This was such a fun and steamy read! I absolutely loved The Phantom Noctis by Dahlia Jade! The relationship between Lyssara and Kaius was so refreshing! Like, what do you mean the main characters flirt with each other and are communicative and fairly healthy and nice with one another? What do you mean the banter is positive and fun? I just loved this! I loved that Lyssara went from wary to wow, this vampire is hot as fuck and I cannot wait to ride him. I loved that Kaius never underestimated Lyssara, but also didn’t force her to face anything alone. They were just sexy and fun and flirty.
The side characters were great and it feels like they have such an important role to play in the future. Perseus? The love of my life! Strong, fast, and sexy as hell. He’s such a good guy, that I really hope he stays a good guy as the story goes on. Perseus is an ACTUAL friend with benefits, instead of someone that yearns for more. Lyssara and his relationship feels deep, and sweet. Same with Nike. The author gives us queer representation that is seamless. It just seems like oh yeah this is what it is and isn’t a big deal, which I appreciate it. I hate when books treat queer folk as a spectacle. Like, just let it be normal.
Plot-wise, this was so incredibly relatable! The absolute fury Lyssara has is so justified. Forced to spend a century as a meat puppet while rich men controlled her body is so gut-wrenching. There is a deep desperation to never have that happen again, and when provided with an opportunity to safeguard herself, while also getting a bit of vengeance? Of course Lyssara takes it! Though, it does seem to take cajoling, which makes sense. That deep seated fear that can only come with systemic abuse is such a hard thing to shake off. We see her deal with the mental affects of those years of abuse and it is treated so well and realistically.
Then, there’s the worldbuilding! There is so much history that gets touched upon that I cannot wait to continue delving into the lore and background. I want to know more about the Nymesians, and how did humans get to be top dog? Give me the secrets of the Duskthorns! I want to know more about the moons, and how all of the species interacted before falling to the yoke of old, rich men. We get enough in this book that I feel confident we’ll learn more because you can definitely feel that the author knows it. She knows the intricacies of this world that she’s crafted and I’m excited to learn more.
100%, pick up The Phantom Noctis by Dahlia Jade! It is so well written and refreshing, I cannot wait to keep reading more! And! There was so much I wanted to talk about that I never even got to get into the sultry feedings (hello, this IS a vampire novel) and the vampire burlesque sex club. Yes, this has it all.
