I am so blown away by how much I loved this book! Such a different and refreshing take on romantasy. The use of Arthurian legend along with an MMC that isn't the overdone "morally grey brute" makes this story such a breath of fresh air. I LOVE the narrators, they really emphasized the emotion and attitude of the characters. I also really like the combination of an urban/modern world and a more vintage/dated world. I think Rivers reactions to discovering this new realm match how most of us would feel in that situation. The pacing was a tad slow at times, but the story was so enthralling. Will definitely be recommending this book (especially audio!) to others.

This book/ audiobook was a wild ride honestly. I loved it. Did it take me a little while to understand what was happening yes, but I couldn’t put it down. I found myself wanting more and NEEDING more as soon as I possibly could. It was fun, fresh and something different in the fantasy realm of things. Quote QUITE excited for the next story.

This is a first for me by this author and it definitely won't be the last! I loved the whole deal with the mystery, sci-fi, and the splash of romance! Beginning with River she is in the back of the ambulance with her sister Sage as they are rushing to the hospital because Sage is having difficulty breathing. While waiting in the waiting room River's dad shows up and with the hospital's policies only one visitor per patient River is left waiting in the waiting room. However, soon someone she thought was a doctor or a nurse comes in and directs her to follow them to Sage and she trusts them and goes. Only to find out they are kidnapping her and taking her far far away to a place called Thule.
Once she is in Thule she is taken to the home of her "husband" who is her twin sister's husband. They work together to try to solve the mystery of how and why she is Thule and then how they can beat an unknown disease that is overtaking the land and trying to play at politics because they think she is her sister and traveled to the earth and abandoned her husband. Hence, they wish to charge her with those crimes. I loved all the mythology I also loved all the character development and everything in between! This is not a book you can pay attention to half-heartedly this book needs your full attention to follow along and see what is going on and what is next. There are parts in this book that will have you laughing such as the attacking duck, parts that will pull at your heartstrings, and then parts that will enrage you and make you want to get justice for River and her sisters.
I listened to the audiobook and it was an experience all its own, I loved how it had different voices and the voices fit the characters and everything in between!
Thank you Netgalley and Yaypub for the opportunity to listen and review this one!

This book was really good on many levels. It had wonderful world building, great plot line, and a little romance in there as well. I loved how captivating it was in the very first paragraph - it kept me on the edge and I had to keep listening. I did find it initially hard to get an full understanding of all the Knights of the Table and how the politics played out - but I am not very familiar with Arthurian legend - so this would be easier for someone who had more of that background. I REALLY liked how it was narrated and the sound effects throughout the book. The narrators were great at different voices and it read more like a play than a book.

One of the best parts was the ending - I loved the epilogue and how it wrapped the story up well. There could still be another book coming in this series (though I've searched and can't find a release date) but I also feel like this can end right here and I would be happy with that!

My only issue with this book is that I wish it was more of a time traveling book than a world jumping - the fact that some of the characters are "aliens" is weird to me in a fantasy world and I felt that made it more difficult to get into that mind set at the beginning.

Well this book took me by surprise! Somehow merging intergalactic travel with Arthurian lore to create an epic and strange world! River Greer got her chronically ill sister to the hospital after a particularly bad spell. Sage is taken back and their father goes back to sit with her while River does paperwork. A strange doctor comes to take her to visit her sister, but actually ends up kidnapping her and taking her across a bridge to a literal different planet where she’s taken into custody by a hot, silver haired knight, who she is allegedly married to?! Turns out, River’s twin sister Flo who disappeared with her mom on a family trip to Muir Woods over a decade ago, had been ferried to this strange place and was made a duchess by marrying this mysterious knight, Hadrian, who sits at the round table. Yes, that round table.
She meets her uncle, her and Hadrian try to investigate and find out where Flo has gone, and how this mysterious blight is affecting the land and its ichor (their magic/life force), there is a dance, some water wolves, and a whole lot of chaos and sexual tension!
This book kept me engaged and curious, laughing and crying. I also think it can stand alone, tho it shows as part of a series. The audio performance was excellent as well!

Refreshingly surprised with this (kind-of) dual timeline, otherworldly, royalty…not royalty…novel that highlights: romance, family saga, otherworldly creatures, fight til the death massacres… and…so much more!!

I’m not really sure what I was expecting with this new to me author, but…it was terrific! And, it sounds like there will be more coming in this series…so…yay!!

