To Bleed a Crystal Bloom cover art

To Bleed a Crystal Bloom

Crystal Bloom, Book 1

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To Bleed a Crystal Bloom

By: Sarah A. Parker
Narrated by: Chelsea Stephens, Troy Duran
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About this listen

"What a pretty flower to keep locked in a big, rocky tower."

Nineteen years ago, I was plucked from the heart of a bloody massacre that spared nobody else.

Small. Fragile. An enigma.

Now ward to a powerful High Master who knows too much and says too little, I lead a simple life, never straying from the confines of an imaginary line I've drawn around the castle grounds.

Stay within. Never leave.

Out there, the monsters lurk. Inside, I'm safe...though at a cost far greater than the blood I drip into a goblet daily. Toxic, unreciprocated love for a man who's utterly unavailable.

My savior. My protector.

My almost executioner.

I can't help but be enamored with the arcane man who holds the power to pull my roots from the ground. When voracious beasts spill across the land and threaten to fray the fabric of my tailored existence, the petals of reality will peel back to reveal an ugly truth. But in a castle puddled with secrets, none are greater than the one I've kept from myself.

No tower is tall enough to protect me from the horror that tore my life to shreds.

To Bleed a Crystal Bloom is a dark Rapunzel reimagining full of immersive imagery and breathtaking angst.

©2022 Sarah A. Parker (P)2022 Podium Audio Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy Fiction Romance Mythology Paranormal
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I think I would have been hooked on this story if the main female character isn't in love with a father figure who saved her at 2yrs old. it's just awkward and I couldn't get past that relationship oddity especially in the spicy scenes.

dark romance fantacy

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Loved the narration and the story! Just enough twist and intrigue to keep you engaged

loved this

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I really enjoyed this story and the audio performances from Chelsea and Troy! I was so captivated by Laith and how as a young maturing woman takes steps into independence from being sheltered. Over coming a lot of her fears and making decisions on her own was huge, and the cliffhanger of more secrets I can’t wait to see what book two has in-stored! I wonder if this Guardian to lovers will happen between them … will Royden finally open his harden heart to laith? What are the motives of Kane? Political or purely interested in laith … Thank you Sarah for this dark intriguing and amazing story.

Not what I expected!

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There is little reward in listening to a tale of abuse. Not sure about this book nor where the author is going with the plot. If the second book is much the same I would give it a miss.

A sorry tale

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There is so much waffle in this book that it's hard to pay attention to the story - it has potential but there's just so much internal monologue that's not really character or world building that could have been edited out. I found the romanced pair cringy and toxic, though I believe this is what the author is going for. The MC is very immature and doesn't really have much growth, every decision she makes is out of spite and thus doesn't lend to much character development. I hope that this is all a set up for her to see the outside world, grow up a lot and face the reality that the man she loves is abusive and that she can choose her own path. I doubt this is where the author is going with this but tbh they set up way more interesting relationships with side characters so the potential is there for this story to blossom into something that explores coming of age after being sheltered and groomed. Lots of mystery has been set up and could lend to good pay-off but this book didn't really give enough for me to be excited for more. Would be interested to see how this author grows because they have great potential with the way they world build but they just aren't quite there with making it as engaging as it could be. Narration was fine but was boring at times but I believe this was more related to the material than the performances.

Has potential but falls flat

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While the book moved at a glacial pace, the story and characters kept me going back for more. It finished strong, and I look forward to continuing the story in book 2.

To Bleed a Crystal Bloom

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I thought at the beginning this book was co created with AI. The reason why I say this is because the book was clunky in parts with over the top with descriptions of things to the minute detail. However, I kept reading it. I don't judge a book by its cover. ah, yes. Bad joke.

Nevertheless, I did give the whole book a go because I'm a fan of Troy Durant with whom, I hope he's escalated into other genres. No matter how appealing his voice is to hear. That too was a slight disappointment. I don't think he featured enough in this novel regarding the make roles, especially the main male character.

Although, I'm sounding like a Debbie downer. I did actually really like the story line and the mystery of the main female character and why she is so coveted?

It's intrigued me enough to get the next two books of this series to listen to. Go 'Whispersync and Kindle Unlimited' my saviours! It's worth the extra money per month to get it. It pays off in droves if you are an avid reader or listener like me. 👍🏻

Overall, it's a once only read but that's my own opinion. Until I read the other two, I'll stay positive. For a debut book (I'm guessing?). Well done Sarah and all that made this happen. I'm impressed all the same. Thank you :)

I couldn't make up my mind if whether I liked or not?! ha!

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Thick with symbolism, poetic language and an unreliable narrator—clues are woven through this story give a sense that all is not as it seems. So gripping, can’t wait to continue the series!

Brilliant dark fantasy romance

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Book was narrated wonderfully by the voice actors.

This book sets up the world and introduces us to the characters in a beautiful way.

Looking forward to listening to the next ones.

Beautiful start to an excellent series

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I was initially put off by other reviews, but it’s really a lovely (and heartbreaking) tale with all the makings of a good series ahead. Mostly, the characters are likeable and the tension between them is understandable. Looking forward to the next book

Glad I listened

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