Blood Song

Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart (Random House)

HB RRP $18.95

ISBN 978-1-7427-5097-2

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Blood Song is a debut novel for older readers and the start of the Lharmell series. It all begins with Princess Zeraphina who harbours a secret of blood lust. She’s aware that she’s different from her mother and older sister Lilith who are busy with marriage proposals and saving their kingdom. When Lilith accepts an offer from the Northern region of Pergamia, something stirs inside Zeraphina. No one notices her animal urges for blood except for the suspicious king’s advisor, Rodden. The two spur each other on, Zeraphina desperate for answers and Rodden eager to send her away.

The sparks that fly between the two drives this entertaining yarn. It’s anything but romantic, they hammer each other with wit and snappy comebacks. Hart does a great job in drip feeding her information about Zeraphina’s past. Of course, Zeraphina’s different, but nothing is fully revealed until the thrilling finale.

Zeraphina is proactive and feisty, there’s some great humour as she dissects the formalities of kingdom life. Hart has built up a gothic and creepy world that will be explored further in the series. If you like a paranormal story that doesn’t overdo the gushing romance, then Blood Song will be music to your ears. Recommended for ages 13 and up.