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simply_sam's review against another edition
5.0
This series is so insanely good and addictive. Very rarely does a book series come along that hooks me from the beginning until the end. I typically get bored or lose interest along the way. But this series is an exception. Loved the characters, loved the world, loved the magic system. Loved Ayleth and Terryn. I am supremely sad that this is the end of their story, but I loved every minute spent in their world, even through all the tears I shed while reading this series. One for the favorites shelf!
unapologetic_romantic's review against another edition
4.0
I think I'm broken. That broke me.
The ending of this series is in no way what I expected. I'm sad that It's ended. There is still so much going on in Perrinion and I would gladly come along for the ride!
Having re-read the first 5 books of this series I realise how much I love the start. The build-up of the story, getting to know the characters, and how they in turn get to know each other. I love the bad guys, The Crimson Devils are fearsome and it honestly delights me. I was enthralled by Dread Odile, I wanted to know so much about her and was more than ready to dive into her past/have her rise up again in the now.
When I started Queen of Poison I was slightly disappointed that the Crimson Devils were failing, that while Odile was back she was weakened and the fevered ardor of her Devils was somewhat lacking now that she was back, suppressed by fear. Understandable but I wanted them to be so much more powerful. That being said I was more than happy to see where this story would lead.
The conclusion to this series felt a bit fast for me. The whole story, through all the books, was fast-paced but also seemed packed with details and action and tension, the last two books felt more rushed which was disappointing. I wouldn't have minded if the series carried on for another 5 books and was packed full of as many happenings as the first 5. I want so much more from Ayleth and Terryn. SO MUCH MORE. So much more.
However, I still enjoyed this book, this conclusion. It ended on a happy for now, which is my favorite ending, even if it does leave me feeling broken and not sure if I wanted to continue crying or if I should be jumping with joy.
The ending of this series is in no way what I expected. I'm sad that It's ended. There is still so much going on in Perrinion and I would gladly come along for the ride!
Having re-read the first 5 books of this series I realise how much I love the start. The build-up of the story, getting to know the characters, and how they in turn get to know each other. I love the bad guys, The Crimson Devils are fearsome and it honestly delights me. I was enthralled by Dread Odile, I wanted to know so much about her and was more than ready to dive into her past/have her rise up again in the now.
When I started Queen of Poison I was slightly disappointed that the Crimson Devils were failing, that while Odile was back she was weakened and the fevered ardor of her Devils was somewhat lacking now that she was back, suppressed by fear. Understandable but I wanted them to be so much more powerful. That being said I was more than happy to see where this story would lead.
The conclusion to this series felt a bit fast for me. The whole story, through all the books, was fast-paced but also seemed packed with details and action and tension, the last two books felt more rushed which was disappointing. I wouldn't have minded if the series carried on for another 5 books and was packed full of as many happenings as the first 5. I want so much more from Ayleth and Terryn. SO MUCH MORE. So much more.
However, I still enjoyed this book, this conclusion. It ended on a happy for now, which is my favorite ending, even if it does leave me feeling broken and not sure if I wanted to continue crying or if I should be jumping with joy.
khaleesimod93's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
2.0
SPOILERS
So, I'm super frustrated with this book. I have had my ups and downs with this series, but for the most part, I've loved it. This ending was just not good enough for how amazing some of the other books were and what amazing characters there were. Plus some of the POVs were beyond flat. Like with Cerine ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ I loved her pov in the other books and yet this one was so awful. All she did was whine the entire time. And then to have the only character get any actual wrap up was Gerard!!!! It's a huge freaking disservice to the other characters, especially Ayleth and Terryn. And speaking of them, why why why why why why why???? Why after 7 freaking books, I get a measly kiss scene?!?!!? There was tension throughout all of them!!!! Come on! And Laranta! Author had to do her so dirty!!! It was fucking fair!! After everything, that's the best that could have been done? My biggest complaint was the lack of wrap of about the mistranslation of Saint Evander. It was such a big deal in book 3! And yet nothing, nothing happened with it. Why even mention it if it wasnt going to be a mjor part of the story? That whole thing was completely unnecessary. I'm really disappointed in the way things ended honestly. The writing was good and the story from book 1 to this one did keep my attention..but for a finale, this book is pretty disappointing
So, I'm super frustrated with this book. I have had my ups and downs with this series, but for the most part, I've loved it. This ending was just not good enough for how amazing some of the other books were and what amazing characters there were. Plus some of the POVs were beyond flat. Like with Cerine ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ I loved her pov in the other books and yet this one was so awful. All she did was whine the entire time. And then to have the only character get any actual wrap up was Gerard!!!! It's a huge freaking disservice to the other characters, especially Ayleth and Terryn. And speaking of them, why why why why why why why???? Why after 7 freaking books, I get a measly kiss scene?!?!!? There was tension throughout all of them!!!! Come on! And Laranta! Author had to do her so dirty!!! It was fucking fair!! After everything, that's the best that could have been done? My biggest complaint was the lack of wrap of about the mistranslation of Saint Evander. It was such a big deal in book 3! And yet nothing, nothing happened with it. Why even mention it if it wasnt going to be a mjor part of the story? That whole thing was completely unnecessary. I'm really disappointed in the way things ended honestly. The writing was good and the story from book 1 to this one did keep my attention..but for a finale, this book is pretty disappointing
wisp's review against another edition
3.0
I absolutely adored this series, would give the whole thing a 4/5. However, while this finale was heart wrenching, it ultimately left a LOT to be desired. That slow-burn just fell so completely FLAT (imo) after SEVEN books!? I was so invested and it left me so completely disappointed! Had to give this book a 3/5 for how much was left open and the wap wap waaaaaaaaaaaap end.
g8girl's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness. What an amazingly satisfying ending, and yet I'm so sad it's over. Ms. Mercedes is definitely on my list of favorites now.
abbieerobinsonn's review against another edition
4.0
Thrilling conclusion to one of my favourite series that I've read over the last year.
