3.5 rounded up! This was my first vampire read in a while. Honestly, the dedication had me really intrigued. Some of this story was really great and well written and some of it fell really flat for me personally. Kazan’s character got a little annoying at times but overall I liked her. I really loved Adrius and Reya though. The plot is twisted and things get pretty intense towards the end then just falls off pretty abruptly. I honestly have no idea if this is a one stop shop or going to be a series? The ending was left pretty open. If you enjoy vampire tales, give it a whirl!

In just under 400 pages, Ciel Pierlot pulls the reader into a lavish, extravagant ball – one full of savage duels, sadistically saccharine vampires, and a self-centered human determined to bring them all down.

Kazan Korvic’s life has been marred by vampires – literally. Not only was she orphaned in a vampire attack as a child, but the tragedy that destroyed her family resulted in a severe scar that’s transformed her face forever. Intent on saving herself at all costs, Kazan put everything into her blacksmithing business after being denied entry to the Wardens – a tight-knit group of guards whose sole intent is to protect the human population from vampires. She’s learned to fight through cunning exchanges of skill, bits of training passed off for favors and lies and weapons, of which she makes the best around. Anointed with holy water, covered in the finest silver, and crafted with rowan, her craftsmanship is unmatched in Mavazem to the point that she can no longer make a sale within the city’s borders.

A skilled pickpocket, cunning manipulator, and trained liar, Kazan’s quite charming even if she’s not perfect. She may not be the best fighter, but she’s got a strong survival instinct and is incredibly observant. When paired with her steadfast, stubborn nature, she’s a born survivor; she’ll do anything to protect herself, even if it means backstabbing an ex-lover, thwarting a decades’ long plot for revenge, or leaving behind her travel companions and going up against an entire vampire hunting party alone. Her tendency to lie, cheat and steal to get what she wants makes her something of an unreliable and unpredictable narrator, one that is self-centered, self-sufficient, and morally grey – something not often seen in female characters, but that makes for an exceptionally well-crafted, fast-paced narrative once she’s captured, forced to fight Adrius de Vere, and her plans to sell to the neighboring country’s High Warden are thrown into tension-fueled chaos when she is forced to become Lord Dasar’s Vampire Queen instead.

What unfolds across the three-day feast that follows is addicting, exhilarating and charming, written in a deft, incredibly detailed hand that is exceptionally skilled in building layers of atmospheric detail as we run with Kazan through the halls of Dasar’s expansive castle. Add in a strong enemies-to-lovers rival in Adrius de Vere, with whom she has something of a tense, sizzling chemistry after their initial banter-filled encounter at Madam Rask’s (the merchant’s party the beginning of a downhill battle for freedom that (in)directly resulted in Kazan’s defeat and capture), and a sultry, compassionate heiress in Aishreya, and Pierlot sets the reader up for the beginning of a seductive and charming game that promises not only a spicy vampire threesome, but betrayal, manipulation, and incredible tension that propels the entire narrative forward on multiple occasions as the countdown to Kazan’s ritual death plays out.

Sultry, seductive and dark, The Hunter’s Gambit is an unforgiving vampire romp that is as beautiful as it is deadly: a gripping dark fantasy with a touch of romance that breathes fresh life into the brutal, savage nature of vampires in a locked-room adventure in the same vein as Gideon the Ninth, if Cytherea was a bloodthirsty vampire instead of a lyctor – and if Harrow, Gideon, and Ianthe were a throuple. Come for the vampires and stay for the fire that is Kazan Korvic on a self-serving mission to save her own life, whether it means betraying her new lovers or not.

This book was not for me. It was slow, boring, and couldn’t keep my attention. I finished solely because it was an ARC.

I really like vampire books and this did not disappoint. The Hunter's Gambit feels like a sexier The Invitation. I loved how Kazan was wholly in charge, even until the end. I really liked the MFF romance aspect, too, and I felt that Pierlot really did that justice.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I am really on the fence about this one; there were parts I enjoyed but the story as a whole seemed to fall a little flat. There was some great initial set up; the tension between Kazan and Adrius, the mysterious Madam Rask and the idea of Kazan wanting to be a Warden but being rejected. I also liked the queer rep. However, after Kazan was captured the intrigue dropped off. The events only take place over a few days and as such there wasn't much chance for development of characters such as Isidora and Reya who doesn't reappear until later on in the book.

I loved the relationship between Adrius and Reya and was more invested in that than Kazan after their interaction in the prologue. As much as I liked Adrius, I also liked the dynamic between Kazan and Dasar and the fleeting moment it looked that might go somewhere. Ultimately though I felt like there was just one subplot too many (such as the geist element and Adrius' connection to them) in such a short time frame that it meant most of the development was surface level. This definitely had a lot of potential though and I would read another from Pierlot in the same universe as the world building did make me want to come back.

