A lot of tropes, poorly composed plot/logic scenarios, and overall fairly uninspired. Maybe I’m just not into US civil war books; but you’d have thought adding vampires would make it interesting enough?!
A little surprised at the white vampire saviour story here given the author is of colour. Although I do like the attempt to break people, races, and vampires (species?) from stereotypes and look at people as individuals first.

And then there are the tropes! For me, its odd that author Lauren Blackwood admits to wanting to write a book with all the tropes in her afterword… not sure why you would the tropes to be so boring and cliche the way they are here. I don’t mind tropes (generally) but the overall story has gotta capture me, or have really good characters; sadly this had neither. I didn’t hate the characters; but I also didn’t love them. I was very meh for a lot of this story. Again, it’s worth noting I’m Canada and USA civil war stories are far from my thing. That said I’ve read others where I loved the commentary on racism, classism, sexism, etc.

Overall this one just missed the mark for me. One of many subpar romance in a supernatural setting that are available today. Given the flood of these books to the market in recent years I feel that you really need to have something that is fast paced, well written, engaging reader with characters, and has an element that is unique. Vampires during the civil war is just not unique enough for me. All that said I might consider reading another novel Lauren Blackwood, however, I’d be sure the premise is something I really care about.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Wow i honestly thought I'd get to the end of this and it be a series it was that god! i didn't want it to end lol

I had such a great time reading this book! The synopsis sounded really good, the Civil War with vampires, and oh, it was, I devoured this book and had to know what was going to happen to these characters! I loved seeing them as a mission for the war goes horribly wrong, and the events that follow!

The dynamic between Jerusalem and Alexis was really great to read, he's a vampire and in love with her, and is a Saint and hates vampires and grudgingly works with Alexei, oblivious to his feelings. Since we got both of their perspectives, that was simply a delight.

We did get their pasts, how they got to where they were, who hurt them. Of course, it turns out that the woman who had him made into a vampire is the same one who had control of the family at the plantation where Jerusalem and her family were kept at slaves. So there were plenty of high emotions, and oh, a satisfying final battle and ending!

This world of Saints and Vampires, set in the backdrop of the Civil War, was really interesting to be in. Honestly I would love to read more books set in this world, maybe following different characters, to explore it further because I couldn't get enough! like the Underground Railroad and how that worked, I would love to explore the world more!

This was a really fantastic read and I can't wait to read more by Lauren Blackwood!

I unfortunately DNF’d this one. I might come back to it since it does seem to have a good story to it. I don’t know if it was my mood or what but I could not get into this one

This book was pretty good! It was kind of slow to start and I did have some trouble getting through it. But it was still a good book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a free arc of this novel.

I found the premise to be very unique: the American Civil War plus vampires and special powers. I noticed some other readers took issue with the language, which is a fair criticism based on historical fiction conventions. However, I personally didn’t find it distracting since it is a fantasy novel. Actually, I thought the fusion of historical and fantasy was done really well. The world building balanced the two in a smart way, featuring many familiar elements from history but also new fantasy aspects.

This book also does a good job portraying the emotional trauma that both Jerusalem and Alexi experienced in their pasts. Those descriptions always hit hard and do a really good job showing what shaped these characters into who they are today. It makes sense why they both despise the Vampires, and why that influences so much of their goals and world views.

What I wasn’t fond of was the dynamic between Jerusalem and Alexi. Honestly, I was hoping for more plot revolving around the war, but the book was mainly about their wishy-washy relationship. Jerusalem likes him, then hates him, then opens up, then tries to attack him. It’s like that for a good portion of the book. It felt very chaotic, and even in the end, it succumbs to the “love always wins trope.” As long as Alexi keeps flirting, Jerusalem will come around and stop despising him. I wasn’t particularly fond of that message, nor her aggressive (and sometimes unwarranted) sparring while Alexi calmly took the hits, hoping to IDK… prove his love? I guess it’s my fault for requesting a romantasy title, but I was hoping for more external plot to be going on alongside their romance.

Just have to add though: the cover is stunning.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, Wednesday Books, Lauren Blackwood, Angel Pean (audio narrator), and Jay Ben Markson (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of The Dangerous Ones in exchange for an honest review.

Jerusalem Fights Her War
In 1863 Pennsylvania, Jerusalem, a powerful and fearless Saint, fights in the Civil War against the Confederates and their vampire allies. After her parents are murdered, Jerusalem experiences her own enslavement by a vampire. When she escapes to the North, Jerusalem is driven by a deep-seeded desire for revenge against the South and their vampires. Her exceptional reflexes and strength make her an essential asset to the Union army, where she strives not only for justice, but also for the freedom and equality of Black people, hoping to achieve what was stolen from her.

