The Crimson Road by A. G. Slatter

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A captivating dark gothic fantasy set in the same universe as the award-winning author's All The Murmuring Bones, The Path of Thorns and The Briar Book of the Dead. A tale of vampires, assassins, ancient witches and broken promises.

Violet Zennor has had a peculiar upbringing. Training as a fighter in underground arenas, honing her skills against the worst scum, murderers and thieves her father could pit her against, she has learned to be ruthless. To kill. 

Until the day Hedrek Zennor dies. Violet thinks she’s free – a rich young heiress with a world of possibilities in front of her. Then, to her horror, Violet learns that her father planned to send her into the Darklands, where the Leech Lords reign. Where Violet’s still-born brother was taken years ago after Hedrek sold him to a man bearing the mark of the mysterious Anchorhold.

Her father’s solicitor and the city’s bishop are insistent she fulfil her duty, but Violet steadfastly refuses. Until one night two assassins attempt to slaughter her – and it becomes if she wants to enjoy a future free of the interference of either solicitors, bishops or assassins, she’s going to have to clean up the mess her father made.

On her journey, Violet seeks the help of Miren O’Malley in the hidden estate of Blackwater, whose family once produced the purest, strangest silver; Ellie Briar of Silverton, the Briar Witch who guards the gateway to the realm of the Leech Lords; and Asher Todd of Whitebarrow, who did terrible things and found The Three Who Went Beneath.

Ultimately, Violet must go alone. Into the Darklands. To the Anchorhold where it all began. Where it will all end. To do what must be done.

By turns gripping and bewitching, sharp and audacious, this mesmerising story takes you on a journey into the dark heart of Slatter's sinister and compelling fantasy world, where blood is currency and magic is a weapon.

my thoughts:

The Crimson Road by A. G. Slatter is my first foray into her popular Sourdough Universe - people rave about this collection, along with her other books. When it comes to fantasy, Slatter is a defiinite must-read. So, of course I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of this book - how could I not be thrilled, right? It's chock full of magic, Leech Lords, witches, and so much more. What's not to like? Suffice it to say, I dove right in and could not stop reading. The book was just too much fun and way too good to put down for anything. Talk about a delicious read!

Violet Zennor knows how to fight. I mean it. She can defend herself and even kill if her hand is forced. Why? Her dad. He made sure that his daughter was trained to kill. The only thing is, the two don't exactly have the best relationship. So, when he passes away, Violet feels like she is finally free to live her life her own way. Except, that's not going to be the case. Yep, looks like her dad has left her one last mission and it's going to take everything she has within her to win. Yikes! 

And that is all I will share about this awesome story. Just know that it is thrilling, exciting, fantastical, and so much fun. You are going to LOVE it to bits! Plus, you'll be inspired to read the rest of the Sourdough Universe collection - I know that I'm excited to read those books. So, make sure to get your hands on a copy of The Crimson Road ASAP - you won't want to miss out on this terrific book! 

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!