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.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this book as an audiobook & for an honest review.

The main reason I asked for this book was because it was based on Vampires which are one of my favourite creatures to read about.

This story is based on Elise Saint a reaper, the once-human turned vampire with a terrifying affliction, & through the book, we are taken on an adventure in 1920s Harlem the Era of Jazz & secret clubs where things are not as they seem. Elise comes back from France deciding to take on the responsibility of being the Era to the Saint family Reapers who are thriving with power, but murders have started happening throughout the city that's been blamed on her with no one believing that more is going on than expected, Elise is trying to discover herself with the world she has chosen to live now she gave up her dreams to save her sister but stepping into these new responsibilities comes at a price & who was once her best friend becomes her enemy. As time goes by in this book we see some particular tropes laid out ( Enemies to Lovers, vampires bad, F4F. Romance, Slow Burn. Worldbuilding, Fantasy. Poc) which I think go together very well & I never felt that any character was not drawn out enough nor too little but giving up a steady paced progression into the goings on that unravel the more you progress. These characters have heart and strength which is seen in the situations that occur & through the actions they do in trying to get to the bottom of what's happening but with a Reaper (vampire) & a hunter nothing goes according to plan and chaos follows no matter where they go. The love story that you see happen is not thrown in your face but takes more of a backseat in certain scenes giving the action and the main Base of the story drawing you into wanting to find out about what's happening as much as Elise Saint on her mission to do what's right no matter the cost, you feel that she doesn't think it's right what's happening to people who are turning up dead who where once reapers but now die human & The complexity of her torn emotions of the life she had before she was a Reaper.

This book is very character-based, slow-burn and World-building book and I do not see this working for everyone, but for the ones it does, I think you will have quite a ride... I am highly looking forward to the second instalment and I also plan to do a book review on my upcoming channel Crimson's Whispering Books 📚

Thank you to Source Books for giving me the great pleasure of reading this book early. Here’s my honest thoughts!!

Set in Harlem during the 1920’s, This Ravenous Fate is a sapphic vampire fantasy made to make you feel every emotion while reading it. The journey I went on while reading this book was emotional and lovely.

The world building and pacing of this story were incredible. I was immersed in their world from the first page. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, trying to see where the story would go. I found myself so enthralled in this world and the journey these characters go on.

Elise and Layla are two complicated, complex, amazing characters who I am both afraid of and also want to wrap up in a blanket and make sure they’re okay. I loved watching them build their bond back after their initial falling out. I loved seeing them grow vulnerable with each other and find out how to trust each other again.

I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here, and I will be impatiently waiting for the next book. (Source Books, if you’re reading this, I NEED IT ASAP!!!)

Happy Pub Day to This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings.

I got an early start and just finished this one!!
Sapphic Vampire Romance you already know I was here for it. A huge thanks to Netgelly and the publisher for this advance audiobook in exchange for my honest review of this debut novel. First, the narrator did a great job keeping me engage with this story. It was a slow burn and at times I couldn’t wait to finish this and to move on to book two. I’m excited to see where the author takes these characters next in book 2.

3.5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. I listened to "This Ravenous Fate" by Hayley Dennings and, for the most part, I enjoyed the performance. However, I think I would have enjoyed reading the physical copy better.

Pros:
The plot is thrilling and fast-paced. Dennings does a pretty good job weaving in themes of racial tension and systemic oppression with the clash between reaper clans and reaper hunters. It's an interesting mix that adds depth to the story. In my opinion sapphic romance did not disappoint. The friendship between Layla and Elise was believable and provided a solid foundation for their romantic relationship. I also enjoyed the investigation/mystery storyline and all of the historical context of how the reapers came to be. The way the lore is laid out is very clear and easy to understand, which sets the series up nicely. I believe this series has so much potential.

Cons:
At first, I wasn't really buying the chemistry between Layla and Elise, but as the story progressed, I started to enjoy their dynamic a little more. However, Elise's parents were insufferable. Mr. Saint felt like a bit of a caricature. He's portrayed as the stereotypical Black male villain. The narration didn't help either, as the voice change for his character was jarring and took me out of the story.