River is living in current day Canada with her Dad and her little sister…who is very ill. When she is rushed to the hospital, River follows, but gets caught up with meeting one of the docs…
Next thing she knows…she’s not in Kansas anymore! 🫣. (Ontario really…)

This. Is. The. Opening!!!!! 😮

As she’s trying to get her bearings and figure out what the heck is going on…well, she starts to meet people from this other world…. One that exists in the late 1800’s. One that closed off any way of getting back to earth centuries ago… One that she thinks might have just what her sister needs…to live!

And…one that has a very unique language…and…capybaras! I’ve only seen them in a game I play online!! So, color me happy!!

Ok. That’s all I’m giving you. And trust me, this is just a drop in the bucket. The audiobook is 17+ hours!! 😮👀

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!

#OfBloodAndLight (The Thule Cycle, #1) by #CamillaMonk and narrated nicely by #SarahKisco and #BrennenBlotner.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #Yaypub for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released on 10/31/24…so, very soon! Look for it then!


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Of Blood and Light offers a refreshing take on fantasy, with a storyline that kept me intrigued throughout. I enjoyed the alternative fantasy elements—it’s always fun to see a unique spin on the genre.

The audiobook version was an experience on its own, with added sound effects that were hit-or-miss for me. Some effects worked well, adding depth, while others—like the surprise duck attack at the end—left me wondering, "What even was that?"

I also found out there’s a side story about the lady-in-waiting, and I’ll be checking that out ASAP!

THANK YOU to NetGalley & The Publisher for allowing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

A solid 4.5 stars, rounded down! I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It felt like yet another Romantasy that "did it better than ACOTAR" (using this because it's the biggest one on the market rn), but I can only compare book 1 to book 1 considering this series is just taking off (though this is definitely better in terms of writing style, which probably plays into it the most for me as this is nearly CRINGE FREE lol).

I think the reason I want to round down instead of up, is something with the chemistry of the characters, and the somewhat languid twists in the book. This could be just my perception, but generally the twists hit less - with a "thud" - than I've experienced in other books. Thats not to say they weren't good, because they were, and there are parts I ADORE. But overall, for book 1's build and resolution, I left feeling satiated, not completely mind blown.

Absolutely hat off to this author for making up her own language in here. I mean, it felt believable, complicated, and she 100% has a running dictionary of things. Got to the point I personally was recognizing words in full sentences which was like, a great experience as a reader. I also appreciated her acknowledgements in the back of the book with full disclosure on how she created it.

Something else I appreciated - The King Arthur lore drop was 🔥. What an interesting take on the story, and the changes made to it fit so perfectly within this world, I like this version of it a lot better lol.

As for the chemistry with the characters -- The "love" aspects between certain characters didn't quite feel believable. There either wasn't enough build up/experiences, or not enough time with the characters spent alone together to fully feel justified? Though everything between their interactions was well written, including the spice🌶️, and I especially liked the descriptions of their bond. It felt a little "mate" like without falling into the new Romantasy trope of "mates". I am hoping in book 2 that doesn't become a thing because I'll be disappointed lol. Frankly, it ends up feeling a lot nicer knowing characters aren't "fated" for each other, and simply share a genuine connection.

All that being said, 4.5 stars !! (Come on - let me rate .5 stars already!)

Definitely going to need to try to read the physical book, rather than listening to the audiobook. I enjoyed the story but feel like I missed a lot because there was just so much going on at times. C. Monk is a phenomal writer, so descriptive and made you feel like you were actually there. Going to add to my TBR to pick up a physical copy to give it another go. I think I could really enjoy it, th world building is just to much to focus on in an audiobook

I’m not normally a fan of Aurthurian set books. But wanting an audiobook I thought I would give this a chance. I’m really glad I did. This uses the basics of Aurthurian mythology, and takes it in a very unique Victoriana meets modern world way. The themes are familiar fantasy but the whole as I say is unique. Also very entertaining, lots of humour, interesting characters, a little adult romance, a father in law and lots more, including the antics of a capybara with a wilful streak. This can be enjoyed as a standalone, but is also book one in a series. Thank you to Yaypub and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Monk’s Welcome to Thule transports readers to an enchanting blend of Arthurian legend and Victorian mystery, with a dash of capybara charm for good measure. Following River Greer’s abrupt journey to the fantastical world of Thule, readers are drawn into a world where every revelation feels essential and where her evolving dynamic with Hadrian—equal parts tension and warmth—adds richness to the story.

