Reviews

I picked up this book from the Mass Market Paperback shelf at the bookstore. It was labeled "Fantasy Romance" and was pretty cheap so I thought, hey, why not. But I had very low expectations. After finishing it I am happy to say that this book really surprised me!

The back of the book describes this as an "Assassins Creed" meets "Fantastic Beasts..." type of story. Please don't read this book solely based on these comparisons. This novel is unique and the world is interesting on its own. Comparing it to those two only makes sense on the most base level and discounts all of the other really well done aspects of the book!

The romance here wasn't too heavy, and there were only a few sex scenes throughout the book. I will say that I am giving this book a whole extra star solely for the fact that it avoids the fluffy and intentionally vague innuendo that romance novels love. You won't find that here. The author tells it exactly as it is: A clit is a clit. An orgasm is an orgasm. None of that "she found her release" or she "came undone" crap here. I appreciated this!

Another strength of this book is the casual way that queer characters are included. There are three queer characters in this book! That is so rare in Fantasy fiction, and the way it is presented is so matter of fact. It isn't a major plot point but rather just part of the characters. Another star earned for that one!

Unfortunately I didn't feel that the two main characters had that much chemistry together. Their banter wasn't the best I've ever read, but since their romance isn't really the main factor for most of the plot, this is okay.

All in all this wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it as much as I did. I think once I get through the rest of my TBR list I will even check out the sequel.

Pros: straightforward language during sex scenes, interesting world building, creative creatures, queer characters, well written prose

Cons: a little slow in the middle, nothing super innovative about the plot, quick resolution to the main problem/villain, lack of chemistry between love interests

racheln23's review

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Fun, light fantasy book with fantastical creatures. I felt that Leena had a little bit of Stockholm syndrome going on at the beginning, but eh, it's all right lol. The ending was a little less enticing than the beginning and middle, but it makes everything fit together well. I enjoyed the adventure more than the destination in this book for sure. It is important to know that there are several versions of this book. One is more youth friendly and the other has more adult content. I recommend the one that is not adult content! It was a little jarring to read as the style of the rest of the book was more like a YA read.

idalindemann's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

alwaysbooking's review against another edition

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5.0

I cannot believe that this a debut novel?? I ignored my whole family for a day to sit and read this novel, once I started it I could not put it down. There was no waiting with this book, it dives head first into danger within the first chapter. Of course that doesn’t give you much time for explaining everything that needs explained but I beg of you give it time the author does explain everything.

I love, love, love Leena’s kickass character, anytime there is a strong female character involved I am there. She starts off the book strong and doesn’t waver throughout the whole book. It’s amazing that she can control all of these different “beasts” with just a magical touch. Yet she doesn’t abuse this power, which is wrong in her eyes and the charmer’s eyes. She of course has learned to not trust anyone with her heart or her friendship. So when she has to trust these assassins for the time being it goes against everything she knows. I enjoyed seeing how she interacted differently with each assassin and how she picked out each beast for each one. I loved learning about each of the beasts and their powers.

The assassins were a different kind of power and so very interesting. I have read a lot of books and I don’t think I have read anything with their certain type of powers. Maybe I have and I just don’t remember. Either way I loved it, and I loved the brotherhood they created. I know Noc was a very interesting character for certain reasons and we had to dig deep to get some of his story in this one. However I loved learning about the rest of the characters like Oz, and Calem. I’m hoping we get to learn more about them? Or maybe get individual stories? I’m not sure I just need more of this world and characters that’s for sure.

I really don’t want to say too much because I think you should go into this book blind and just enjoy the ride. I would like to thank Netgalley, Source books, and Maxym M. Martineau for a copy in lieu of my honest review. Honestly it’s a great debut novel and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for book two!!

lollidekoriererin's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

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

3.25

amy_bachnik's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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