Unforeseen Romance
Unexpectedly, Jerusalem must ally with Alexei, a handsome Ancient Vampire who supports the Union. Despite her initial reluctance, she learns to trust him as they work together to change the war's outcome and confront the vampire responsible for her family's destruction. For Jerusalem, this battle is not just about justice; it’s a personal quest to confront a god and reclaim her power. Falling for someone her complete opposite in every way.

Final Thoughts
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, seemingly stand-alone, young adult paranormal romance novel steeped in history with all the right vampire elements. I enjoyed the characters, the writing style, and the paranormal touch to an iconic United States historical event. The blend of historical conflict and supernatural intrigue adds flare to the characters, and Jerusalem's fight for justice resonates with the reader with easy connections to the struggles for justice in today's world.

This novel is an immersive text for teen readers, offering thought-provoking scenarios and the touch of forbidden romance that makes the "stakes" a high investment.

Unfortunately I made it to the 80% mark before I had to just skim to the end. I find Lauren Blackwood's premises so good but there is never enough meat to the story or depth to the characters to really hook me and I just get bored half way though. I will keep trying but I don't have high hopes. I thought the audiobook would be best for me but it did not help...

I just struggled a bit with this one. It was slow at points and has some triggering content. I did enjoy the narrations tho.

The audiobook was great!
Narrator Angel Pean 10/10

Excellent premise! I knew I would like this one. Civil war! Vampires! I was really excited to read this. 3.5 stars
I recommend the audiobook!
Thanks, NetGalley!

I wanted to love this one, but I just didn’t. The modern slang used kept pulling me out of the timeframe they were in and really ruining it for me. At first, I really liked Jerusalem, but very quickly she started to irritate me with her complaining and inability to focus on the big picture. At 18 she was really childish and petulant. I did not finish the whole thing, but the last 40% was not going to make up for the 60% I’d already trudged through.

It is YA, but I’d venture to say it should have been geared towards teens. I can tell you at 60% it probably would have been ok for teens. Closed door sexual urges only in that portion, violence and some language. Teens probably wouldn’t even identify the slang being out of place or mind it.

Former enslaved girl and hot anti racist vampire killing confederate vampires? Sign me up!
Though heavy at times, this was a nice YA palate cleanser. The audio was well done and made it easy to follow along through time changes. Shorter chapters would have helped a bit, and the modern slang took me out of the story a few times, but I love a good revenge story. I'd absolutely love a story about the Saints and how they came to be.
Looking at some reviews of this book, there were some people complaining that the slavery parts were unnecessary and a bit much 🙄 This is why we need books with broader representation.

This book was just not what I was thinking it would be. All the trigger warnings at the beginning kinda turned me off. I was wanting just a really great intense vampire book to read. I had just finished the serpent saber the wings of night and was wanting something similar. Unfortunately didn’t find that with this book.

Special thanks to the author, @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for my advanced listening copy & @WednesdayBooks for my gifted e-ARC!!!

This was an interesting book it had a lot of potential but fell short for me. Jerusalem was a young teen with supernatural abilities who escapes the plantation where she was held captive and teams up with Alexei a couple centuries old vampire stuck in a teenage body to help get revenge for her family and kill those who enslaved her. The premise was quite clever and original with the vampires during the Civil War but the slavery aspects involved threw me for a loop. I think I would’ve loved it more without that being included in the context because it just seemed weird to me.

For it to be a historical fantasy I also felt the dialogue was very modern. Imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer mixed with True Blood and the book The American Queen these are the vibes the book was giving.

I wasn’t feeling the chemistry or connection between Jerusalem and Alexei. For the majority of the book she had a lot of anger and aggression towards him kinda felt like she hated him. I do understand why she felt the way she did considering her past encounters with other vampires. But when they began working together her thoughts about him slowly changed. Still wasn’t feeling them together but I liked that Alexei was a good guy.

Overall, the book was okay not at all what I expected. The author touched on quite a few themes surrounding slavery, the Civil War, death, physical abuse, hate crimes, racial discrimination, and references to sexual abuse. The characters are kinda fascinating in their own way once you understand their backstories. The pacing was up and down but if you’re a lover of vampires, Romantasy, or historical fiction you may like this book.

