𝟑 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 .𐦍༘⋆

A sapphic vampire story set in the 1920’s? Sign me up!
I think I was definitely expecting a lot from this book and it definitely delivered to an extent.

𐙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙:
I loved the world building and the way Hayley Dennings set up the politics and her ability to really make you feel like you’re a part of this world.

This book was so easy to follow along with and I really love when a fantasy book, even though it’s set in the real world, can make you feel like you already understand this world and how it works. I didn’t find myself confused with why certain characters were doing certain things etc.

The narrator Tamika Katon-Donegal did such a great job on this audiobook with helping bring the story to life. I didn’t have a problem adjusting my listening speed with her reading at all, which is always something I appreciate.

𐙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
Our main characters went from enemies, like rip your throat out enemies to easily working together and being friendly a bit too soon in my opinion. I wanted to see more of them still being enemies forced to work together and eventually getting along.

The overall plot of the book was a bit predictable, which in itself isn’t a bad thing but I don’t think it was done the strongest here. I wish we got more in the ending, which I’m assuming was the point but it felt a bit rushed idk.

Character development wise, I didn’t really connect with any of the characters except for maybe Layla, she was by far my favourite. Outside of her and Elise the other characters just felt a bit flat.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this book, I loved this book and I loved the storyline. It captured my attention right from the beginning. I’m not normally a YA reader but I’m glad I rolled the dice and took a chance on this. The narrator was amazing, I wouldn’t change a thing. She’s part of the reason I was so captivated from the beginning.

The dynamic between Elise and Layla is complex and compelling, adding depth to the story.

The plot is fast-paced and keeps you guessing until the very end. The mystery of the mysterious killings keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the stakes feel high as the threat of a new kind of evil looms over the characters.

The writing is engaging and evocative, drawing you into the dark and dangerous world of the reapers. The action scenes are well-paced and thrilling, and the emotional moments between the characters are poignant and well-written.

I was so excited to start reading this book as the premise sounded so interesting and totally up my alley but unfortunately it just fell a short for me.

The beginning was pretty engaging as I was hooked right away but it just lagged so much around the 40-50% mark and it got difficult for me to want to pick it back up to read.

I really liked the relationship between Layla and Elise but I wished there was more of enemies part of their relationship to establish a more sturdy “enemies to lovers” troupe. I was glad that at least wasn’t instant love and there was a bit of a slow burn and angst

There were a lot of side characters that added nothing to the story. I didn’t understand why they were even there.

The author did a good job touching upon the themes of segregation, racism, white privilege, classism but sometimes I just want a book that provides an escape from those problems that so many minorities face.

Overall, there wasn’t anything unique to this book and it didn’t bring anything new to the table. It was enjoyable but forgettable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

I had gotten this as an ARC and ALC from Netgalley. Thank you to RBmedia, SOURCEBOOKS Fire, and Netgalley for letting me receive an E-ARC and Audio.

I really liked this book so much! I loved the characters Elise Saint and Layla Quinn. Elise Saint is a human and Layla Quinn is a reaper(Vampire). I hated Tobias Saint, he is Elise’s father; with a whole ass passion. I don’t know how to feel about Sterling and Valeriya.

I did not like the fact that the vampires are called reapers but it is what it is.

I absolutely loved the narrator Tamika Keaton-Donegal. She did amazing with all of the characters. She brought all of them to life.

I remember when the author first posted about this book on TikTok and I was so stoked to read it. This was definitely worth the wait.

Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia, and Sourcefire Books for this advanced copy! You can pick up This Ravenous Fate now.

I really thought this book would get me out of my reading slump -- black queer vampires in the 1920s?! What's not to love? But I found that while listening to this book, it felt more like background noise than a story I was actively invested in. I didn't connect with the characters and their emotional journeys the way I would've liked, and while the stakes seemed high, they weren't propelling me through the story effectively.

Maybe this is one I'll pick back up when I'm in a better headspace, but for now, it's a DNF for me.

Narrator: 4/5
Story: 4.5/5
Spice: 1

This story! The reapers are a fun take on vampires and the science behind it all... This world drew me in. I wasn't super shocked by the twists. I am disappointed in several characters, not how they were written but the characters themselves. Elise will have you rooting for her and all she is dealing with. There isn't much spice which is absolutely perfect for this story. What spice there is is perfect for the characters. I don't want to give any spoilers, but if you are remotely interested in this book, TRY IT. If you can do the audiobook, even better.

3.5 stars! Very enjoyable ya book with an interesting setting. I do however feel like it could've used another round of editing. Curious how it will continue and I definitely need more Black sapphic vampires in my life.

