"Bite the Power That Feeds," the third book in the Dirty Blood series by Penelope Barsetti, continues to explore the intriguing world of supernatural drama. Narrated by Ramona Master and Michael Ferraiuolo, the performances are solid, with each narrator bringing their characters to life effectively.

While the story has engaging moments, the plot felt somewhat predictable and at times dragged. Some character arcs lacked depth, making it difficult to fully connect with their journeys. However, the dynamics between the characters provided some enjoyment and kept the narrative moving forward.

I’d rate this audiobook 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a decent addition to the series, but it may not resonate as strongly as earlier installments. Thank you to NetGalley for my copy; all opinions are my own!

#NetGalley #PenelopeBarsetti #BiteThePowerThatFeeds #DirtyBlood #DreamscapeMedia

The 3rd book in the series sees Larissa and Kingsnake continuing to battle for their relationship. He wants to protect and keep her while she wants the partnership she has hope for all along. Cobra and Clara's story is heating up as is the war between the races. Lots of action, lots of steamy spice, great dialogue between the characters along with a fast-paced plot. If you haven't read books 1 & 2, I highly recommend that you do as that will enhance your enjoyment of the book. Taking that a step further, I highly recommend that you listen to the audiobooks as the narrators bring the characters more fully to life. Hint, Fang is a favorite whether you read or listen to the story, but I really feel the narrators bring Fang's personality to life while making it clear that he is a snake. This isn't my typical go to book in the fantasy or paranormal world, but I have to say that I am highly enjoying the series! I look forward to more in the series as I am really excited to read about the other brothers more as the author continues the story! FYI: each book builds upon the last so reading in order is important, or at least it is in these first 3 books!

I really enjoyed this third installment of the dirty blood series. I like how, even when the characters argue, they don’t hang on to grudges and love prevails. I like how the brothers and their father are working on their relationship as well as how welcoming they are to Larissa and Clara. It’s like a mix of biological family and found family.

The audio book time was up very soon. So I had to purchase the book. This is why I am late for giving this review. and I would have to say this book was absolute delight. awesome story and plot line. I am going to write a detailed review on my blog and goodreads and then I will make a review video on this trilogy. Hoping to read more work from Penelope Barsetti (you are becoming my next fav author)

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

I hate to say it but the “anti-booktok” “anti-smut” people may have a point… This is not, I repeat not, applicable to all book recommendations that come from TikTok, or all books containing smut, but this book in particular has so many faults I would have DNF’ed if it wasn’t for the fact that it was an easy audiobook listening experience.

My biggest gripe is the fact that I do feel that this book sacrifices genuine plot potential for the sake of extensive smut scenes. And I am by no means someone who needs to read a “clean” book, but I do need to read a book with some semblance of characterization and plot. This book began with great potential as both main couples were dealing with major betrayals that could’ve fuelled true tension and conflict. Larissa and Kingsnake in particular ended the last book with a literal world-changing choice which could have propelled genuine character and relationship growth. Instead of that, Larissa gave him the cold shoulder for maybe 5 chapters before they quite literally kissed and made up. Once this happened the stakes immediately fell for me because I no longer was invested in these couples as if they could get through complex conflict without any discussion beyond “I’m not speaking to you.” *Cut to three chapters later they’re having sex*, I’m not going to be invested. Any possible confrontation is resolved within 30 pages when lust overcomes all, and so for the entire book I never felt invested because I knew any future conflict would be handled with the same fight, sex, repeat, cycle.

It was because of this lack of character development beyond the bedroom that I felt many of the heartwarming scenes were cringey and out-of-place. In particular the scenes between Larissa and Cobra and Viper felt awkward because I felt like these characters hadn't had any meaningful moments or bonding experiences because the book is so centered on the lusting of the couples.