The setting is supposed to be 1920s New York, but honestly, it didn't really capture the essence of the 20s for me. Aside from the mention of the Cotton Club, it felt more like present-day. And the conflict between Elise and her dad felt a bit forced. I wish it had been fleshed out more to make it more believable. The action towards the end was a little hard to follow, and after one of the major conflicts, the story started losing my attention. The last 45 minutes or so were tough to get through.

Despite these points, I genuinely enjoyed the story especially considering it is Dennings debut novel. I'm definitely picking up a physical copy and will continue reading the series. I'm excited to see Hayley Dennings grow as an author because she is truly talented.

In jazz age Harlem, reapers, once-human vampires, are on the rise. Luckily for the Saint family, this helps their reaper-hunting business, giving them even more power. Elise Saint is returning home after five years in Paris as the business’s reluctant heir. Layla Quinn is a young reaper haunted by her past. The night she was turned five years ago is also the night she lost her parents and the Saints’ protection. When Layla is framed for a reaper attack, she works with Elise to investigate the murders and how they might be linked to a reaper cure.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for this audio e-arc.*

Thank You Netgalley, RBmedia, and Hayley Dennings for the Audio ARC out today. Narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal. This is a book about Gangsters. Humans and Vampires (Reapers). Layla a reaper and ex friend,Elise Saint uncover a deeper secret about the head of the Saint family while becoming more than enemies. I enjoy how well Hayley Dennings made you feel all the emotions especially the hatred along with the characters. This is a good book for people looking for gangster themed, along with racism and segregation. There will definitely be another book. The narrator did a good job with portraying the emotions highlighted in the book.

I loved the audiobook narration for this. The narrator did a fantastic job voicing each other characters.

The storyline was interesting and was mostly easy to follow. The reaper dynamic did confuse my brain up until about 60% when my brain stopped overthinking that. Whenever I hear the word reaper I think of the beings that claim souls and bring you to the afterlife or the giant dinosaurs in ARK that are really fun to jump around on; I do not think vampires. It took some adjusting.

I will more than likely be continuing the series and doing so via audiobook.

A gripping and fast paced fantasy set in the 1920’s in Harlem! In a world that has everything from Vampires to Reapers to the Hunters! This had such a beautiful love story underneath all the amazing plot twists!

Loved this story! I felt like some of it was repetitive but definitely a good read overall!

I want to thank NetGalley and SourceFire books for the opportunity for this early audio copy of This Ravenous Fate.

Let me set the scene, Harlem during the prohibition age with black sapphic vampires. You cannot tell me that is not a perfect idea, I started this book so excited to dive right in. As much as I wanted to love this story I was unable to get past the clunky dialogue and the lack of editing was very apparent. I was unable to connect or care for any of the characters, and I typically would, especially with the events that happened within the novel. I am hoping the next novel by Dennings gets the editor it deserves because this plot sounds like something that I should have loved. Instead, I found myself just wanting to finish it so I could move on to the next book. I believe the author has so much potential and I will pick up her next book as this is only her debut.

Exceptional prose and really inventive storytelling. Hayley Dennings is a debut to watch and I can't wait to see what worlds she weaves next!

Thank you NetGalley for another ARC,


I’M GNAWING AT THE BARS OF MY ENCLOSURE!!!!!! This Ravenous Fate, by Hayley Dennings was SO GOOD! I’m still a bit speechless.

Tamika Katon-Donegal did an EXCELLENT JOB narrating.

The Ravenous Fate is set in 1920s New York where gangsters and reapers (vampires) run rampant. The book describes the accounts of Layla and Elise, who both experienced connected traumatic events when they were young that left one of them scorned. The women are now forced to work together to solve a murder.

I had a difficult time getting into this book. I enjoyed the timeline the story was set in. I would love to see 1920 gangster vampires, I think that’s so fun! I would have loved to learn more about Layla and Elise’s backstory. I also felt we needed a bit more development of the side characters.

Overall, I did like The Ravenous Fate. I’ll likely read the second book once it’s released to see how the character’s storylines play out.

