2.5⭐️ I was highly anticipating this book it was historical, there were vampires and it was sapphic!!! But even with all those aspects this fell flat for me. My favorite things about this book was the concept and Layla’s character. The writing was clunky and the pacing was slow I was bored at certain times. I needed more explanations of the world building and it would’ve been nice to have flashbacks of the MC’s past together. I really wanted to love this but I just couldn’t get invested in it.

Oh my god, where should I start?

Dennings deserves all the stars ever. The setting was so lush and atmospheric, it was part of the reason why this book is so thrilling. Add to the vampires and gangs and the delicious sapphic romance we got, I was reeled in immediately.

I see some people compare this to a Tempest of Tea, but honestly, that book didn't do it for me much. This Ravenous Fate on the otherhand? This was everything I expected a book featuring 1920s harlem with gangs, vampires (reapers), vampire hunters.

5 stars, this was an incredible debut and I wish nothing but the best for Dennings.

In jazz age Harlem, reapers, once-human vampires, are on the rise. Luckily for the Saint family, this helps their reaper-hunting business, giving them even more power. Elise Saint is returning home after five years in Paris as the business’s reluctant heir. Layla Quinn is a young reaper haunted by her past. The night she was turned five years ago is also the night she lost her parents and the Saints’ protection. When Layla is framed for a reaper attack, she works with Elise to investigate the murders and how they might be linked to a reaper cure.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for this e-arc.*

Easily a 5 star book. Hayley Dennings has such a great writing style that immediately grabbed my attention and held it the entire time! Apologies in advance for my messy thoughts because I cannot articulate how great this book was to me.

Black sapphics, feminine rage, masquerade ball, and set in 1926 Harlem…what more could you ask for?

This book perfectly captures childhood best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers-to-???? and does it EXTREMELY WELL!!! The yearning, the angry love confession, and reluctance to work together!!!! Elise and Layla are both written excellently and have their own backgrounds that are fleshed out. The side characters offered so much enjoyment while being important to the story, especially Jaime and his son!! Loved whenever they showed up!

The plot was so interesting and I did not want to put this book down. This take on reapers/vampires might just be my favorite. The hopes of a cure for the reapers hurt so much, especially with Layla’s wanting to be human again. I just wanted to hug her every time. The ending??? I need more and I can’t wait to see what Hayley Dennings does with the next book!

Overall, I fell in love with this book and its beautiful writing. Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The storyline was interesting and was mostly easy to follow. The reaper dynamic did confuse my brain up until about 60% when my brain stopped overthinking that. Whenever I hear the word reaper I think of the beings that claim souls and bring you to the afterlife or the giant dinosaurs in ARK that are really fun to jump around on; I do not think vampires. It took some adjusting.

This was a really nice fantasy read. I loved the setting of 1920's Harlem jazz era and the crime noir vibes.

Layla and Jamie were my favourite characters in this story, and I wished that Jamie's character was utilised more within the story. Layla was a complex and layered character. She misses her life as a human and the loss of her parents and dreams for the future. Between Layla and Elise, Layla is definitely the more rational thinker of the two.

Elise was a little too naive for my taste, and I personally would've preferred some more character development surrounding her loyalty to her family at an earlier point in the book.

Overall, this was an enjoyable suspenseful vampire story, and I'm looking forward to the next part.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters made you have such a live hate relationship for them. It makes you want to root for them but also yell at them for their decisions. Lol. I can’t wait to read book two

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I really enjoyed This Ravenous Fate, though I did have a couple of hiccups with the pacing at first. Once I got into it however, I was HOOKED. I love the entire premise, it was so unique and mixed so many new things into a classic theme, which I feel like revives the entire vampire genre. This was a fantastic debut book, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy! I'll be keeping an eye out for Ms. Denning's future works!

This was a fun, sapphic vampire book set in 1920’s Harlem. The main characters, Layla and Elise, gave me what I want from a YA enemies to lovers book and left me wanting to see how their relationship would develop. I loved the themes that were represented surrounding systemic racism and the book was still very enjoyable to read, especially for a younger audience. However, I did not find this to be very mysterious, and the investigation part seemed to drag on for me because I was uninterested. Overall, an enjoyable time, and I will continue to check out what this author writes in the future.

