The Bloodless Princes (The Fireborne Blade #2) by Charlotte Bond ~ARC

Thank you @torbooks @tordotcompub for this gifted copy!

This sequel did not disappoint! Just like with book one, I was so impressed with the author for managing to fit a dragon story filled with lore, foreboding, social commentary, and touches of humor and love- all in a little novella. The main plot line/mission was short, but there are chapters sprinkled in that feature legends and historical records that I enjoyed. They help the reader understand the way prejudice (particularly against dragons) stems from whoever gets to write the stories. I love our main characters Sir Maddileh (think Brianne of Tarth), and Saralene- a smart and powerful mage. There’s a few more side characters I loved but you’ll have to read to find out more! Just know that the little cat thing on the cover is cute hehe. I kind of wish I could read longer books in this world, but they’re also great the way they are.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! First all, love the previous book. It was such a well executed fantasy story, with its twist and turns, the beauty of queer sapphic characters in a fantasy setting. And this was a great continuation of that! With new challenges and more depth into dragon magic and even death. Honestly for such a short book it took through so many scenes and stories. It began somewhere I did not expect to end… And I loved the ride! If you want a quick read, or just loved the prequel, feel free to pick this one up!

The Fireborne Blade was such a stunner of a novella it's hard to follow up, but this sequel doesn't disappoint! Where the first book felt more moody and tense, the second dives more into worldbuilding, with a twist on dragons and a very clever climax. I'm definitely looking forward to Bond's next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

This book had me gripped from the minute I sat down to read it. It was fun, intriguing, and hooked me right from the start. While I'm sad that this is a duology by the looks of it, I'm happy that in this book it ended the way it did. It felt nicely wrapped up in a bow!

I loved the tie in to the Greek Myth in this book so very much, it was done so well! Also who doesn't love a snarky cat dragon? Simply too cute and maybe the best character in the book!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

4 ⭐

✔️ World building
✔️ Banter
✔️ Kick ass fem
✔️ Team work
✔️ Fantasy genre

Entertaining read with classic fantasy read.

Bonus points for the cover art.

Thank you Netgalley, publishers and the author for giving me a early copy for review.

This is the second book in this world by Charlotte Bond and I ate it up just like the other one. There was some world building in this one, however I wish there was more. I said this for the first book, The Fireborne Blade, as well. They way Bond has the small yet very important history text, stories that are told but totally different on whos telling it or even how the different realms handle their dead and marriage.

If Bond came out with more stories of this world, I will be in the first in line to read it.

Sometime after their last quest Maddileh and Sarahlene realize that they have not quite escaped unscathed. Researching the lingering… effects… doesn’t present any possible solutions, but does turn up a lead for someone who might have an answer. Matters escalate quickly, and they find themselves in the afterlife racing against the clock to get a favor from the lords of the dead, known as the Bloodless Princess. Can they filter out the useful and true bits of myth and leave behind what is only precept and moral in time to escape?

Charlotte Bond’s new novella is second in a series after the Fireborne blade. It’s a fantasy that soars to great heights- literally and metaphorically. The Bloodless Princes is a rich tapestry that seamlessly weaves the main plot and in-world folktales together to build the world without the infamous info-dump or simply throwing you into the new world and lingo without a life raft. The main characters are in their mid twenties, but the story is appropriate for a young adult audience. Readers who enjoyed The Fork, the Witch and the Worm: Eragon and the Witcher are likely to enjoy this work.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Tor Publishing Group for an advance copy of this second book in this fantasy series dealing with knights, magic, death, a bit more death, dragons, cats and the power that stories have in making the world, or worlds in which we live and sometimes die in.

