Title: Bloodscourge
Author: Sydney Winward
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampire Romance
Book Blurb:
Bloodscourge is the prequel to Bloodborn, taking place 1000 years before the first book in the series. Can be read as a standalone. The only things Elisabeta knows how to do is lie, cheat, and swindle. When her brother learns of a treasure worth kingdoms lying in the heart of Ichor Knell, the great vampire city, he sends her to steal it. However, the key to the treasury is safeguarded by the captain of the guard, a brute named Dracula. Dracula cannot resist the beautiful and mysterious Elisabeta. As danger erupts in Ichor Knell, he is forced into a precarious position to resist the evil within the city and to protect his family and the woman he cares for immensely. Despite the connection he feels for her, the secrets she hides could be deadly to them both. Will the truth tie them for eternity or set them on a path of destruction?
My Review:
This is a story of Dracula, but this tale has not been told… until now. The only family Elisabeta has ever known is her brother. Together they steal, con, and even kill to make enough money to survive. Her brother conceives a wicked plan to steal a vast treasure and convinces Elisabeta to enact his plan. All she has to do is masquerade as a vampire, infiltrate Ichor Knell, seduce the captain of the guard, and make off with the treasure. Seems simple, right? There’s only one problem… Elisabeta is human and falls in love with Dracula, the captain of the guard. Elisabeta’s secret, once revealed, could be deadly for them both. Will her love bond with Dracula for all eternity or has she sealed their doomed fate?
Bloodscourge is, simply put, an exceptional book every paranormal reader needs to devour. I know what you’re thinking, just another vampire story. Hold onto your hats, dear readers, for Bloodscourge is more than a vampire tale. In Sydney Winward’s Bloodborn series, authenticity reigns and she’s a masterful storyteller. Bloodscourge is an incredible read for many reasons but in my opinion, what makes this story stand out is Elisabeta. She’s such a strong heroine but has a vulnerability I wasn’t expecting. She’s an independent woman who is deadly with a sword. She spars with Dracula on several occasions yet is an innocent when it comes to matters of the heart. The plot moves at a solid with a full cast of characters. The romance between Elisabeta and Dracula is slow-burning which plays nicely with the action scenes. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I became a part of the story and even dreamed about it a few times. If you love paranormal romance and looking for an original take on a gothic legend, pick up Bloodscourge. While this is a prequel to Bloodborn, it can be read as a standalone. Sydney Winward is fast becoming one of my favorite paranormal authors. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
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Author Biography:
Sydney Winward was born with an artistic brain and a love of discovery for new talents. From drawing to sewing to music, she has loved to explore every opportunity that comes her way. At a young age, Sydney discovered her love of writing and wrote her first book at twelve years old, and since then, she hasn’t been able to stop writing. Her active imagination and artistic mind take her away to different worlds and time periods, making every new story a fantastic adventure. When she is not writing (or fawning over animals in the neighborhood) she spends time with her husband and children at home in Utah.
Social Media Links:
Website https://sydneywinward.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SydneyWinward
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sydneyewinward/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneywinward/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sydneyewinward/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sydneywinward
Reviewed by: Mrs. N