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clockworkbook's review
4.0
Trigger Warning: Rape, Torture, Kidnapping
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Original Rating: 4 stars
Reboot Rating: 4.5 stars - At this point I have read all, but the final book, Dark Purity, of the Pure/Dark Ones Series and this reboot of Pure Healing was a great way to (re)introduce those new to this world. I really liked the changes and the rearranging of sections. It helped to establish the characters before you make judgements on their actions, providing more depth, cohesion and understanding.
Pure Healing is the story of Val and Rain primarily, but we begin with Sophia's POV, as the young queen of her people and are briefly introduced to a wealth of characters. This reboot is my second reading of Pure Healing and it makes for an interesting reread knowing what is to come and seeing the breadcrumbs left for us by Aja.
For me, Val's abuse, torment and pain was even more horrific the second time around. Because once you know and love him everything he suffers is just that much more heartbreaking. Rain, is selfless and strong, but doesn't trust herself and that blinds her to the truth. On the other side of this is Val's suffering and his feeling that he is not worthy. I have said before that Aja has a way of wording the ugly and painful into such a powerful way that touches you. I seriously ugly cried.
Far better reviews from fellow Muses’ can be found here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Original Rating: 4 stars
Reboot Rating: 4.5 stars - At this point I have read all, but the final book, Dark Purity, of the Pure/Dark Ones Series and this reboot of Pure Healing was a great way to (re)introduce those new to this world. I really liked the changes and the rearranging of sections. It helped to establish the characters before you make judgements on their actions, providing more depth, cohesion and understanding.
Pure Healing is the story of Val and Rain primarily, but we begin with Sophia's POV, as the young queen of her people and are briefly introduced to a wealth of characters. This reboot is my second reading of Pure Healing and it makes for an interesting reread knowing what is to come and seeing the breadcrumbs left for us by Aja.
For me, Val's abuse, torment and pain was even more horrific the second time around. Because once you know and love him everything he suffers is just that much more heartbreaking. Rain, is selfless and strong, but doesn't trust herself and that blinds her to the truth. On the other side of this is Val's suffering and his feeling that he is not worthy. I have said before that Aja has a way of wording the ugly and painful into such a powerful way that touches you. I seriously ugly cried.
Far better reviews from fellow Muses’ can be found here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
ameserole's review
4.0
Well, hello there my little re-read. Thank the smut gods, because I fell back in love with Rain and Val. Even if the whole push/pull thing can be very annoying. Plus the whole dying part kind of sucked donkey balls but I knew it was all for show. I JUST KNEW IT!
The one thing that kind of annoyed me was Sophia. Just because she's just really naïve and young. So it's not that surprising she made some bad decisions but the girl is a queen. Not a princess. A QUEEN. So I'm expecting some Queen-like things in the next book because I am not going to re-ghost this series whatsoever. Especially since I have so many freaking questions about the vampire villain.
I am beyond pumped to dive into the next book. Also can Rain and Val make babies now? Please and thank you.
_________________________________
Holy smut gods!
Pure Healing was so freaking good. I'm happy I finally dove into this book because I'm pretty sure I was supposed to read it months ago - sorry buddy! Anyways.. this was such a great start that I can't wait to dive into the second book of this series!
I loved everything and anything about Rain and Valerius. Even thought I first though Rain was a stupid name that maybe a celebrity would name their child (or something). Eventually I fell in love with their instantaneous love because holy smutballs guys! It was insane! SO freaking good and insane that I couldn't put it down. I just had to see this book out and where their relationship would take me (as well as them).
I don't even want to mention anything else but the world building and how insane it was. If I wanted to mention Sophia.. UGH, I just can't! I'm already annoyed and mad. Other than that, I loved this book and the two main characters. I honestly can't wait to see what the next book will give me.
The one thing that kind of annoyed me was Sophia. Just because she's just really naïve and young. So it's not that surprising she made some bad decisions but the girl is a queen. Not a princess. A QUEEN. So I'm expecting some Queen-like things in the next book because I am not going to re-ghost this series whatsoever. Especially since I have so many freaking questions about the vampire villain.