Stories make up much of what makes us humans. Big Bangs, great hands, seven days and we are here. A borrowed bone, an apple, a box not to be opened, we accept some of these as history, some of them as fables and legends, depending on a person' point of view. Even in this time of computer phones, and great strides in science we still look to stories to tell us how to act, how to hate and what the next life might be like. One forgets, as a wise old man once said Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view. Of course he was a little bit of a liar on things, or retconned to fit the point of view of later storyline, so we shouldn't pay much attention to him, but yes a story might have two endings when told by two humans. Add in a dragon telling the tale, who knows what might be true. The Bloodless Prince is book 2 in The Firebourne Sword series, written by Charlotte Bond, and takes our two characters from the real world, to the underworld, an underworld that is far different than one told in tales, and one that might mean the end of everything.

At the end of the previous book our two main characters High Mage Saralene and her champion, bodyguard maybe something more Sir Maddileh had died and come back, found out that all they had been taught, and all they believed was wrong, but they were together, and change could be possible. Until Saralene finds herself switching places with an evil mage, finding herself in the Underworld, not yet dead. Maddileh is able to bring her back, but the switches are coming quicker and quicker and neither of the two women have a clue what to do. So they decide to ask a dragon. The solution is of course, fire, and Saralene finds herself trapped in the Underworld, one that is not as familiar, or wonderful as told in many tales that she grew up with. Maddileh and her new friend the dragon, taking on a different, more cuddly role, find a way to get to the underworld, and plan to ask the rulers, two princes known as the Bloodless Princes for aid, in getting Saralene, who is dying slowly, out and back into the world of the living. However there are schemes within schemes, as even the Underworld is not safe from corruption, something our heroes find out too late.

I loved the first book for not only the characters but the ideas that Bond brought to her writing, and the way the story constantly went in different directions. As that book, like this one was a novella I was really impressed that such a short work had so much going on. This book is the same, with more world building, explanations and little drops of knowledge that fill out not only the characters, but the world they inhabit. The story is told from both characters points of view, and by way of tales that explain the Underworld, the role of dragons and men, and how things went wrong. Bond uses the novella form to create a really tight work, one that gets in, does it thing and gets out. The only problem with this is that I would like more, but enjoy the fact that there is not as much bloat as one expects in most fantasy books. Once the story starts moving it does get hard to put down, and though the idea of loved one's going to hell for love is familiar, this is still a really well done story, that honestly makes one want more.

I would suggest starting with the first book, as just jumping in would be tough. One won't regret it. This is a really good fantasy story that one can read easily, and eagerly await more stories in. I do hope there is more, as Bond leaves a lot of hints, and ideas that I personally would like to know more about. A great book for fantasy fans, and for role players, as it shows how stories can set a scenario up, and give the characters an idea how things could go, and how wrong these stories can be in their plans.

What a Delightful Dive into the Afterlife , with Dragons, of Course!

This story is a tantalising blend of myth, magic, and dragons that had me eagerly turning pages.

Imagine a world where the afterlife is bustling with intrigue, bargains, and rules. A kind of purgatorial court where the Bloodless Princes reign. Enter Saralene, our resourceful and determined High Mage, who must navigate this perilous realm to beg a favour after being cursed. Along for the ride is Sir Maddileh, her ever-loyal companion and wielder of the Fireborne Blade. Together, they unravel secrets of the underworld and face off against powerful forces, including a particularly pesky dragon (because what's an epic fantasy without a dragon or two?).

What I loved in this was the world-building. Bond masterfully crafts a vibrant, intricate afterlife that feels as real as the lands of the living. The blend of Orphic myths and a natural history approach to dragons creates a unique setting that stands out in this genre. The balance between love, honour, and survival is handled deftly, giving the story emotional depth without sacrificing adventure.

Saralene’s relationship with Maddileh is a high point. Their bond goes beyond your typical hero/sidekick dynamic; it’s built on mutual respect and a love that’s understated yet powerful. It’s not just romantic but also a partnership forged in fire (sometimes literally) that carries the weight of years of shared battles and sacrifices.
The pacing, while mostly tight, occasionally drifts into slower moments with Saralene’s reliance on research and lore. However, this is a small price to pay for the richly detailed plot line and the thrilling journey that kept me guessing.

