Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Shadow And Ash
SERIES: Bloodbound
AUTHOR: Timoteu Montroig
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 243 Pages
RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2024
BLURB:
Shadow & Ash: Bloodbound transports readers to ancient Greece in an unforgettable gay historical romance, where Aristion—a century-old vrykolakas (Greek vampire)—and Kallian, a fearless young Spartan soldier, are bound by a forbidden yet unbreakable love. Their bond challenges the very laws of life and death, igniting a daring quest to transform Kallian into a vrykolakas—a journey fraught with danger, since few humans survive the perilous path to immortality.
Amid Sparta’s brutal wars with the Achaemenid Empire of Persia, Aristion and Kallian must navigate a treacherous world filled with cunning allies, vengeful enemies, and ancient powers beyond comprehension. Every step tests their courage, their loyalty, and the strength of their love. Can their bond transcend the boundaries of mortality, or will the shadows of fate tear them apart?
REVIEW:
Kallian and Ariston are dedicated to Greece’s well-being. However, they hail from different places and eras. With war on the horizon, Ariston needs a partner to go undercover in Persian territory – Kallian’s education and warrior status fit the bill. With a mission of paramount importance, feelings and secrets must take second place, but can things stay that way?
For anyone who enjoys ancient history, this could be a book for your library. The book has its issues, which reduced the heart rating, but the 480 BCE era and the research done by the author transport the reader to an atmospheric period of history, where Leonidas and Xerxes came to clash.
The story is presented through a blend of first and third-person perspectives from Kallian and Arision. The mixing of first and third person is one of my concerns, along with the portrayal of autonomous body parts, which is frowned upon by professional editors.
I have a soft spot for tales of Ancient History, and the depth of research is commendable, although not all of it actively contributes to the story’s progression. Furthermore, there is some repetition of scenes that unnecessarily extend the narrative, where the word count could have potentially been utilized more effectively in other ways. On a positive note, the imagery is striking, and the author has a flair for battle scenes, not shying away from the blood and gore. I believe that a good editor could elevate this good read to a great one.
The story begins with the background of Ariston and Kallian. Both are brave individuals deserving of their place in historic Greece. Ariston possesses special abilities resulting from an encounter with a fanged individual. However, in this book, vampires are depicted as a feared community with abilities rather than merely creatures of the night.
It is difficult to add more about the characters or story without giving away spoilers. So, I will stick with saying: –
If you are a fan of stories with ancient historical settings, this book is worthy of a spot on your bookshelf. It would score higher if it were not for the technicalities.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