I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard copy ARC and received the audio ALC as well. The narration was not my favorite, there were some points where I felt that it did not flow quite right, which pulled me out of the story a little bit. I’m not going to let that affect my overall rating. The writing style was very good. The story started very strong, a few parts fell a little flat, which is why this was not a five star. Definitely a great new take on the vampire story.

The first book in a decadent fantasy duology set in Jazz Age Harlem, where at night the dance halls come to life-and death waits in the dark.
It's 1926 and reapers, the once-human vampires with a terrifying affliction, are on the rise in New York.
But the Saint family's thriving reaper-hunting enterprise holds reign over the city, giving them more power than even the organized criminals who run the nightclubs. Eighteen year-old Elise Saint, home after five years in Paris, is the reluctant heir to the empire.
Layla Quinn is a young reaper haunted by her past. Though reapers have existed in America for three centuries, created by New World atrocities and cruel experiments, Layla became one just five years ago. The night she was turned, she lost her parents, the protection of the Saints, and her humanity, and she'll never forget how Elise Saint betrayed her.
Once close friends, now bitter enemies, Elise and Layla explore the city's underworld, confronting their intense feelings for one another and uncovering the sinister truths about a growing threat to reapers and humans alike.
Forgive me for copying and pasting a lot of the plot for this book. I’m very bad at describing books and my brain decides to just short circuit.
Tropes in this Book:
Romeo and Juliet kind of vibes.
Queer Romance
Betrayal
Friends to enemies to lovers
Dark Family Legacy
This book for sure was a nice little twist on what I perceived as a Romeo and Juliet kind of romance. Both love birds are on the opposite sides of a uneasy species truce. While also at odds in a political and sometimes racially decided lines.
I enjoyed this book mainly for its unique spin on vampires and the time period it was set in.
Being able to listen to and read a long was an enriching experience that left me engrossed in this novel. The narrator was perfectly chosen and brought this tale of danger and romance to life. The author was able to mix themes of race, queer romance and the weight of a family legacy into a fantastic story.
That ending left me thirsting for more like the reapers( aka vampires) in this story. I’m thankful for it being only a duology because they are my absolute sweet spot in story lengths. I can’t wait to see what book 2 will take Elise and Layla. I’m sure it will love me shooketh.
Overall: I would recommend this book to fans of vampires, queer romances and looks into species/racial divide.
4 star Read for me.

Thanks to the folks at NetGalley for audio and ebook edition of this book. My review is a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.

Harlem is a scary place in 1926, the reapers are everywhere and only the Saint family can help. Disgusting experiments on enslaved people created the vampire-like creatures and even after centuries there is no cure. Though they grew up as friends, Elise Saint and Layla Quinn are on opposing sides of this war but after a series of mysterious murders disturb the balance they must join forces. Running through the Cotton Club, dealing with gangsters, and surviving the underbelly of Prohibition time jazz clubs the two examine their past as they set the world back in order. As Elise explores her feelings regarding her relationship with the male romantic character and Layla the heart of character comes to life. This sapphic novel would be a great asset to any high school or public library collection.

Vampires are on the rise and I am living for it. This was a fabulous historical debut with some complex characters at its core. The dynamic between Layla and Elise makes this so intriguing, with the will they won't they of their past and current animosities. Very much looking forward to the sequel!

4.5 stars*

I LOVED this. I knew going in it was a vampire book with a slow burn sapphic romance, and oh my god it DELIVERED. When I want slow burn, I mean I want SLOWWWWWWWWWW. and this WAS SLOW!!! Exactly what I wanted!!!

One of my only critiques is that the setting was supposed to be 1920s Harlem, and there were really only passing mentions of it being the 1920s. That’s the main reason why I took off half a star, but I still REALLY enjoyed this oh my god

I would like to start this by recommending you all to read the 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 on this book (blood, descriptions of violence, etc.) before reading in case any is upsetting to you.⠀
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Now, to the book: here we find Elyse & Layla, a couple of childhood best friends that had seen the end of their relationship due to unforeseen circumstances (Layla's reaperhood, her thirst for vengeance & Elyse's family being one of the culprits in that event). What first draw me to this book were the 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀, & Hayley delivered, the slow burn, the pinning, the tension. But not only the chemistry between these two was wonderfully crafted, their relationships with the other characters are also not to be pushed to the side. All of them are interesting, be that you end up loving them or wanting to see them perish. I also have to give Tamika her laurels for making each of their voices so unique & recognisable.⠀
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Now, the reaperhood. The book is set in the 1920's, with a prologue to explain further into the lore. I think is a creative, new way to write a topic so well–known in the genre, how it targets black people, how it adds to the ever present issues they face even in current times, in a society that wants nothing to do with you. It also goes into how a supposed "saviour" comes to be, come to play in this world. It's gruesome, bloody & 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻.⠀
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If i have to mention something i didn't like, which is minimal, is the long chapters, though i heavily thank the audiobook for getting me through, & some repeated descriptions, that overall didn't affect the pace & how much i enjoyed this book. The writing only made-up for it a 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗱.⠀
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I really liked it & i think you will too! Again, thank you to those mentioned above for the arc.⠀

#netgalley #arc #audiobook #thisravenousfate #hayleydennings

DNF 16% in.

