Sealed in Blood

Thank you Inside Story and the author for providing me this book. I never read anything before from this author and I really must say I liked the writing style. I always love a good Hellish book. And this one did not let me down. Not getting into detail, if you love demons, trials, an Underworld setting and some Broody characters you will love this book. The end got you craving for book 2.

*Sealed in Blood* is a fantasy novel—it has everything that makes a series so compelling. A great plot, interesting characters who evolve, and a very well-constructed world. Practically from the first chapter on, I couldn’t put it down. And I found myself screaming during several scenes because I was so caught up in the excitement. The author makes you experience every scene and gives you goosebumps.

As for the characters, they all have their inner demons; each one struggles with their own truth and the consequences of it, keeping you on the edge of your seat with the subplots.

The world-building is gradual—it reveals everything little by little, making the reading experience much more dynamic and allowing you to visualize every setting in detail.

The plot is entertaining, dynamic, fun, and addictive. From the very first page, you just want to keep reading more and more to find out what happens, and the more you read and the more you know, the more you need to know.

That ending—oh my gosh, that ending. I just know I want—no, I need—to keep reading and see what happens. Stars! 😉

For me, it’s a 5-star read, and I’m eager to read more and learn more about this author. It’s definitely one of my top reads of the month.

I adore getting a strong FMC in a book, makes everything feel more enjoyable, L.L Reid is an amazing writer and I really hope the next book will come as soon as possible

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚.

Wow just wow.. I wasn't sure what to expect but considering I read it it one day I would def say it was amazing. Our FMC is Ella who can't feel pain and doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere. Well that's because she doesn't. Her dad decided to go to the crossroads and make a deal, a life of riches with the women he loves and in return his heart.. The demon, Seraphel, comes to collect the heart of Arthur. Well that heart is his 16yr old daughter Ella. Seraphel teaches Ella about her powers but there is still so much secrecy regarding her lineage. Enter Kealis our MMC who is slated to be Ella's backup in her trials in the demon realm. The cliffhanger this ends on is perfect, it's leading up to something that will change everything they know.. Bring it on!!! Give me book 2

I received this book as an ARC from Inside Story. My opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review for free.

I am drawn into the worlds of demons and the occult, so the blurb of this book called to me. I was not disappointed. The characters, the world-building, and the magic with a unique spin all made for a truly unique reading experience.

The FMC Ella is taken from her father by a demon, Seraphel, on her 16th birthday. After an awkward start in Hell, they have become family to one another. On her 21st birthday, higher demons come calling demanding blood for a human being in Hell. The Lord, Vaelora, demands a life payment. A higher demon, Thanos, suggests a series of 3 trials for Ella to prove her worth instead.

What follows is a slow burn, tension building path with both Thalos and the other MMC aelis who is blood oath bound to protect her in the trials. With Thalos, it is a series of missed moments. With Kaelis it is just a collision course that is bound for meteoric destruction. When they finally meet it is catastrophically beautiful. There isn't much spice, but the few moments between them are intense.

What I didn't expect was the twist at the the end. I was absolutely stunned at the turn of events. And the last line of the book then the acknowledgement page? That was cruel. I need book 2 like I need air. I need to know how the final trial played out.

Great Fantasy novel, that reminded me a bit of ACOTAR. Enemies to lovers, the same kind of trials as Under the mountain, the villain , the "lord" reminded me of Amarantha 😅

But the story is very different, so no plagiarism here !.

Can't wait for book 2!

this was an amazing book that got my attention from the beginning and kept it the whole book the characters were amazing and fit the story perfectly it's a must read put it on your TBR

I was hooked from the very beginning and absolutely could not put this book down! It was definitely worth the read and you love dark romance or the ACOTAR series, I think you'll really enjoy this one!

My biggest wish was for more answers about some of the characters. There are hints of haunted pasts and possible connections, but nothing is fully brought to light. Knowing a second book is in the works, I’m hopeful we’ll get some answers there!

I also loved how quickly the story got into the action. The lack of extensive world-building didn’t bother me at all; it got straight to the point without leaving me feeling like anything was missing. Can't wait for book 2!!

The prologue will instantly catch your attention. It begins with the history of Arthur and his need to be the best man he can for the woman he loves. Life isn't going the best for him, so he makes the only decision he can think of in his moment of, shall we say weakness? What he thought to be a simple deal turned out to be anything but.

Arthur's daughter, Ella, finds herself in a place unknown due to her father's choice, and she's simply trying to learn how to survive. I'll refer to Seraphel as demon dad for now until we get an answer on the why of it all. Ella isn't supposed to be in the Underworld, but Seraphel risked it all to have her there.

I'm not too sure how to feel about Thanos. I mean, not that I'd expect loyalty from Demons, but I'd love to know what game he is playing at on his end.

Kealis has many different sides to himself, and his interactions with Ella are funny at times, beautiful in others, and absolutely dangerous when the need arises.