Thank you to NetGalley, Angry Robot, and Ciel Pierlot for providing me with an eARC of this book.

The hunter’s gambit tells a story of Kazan, a blacksmith obsessed with (killing?) vampires. Kazan is taken by vampires to be their “vampire queen” during a 3 day celebration after which she will be sacrificed to uphold the magic keeping their castle up.

I thought the plot was really unique and intriguing. I enjoyed seeing Kazan try to fight, scheme, and lie her way out of the situation she was put in. This was more of a 3.5 for me because while I enjoyed the story I was craving a little more romance instead of spice.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6571313062

Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for the e-arc!
I have been dying for more for more adult vampire books and The Hunter's Gambit hit every mark! Aristocratic vampires are terrorizing human citizens, but Kazan uses her expert crackling abilities to make weapons specifically for killing the vampires. When the vampires attack and steal her and her magical weapon she is forced into the vampire court. Three days after being queen where she will be spoiled rotten and then killed at a feast. How will she escape the Vampire Court when the vampires are as trapped as she is?
This is definitely a book for vampire lovers who want to see more epic and interesting plots full of action, gore, and ancient rituals. Kazan is a great MC; She is intelligent, strong, and resilient. I loved getting to see her survive the castle and try to figure out those around her. I do wish the romantic characters were a bit more fleshed out, but I still enjoyed the romance nonetheless!
Overall I definitely recommend checking this book out especially if you were looking for more vampire books!

Bring on all the vampire romances!! I really hope we continue to see a resurgence vampire romantasy because it hits so good! This was a really fun one, Kazan is a strong FMC, she's a blacksmith that gets kidnapped by some vamps who make her their "queen" for 3 days then they are going to sacrifice her to maintain their fortress. I loved the tension in this book, she's desperately trying to save herself while they are throwing parties and encouraging her to live it up while she can! The vampires here are not your twilight, teen, sanitized versions, they are powerful and cruel, and oh so sexy! This is a throuple romance which I didn't know going into but I really enjoyed the dynamics of all three, it was definitely lighter on the romance and the story focused more on the politics and world building but I was sucked right in!

How do you like your vampires? I prefer them with a bit of an edge and a bit stabby. "The Hunter's Gambit" by Ciel Pierlot gave me that. The dog paws are irrelevant to the story.

OK, Kazan is in a pickle. She is an unwilling party guest for some vampires. Seems they need her to be their queen/be mocked for entertainment for 3 days and then die horribly. Not exactly the best deal. And wouldn't you know it, seems there is bad blood between several of them. Kazan has to navigate their vendettas and motives if she wants to survive party. Been there.

Reasons to read:
-Pace keeps to a good clip, no explaining what exactly a vampire is for a hundred pages
-Great dedication
-Nice violence to spice ratio

Cons:
-There was a plot line that didn't really land for me, but didn't detract too much

Poly bisexual vampires and a human blacksmith all come together in this locked castle mystery steeped in survival, lies, and blood. Kazan Korvis is as skilled a blacksmith as she is a liar. When her latest trip to sell her new deadly blade has her crossing paths with the handsome and charming vampire Adrius... and a bit of kissing before they part ways. Too bad for Kazan she ends up in the cross hairs of a vampire party on the hunt for a human... and Adrius is the one who brings her in. Kazan has been chosen as the new Queen and taken to the vampire Citadel where she will be spoiled and doted upon for three days by the Vampire Court before being feasted on by them. Kazan is completely trapped inside but is determined to find a way out. Trapped inside a castle with vampires watching her every movement she'll have to use her wits, her lies, and her charm to find a way out. The only people she can ask for help from are Reya, a gorgeous vampire who can shape shift into a black cat and Adrius, the outcasted and feared vampire... and they both happen to be lovers with a plan of their own for wanting to steal Kazan's sword and work with her... apart from wanting her for themselves. Can Kazan find a way to escape and to trust both Reya and Adrius or will she lie her way and destroy everything? So this was definitely an interesting read, it starts off fast and has such an interesting premise and I am absolutely a sucker for a bisexual poly vampire thrupple. The ending just kind of felt lacking and Kazan honestly got on my nerves. Like what was the point of all her actions for her to only go : well I guess nothing matters and I don't really care anymore, also wait I do want to go be part of the vampire thrupple??? SERIOUSLY??? I initially enjoyed the thrupple dynamic but Kazan kind of ruined it for me and if I'm being honest, I definitely wouldn't Kazan to be part of the thrupple, it just doesn't feel like she deserves it anymore and that both Reya and Adrius would be so much better off without her after she not only ruined all their plans, stole Adrius's revenge, destroyed Reya's inheritance ... and all for nothing. Seriously, she is not the one to be welcoming into your thrupple is all I'm saying. Despite that, I loved Ciel's writing style and the story is fast moving and hooks you in. So while I didn't particularly vibe with the ending or the main character, I did have fun reading this and will absolutely be reading more from Ciel Pierlot in the future!