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️

The Civil War but with gods and monsters! The story: slavery exists, but its vampires who have done the enslaving. The romance between Jerusalem and Alexi was complicated (I don't think that is strong enough of a word...). Honestly, it kind of gave me Angel/Buffy vibes (in a good way). Jerusalem is NOT kind to Alexei, even though he loves her. I get why-she has been enslaved by vampires and trust is tough, but I really wanted her to give him a break. He was clearly NOT a bad guy. Through it all there is still a war going on, so its not just a romance story. Jerusalem's power added that "kick butt girl" vibe to the story, but I thought she could have been more.
The narrators were GREAT! The book is dual POV and the narrators did a great job bringing the story to life. 4.5 stars for the narrators! 3 stars for the story.

The Dangerous ones gives you the vibes of Vampire Diaries, in the time of the American Civil War. Our main character is a former slave, recently escaping her vampire master, and joining the Union army. She seeks revenge for both her slavery and against the monsters who enslaved her and murdered her family.

When she meets a fellow union comrade, a white vampire, Jerusalem is confronted with a combination of hate and love, trust and fear. Putting her confusing feelings aside, she and Alexei must work together to fight the confederates and free her brother from slavery.

I so enjoy Lauren Blackwoods writing. I appreciate her magical world building atop an actual historical world that on its own already feels so fantastical. This story illuminates the themes of racism, prejudice, illustrates the operating the Underground Railroad, and imagines the thought process of freedom and forgiveness, and starting anew.

Mature content: murder, “open door” sex, and thoughts of hatred against other races (part of character development). I would recommend for 16yrs+.

The narrators, Angel Pean and Jay Ben Markson flip between both POVs, making the Audiobook an engaging adaptation of the written world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for selecting me for this title in exchange for my honest review.

This book wasn't for me, and on top of that I wasn't a fan of the narration (the breathings made me want to throw my phone at the wall). I did listen to the last 30% of it at quite a fast pace which indicates that truly I should have DNFed but at this point I just wanted to finish it (I need to get better at DNFing).

The premise of this one intrigued me right away. A romantic historical fantasy set in the American Civil War with vampires and people with demigod-like abilities, it sounded so awesome. But I was quickly let down. I just couldn't wrap my mind about the time period because of the language used, but that honestly is the lesser of my issues. I also felt like the whole "Saint" part with their powers and all was a bit underdeveloped, but it had so much potential.

The major thing for me though is that I really couldn't help hating our FMC. She was truly awful. I get it, you had a lot of unfair stuff happen to you, trauma and all, but that doesn't give you the right to literally HATE everyone and act as if they did something bad to you when you haven't even met them yet. That is not a trait I like. She was always so mad at everything and had such harsh language all the time it was irritating. Grow up.

The main reason I continued the book was Alexei. He was perfection and I loved him, loved his voice looooooved his personality. So you can guess where I'm going... The way Jerusalem was treating him was absolute bullshit. He has been in love with her since the first moment he saw her and she treated him like shit. Even though she started having feelings for him, she continued treating him like shit... and why? Because she wasn't okay with those feelings... way to go girl. He deserved so much better. This was such an abusive relationship and he still stayed with her like she was some queen. I just couldn't enjoy any of their interactions.

Last thing: 15 chapters for a book over 350 pages? Hell no, this should be illegal. I'm a super fan of short chapters, like give me a place to pause, I can't go on for this long. Literally the audiobook chapters were all over 1 hour long... just nope. And the chapters were so confusing, switching through memories and present time like it was nothing all the time. Didn't like that at all.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 3.5 stars

"The Dangerous Ones" by Lauren Blackwood offers a captivating blend of urban fantasy and suspense, though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The story follows Evie Jones through a gritty world where supernatural beings lurk in every shadow.

Blackwood’s writing hooks you from the start with its vivid descriptions and intense action scenes. She paints Evie’s struggle vividly: “Evie’s powers surged through her veins, a wild energy she struggled to control.”

While the blend of fantasy elements and suspenseful plot keeps the pages turning, some readers might find the pacing uneven. The narrative occasionally meanders, and the world-building, while detailed, might overwhelm those seeking a lighter read.

Overall, "The Dangerous Ones" is perfect for fans of dark urban fantasy looking for a tale filled with intrigue and unexpected twists. Blackwood’s ability to create a tense atmosphere and complex characters shines through, making this a solid choice for those craving an immersive and thrilling read.

American Civil War meets vampires and humans with god-like abilities.

I was excited to read/listen to this book because I thought the idea of bring vampires to the Civil War was great and enemies to lovers (need I say more), but unfortunately this book fell flat for me. I had a hard time listening to it. I found myself getting distracted easily and at times not knowing what was going on. I also wasn't much into the romance aspect of the book. I am rating this a 2.5/5 stars, but round up to 3 stars for goodreads.

Read if you like:
Vampires
Dual POV
Enemies to lovers
War
Strong FMC

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.