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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“We were all complex, and those who embraced all sides of themselves were often the strongest.”
The Trials of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia book 3) by Nicole Platania
Synopsis: The Curse of Ophelia is an epic fantasy series set in the warrior world fueled by magic and secrets, starring a badass protagonist Ophelia, who quests with her incredible found family to find her lost lover, but ends up discovering deadly political secrets among clans, bloodlines and Angels.
This third installment in this epic, thirsty and sizzling fantasy series DID NOT DISAPPOINT!👏🏻
Nicole is known for writing raw emotions that hits every nerve of your body with immense speed and this book is no exception. 🤌🏻
There were so many moments where I gasped, I was shocked, ached for characters and giggled like a child. The after war tragedies are portrayed so good, I almost shed a tear reading certain characters. The range of emotions in this book is most versatile. Earlier book had felt like a slice in the heart, but this one healed much of it and gave readers more to cling on to.
Along with mental health rep, this one significantly moved forward with the plot of the series as it was fast paced than earlier two. The last part of the book especially kept me on the edge; though I had expected more to untangle of the Angel secrets. The adventures the found family undertook were not just thrilling but nail bitingly dangerous. The found family angle in this book was most satisfying, seeing these characters bond and protect each other in times such as war and betrayals.
Newer territories, newer creatures and swoon worthy, buzzing romance(s) are what all made the book a delicious recipe one would want to devour. The writing is definitely dense, which felt a bit difficult to understand in the first go; but it’s only necessary in such a fiery fantasy tale where so many things were happening in a moment.
You would not want to miss this. It’s so good, you’ll only want to come back, as I do. It had been an absolute pleasure ARC reading Trials.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In the third book in the series, we are once again drawn into the story of Ophelia as she navigates the aftermath of the last book's tragedy and faces the challenges of leadership. As Ophelia grapples with the burdens of her past and the uncertainties of the future, she attempts to do what's best for her people and find hidden relics to thwart her enemies.
As we enter the third novel, all of the gang are struggling and have found vices to distract themselves. One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of its well-crafted characters and their relationships. They work to confront their fears, embrace their strengths, and learn to trust in themselves. The romances depicted are tender and heartfelt and bring much-needed softer emotion to the heavy character development.
Platania also excels in world-building, blending elements of mythology with her own imaginative creations to craft a rich and immersive setting. From the angelic lore to the intricate political intrigues, the world of The Trials of Ophelia is vividly depicted and brimming with detail.
Overall, The Trials of Ophelia is a captivating addition to the series, offering a blend of soft and spicy romance, lots of action, and intrigue. It has exceptional character work, which is always a big win for me.
Thanks to the lovely author for the copy. This review is my own thoughts and opinions based on the unfinished advance copy.
As we enter the third novel, all of the gang are struggling and have found vices to distract themselves. One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of its well-crafted characters and their relationships. They work to confront their fears, embrace their strengths, and learn to trust in themselves. The romances depicted are tender and heartfelt and bring much-needed softer emotion to the heavy character development.
Platania also excels in world-building, blending elements of mythology with her own imaginative creations to craft a rich and immersive setting. From the angelic lore to the intricate political intrigues, the world of The Trials of Ophelia is vividly depicted and brimming with detail.
Overall, The Trials of Ophelia is a captivating addition to the series, offering a blend of soft and spicy romance, lots of action, and intrigue. It has exceptional character work, which is always a big win for me.
Thanks to the lovely author for the copy. This review is my own thoughts and opinions based on the unfinished advance copy.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Rating: 5✨
Spice: 1.75🌶
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.
How does one get a book tattooed on their heart & their soul? Because this book has become my favorite book in this whole series so far. And this series is one of my top favorites of all time. This book had me hooked from beginning to end & I did not want it to end. I already miss the world, the characters, everything about this series. I cannot wait to continue this journey with the future books.
Nicole has masterfully shown the development of not only the main characters, but the side characters & their own journeys as well. The progression of the overall plot has also been flawless thus far, which just makes this series such an incredible read.
