Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy.

I unfortunately had to DNF this book - I couldn’t get into the story and also realised this related to another set of books which I hadn’t read.

I imagine others will enjoy this book but it unfortunately wasn’t for me.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

First things first, this is being marketed as a standalone is A.J. Vrana’s other universe. I disagree with this marketing as it seems like the main characters in this novel are the main characters in the author’s duology. I was not aware of this prior to reading so I have not read the duology. I believe the duology will provide important context for specific interactions between characters. Thus keep in mind that I am reviewing this book without having read this author’s duology.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They all seemed to be a little bit messed up and I think that works for the characters that they are. The only issue with the characters I found is that they had interactions that didn’t make sense with the characterization that we got on page. Additionally, one of the characters goes to therapy randomly in the middle of the action. I didn’t mind the addition but I thought it could have come at a better time.

The plot was really good if a little slow. There would be times of intense action and then absolutely nothing to push the plot forward. There were times when we ignored the problem until the very last moment for no reason. It was just strange how the action was split up.

Overall, I did really like the book but I think in order to read this, you need to have read A.J. Vrana’s duology.

I know this is companion novel to the authors other duology but honestly I didn’t have to read them to read this, which I throughly enjoyed, however off the back of wild blood I’ll definitely be reading the others. I really enjoyed how fleshed out and established all the characters were, and the growth throughout this book! Also the Slavic folklore, that was a fun twist! It was different reading an established couple off the get go, not usually my thing, but I did enjoy their dynamic… the trust, the love and the spice. The more I read of them the more invested I became… Also the backstory behind them was different and I loved that aspect of the book. I am a sucker for a great urban fantasy and this world felt gritty, dark and atmospheric. The writing really submersed me in the world and sometimes it was a little unnerving but I was hooked. Also I really liked the representation in this book, the mental health rep, the ptsd rep, the complexities of human emotions and trauma. Overall I was surprised and throughly enjoyed this read.

First off, I absolutely love this cover page! This is hot and spicy!🌶️ If I was a person only judging on cover to get this book. I would totally get this book! The author did an amazing job creating an atmospheric and foreshadowing environment paired with sensual characters. I didn’t know there was a duology before this book. I wish I would have known so I could have read them.

I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to arc read this novel!

If blood, violence and incredibly sexy people are your thing, you will enjoy Wildblood. I would recommend reading the Duology first, many aspects did not hit as hard as they could have with previous world knowledge.

Wildblood is a new adult urban supernatural action adventure following Miya, a dreamwalker with the power to walk the spirit world, and Kai, her troubled werewolf-like boyfriend. A standalone sequal to a duology, I had no trouble understanding the original journey of the characters even though I have not read the duology. I can recommend this book for new adults interested in a Slavic folklore-inspired urban fantasy that features dual perspective, an established couple, DnD-like plot structure, and a mostly healthy and realistic relationship dynamic.

Set in Boston, I was pleased to see the personality of the area captured so well in the characters. Boston's extroverted, brash, snarky, quipy sense of humor shines through the local characters, neighbors, and shop owners. I am from the Boston area myself, and the vibes reminded me of home. The colorful side characters and cozy scenes breaking up each leg of the quest make this story a balm for the soul, even though it also explores difficult mental health issues.

Miya and Kai, five years into their relationship, are still growing individuals with their own unique ambitions. Miya is confronted with the mysterious disappearence of a young girl, while Kai is caught in the middle of a gang fued and must come to terms with his dark and violent roots. Tension is created throughout the novel as the two characters try to balance the dynamic of the relationship, figuring how much or how little they ought to lean on each other.

I liked how this book featured a couple that already understood each other, and used the current quests to add hurdles to their relationship. I loved the small yet flavorful details like the bar's Domovoy, the mention of Dunkins, and the questgiver's unique calling card, giving this fantasy world a unique cultural flaire. While the pacing was a bit too slow for me at times, the cosiness fits right in with the current trends of fantasy this year. I found this book comparable with the Throne of Glass series, The Spellshop, and One for my Enemy. Why is this author not famous yet?

Wildblood delivers gritty urban fantasy with a dose of folklore, intense action, and a set of magnetic characters. Kai, a wolf-shifter with a haunting past, and Miya, a Dreamwalker, share a powerful bond shaped by their reincarnated souls. Kai’s struggle with his trauma and dark memories adds a lot of depth, making his journey to heal feel genuine and gripping. His devil-may-care attitude hides a vulnerable side that draws you in, while his brutal fight scenes add an edge with a supernatural twist.

A mysterious girl enters the mix, adding layers of supernatural intrigue and underworld vibes that deepen the story’s dark, captivating atmosphere. Even without reading the companion series, this standalone has enough background on the characters to keep it engaging and easy to follow. The world is unique, blending folklore, mobsters, and nightmares with haunting cityscapes and eerie forests, creating an atmosphere that’s as compelling as it is dark.

"The Witcher meets October Daye with a splash of John Wick" is such a perfect summary of what to expect with AJ Vrana's Wildblood.

I didn't realize going in that this is a companion novel to The Chaos Cycle but I didn't feel lost or confused while reading which is fantastic and a testament to Vrana's writing power.

Atmospheric writing is one of my absolute favorite styles and Wildblood is so foreboding and atmospheric - I LOVED it. I felt haunted and drawn in immediately at the beginning.

I also really enjoyed it and it made me really want to go and pick up The Chaos Cycle to learn more about this world and these characters (I initially requested this arc because I stumbled upon the author on Instagram and was curious)

If AJ Vrana's other books are anything like this one she's got a new fan for sure

Miya, Kai, Ama, Crowbar and Gavran are back once again, solving yet another mystery and...adopting a cat!! A cat was the last thing I was expecting from Kai, especially since he's the Big Bad Wolf and all that, but it somehow fits.

So, I know that Wildblood can be read as a standalone, but I decided to read the duology that came before it anyway. You don't HAVE to do that, everything you need to know is explained inside, and you get to know Kai better.

At the same time though, I'm glad I was able to experience Kai and Miya's beginnings, and watch them grow throughout each book, and with each challenge they face. So if you can, I'd recommend reading The Chaos Cycle first.

This time we follow only two PoVs, and Kai's is the main one. I won't lie, I definitely miss Mason from the past books and wonder what happened to him, but I suppose they wouldn't have had a reason to mention him.

Kai deals with a lot of stuff internally, which just makes me want to give him a big hug. If anyone needs therapy, it's him. Luckily, Miya convinces him to go and he actually listens. You can feel the development as you read, it doesn't come overnight, but by the end of the book, he's better at dealing with his emotions.

He's also a fighter now, which ultimately leads him into trouble (no surprise). Miya meanwhile, has become really confident in her powers and uses them in ways we haven't seen before, in order to find a missing girl.

Their relationship is stronger than ever, but still has its ups and downs. Either way, you can feel their love through the screen. There's also a higher steamy scene count than before, just putting that out there!!

As a Slavic, and specifically Serbian, reader, I love when I see little things from my culture sprinkled into a story. Be it creatures from our mythology or just characters with accurate, familiar names. Wildblood has both. At this point I know I'm going to have a little something to look forward to each time I pick up a book by this author.

Vrana mixes in some creatures non-Slavic readers might be familiar with (like the domovoy), as well as lesser known ones (bukavac, leshy). There's also an Irish mythological creature that fits in perfectly.

I'd say the first two books had more of a fairytale/folklore feel than this one though, which is pure urban fantasy. The vibes are still there, just a bit different.

The writing is even better than it was, and the story is just as engaging. I really hope this isn't the end for these characters, I want to see them going on more adventures, picking up new strays, maybe reuniting with Mason?? Fingers crossed.

Also, A.J. Vrana, THANK YOU for making Miya tall!!!! I don't recall her height being mentioned previously, but here we learn she's 5'9, which qualifies for my "tall girl rep" shelf. Never enough tall female MCs if you ask me.

