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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
Yes
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Ugh I loooooove the tensionnnnn
After the events of Shards, I was a bit apprehensive in a good way, as there was a lot waiting to be dealt with, unpacked, and uncovered. I was not disappointed, and wow was it a ride.
I am so so happy with the character growth and development that was explored in this book. Malakai learned to move forward and to set boundaries for the sake of his own mental health. It was refreshing after the previous book, where he was (understandably) stuck in his own head and unable to get past some of the things that had happened in the first two books. But here he gives his heart another chance at love and works on patience with himself and learning how to be a better person. Similarly, I saw growth with Ophelia as well. She had more of this self-discovery in the previous book, but she still learned to pace herself here. She learned to be a better leader, friend, and potential romantic partner.
As for the story, while the action was slower this time around, it was intriguing and I cannot wait to see where it goes. The characters got the focus this time around, and with good reason - their development, discoveries and relationships are going to help them with what was revealed plot-wise throughout the course of the book.
I am beyond excited for the novella, and cannot wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
I am so so happy with the character growth and development that was explored in this book. Malakai learned to move forward and to set boundaries for the sake of his own mental health. It was refreshing after the previous book, where he was (understandably) stuck in his own head and unable to get past some of the things that had happened in the first two books. But here he gives his heart another chance at love and works on patience with himself and learning how to be a better person. Similarly, I saw growth with Ophelia as well. She had more of this self-discovery in the previous book, but she still learned to pace herself here. She learned to be a better leader, friend, and potential romantic partner.
As for the story, while the action was slower this time around, it was intriguing and I cannot wait to see where it goes. The characters got the focus this time around, and with good reason - their development, discoveries and relationships are going to help them with what was revealed plot-wise throughout the course of the book.
I am beyond excited for the novella, and cannot wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
adventurous
hopeful
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:
Yes
Great series to read that is easy to get into, the only issue I had is often it would be right before bed. It caused many late nights/early mornings to finish just one more chapter! This book will not make you think, and sure there are plot holes but its a fun book if you want to turn off your brain and read a fantasy with a strong female lead, heavy on the adventure and inner dialouge of characters- light on the spiciest romance.
You know what I love about Nicole's writing? She ups the stakes with every book in the series. I did not think anything could knock Shards of Ophelia out of first place as my favorite in the series, but Trials does.
Trials so freaking does.
The Characters:
Trials does what I want every book to do with character -- make me care for a character I'd absolutely written off. There is nothing more satisfying than character growth. And Nicole brought it. Mali's character development was off the charts. I will be honest, by the end of book 2 I was ready to shove that man off a metaphorical cliff. But damn, his character arc -- I savored it like I savor my first cup of coffee in the morning. It was just so satisfying and heartwarming to see him grow from a boy into an actual man. We love to see a fictional man working on getting his sh*t together. It was one of my favorite parts of this book. Plus, his interactions with a certain character had me screaming "JUST FREAKING KISS HER ALREADY!" The tension was ridiculous, but so good. I hope to see more of them in the future.
Then there is my other favorite part of this book. Tol. Hands down -- this man made me a believer in the friends-to-lovers trope. I loved watching Ophelia and Tol finally grow together as we couple. I love that Tol knew when to be patient and when to push -- and the payoff -- whew. I also really enjoyed that Ophelia identified previous behaviors and sought to make sure she was handling this new relationship in a healthier manner (even if she did overcorrect somewhat at times, we have all been there). It was truly one of the most satisfying moments of this book.
As for the side characters -- ooo, so much development here as well. I need that Cyph novella like I need water. I am not even kidding. That boy has some hard truths to deal with and I am living for it. And I cannot wait to see the new arc for a specific character (I do not want to spoil it).
The plot keeps good pacing as it builds to the all-out battle we have been waiting for. I like that Nicole kept the pacing moving quickly. I can't wait to see how she ties this all together.
If you haven't read this series yet, grab a copy now. You do not want to miss it.
Trials so freaking does.
The Characters:
Trials does what I want every book to do with character -- make me care for a character I'd absolutely written off. There is nothing more satisfying than character growth. And Nicole brought it. Mali's character development was off the charts. I will be honest, by the end of book 2 I was ready to shove that man off a metaphorical cliff. But damn, his character arc -- I savored it like I savor my first cup of coffee in the morning. It was just so satisfying and heartwarming to see him grow from a boy into an actual man. We love to see a fictional man working on getting his sh*t together. It was one of my favorite parts of this book. Plus, his interactions with a certain character had me screaming "JUST FREAKING KISS HER ALREADY!" The tension was ridiculous, but so good. I hope to see more of them in the future.
