Episode 07: Blood and Thorns by Eve Newton
Welcome back, book lovers! This week, the Morally Gray Babes are diving into Blood and Thorns by Eve Newton, the first installment of the Shadows Descent Trilogy. If you love slow-burn paranormal romance, dark academia settings, and morally gray men, this one might just be your next obsession. But buckle up—this book has its highs and a few head-scratching lows. Let’s unpack it all!
Triggers: Non-consensual turning, compulsion, mild violence, and discussions of death.
BLURB
Violet never asked to be a vampire. Yet here she is, freshly turned, on the run from the sinister sire who made her, and trying to carve out a new life at Hollow Academy. This school for the paranormal should be her sanctuary, but with students turning up dead, tensions are rising. Add to that three irresistible yet dangerous men—Cain, Thorn, and Flint—all vying for her attention, and things quickly spiral into chaos.
Violet must navigate not only her new reality but also her mysterious connection to these three men, all while uncovering hidden truths about her own identity. The stakes are high, the tension is thick, and the questions left unanswered will have you reaching for book two.
WHAT WE LOVED
The Fated Mates Trope:
Cain, Thorn, and Flint bring the fated mates trope to life in a way that feels both intense and emotionally compelling. Their devotion to Violet is unwavering, and each man brings something unique to the story:
- Cain: The icy demon with an arctic touch and fiery protectiveness.
- Thorn: The dark fey noble who sees through Violet’s defenses.
- Flint: The dragon shifter savior with a fiery passion to match.
Their obsession with Violet is swoon-worthy, and we couldn’t get enough of their fierce loyalty.
Violet’s Evolution:
Watching Violet transform from a timid, unsure human into a confident, badass vampire was a highlight. Her growth throughout the book sets up an exciting foundation for what’s to come in the trilogy.
Family Dynamics:
The relationships between the characters and their families—especially Cain and his mysterious father—added depth and intrigue to the story. These connections hint at secrets and betrayals we can’t wait to explore in the upcoming books.
QUESTIONS WE HAD
The Missing Potions Plot Line:
At one point, Violet is given potions to sever the bond with her manipulative sire, Nathaniel. However, this important subplot mysteriously disappears as the story progresses. We kept waiting for it to be addressed again, but… nothing.
The Wardrobe Woes:
Lost-and-found clothes and oversized boots? Really? In a school filled with magic and wealth, the fact that Violet spends much of the book underdressed and uncomfortable felt unnecessary.
The Cliffhanger:
While cliffhangers are expected in trilogies, the ending left us with more questions than answers—some of which could have been resolved earlier in the story.
QUESTIONS FOR BOOK 2
- What is Violet’s true identity? Hints throughout the book suggest she’s far more powerful than she realizes.
- Who is Cain’s father, and what secrets is he hiding?
- Will Violet’s fated mate bonds overpower her sire’s manipulative hold?
FAVORITE QUOTES
We dive into a lot of quotes on the podcast; however, these are a few standout quotes that made us swoon, gasp, and keep flipping pages:
- Cain: “That bond you have with him is borrowed, Violet. You are mine to protect, mine to avenge, and mine to worship.”
- Flint’s Father: “Anything for the future queen of the snow dragons.”
- Thorn: “This internal war between her mind and her body, the thought of her suffering like this, torn between her rational thoughts and these forced instincts, makes me want to slam my fist into something, preferably Nathaniel’s face until it comes out the back of his head.”
SPICE LEVEL + RATING
The romance is slow burn, and while there are a couple of steamy moments, they’re far from explicit. So, we are giving this a solid 1 out of 5 on the spice: 🌶️
This book delivers on the dark academia vibes, fated mates trope, and slow-burn romance, but some plot holes and the low spice level keep it from being a perfect score. Would we recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you love trilogies that promise bigger payoffs in the later books. Therefore, the book is a solid 4 out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
We’re eagerly awaiting book two, Shadows Ascend, to see how Violet’s story unfolds. And if you’re as intrigued as we are, pick up Blood and Thorns now and join us as we explore the rest of the trilogy!
Until then, stay morally gray ✌️
IN THIS EPISODE:
- Join the Morally Gray Babes Chat >> HERE <<. Please note: You will need to have the Instagram app in order to join this complimentary discussion.
- Find your next book boyfriend with the Morally Gray Babes' Quiz, just click >>HERE<<
- Jen's Website: www.jenvazquez.com
- Amber's Website: www.amberlangleygill.com
- Follow the Morally Gray Babes on Instagram >> HERE <<
- Snag your copy of Eve Newton's Blood and Thorns >>HERE<<
🖤 Reverse Harem
🖤 Slow Burn Romance
🖤 Paranormal Dark Fantasy
🖤 Academy Setting
