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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
4 stars
The Crawfods' books have been hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the fact that when identities were revealed, although there was a reaction, it wasn't impulsive. I'm excited to see where this series goes.
The Crawfods' books have been hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the fact that when identities were revealed, although there was a reaction, it wasn't impulsive. I'm excited to see where this series goes.
Quick fun read/ listen. Interesting world, and made me snort / laugh out loud several times.
I am always happy when this author duo has a new book out, and I happily dived in. Marroc has been in prison for over a thousand years, and when our heroine is caught stealing she’s thrown in the cell across from his. I really liked Ali from the start. She was a little plucky, and I liked that. It took me longer to like Marroc, and it didn’t take too long for me to figure out (no spoilers) some things about him. There were some surprises though. This was an interesting world, and I am looking forward to what happens next especially with the end. I hope we get to see more of Ali’s world, too. I’m intrigued. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
This book is a good start to the world-building that Crawford created with this post-apocalyptic Norse mythology-based reality. Ali, short for Astrid, is a Night Elf and her kind have been trapped below ground for a thousand years. Marroc, voice silenced for a thousand years cannot do spells without it causing him pain. He is a lich, a dead being, that has no real emotion or feeling until Ali finds the ring which holds his soul. The ring, after contact, transfers Marroc's soul into hers.
Ali and Marroc find themselves in a predicament. Ali needing to find a sorcerer named Galin, the one who is said to have trapped the Night Elves into darkness, and Marroc needing to get his soul back from Ali. Ali is also Marroc's mate. Throughout the book, it becomes clear that Marroc and Galin are one and the same. Marroc and Ali travel through Vanaheim and Helheim and by the end of the first book, Marroc (now revealed to be Galin at this point) is controlled by a crown that his father, King Gorm, places on him.
I appreciate the building of trust throughout this book. Galin is finding his humanity once again after being trapped for so long. Ali is, rightfully so, wary of being around him as his prisoner and his partner in finding answers. There was a lot of information in this book and Crawford does a nice job of making it clear what certain things mean. Since this world is based on Norse mythology it is nice to have some context to back up this world. I feel like by the end of this book there was a sense of partnership between Galin and Ali that isn't love. I like that there wasn't an instant love between them and that their relationship can grow as individuals breaking through their own races and the prejudices of their kind.
Ali and Marroc find themselves in a predicament. Ali needing to find a sorcerer named Galin, the one who is said to have trapped the Night Elves into darkness, and Marroc needing to get his soul back from Ali. Ali is also Marroc's mate. Throughout the book, it becomes clear that Marroc and Galin are one and the same. Marroc and Ali travel through Vanaheim and Helheim and by the end of the first book, Marroc (now revealed to be Galin at this point) is controlled by a crown that his father, King Gorm, places on him.
I appreciate the building of trust throughout this book. Galin is finding his humanity once again after being trapped for so long. Ali is, rightfully so, wary of being around him as his prisoner and his partner in finding answers. There was a lot of information in this book and Crawford does a nice job of making it clear what certain things mean. Since this world is based on Norse mythology it is nice to have some context to back up this world. I feel like by the end of this book there was a sense of partnership between Galin and Ali that isn't love. I like that there wasn't an instant love between them and that their relationship can grow as individuals breaking through their own races and the prejudices of their kind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's urban fantasy, has zombie like creatures, and takes place a thousand years after Ragnarok. All the gods are dead, high elves rule and dark elves have been banished underground. I can't wait to read more and see where the story goes.
Also, I love romance in my stories and generally don't mind when it over takes a story. That being said, what you get in this book only teases you of what could be. I think it could have used a little more but I think what was I there, was just right.
Also, I love romance in my stories and generally don't mind when it over takes a story. That being said, what you get in this book only teases you of what could be. I think it could have used a little more but I think what was I there, was just right.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
Loved Loved Loved the interactions with the two main characters and the internal dialogue that came along with the switching narrative. It displayed emotions from each of the characters towards each other respectively.
I thoroughly enjoyed the snippets where one character acknowledged the change in emotions of the other. A useful skill where only one of the two main characters has the ability to talk. It also enables a deeper connection between the two that goes way beyond words.
I thoroughly enjoyed the snippets where one character acknowledged the change in emotions of the other. A useful skill where only one of the two main characters has the ability to talk. It also enables a deeper connection between the two that goes way beyond words.
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
1.5⭐️ Really quick read that I just wanted a lot more from. The fantasy/paranormal story line was good but there wasn’t any real bonding between the 2 main characters. Alley and Morrac were a team but they were barely platonic, but they also didn’t have the heat of enemies to lovers either… just found myself kinda bored but interested at points. The smoldering was none existent, and the only love/lust involved was a kiss at 95% which wasn’t even satisfactory!
Worth the read?: NO
Reread?: NO
Read if you like:
-cursed sorcerer
-assassin thief
-mates
-enemies to lovers (barely)
Worth the read?: NO
Reread?: NO
Read if you like:
-cursed sorcerer
-assassin thief
-mates
-enemies to lovers (barely)
Guys, I gotta be honest here... this cover is misleading. After many recommendations I finally decided to not judge the book by its cover, and I was pleasantly surprised. Urban fantasy isn’t really my genre, but I feel like this one did a decent job. The story was developed enough for me to give the second book a shot when it comes out.