Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Lharmell #1
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 290
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: I wanted to turn but I was held captive by the song on the wind. I’m coming, I told the voices. Please, wait for me.

When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina’s only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated.

Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess. So when the king’s advisor, Rodden, seems to know more about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find out more.

Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she’s to uncover the truth – but what if the truth is beyond her worst nightmares?

Review:

This is one addictive, effortless read with a creep-ily original fantasy world to boot. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, in fact I finished this in one night. Blood Song isn't epic fantasy but YA fantasy done epically well.

Zeraphina  is not your ordinary heroine, she has a bizarre craving for blood and an overwhelming compulsion to travel North. She's also strong, feisty, stubborn and a little bit lost. Her trusty sidekicks; an eagle named Griffin and a cat called Leap are a great addition to the cast of characters with their own engaging personalities.  

Rodden, adviser to the King of Pergamia, is dark, mysterious and just a little scary. Rodden & Zeraphina have that kind of sparks-flying relationship based on mutual antagonism that I absolutely love.

Escapism at its best, Blood Song has a little bit of everything; intrigue, suspense, magic, romance, creepiness (gotta love creepy) and a big helping of fantasy adventure. I'm stoked to add another talented Aussie author to my must-read list and a new YA fantasy series to my keeper bookshelf!

Blood Storm, the 2nd book in the Lharmell series will be out August 2012 - *Woot Woot*

Want to know more about this awesome debut Aussie author? ~ Check out her blog Dangers Untold & Hardships Unnumbered.