This story is a fun, immersive read that combines high-stakes fantasy with deep emotional beats. If you love stories with well-crafted magical systems, mythological nods, and of course, dragons, this book is for you!

Thank you to the publisherTor Publishing Group | Tordotcom , the author Charlotte Bond, and Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review

Words cannot express how much I love this book. Seriously.

The Bloodless Princes follows Maddileh and Saralene as they venture into the underworld, ruled by the bloodless princes, in search of a way to break a terrible curse cast over Saralene. The prose was beautifully written, and I loved the way the princes were characterized. Lore-wise, they interest me the most, and if Charlotte ever writes a prequel, I hope it's about them. The romance between the main characters was sweet, and just...*chefs kiss*

Overall, five stars. Literal perfection.

One of the few instances where the sequel is better than the first book. I don't usually enjoy digital versions of books, but The Bloodless Princes was so captivating I enjoyed it as much as a physical version. I look forward to reading more from Charlotte Bond

I loved this new installment!! My complaints about the previous novella was that I found the worldbuilding too plain and not unique - this one really expanded upon that though, and I adored all the myth and lore that was explored here!
In particular I really liked how dragons and humans have different "myths"/histories, and how this affects the world.
I also really loved seeing the main characters relationship develop. It's such a sweet romance built on friendship and romance!!
The cat dragon was freaking adorable and I want one too.

A Solid Adventure, but Lacking a Bit of Depth
Charlotte Bond's The Bloodless Princes offers a delightful blend of fantasy and adventure. The story follows Saralene and Maddileh as they journey to the underworld to seek a boon from the titular princes. The world-building is well-crafted, with a rich mythology and a unique take on the afterlife.
The characters are likable, and their camaraderie is a highlight. Their interactions, particularly with the enigmatic dragon, add a touch of humor to the story. The pacing is generally good, with a steady progression of events. However, the plot could have benefited from a bit more depth and complexity. The resolution feels a bit rushed, leaving some questions unanswered.
While The Bloodless Princes is a solid read, it's not a groundbreaking masterpiece. It's a fun and enjoyable adventure, but it lacks the depth and originality of some other fantasy novels. Fans of the genre will likely appreciate it, but it may not leave a lasting impression.
Written with the help of AI

I read and enjoyed the first novella in this series, so it was mostly a given that I would check out this next entry. That said, I definitely would have picked this one up based on the cover alone. I mean, for heaven’s sake, one of the lead characters is cuddling some sort of magical cat creature! So, without further ado, let’s dive into the review.

This was a romp of a ride! It’s a short little adventure tale that packs in a lot of action and lore within a limited page count. While I enjoyed the dragon lore we got in the first entry (and could have wished for a bit more of it here), I also liked the shift into a more Greek-inspired tale. Adventures through the land of the underworld are always a good time, and this one tied in nicely with some of the events and reveals at the end of the first book.

Like the first book, I enjoyed the way the author played around with storytelling format, imbedding numerous folktales throughout the story through different perspectives. And, like the first book, I was surprised to find that some of these entries were almost my favorite parts of the entire book! Not that I don’t enjoy our main characters and their story, but given the short length of the story, there’s isn’t a lot of complicated character arcs to be found there. Which isn’t bad, but it also means that I wasn’t heavily invested in them either. I enjoyed following their tale, but I also enjoyed simply learning more about this world. And, of course, I loved the cat dragon. Was it perhaps a bit of a bone throne to fantasy-lovers? Sure. Did I mind it at all? No, no I did not.

Overall, this was a fun duology. It didn’t break any barriers within the genre, but it was also the sort of beach read fantasy that I think will appeal to many readers who want to escape on a fun adventure but not commit to a massive tome. Fans of the first book will likely enjoy this one, and I definitely recommend this duology to all fantasy readers looking for a fast-paced adventure tale following two fantastic leading ladies!

Rating 8: Adventure, romance, and a dragon cat, what more can you want?