I am beyond pumped to dive into the next book. Also can Rain and Val make babies now? Please and thank you.
_________________________________
Holy smut gods!
Pure Healing was so freaking good. I'm happy I finally dove into this book because I'm pretty sure I was supposed to read it months ago - sorry buddy! Anyways.. this was such a great start that I can't wait to dive into the second book of this series!
I loved everything and anything about Rain and Valerius. Even thought I first though Rain was a stupid name that maybe a celebrity would name their child (or something). Eventually I fell in love with their instantaneous love because holy smutballs guys! It was insane! SO freaking good and insane that I couldn't put it down. I just had to see this book out and where their relationship would take me (as well as them).
I don't even want to mention anything else but the world building and how insane it was. If I wanted to mention Sophia.. UGH, I just can't! I'm already annoyed and mad. Other than that, I loved this book and the two main characters. I honestly can't wait to see what the next book will give me.
melg14's review
4.0
Another coincidence where I reread a book almost the same time as when I first read it. Like an anniversary. Anyway, after reading and mostly skimming I found no extra scenes? There were some scene rearrangements that I noticed but no extras. The reboot happened in September so a month after my first read but I remembered everything I read and skimmed, so idk what the deal it.
Anyway, I somehow enjoyed this a lot more. Maybe there was more editing involved than I remembered. I love me some pining men lol. So I'll raise the rating to 4 stars. I forgot I was very intrigued with Dalair and Sophie.
8/26/2020: 3 stars
It definitely would have been better without the heteronormativity. And although I enjoyed knowing almost everyone’s POV it just seemed a lot especially in a short amount of time and it did seem to stray. And I’m still a bit confused about their love system, like is it just the men that Fall?
The climax was literally at the end 87% of 98% and was rushed for some scenes. I’ll skim some of the sequels and tackle the novellas some other time.
Anyway, I somehow enjoyed this a lot more. Maybe there was more editing involved than I remembered. I love me some pining men lol. So I'll raise the rating to 4 stars. I forgot I was very intrigued with Dalair and Sophie.
8/26/2020: 3 stars
It definitely would have been better without the heteronormativity. And although I enjoyed knowing almost everyone’s POV it just seemed a lot especially in a short amount of time and it did seem to stray. And I’m still a bit confused about their love system, like is it just the men that Fall?
The climax was literally at the end 87% of 98% and was rushed for some scenes. I’ll skim some of the sequels and tackle the novellas some other time.
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review
5.0
wow what a great story, unique and in a league of its own.
We are dropped in the middle of a battle between the Pure ones and Vampire - dark ones, all while Rooting for a remarkable couple to recognize each other and attempt to uncover ongoing mysteries about the race itself and the nemesis its facing.
The story starts off slow, giving information gradually leading to more questions but at the same time delving deeper into the real issues and secrets of individuals and the oncoming villain.
I love how most of the story was centered around Rain and Val, introducing us to characters and the obstacles they may face in the future but still not giving us enough information for the guesses to be a surety.
Sophia comes across as a little immature and annoying, but i think this may be intentional as the writers other depictions of characters are remarkable.
One thing i do question is where in society are the pure one's/ dark ones's/ Vampires do regular people know about them? Other than Sophia can they recognize each other?.. This was a little hazy but i am hoping book two will shed some more light.
The story was beautifully seeped in Chinese traditions and culture it was so refreshing, it almost felt that when things got too intense the author gave us a breather with a scenic memory or piece of information regarding the beautiful country, that is until the end when she lets everything hit us at full force as the pieces start clicking together.
All in all the story captures and captivates you, while introducing some magnificent multi dimensional characters while introducing some shady ones into the mix too.... Ere anyone????
this story has perfectly set the board for the next move (no pun intended).