Anywayyyyy, listen to me and go read this series from the beginning!!! Kai, Miya and the gang are all amazing characters who deserve your attention.

*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙙 𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙚.

The way this book will forever have a special place in my heart <3

there were parts of Kai that i resonated with so much, I felt a little emo by the time I finished the book. ( yea I cried ) seeing him struggle to let those closest to him in to being like maybe it’s ok for them to see the parts of him he kept hidden away was everything. I loved seeing that growth in him.

I absolutely adored Kai & Miya together. She doesn’t let him get away with shit & isn’t afraid to let him know her thoughts. I loved how much he believed in her & let her do what she needed to figure out her own way. They are one of my favorite bookish couples I’ve ever read. They compliment each other so well 🥹

Wildblood has so many elements that I love:
Folklore, found family, emo men that aren’t the best with feelings (but hey, they try their hardest working on it), gore, spice; A.J. Vrana has created a world I’d never tire reading from. ✨

𝙔𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙢, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢.

When your savage, gore-tinged past comes back to bite you, what do you do? Do you lie down and submit while it tears you to pieces, or do you fight back head on, protecting your new life and those within it with fevered ferocity? Kai Donovan, a young man with frightening abilities, must make his choice or suffer dire consequences in "Wildblood," a new breakneck, feisty fantasy thriller by A.J. Vrana.

Before I get started, I must admit that I'm a newbie when it comes to the fantasy-noir/fantasy genres. I tend to lean more towards horror, romance, and middle grade--my comfort genres. However, I'm always looking to broaden my horizons and try new things, which led me on a brief hunt for something new on NetGalley. When I came across this book, I instantly became excited, the characters and the premise sinking their claws into me from the jump. So, with bated breath and a rising sense of excitement, I picked up this book as quickly as I could. I'm so glad I did, because this little venture into new territory gave me the chance to read one of the best books I read all year.

There is so much to love about this book. For starters, the characters are excellent, flawed and beautiful in equal measure. The two main characters, Kai and Miya, are two of the best protagonists I've read in a good while: Kai, an underground warrior desperate to move on from his past, and Miya, a dream-walker tortured by her own abilities. What could have been needlessly edgy was instead captivating and, at times, deeply moving. The chemistry between the two was palpable--electric and red-hot. The side characters and the antagonists were equally as captivating, all of them having their own merit and their own distinct, interesting personalities. I also found the world-building to be stellar. Not only was the world itself stunning to read about, but the politics and the power systems were wonderfully told and instantly intoxicating. Finally, Vrana's overall writing was absolutely spectacular. Standing toe-to-toe with Kai and Miya in power is Vrana's ability with the pen. With heart-pumping action, searing drama, and breathtaking scenes between the two leads, Vrana has proven herself to be a powerhouse of a writer.

Overall, I absolutely adored this book. Stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead one down an uncertain road, and there's no guarantee of satisfaction or even partial enjoyment waiting at the end. One bad experience can lead one to disavow an entire genre indefinitely. On the other hand, one great experience can act as a revelation--a gateway into new worlds and new passions. "Wildblood" is one such revelation and gateway for me. With memorable characters, incredible worldbuilding, and blistering tension, "Wildblood" is a novel I won't soon forget. In fact, I was sad when I flipped the last page, dismayed that it was already over. I will eagerly await A.J. Vrana's next writing venture, though the anticipation may very well eat me alive. An enticing, devilishly sexy noir, "Wildblood" is a novel that will sink its teeth into you and keep you hooked until the very end--a book perfect for the Spooky Season. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys gritty, violent fantasy and great characters. Don't miss out on this; it's that good.

Rating: 5/5

An Ambitious Urban Fantasy That Bites Off a Little Too Much

"Wildblood" by A.J. Vrana brings a gritty, myth-infused urban fantasy with complex characters and a vivid setting. Drawing on Slavic folklore, it introduces figures like the domovoy, which adds unique depth to a familiar genre. The established relationship between Kai and Miya is refreshing, focusing on the challenge of sustaining romance amid supernatural chaos.

