why to me, this book shall be categorized as a fantasy with romantic elements, if that makes any sense.
I enjoyed listening to how Floriane, a forge maiden and our FMC (Female Main Character) went through great character development and how it was made clear that she was a tough woman who not only know how to smith but also wield swords.
This section will include spoilers of the book. You have been warned :)
Character development
However, taking into account that Riane never had any experience battling aside from training in secret with her brother, I found the advancements she had made through 2 chapters to be a bit too crass. It gave off the energy of the clueless chosen one who somehow manages to survive and dodge every blow and somehow also come out on top as the winner of the fght.
Also, at some point I had enough hearing about her sealed fate as the forge maiden. Yes, we get it. It sucks. We heard it, like 30 times already.
Speaking of crass, the fact that Floriane’s brother only needed less than a day to be totally okay with being inside vampire territory after a quick run down from his sister, not only seemed rushed but also lazy (in writing and plot). I expected a bit more resistance, given that he had also been mind-controlled by a crazy vamp just mere moments ago. Even with blind trust in Floriane, Hunter did not appear to have many questions - if he had any at all.
The poor fate of the vampire Lord Ruvan made me have a bit more understanding for the choices this man had made. I don’t quite understand how the dynamic between Ruvan and Riane ultimately made them fall in love with each other. Given that the FMC repeatedly mispronounced the name of blood-drinking folk, I would have simply been annoyed and fed up with the ignorance, but I rest my case.
Memorable parts of the book
This section will include spoilers of the book. You have been warned :)
The plot twist of the master hunters being mind-controlled all along. Honestly, I thought that was a clever plot.
So…has anyone ever told their mother about it? If I remember correctly, only hunter and the vampires know about Floriane being turned into one of the blood-drinking people. However, has anyone ever told her mother about it aside from the silver bar being out of order in the smithy?
The fight in with the Fallen that sent Ruvan into a coma. That was a good fight scene and another part of the overall plot that I enjoyed listening to, especially considering that the crew found out who the Fallen had been before the curse had taken over.
Verdict
2.5/5 stars
2/5 spice
This book was okay, yet compared to the other books in the series I was underwhelmed and overstimulated (by the names and trying to get the full picture)
Thank you for making it this far and reading through my review! I would love to read about your thoughts or feedback :)
Lead your dreams,
Soso