We are dropped in the middle of a battle between the Pure ones and Vampire - dark ones, all while Rooting for a remarkable couple to recognize each other and attempt to uncover ongoing mysteries about the race itself and the nemesis its facing.
The story starts off slow, giving information gradually leading to more questions but at the same time delving deeper into the real issues and secrets of individuals and the oncoming villain.
I love how most of the story was centered around Rain and Val, introducing us to characters and the obstacles they may face in the future but still not giving us enough information for the guesses to be a surety.
Sophia comes across as a little immature and annoying, but i think this may be intentional as the writers other depictions of characters are remarkable.
One thing i do question is where in society are the pure one's/ dark ones's/ Vampires do regular people know about them? Other than Sophia can they recognize each other?.. This was a little hazy but i am hoping book two will shed some more light.
The story was beautifully seeped in Chinese traditions and culture it was so refreshing, it almost felt that when things got too intense the author gave us a breather with a scenic memory or piece of information regarding the beautiful country, that is until the end when she lets everything hit us at full force as the pieces start clicking together.
All in all the story captures and captivates you, while introducing some magnificent multi dimensional characters while introducing some shady ones into the mix too.... Ere anyone????
this story has perfectly set the board for the next move (no pun intended).
inniebin's review
3.0
A biiig world
It's a big world, lots of names, phrases and skills to keep up with.
I am not entirely sure what I think about this series. Some parts I feel are a bit confusing, I felt I didn't get enough answers until the end.
I am still not entirely sure what is going on in relation to vampires, pure ones, humans, assassins and so forth. They all seem to be connected, and for most of the book until the end really I had no idea how a Pure One soldier was actually made.
We do find out, but I do wish it was at least hinting towards it earlier.
I was recommended this series because I'm a big fan of J. R Ward, but I have to say that I don't really find that many similarities. I found the worlds to be vastly different.
That's not to say I don't like this world Aja James has created, it's just very very different from what I have ever read.
I'm going to continue through since I feel that this first book was a huge introduction and there is lots more to learn and stories to tell.
The writing is very good though. I found it easy flowing, just enough filler. The sex is hawt, it's got heartwrenching-pulling your insides out- feels, but it's also got love. So much love, and not just between the main couple.
It's a big world, lots of names, phrases and skills to keep up with.
I am not entirely sure what I think about this series. Some parts I feel are a bit confusing, I felt I didn't get enough answers until the end.
I am still not entirely sure what is going on in relation to vampires, pure ones, humans, assassins and so forth. They all seem to be connected, and for most of the book until the end really I had no idea how a Pure One soldier was actually made.
We do find out, but I do wish it was at least hinting towards it earlier.
I was recommended this series because I'm a big fan of J. R Ward, but I have to say that I don't really find that many similarities. I found the worlds to be vastly different.
That's not to say I don't like this world Aja James has created, it's just very very different from what I have ever read.
I'm going to continue through since I feel that this first book was a huge introduction and there is lots more to learn and stories to tell.
The writing is very good though. I found it easy flowing, just enough filler. The sex is hawt, it's got heartwrenching-pulling your insides out- feels, but it's also got love. So much love, and not just between the main couple.
seriouslybookish's review
1.0
I don't even remember what I just read.
This book was so boring and confusing. Mainly confusing. There was just too many points of view, too many stories interwoven into the main story. I just found the style of writing to be distracting and very very confusing. I honestly have no idea what and how things happened. We got so many different perspectives but the most distracting part was how the author changed perspectives mid scene. It felt like I was reading a detailed script then a novel.
I skimmed majority of the second half. It's hard to connect with characters when the story constantly shifts. The story of the main characters themselves was okay. It had so much potential and could have been better if the book predominantly stuck to their story. The self doubt and insecurities were prevalent with the main characters, some of which I could understand but others were just juvenile. Their love story was nothing like what the synopsis promised. It was rather disappointing especially the sex scenes. I know a lot of people enjoyed but I just found it boring to be honest.
The thing that bothered me the most was the use of Asian as a singular culture.