Link will go live on The Library Ladies on Oct. 18

I did like this one better than the first novella, but I feel like the 2 could have been combined into one novel and fleshed out more. Then it could have been incredible. I did connect to the characters more in the one and cared more about their journey.

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this! It was much fun to spend more time with Saralene and Maddileh and to see them grow individually as characters and together. These novellas have been such a wonderful surprise and I can't wait to whatever Bond does next!

<i>I received this title as an ARC on Net-galley in exchange for a honest review. Thank you Tor for the copy!</i>

<b>Thoughts</b>
Maddileh is back and struggles the events of the previous novella and while also dealing with the possibly that dragons might be more than the stories she's been told. The core of this story is the truths and myths of folklore and stories and how they rarely showcase the whole story. I liked seeing all these legends scattered throughout the book and how they compared to the challenges Maddileh and Saralene faced during their journey. The mutual pining between Saralene and Maddileh was so sweet to see. Before there was even a confession between them their love and care for each other was palpable. I loved their relationship a lot! I also love dragons so the inclusion of one as a main champion in this was very nice.

b>Format:</b> Ebook

<b>The Rating</b>
I give this book a <b>4/5🌟 rating.</b> This was a fun and interesting tale that really reminded me of why this classic elements of fantasy are so beloved.

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TL;DR: Not as good for me as book one, but I enjoyed seeing more of this world.
Source: Netgalley! Thank you to the publisher!

Plot: A somewhat familiar, go into the underworld and find something/save someone plot. Not super enthralling.
Characters: A new character introduced was my favorite by far. I actually got tired of being in our other characters minds, large page long monologues were frequent.
Setting: The underworld and the ideas there were actually really fun! I quite liked how the world was setup.
Magic: Fairly vague honestly, dragons = magic? A bit more on details would have been nice.

Thoughts:

I was a huge fan of the Fireborne Blade so I was excited for The Bloodless Princes, but this one didn’t quite hit. The first book balanced the ‘source materials’ of the world with the story itself well but this one felt like there was far more as far as textbook entries. I also found the inner monologue of our two characters drawn out. There were a couple pages where we’d just get a solid brick of information inside their minds, one long paragraph over a page. It was a bit draining.

The newest character introduced, the little white kitty on the cover, was the best part for me and I genuinely wish we’d gotten more with her. I wish we’d gotten more just in the moment on this one. More of whats happening to the characters, less inside ramblings, more world.

This missed for me sadly, I’ll probably continue the series (if there is more) but this definitely slumped for me. I still really recommend the first but as of right now you could probably just skip this on.

3 out of 5 Flying Cats

My first introduction to this world was through the audiobook of the Fireborne Blade. Listening to it at work as it took me quite literally into a different world. Once I finished it, I had such a strong need to continue and dreamt day and night about reading The Bloodless Princes ASAP.

In The Bloodless Princes, we continue with our two main characters some time after the events of the first book. Maddileh haunted by dreams of the dragons lair and voices speaking to her, Saralene met with the challenge of an old enemy coming back to claim what was his. All which takes the pair on a journey of death where they seek the help of the Bloodless Princes. Which let me take a moment to say I love the small lore drops that happen throughout the book, some contradicting the same story told from different views. The story of the Bloodless Princes and the Dragon Smith being my favorite through out many books thus far.

It is a short adventure, and I appreciate our main characters getting the help of someone from the first book.

My one wish? That it had been longer, or continued into a third book. The first book did so much with so little in terms of book length that I felt it was giving us world building and the start of character development in such few pages. This second book started out in a similar way, but quickly became a story of "Beginning, Middle, The End." with a happily ever after twist. And when you do something like Maddileh and Saralene did at the end, you expect there to be repercussions and more story to tell.

It was a short adventure, and I enjoyed my time in the beginning, though I am not left with a need to read more with the knowing that the story appears to be at its end for this duology.

This was a great novella and lovely sequel. Was happy to see more of the characters and plot was also interesting. Just wish it had a little bit more romance .