Title: The Hunters Gambit

Author: Ciel Pierlot

The city of Mavazem is plagued by aristocratic vampires who terrorise the human citizens. But Kazan Korvic refuses to cower. As an expert blacksmith with a sharp grifter’s eye, her specialty lies in crafting – and using – weapons designed to kill the vicious creatures.

But, it turns out, sword skills aren’t quite enough when a whole group of vampires attack her and steal her magical weapon. Kazan is captured and forced to attend the Vampire Court where she is forced to act as their ‘Queen’. For three days she will be waited and doted upon, until the lavish party where her reign will end in an extravagant feast… with Kazan as the main course!

Kazan plans to find her sword and get out except, with no allies in the castle, Kazan can feel the walls closing in. But she soon realises that she is not just trapped with these bloodthirsty bastards; they’re trapped with her too. And they’re not prepared for just how far she’s willing to go to survive.

This book took me completely by surprise, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did!

It was original, unique, fast paced with a strong lead and an equally intriguing vampy man!

Kazan is a blacksmith who needs to travel under the watchful eyes of Wardens to sell an unusual sword. Wardens are trained to fend off vampire attacks. Alas the most powerful vamps attack and Kazan is taken to their Citadel to become Vampire Queen. Not as glamorous as it sounds because at the end of day 3, she’ll be eaten!

The things that shone out and made me love this book are:

Adrius (insert heart emoji!!!)
A magic curse
The citadel (I imagine a gothic castle)
The menagerie (need to see that!)
Dark Magic
Vampire court (with politics!!)
Cute black cat (!)
The different houses

I must admit the schexy scene came out of nowhere but I was here for it, 2 vamps and a human, yes please!

That ending – what does that mean?! More? I need deets!