All that being said, I find the audiobook easy to listen to as background noise, and I’m stubborn enough to see this series through to the end, so will probably be listening to the next book…

We have the third book of a six-book series. The story follows the aftermath of book two where Kingsnake deceives Larissa, leaving her pouting in the other room. However, the plot isn't solely about that. Although it does happen and ends similarly to before, it has less drama this time around. The book glosses over the relationship between Kingsnake and Larissa, despite them being one of the main couples. We also follow King Cobra and Clara, who are similar to Kingsnake and Larissa, as well though Clara is a little more battle-hardy. That being said it doesn't make a difference in the plot of this story. Many events seem to occur in a short amount of time, making it feel like the author is trying to move on to the next book. The book has a lot of battles, but less Fang than we deserve. In addition, there is a weird father-son plot point that's worth noting. Overall, the story is okay, with some fun and interesting parts, as well as some awkward spicy scenes. The female narrator intensely reads Clara, making her seem anxious and always yelling. The book feels similar to the first two, but I'm interested in reading about the mystery brother we don't know much about.

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance

This is the third book in a series & the last of Kingsnake & Larissa storyline but not the last in the world.
I listened to it on audio in one day. The chapters are short and it is very fast paced. In this book Larissa becomes a vampire and adjusts to life as such. The show stealer is more Cobra, Kingsnake’s brother and Clara’s relationship. These books are fun, dark, enemies to lovers romances that are easy to read.

I will check out the next characters she writes about in the world. 🖤🧛

The third book of the Dirty Blood series is easily my favorite! We get a good glimpse into Clara and Cobra’s relationship, as well as other side characters.

The plot was very well written and full of exciting battles. My only complaint is Larissa (again) is now an Original but still somehow can’t fight? How did we go from a girl who always pushed back and fought her own battles to a girl who sits behind an entire army? I feel like it took such a big step back in her character development.

If you love found family, supernatural characters, right vs wrong, and epic battles, this is the perfect book for you!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. This is my unbiased review.

Overall, I do like this more than the first book. Although, I do have complaints. Larissa is turned into a vampire, her worst fear, and overcomes it very quickly. We find out the ethereals are the bad guys, and Kingsnake still has a massive dick. His brother, Cobra? Viper? Honestly everyone runs together in this book, decides to be in love with this queen lady, who eats souls? Honestly this story line is all over the place, but the sex scenes are spicy. Daddy snake man enters the picture and is also a dick.

The narrators are fine.. but the different characters have too similar of voices besides the snake, it is hard to tell who is speaking a lot of the time. Ellasara(?) is pronounced different continually.

I’ve never been sucked in so fast and wanted listen to a book for a second time so quick. This is intriguing seductive and dark from the start! Watch out or it will pull you in!

Ellasara was not happy about becoming a vampire, but she soon adjusted and understood why Kingsnake did what he did. The biggest disappoint was no longer being able to feel the sun on her face and no longer being able to have children. Kingsnake turned Ellasara against her wishes because he didn’t want to spend eternity without her, he could not let her go. He loved her too much to spend life without her. Kingsnake marries Ellasara and she is not the queen of darkness. But at their wedding ceremony Kingsnake dad drops the biggest secret that Kingsnake is keeping from her. That she has the chance to become mortal again, to no longer be a vampire. Ellasara is so upset she leaves Kingsnake and goes back to her own home, her own village. Only to find that they are struck by the sickness that is spreading thought the kingdoms and killing off all the humans. And worse the werewolves are eating/killing her people. Because the sickness does not affect them. Ellasara tries to fight against the wolves along and is almost killed when Kingsnake finds her and helps defers the wolves and kills the wolf leader. But that victory came at a price. Kingsnake dad made a deal with Vipers love. The Queen of the Eternals. Now there is an impossible mission set before Kingsnake and his brothers as they try to figure out how to defeat their power hungry father.