When push comes to shove and Ella is found out, who will be claimed the victor? Ella wants to stay, but the Lord over them will do anything for her death. I can't wait to read what happens in book two.

"I’ve been kidnapped by a demon who didn’t even plan lunch."

“Love that demands sacrifice is not love. And love that refuses it is not cruelty.”

A definite 5 star read!

Sealed in Blood is such a gripping story! I highly recommend this book; it is a great dark fantasy with magic, spiciness, demons, hellhounds, and a series of trials set in the underworld.

It all starts with an old legend, and offering & a wish. Ella is a modern day teenager who one day gets pulled into the underworld while still being a living human. She’s surrounded by demons (some very attractive, others not even close.) The relationship that forms between Ella and Seraphel is so sweet. I though I liked Thalos the best… but then there was Kealis and oh my goodness!

My favorite quote was by Bea "There's an eternity of ugliness here. This is where I borrow something beautiful."

Book two can not come soon enough; I can’t wait to see what happens! Thank you to the author L.L. Reid for the opportunity to read & review this wonderful book.

I liked the story.
I'm also curious if it ever explains why she was pulled to Hell.
The cliffhanger makes me want to know what happens next.
And what Thalos game is.

​Sealed in Blood by L.L. Reid takes us straight into the depths of Hell for a dark romance packed with magic and high stakes. The premise alone caught my attention right away—a story set in Hell with a unique magical dynamic and a central love story that had so much potential to be an absolute blockbuster.

​While there is a lot to love here—the setting is vivid and the core world-building concepts are really intriguing—the execution felt a little uneven for me. Certain plot points and character dynamics felt like they could have used a bit more room to breathe and develop to reach their full impact.

​Overall, it’s a solid 3-star read with a great foundation. If you enjoy dark magic, unique underworld settings, and romance with high potential, it’s definitely worth checking out!

I found myself lost in the world inside Sealed in Blood. While some scenes, characters and relationships could be fleshed out more and feel like only surface level, there was still enough plot and personality to draw me in.

The focus is on ancestry magic & cross road deals, abduction into Hell and facing deathly trials.

Ella having CIP as a character angle intrigued me as a basic explanation to her not feeling pain as opposed to blood lust or “I don’t feel pain” baddass cliche.

I liked Ella as a character and definitely NEED book 2 with that cliff hanger ending… because WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!

Absolutely loved it from start to finish, was worth the read and honestly I couldn't put my kindle down from beginning to end

I don't know how I feel about this book. It's like a basic contemporary romance but in hell. I hope the book 2 is progressively better.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.

The writing felt quite repetitive at times, especially with certain words and descriptions like “deadpan” or “gaze cut like glass,” which started to pull me out of the story.

I also struggled to understand the FMC's situation. Her silver hair and inability to feel emotions didn't quite explain to me why she was so isolated or why she was so eager to leave. I also found it surprising how little she seemed to think or talk about her father and brother.

There were several things I was hoping would be explored more deeply, especially why Seraphel took her in and the extent of her powers. Unfortunately, I felt like I was left with more questions than answers.

I also would have loved to see more training sequences, particularly during the tournament. Her fighting abilities seemed to develop so quickly that I struggled to understand how she became capable of fighting demons.

Even the romance felt a little sudden to me. I was missing the buildup and emotional development that would have made their relationship more convincing.

Overall, while the premise had potential, I personally needed more character development, explanations, and buildup to fully connect with the story. It was an okay read, but unfortunately not one that worked for me.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Review of Advanced copy received from Inside Story.

This book hooked me almost immediately. If I could have read this in one sitting I would have.

It’s a dark fantasy story with a little bit spice thrown in.  In Hell, Ella has to face three trials for survival. I’m usually not a fan of trials in stories, but these kept me on the edge of my seat. With a great group of characters and a great plot, this book kept my interest until the very end.

Are there questions that still need answers? Of course there are. With this being the first book in a new series not everything can be neatly wrapped up. Looking forward to book two!  Thanks to Inside Story and the author for the chance to read this early!

Absolutely loved this book! So different to your normal fantasy stories and gives you just enough to keep you hooked and wanting to know more about the main characters history.

This book has magic, romance and tests of will and strength. Teases you with hints and a slow build to who she is, which you still dont know by the end!

I am excited for the next book so I can find out where she comes from and if she has survived!

Very well written and definitely one for the ultimate fantasy lover

📖 SEALED IN BLOOD By L.L. Reid Damned Heart Series – Book 1

🖤 BOOK REVIEW

Sealed in Blood had me hooked! I was completely drawn into the story and found myself wanting to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The only issue I had? THAT ENDING! 😭

That cliffhanger has absolutely ruined me! I was not ready for the book to end where it did, and now I desperately need the next one. I have so many questions, and I need answers NOW!

Safe to say, I'll be impatiently waiting for book two because I need to know what happens next.

📚 Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Just be prepared for that cliffhanger. 🖤🥀