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sputnikx's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bookishgirlsclub's review against another edition
4.0
Such a fun, whimsical, dark and gothic read full of political intrigue and spice!
I utterly fell in love with this story. The world building was beautiful and I adore the MMC poet so much.
Both characters had demons and struggles beneath their literal and figurative masks, and they were forced to face them in their journey to each other. Each character underestimated the other and made assumptions about their character and their motivations for their actions.
This story swept me up and I loved every second of it.
If you love:
- Unlikely allies
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Steamy spice
- Political intrigue
Then you'll love this one!
"You've told me what you believe a fool is," I said. "But there's more. A fool is a man who sees his worth in a mirror, and in the faces of a crowd, but is oblivious to it elsewhere-where it counts above all, in the eyes of those who matter the most to him. Don't insult yourself that way."
This was a solid 4 star read that I highly recommend!
Thank you so much to Natalia Jaster and The Nerd Fam for this book in exchange for an honest review :)
I utterly fell in love with this story. The world building was beautiful and I adore the MMC poet so much.
Both characters had demons and struggles beneath their literal and figurative masks, and they were forced to face them in their journey to each other. Each character underestimated the other and made assumptions about their character and their motivations for their actions.
This story swept me up and I loved every second of it.
If you love:
- Unlikely allies
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Steamy spice
- Political intrigue
Then you'll love this one!
"You've told me what you believe a fool is," I said. "But there's more. A fool is a man who sees his worth in a mirror, and in the faces of a crowd, but is oblivious to it elsewhere-where it counts above all, in the eyes of those who matter the most to him. Don't insult yourself that way."
This was a solid 4 star read that I highly recommend!
Thank you so much to Natalia Jaster and The Nerd Fam for this book in exchange for an honest review :)
spookysteph6's review against another edition
5.0
Heart wrenching
This tale of forbidden love truly stirred all of my emotions. I laughed and cried, and the ending had me wishing for more of Briar and Poet’s beautiful love story. This was written so eloquently, and weaves together so magically love and mental illness.
This tale of forbidden love truly stirred all of my emotions. I laughed and cried, and the ending had me wishing for more of Briar and Poet’s beautiful love story. This was written so eloquently, and weaves together so magically love and mental illness.
kassisaurus's review against another edition
4.0
**Disclaimer**
I have a reading disorder and although this was a difficult read for me, I really enjoyed it. The beginning of the book was a struggle for me to comprehend a lot of what was going on at first. Poet's dialog and storytelling took me a couple of encounters to figure out. Once I started catching on though, I was hooked.
Our boy, Poet, is a deliciously mysterious MMC. I was surprised to find his story and character had more depth than just being a dark-haired lustrous performer.
The overall world the author builds is captivating. I’m excited to see more of the other seasons’ courts.
Please check the trigger warnings. Although this isn’t a dark romantasy, there are some topics that could be an issue for some. There is discussion of the death of a parent and neglect/abuse of the disabled, just to name a couple.
I have a reading disorder and although this was a difficult read for me, I really enjoyed it. The beginning of the book was a struggle for me to comprehend a lot of what was going on at first. Poet's dialog and storytelling took me a couple of encounters to figure out. Once I started catching on though, I was hooked.
Our boy, Poet, is a deliciously mysterious MMC. I was surprised to find his story and character had more depth than just being a dark-haired lustrous performer.
Spoiler
At first, I was put off by finding out he has a child. But I gave it a chance and I feel Nicu is a necessity to the story.The overall world the author builds is captivating. I’m excited to see more of the other seasons’ courts.
Please check the trigger warnings. Although this isn’t a dark romantasy, there are some topics that could be an issue for some. There is discussion of the death of a parent and neglect/abuse of the disabled, just to name a couple.
jessie0916's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
joanix's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
I’m not giving it five stars but I have to say this book was a pleasant surprise. I had no idea what it was about, had no (low) expectations, and ended up enjoying the story.
The first half of the book was 5 ⭐️.
I didn’t find Poet attractive in the slightest, but I liked him as a character.
I also liked Briar. She didn’t annoy me, which is often the case in these type of FMCs, and I could relate to her.
The pace was very good, the banter, the tension, the part in the forest… it felt really cozy to read those days they spent at the hut. I expected Poet to have a younger brother (from his hints), but nota son ! At first I was taken aback and thought it would ruin the mood with briar, but it didn’t. It actually made me care more about Poet.
However, after they return to the castle, the book starts losing its spark, for me. The tension is lost and they just randomly start doing stuff and the description is SOO exaggerated… it’s just a kiss… no need to write 2 pages about it. The spice dragged so much that it became boring. Like I was reading a medical textbook.
I also predictedthey would get caught by the guards when saving Nicu, the summer king would mock briar, but she’d be able to somehow bring Poet and Nicu to Autumn . I was right.
If it were just for the first half: 5 stars
The rest of the book was much lower than that but I’ll give it a 4.25
I won’t be reading the following books. There’s nothing else I want to know about these two.
The first half of the book was 5 ⭐️.
I didn’t find Poet attractive in the slightest, but I liked him as a character.
I also liked Briar. She didn’t annoy me, which is often the case in these type of FMCs, and I could relate to her.
The pace was very good, the banter, the tension, the part in the forest… it felt really cozy to read those days they spent at the hut. I expected Poet to have a younger brother (from his hints), but not
However, after they return to the castle, the book starts losing its spark, for me. The tension is lost and they just randomly start doing stuff and the description is SOO exaggerated… it’s just a kiss… no need to write 2 pages about it. The spice dragged so much that it became boring. Like I was reading a medical textbook.
I also predicted
If it were just for the first half: 5 stars
The rest of the book was much lower than that but I’ll give it a 4.25
I won’t be reading the following books. There’s nothing else I want to know about these two.
raeconner's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jessseadoesstuff's review against another edition
2.0
A fun concept that was kind of lost on me at first. Maybe because some of the cliche moments in the beginning I skimmed through? The second half was much much better than the first. A few tweaks could easily make this a four star read.
I really appreciate the author referencing some of the books that influenced this world. I love seeing historic references utilized to shape fantasy. A very cool world that I wish was explored more. I don't often want more politics in a book but I have questions.
I really appreciate the author referencing some of the books that influenced this world. I love seeing historic references utilized to shape fantasy. A very cool world that I wish was explored more. I don't often want more politics in a book but I have questions.
caraddishreads's review against another edition
4.0
I've seen this author and book recommended by various fantasy romance authors. I'm so glad I was able to check this out. Just the way how Natalia wrote the story makes it feel otherworldly and authentic. I loved how some different elements were added to the story to make it fresh. This book was just different for me in a good way.
Cornell Collins, Lauren Sweet narrations were so perfect for this book. The way how Cornell speaks as the hero Poet, makes me feel like he's putting me under a spell, almost with a lyrical tone (you'll see why when you listen). I also loved his other voices for the different characters.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cornell Collins, Lauren Sweet narrations were so perfect for this book. The way how Cornell speaks as the hero Poet, makes me feel like he's putting me under a spell, almost with a lyrical tone (you'll see why when you listen). I also loved his other voices for the different characters.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.