However, while the journey is captivating, the book's last quarter loses some of its steam. The pacing drags slightly toward the end, and the epilogue, unfortunately, felt nonsensical (why was there a duck added here?!) and could have been skipped without loss. Still, I’m invested in these characters and this world enough to return for book two in the Thule cycle. For those worried about a cliffhanger, don’t stress—book one ends in a place where you can relax while waiting for the next installment.

A strong start to what promises to be an intriguing series, perfect for fans of richly layered fantasy.

This book had a strong start, but fizzled out as it went on. The story was interesting, I enjoyed the Sci-Fi, and the characters were okay. I did think it was entirely too long for the material, 30% of this was unnecessary filler; and there was so much repetition throughout that it started getting annoying. I also thought that there were too many characters being introduced, and made it feel a bit crowded. Beyond that, I think it was fine. This just wasn’t really for me overall.

Thank you Yaypub for providing this ARC via NetGalley.

Overall, I thought the book was ok but found it far too long and repetitive.

The audio performance was fabulous, I love a proper duet - no confusion for POV changes and no cringey voices. Although I did find some of the sound effects a little too much.

The concept of the story was novel to me, although hard to stomach at first with the term “aliens” used to describe the people on Thule. A King Arthur retelling… if the knights of the round table were aliens.

I found the use of the words “ichor” and “carotids” far too repetitive.

The story seems like it could’ve ended 70% in I was wondering why I still had so long to go. It seemed to go on forever when the timeline was actually a week.

I didn’t enjoy the insta love and the main characters didn’t seem to have much chemistry. I think we could’ve done without the epilogues.

The ending seemed rushed (despite the length of the book) and I feel sorry for the girls’ dad he seems to have drawn the short straw!

A unique premise/world and interesting enough plot. Bolstered by a great audio performance.

If you’re into sci-fi give this one a go.

Thanks to Yaypub and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I loved the world building within this story although complicated and detailed and did take me a while to understand once I did I was captivated enjoyed this story.

In terms of the audiobook I loved the female narrator and whilst I enjoyed the changing of voices for the different characters I found the male voice to be a little robotic.

I listened to this audiobook thanks to #NetGalley.

I really liked the audiobook for the novel Of Blood and Light by C. Monk. I’ve always enjoyed YA fantasy books, but this was one of my favorites! There is romance, action, magic, another world, and what makes it more interesting is how C. Monk mentions notable, iconic places, things, and companies that makes it relatable rather than completely other-worldly. The descriptions made the world of Thule come to life.

The voice actors were charming and gave each character their own depth and personality. Also, there is no way I would have been able to pronounce some of the words in Thulish, but the voice actors were amazing and kept me interested and drawn in.

#OfBloodandLight is a new favorite and can’t wait to read/listen to more novels by C. Monk!

Of Blood & Light is a science fiction take on the legend of King Arthur and what happens after his time. In this book a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped from her world and taken to another based on mistaken identity. She has to help uncover secret plots in this world in order to return to her own and save her family.

I listened to this audiobook and really enjoyed it. The narrators, Sarah Kisko and Brennen Blotner, did a great job executing the different voices and accents. There were sound effects periodically and I had mixed feelings on these. Some added to the atmosphere while listening but some others were off putting. I am glad I listened to this one because otherwise there was no way I could have pronounced the names and Thuleish language. The story is a unique blend of an Authorian storyline and science fiction. The pace was slower than I prefer, but I can see other readers enjoying the attention to detail.

I unfortunately had to give up the ghost on reading this book 52.6% of the way through!

I originally thought that this story had promise, but unfortunately it's not fast paced enough for me. They do quite a lot of travelling and the use of names of people/names of places that you haven't actually been introduced to along the way is quite confusing.

The chemistry between the two main characters just wasn't there for me, and when they did eventually kiss I didn't actually see it coming as I couldn't feel that they actually wanted each other despite everything.

Half way through the book & we're still no closer to knowing anything about the female main characters sister or her mother. We're no closer to getting her home since her little sister was basically dying in hospital and had moments to live. But she's just spend loads of time in this other realm already, I've got a feeling she'll get back in time to save her sister, but I really don't know how that would be possible with how long she's been away from them.

I think her sister will end up needing to live in Thule as well at some point because of her icore deficiency. But I really did try to carry on and like it, makes me sad that I don't feel like I can continue when others have rated it so highly. But this one is a no from me unfortunately.

