The Dark in Her Veins by M.K. Lobb

On By TracyIn First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Dark in Her Veins (Divine Villains, 1)The Dark in Her Veins by M.K. Lobb

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Series: Divine Villains #1

Release Date: August 25, 2026

Talin Keller is a hired sinner whose role in Valestadt places her between survival, violence, and loyalty to the Prophet who employs her. She carries the physical consequences of the sins she commits through Bloodrot, which makes her position both dangerous and unstable. Gabriel, the city’s revered Prophet, uses religious authority and public devotion to maintain power while keeping his own hands clean. Slade, also known as the Warden, serves as a darker opposing force whose connection to Gabriel complicates Talin’s mission. The characters operate in a morally corrupt world where self-preservation, manipulation, and hidden motives shape their relationships and decisions.

The plot follows Talin as she navigates a city where sin leaves a visible and deadly mark on the body, creating a system where the powerful can hire others to absorb the cost of their wrongdoing. Her work for Gabriel leads her toward Slade, a figure tied to rumors, danger, and the possibility of freedom from both Gabriel’s control and the worsening Bloodrot. As Talin moves between the brothers, the story develops through shifting alliances, revelations about her past, and a larger conspiracy connected to Valestadt’s religious and political structure. The narrative blends dark fantasy, violence, corruption, and supernatural consequences while building toward an unresolved ending meant to continue the story.

Overall, this book had an interesting concept, especially with the idea that sin could physically deteriorate the body, but it did not fully work for me. I did not like the first-person POV which made the story feel harder to follow and less cohesive. I also found the cliffhanger ending frustrating because so much felt unresolved in the final pages. The romance was another major issue for me because it came across as more of a niche / fetish-driven dynamic than a traditional romance, which made it difficult for me to connect with the relationship. So, while the premise had potential, and I am sure there are many readers who would enjoy this book, it was not for me, I felt the characters, pacing, and romantic development kept me from becoming fully invested and left me with no desire to read the next book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

For Services Rendered by Will Thomas

On By BarbaraIn OtherLeave a comment

For Services Rendered: A Barker & Llewelyn Novel

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Series: Barker & Llewelyn #17
Publication Date: 8/18/26
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 312

It was a pleasure to sit down and listen to Anthony Ferguson’s smooth, mellifluous delivery of Will Thomas’ latest Barker & Llewelyn novel. The pacing was just right, and the distinct voices he gives each character felt almost like old friends saying, “Welcome back!”

If you’ve followed the series, you’ll know that Cyrus Barker’s missionary parents moved the family to China when he was very young. Through a tragic set of circumstances, Barker finds himself orphaned, alone, and fending for himself in China. Because of his background, Chinese characters, history, and events have been woven into many of the books in this series. This story was particularly interesting to me because it features a very young Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and incorporates a fictionalized account of some of his real-life events. He isn’t the entire focus of the story, but he is a major part of it, and I loved that aspect of the book.

I would categorize this book as more of an action/adventure than a traditional mystery because we know who the bad guys are from the very beginning. What we don’t know is how Barker and Llewelyn will outsmart them and save Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, along with several of Barker’s good friends and associates who escaped from China with him. They all have something else in common: the Chinese government has placed a sizable bounty on their heads. And yes, I mean literally—their heads!

This is probably my favorite book in the series so far. It is fast-paced and features some of the deadliest villains Barker and Llewelyn have faced. They not only have to contend with the brutish and deadly Chinese Imperial guards, but also a cunning and dangerous villain—or two—from a previous book. And imagine their shock when a dead man shows up at one of their favorite restaurants…with Prince Albert!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with strong, compelling characters, plenty of action, and a mystery that keeps Barker and Llewelyn constantly on their toes. Anthony Ferguson’s narration makes this an especially enjoyable listen.

I voluntarily read/listened to an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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