Thank you Netgalley, RBMedia, SOURCEBOOKS Fire and Hayley Dennings for an ARC of The Ravenous Fate in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a little bit sad to give it 3 stars, I was SOLD by the premise of this book
overall it lack subtlety and development (especially on the world building and the history of the "reapers"). The sentences' construction were too simple but, you know, I was here for the vampire-lesbian energy and it was there don't get me wrong.
I found the audiobook bad, the pace of the audio narrator very weird so I think that my rating went down because of that

thank you netgalley for the early copy

I want to thank NetGalley and RBmedia for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

Brief Summary: After five years in Paris studying for the musical career of her dreams Elise Saint has returned home to commemorate the most traumatic event that her family has ever experienced. In the center of Harlem society in 1926, Elise must navigate her father's temper, prohibition, and reapers out for vengeance. However, as events around her begin to spin out of control, Elise is forced to work with her one-time friend turned enemy, Layla Quinn. As Elise and Layla work together to solve a string of strange occurrences they begin to uncover more than murder and speakeasies.

Thoughts: I would like to thank the people that I saw talking about this book on Instagram because this book had not previously been on my radar and everyone needs to be talking about it. All of the characters were so nuanced and complicated. The plot is gripping. In many ways, it felt like this book is what would have happened if Scandal and The Vampire Diaries (seasons one, two, and three) had a baby. (Which should be enough to entice anyone to read this book).

The web of intrigue that Dennings was able to weave throughout this book had me hooked within the first 10 minutes and I did not put this book down. Dennings is such a captivating and colourful writer that I could almost picture events unfolding in my mind as I listened because the prose was so descriptive. From the large details about who is where in a scene down to what a scene looks like from one moment to the next, the imagery was seamless.

In addition to the descriptive writing of the setting, Dennings made a world of complex subplots and characters that made it difficult to guess what was going to come next. The way that Dennings was able to layer the information about each character as the book went on allowing the reader to make connections between people and events that the characters themselves did not necessarily have. The build-up was well worth it, especially the ending! I am absolutely thrilled that there is another book coming in the series.

I think that Layla was my favourite character in the book. She started with a nuanced understanding of the world and although she is driven by her grief I did feel that I could understand are relate to her motives more throughout the book. The way that Dennings juxtaposed Layla's soft and rough edges from scene to scene truly highlighted the complexity of human emotion. That being said I also liked Elise. How she represents a woman confined by the rules that society and her family have set in place was interesting to watch change throughout the book. I do wish that there had been a bit more interaction between Elise and the members of her family. I do feel that there were a few missed opportunities for Elise to speak with her mother, sister, and best friend.

I do think that the romantic elements of the book might have been slightly overstated from what I have been hearing about this book. There are hints of romance here and there, however, this is a very slow burn. The longing and desire did provide the romantic drama that I wanted, but I just wanted more of it. I have hopes for book two.

I highly recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Body horror, Child death, Misogyny, Classism, Death, Death of a parent, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Medical content, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Colonisation, Cursing, Suicide attempt, Hate crime, Suicidal thoughts, and War

1920’s Harlem with Black vampires, mystery, and LGBTQIA+ rep are you kidding me?! I had so many hopes for the first book in this duology and it absolutely delivered!

Once human Elise Saint returns home after five years where her childhood best friend Layla lives. They’re now on opposite sides of what is happening in this city and Mr Saint is on a mission to find out what is happening when a string of gruesome murders takes place. The Saint family has built its empire on eradicating reapers. Elise and Layla are forced to work together to get to the bottom of the mystery. This is where we see their personalities and chemistry blossom individually and together.

This book was such a fun read! There was so much action and suspense wound into an intriguing story. The characters were so multi layered and authentic. The plot was unique and gripping. The writing style was easy to digest and held my attention until the second half of the book hit. I felt as though this could have been shorter and still had an amazing impact since the second half was drawn out and a bit repetitive. Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait for book two!

This audiobook was narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal who performed so well. This was such an engaging performance full of emotion and the perfect differences between characters.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Hayley Dennings, and RBMedia for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This publishes on August 6th!

I have posted my review on Goodreads, my Facebook book club, and will make a TikTok to post before the pub date raving about this book!

Tamika katon-donegal did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life through her narration! i highly recommend the audiobook and the narrator. It made the book more interesting.

This book had so many deep themes like segregation, systemic racism, class differences, and the challenges the Black main characters faced. It added depth to the story and the characters' development. I enjoyed the action, the lesbian romance, and the vampire lore, though some parts were a bit slow. Overall, it was a good debut. I'm excited to see where the sequel will take these characters.

3.5/5

Thank you RBmedia for the audiobook arc!