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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
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
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book as an advanced reader copy from the author. It, however, was my choice to read it, and in turn review.
Serpent and the Throne began as a bittersweet love story but then completely twisted into something darker. To start it was slower, and eased into the story. It seemed like it was a Cinderella retelling. Sofia, disavowed royalty, having basically been sold to a poor lord with two arrogant daughters. Finally given a reason to visit the capital for the prince's birthday, her life completely changes. Cinderella turned Rapunzel. Trapped by others expectations. By the end.. Malificent may as well have made her appearance. It defied what I expected while still feeling familiar.
The story is dark, twisted. Fade to black love scenes and gory battles. The only thing missing is beautiful illustrations. There were moments I don't think my imagination did the story justice.
I have to say of what I have read of Brien Feathers, Sofia isn't my favorite character but she is still relatable. I understood much of her hesitation as I am getting older myself. She is aging and having to compete with young minds. She's quirky and misunderstood because of it. As far as the world, it is up there. It honestly reminded me of Final Fantasy. That old world, medieval charm but magic amplifying objects that technology would be for us. A magic system that is based on give and take, corruption abound, love trying to conquer all. Light and dark but it is often misconstrued and not really that black and white.
I feel like her writing has only matured as well. It still had that quick pace told mostly from one character's point of view, but it slows down to provide details that enrich the story so much more than previous stories. As always, I like the little side thoughts the main narrative has. Makes the story feel more real.
I loved how intimate and small Sofia's world felt when meeting her to how it opened up and provided consequences as I discovered more reading through her journey. Her story doesn't end, but this step felt complete. She goes through so much, I am not sure she's ready for more. I myself, will not want to wait to learn her dark secrets.
Serpent and the Throne began as a bittersweet love story but then completely twisted into something darker. To start it was slower, and eased into the story. It seemed like it was a Cinderella retelling. Sofia, disavowed royalty, having basically been sold to a poor lord with two arrogant daughters. Finally given a reason to visit the capital for the prince's birthday, her life completely changes. Cinderella turned Rapunzel. Trapped by others expectations. By the end.. Malificent may as well have made her appearance. It defied what I expected while still feeling familiar.
The story is dark, twisted. Fade to black love scenes and gory battles. The only thing missing is beautiful illustrations. There were moments I don't think my imagination did the story justice.
I have to say of what I have read of Brien Feathers, Sofia isn't my favorite character but she is still relatable. I understood much of her hesitation as I am getting older myself. She is aging and having to compete with young minds. She's quirky and misunderstood because of it. As far as the world, it is up there. It honestly reminded me of Final Fantasy. That old world, medieval charm but magic amplifying objects that technology would be for us. A magic system that is based on give and take, corruption abound, love trying to conquer all. Light and dark but it is often misconstrued and not really that black and white.
I feel like her writing has only matured as well. It still had that quick pace told mostly from one character's point of view, but it slows down to provide details that enrich the story so much more than previous stories. As always, I like the little side thoughts the main narrative has. Makes the story feel more real.
I loved how intimate and small Sofia's world felt when meeting her to how it opened up and provided consequences as I discovered more reading through her journey. Her story doesn't end, but this step felt complete. She goes through so much, I am not sure she's ready for more. I myself, will not want to wait to learn her dark secrets.
A mixed experience with this book as parts I really enjoyed and loved the overall story and that is what kept me going. However, for me and probably a personal experience and choice but found way too much detail and got confused with all the background and minute details of all the houses, politics between the fractions and ended up skipping some of the parts I felt overwhelmed me and for me detracted from the main story.
For me felt like two books in one, one of the main characters adventure and dark romance side which I really enjoyed and the other was around the history related to the world, how it comes to be at the time the story is set and way too much detail on past, politics and descriptions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For me felt like two books in one, one of the main characters adventure and dark romance side which I really enjoyed and the other was around the history related to the world, how it comes to be at the time the story is set and way too much detail on past, politics and descriptions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first thing I want to say is everything I have ever read from Brien I have absolutely loved!!
This book was one I devoured so fast compared to most books I read!! I really enjoyed the darker feel to this book, so please keep that in mind when thinking of reading it!
