Bunny's Reviews: The Crow Lord Review Spotlight

Another gorgeous new release to share this week! Check out The Crow Lord by J.M. Failde!

The Crow Lord is the first book in J.M. Failde's The Vampires of Malvania series. Readers who love a good vampire romance with a twisted ending, y'all are not going to want to miss out on this book.

When an author chooses to start a story off with a chase scene, understand you have my full and undivided attention. Lila, the main character of this story, is on the run. She's being chased, and the question immediately arises - is this a "life or death" chase? Or a "being hunted" chase? It doesn't take long for the author to let you know which kind of chase it is. Though to be fair, with vampires any chase could quickly turn life or death. These just like to play with their food first.

Lila is looking for her brother Marcus. He's gone missing. The vampires would have her believe that he had run away. But would he? Really? Would he have been able to manage to escape their clutches long enough to make it till daybreak when they are forced to return to their manor? Especially when you get the comparison between him and Lila. It comes off more that Lila might be able to pull something along those lines off, but Marcus not so much.

Things take a twist though when Lila does manage to wriggle away from the Vipers and gain entrance to the Crow lord's manor. What does that mean? Does it mean that she's now safe? Not a chance. Please, contain your shock. Where would the fun be if she was?! But prepare for some more twists. The Crow Lord seems "decent" enough until he says to toss her back out. Yes, cue jaw-drop. But! But!! Those others!!! Daybreak is coming, but they could still be close! Turns out, this old vampire knows how to play the game of manipulation.

So, now Lila owes him 5 favors of his choosing, and there's one more caveat. Can you guess what it is? Well, you're going to have to read, because I'm not telling. LOL!

This book is quickly engaging and draws you in the deeper you go. Lila and Ambrose strike up a relationship that seems one-sided in the beginning, but it develops over the book. Lila begins to discover just exactly who she is. Her concern for her missing brother rides her, but for now, she has to focus on staying alive. Because otherwise, what good is she to him if she's dead? While she may be under the Crow Lord's protection, she is still deep in the Viper's nest.

The romance blossoms nicely in this book. It takes a bit of time, but it's worth the wait. Honestly depending on the book, slow-burn romances tend to lead to more intense drama. Enemies-to-lovers is the perfect defining element to this book and stokes the fires between the characters beautifully.

Prepare for an ending that will leave you with mixed feelings. You're going to feel sadness, a touch of humor (due to the dramatics), and angst. Stay calm. It's all going to be okay. The author is simply setting the stage for the next book because things can't end like this!! They just can't! So, I'll just be sitting here (im)patiently waiting for the second book in this series. You're welcome to join me. LOL!

Love vampires? Love a good enemies-to-lovers book? Love family secrets and tons of drama? Then this is the book and series for you!

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, J.M. Failde, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next.

The Crow Lord (The Vampires of Malvania Book 1)

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

Genre: Vampire Romantasy

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🖤 Enemies-to-Lovers
🩸 Who Did this to You?!
🖤 Vampire/ Human
🩸 Forced Proximity
🖤 One Bed
🩸 Good Girl
🖤 Touch Her and I’ll Unalive You!

“What will you give me?” His voice again was like melted gold. Like a whisper in the bedroom. “Anything.”

Malvania is broken into four manors ruled by vampire: the Viper Morada, the Arachnid Estate, the Maggot Mansion, and the Crow Court. After escaping the cruel and malicious Viper siblings in search of her brother, Lila Bran finds herself caught in the gaze of the Crow Lord himself, Ambrose Draven.

Beyond her better judgment, Lila strikes a bargain with Ambrose, five favors in exchange for safety. But when she ends up back in the hands of the Vipers, can she trust the Crow Lord to save her despite her desire to hate him?

Now, Lila must discover more to Ambrose Draven than his title as the Monster of Malvania in order to save her brother and fulfill her half of the bargain. As she fights to survive, she uncovers the truth behind her lineage, ancient vampire secrets, and the heart of a monster.

(Note: This book contains mature language, themes, and content that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised.)

Available on Amazon and Free for KU

About the Author

J. M. Failde spent just over one hundred fortnights rigorously studying the complexities of the English language at Florida International University. While she is not conjuring up stories, she can be found searching for el chupacabra, befriending the ghost in her house, or dying her hair a new shade of blue. Failde currently resides in her gothic manor on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, with her partner, Mike, and her familiar—the round but feisty calico cat, Maki.

J.M. Failde