In this captivating audiobook, the transformation of Larisa into a vampire by Kingsnake puts their love to the ultimate test. The story delves deep into the heart of their relationship, challenging their trust and commitment amidst a backdrop of supernatural intrigue. Cobra and Clara add an unexpected twist, enriching the narrative. Despite a few hiccups in the storyline, the audiobook kept me hooked with its intense emotions and complex character dynamics. The ending leaves a longing for more from this intriguing universe. A must-listen for fantasy and romance fans, masterfully brought to life by the narrators' engaging performances.

I loved this audio. I really enjoyed the multi-POV and the narrator’s voice change to reflect the different characters.
This was a great conclusion to the trilogy!

This book was good. But it stays in the middle of a story line. So you really are lost at first. I plan on reading books 1&2, then I'll etelisten to it.

Oh Cobra, how i love you. I can't wait to find the missing brother!

Publisher's summary
Ellasara came at me with a blade—and she defeated me.
But my eyes open to my bedchambers, and I see Kingsnake sitting at my beside with Fang next to my pillow. I expect to feel the horrible pain of my injury, but I already feel healed. When I sit up, the room doesn’t spin and I don’t feel weak. In fact, I feel better than I ever have…
Kingsnake takes my face in my hands and pulls me close. The relief in his chest is so palpable it’s like heat from the sun. But our beautiful moment is ruined by the horrible realization that I can’t feel my own heartbeat…
Kingsnake was left with an impossible decision: either let me die or sacrifice my soul so I could live in the darkness forever. Instead of accepting that decision, I grieve instead for the life that I’ll never have. Now everything between us has changed. I told him I didn’t want to be a nightwalker—but he made me one anyway.
Kingsnake and I still have to finish what we started, to form an alliance with The Ethereal and share the cure with the humans, but now it’s hard to be in the same room with him. We’ve found our way back to each other before…but I’m not sure how we’ll do it this time.

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ARC of book 3!

Bite the Power That Feeds
By: Penelope Barsetti
Narrated by: Ramona Master, Michael Ferraiuolo
Series: Dirty Blood, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-13-24
Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Bite The Power That Feeds by Penelope Barsetti
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

Eep! This was such a good third book in this series! We had ended on a bit of a cliffhanger in book 2 so I was so excited to see the audiobook release for book 3. We continue to follow Larisa and Kingsnake with the aftermath of the battle and the impossible decision Kingsnake was forced to make. I loved them of course but Cobra and Clara stole the show in this one! I highly recommend this series for vampire and fantasy lovers.

Read this book if you like:
-vampires
-snake bffs
-🥵🥵🥵
-strong characters
-multi-POVs

Bite The Power That Feeds is out NOW but will be newly released in audio on February 13th. If this series is not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

This third installment gives about 50/50 political intrigue and romance. There are several brief battles with werewolves proving to be the most formidable foes encountered thus far in the series. Relationships are tested to their limits. The king of all vampires, King Serpentine, seems to be his sons’ number one villain at this point. I’m interested to see how they move forward with or without him. Fang is my #1 in this series, and I don’t see that changing. 🐍

The audiobooks for this series are great. I especially love how quick they are to get through while still delivering a great romantasy story. My preference in narration goes to Ferraiuolo. I feel like he hits the emotions of the characters more accurately than his counterpart, not meant as a critique to Masters. I’m looking forward to continuing the series on audiobook.

Audiobook ARC - thank you netgalley, Penelope Barsetti, and Dreamscape Media
Narrated by Ramona Master and Michael Ferraiuolo

Bite the Power That Feeds follows King Snake along with his brothers King Cobra and General Viper are trying to save the kingdoms from the illness that is spreading and from the werewolves that are feeding on them. This third installment has just as much as steamy sex scenes, action, and humor throughout. A must for anyone that loves Kate Robert books!

Oooh, another intense read! The war between the vamps and the ethereal shifts when Cobra falls for Clara. Kingsnake and Larissa hit a snafu thanks to King Serpentine. Now, there are werewolves starting wars! Another ending that has me itching for the next book! Really hoping we get a Viper book at some point!