Title: Blood of Deception: Plots Arising
Author: Vincent G. Bivona
Publisher: Readers Magnet, LLC
ISBN: 1958030236
Pages: 174
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

Read Book Review

Dak’tari’s upbringing isn’t what you would call ordinary and neither was her birth. She was trained within a dark and deadly fortress, learning how to fulfill a single destiny planned out by a vengeful god. That destiny is soon set into motion as Dak’tari sets out to exact revenge against those that betrayed her god, but first she’ll have to make it through a dark underworld. Meanwhile, a dangerous threat looms in the distance, drawing together a ragtag group of individuals determined to prevent a threat on their home.

An eerie opening immediately sets up the tone of the world and a dark origin story for the brazen heroine Dak’tari. The scene is a prime example of the dark tone that carries throughout the story which is brought to life with rich descriptions. Vivid details bring elements such as inky blackness, black-clad figures, and serpentine tendrils are brought to life and are used to create this world. Specific word choices help to establish the dark motif such as using a silk cord (color of clotting blood) to offset a black outfit, barren mountains, and a pungent description of the scent of blood. The foundation of this dark fantasy world is violent with dangerous, bloody, and gory moments scattered throughout. This world is more than the darkness that it’s filled with but also common fantasy elements such as references to orcs and dragons. Gods have a significant place within this world with their own unique abilities that are reminiscent of gods found in various mythologies.

The gods also have a prominent place within Dak’tari’s story such as those that betrayed her beloved and the reason for her destiny. Their betrayal goes back to before her birth and serves as the catalyst for her entire journey. From the opening of the story, Dak’tari’s journey is laid out before you and casts a dark aura over her story. This moment has a profound effect on her later on and keeps her tied to her past. Her journey is rooted in destiny which is a classic theme from mythology which finds her as the one that exists to kill the gods. Dak’tari is a brazen character that was raised to defend herself and uses what she learns to keep herself alive. She has an interesting connection to the world that is explored in a unique way that sets up the conclusion and adds another layer to her character.

Striking a balance with Dak’tari’s perspective is that of Ma’rel who is introduced as being in the middle of this chaos and you see his agenda right from the beginning. Dak’tari’s birth is viewed from his perspective so it establishes how she’s seen by others from the moment she arrives. It’s interesting to see her journey start with so much out of her control and already set in motion as Ma’rel is facing the people’s opinion about whether or not she should have a future. He has his own plans which is a little ominous as he shares his plans to train her.

Magical elements are present throughout though the writing of these moments give a poignancy to the tone that adds a subtle dangerous beauty to the world such as the fear of losing one’s soul if they cross the window sill and become the mage’s slave. These moments give a little lightness within the darkness of the story which also allows the writing to be a little more grounded. Blood of Deception is a dark fantasy adventure that follows Dak’tari on a dangerous quest against the dark gods as she fulfills her destiny.

Brilliant with detail and palpitating with suspense, Blood of Deception: Plots Arising delivers a knuckle-hard plotline with an unforgettable set of characters. Vincent G. Bivona does a great job of opening the minds of readers and giving us a story we can fully embrace.  Bood of Deception has all the best traits of a dark mystery with a true crime vibe infused with fantasy. If you enjoy books full of intrigue and suspense, this will not disappoint. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes thrillers, dark fantasies and that will keep you guessing till the very end.