Book Review: Blood of Desiderium by Ali Stuebbe

Blood of Desiderium is Ali Stuebbe's (aka. @bookedbyali) debut novel and an indie published book. Blood of Desiderium is book one in the series -- Ali recently announced book two will be titled Soul of Salvation - and I was lucky enough to be part of her arc team for book one!

It is a new adult dark fantasy, laced with spice, kinks and some 'taboo' elements - so please read the trigger warnings!

Emma, our FMC, is a prisoner - caged in a castle, by a collar, and by her father. She has been tortured and abused throughout her life, her Fae magic held at bay by the iron enclosing her throat. Emma is tormented whilst awake, and whilst asleep, haunted by a darkness that threatens to drag her under.

She wants freedom. She wants to be free from the chains and the pain her father has subjected her too. And to save the people of Deyadrum -- in turn saving herself. Emma looks to her friends and Shadow to help her find her way, and to rid the realm of her father and the Corrupted.

Writing & Style 🖋️

Blood of Desiderium is a first person narrative and written in present tense. The book is multi-POV and gives insight into a various characters' point of views, but is predominantly focussed on Emma, the FMC, and the MMCs.

Each chapter has the name of the person whose POV its written in - so as long as you keep an eye on these at the beginning of the chapter, you should be able to follow easily.

The book is quick to throw you into action and intrigue, with the world-building and lore developed from page one. I personally felt that reading the world-building in this book felt effortless and full of depth -- delightfully non-confusing compared to some fantasy books!

I completely ate up the last 50% of the book and sped through it - thought I do warn you, it ends of dramatic cliffhanger which will leave you desperate for book two!

The Characters 💕

Oh, Emma. Our FMC is trauma filled, her heart cracked and torn from a life physical, emotional and mental abuse at the hands of her father. The emotional scenes in this book hurt so damn bad, especially toward the end, and I felt so involved in her pain.

But Emma is also so gods damned powerful. She is fiesty, a fighter through and through, who wants to right by her realm and people despite all that she has experienced.

Prince Draven is the perfect MMC... dark, deliciosy, moody, guarded. What's not to like? He is powerful and possessive (what a combo) and his nicknames for Emma set me on fire ❤️‍🔥

We also have found family with Kye and Cora who warm my little heart 💖 but... Prince Draven is definitely my favourite.

Spice Level 🌶️

This book had me hot under the collar... the spice to plot level is, frankly, perfect (in my opinion) and drove me wild. Its sexy and dark and lil bit depraved - the book includes blood play and other kinks, so please read the TWs!

Favourite Quotes 💬

"You should never have to dance to death's song alone, little demon."

"I want to kiss and lick every single one until you see how beautiful they are. Until you realize that these fucking scars are raising their middle fingers and screaming fuck you to your father. They are proof of your strength."

"Keep your eyes on me, little demon. I want to watch you as I enter you. I want to see your face when my c*ck fills you for the first time, marking this p*ssy as mine."

"I will be waiting for you in the world beyond this one."

Tropes & Favourite Elements

Enemies to Lovers ⚔️

Nightmares 🔮

Found Family 💞

Spice & Kinks 🔥

Shadow Magic 🖤

Trauma & Healing ❤️‍🩹

Fun Banter ☀️

Fated Mates ❤️‍🔥

TBWW Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

🌶🌶🌶 / 5

I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on Soul of Salvation -- I need to know answers to the many burning questions and I need more of Prince Draven in my life (and the sauciness that he brings along...). This book was undoubtedly one of favourite reads of 2022 and an INCREDIBLE debut for Ali.