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lilpolarpanda's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Yes... We're here... First reverse harem ever.... First unexpected amazing read of the year.... First 5 star read of the year?! What is happening? I have this whole TBR and I couldn't commit to a new series or book that I had expectations off (I'm busy and books are dangerous), so I grabbed a random smut read from my audiobooks, thinking I could just listen to it without focussing and get the feel of reading but still be able to function and be productive....
I thought this was a random smutty/erotic read... I was ready to shove it away as I have never ever tried (reverse) harem tropes....
Boy was I wrong....
WHY IS NOBODY SCREAMING ABOUT THIS BOOK????
Okay so. Review time. Let's start with what I didn't love before I start drooling, okay?
First off, writing style. I didn't love the writing, because as per usual, I loathe whiny main protagonists.... And boy in book 1 is she whining. This is NOT the fault of the writer tho. It fits the story! In book 1, it's single POV and we get this unreliable perspective on the story from a teenager orphan that has been on the run for years. Also more info if you want spoilers:she was tortured for years and has been told she is dangerous to anyone alive. She also dropped out of High School and thus hasn't had any friends or education after having a comfortable, save, loving childhood.... I don't think it's weird for her to be a little bit depressed and have more extreme thoughts in book 1 as she is literally traumatised and on survival mode, learning that her existence is a big problem (as far as she can figure out) . This whiny side definitely becomes less and less the next books (I'm book 3 as of writing this)
Second annoyance... Nothing. Literally. Wth. I'm so judgemental with books. But I can't add more as everything fits exactly with expectations - if not exceeding them - with this type of book.
SOOO ON TO THE I LOVE'S!!
1. I LOVE that it wasn't straight up smut. There was a plot I didn't expect and it did not disappoint! The build-up to the smut is so goodddd! It really keeps you on your toes and is so unpredictable and UGH I LOVE IT AND I DON'T USUALLY LOVE THIS.
2. I LOVE the worldbuilding and fantasy elements in this story. It's unique yet familiar, easy to follow and mandatory to dream about for days (or well... that last one might just be me). ALSO THANK YOU FOR A SHADOW DADDY
3. I LOVE the people in the book. Coming from both a book 1 perspective and a book 3 perspective. DAMN unpredictable, realistic growth and development? I'm so careful to say I hate a character cuz I just KNOW J. Bree is gonna do her magic and in the next book I suddenly might ADORE them! Or even vice verse, iykyk.
4. SHADOW DADDY
5. ATLAS SWEETNESS
6. GABE
7. GRYPHON PLS I- PLS
8. Even Nox I can appreciate
9. SAGE
10. The plot is really well done. It doesn't feel rushed. It doesn't feel too shallow. There is so much going on and the pacing of unravelling things is so well done. I like that it feels unpredictable as I keep thinking something is gonna happen right now and then it just... doesn't... and comes way later if at all (in a satisfying way).
11. Unpredictability. Usually... I see everything coming. If you've read lots of books... You develop a nose for the acts and timelines and build-ups. With this series... I just give up. Right when I'm relaxed, BAM WOOSH SURPRISE! Right when I'm tense, nothing. IT'S SO GOOD.
I def recommend this book, but I will note that you have to accept Oli's whining for a bit. SO WORTH IT. Again, I'm in book 3 right now. It's amazing. Read. READ READ READ.
If you're reading this from lilPolarPanda community - I'm willing to ship you this book with all my notes. It's that good.
I thought this was a random smutty/erotic read... I was ready to shove it away as I have never ever tried (reverse) harem tropes....
Boy was I wrong....
WHY IS NOBODY SCREAMING ABOUT THIS BOOK????
Okay so. Review time. Let's start with what I didn't love before I start drooling, okay?
First off, writing style. I didn't love the writing, because as per usual, I loathe whiny main protagonists.... And boy in book 1 is she whining. This is NOT the fault of the writer tho. It fits the story! In book 1, it's single POV and we get this unreliable perspective on the story from a teenager orphan that has been on the run for years. Also more info if you want spoilers:
Second annoyance... Nothing. Literally. Wth. I'm so judgemental with books. But I can't add more as everything fits exactly with expectations - if not exceeding them - with this type of book.