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Angry Robot for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Kazan travels to try to sell her vampire slaying weapons in another city, when vampires attack. Flighty and amused by their own fancies, they make Kazan Queen of the Vampires. It’s not as great as it sounds. At the end of her three day tenure as queen, she becomes an all-you-can-eat-buffet for her “court”.

Kazan is a selfish and untrusting woman who wants to make it out alive. It’s refreshing to see a main character more worried about themselves than the greater good. Unfortunately, the only allies she can find are vampires–who she’s both drawn to but willing to kill.

3.5/5

Kazan is blacksmith and a skilled grifter. Hoping to sell a magical sword she crafted with special wood and silver which can be used against vampires, she attends a party of Madam Rask and steals an early meeting spot from another party guest, who happens to be the vampire Adrius. They have an immediate connection and end up attending the meeting together, and then depart ways. Madam Rask suggests Kazan join a caravan to a new city to sell her sword. En route, despite the protection of the Wardens, she is abused by a vampire clan and is abducted. In order to keep the Vampire city magic alive, the blood of a human is sacrificed every year and the human, this year Kazan, is made Queen over a Vampire Court for 3 days where they are wined and dined before becoming the feast. Kazan has a will to survive and finds unlikely allies.

This is a fast paced story with action, violence, and dynamic characters. I feel like the characters and the world building could have used some further development. There’s a lot of saturation in the romantasy category and while I enjoyed this book, I didn’t love it in that “can’t put the book down” type of read. I liked Reya’s character but feel like threesome romance was a bit forced

Thank you NetGalley, Angry Robot, and author Ciel Pierlot for this ARC, it made my day!
Pub date: June 25, 2024

This was maybe a bit out of my comfort zone, as I did find some of the earlier scenes a bit violent (something to keep in mind) and I don't normally read vampire books. That said, I did like the worldbuilding and the sense of tension / danger that ran through the whole book. I liked how the bulk of the story was restricted to one particular area, adding to that overall tension.

However, I wasn't that keen on the main MC, but I did really like Adrius and Reya and wished that they had a bit more time on page. I'm glad I read this, as it did get me out of my comfort zone, but overall, it's one that I'm not too sure how I feel about it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. Although enjoyable at times, this book was a let down. It had so much potential but seemed haphazard. Very superficial without much character development. Plot was confusing.

I really enjoyed this gory, violent book. as soon as someone's head got lopped off I knew it'd be the book for me. the only thing I didn't quite like was the ending and the romance is lacking. but everything else....love. I was definitely feeling the "ready or not" movie vibes and all the action scenes were so satisfyingly.

I received an ARC copy through netgalley but all thoughts are my own.

Deliciously fun and full of wonderfully cruel and sadistic vampires. This is definitely one of my favourite vampire reads of 2024.

Even though, I felt that the ending was predictable, I very much enjoyed the plot. We follow Kazan as she goes from humble blacksmith to Queen of the Vampires and their next meal. She is unapologetically herself throughout the novel and despite her situation refuses to resign herself to her fate. Her determination to survive in the face of disdainful, mocking vampires made it easy to get behind her.

This is the first Ciel Pierlot novel I've read but it certainly won't be the last.

The dedication is *chef's kiss*- Dedicated to everyone who read Twilight and thought "Why are these vampires so Mormon?"

Great world-building, morally gray af characters, and a high-stakes escape adventure- what more can you ask for in a vampire book? I enjoyed all the twists and turns that kept me binge reading this in a couple of settings.

Would definitely read more by this author.

This was a spicy, romp of a fantasy and was highly entertaining. If you love books with vampires, then this should be your next read.

I flew through this one in a couple of hours. Really enjoyed the plot, and the characters alike. This book felt much more like a vampire book than some others that are big on tiktok right now, so I was very happy to get that sense of fear and gore that you expect from a vampire book. A lovely little hint of a romance too.

Thank you to Ciel Pierlot, Angry Robot and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was certainly quite captivating.

I am not usually a fan of vampires in fantasy, but this book has opened the door for me. The world- building was strong and the information about this ritual was very well explained. It was really interesting to see how important Kazan's role was to the Vampires. There were also so many people in power within this world, seeing how they wielded that power and interacted with their subjects was really captivating.

Kazan is a very unique main character. I like that Pierlot doesn't shy away from showing that she has flaws and that she is not the most powerful. As a human, she lacks physical strength, but it is her mental vigour that really speaks volumes. This is so nice to see in the fantasy, as it is hard to find a flawed and imperfect main character within the genre these days.

The romance was very unexpected but also surprisingly well fitting. I am excited to see how these characters interact and change their relationships with each other in future books. The trope in this book is one that I haven't encountered in fantasy yet so I am looking forward to see where the author takes this.

I gave this book 3.75 stars.