There was so much about this book that I wanted to love- vampires, hunters,, enemies to lovers sapphic romance, 1920s Harlem- but unfortunately, most of it fell really flat.

I think the author had a great premise but there needed to be more editing. I could never really get into the flow of the story and it often felt very clunky and jarring to move from one POV to the next. I struggled with the dialogue as well.

I also really struggled with this being set during the Harlem Renaissance because everything about the way the world was set up just felt so surface level? Like, with just a few adjustments this could have taken place in any timeline. I WANTED to love it because it being set in 1920s Harlem was a huge selling point for me but it just didn't feel fully grounded in that world.

Overall, I struggled to get through this one :(

I admit that I heard a lot about this book before I started it. The author was determined to write a good book about black vampires. Like most authors, she was nervous about how it’d be received.

She doesn’t need to worry.

As some of you may know, I’ve been reading vampire books voraciously since I was a pre-teen (blame ‘Dracula’), and have seen all the ups and downs in the genre during the past decades. This genuinely feels like something new and innovative, while building on past foundations to craft characters and a world that the reader is drawn into. It does not stop moving until the very last page.

Yes, there’s aspects of a queer Romeo & Juliet, or ‘enemies to lovers’ - but the relationship between the protagonists is allowed to breathe (heheh) so that the genuine life-or-death challenges these girls face can be worked through.

I found myself thinking of a book I’d read recently that suffered from the ‘post it note effect’ - where if a character simply left a note explaining things, half the problems in the book wouldn’t happen. This is the opposite of that! Because these girls talk. They argue. They make up and fall out again. Their world is messy, confusing, and most of the adults and authority figures are lying or misleading them. There aren’t enough post-it notes to cover it, and that makes for an intense story that unfolds beautifully. It’s never clear what’ll happen next because nobody has all the information, with clues only appearing after major disasters. The ground is constantly shifting and I genuinely did wonder - after a character I really liked was killed - if either or both Elise and Layla would survive (Romeo & Juliet, remember?).

So we have a messy queer relationship. Add vampires. Racism. Family politics. And Harlem gangs in the 1920s, so Prohibition too. Drink can poison or kill you. Existing with a certain skin colour makes someone a target. Is there a cure for being a reaper, or is that akin to a solution (yup) for being black or poor?

If anything, there’s so much going on that it’s sometimes a little hard to figure out. It’s a growing jigsaw puzzle where new pieces appear and others don’t quite fit where you expected… I found it best to not try and solve the mystery, but go along with the ride. It certainly reflects the basic confusion of being a teen, let alone with all the above issues that must be dealt with in order to survive.

This Ravenous Fate stands on its own, but the ending hints at more to come in this dark world, and I’ll be here for it. I’m certain this book will find its audience and hope that this generation of women (whatever their colour or orientation) will see the strength and perseverance of the heroines and hold them in their hearts.

I’m so glad that Hayley Dennings was determined to get her words out into the world. This white middle-aged British woman is certainly cheering her on!

i was very excited for this but unfortunately it did not work for me. i found the beginning to be very slow and tedious, not much was happening, nothing made me excited to keep reading and i didn't connect much with the characters which is very saddening because i was very much looking forward to it

This Ravenous Fate lives up to its title – it is starving in its pursuit of revenge in this fantasy mystery that I cannot get out of my head.

I was sold immediately when I heard the pitch for This Ravenous Fate. I mean, a thrilling mystery and a sapphic vampire and vampire hunter pairing in a Harlem Renaissance setting? Sign me up! Dennings delivers on that excellent premise in this haunting story about love, family and legacy.

Within this world, the balance of power and marked territories for each side is a deadly tightrope constantly maintained by violence and bloodshed. Some of this is overt and monstrous, whereas some of it is hidden behind a genteel smile. You soon learn that appearances are deceptive and there are long held secrets here. Caught up in it all are Layla and Elise. The former lost everything when she was forcibly turned into a vampire and is just clawing her way back to a community and sense of family. The latter appears to have it all, but the underlying reality of her family dynamic quickly becomes evident. I loved how manipulative the book was, constantly keeping you guessing. Dennings includes some powerhouse twists and turns that have a wide-reaching impact. The mystery is well-executed and builds dynamically.

