King of Battle and Blood is the first instalment of the Adrian X Isolde duology by Scarlett St Clair. An instant USA Today bestseller! From fan-favorite Scarlett St. Clair, the bestselling author of the Hades & Persephone series, comes a new fantasy filled with danger, darkness, and insatiable romance.
First published in 2021, Adrian x Isolde duology has become a beloved piece of Fantasy Fiction.
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About the Series
Adrian X Isolde is a fantasy series written by Scarlett St. Clair.
Their union is his revenge.
The series currently contains two books:
1. King of Battle and Blood
2. Queen of Myth and Monsters
If we hear of any additions to the current duology we’ll be sure to let you know!
Official Description
King of Battle and Blood
An instant USA Today bestseller! From fan-favorite Scarlett St. Clair, the bestselling author of the Hades & Persephone series, comes a new fantasy filled with danger, darkness, and insatiable romance.
Their union is his revenge.
Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day to be her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him.
But her assassination attempt is thwarted, and Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries to kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court.
Except it isn’t the court she fears most—it’s Adrian. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king—fierce, savage, merciless—chose her as consort.
The answer will shatter her world.
Our Review
Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing world of Scarlett St. Clair’s latest fantasy romance novel. While initially caught off guard by the unexpected levels of sensuality, readers will soon find themselves immersed in a story that goes beyond mere passion, offering a rich mythology, well-developed characters, and a narrative that seamlessly blends romance and revenge.
So often in fantasy, we see women as nothing but props. Whether it be damsels-in-distress or simply hardly seen at all (looking at you, Lord of the Rings!). Here, we see a true morally-grey developed female character to lead. The romance element in this fantasty series doesn’t feel as though the female is being dragged into a romance in order to have a space in the plot. Nor does it feel out-of-place.
St. Clair skillfully weaves together beloved romance tropes, such as the marriage of convenience and enemies-to-lovers dynamics, with a series of intriguing revelations. As the layers of wrong and fake history are gradually peeled away, misconceptions are shattered, leaving room for personal growth and deep connections. The journey is full of moments of doubt, betrayal, and camaraderie, alongside beautifully tender and humorous instances. You will find themselves eagerly anticipating the protagonist’s realization of the truth.
The world building was especially interesting. Drawing inspiration from Eastern European and Slavic influences, the resulting atmosphere evokes echoes of beloved fantasy sagassuch as Polish-origin The Witcher. So be prepared to travel to a realm where vampires and their world intertwine seamlessly with the human experience.
However, it is the characters that truly shine in this tale. The protagonist, Isolde, is a delightful blend of strength, vulnerability, and defiance. As she navigates a world filled with revelations and conflicting expectations, you will soon witness her genuine and realistic growth. St. Clair carefully avoids the trap of creating a dramatic character for the sake of added tension, providing solid reasons for Isolde’s behavior and inner struggles. It is a pleasure to witness her transformation and witness her then embracing her role as a warrior queen.
Opposite Isolde stands vampire King Adrian, a character who defies the expectations set by the book’s initial description. Rather than a ruthless monster, Adrian is a supportive and respectful partner. He treats Isolde as an equal, valuing her strength and decision-making abilities. Their relationship then evolves from a seemingly one-sided connection into a powerful partnership, free from toxic dynamics. It is refreshing to finally witness a couple that balances strength and compassion, ultimately becoming an inspiring power couple.
In this captivating novel, St. Clair challenges such expectations and offers readers a tale that surpasses the boundaries of conventional romance. We believe that Scarlett St. Clair’s work deserves wider recognition and a place on the bookshelves of fantasy and romance enthusiasts alike.
Prepare to be enchanted by a story that proves true love can transcend boundaries and that villains aren’t always what they seem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King of Battle and Blood smutty?
There are some explicit scenes! Sex is used as a tool to signify how these two characters are growing together. Additionally, our protagonist is not afraid of sex. She will not be shamed for it either.
Is King of Battle and Blood LGBT?
There were a handful of queer characters in the book. Although those looking for good representation may not be dazzled by this book. These characters do not have shining roles, and some of them are nameless.
Is there romance in King of Battle and Blood?
We can’t have a fantasy novel without a whirlwind romance! And slow-burn haters rejoice! Because these two are drawn to each other from page one!