Original review posted on my blog: https://lnholmeswriter.wordpress.com/?p=117177&preview=true&_thumbnail_id=117181

Rating: 4.5 stars

You ever pick up a book that starts off with an interesting, if familiar, premise, and then something completely unexpected pops up out of nowhere, leaving you squinting at the page like you’re trying to examine the quality of a jewel through the glass of a dirty fish bowl? Now imagine that happening multiple times in one book, your reader mind bombarded with aliens, magic, nobility, dinosaurs, gods, romance, Arthurian legend, Victorian fashion—heck even capybaras. You’re going to think to yourself, multiple times as you return to the book over and over, What did I just read?

Well, those feelings of bemusement and curiosity surfaced within me as I read Camilla Monk’s OF BLOOD & LIGHT, and I have to say that it *checks notes*…

…completely worked for me.

How, you ask?

Well first, let me tell you that OF BLOOD & LIGHT is about a young woman named River, who also happens to be a caregiver for her sister Sage. When the book opens, River is riding in the back of an ambulance, and Sage, who is the patient being transported, is suffering from failing lungs. When they get to the hospital, Sage is taken to a room for treatment while River checks in. A doctor approaches River, telling her he will now take her to see Sage. When River follows him, the “doctor” kidnaps her and forces her into a portal that leads to an entirely new planet (Thule).

Wait, what did you just read?

But wait, there’s more. On Thule, things get wild fast. Not only is this a planet with a people stuck in the Victorian era, but they are also Arthur’s people, as in KING ARTHUR’S people. Oh and there’s magic. But, it’s not really magic. It’s more like energy and life force contained within the blood of the people and the living things of Thule. But there’s also lightning and fire and shape-shifters and— and—it’s magic. Let’s be real. I don’t care what the Duke of Caid says.

Oh yeah, the Duke. He’s the love interest. And that gets very complicated, very fast for River. No spoilers, but suffice it to say that River’s family and the Duke of Caid are intertwined in complicated ways, and it’s not just River’s growing fondness for the Duke that makes her want to explore the secrets kept on Thule. I wasn’t super interested in the romantic scenes, honestly, but that wasn’t because the scenes weren’t well-crafted. Romance just isn’t normally my cup of tea, and those scenes would most likely satisfy readers who are interested in the romance aspects of a book.

Anyway, exploring Thule was probably my favorite part. Monk has a gift for description, and I found myself listening to lines in the audiobook with a sense of lingering awe. It almost made me feel like a kid again, getting so wrapped up in the story. There is a scene where water acts in an unexpected way and dinosaurs are involved… I know, I know: What did you just read? It sounds weird, but it was actually really cool. I’m going to think about that part of the book for a long time.

Despite all the wacky, there is definitely violence, misogyny, and other darkness within this story, but I think Monk did a great job of balancing that negative material with humor. River is basically an alien on Thule and her ignorance of Thule’s language, style, and customs makes for some hilarious situations and friction between characters. And let’s not forget the capybaras. Their cute mayhem had me grinning like an idiot.

Goofy capybaras aside, River is ultimately what sold me on this book. Her love for her sisters motivates her. Even as she falls in love, she keeps her head as she fights to return to earth and to Sage. Love coupled with responsibility is a consistent motif throughout this book, and I think Monk does a great job of explaining how complicated all of that can truly be.

So, how could a book about so many science fiction, fantasy, and romance topics/tropes, all blended together, possibly work? I don’t have a good answer for that, but Monk still managed to pull it off. This book is zany, but it’s also hilarious, smart, lush, and—at times—even deep. I cared about River and her sisters, and I was very interested in the world of Thule. If you want a book that will make you think, make you laugh, and make you enjoy storytelling again, consider giving OF BLOOD & LIGHT a try.

Disclaimer: I received a free, audiobook copy of OF BLOOD & LIGHT in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Camilla Monk and NetGalley for the opportunity.

I gave Book of Blood and Light five stars! The world-building was chef’s kiss—the depth and detail completely pulled me in. I was really impressed by how well the backstory was woven into the narrative. And the capybara pet? Such a fun, random touch that added great comic relief.

I listened to the audiobook, and the sound effects were a fantastic addition that really made the world come alive for me. Hadrian and River’s romance felt authentic, especially with their shared loyalty and willingness to do anything for their people. While the romance was well-developed, I wouldn't have minded a little more spice between them. Overall, it was an excellent, well-rounded story with humor and heart!

This was a lot! A lot of good things! Fascinating and action-packed fantasy. Intriging world building and well written story performed by great narrators. It fits well for the Autumn books season.
The maincharcters was interesting and the plot was solid - and it takes you to a planet far far away...

Post on IG (one_fairy_tale_at_the_time) the 26.nov 2024