Then there is my other favorite part of this book. Tol. Hands down -- this man made me a believer in the friends-to-lovers trope. I loved watching Ophelia and Tol finally grow together as we couple. I love that Tol knew when to be patient and when to push -- and the payoff -- whew. I also really enjoyed that Ophelia identified previous behaviors and sought to make sure she was handling this new relationship in a healthier manner (even if she did overcorrect somewhat at times, we have all been there). It was truly one of the most satisfying moments of this book.
As for the side characters -- ooo, so much development here as well. I need that Cyph novella like I need water. I am not even kidding. That boy has some hard truths to deal with and I am living for it. And I cannot wait to see the new arc for a specific character (I do not want to spoil it).
The plot keeps good pacing as it builds to the all-out battle we have been waiting for. I like that Nicole kept the pacing moving quickly. I can't wait to see how she ties this all together.
If you haven't read this series yet, grab a copy now. You do not want to miss it.
DNF at 42% and after skimming for a while before that.
The story is just so twisty and confusing. It is obvious that we are being drip-acclimated to the concepts at play but it's just not enough.
I'm honestly interested in the grand scheme but I don't think I want to read a slow burn romance in time with a slow burn story.
The characters are lovable and I admire how true to the processing of emotions has felt but I think I want a little more happiness in the books I read. It's hard to find a desire to pick up and read an emotionally devastating rollercoaster of a book - and trudging through it keeps me from working towards my personal reading goal for the year.
The story is just so twisty and confusing. It is obvious that we are being drip-acclimated to the concepts at play but it's just not enough.
I'm honestly interested in the grand scheme but I don't think I want to read a slow burn romance in time with a slow burn story.
The characters are lovable and I admire how true to the processing of emotions has felt but I think I want a little more happiness in the books I read. It's hard to find a desire to pick up and read an emotionally devastating rollercoaster of a book - and trudging through it keeps me from working towards my personal reading goal for the year.
This is for sure my fav in the series so far. I love the adventure, found family, and the ROMANCE!! Seriously I was swooning. I really love how the author writes about trauma—it’s so realistic and really brings a lot of depth to the characters. I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to Nicole Platania for an ARC of Trials of Ophelia. I absolutely loved getting to read and share my honest thoughts on it!
This is the third installment of this series and it’s an epic quest to find all the pieces of the puzzle before time runs out! ⏳
I loved so much about this book. The character development for multiple characters (Mal, Ophelia, Tol, Jezzie) was so fun to read and I especially loved getting to see things from a couple more POVs! I also greatly enjoyed seeing the new territories up close and personal and learning more about the different clans. There was continued plot lines and new mysteries unearthed which kept be excited for more!
There were a few parts that went a little slower for me but they didn’t last long and it quickly picked back up again. I do think that’s somewhat to be expected in a longer series though. I also was somewhat confused, or maybe overwhelmed, in a couple of scenes towards the end, where I struggled to get a clear picture of what was happening and why. I’m hoping we find out some more answers in book 4!
There was another bit plot point that was hinted at in the last book and it finally happened at the end and I SHRIEKED
This is the third installment of this series and it’s an epic quest to find all the pieces of the puzzle before time runs out! ⏳
I loved so much about this book. The character development for multiple characters (Mal, Ophelia, Tol, Jezzie) was so fun to read and I especially loved getting to see things from a couple more POVs! I also greatly enjoyed seeing the new territories up close and personal and learning more about the different clans. There was continued plot lines and new mysteries unearthed which kept be excited for more!
There were a few parts that went a little slower for me but they didn’t last long and it quickly picked back up again. I do think that’s somewhat to be expected in a longer series though. I also was somewhat confused, or maybe overwhelmed, in a couple of scenes towards the end, where I struggled to get a clear picture of what was happening and why. I’m hoping we find out some more answers in book 4!
There was another bit plot point that was hinted at in the last book and it finally happened at the end and I SHRIEKED
3.5⭐️
I loved the beginning but halfway through I slowly started losing interest in the plot. Towards the end it felt a bit rushed and slightly confusing to the point where I was having to go back to reread pages and still left confused. Speaking of being confused, I still have no idea what’s going on during Damien’s POVs. I still loved the character relationships and character growth though.
I loved the beginning but halfway through I slowly started losing interest in the plot. Towards the end it felt a bit rushed and slightly confusing to the point where I was having to go back to reread pages and still left confused. Speaking of being confused, I still have no idea what’s going on during Damien’s POVs. I still loved the character relationships and character growth though.