In this book, we follow Sofia, who lives with her uncles as her parents are dead. Her father used necromancy and was killed for it, in which she's reminded all the time of just who her father was. She was basically sold off to some lowly lord to be his new bride. There is a huge rivalry between Sofia's family, the White Guard, and the Red Shields, which is a century old rivalry.
Things start to change for Sofia and the little world she knew when she met the captain of the Imperial sentinels named Aleksei. There are some big twists and dark moments that happen the further we read into the story. We have a very interesting magic system, and the world this is in is so wonderful. I am excited to see more of it in book 2!
Sofia was a very relatable character, though her world has been so small for her entire life. She ends up going through a lot, which opens her world a lot. I am excited to see more of her dark side in book 2! We have a war starting to break out, but also other things coming into play at the same time.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review! Honestly, I am ready to start book 2 now! Thank you so much, Brien, and book sirens!
This book was one I devoured so fast compared to most books I read!! I really enjoyed the darker feel to this book, so please keep that in mind when thinking of reading it!
In this book, we follow Sofia, who lives with her uncles as her parents are dead. Her father used necromancy and was killed for it, in which she's reminded all the time of just who her father was. She was basically sold off to some lowly lord to be his new bride. There is a huge rivalry between Sofia's family, the White Guard, and the Red Shields, which is a century old rivalry.
Things start to change for Sofia and the little world she knew when she met the captain of the Imperial sentinels named Aleksei. There are some big twists and dark moments that happen the further we read into the story. We have a very interesting magic system, and the world this is in is so wonderful. I am excited to see more of it in book 2!
Sofia was a very relatable character, though her world has been so small for her entire life. She ends up going through a lot, which opens her world a lot. I am excited to see more of her dark side in book 2! We have a war starting to break out, but also other things coming into play at the same time.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review! Honestly, I am ready to start book 2 now! Thank you so much, Brien, and book sirens!
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC Review:
Serpent and the Throne by Brien Feathers
5/5⭐️
1/5 🌶️
✨Check trigger warnings before reading especially if you are triggered by self-harm and self loathing✨
Serpent and the Throne is a DARK Romeo & Juliet retelling set in a tzar ruled Russia-esque setting (think the time period of Anastasia). The house of Red Sheilds has held and refused to yield the crown as they once had in the past with the other 8 houses of Boyar Dumar, and now the other houses are growing restless—especially the White Guard. The country is on the brink of collapse, and everyone can feel the unrest as houses prepare for war.
During her trip to the capital, Sofia Guard Illivich attends a ball to celebrate the heir apparent’s birthday where she unknowingly meets Aleksei of Red Sheild, senteniel to the Red Queen. And it’s instant attraction. Forbidden attraction.
From the moment the book starts, it doesn’t let up. Full of political intrigue, forbidden love, and layers upon layers of deception—this is a book that will keep you constantly on your toes trying to figure out what’s truth from fiction.
Aleksei is hands down my favorite character. I just want to wrap him up and forever keep him safe. He reminds me so much of Dæmon Targaryen and how so many people misunderstand him and think he has ambition for the throne when all he’s ever done is try to protect the crown and keep his family in power—by any means necessary. Aleskei’s storyline absolutely breaks my heart.
Brien does a fantastic job of giving the plot amidst the world building so you don’t get overwhelmed with information all at once. And the ending will leave you gobsmacked and begging for book 2 (which she’s already completed, so it will be releasing soon)!
#darkromance #fantasyworld #historicalfantasy #RomeoAndJuliet
Serpent and the Throne by Brien Feathers
5/5⭐️
1/5 🌶️
✨Check trigger warnings before reading especially if you are triggered by self-harm and self loathing✨
Serpent and the Throne is a DARK Romeo & Juliet retelling set in a tzar ruled Russia-esque setting (think the time period of Anastasia). The house of Red Sheilds has held and refused to yield the crown as they once had in the past with the other 8 houses of Boyar Dumar, and now the other houses are growing restless—especially the White Guard. The country is on the brink of collapse, and everyone can feel the unrest as houses prepare for war.
