Book review: Bloodfeud by Ben Galley

Title: Bloodfeud (The Scarlet Star Trilogy #3)
Author: Ben Galley
Release date: February 29th 2016
Publisher: BenGalley.com
Synopsis: The Bloodmoon has cut its crimson path across the sky, leaving both leech and lamprey reeling in its wake. 
With Rhin captured by Sift, and Lilain and Lurker left behind in Washingtown, Tonmerion Hark returns to London, where the fate of the empire lies with the devilish Lord Dizali. 
In his quest for revenge, the young Hark recruits an unlikely and dangerous ally. Together, they must outwit the barbarous Order and bring their greatest enemy to his knees.

Review: So here we are at the end of what has been an exciting road to travel down, and it is somewhat bittersweet that I write this because the series is now over (with the exception of some short stories to look forward to next year).

Book three brings us full circle for the ultimate showdown back in London after the events during the Bloodmoon. Whilst I don't want to cover old ground and sound like a broken record, I'm afraid I am and I will, especially if you are just coming to this review without knowledge of the series, this is need to know information. For the same reason I'm more than likely to dip back into thoughts of the series as a whole...So here we go

I'VE LOVED THESE BOOKS, let's juts get that out right off the bat. There is a great fluidity to the writing that drew me in and held me captive throughout. Everything is written very vividly with great description and wit. The characters are brought to life and built very strongly, so I became invested in and I had very fixed images of them in my mind. Merion has come a long way in the short space between Bloodrush and here and is much more assured of himself. Whilst he's such a young character he has developed this maturity so he feels much older than he is with this weight upon him. Though he is cocky as ever about it. Lurker and Lilian are, are really sweet character, especially together and remain their protective, yet feisty selves. Caladie is still a mixed bag for me. I really want to like her, but I also want to slap her and its a very conflicting feeling. One feeling that is not conflicted is for Dizali who is a **** and you just want to punch him. I see his as this tall slicked man with one of those faces that you could punch. We also got to see Victorious! The thing behind the voice.

It's funny because in previous reviews I'd said I 'd wanted to see more of London and then when i got it, I was missing America, because that was one of the thing that brought something different to the series. London here is dark and gritty, with a real juxtaposition between the poor and the rich ( what's changed eh). The poorer areas feel like dark windy streets and are perfect for secret magick deals.

Whats this!? Magick you say. Yes and what a creation. Vegetarians look away now. The magick system is possibly one of my favourites building on the idea of 'rushing' blood of animals that gives you powers reflective of said animal from across different spectrums; mammal, to reptiles; fish; insect and mythological creatures that together make up the scarlet star. The latter here actually provides a beautiful moment between Merion and Rhin and is a testament to their friendship.

There are always so many different strands woven in these books, so we get to travel with different perspectives, different vibes and we get to see a wider perspective of the world we're in, whether in the London or America that Merion travels though,  to Dizali's palace and the glimpses we get into the Fae world. And oh boy did I love the attack and rescue on the Fae capital Cela'h Dor. You could see it play out like a bond movie, and it was one of those tense moments where you're almost shouting at the book because you're so involved!

As a series I think my favourite has to be Bloodrush. There was just something about it, coming to a new series, the endless lands and the first epic battle that really got me hooked. I loved the cover, I loved everything about it and whilst the series has developed and grown so much I think I will always hold a place for that in my heart.

I cannot recommend this series enough and I can't wait to read more from ben ( there are at least 11 new books coming which has put my mind into overdrive). If you haven't ever read anything and you're looking for some great fantasy, I IMPLORE you to pick up Bloodrush or The Written and come on this adventure with me!