Ophelia is my Queen, my hero, MY BABY. One I will protect at all costs. Seriously, I was ready to somersault into this book & see if I could show up in this world & fight alongside her. Her growth throughout these three books has been perfection. And I've loved to see her step into her role as Revered, the way she is selfless & deeply cares for her people & the life they deserve to live. The trials she goes through in this book truly test her to her limits & the Ophelia that comes out on the other side is one that is the strongest & most powerful version of herself.
Tolek, my baby, my love, my HEART. I loved reading his POVs in this book because I just knew getting to see into his mind, his thoughts & emotions, would be such a wonderful experience. This man truly has a heart of gold, he loves wholly & deeply. He is selfless & deeply loyal. But we also see the Tolek behind the easy-going, swoon-worthy smiles & playful personality. Tolek has a past that still haunts him, one that causes pain & plants fears to make him believe he is not worthy of love, of happiness. His journey in this book was one I adore & hold close to my heart. Of him realizing he is perfect as he is & worthy of all of the happiness in the world. Owner of my heart I tell you!
Malakai, I feel like his growth from the beginning of the series until this book is the most satisfying to see. IT HAD ME CHEERING HIM ON & CLAPPING FOR HIM CONSTANTLY. From having emotions & trauma that were so strong, to the point they could be debilitating, to being a warrior that others look at as a leader... saying I'm proud of him isn't even enough. Malakai opened himself up to feel, feel everything & feel truly & deeply. And that isn't to say that he has fully healed, but he is on his way. And most importantly, he found parts of himself again in this book, who he used to be, but met a whole other side of himself as well. The Malakai he is shaping up to be is one I will forever support & adore.
Cypherion, Jezebel, Santorina, Barrett, Dax, Mila... without them, this book & series wouldn't be the masterpiece that it was. Each one of them, as well as other side characters in this book/series that I adore, bring so much more magic into it overall. Each have their own stories, journeys & trials. Their own developments have also had me tearing up with pride & filling my heart with joy because they truly make you feel a feeling of comfort, of family & love. They truly are the heart & soul of this group, of this family & our main characters wouldn't be the same without them. They truly hold an essential role in this overall story.
This book was such an incredibly epic experience & also one that took my heart on a whole rollercoaster ride. The writing truly had me fully immersed in this world & the story, to the point where I felt I could see, hear, feel & experience everything. You MUST go on this journey & start this book as soon as it releases or this series as a whole if you haven't already. I whole-heartedly, 100% recommend it. 💙
Spice: 1.75🌶
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.
How does one get a book tattooed on their heart & their soul? Because this book has become my favorite book in this whole series so far. And this series is one of my top favorites of all time. This book had me hooked from beginning to end & I did not want it to end. I already miss the world, the characters, everything about this series. I cannot wait to continue this journey with the future books.
Nicole has masterfully shown the development of not only the main characters, but the side characters & their own journeys as well. The progression of the overall plot has also been flawless thus far, which just makes this series such an incredible read.
Ophelia is my Queen, my hero, MY BABY. One I will protect at all costs. Seriously, I was ready to somersault into this book & see if I could show up in this world & fight alongside her. Her growth throughout these three books has been perfection. And I've loved to see her step into her role as Revered, the way she is selfless & deeply cares for her people & the life they deserve to live. The trials she goes through in this book truly test her to her limits & the Ophelia that comes out on the other side is one that is the strongest & most powerful version of herself.
Tolek, my baby, my love, my HEART. I loved reading his POVs in this book because I just knew getting to see into his mind, his thoughts & emotions, would be such a wonderful experience. This man truly has a heart of gold, he loves wholly & deeply. He is selfless & deeply loyal. But we also see the Tolek behind the easy-going, swoon-worthy smiles & playful personality. Tolek has a past that still haunts him, one that causes pain & plants fears to make him believe he is not worthy of love, of happiness. His journey in this book was one I adore & hold close to my heart. Of him realizing he is perfect as he is & worthy of all of the happiness in the world. Owner of my heart I tell you!