However, this book is less accessible for newcomers than its "standalone" label suggests; it assumes familiarity with Vrana's Chaos Cycle Duology, making it difficult to connect with the backstory and characters. The plot feels overcrowded and disjointed, with two narrative threads competing for focus rather than unifying. The middle section, in particular, loses momentum and can be confusing to follow.

Overall, Wildblood shines in worldbuilding and atmosphere, but the storyline may frustrate readers expecting a more cohesive, standalone narrative.

Thanks to Parliament House Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to review the ARC.

Wildbood by A. J. Vrana. was an utterly fantastic read. The writing and was truly stunning and captivating.

I will say, I am officially obsessed with Kai Donovan. I Absolutely love every single thing about his character and his story. I am excited to read the Chaos Cycle duology that comes before because I just need more of his character and this world.

One of the main things that was enriching about this story was the urban Fantasy setting. The fact that it was a true fantasy/romantasy novel, but it wasn't set back in time, it was modern and relatable and really made me feel like I connected with the world and the characters on a whole other level. Every single character was multi-dimensional. Even smaller characters and characters meant to be pets or minor felt like they had so many sides to them.

Something we don't always see in a fantasy/romantasy world is the concept of a mystery or solving a mystery. So, this one was a whole new journey for me. Typically, there are dragons and kingdoms to conquer and thrones to overthrow. In Wildbood, we get a whole mystery, It felt like a combination of "A Good Girls Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson meets a "Dark Verse series" by Ruynx meets Crecent City by SJM. We got the mystery to be solved but the dark mafia, underground fighting, demons, shifters, and spice we see in the Dark Verse and Crecent City. With this, it was also nice and refreshing to read a story where the characters don't have it all figured out, we get to see and watch them grow and mold and develop. It truly made both Miya and Kai so so relatable to the reader.

I loved reading this story and I can't wait to read more from A.J. Vrana!

I really liked this book. It’s different from anything I’ve ever read but it did also give me similar vibes to Crescent City which if a favorite of mine so I loved that. It was such an interesting concept and I loved the image of this world and the way it sucked me in. I was nervous when I figured out it was an established relationship, as I had never read that before but there was enough going on to make the relationship feel important, impactful and interesting. Also loved the therapy rep. This was a true fantasy read, which isn’t always my jam but it was so good. I loved the vibe

My head space when starting this book: I was not sure if the fact that I hadn’t ready the Chaos Cycle Duology first would affect reading Wildblood (it doesn’t really, this is a standalone set in the same world and can be read first/only).

I really enjoy these characters. Kai is so 3 dimensional with flaws and strengths and redeeming qualities. It was really refreshing to read an established couple instead of the meet-fall-new love of a lot of the other books I’ve read this year.

I appreciate the character growth and development and the way trauma is explored and mental health is addressed throughout the story. The 🌶️ was well done and the character art that AJ Vrana shared on social media really helped me…visualize 🫣

All in all, the writing was great and I really enjoyed the book!

Dark fantasy with good plot and characters.
Ì couldn't put the book down.
Highly recommend for readers of this genre.

Wildblood was my introduction to A.J. Vrana's work, and what an introduction it was! It was everything and more—it was rollercoasters & fireworks; it was a marathon & a sprint in one; it was an explosion of emotions leaving you gasping for air. I feel like I need to rest and relax after coming down from a high that is Wildblood. Wow, just wow!

Wildblood is being released on October 29th, and I am so thankful to A.J. Vrana and NetGalley for gifting me the opportunity to read this story as an ARC.

I haven't read (yet) Vrana's Chaos Cycle duology, but I had no trouble following Kai and Miya's story. Still, it made me want to learn more about this dark & gritty world Vrana has created, and I can't wait to dive into the duology as well.

