In Larissa Vincente's Of Blood and Smoke: A Dark Fantasy Romance, desperate circumstances lead Elara to a job at the enigmatic Ipomoea, unaware of the deadly secrets lurking within. Facing a volatile coworker and a dangerous debt, she struggles to survive, breaking the company's most crucial rule with alarming regularity. Meanwhile, her mysterious, powerful boss, a morally grey vampire, secretly watches over her, captivated by her defiance. As bodies pile up and Elara's life hangs in the balance, their forbidden attraction ignites, forcing them to confront a world of blood, smoke, and undeniable desire. This dark fantasy romance promises a thrilling journey to a happily ever after, despite the morally complex hero.
Review Of Blood and Smoke
Of Blood and Smoke, a dark fantasy romance by Larissa Vincente, is a captivating read that left me with mixed feelings. The premise – a woman working a precarious job with a terrifying secret who finds herself drawn to a mysterious, morally grey vampire boss – immediately hooked me. Della's struggles are relatable; juggling dead-end jobs, a sick father, and a dangerous debt feels intensely realistic, adding a grounded element to the fantastical world. The contrast between her everyday anxieties and the supernatural threats she faces created a compelling tension.
The world-building, particularly the vampire lore, was a highlight. Josiah, the MMC, is undeniably intriguing. The author crafts him as a complex character: powerful, alluring, and capable of acts that are morally questionable, yet his tenderness towards Della feels genuine. His relationship with Micha, his friend, adds depth and complexity to his persona, making him more than just a brooding vampire archetype. I especially appreciated the uniqueness of his vampiric abilities and his origins; it felt fresh and inventive compared to some overused tropes.
While I loved the premise and certain aspects of the world-building, the execution had some inconsistencies. Several reviewers mentioned the pacing, and I agree that it felt a bit slow to start. It took a few chapters for me to truly become invested in the narrative. The editing, as one review pointed out, also could have been tighter. There were moments where the prose felt slightly clunky, interrupting the flow of the story.
Della's character arc, while initially sympathetic, sparked some conflicting emotions. Her continued association with her former drug dealer, even while utilizing him for occasional sexual encounters, felt underdeveloped and jarring. It undermined some of her struggles for self-improvement and added a layer of moral ambiguity that, while potentially realistic, didn't quite mesh with the overall tone of the narrative. I wished this aspect had been explored more fully, either to justify her actions or to provide a more compelling reason for her choices. It felt somewhat inconsistent with her otherwise strong determination to improve her life.
Despite these minor criticisms, I found the overarching plot engaging. The mystery surrounding Ipomoea Pharmaceuticals and the mounting supernatural threats kept me turning the pages. The inclusion of witches and demons, alongside the vampires, expands the world, hinting at a larger, interconnected universe ripe with potential for future stories. The numerous twists and unexpected turns truly kept me guessing until the very end.
Overall, Of Blood and Smoke offers a unique blend of dark fantasy and romance with compelling characters and a fascinating world. Although the pacing and some character choices need refining, the captivating premise and intriguing central romance make it a worthwhile read, especially for those who enjoy dark fantasy romances with morally complex male leads. I'm looking forward to seeing what Larissa Vincente crafts next.
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 1.12 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 446
- Publication date: 2025
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