SOOO ON TO THE I LOVE'S!!
1. I LOVE that it wasn't straight up smut. There was a plot I didn't expect and it did not disappoint! The build-up to the smut is so goodddd! It really keeps you on your toes and is so unpredictable and UGH I LOVE IT AND I DON'T USUALLY LOVE THIS.
2. I LOVE the worldbuilding and fantasy elements in this story. It's unique yet familiar, easy to follow and mandatory to dream about for days (or well... that last one might just be me). ALSO THANK YOU FOR A SHADOW DADDY
3. I LOVE the people in the book. Coming from both a book 1 perspective and a book 3 perspective. DAMN unpredictable, realistic growth and development? I'm so careful to say I hate a character cuz I just KNOW J. Bree is gonna do her magic and in the next book I suddenly might ADORE them! Or even vice verse, iykyk.
4. SHADOW DADDY
5. ATLAS SWEETNESS
6. GABE
7. GRYPHON PLS I- PLS
8. Even Nox I can appreciate
9. SAGE
10. The plot is really well done. It doesn't feel rushed. It doesn't feel too shallow. There is so much going on and the pacing of unravelling things is so well done. I like that it feels unpredictable as I keep thinking something is gonna happen right now and then it just... doesn't... and comes way later if at all (in a satisfying way).
11. Unpredictability. Usually... I see everything coming. If you've read lots of books... You develop a nose for the acts and timelines and build-ups. With this series... I just give up. Right when I'm relaxed, BAM WOOSH SURPRISE! Right when I'm tense, nothing. IT'S SO GOOD.
I def recommend this book, but I will note that you have to accept Oli's whining for a bit. SO WORTH IT. Again, I'm in book 3 right now. It's amazing. Read. READ READ READ.
If you're reading this from lilPolarPanda community - I'm willing to ship you this book with all my notes. It's that good.
anewton's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I have a love-hate relationship with this book. Hate: bad, lazy writing, poorly developed characters, poorly developed plot. Love: couldn’t put it down, funny moments, predictable but satisfying ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
winterfairy's review
2.0
My personal opinion!
I should've just DNFed this book. This book had so much potential and I went into this book with high expectations. However, the writing was so bad. I just couldn't get over the writing. And the pacing was horrible too. It was so difficult for me to imagine stuff and picture the environment due to the bad writing. There was also secrets in the book, but it was executed really poorly. The FMC kept referring to secrets over and over again, but never really told us why she had made certain decisions in the past - so I was super lost.
I tried reading the second book, in hopes that the writing and the pacing would get better, but DNFed it.
I should've just DNFed this book. This book had so much potential and I went into this book with high expectations. However, the writing was so bad. I just couldn't get over the writing. And the pacing was horrible too. It was so difficult for me to imagine stuff and picture the environment due to the bad writing. There was also secrets in the book, but it was executed really poorly. The FMC kept referring to secrets over and over again, but never really told us why she had made certain decisions in the past - so I was super lost.
I tried reading the second book, in hopes that the writing and the pacing would get better, but DNFed it.
alanaquack's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
molander's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
readyourrights's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I finished this book and still don’t fully understand why we care about the protagonist or anything about the world she lives in, what bonds even mean for society, who her enemies are and why we care about them. World building not there but lots of cursing and stream of consciousness in the present tense. I was annoyed mostly reading this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Body shaming
Moderate: Violence and Rape
emilye3's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down! Definitely a new favorite of all time for me. I need the second book now!
rivendellevenstar's review
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
She’s not like the other girls
So I stayed up until 5am reading this. Is it good… idk but did it love it - yes.
Lots of cringe and tropes and cliches but that’s what I wanted so 4 stars
My favourite is Gabe :)
So I stayed up until 5am reading this. Is it good… idk but did it love it - yes.
Lots of cringe and tropes and cliches but that’s what I wanted so 4 stars
My favourite is Gabe :)
abookishkindalove's review
5.0
How did I go this long without reading this series!?! J. Bree sprinted out the gate with this first book and I DEVOURED IT!!!