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nemerith's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
shelleyjld's review
4.0
I want to give this 5 stars because the plot and world building are 5 star material.
My only complaint is that Eve is in such an awful position and we sympathize with her and she’s constantly being put down by James. It’s frustrating and the lack of James POV makes it hard to feel anything but frustration and helplessness. So the author does a good job making you feel Eve’s anger and sorrow and so forth but the result is not satisfying to read. It’s missing the catharsis.
But overall a great read
My only complaint is that Eve is in such an awful position and we sympathize with her and she’s constantly being put down by James. It’s frustrating and the lack of James POV makes it hard to feel anything but frustration and helplessness. So the author does a good job making you feel Eve’s anger and sorrow and so forth but the result is not satisfying to read. It’s missing the catharsis.
But overall a great read
tookiep_23's review
4.0
Great Plot Development - Representation Matters
The paranormal world of this book is one that is extensive. There’s everything from Fae folk, to witches, to trolls, to necromancers, and even more classifications. It would be easy to get it all confused, but luckily for us, Ashley took her time with respect to developing the paranormal world as well as the plot. Aside from that, the cover of this book caught my attention as I was looking for my next read. POC are definitely underrepresented when it comes to this genre and I was excited to delve into Bramble and Blood from that knowledge alone. Im so excited that it was so good - and so well written! I’m looking forward to the next installments :) You go, Ashley!! ✨BGM✨
The paranormal world of this book is one that is extensive. There’s everything from Fae folk, to witches, to trolls, to necromancers, and even more classifications. It would be easy to get it all confused, but luckily for us, Ashley took her time with respect to developing the paranormal world as well as the plot. Aside from that, the cover of this book caught my attention as I was looking for my next read. POC are definitely underrepresented when it comes to this genre and I was excited to delve into Bramble and Blood from that knowledge alone. Im so excited that it was so good - and so well written! I’m looking forward to the next installments :) You go, Ashley!! ✨BGM✨
anotherhalima's review
I like the world, i like the main character and i like the plot but theres something that bugged me i cant put my finger on it though
the thing about a lot UF series is i cant really tell you how i feel about them until i read a bit of the second book then i will see clearly what i like and dont
the thing about a lot UF series is i cant really tell you how i feel about them until i read a bit of the second book then i will see clearly what i like and dont
tita_noir's review
4.0
Oh yeah. That's the stuff.
Eve Williams is a Necromancer in an alt universe St. Louis. Magic is real as are shapeshifters, witches, trolls, goblins, and whatever the heck James is -- basically all sorts of supernatural creatures.
Magic and users are regulated by a somewhat bureacratic Druidic entity known as the Sanctuary, led by a powerful being known as the Archdruid.
At the start of the book we know that Eve used to be part of the Sanctuary and has status and was an up and comer amongst the power circles. It is clear that she has a lot of power and talent. But something happened, she is persona non-grata at the Sanctuary and now works at an agency doing low level necromantic work. Her powers and ability to move about freely sharply curtailed by the Sanctuary.
But she is called to a missing persons case for a powerful family and this snowballs to something bigger until the she is forced back into the inner circle of the Sanctuary and the fraught interpersonal and professional tensions this brings.
I liked this almost immediately. It has the feel of a crime noir crossed with a urban fantasy. Evey felt like a typical down on her luck gumshoe in some cases and a scrappy UF heroine in others. There was a nice vibe and atmosphere to the story and the world building was really good. I especially liked the author's take on the necromancer rituals. What the cost of being a necromancer was and basically all of it! It didn't feel cookie cutter.
Outside of the world building the relationships between the characters was well done and kept you invested. I was curious about what happened with Eve & the Sanctuary? Why was she so hurt about Harlen? Could it have been that bad since Ben and Will still viewed her with affection? Why did Samuel hate her so?
And most especially, what was up with James? Now he was an interesting construct. An Enforcer for the Sanctuary also known as The Everliving. He was enigmatic, dark, sometimes harsh and just really .... so very interesting. Also Eve just really plucked at his nerves. Lots of UST there but not overdone and still really just ... hovering.
The mystery was satisfying twisty and this is where the crime noir aspects come from. Take away the supernatural element and that hovering sexual tension, this read like a detective novel.
I liked the ending, I liked where it seems things are heading for Eve and I am even more intrigued by a late story revelation about James.
Good book.
Eve Williams is a Necromancer in an alt universe St. Louis. Magic is real as are shapeshifters, witches, trolls, goblins, and whatever the heck James is -- basically all sorts of supernatural creatures.
Magic and users are regulated by a somewhat bureacratic Druidic entity known as the Sanctuary, led by a powerful being known as the Archdruid.
At the start of the book we know that Eve used to be part of the Sanctuary and has status and was an up and comer amongst the power circles. It is clear that she has a lot of power and talent. But something happened, she is persona non-grata at the Sanctuary and now works at an agency doing low level necromantic work. Her powers and ability to move about freely sharply curtailed by the Sanctuary.
But she is called to a missing persons case for a powerful family and this snowballs to something bigger until the she is forced back into the inner circle of the Sanctuary and the fraught interpersonal and professional tensions this brings.
I liked this almost immediately. It has the feel of a crime noir crossed with a urban fantasy. Evey felt like a typical down on her luck gumshoe in some cases and a scrappy UF heroine in others. There was a nice vibe and atmosphere to the story and the world building was really good. I especially liked the author's take on the necromancer rituals. What the cost of being a necromancer was and basically all of it! It didn't feel cookie cutter.
Outside of the world building the relationships between the characters was well done and kept you invested. I was curious about what happened with Eve & the Sanctuary? Why was she so hurt about Harlen? Could it have been that bad since Ben and Will still viewed her with affection? Why did Samuel hate her so?
And most especially, what was up with James? Now he was an interesting construct. An Enforcer for the Sanctuary also known as The Everliving. He was enigmatic, dark, sometimes harsh and just really .... so very interesting. Also Eve just really plucked at his nerves. Lots of UST there but not overdone and still really just ... hovering.
The mystery was satisfying twisty and this is where the crime noir aspects come from. Take away the supernatural element and that hovering sexual tension, this read like a detective novel.
I liked the ending, I liked where it seems things are heading for Eve and I am even more intrigued by a late story revelation about James.
Good book.
mhlreadsbooks's review
5.0
Great world building! You dive right in and there aren’t many info dumps, so you are discovering the world as you go and it is fascinating. Keeps you on your toes in the best way.
bhunky's review
3.0
It seems to be a cool story so far, but I'm trying to see where the author is going. There seems to be maybe a budding romance between Eve and James, and I must say that I'm not really feeling him, even though the author seems to be alluding to him holding two souls and one of them makes me treat her a bit callously. I'm also a bit confused by this love hate relationship she seems to have with the druids. what's the big deal with the head honcho, will these mystery parents have something to do with the story line in the future. These tidbits I've given so far will tell you nothing of this current story.
The story is decent but I don't really feel that drive to go and read the next story in the lineup.
The story is decent but I don't really feel that drive to go and read the next story in the lineup.
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