During her trip to the capital, Sofia Guard Illivich attends a ball to celebrate the heir apparent’s birthday where she unknowingly meets Aleksei of Red Sheild, senteniel to the Red Queen. And it’s instant attraction. Forbidden attraction.
From the moment the book starts, it doesn’t let up. Full of political intrigue, forbidden love, and layers upon layers of deception—this is a book that will keep you constantly on your toes trying to figure out what’s truth from fiction.
Aleksei is hands down my favorite character. I just want to wrap him up and forever keep him safe. He reminds me so much of Dæmon Targaryen and how so many people misunderstand him and think he has ambition for the throne when all he’s ever done is try to protect the crown and keep his family in power—by any means necessary. Aleskei’s storyline absolutely breaks my heart.
Brien does a fantastic job of giving the plot amidst the world building so you don’t get overwhelmed with information all at once. And the ending will leave you gobsmacked and begging for book 2 (which she’s already completed, so it will be releasing soon)!
#darkromance #fantasyworld #historicalfantasy #RomeoAndJuliet
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm
dark
slow-paced
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's always easier to review an amazing book than a book that was just not it for me. So what was it that made me not like this book.
I found that the relationship between the FMC and MMC was so rushed and flimsy but it was not only there relationship that was rushed all off them where. I found the FMC very flat she had zero character and was a constant pick me girl for the MMC. The only positive thing about there relationship that was that the FMC is older then the MMC.
I found that the summary for the book was more world building then what happend in the book. The magic system could have used a little bit off extra information because I was guessing the whole book what was happing with the magic and the people that use it.
You could clearly see where the author got her inspiration from with the world but also with the world a little bit off more information off how everything looked I made some pretty big assumptions which is not something I enjoy in fantasy books. Especially when I can make an assumption off what the world is based on.
maybe this more a book for a beginner in the dark romantasy books but it just wasn't for me.
It's always easier to review an amazing book than a book that was just not it for me. So what was it that made me not like this book.
I found that the relationship between the FMC and MMC was so rushed and flimsy but it was not only there relationship that was rushed all off them where. I found the FMC very flat she had zero character and was a constant pick me girl for the MMC. The only positive thing about there relationship that was that the FMC is older then the MMC.
I found that the summary for the book was more world building then what happend in the book. The magic system could have used a little bit off extra information because I was guessing the whole book what was happing with the magic and the people that use it.
You could clearly see where the author got her inspiration from with the world but also with the world a little bit off more information off how everything looked I made some pretty big assumptions which is not something I enjoy in fantasy books. Especially when I can make an assumption off what the world is based on.
maybe this more a book for a beginner in the dark romantasy books but it just wasn't for me.
A Dark and Devious Delight
Serpent and the Throne is a thrilling and addictive fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world of political intrigue, forbidden love, and dark magic. The author's skill at crafting complex characters and a captivating plot is evident from the very beginning.
I was immediately drawn into the world of Fedosia and the intricate relationships between the noble houses. The forbidden love between the two characters adds a layer of tension to the story. The political intrigue and power struggles create a sense of danger and suspense that keeps the reader engaged.
The author's ability to explore morally gray characters and complex themes is impressive. The characters are well-developed and believable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and triumphs.
If you're a fan of dark fantasy, political intrigue, and forbidden romance, Serpent and the Throne is a must-read. It's a captivating and thrilling adventure that will keep you hooked until the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Serpent and the Throne is a thrilling and addictive fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world of political intrigue, forbidden love, and dark magic. The author's skill at crafting complex characters and a captivating plot is evident from the very beginning.
I was immediately drawn into the world of Fedosia and the intricate relationships between the noble houses. The forbidden love between the two characters adds a layer of tension to the story. The political intrigue and power struggles create a sense of danger and suspense that keeps the reader engaged.
The author's ability to explore morally gray characters and complex themes is impressive. The characters are well-developed and believable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and triumphs.
If you're a fan of dark fantasy, political intrigue, and forbidden romance, Serpent and the Throne is a must-read. It's a captivating and thrilling adventure that will keep you hooked until the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.