Title: A Violet Fire
Author: Kelsey Quick
Series: Vampires of Avignon 1
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Kelsey Quick
Publication: 12/9/2019
Read: December 2019
Format: Digital
Pages: 346
Rating: 4 Caffeinated Stars
Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Violence, Manipulation

Goodreads Summary:

In the Vampire Stratocracy of Cain, human blood is scarce. For centuries, councils have sought to assuage the blood shortage by enslaving and breeding humans, turning them into profitable supply units for the rich and the abled.

Today, eighteen-year-old Wavorly Sterling is officially a supply unit, bound to serve her blood willingly to her master for the rest of her life. One of only few humans that was not bred in Cain, Wavorly knows freedom better than anyone, and she is determined to escape the clutches of her oppressors, even if by the hands of death.

But surprises lay beyond every certainty, and within every doubt. Where Wavorly’s hatred for both vampires and her enslavement once flowed free as blood, it merely trickles as she grows to admire her reserved, yet receptive master and savior, Anton Zein.

Although warmed by comforts never felt before, danger still lurks in the castle, and a prophecy calls from beyond the walls of a lavender gate—concealing the horrific secrets lodged between handsome smirks and cinereous eyes. It will take everything within Wavorly to face her fears and her doubts; to harness the truth of her past despite what that means for her future. The only question is, will she?

My Thoughts:

When I saw A Violet Fire up on NetGalley, I couldn’t resist the call of the vampire YA genre. I love vampires so much, so I couldn’t help but jump at the chance to read this book. I think it is essential to make sure that everyone knows this isn’t a vampire romance. The primary genre is fantasy/dystopian.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but my main issue is that I never really connected with any of the characters. I liked Wavorly, and the other characters but unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with them as much as I wanted. Wavorly was a strong character who acted her age. I could see 18 years old me behaving similarly, and I liked that it was realistic.

The plot was exciting and something a bit different with various borrowed elements as well. I could see a little bit of the many Young Adult dystopian novels in the book, so I was impressed that Kelsey Quick was able to write something refreshing in a genre that has (for me) been a bit overdone. I enjoyed seeing how the book unfolded though I admit, I did guess many of the twists.

Even though I guessed a lot of the twists, I enjoyed seeing it all play out. All in all, this is a refreshing take on the vampire YA genre. I think any Young Adult reader will enjoy this book.

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