The pace was a little slow initially, but it really picked up and maintained an exciting mix of action and suspense for the rest of the book.
I'm so happy with how all the loose ends have been wrapped up, and how nearly all of my questions were answered. I was even more pleasantly surprised at the relatively happy ending.
The only thing I think could've made it better for me was the epilogue. I just wished for a few more pages, just one more Ayleth x Terryn scene, but that might just be because I'm not personally a fan of ambiguous endings!
Regardless, I loved this series and I'm super excited to read the next!
EDIT: AH I've just read that she's planning further Venatrix series and we'll find out what happens to Ayleth and Terryn!! Thank the goddess for that
The pace was a little slow initially, but it really picked up and maintained an exciting mix of action and suspense for the rest of the book.
I'm so happy with how all the loose ends have been wrapped up, and how nearly all of my questions were answered. I was even more pleasantly surprised at the relatively happy ending.
The only thing I think could've made it better for me was the epilogue. I just wished for a few more pages, just one more Ayleth x Terryn scene, but that might just be because I'm not personally a fan of ambiguous endings!
Regardless, I loved this series and I'm super excited to read the next!
EDIT: AH I've just read that she's planning further Venatrix series and we'll find out what happens to Ayleth and Terryn!! Thank the goddess for that
natater's review against another edition
3.0
Thank goodness I was not super invested because I know that ending would have effed me up. Whewww. I am a sucker for those kind of endings.
Anyway. I couldn't really enjoy this series until somewhere in the 5th book so I can't really give it a high rating but I will say it had its moments. Oh and the series is a quick read. I finished this 7 book series in like 3 days. And I didn't even like it. No offense, but I mean that as in, even without me passionately reading, it was quick.
For me, the characters could have used more personality. I felt like I was watching them do things most times rather than experiencing things with them. We get a bit more vulnerability and personality in the last 3 books but this is a 7 book series so I can't, in good conscience, overlook that so easily. The story telling itself was not my cup of tea. The pacing wasn't consistent and I spent 4 books frustrated over the lack of plot revelations. It was like walking blind when we could have been turned on the lights. The plot revelations, when finally given, were info dumps. The redemption arcs weren't strong enough to move me. Granted, that could be due to my lack of connection with the characters. The relationships all felt sudden to me. There wasn't a lot of romance in this series, but when it was there, it was stark and didn't feel natural to me. I never felt like I fully understood the dynamics of this world, the venators, the shades, or the magic. Like how did she rule for 200 years? They say time doesn't matter but like, she was mortal, I don't know it wasn't really explained... But things like that, the details, the world building, I couldn't fully grasp the world of this book. Even now, 7 books later, it is patchy to me.
It really just didn't connect with me unfortunately. You know when you read a book and there are little things that might rub you the wrong way, but you can look past it? Benefit of the doubt and all that. I got hung up on those little things at the beginning and I dwelled on them too long to actually enjoy the series. Usually, I let it go, but I just didn't so it's on me. Mind over matter but I couldn't mind my mind. Something like that.
Overall, it's a 3.5 star series for me. I know there are heaps of people who love this series so please don't hate me Sylvia, I'm happy you got to tell your story.
Anyway. I couldn't really enjoy this series until somewhere in the 5th book so I can't really give it a high rating but I will say it had its moments. Oh and the series is a quick read. I finished this 7 book series in like 3 days. And I didn't even like it. No offense, but I mean that as in, even without me passionately reading, it was quick.
For me, the characters could have used more personality. I felt like I was watching them do things most times rather than experiencing things with them. We get a bit more vulnerability and personality in the last 3 books but this is a 7 book series so I can't, in good conscience, overlook that so easily. The story telling itself was not my cup of tea. The pacing wasn't consistent and I spent 4 books frustrated over the lack of plot revelations. It was like walking blind when we could have been turned on the lights. The plot revelations, when finally given, were info dumps. The redemption arcs weren't strong enough to move me. Granted, that could be due to my lack of connection with the characters. The relationships all felt sudden to me. There wasn't a lot of romance in this series, but when it was there, it was stark and didn't feel natural to me. I never felt like I fully understood the dynamics of this world, the venators, the shades, or the magic. Like how did she rule for 200 years? They say time doesn't matter but like, she was mortal, I don't know it wasn't really explained... But things like that, the details, the world building, I couldn't fully grasp the world of this book. Even now, 7 books later, it is patchy to me.
It really just didn't connect with me unfortunately. You know when you read a book and there are little things that might rub you the wrong way, but you can look past it? Benefit of the doubt and all that. I got hung up on those little things at the beginning and I dwelled on them too long to actually enjoy the series. Usually, I let it go, but I just didn't so it's on me. Mind over matter but I couldn't mind my mind. Something like that.
Overall, it's a 3.5 star series for me. I know there are heaps of people who love this series so please don't hate me Sylvia, I'm happy you got to tell your story.
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