Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Cuore oscuro

This book was so intriguing. It had twists and mysteries that I did not predict. I loved the characters and the second half of the book had me on the edge of my seat.

Content Warnings

enarys's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

hrosenbohm's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.5

Content Warnings

charlottehe's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Finally finished this after wanting to read it for years!

Ok here are my thoughts. It’s unique and beautiful. As far as the prose, it could be a little weird at times around the beginning when she’s first in the tower figuring things out, but I was easily able to visualize the story and action, which has been difficult for some other fantasy novels I’ve read recently.

I was looking at other ppl’s thoughts, and I noticed they had a problem with the romance? The novel was not focused on the romance of it, and I don’t mind the grumpy dark-haired love interest because Agnieska can stand her ground and voice her desires. That’s what was important about her character and arc.

To be honest, I was a little iffy about a third way into the story. It slowed a bit for my liking, and I get the world-building. It paid off, I must admit. The magic system still is a little confusing to me, and sometimes the magic Sarkan and Agnieska were performing felt a little bit too silly, for a book that gets really serious lol. Idk otherwise I thought the magic was fine.

Overall, my favorite parts were the battle and fight scenes OMG they are one of the best I have ever read! The third act of the book had me wanting to know what happens next. But yeah loved the book it exceeded my expectations.

Content Warnings

doahdancer's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I don't understand why the romance subplot between the MMC and the FMC existed. It seemed more wholesome as a mentor/mentee relationship, considering that neither seemed all that attracted to each other overall.

I love romance books and read this on a recommendation for a fairy tale style fantasy with romance, but I would say the lack of focus on the romance left it underdeveloped and made the age gap feel shallow and about relieving stress through a one night stand rather than them forming a connection that transcended their ages.

I also didn't love the ending, it felt a little cliche and the story was very Grimm tales up until that point, I wish the ending was darker and more twisted.

Overall, the fairy tale aspect of this book was well done and I love the Scholomance series by this author, so definitely try it anyway if you like romantic relationships being downplayed. It's a well written book.

Content Warnings