Between Two Worlds reads like an action-packed anime just waiting to break your heart. Being jaded by much of modern fantasy literature, I thought I knew where this story was going when I first picked it up, but I was wrong.

At first glance it plays pretty close to the expected YA sci-fantasy tropes—ordinary orphan kid accidentally gets powers and becomes a "bridge" between a superior magical race (the kindred) and ho-hum humankind. He also falls in love with a beautiful kindred girl from an elite kindred lineage, and there is the bad-guy side of the kindred that looks down on humankind and plots genocide. But after following the pattern 3/4ths of the way through, BTW takes unexpectedly poignant, beautiful, sobering, heartwrenching turns in the final quarters of some of its plotlines. It was startling to encounter straightforward concepts with these rarer effects; it actually felt like I was reading something caught between two literary worlds.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Between Two Worlds (Book 1 of The Kindred Chronicles)

WOW. What an absolute leap from The Orphan Maker!
Vexed takes everything that worked in the first book—its lore, its atmosphere, its sharp writing—and amplifies it into something far more emotional, haunting, and resonant. The author's prose remains sharp and elegant, dripping with gothic tension and emotional urgency. Emilia Vasa, the outcast twin of a royal wendigo house, is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a while. She's bitter, brave, and heartbreakingly human despite her monstrous bloodline.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vexed (Book 2 of the Blood & Flesh Saga)

After reading Chan's Kindred series, I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed. But this was quite different from what I was expecting, and I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the romance, and the thrill and action and pace were all great. But what got me really gripping the pages were the author's signature gut-wrenching plot twists. The plot twists were nothing short of brilliant—completely unexpected yet seamlesly woven into the story, keeping me on edge until the very last page.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Of Love and Angels (Book 1 of the Herald Trilogy)

This book is so good, read in under a day because I could not put it down and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning. There is a lot that happens in this book, but the world building is fantastic. I love all the different species in the kindred world. My dream would be to see this animated into manga or anime so I could enjoy all the different qualities and looks of each individual.

Cliff hanger so I must get the next book soon! Definitely one to have a physical copy of.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Between Two Worlds (Book 1 of The Kindred Chronicles)

If you’re diving into “The Orphan Maker” by D.A. Chan, be prepared—you’re going to need more than just coffee. Maybe grab a beer too because this ride is going to leave you breathless. 🤯
This book is the definition of a page-turner. It’s fast-paced, so much so that you can devour it in one sitting. But here’s the catch—the adrenaline rush is so intense and short-lived, you’ll be left craving more, possibly yelling at the last page for book two.
The Orphan Maker isn’t your average vampire story. Forget about the brooding romance of Twilight or the teen angst of Vampire Academy. This is a brutal, unapologetically raw take on vampires—arguably one of the most convincing portrayals I’ve ever encountered. The action is relentless, keeping you on edge from start to finish.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Orphan Maker (Book 1 of the Blood & Flesh Saga)

An especially delightful (although somewhat bittersweet) treat is the fact that this author really knows how to twist the plot in ways that leaves his readers in a state of shock. I’ve read his other works and thought I would be able to predict where he was taking the story, only to be happily (yet tearfully) surprised once again. I shall eagerly (and fearfully) expect more of these beautiful tragedies in the third book! His signature battle scenes are still as exciting as ever, and the new dimensions to the characters are so refreshing. Also, his take on Atlantis is so unique that I wish he wrote more about it, but I think his intention was for the Sunken City to remain mysterious, which totally makes sense.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tides of War (Book 2 of The Kindred Chronicles)

I have no regrets picking up the third book the moment I saw it pop up on social media. And I can honestly say this one is far better than the first two combined. It’s just as thrilling and exciting as I hoped it would be, but also so much more HEARTBREAKING in the best way.
What really stood out to me is how much deeper we go into the Kindred world. There’s so much more to invest in now. Every chapter adds something new, whether it’s history, lore, or emotional weight, and it all just makes the story feel so real. The characters especially shine in this one. It no longer feels like we’re following a lead with supporting roles around them. Every character feels important. Every one of them has their moment, and it really feels like they all matter equally now.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gathering Storm (Book 3 of The Kindred Chronicles)

This part 4??? I don’t even know where to start. I’m so wrecked!! Like, I knew this series had pain, but nothing prepared me for what just happened. I loved this book SO MUCH, but also… why would the author do this to me?? I was literally sobbing into a pillow at 1am because my favorite character didn’t make it. AGAIN. I feel personally attacked now. It’s like every time I fall in love with someone in this series, the author is like “oh you like this character? sorry but nope.” I’m actually convinced now that he enjoys watching me suffer 😭
But here’s the thing, I’m still obsessed. I wish I wasn’t, but I am. The emotional investment is too real. I seriously can’t stop reading because it’s just so GOOD. The ending?? Ugh. It gave me everything I wanted but also left me panicking. Like yes, it was satisfying and finally they got what they’ve worked so hard for and all that, but it also felt like there’s a scary warning in the end.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shifting Sands (Book 4 of The Kindred Chronicles)