Malakai, I feel like his growth from the beginning of the series until this book is the most satisfying to see. IT HAD ME CHEERING HIM ON & CLAPPING FOR HIM CONSTANTLY. From having emotions & trauma that were so strong, to the point they could be debilitating, to being a warrior that others look at as a leader... saying I'm proud of him isn't even enough. Malakai opened himself up to feel, feel everything & feel truly & deeply. And that isn't to say that he has fully healed, but he is on his way. And most importantly, he found parts of himself again in this book, who he used to be, but met a whole other side of himself as well. The Malakai he is shaping up to be is one I will forever support & adore.
Cypherion, Jezebel, Santorina, Barrett, Dax, Mila... without them, this book & series wouldn't be the masterpiece that it was. Each one of them, as well as other side characters in this book/series that I adore, bring so much more magic into it overall. Each have their own stories, journeys & trials. Their own developments have also had me tearing up with pride & filling my heart with joy because they truly make you feel a feeling of comfort, of family & love. They truly are the heart & soul of this group, of this family & our main characters wouldn't be the same without them. They truly hold an essential role in this overall story.
This book was such an incredibly epic experience & also one that took my heart on a whole rollercoaster ride. The writing truly had me fully immersed in this world & the story, to the point where I felt I could see, hear, feel & experience everything. You MUST go on this journey & start this book as soon as it releases or this series as a whole if you haven't already. I whole-heartedly, 100% recommend it. 💙
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Trials of Ophelia is the perfect combination of epic fantasy and epic romance. From gruesome battles to toe curling passion, every page catches your breath. After setting up riddled quests & a love story that has readers eager in anticipation, Nicole Platania executed the most exquisitely designed story of a woman set to lead & protect her people while falling in love with the man of our, I mean her, dreams. With multiple POVs Platania is able to capture each characters pain (there’s a lot of it) and identity so beautifully. If you’re a reader who enjoys a fluttering heart love story matched with an intense fantasy plot, I’m begging you to put The Curse of Ophelia series on your tbr.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the third book in the new adult romantasy series, The Curse of Ophelia. Book three picks up after the end of book two as Ophelia and her friends struggle with the aftermath of book two and set out on a quest. Tropes include prophecies, found family, slow burn, trauma/healing, who did this to you, and “good girl” (and a favorite micro-trope, nightmares).
The Lovely: I loved the characters (main and otherwise) and their relationships. And wow did those relationships, and what the characters were experiencing, pack an emotional punch. The stakes were higher, the tension was higher and, paired with the wild ride of a plot, I was a nervous wreck most of the book(in a good way).
The Mundane: While the pacing was much improved over books one and two, there were some long stretches of inner monologue. Although I could tell they were there to explain some backstory and lore/mythology, I felt like they could have been better conveyed by dialogue with other characters.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Recommendation: Thank you Nicole for providing this book for my review. All opinions are my own. I feel like each book in this series gets better and better, or at least I like each one more and more. The emotional impact hit me right in the heart, especially around the trauma and healing the characters worked through. I’m looking forward to a novella coming out later this year before book four. If you like new adult romantasy with amazing side characters, a love story and prophecies, I think you would like this book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
All that drama, and the story still isn't done?! Why, oh, why?!?! Okay, I know why but whhhyyyy???
Did I happily lose sleep reading this book? I absolutely did! And I would have done it again if I hadn't managed to finish the book in that sitting. I loved it so much. My only issue is it's a cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers. I knew! I knew, but I still had a delusional hope that it would wrap up nicely. Of course not! But I loved it all just the same.
And now I sit and wait in utter agony until the next book in the series comes out and I can dive back into this exceptional world.
Did I happily lose sleep reading this book? I absolutely did! And I would have done it again if I hadn't managed to finish the book in that sitting. I loved it so much. My only issue is it's a cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers. I knew! I knew, but I still had a delusional hope that it would wrap up nicely. Of course not! But I loved it all just the same.
And now I sit and wait in utter agony until the next book in the series comes out and I can dive back into this exceptional world.
slow-paced