This is an enemies to lovers dynamic with real stakes (pardon the pun) and consequences. Layla and Elise are very much on opposite sides of a complex power struggle that has been established long before them. There are aspects of class that are very well explored within the fantastical setting. Dennings also interrogates the racism and sexism (and intersection of all three facets) within this mystery – asking whose lives are considered worthy of protecting? It has stark parallels to our modern day society. Dennings does not hold back – the story really delves into the blood and guts of this gory mystery. I loved how fraught the book was, every move truly had a ripple effect of consequences around it. It is like an elaborate game of chess but you can only see half the board at any one time. Everything is a power play and nothing is truly as it seems.

This Ravenous Fate kicks off what is an extremely promising fantasy series with brilliant characterisation and plotting. I’m intrigued to see what Dennings does next.

Sapphic Black lesbians in Jazz Age Harlem is such a phenomenal concept. There were a lot of things I liked about this book but quite a few things that didn't quite work for me, too--nothing I outright disliked, but most elements didn't quite grab me like I hoped they would. While I didn't love it as much as I hoped, I definitely get why people are loving this book.

1920’s Harlem with Black vampires, mystery, and LGBTQIA+ rep are you kidding me?! I had so many hopes for the first book in this duology and it absolutely delivered!

Once human Elise Saint returns home after five years where her childhood best friend Layla lives. They’re now on opposite sides of what is happening in this city and Mr Saint is on a mission to find out what is happening when a string of gruesome murders takes place. The Saint family has built its empire on eradicating reapers. Elise and Layla are forced to work together to get to the bottom of the mystery. This is where we see their personalities and chemistry blossom individually and together.

This book was such a fun read! There was so much action and suspense wound into an intriguing story. The characters were so multi layered and authentic. The plot was unique and gripping. The writing style was easy to digest and held my attention until the second half of the book hit. I felt as though this could have been shorter and still had an amazing impact since the second half was drawn out and a bit repetitive. Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait for book two!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Hayley Dennings, and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This publishes on August 6th!

I have posted my review on Goodreads, my Facebook book club, and will make a TikTok to post before the pub date raving about this book!

📚Friends to Enemies to Lovers📚

This started so strongly but lost it's momentum towards the end. The worldbuilding was so intriguing that I would be interested in coming back for the sequel. Some sharper editing for Parts 3 & 4.

Elise Saint is the eldest surviving daughter of the Saint Empire, a family that has pioneered Reaper-hunting in this fantasy version of 1920's New York. This version of the vampire virus was born from illegal experimentation. I really liked the medical/sci-fi influence in this paranormal novel. Elise returns to the city on the 10th anniversary of her sister's murder, only 5 years after being attacked herself.

Layla was raised side-by-side with Elise until the night her parents were killed by Reapers. Bitten and turned into a Reaper herself, Layla attacked Elise and has craved her blood every night since. When Layla is framed for another murder, she has to pause her revenge schemes and work with Elise to figure out what new danger is killing Reapers and humans in the streets of Harlem.

I really loved the attention the author pays to the discrimination against Black people and the persecution of Reapers as separate and intersectional experiences. The real history of Black folk in America isn't rewritten by the fantasy plot. It reminded me of The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste.

I loved the characters Layla and Elise and their male sidekicks. I thought their personalities and viewpoints were very distinct in the beginning. Unfortunately, they lost a bit of their clarity towards the end. The reaper lore and conspiracy plot was a bit muddled at the end as well.

This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings is book one in a decadent fantasy duology set in Jazz Age Harlem.
Black queer vampires in 1920s Harlem yes please!
Everything about this book was phenomenal!

Thank you so much for this ARC, Netgalley and Sourcebooks! I just finished and my mind is exploding! So much happened in part 4 - I want to say the right word is "unhinged," but in a great way. Wow, just wow.