Wildblood is a story that grips you with its intense emotional journey. It's a dark and grim tale, yet a ray of light always manages to shine through. The narrative is raw and real, showing the profound impact of a haunted and dire childhood. It delves into trauma and inner demons, compelling you to understand the motivations behind the characters' actions. Vrana's characters are forced to confront themselves and their actions, and it's a testament to their strength to see them fight their inner battles, regardless of the outcome. The road to redemption and healing may be paved in pain and rage, but it's still achievable if you choose to step into it.

One of the aspects I loved about Wildblood was the portrayal of an established couple, allowing us to witness the highs and lows of their relationship. Both Kai and Miya are faced with decisions and consequences, especially Kai. His journey through therapy, where he delves into the most vulnerable parts of himself, was so devastatingly beautiful to watch.

The plot kept me intrigued and made me want to know more. I especially loved the elements of Slavic folklore interwoven into the story, being Slavic myself. Vrana has masterfully executed this aspect of Wildblood, and I loved every second of it.

Wildblood was a book that I was destined to read. It's a gateway to Vrana's world and storytelling, and I can't wait to immerse myself in the Chaos Cycle duology and fully grasp the depths of Kai and Miya's story.

This was my first time reading a book by this author—and let me tell you, I was wildly hooked from beginning to end. This is not your average fantasy book, the characters and plot were very well written, I heavily enjoyed how the author tackled such serious real-life topics like trauma and mental health. Kai and Miya are my new favorite couple! I look forward to future books by A.J Vrana.

“I’m not death,” said Kai. “I’m the fucking calamity that wields it.”

So full disclosure, I haven't read the Chaos Cycle duology (yet!!) But this is so well done that I was able to not only read it as a standalone, but not feel as though I missed anything/felt lost during the read. It's SO hard to do that effectively, and so I was extremely pleased. I mean, that line ALONE had me hooked.

Dark fantasy is my JAM, so I was invested in this dark, gritty world IMMEDIATELY. This feels like Sophie Lark's Kingsmaker series, but aged up and...you know...fantasy. But even more importantly--Kai is a MMC that DOES THE WORK!! We all joke about red flags in our book boyfriends (and lord knows Kai has them!) but he does the thing that we all WISH the men in our books (and probably lives) would do---he does the work, deals with his trauma, goes to therapy, and works on a way forward. We LOVE a book with good mental health rep!!!

He and Miya's relationship is so complex because of the history they share, and their own personal histories. But it's such a (mostly) healthy and supportive relationship, and they work so well together--I loved them.

The only thing that prevented this from being 5 stars for me where a few places where the word choice felt weird/off to me and it pulled me out of the story to have a "....wait, what?" moment. But overall I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the main duology soon!

4.5 stars
Wildblood is a complete standalone, but set in the same world as the Chaos Cycle duology, so I decided to read it first and I’m so glad I did. The duology is amazing and I highly recommend reading it first because I promise you will fall in love with it and be even more excited to read Wildblood. The Hollow Gods gave me the same feeling as reading Ninth House which is one of my favorite books of all time so finding a book with similar vibes made me so happy. This urban fantasy world is filled with spirits, demons, gods, dream realms, and wolf shifters. It’s dark and gory and gritty and violent and so realistic. The prose of these books hook me every time. The author’s attention to detail really makes a difference in setting the scene and tone to get you on the edge of your seat. I feel like I know these characters inside and out because they are just so honest and real. The first book made me cry cause I relate to Miya so much. These characters go through a lot so it was nice to see an emphasis on mental health and therapy in Wildblood. One of my favorite micro tropes when it comes to shifters is when they still have their creature’s mannerisms in their human form. And Kai may as well be a wolf 24/7 for how many wolf traits and habits cross over to his personality. This couple is one of my absolute favorite couples I’ve ever read so I could read 500 books about them and never get tired of them. The romance is amazing in every book and the spice is upped a few levels in this book which I loved. Wildblood leans into the urban world more than the duology, with all of the same fantasy aspects and mystery solving we are familiar with from the duology. Something we don’t see often in fantasy books is established couples and the characters figuring out their lives so it was refreshing to jump back into a world I already know and loved. Based on how much I loved these books, I will be reading absolutely anything this author writes in the future.