Review: A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal

White Roaring is sharpening its fangs after the deadly night that left the city in shambles. The press are dead, the public calls for justice, vampires are in danger, and amid the turmoil, the Ram announces a celebration.

Still reeling from the bloodshed, Arthie Casimir has no time to mourn the death of anyone, let alone her own. She has no time for love, either, but it had saved her life. As Arthie navigates new emotions and new allies, she must reassemble her scrambled crew and scrape what little they have left to fight one last time – and she will need to face the ghosts of her past to do it.

In Ceylan.

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📌 Disclaimer: I received an e-arc for review from the publisher  
📌 Publication date: 25/09/2025

A Steeping of Blood was one of my most anticipated sequels of the year, and it did not disappoint! It was a brilliant follow up and conclusion to Arthie's story. 

I loved everything about this sequel. From the growing bond between the found family, the development of the relationships (especially Arthie and Flick, so cute!), to Flick coming into her own, and Arthie making some much needed realisations.

It's more than just a fantasy book - it tackles colonialism, prejudice, and oppression. Arthie has to confront her past and return to her country of birth, Ceylan (a colonised modern day Sri-Lanka.) As with the first book the chapters were short and told from the POV of three of the main characters, with the added bonus of Matteo's POV (which as someone who was intrigued by his character in the first book, I loved!). There was nonstop action, which kept the story moving with no boring moments. 

There was also the perfect amount of romantic tension from both couples, though Arthie and spoiler were by far my favourite. Right from the start there was romantic yearning galore. 

The ending was bitter sweet, and unfortunately the bitter part is what kept this from a being a five star for me. 

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