This Ravenous Fate appealed to me because I saw sapphic, Harlem Renaissance setting, and vampires - what is not to love?! And believe me, Dennings certainly delivers here. Like the relationship between Elise and Layla, there's a bit of a slow burn to the plot and then it all comes crashing together like the most tragic ballet. It was truly mesmerizing, hooking me in from the very beginning, then causing an array of feelings that I'm still making sense of. I cried, I laughed, I screamed, I punched the air (literally). The writing is absolutely beautiful - seriously, there are so many quotes you can highlight throughout the book - I typically read while walking on my treadmill and I was falling off trying to highlight my tablet.

One of the best things about the book is the depth of the characters and how they change depending on whom they are around or when you see them through the eyes of others. Both Elise and Layla are multi-faceted - sometimes you love them, other times you feel for them, and at other times they might make you a bit angry (the end...Elise WHY). Sterling was also a great supporting character despite his many issues (poor thing). And I cannot forget Jamie - the lovable...gangster? He had me smiling when he popped up. All the characters play their roles wonderfully, even the evil ones (I won't spoil it). Don't get me started on the family dynamics - so much to unpack there, especially with Elise's need to be accepted so badly that it affects her self-respect and clouds her judgment.

I typically do not enjoy themes of Black trauma in fantasy books, but the way Dennings approached racism and class with both Black and white people, as well as reapers and Saints, was so well done that it really enhanced the story. The power struggles and dynamics, hot vs. cold, saint vs. sinner, good vs. evil - all work so well. The ending isn't a cliffhanger that makes you crumble to the floor because you can't believe the author would do that to you, but I can't wait to see where this story goes.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This book was bloody good. I had very high expectations and it did not disappoint.

First of all, I adored the writing style. The prologue alone had me gagged and there were some lines throughout the book that had me stopping and rereading multiple times because of how beautifully written they were.
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere, it was dark and gritty and there was so much blood, but it also was luxurious and lush, everything you could want from a book about vampires set in the 1920s. I liked Hayley’s depictions of vampires, the discussion on what makes a monster a monster – there were some humans in this story that gave reapers a run for their money –, I really appreciated that aspect of the book.
I felt like the plot was a bit meandering in some parts, as well as the pacing, but I honestly didn’t care because I was so invested in the characters!!! I think they’re the strongest part of the book, especially Elise and Layla. I immediately empathized with Elize and was intrigued by Layla right from the start, and I was on the edge of my seat, ‘cause I wanted to know what happened between them in the past and how their relationship was going to evolve in the present. I loved both of them individually: Elise’s desire to protect her sister and her determination to do it whatever the cost, her strength but also her vulnerability… I really appreciated her soft side, it was super relatable; I liked how Layla’s sharp exterior hid her softness and gentleness underneath, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t a bit unhinged, she fought with claws and fangs to keep herself alive, and I respect that. I support women’s rights but also women’s wrong.
Layla and Elise are great as individual characters, but they’re even better together. Their chemistry was sparkling off the page. I was hanging from their lips every time they interacted, I could feel the tension but also the buried feelings they had for each other, that slowly made their way up again. It was the PERFECT slow-burn, by the time they were starting to warm up to each other again and being flirty and teasing, I was giggling and kicking my feet . I love them as a couple, they’re everything. They’re really the best part of the book for me, I now officially have a new favorite ship (sapphics do it better).

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it if you like vampires, best friends-to enemies-to reluctant allies-to lovers, the perfect slow burn, character driven stories and if you don’t mind a bit of blood in your stories.

This Ravenous Fate was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. I can definitely tell why other readers would enjoy this book, but too many things fell flat for me. I was really intrigued by the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope, but I never really felt any chemistry between Layla and Elise. I think this book could've benefited from some flashbacks to their friendship so readers could truly see how close they were and how devastating it was when they could no longer be friends. I also didn't get much of a sense for their attraction to each other until about halfway through the book. I love a good slow burn, but there wasn't enough pining for my tastes.

Additionally, the plot moved too slowly for my liking. With this being somewhat of a murder mystery, I expected the stakes to feel a lot higher than they actually did. The first half of the book was very slow, and the plot only really began to take off in the second half, and by then I was too bored to really care. I also would've liked to have gotten a better sense of the world, since the Harlem Renaissance background really drew me in.