Step into the spellbinding world of Blood and Salt, where forbidden love, political intrigue, and supernatural battles collide in a fantasy romance that’s impossible to put down! Alexis Calder’s gripping series transports readers to Athos, the last human city, where a fierce heroine named Ara fights to protect her people from fae, vampires, and dragons. With its enemies-to-lovers romance and richly imagined world, Blood and Salt is a must-read for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Sarah J. Maas.
Blending heart-pounding action with sizzling chemistry, the series follows Ara’s journey as she grapples with her growing connection to Ryvin, a dangerous fae leader who should be her enemy. It’s a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifices that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
How Blood and Salt Began
Alexis Calder, a Rockies-based author with a knack for crafting sassy heroines and sarcastic heroes, launched the Blood and Salt series in 2023 with Kingdom of Blood and Salt. Inspired by her love for fantasy and romance, Calder wanted to create a world where human resilience clashes with supernatural power. Her goal was to weave a slow-burn romance with high-stakes adventure, drawing readers into a story that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Calder’s vivid imagination and coffee-fueled writing sessions gave birth to Athos, a city teetering on the edge of war. The series’ inception reflects her passion for exploring complex relationships and moral gray areas, making Blood and Salt a standout in the romantasy genre.
The Heart of Blood and Salt
The Blood and Salt series spans four captivating books, each building on Ara’s quest to save Athos and navigate her tangled feelings for Ryvin. Kingdom of Blood and Salt (2023) introduces Ara, a trained defender, as she confronts Ryvin and uncovers secrets that threaten her world. Court of Vice and Death (2023) deepens the stakes, plunging Ara into the treacherous fae court where survival is a deadly game. Crown of Stars and Fate (2024) shifts alliances and tests loyalties, while Queen of Serpents and Shadows (2024) delivers a thrilling conclusion filled with action and romance.
The series shines with its enemies-to-lovers trope, infused with slow-burn tension and mature spice that escalates across the books. Themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice weave through a world of fae, vampires, shifters, and dragons, creating a vivid backdrop for Ara’s growth. Calder’s writing is approachable yet evocative, balancing court intrigue, magical battles, and heartfelt moments with a sprinkle of sarcasm that keeps the tone lively.
Athos itself is a character, a gritty human stronghold surrounded by supernatural threats. The series’ blend of political maneuvering and forbidden romance appeals to readers who crave both action and emotional depth, making every book a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Why Blood and Salt Resonates
Blood and Salt has carved a niche in the romantasy genre, captivating fans with its fierce heroine and morally complex characters. Readers praise Ara’s strength and Ryvin’s allure, with many devouring the series for its unpredictable plot and steamy romance. The series’ exploration of trust and betrayal resonates deeply, offering a fresh take on familiar fantasy tropes.
Though still growing in popularity, Blood and Salt has sparked enthusiastic reviews on platforms like Goodreads, where fans celebrate its world-building and emotional intensity. Its ability to balance gritty action with heartfelt romance ensures it lingers in readers’ minds, cementing Calder’s place as a rising star in fantasy romance.
- Publication Years: 2023–2024
- Number of Books: 4
- Genres: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
Ready to dive into a world of fae, forbidden love, and epic battles? Grab Kingdom of Blood and Salt and lose yourself in the thrilling Blood and Salt series today!