Dhampira, Amy Pennza (Review by Skylar Wetzel)

If you’re a reader venturing into romantasy, but you like your romance books a little spicier or why choose, then I would absolutely point you towards Dhampira by Amy Pennza. I want to be very clear that this is not a love triangle, and there are some very dark moments, but with how Pennza intertwines all the characters and love stories, you will want all the men! The chemistry and tension between the characters is off the charts, and I love when an author can write why choose in a way that each of the characters’ different pieces all seem to fit together and create something whole and beautiful. It certainly helps that one of the men is the beefy captain of the guard and the other is the old rival king turned moody lord. Oh, they also hate each other. This book was definitely a fun time, and the magic system was refreshingly unique. There was a bit of inherited magic, and also gained powers. 

Corinthe was born and lives in the human land as a half vampire with her mother. When a peddler visits her small town and accidentally reveals her heritage, she is captured and swept away to be sold at an auction. Corinthe is bought by a knight from the magical realm and told she will be taken across to the brutal king of that land. I think it’s better to go into the book with less background information and a bit blind. As Corinthe journeys through the book, you, as the reader, also begin to learn all the secrets and connections forming. It leads to a lot of exciting plot reveals and an epic ending. It shocked me how every piece Pennza drops along the way seems to show up at the end.

Overall, I enjoyed this story, and I love love love the spicy why choose aspects. Be prepared for the heat!