“Bloodlust, and the Rise of the Iliri series as a whole, will blow you mind, break your heart, and build you back up, new and changed. It’s one of my favorite reads of all time, and Auryn has a place as one of my all time favorite authors.” -Kristen Banet, author of the Amazon bestselling Redemption Saga series. “Auryn Hadley’s groundbreaking Rise of the Iliri is the most riveting fantasy series … groundbreaking Rise of the Iliri is the most riveting fantasy series ever! Up all night for 3 nights.” -Zoe Parker, Amazon bestselling author of the Facets of Feyrie series.
It’s a treacherous road to belonging—and once you find it, you could lose everything.
In an exotic world caught in the throes of a seemingly endless war, a nation of terrorists under the thumb of an evil Emperor has set out to systematically destroy every race but their own. And they’re just about to succeed. Lauded fantasy author Auryn Hadley (The Demons’ Muse romantic fantasy series) compellingly blends heart-stopping action-adventure, heart-breaking ethics, and toe-curling sensuality, all through the lens of a Daenerys Targaryen-esque lead—the likes of which the fantasy genre hasn’t yet seen.
When you were once a slave, freed only to become a ruthless warrior, “belonging” seems a trite concept. A pipe dream, the stuff of naive fairy tales. But not for Salryc Luxx. Private Luxx—Sal for short—is iliri, a member of an untamable race surreptitiously dubbed “their kind” by humans and bred thousands of years ago to protect them. Humans consider them expendable, barely more than animals. Freaks. But in a karmic twist of fate, they’re also one of mankind’s most feared predators. Abused and enslaved, the only control Sal has over her life is what military unit she serves with – if she’s good enough to be accepted – and the only one to consider her is the best in the land, the Black Blades.
Everyone has secrets, and the Blades are no different. But acceptance into the Blades gives Sal something she never expected—the family she’s never had, and with it, the undying protection of seven of the greatest warriors the world has ever seen. It also gifts her a devoted line of potential mates. Many of her fellow warriors will submit to the bloodlust that overtakes her in the heat of battle and can only be quenched by rough, passionate lovemaking (making way for the steamiest of love scenes). Though it’s not all war and sex. Sal very gradually cultivates deeply loving, evolving relationships with each of the Black Blades, which morphs as a unit into a reverse harem as sweet as it is fierce, and as protective as it is impassioned.
But belonging has its own price. Each of the Blades would die to protect Sal. And it’s only a matter of time before the enemy moves to use this against her.
Author Hadley has crafted a unique epic fantasy—and an absolute roller coaster of emotions. Her heroine, Sal, is as loving as she is ferocious, and the demons she battles—and the way she beats them—underlie a delicate exploration of the ethical and political battles we face in every war we fight. Hadley’s clever takes on racial prejudice are subtle, yet damning—and her idea of sexual politics is a rip-roaring turn-on. Every female reader will want to be Sal… and every male, like the guys in the book, will fall for her.
The first book in the Rise of the Iliri series. BloodLust does not end with a cliffhanger. It does contain adult themes, thus may not be suitable for younger readers. Due to the subject matter of this series, be aware of triggers for racial injustice, persecution, and various forms of discrimination. Like with many complex stories, things do not start out in a happy place.
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I am late to the party with this book but so glad I read it. I love love love this story. Totally original and unique. I can’t say enough amazing things about it. 5 stars. I have immediately downloaded book 2. I’m just sorry it took me this long to start.
Rise of the Illiri quickly became one of my favorite series. Auryn Hadley had me binging this entire series, all seven books out, in less than a week. The world building is in depth and clear, the iliri are amazing, a unique addition to the literary world, and the story hits home for everything I love in books.
I am not a big fan of fantasy books, and so while I had heard wonderful things about this book and the blurb sounded interesting, i kept putting off reading this book. But once I took the plunge, It drew me in. I have since re-read Bloodlust and the rest of the Iliri series about 4 times. Each time I read the story I see connections I missed before. Sal is a strong, yet at times vulnerable MC. I like how everyone is so connected and supported, even as just friends. I like how each of the characters brings something necessary to the Blades/pack. Hadley takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, and I am so glad I went along for the ride.
This book kept me wondering the whole time. The iliri series is a connected series following an individual and the group of characters that surround her.
The author manages to give the lead a lot of relatable attributes, including making questionable decisions. The conflict is well thought out, the cast of personalities will draw you in and keep you guessing. The story has intrigue, suspense, some romance and some pig-headedness. If you pick it up I highly recommend reading the whole series. It’s a very interesting ride.
You ever read a series and almost fell like it’s life changing? Like you feel like that’s the real world and the actual world around you doesn’t fit you anymore? Yeah, that’s what this series did to me. This series has now been lodged in my number one series of all time. It’s got me feeling like how an I supposed to just go back to reading regular books now? I need my brain fully engaged in a world like this series gave me. I couldn’t recommend this series more… Plus you’ll wish you had kitten (or puppy) ears by the end of it lol
I love this book. It is a pleasant surprise. A lot of reverse harems don’t have much of a story. It gets lost in the relationships between partners. That doesn’t happen here. This is a great story that is full of action and adventure. There’s a war going on and Sal is learning how to become part of a special unit while she’s also learning who she really is. I was absorbed from start to finish. Stayed up til 6am to finish the book
Just read it already!
I can’t be impartial when it comes to Auryn’s writing. I *loved* this book, and I love that there are ten more, already published, for me to read.
Don’t wait like I did. Grab it today and read it next. You can thank me in your review 🙂
excellent, relatable characters, a unique clever world, epic story that just sucks you in.
One the most epic series I have ever had the honor of reading. Fantastic!
Ahhh the world of Illiri, if you haven’t dipped into this world, do yourself a favor and get this book. The character development and storyline is beyond great. You will be forced to grow as a reader in the best of ways. You will fall in love and have no choice but to go on an epic journey with Sal.
While she is an independent writer, you will be hard pressed to find better paranormal fantasy.
I absolutely Love this series.
Absolutely the best RH I have read! This is my favorite series. The characters jump off the pages and their lives are so enthralling. The story is awesome!!
I love Auryn Hadley, I wished I could be her!
Wow what a unique and amazing story!!
I love how strong yet vulnerable Sal is, and her different relationships to her Black Blade team mates.
While I got a little frustrated with Blaec at times, I want more of Jase!
Can’t wait to start the next book!
Great world-building! The concept of predator society has been done before, but seldom so entertainingly. Started book 1; bought the series. Hoping for book 8 and more.
Book 1 in series. First read by this author
Well I stumbled across this book being discussed in one of my book groups on face book and all I can say is
I didn’t have a clue what this was about so went into reading it completely blind other than having a quick look at the cover.
I was not expecting a total kick ass heroine in sal
A bunch of pretty cool dudes aka the black blades
My love for Blanc to grow and almost be smooshed out by his stupidity
My love for jace from the moment we meet him and the pain I felt for him each time Sal declaired her love for the obviously sometime oxygen deprived blanc…. ( it’s ok jase, she don’t get you like I got you babe)
So much action and sword fighting and blood, it made me want to go and swashbuckle my way through an army ( ok I went and got snacks from the kitchen instead )
And a total kick ass story to boot!!!
Yeah I wasn’t expecting any of that…. which was fantastic because this book is fantastic and it made my inner book worm totally happy dance ( and a little blood thirsty )
I will defiantly be reading more from this series and this author.
OMG! This book totally reminds me why I love Sci-fi/fantasy so much! Loved it. Couldn’t put it down! Want more!
So glad I read this! I highly recommend this series. I love how these characters respond to prejudice!