Zeraphina has managed to keep her secret cravings well hidden so it comes as a surprise that when she arrives at the northern court chief advisor Rodden appears to know just what she is hiding. Of course in this fantasy world the south is cold and the north is warm and tropical – a perfectly normal state of affairs for those of us from down under. When a proposal of marriage comes from the north for her older sister Lilith, Zeraphina urges her sister to go and promises to accompany her. There is a very dark edge to the story, despite the witty repartee and laugh out loud scenes, something in the north is not very nice but it is calling seductively to Zeraphina. I loved Zeraphina, she is a really strong character (although sometimes she is just a plain stroppy and stubborn teen) who has a suspicion that her craving for blood may not be something she should share, so keeps it secret from her mother and sister. My Thoughts: BLOOD SONG came recommended by my oldest daughter, and she gave me this copy to read after I read her review and demanded it. Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she’s to uncover the truth – but what if the truth is beyond her worst nightmares? So when the king’s advisor, Rodden, seems to know more about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find out more. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess. Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Blurb: When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina’s only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated.

Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart