Bad Blood

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

A canine shapeshifter must work together with a human prince to overthrow his older brother before he wipes out her people.

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When shapeshifter Asra Taj-Sylvia shared the secrets of her people with human King Nolan eighteen years ago, she didn’t know he would use that information to destroy her town. The only way to ensure he can’t wipe her people out completely is to kill him, but Nolan is always one step ahead of her assassination attempts.

When Prince Ciaran, terrified that his older brother's increasing paranoia will put a target on his own back, offers to help Asra kill Nolan, she has no choice but to accept.

Their tentative alliance is strained to its limits when they are abducted and stranded on the other side of the kingdom. A land of hostile magic and monsters stands between them and their goal, and worse still, Ciaran reveals Nolan’s plans for a weapon—one that Asra is certain spells the end for her people.

The more they work together, the more difficult it becomes to deny their growing feelings for one another, but Asra won’t be distracted. If she doesn’t eliminate Nolan soon, she may not have a home left to save.

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This work contains on-page depictions of violence toward people and animals as well as alcohol abuse and withdrawal. It contains discussions of domestic violence and abuse.

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2024
Author: hazeldog

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 13
Views: 13,406

What readers say about Bad Blood

“If you are interested in revenge and political intrigue stories, then this is right up your alley. The writer's ability to blend both the fantastical elements of the fantasy stories that people on this cite love and the more down to earn interpersonal drama…”
C. Sebastian NuttRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“In Bad Blood, we follow Asra, a determined and powerful shapechanger, on her quest for vengeance against the tyrannical King Nolan, who massacred her people. The story is set in a world where magic intertwines with a Western-inspired setting, creating a uni…”
W.D.RoseRoyal Road4.5 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(2)

C. Sebastian NuttRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
If you are interested in revenge and political intrigue stories, then this is right up your alley. The writer's ability to blend both the fantastical elements of the fantasy stories that people on this cite love and the more down to earn interpersonal drama is refreshing. I highly recommend that you pick up this story.
Style: The author employs simple constructs and sentences that allow the narrative to flow in a way perfect for both the pacing and the setting of the story. With the third-person perspective, we are allowed to shift viewpoints, which in turn allows for us to come to understand the situation from more angles. Well done!
Grammar: I am giving this full marks, as nothing stuck out to me about the grammar as I was reading through. This story knows what it is about, and the writer shows a clear gift for the employment of language.
Story: The story seems to be centered around the plotting of an assassination of the king. Unlikely forces meet, each wanting the king dead for their own reasons, and the story goes on from there. I happen to find it fun that we aren't dropped right into the thickest part of the action right away, a bad habit that many on this cite go to, and that we are given time to come to understand the conflict.
Characters: I am still falling in love with these characters. It is still early days, but that being said, the writer does a great job at characterizing the different perspectives that we receive immediately once they are introduced, helping the characters to stand out from one another.
You should read this.
W.D.RoseRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
In Bad Blood, we follow Asra, a determined and powerful shapechanger, on her quest for vengeance against the tyrannical King Nolan, who massacred her people. The story is set in a world where magic intertwines with a Western-inspired setting, creating a unique backdrop.
What I particularly liked about the book was the depth of the world-building. The author blends elements of magic, politics, and personal vendetta, drawing readers into the dangerous world that the author has built. Asra is a compelling protagonist, with her shapechanging abilities and personal history adding layers of complexity to her character. The tension and pacing keep the narrative engaging, especially as the stakes rise and new conflicts emerge.
The inclusion of political dynamics, especially the portrayal of King Nolan's paranoia and the resistance against his rule, adds significant depth to the plot. Additionally, the secondary characters, such as Ciaran, are well-developed and bring their own unique motivations and conflicts.
However, there are a few areas where the book could improve. The transition between certain plot points, particularly the three-year gap between chapters 0 and 1, felt abrupt and left some questions unanswered. Including a brief summary or key events of what she had done during this period could answer these questions.
Overall, Bad Blood is a captivating novel that successfully combines adventure, magic, and personal struggle. The strong character motivations, intricate world-building, and well-paced narrative make it a highly enjoyable read.