Thank you to RBMedia and Sourcebooks Fire for providing me with an e-arc and alc.

I really wanted to love this one and I do want to retry it with the ebook eventually but the audio didn’t work for me and I just at 16% in didn’t care about any of the characters. I couldn’t have cared less what happened to them and if I am not caring 16% in I tend to put the book down. It was okay and I liked the 1920s world but I wasn’t connecting to the characters.

It is 1926 and the reapers are on the rise in New York City but the Saint family has a thriving Reaper hunting empire that holds more power than the organized crime families in New York. Elise arrives home after 5 years in Paris to take her role as heir to the Saint family but she has this lingering worry that weighs more than her family’s obligations, the reapers of New York want her dead. Layla is still a new reaper and is haunted by her past, the night she lost her life, her parents, the protections of the saints, and her best friend Elise betrayed her. But when things start to go wrong for both the reapers and the Saints, they have to team up to try and figure out what is happening and save lives.

The world was the most interesting part, we see this fantastical 1920s world at the peak of the harlem renaissance with elaborate parties. I did enjoy that but it wasn’t enough to keep me engaged when I didn’t care about the characters. I do think it may have been that I wasn’t clicking with the audio so if I come back to this with the ebook I’ll update this then but I do think this will work for a lot of people it just currently didn’t work for me.

There is a lot to love about this book - really interesting worldbuilding, a great period piece, an interesting main couple. I think the only thing hampering it was making it YA. While the development of the two girls into their own as women was important to the story, I found some of its more mature themes would have worked better if they were a little older, maybe 20s. But maybe that’s my taste now as an adult reading it. I think if I read this as a teen, much like when I read Twilight which has teen characters being a bit young for some of the things that happen, I would have loved it the same.
The author has some really interesting ideas and prose that I think could really soar in a more mature setting, which is the only reason I bring it up (I don’t want to disparage YA!)
All that being said, I’m looking forward to the next book!

I enjoyed the concept of this book and it had a lot of potential. However, I didn't feel it was executed well. Also, the transition on audio was weird. It would literally change point of views without any context or break.

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, but it was a really solid read! The plot was super intriguing and I like the author’s writing style. However, I would’ve rated it a 4 star or higher if 1) I read it as a paperback instead of an audiobook & 2) I connected more with the characters. It’s rare that I dislike a narrator, but I really didn’t like this book’s narrator. Her version of a male voice sounds like a woman pretending to be a man. The worst two depictions are Mae’s and Dr. Hasting’s voice. They’re so nasally and it kept pulling me out of the book.

I liked Layla & Elise enough, but I didn’t love them. However, I loved the nuances to their relationship. Their history plays out to complicated yet beautiful, and that is not an easy feat to achieve. This author is truly talented. Truthfully, I think I could have loved them if I read it rather than listened, but when I don’t love the main characters I don’t fully invest myself in the story. With one exception, I didn’t like any of the side characters. Mae was so annoying and I never trusted Sterling. Baleria was SUPER COOL though. She didn’t have many scenes, but when she did, it captivated me. I would give my left toe for a novella surrounding her story.

All around, I enjoyed this book, and I will definitely read the sequel.

This Ravenous Fate is a slower moving fantasy novel set in the 1920's Harlem jazz era.
Reapers (vampires, this got confusing, they are vampires) are plaguing the area, and the Saint family has a business of taking care of this problem. Elise Saint has returned from Paris, the dutiful older daughter of the Saint family. Her former friend Layla, our additional main character, is Elise's former friend turned Reaper.

Some of the world building was really cool, special bullets created by the Saint patriarch to eradicate Reapers, the whole jazz vibe in Harlem with rival gangs tossed in, even the "mystery" presented to us: that some Reapers are now turning back into humans, had my interest piqued.

This book moved REALLY slowly for me. And while the two main characters were written well and had some good chemistry, I found myself leaving the story often, and just never totally drawn in.
It has some great features though that cannot be denied and I love the inclusion of a vampire fantasy troupe featuring POC and the Harlem setting is perfect for this story.

It ends with a clear opening for a book two, and I think this could just be the world building we need for the next installment, so I'll be looking forward to the next in series.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for this audio ARC version. Released on 8/6/2024, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review prior to publication.