A.G. Slatter
Titan
11 February 2025
368
eBook - EPUB
Gothic Fantasy
ARC via NetGalley
Violet Zennor has had a peculiar upbringing. Training as a fighter in underground arenas, honing her skills against the worst scum, murderers and thieves her father could pit her against, she has learned to be ruthless. To kill.
Until the day Hedrek Zennor dies. Violet thinks she’s free – then she learns that her father planned to send her into the Darklands, where the Leech Lords reign. Where Violet’s still-born brother was taken years ago. Violet steadfastly refuses. Until one night two assassins attempt to slaughter her – and it becomes clear: she’s going to have to clean up the mess her father made.
By turns gripping and bewitching, sharp and audacious, this mesmerising story takes you on a journey into the dark heart of Slatter's sinister and compelling fantasy world in a tale of vampires, assassins, ancient witches and broken promises.
The Crimson Road first caught my attention with its premise because how could I not be on board for a Gothic fantasy with vampires? The book started rather slowly. I was engaged with Violet's narrative, but at the same time, I wondered when the vampires would be coming, and the answer turned out to be not until the final third of the volume. Some of the things I enjoyed about this book were the interesting premise and the author's personal take on vampires, along with some fun secondary characters like Freddie. However, I found the pacing a little unbalanced and I wished we got more on the vampires. They came in so late we didn't spend much time with them, and I'd really wanted to see more. I think because of this, the ending also felt a little sudden and anti-climatic after the big buildup. Nonetheless, this was still an enjoyable read that entertained me over three nights, so I am giving it four stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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