🩸 Book Review: Born in Blood: A Broken Bloodlines Origin Story by Sadie Kincaid (Kindle Edition, Broken Bloodlines #0.5)
A dark, seductive origin story steeped in immortality, vengeance, and transformation—Sadie Kincaid sets the stage for her vampire romantasy series with a novella that’s as intense as it is intriguing.
🧠 Overview
Published in December 2024, Born in Blood is a 58-page prequel novella to the Broken Bloodlines trilogy. It introduces readers to Alastair Thorne, a self-indulgent rake in Georgian England whose reckless lifestyle catches up with him—until he’s offered a choice: death or immortality.
Enter Alexandros Drakos, a mysterious and powerful vampire who sees something in Alastair worth saving—or reshaping. What follows is a transformation not just of body, but of purpose, as Alastair begins his journey into the dark and dangerous world of the undead.
🧛 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🩸 Immortality vs. morality: Alastair’s choice forces him to confront what it means to live forever—and what he must sacrifice
- 🕰️ Historical fantasy setting: Georgian England adds richness and atmosphere to the vampire lore
- 🔥 Dark romance undertones: The chemistry between Alastair and Alexandros simmers beneath the surface
- 🧬 Series foundation: Sets up key characters and emotional stakes for the Broken Bloodlines trilogy
“Alastair may have just messed with the wrong fair maiden… and his life is about to be cut violently short. That is, until he comes face to face with the enigmatic stranger who’s been watching him from afar.” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.11/5 from over 1,000 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the novella’s atmospheric writing, spicy tension, and character depth
- 🧾 Some felt the story was too short or rushed, wishing for more insight into Alastair’s past and emotional arc
- 💬 “Axl has been one of my favorites through this whole series so far! And his backstory is intense and beautiful all at the same time.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At under 60 pages, it’s a quick read—best approached as a teaser for the full trilogy
- 📚 Series continuity: Works as a standalone origin story but is richer when read alongside the Broken Bloodlines novels
- 🔞 Mature themes: Includes violence, seduction, and morally grey characters—recommended for adult readers
🏁 Final Verdict
Born in Blood is a moody, seductive origin tale that introduces the vampire world of Broken Bloodlines with flair and emotional weight. Sadie Kincaid blends historical drama with paranormal intrigue, making this Kindle edition a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and romantasy with bite.