"Her large almond shaped eyes tilted slightly at the corners in that mysterious Asian way."
What does the even mean? There is no "Asian way". I wish authors with educated themselves better. Asians come in all shapes and sizes. There is no singular trait that defines how Asians look. I say this as an Asian myself with almond eyes that DON'T tilt slightly at the corners.
Many times throughout the book the author would refer to something as Asian rather than Chinese even though it was very clear that what the author is describing was part of Chinese culture/tradition.
This is a huge mistake from the author. I wish authors would educate themselves when writing about other cultures. It just seems stupid not to fact check before they publish something.
The language and style and speech during flashbacks was inconsistent. For instance a flashback to 200 B.C (if I'm correct) where one of the characters used the phrase "little shit".
There was also the constant use of the phrase "Mona Lisa smile". I don't know what that means nor do I want to try and decipher it.
Also the writing of the prologue and epilogue was atrocious. I don't know why the author chose that writing style but it just was not good.
If the story was half as good as I had expected I would have given the other books in the series a chance but unfortunately fr reading this book I just I don't think I want to put myself through it again.
This book was so boring and confusing. Mainly confusing. There was just too many points of view, too many stories interwoven into the main story. I just found the style of writing to be distracting and very very confusing. I honestly have no idea what and how things happened. We got so many different perspectives but the most distracting part was how the author changed perspectives mid scene. It felt like I was reading a detailed script then a novel.
I skimmed majority of the second half. It's hard to connect with characters when the story constantly shifts. The story of the main characters themselves was okay. It had so much potential and could have been better if the book predominantly stuck to their story. The self doubt and insecurities were prevalent with the main characters, some of which I could understand but others were just juvenile. Their love story was nothing like what the synopsis promised. It was rather disappointing especially the sex scenes. I know a lot of people enjoyed but I just found it boring to be honest.
The thing that bothered me the most was the use of Asian as a singular culture.
"Her large almond shaped eyes tilted slightly at the corners in that mysterious Asian way."
What does the even mean? There is no "Asian way". I wish authors with educated themselves better. Asians come in all shapes and sizes. There is no singular trait that defines how Asians look. I say this as an Asian myself with almond eyes that DON'T tilt slightly at the corners.
Many times throughout the book the author would refer to something as Asian rather than Chinese even though it was very clear that what the author is describing was part of Chinese culture/tradition.
This is a huge mistake from the author. I wish authors would educate themselves when writing about other cultures. It just seems stupid not to fact check before they publish something.
The language and style and speech during flashbacks was inconsistent. For instance a flashback to 200 B.C (if I'm correct) where one of the characters used the phrase "little shit".
There was also the constant use of the phrase "Mona Lisa smile". I don't know what that means nor do I want to try and decipher it.
Also the writing of the prologue and epilogue was atrocious. I don't know why the author chose that writing style but it just was not good.
If the story was half as good as I had expected I would have given the other books in the series a chance but unfortunately fr reading this book I just I don't think I want to put myself through it again.
alexperc_92's review
3.0
hmm a nice beginning but it felt to stretched out like the author tried to show all the potential couples. I do plan to follow with the series
srharris's review
3.0
I enjoyed this book well enough, but I will admit that at times it was confusing and I found myself going back to re-read certain things because I was sure that I missed something.
There were also too many side characters point of view and that took away some of the appeal of the story.
I really enjoyed the main couple storyline, and I will read the next book in this series and hopefully more of the plot will fall into place.
There were also too many side characters point of view and that took away some of the appeal of the story.
I really enjoyed the main couple storyline, and I will read the next book in this series and hopefully more of the plot will fall into place.
wanderlustdamsel's review
2.0
Okay read. Val's history or the flashbacks are too dark. Too much buildup towards the end but the final chapter fails to deliver.
chella1's review
4.0
This is such an amazing series. I binged read this series in two weeks and it was fantastic! Aja James has created an unforgettable world with unique characters and stories. Do yourself a favor and pick up this series, you will not regret it.