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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5 stars. An enjoyable read, if a little predictable on the "twists". I will probably still read the sequel as the main characters were entertaining.
Fantastic gaslamp fantasy
Loved this book. It's incredibly charming and beautifully written. If you enjoy romantic fantasy or fantasy romance, along with a strong-minded heroine and a fae prince, check this book out.
Loved this book. It's incredibly charming and beautifully written. If you enjoy romantic fantasy or fantasy romance, along with a strong-minded heroine and a fae prince, check this book out.
Slow but steady
This book was recommended by a friend. It was slow moving and it is a easy read. I didn't get interested in the characters until about halfway through. It was so obvious who the culprit was that no amount of distractions or the addition of new people could redirect the reader. Not a complete waste of time but I won't continue the series.
This book was recommended by a friend. It was slow moving and it is a easy read. I didn't get interested in the characters until about halfway through. It was so obvious who the culprit was that no amount of distractions or the addition of new people could redirect the reader. Not a complete waste of time but I won't continue the series.
It was good but I wasn’t in the right mood for it.
I really liked this one! I loved the slightly steampunky, 1920's vibe it has. The characters were sweet and the world building was great too. I love the idea of Stariel! I am happy this is a series, since it feels like there is a lot more to see about this world. I can't wait to read more!
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
The review that peaked my interest in this book described it as slow burn fantasy romance with Studio Ghibli vibes and low angst. And now that I've finished it, I have to agree with that description. This book belongs in the category of fantasy of manors, although the time period in this secondary fantasy world is closer to Downtown Abby than it is to Jane Austen. The world has automobiles and electricity powered by magic rather than science.
Hetta is the black sheep of the family. Exiled from her family's home for wanting to train in magic and becoming a master illusionist, she is only allowed to return home when her father, Lord Stariel, dies. The family has a tradition of picking a new Lord with a special crystal that lights up when held by the successor to the title. Hetta has no expectation of being chosen, and is happy just to see the family and home she's been exiled from. However the land and her relatives have secrets of their own. Secrets that Hetta must get to the bottom of when she is unexpectedly chosen as new Lord of Stariel and thrust into a position of responsibility.
The best part of the book is slow burn childhood friends to lovers relationship at the center. I shipped the main couple in the center hard, and was engaged every time they were in a scene together.
The plot moved a bit slow at times, with info dumps that could have been integrated more smoothly into the plot. I frankly did not care over much about the politics of the different fae courts, and would rather have Hetta discover this info on her own than be told in a monologue by Wyn. That part of the book dragged for me. I also guessed the identity of the villain and Marius's secret early on. And while I don't believe than predictable plots are necessarily a bad thing, I was disappointed by the simplicity of the mystery.
I did love the romance at the center, even as I wanted it to be more romance-y. I gather from looking at the descriptions of the sequels, that the relationship is the main thread of the series and may arrive at a more traditional HEA by the end.
Overall I greatly enjoyed the novel. I will probably read the sequels in the future. I recommend this book to people who want a fantasy romance with a fae prince hero and a magical heroine that has the comfort a fresh brewed cup of coffee and the magic of land and home.
Hetta is the black sheep of the family. Exiled from her family's home for wanting to train in magic and becoming a master illusionist, she is only allowed to return home when her father, Lord Stariel, dies. The family has a tradition of picking a new Lord with a special crystal that lights up when held by the successor to the title. Hetta has no expectation of being chosen, and is happy just to see the family and home she's been exiled from. However the land and her relatives have secrets of their own. Secrets that Hetta must get to the bottom of when she is unexpectedly chosen as new Lord of Stariel and thrust into a position of responsibility.
The best part of the book is slow burn childhood friends to lovers relationship at the center. I shipped the main couple in the center hard, and was engaged every time they were in a scene together.
The plot moved a bit slow at times, with info dumps that could have been integrated more smoothly into the plot.
I did love the romance at the center, even as I wanted it to be more romance-y. I gather from looking at the descriptions of the sequels, that the relationship is the main thread of the series and may arrive at a more traditional HEA by the end.
Overall I greatly enjoyed the novel. I will probably read the sequels in the future. I recommend this book to people who want a fantasy romance with a fae prince hero and a magical heroine that has the comfort a fresh brewed cup of coffee and the magic of land and home.